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Mesona chinensis Benth, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is an important dual-purpose economic crop in China, serving as a key ingredient in the traditional delicacy "Shaoxiancao" and the herbal tea "Wong Lo Kat.". This study explored the differential expression of key bioactive compounds in two Mesona chinensis Benth populations using broad-target metabolomics. The Taiwan (TW) population exhibited higher levels of polysaccharide components, including glucose, xylose, and galacturonic acid. In contrast, the Fujian (FJ) population showed elevated abundances of flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, and astragalin) and phenolic acids (caffeic acid and melitric acid A). The volatile metabolites exhibited distinct differed characteristics between the two populations, with the FJ population showing a higher concentration of monoterpenes, while alkanes predominated in the TW population. Integrative metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the TW population had higher levels of polysaccharide precursors, such as sucrose and UDP-glucose, and increased expression of SUS, UXS1, and GALE genes. Conversely, the FJ population had higher levels of phenylalanine and (−)-Jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine, potentially linked to their response to intense light. Additionally, transcription factors bHLH (Unigene9935), M-type MADS (Unigene18343), AP2 (Unigene22135) and NF-YA (Unigene13012) were likely influencing terpenes, polysaccharide, flavonoid, and phenolic acid metabolism in Mesona chinensis Benth. This study integrates metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to explore differences in bioactive compound accumulation and gene expression between two Mesona chinensis Benth populations, offering insights for raw material selection and implications for trait improvement and genetic research. [Display omitted] • Investigated the differences in volatile metabolites between two populations of Mesona chinensis Benth. • Investigated the mechanisms of polysaccharide, flavonoid, and phenolic acid accumulation in two populations using transcriptomics and metabolomics. • Identified differentially expressed structural genes and transcription factors in the biosynthetic pathways of polysaccharides and flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study explored the separation mechanism of MB extraction using Arg-CA DES. • The study found that the DES extract of MB exhibits good antioxidant activity. • A new type of antioxidant has been developed in this study. In the pursuit of sustainable development, the research and development of environmentally friendly green solvents have become increasingly important. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) represent a novel type of green solvent with broad application potential. Although our research group has previously successfully developed various new DES, the separation mechanism of Mesona chinensis Benth (MB) using arginine (Arg)-citric acid (CA) DES and the antioxidant activity of its extracts remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to extract MB using natural deep eutectic solvents and investigate the antioxidant activity of its extracts. Initially, thermodynamic analysis of Arg-CA DES is conducted using solid-liquid equilibrium phase diagrams. Subsequently, the antioxidant activity of MB is screened through in vitro antioxidant experiments. The composition of MB extracts is analyzed using LC-MS, and their antioxidant mechanisms are explored through network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, further validation is carried out through in vitro antioxidant experiments. The cell experiments show that DES extracts could enhance cellular antioxidant capacity by increasing GSH-PX, CAT enzyme activity and reducing MDA levels. PCR studies reveal that MB extracts obtained with DES could regulate the expression of antioxidant-related genes to improve the antioxidant capacity of cells. Overall, this study demonstrates that the MB Arg-CA (4:6) DES extract can serve as a novel antioxidant for functional food and healthcare sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the immune responses of Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharides (MP) in vitro and in vivo were investigated. Results showed that MP presented immunomodulatory activities on macrophages and T lymphocytes in vitro. Compared with the cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressive mice, the body weights, spleen indexes (3.45 to 4.91) and thymus indexes (0.78 to 1.04) of the mice treated with MP were increased, and the peripheral blood levels were recovered. MP treatment also increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, and reduced malondialdehyde levels to enhance the total antioxidant capacity of Cy-treated mice. In addition, MP significantly elevated IL-2, NO, and IFN-γ secretions of splenic lymphocytes and spleen, while MP mainly exerts an immune effect by regulating T lymphocytes. Furthermore, MP possessed the immunomodulatory activity by up-regulating the phosphorylation levels of proteins factors (c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular regulated protein kinase and p38 kinase) in mitogen activated protein kinases signaling pathways. This study suggested that MP may be explored as a natural immune stimulant for functional food and nutraceutical industries. • Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharide (MP) activated macrophages and T lymphocytes in vitro. • MP protected mice against the immunosuppression effects caused by Cy. • MP ameliorated oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities. • MP regulated immune response via MAPKs signaling pathways in mice. • MP can be developed as a potential immunoregulatory agent in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant of MP and DMP were evaluated and compared. • MP and DMP exhibited antioxidant activities in a concentration-dependent manner. • DHPM treatment affects leads to changes in the physicochemical and morphology of MP. • DHPM treatment affects the antioxidant properties of MP. Abstract Dynamic high-pressure appears to be an alternative approach to physical modification of polysaccharides aimed to improve their functional characteristics. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of dynamic high-pressure microfluidization (DHPM) treatment on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharide (MP). The results indicated that the contents of total sugar and uronic acid in DHPM-treated polysaccharide samples (DMP) were increased, and protein content in DMP was significantly decreased after DHPM treatment. The molecular weights of MP and DMP were 1.58 × 105 Da and 1.64 × 105 Da. MP and DMP were composed of Gal, Xyl, and GalA in a molar ratio of 2.8: 5.5: 2.4 and 3.8: 7.4: 3.0, respectively. The antioxidant activities of MP were slightly promoted after DHPM treatment. Moreover, DHPM treatment leads to changes in the morphology of polysaccharide. The surface appearances of DHPM-treated polysaccharide samples showed a slightly curly surface compared to original polysaccharide by SEM analysis. No considerable changes were observed in the structure between the MP and DMP by FT-IR. The results provide useful information for future application of MP, and show DHPM treatment can improve the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides MP-A, MP-U and MP-C were extracted from Mesona chinensis Benth by hot-alkali extraction (HAE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and cellulose-enzyme assisted extraction (CAE), respectively. The yields, physicochemical properties and antioxidant of polysaccharides were investigated. Results showed that the yields of MP-A (11.14%), MP-U (10.62%) and MP-C (9.70%) were similar, and they were all heteropolysaccharides with average molecular weights of 1.9 × 10 5 Da, 1.5 × 10 5 Da, 1.4 × 10 5 Da. Glucose, galactose, and galacturonic acid were the main monosaccharides in MP-A, MP-U and MP-C with molar ratios of 1.00:1.34:0.25, 1.00:2.49:0.19 and 1.00:2.95:0.84, respectively. MP-C extracted by CAE exhibited higher antioxidant activities in FRAP, DPPH, hydroxyl radical assays and the H 2 O 2 -induced injury cell model. The three extraction methods had only slight effects on chemical composition, while MP-C extracted by CAE exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, which could potentially be used for an addition ingredient as it was previously shown to have good gelling property in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharide (MP) regulated oxidative stress and recovered mitochondrial function in L02 cells. • MP attenuates H 2 O 2 -induced cellular oxidative damage possibly via modulation of PI3K, MAPK and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis signaling pathways. • MP may be used as a functional food targeted to overcome oxidative damage-involved chronic diseases. The homeostasis of oxidative stress is vital to the physiological behavior of normal human or animal cells, and its underlying molecular mechanism is contributed to the exploitation of functional food used in chronic diseases. Thus, the mechanism of protective effect of Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharides (MP) in H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage was investigated thoroughly. Results showed that MP significantly recovered cell viability and elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes. Based on RNA-seq analysis, we found that MP mainly exhibited protection effect thought regulation mitochondrial function and affect PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, we found that MP affected mitochondrial function via improved mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), thereby elevating ATP biosynthesis. Moreover, western blot analysis verified that MP mitigated H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage via PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway. These findings provided a possible mechanism for MP on preventing and treating chronic diseases involved in oxidative stress, which was a benefit for development of functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fifty seven Mesona chinensis Benth phytochemicals were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. • Twenty-three compounds (20 polyphenols; 3 steroids) were found for the first time. • Antioxidant activity showed partly positive relation with MCB polyphenol level. • Nine samples outperformed acarbose; GD-RP showed the best α-glucosidase inhibition. • Farming region affected polyphenol and hypoglycemic levels and antioxidant activity. Mesona chinensis Benth (MCB) polyphenols and polysaccharides were used as functional food supplements; they are added to tea, soup, and black jelly in Southern China. However, information on the polyphenolic constituents of MCB is still scarce. Hence, the polyphenolic profile of MCB was determined using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and the antioxidant activities of nine MCB from Southern China were investigated in this study. Fifty seven compounds were identified, namely, 45 polyphenols, 6 terpenoids, and 6 other compounds. Twenty-three phytochemicals were identified in MCB for the first time. Polyphenolic level varied from 127.05 ± 1.54 μg GA/mg DW to 278.36 ± 1.50 μg GA/mg DW and showed a positive relationship with antioxidant activity. Furthermore, MCB produced in Guangdong Raoping exhibited the best antioxidant activity (IC 50 = 0.76 ± 0.06 µg/mL in ABTS, 3.83 ± 0.17 µg/mL in DPPH) and the strongest inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase (IC 50 = 35.05 ± 2.16 µg/mL). Our study enhanced the apperception of polyphenolic constituents and provided a guide for the commercial application of MCB as a potentially rich source of dietary antioxidants and hypoglycemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sulfated Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharide (SMP) activated T and B lymphocytes. • Toll-like receptor 4 is the receptor for the immunomodulatory activity of SMP. • SMP protected mice against the immunosuppression effects caused by Cy. • SMP can be developed as a potential immunoregulatory agent in functional foods. A sulfated polysaccharide (SMP) from the Mesona chinensis Benth was successfully obtained and its immunomodulatory effects were evaluated. Results showed that SMP exhibited the proliferation effects in splenocytes in vitro and ameliorated the impaired of splenocytes in Cy-treated mice. SMP induced the production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL) −2, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), and reduced the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in Cy-treated mice, as well as improved the blood index, body weight and organ index. In addition, SMP enhanced the viability of RAW264.7 macrophages and increased the secretion of IL-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and production of NO in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, SMP binds to TLR4 (Toll-like Receptor 4) to promote RAW264.7 to produce cytokines, thereby exerting immunoregulatory function. These data indicated that SMP act a pivotal part in immunomodulatory and could be used as functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]