2. Academic Validation
  3. Traditional processing unlocks anti-atherogenic potential of perilla fruit via PPAR-γ activation by luteolin

Traditional processing unlocks anti-atherogenic potential of perilla fruit via PPAR-γ activation by luteolin

  • Bioresour Bioprocess. 2025 Nov 3;12(1):124. doi: 10.1186/s40643-025-00957-7.
Yiqi Yan # 1 2 3,  Tian Xie # 1 4,  Ran An # 1,  Guangzhe Yao 5,  Ming Huang 6 7,  Ke Xiong 8
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
  • 2 Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
  • 3 Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
  • 4 School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
  • 5 Cangzhou Medical College, Cangzhou, 061001, China.
  • 6 Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China. [email protected].
  • 7 State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China. [email protected].
  • 8 Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China. [email protected].
  • # Contributed equally.
PMID: 41182513 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-025-00957-7
Abstract

The accumulation of foam cells, lipid-laden macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques, is a hallmark of Cardiovascular Disease progression. These cells contribute to chronic inflammation and plaque instability, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is a nuclear receptor pivotal to lipid metabolism and inflammation control. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) processing techniques, such as stir-frying, are believed to enhance herb efficacy, yet the molecular basis remains insufficiently understood. Here, we demonstrate that stir-fried Perilla fruit significantly increase luteolin content-a flavonoid compound capable of binding PPAR-γ at key residues (SER289, HIS323, PHE360, TYR473) as validated by molecular docking and dynamics simulation. In ox-LDL-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, luteolin promoted Cholesterol efflux, reduced lipid accumulation, and upregulated PPAR-γ pathway proteins, effects that were abolished by the antagonist GW9662. These results provide mechanistic insight into the enhanced efficacy of stir-fried Perilla and highlight luteolin as a promising natural compound for atherosclerosis prevention.

Keywords

Foam cell; Lipid regulation; PPAR-γ; Perilla fruit; Traditional chinese medicine processing.

Figures
Products
  • Cat. No.
    Product Name
    Description
    Target
    Research Area
  • HY-16578
    99.98%, PPARγ Antagonist