Daphnetin

Langdu (SSC) is the dried root of Stellera chamaejasme L. Due to its toxicity, the milk‐processed (NSC), Terminalia chebula decoction‐processed (HSC), wine‐processed (JSC), and vinegar‐processed (CSC) products are predominantly employed in clinical practice.

To illuminate the difference in color, volatile, and non‐volatile compounds among the processed products of SC.

SC was processed into five products. Color characteristics, volatile, and non‐volatile compounds were systematically analyzed using electronic eye, electronic nose, and HPLC analyses. Multivariate statistical analyses comprising principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), discriminant factor analysis (DFA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), and correlation analysis were performed.

Following processing, significant differences in color, volatile, and non‐volatile components were observed. The established chemometric models demonstrated rapid discriminative capability to the five products, with seven volatile components and 16 non‐volatile components identified as potential chemical markers. Quantitative analysis revealed increased levels of daphnetin and scopoletin and decreased levels of bergenin and chamaechromone after processing. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between the lightness (L*) value in the CIELAB color space and scopoletin (p < 0.001) or 7‐hydroxycoumarin (p < 0.001), while the b* (yellow‐blue) axis showed significant positive correlations with daphnetin (p < 0.001) and isopimpinellin (p < 0.05) contents. Additionally, a* (red‐green) axis showed significant negative correlations with daphnetin, 7‐hydroxycoumarin, and daphnoretin levels (p < 0.01).

The established models efficiently, accurately, and reliably discriminated the different processed products of SC through multidimensional characterization. These potential chemical markers and correlation patterns provide the scientific foundation for toxicity reduction assessment and processing standardization.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by sepsis is a critical condition with high morbidity, posing a significant challenge in clinical settings. Daphnetin (DAP), a natural compound, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in various diseases. This study aims to explore the specific role and underlying mechanism of DAP in sepsis-induced AKI. Sepsis was induced in rats using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method. Renal tissue samples were analyzed via hematoxylin and eosin staining for histopathological analysis and TUNEL assay for apoptosis detection. The expression of proteins associated with apoptosis or the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was determined via western blot analysis. Inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA kits. Oxidative stress markers were detected via biochemical analysis. Additionally, an in vitro sepsis model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was established to validate the effects of DAP. Cytotoxicity of DAP to HK-2 cells was determined using the CCK-8 assay, and cell apoptosis was analyzed via flow cytometry analysis. The results showed that DAP remarkably improved renal function in septic rats; it reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), attenuated oxidative stress, and suppressed cell apoptosis in renal tissues. DAP inhibited the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling in both septic rats and LPS-stimulated HK-2 cells. in vitro experiments showed that DAP or AG490 (a JAK2 inhibitor) alleviated LPS-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In conclusion, DAP attenuates sepsis-induced AKI by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis via the inactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.