CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 9Phytochemical Studies and BioactivitiesMedicinal Plants and Bioactive CompoundsMedicinal Plant Research

Phytoecdysteroids: Quantification in Selected Plant Species and Evaluation of Some Effects on Gastric Smooth Muscles

Open access
Todorova, Velislava, Ivanova, Stanislava, Yotov, Viktor, Zaytseva, Ekaterina, Ardasheva, Raina, Turiyski, Valentin, Prissadova, Natalia, Ivanov, Kalin·2024·Molecules
DOI 10.3390/molecules29215145PMC PMC11547563
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

Phytoecdysteroids (PEs) are naturally occurring steroid compounds, that have recently gained significant attention, due to their diverse biological activities and high therapeutic potential. The aim of the present study was to quantify some PEs including 20-hydroxyecdysterone (20-HE), ponasterone A (PA), and turkesterone (TU) in selected plant foods and Rhaponticum carthamoides extract. Furthermore, the effects of 20-HE, TU, and R. carthamoides extract, were investigated with in vitro methods using isolated smooth muscle tissues. The levels of 20-HE in the analyzed samples exhibited significant differences, with kaniwa seed extract containing the highest amount, followed by spinach leaf extract, quinoa seed extract, and asparagus stem extract. The in vitro analyses suggested that R. carthamoides extract exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on smooth muscle cells, with low doses promoting contraction and higher doses inducing relaxation. Additionally, the extract demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on ACh-induced contractions, while 20-HE enhanced the contractile response. The current findings highlighted phytoecdysteroids’ potential for modifying gastrointestinal motility.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This study quantified 20-hydroxyecdysterone (20-HE), ponasterone A (PA), and turkesterone (TU) in selected plant extracts and tested 20-HE, TU, and *Rhaponticum carthamoides* extract on rat gastric smooth muscle in vitro. It reports kaniwa as the richest 20-HE source among the tested foods and shows dose-dependent, biphasic effects of *R. carthamoides* extract on smooth muscle viability and contractility.

Key findings

  • 20-HE content varied by plant: kaniwa seed extract had the highest measured level at 670 µg/g dry mass, followed by quinoa white variety at 310 µg/g, quinoa red variety at 259 µg/g, spinach samples at 252–455 µg/g, and asparagus stem extract at 189 µg/g dry mass. PA and TU were negligible or below the limit of detection in the plant extracts; in the *R. carthamoides* commercial product, PA was below LOQ and TU was detected at 10.6 µg/mL.
  • *R. carthamoides* extract showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity on primary rat stomach smooth muscle cells: 10 µL/mL caused viability to be considered 0% at 10 h, and 8 µL/mL reduced vitality close to zero at 15 h; the average IC50 was 2.6 ± 1.3 µL of extract per 1 mL growth medium.
  • In isolated gastric smooth muscle preparations, low doses of *R. carthamoides* extract induced contraction, while higher doses induced relaxation; the extract significantly reduced acetylcholine-induced contraction strength (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002).
  • 20-HE at 10 µg/mL increased cell growth relative to 1, 0.1, and 0.01 µg/mL and control; TU showed a non-significant trend to improve proliferation at 10 µg/mL. In the presence of 100 µL 20-HE, the contractile response induced by 10−6 mol/L acetylcholine was significantly increased.

Methods

  • Plant materials included spinach leaves (three samples), asparagus stems, white and red quinoa seeds, kaniwa seeds, and a commercial *R. carthamoides* liquid extract; 50% methanolic extracts were prepared and analyzed by a previously validated HPTLC method for 20-HE, PA, and TU, with results confirmed by a previously validated HPLC/UV method.
  • Biological activity was assessed using primary smooth muscle cell cultures from the gastric corpus of two male Wistar rats and isolated circular smooth muscle preparations from six male Wistar rats. Cell growth/viability was monitored in real time with the xCELLigence RTCA-DP system; contractile activity was recorded isometrically in a tissue bath with acetylcholine stimulation.
  • Statistical analysis used SPSS version 17.0, Shapiro–Wilk normality testing, paired t-test, and ANOVA with post-hoc Games–Howell; p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Limitations

  • The paper states that limited data exist on the effects of ecdysteroids on gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells and that further investigation is required to understand specific cellular mechanisms.
  • The paper notes inter-experimental differences in primary cell culture dynamics, so biological effects were discussed relative to individual controls; it also notes that HPTLC results were confirmed by HPLC/UV due to HPTLC limitations.
  • Evident from the text: the high-dose 20-HE and TU experiments used DMSO solutions, and the sharp cell-index decline at 100 µg/mL is attributed to high DMSO content, with 0.9% DMSO alone producing the same cytotoxic effect; this complicates interpretation of high-dose 20-HE/TU cytotoxicity.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/molecules29215145

Cites

69 of 69 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 24 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Spinach samples contained 20-HE ranging from 252 to 455 μg/g dry mass.

    “spinach (with values ranging from 252 to 455 µg/g dry mass)”
    • Also stated in: § 3. Discussion · plain
      “Regarding spinach, it contained 252–455 µg/g dry mass of 20-HE”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    R. carthamoides extract causes pronounced cytotoxic effects at high concentrations (10 μL/mL and 8 μL/mL) on primary rat stomach smooth muscle cells.

    “A pronounced cytotoxic effect is manifested at high concentrations (10 μL/mL and 8 μL/mL) of R. carthamoides extract.”
    • Also stated in: § 3. Discussion · boosted
      “xCELLigence analysis demonstrated that high concentrations (10 µL/mL and 8 µL/mL) of commercial R. carthamoides extract cause cell death in primary cultures of rat stomach smooth muscle cells”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Intermediate RCE concentrations (2, 3, and 5 μL/mL) did not reveal statistically significant effects in the first 10 h after application.

    “The data of cell treatment with intermediate concentrations (2, 3 and 5 μL/mL) did not reveal statistically significant effects in the first 10 h after application.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Asparagus stem extract contained 189 μg/g dry mass 20-HE.

    “asparagus (189 µg/g dry mass)”
    • Also stated in: § 3. Discussion · plain
      “Asparagus stem extract contained 189 µg/g of 20-HE”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The average IC50 value for RCE was 2.6 ± 1.3 μL of RCE per 1 mL growth medium for primary rat stomach smooth muscle cell culture.

    “An average IC50 value for RCE was calculated at 2.6 ± 1.3 μL of RCE for 1 mL of growth medium for the primary smooth muscle cell culture from rat stomach.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 22
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 13

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    RCE treatment at 10 μL/mL decreased Cell Index dramatically 10 h after application, indicating no attached cells and 0% viability.

    “In Figure 2, it is observable that the Cell Index (CI) decreased dramatically 10 h after application with the highest R. carthamoides extract (RCE) concentration—10 μL/mL growth medium (10 μL/mL). This means that there are no cells attached to the surface, so the viability is considered 0%.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the R. carthamoides commercial product, PA was below the limit of quantification and TU was detected at 10.6 μg/mL.

    “The content of PA in the R. carthamoides commercial product was below the LOQ of the method, and TU was detected at 10.6 µg/mL.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    No significant differences were observed in Cell Index and slope between wells treated with the lowest RCE concentration (1 μL/mL) and control.

    “No significant differences were observed in the CI and the slope between wells treated with the lowest concentrations of 1 μL/mL and control.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Prolonged real-time analysis showed a slowdown in the dynamics of the cellular index with RCE treatment.

    “Prolonged real-time analysis shows a slowdown in the dynamics of the cellular index.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    TU treatment showed a trend to improve cell proliferation at 10 μg/mL, but the difference was not statistically significant.

    “The dose–response data of TU treatment show a trend to improve cell proliferation for 10 µg/mL concentration, but the difference is not statistically significant.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At low doses, RCE induces a contractile response, which changes to a relaxation response after treatment with higher doses.

    “At low doses, RCE induces a contractile response, which changes to a relaxation response after treatment with higher doses (Figure 4).”
    • Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
      “with low doses promoting contraction and higher doses inducing relaxation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The slope of the cell index curve was 0.019 ± 0.002 h−1 for the mixed solution, 0.013 ± 0.001 h−1 for TU, and 0.097 ± 0.032 h−1 for 20-HE.

    “The slope of the cell index curve of the mix solution was calculated as 0.019 ± 0.002 h−1, while for TU it was 0.013 ± 0.001 h−1 and 0.097 ± 0.032 h−1 for 20-HE.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Treatment with mixed solution 5 μg/mL 20-HE + 5 μg/mL TU significantly increased cell growth rate compared to 10 μg/mL TU and had a slower cell growth rate than 10 μg/mL 20-HE treatment.

    “It is worth noting that the treatment with mixed solution 5 µg/mL 20-HE + 5 µg/mL TU revealed a significantly increased cell growth rate compared to the treatment with 10 µg/mL TU and a slower cell growth rate to 10 µg/mL 20-HE treatment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    EC50 values were estimated for 20-HE (3.4 × 10−5 ± 1.5 × 10−6 g/mL) and for TU (7.9 × 10−6 ± 0.3 × 10−6 g/mL).

    “EC50 values were estimated with the RTCA 2.0 software data analysis tool for 20-HE (3.4 × 10−5 ± 1.5 × 10−6 g/mL) and for TU (7.9 × 10−6 ± 0.3 × 10−6 g/mL).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Cells in the primary cultures were elongated, spindle-shaped, bipolar with a centrally located nucleus, and exhibited characteristics for the smooth muscle cells' "hills and valleys" growth pattern.

    “Cells in these cultures were elongated, spindle-shaped, bipolar with a centrally located nucleus, and exhibited characteristics for the smooth muscle cells’ “hills and valleys” growth pattern.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate rapid cellular responses, including release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, increasing intracellular calcium levels.

    “Additionally, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate rapid cellular responses, including the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, increasing intracellular calcium levels [61].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [61] Kang, H., Kim, J., Park, C.H., Jeong, B., and So, I. (2024). Direct Modulation of TRPC Ion Channels by Gα Proteins. Front. Physiol., 15. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    20-HE activates GPCRs, resulting in a rapid increase in intracellular Ca2+ and subsequent PKC activation, leading to smooth muscle contraction.

    “Research suggests that 20-HE activates GPCRs, resulting in a rapid increase in intracellular Ca2+ and subsequent PKC activation, leading to SM contraction [63].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [63] Cohick, 2010, Ecdysteroids Elicit a Rapid Ca2+ Flux Leading to Akt Activation and Increased Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle Cells, Steroids source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The effects of R. carthamoides extract on gastric smooth muscle are dose dependent and produce a biphasic contraction-relaxation response.

    “The effects of the extract are dose dependent and produce a biphasic contraction–relaxation response.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Enhanced AC activity activates protein kinase A (PKA), leading to smooth muscle relaxation.

    “Enhanced AC activity activates protein kinase A (PKA), leading to SM relaxation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [64] Sharp, 1980, Stimulation of Adenylate Cyclase by Ca2+ and Calmodulin in Rat Islets of Langerhans: Explanation for the Glucose-Induced Increase in Cyclic AMP Levels, Diabetes source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    While both estrogen receptors are present in mammals, beta receptors dominate in the gastrointestinal tract.

    “While both are present in mammals, beta receptors dominate in the gastrointestinal tract [67].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [67] Kuiper, 1997, Comparison of the Ligand Binding Specificity and Transcript Tissue Distribution of Estrogen Receptors α and β, Endocrinology source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    These receptors are expressed differently in smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal tract, affecting numerous physiological responses.

    “These receptors are expressed differently in smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal tract, affecting numerous physiological responses [62].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [62] Sanders, 1998, G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Gastrointestinal Physiology. IV. Neural Regulation of Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle, Am. J. Physiol.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A rapid rise in cytosolic Ca2+ levels induced by 20-HE activated AC and PKA, contributing to smooth muscle relaxation.

    “A rapid rise in cytosolic Ca2+ levels induced by 20-HE activated AC and PKA, contributing to SM relaxation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Clinical studies with athletes from the Soviet Union and Russia have shown that R. carthamoides extracts, especially those rich in 20-HE, positively influence protein synthesis and increase work capacity.

    “Clinical studies with athletes from the Soviet Union and Russia have shown that R. carthamoides extracts, especially those rich in 20-HE, positively influence protein synthesis and increase work capacity [71].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [71] Azizov, 1998, The Effect of the Antioxidants Elton and Leveton on the Physical Work Capacity of Athletes, Eksperimental’naia I Klin. Farmakol.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Isolated polyphenols (anthocyanins, kaempferol, and quercetin) inhibit the growth of various human tumor cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with varying sensitivities.

    “For example, isolated polyphenols (anthocyanins, kaempferol, and quercetin) inhibit the growth of various human tumor cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with varying sensitivities [68,69].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [68] Zhang, 2008, Isolation and Identification of Strawberry Phenolics with Antioxidant and Human Cancer Cell Antiproliferative Properties, J. Agric. Food Chem. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [69] Seeram, 2006, Blackberry, Black Raspberry, Blueberry, Cranberry, Red Raspberry, and Strawberry Extracts Inhibit Growth and Stimulate Apoptosis of Human Cancer Cells in Vitro, J. Agric. Food Chem. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    The variation in 20-HE content among samples could potentially be attributed to factors such as regional origin and harvest time.

    “The variation in results could potentially be attributed to factors such as regional origin and harvest time, etc.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    These data support the significant increase in contractile response induced by 1 × 10−6 mol/L ACh in the presence of 20-HE, and the enhanced cellular proliferation in gastric smooth muscle cell cultures.

    “These data support the significant increase in contractile response induced by 1 × 10−6 mol/L ACh in the presence of 20-HE, and the enhanced cellular proliferation in gastric smooth muscle cell cultures.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The HPTLC technique is a convenient and effective approach for qualitative and quantitative analysis and standardization of medicinal materials.

    “However, the HPTLC technique stands out as a convenient and effective approach for qualitative and quantitative analysis, as well as standardization of medicinal materials.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [50] Srivastava, M.M. (2011). An Overview of HPTLC: A Modern Analytical Technique with Excellent Potential for Automation, Optimization, Hyphenation, and Multidimensional Applications. High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), Springer. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [51] Koll, 2003, Validation of Standardized High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatographic Methods for Quality Control and Stability Testing of Herbals, J. AOAC Int. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The finding that none of the prepared plant extracts contained PA is consistent with the study by Fang et al. in 2022, which reported that various types of spinach did not contain PA.

    “This finding is consistent with the study by Fang et al. in 2022, which reported that various types of spinach did not contain PA [4].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] Fang, 2022, Efficient Extraction and Sensitive HPLC-MS/MS Quantification of Selected Ecdysteroids in Plants, J. Food Compos. Anal. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    PEs biosynthesis occurs in older leaves, whereas young and developing leaves accumulate them from older leaves; as the plant grows and the number of leaves increases, PEs are constantly redistributed.

    “In addition, according to Bakrim et al., the PEs biosynthesis occurs in older leaves, whereas young and developing leaves accumulate them from older leaves. As the plant grows and the number of leaves increases, PEs are constantly redistributed [2].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] Bakrim, 2008, Ecdysteroids in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.): Biosynthesis, Transport and Regulation of Levels, Plant Physiol. Biochem. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Certain phenolic compounds in R. carthamoides extract may play a role in the cytotoxicity.

    “In addition, certain phenolic compounds in R. carthamoides extract may play a role in this cytotoxicity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    The variations in 20-HE content throughout the three spinach samples could be related to growing conditions, spinach plant age, geographical location, or growth stage.

    “The variations in 20-HE content throughout the three samples could be related to growing conditions, spinach plant age, geographical location, or growth stage.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    20-HE activates secondary signals, including altered Ca2+ flux, leading to Akt phosphorylation and increased protein synthesis.

    “Specifically, 20-HE activates secondary signals, including altered Ca2+ flux, leading to Akt phosphorylation and increased protein synthesis [8,63].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [8] MacLean, 2008, Phytoecdysteroids Increase Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle Cells, J. Agric. Food Chem. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [63] Cohick, 2010, Ecdysteroids Elicit a Rapid Ca2+ Flux Leading to Akt Activation and Increased Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle Cells, Steroids source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The anabolic effect of these compounds is influenced by the presence of diol groups at the C-20 and C-22 positions, whereas an additional hydroxyl group at C-11 significantly enhances protein synthesis.

    “The anabolic effect of these compounds is influenced by the presence of diol groups at the C-20 and C-22 positions, whereas an additional hydroxyl group at C-11 significantly enhances protein synthesis [6].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [6] Bathori, 2008, Phytoecdysteroids and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids—Structure and Effects on Humans, CMC source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    The differences in 20-HE amounts may be due to different processing methods of the spinach leaves before analysis.

    “These differences in 20-HE amounts may be due to different processing methods of the spinach leaves before analysis [29].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [29] Roberts, 2016, Functional Properties of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) Phytochemicals and Bioactives, Food Funct. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In response to mechanical injury or insect damage, spinach accumulates PE.

    “Moreover, it is considered that in response to mechanical injury or insect damage, spinach accumulates PE [59].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [59] 2003, Ecdysteroid Structure-Activity Relationships, Studies in Natural Products Chemistry source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Biological effects observed in each experiment are discussed relative to their individual control.

    “Therefore, the biological effects observed in each experiment are discussed relative to their individual control.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Ecdysteroids induce non-genomic signaling processes that enhance cell proliferation and vitality.

    “Ecdysteroids also induce non-genomic signaling processes that enhance cell proliferation and vitality.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The vitality of the smooth muscle tissues was tested by exposure to 1 × 10−6 mol/L acetylcholine at the beginning and end of each experiment twice and at the end of each exposure to the investigated substances/conditions.

    “The vitality of the SM tissues was tested by exposure to 1 × 10−6 mol/L acetylcholine (ACh) at the beginning and end of each experiment twice and at the end of each exposure to the investigated substances/conditions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Cell cultures that reached 70-90% confluence and exhibited morphology typical for smooth muscle cells were considered successful.

    “Cell cultures that reached 70–90% confluence and exhibited morphology typical for smooth muscle cells were considered successful.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
34 of 34

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Limited data exist about the effects of ecdysteroids on gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells.

    “Although intense research has been conducted about the biological activity of 20-HE, limited data exist about the effects of ecdysteroids on gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Data about the effects of R. carthamoides and 20-HE on gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells are limited.

    “Although in the last few years, many studies were focused on the biological activity of R. carthamoides and 20-HE, the data about their effects on the gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells are limited.”
2 of 2

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • 20E enhanced ACh release, inducing contraction of isolated gastric smooth muscle preparation.

    “However, 20E enhanced ACh release, inducing contraction of isolated gastric smooth muscle preparation, while the extract of the ecdysterone-rich plant, Rhaponticum carthamoides, presented a significant inhibitory effect on contractile properties.”

    From Molecular Targets of 20-Hydroxyecdysone in Mammals, Mechanism of Action: Is It a Calorie Restriction Mimetic and Anti-Aging Compound? (2025) · cites this paper as [55]

    The Results (§2.2.4; page unavailable) report that 20-HE significantly increased contraction of isolated gastric smooth muscle in response to added ACh. They do not report that 20-HE enhanced ACh release; the Methods (§4.4; page unavailable) describe adding ACh to the tissue bath. The claimed release mechanism is therefore unsupported. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • The extract of Rhaponticum carthamoides presented a significant inhibitory effect on contractile properties.

    “while the extract of the ecdysterone-rich plant, Rhaponticum carthamoides, presented a significant inhibitory effect on contractile properties.”

    From Molecular Targets of 20-Hydroxyecdysone in Mammals, Mechanism of Action: Is It a Calorie Restriction Mimetic and Anti-Aging Compound? (2025) · cites this paper as [55]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Spinach and quinoa are ranked in opposite orders

    Minor

    The abstract ranks spinach above quinoa for 20-HE content, while the Results rank quinoa above spinach. The reported spinach range (252-455 μg/g) overlaps the quinoa values (259 and 310 μg/g), so neither unqualified ordering holds for all samples.

1 of 1

Cites

1 retracted

Flagged first, then by citations

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Todorova, V., Ivanova, S., Yotov, V., Zaytseva, E., Ardasheva, R., Turiyski, V., Prissadova, N., & Ivanov, K.
Affiliations
Medical University Plovdiv (BG)
Corresponding author
Ivanova, Stanislava
ORCID
Venue
Molecules
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2024-10-31
Volume
29
Issue
21
Pages
5145
ISSN
1420-3049 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/molecules29215145
PMC
PMC11547563
OpenAlex
W4403943757
Cited by
7
References
69
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 4
FWCI
0.95
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Molecules (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
European Commission
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Phytochemical Studies and Bioactivities
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Medicinal Plant Research
Keywords
phytoecdysteroids, ponasterone A, turkesterone, Rhaponticum carthamoides, spinach, quinoa, asparagus, gastric smooth muscle, smooth muscle contraction, smooth muscle relaxation, acetylcholine-induced contraction, cytotoxicity, gastrointestinal motility
MeSH terms
Animals, Muscle Contraction, Muscle, Smooth, Plant Extracts, Stomach, Ecdysteroids, Rats

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-10.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review