Carbon dots from Artemisiae Argyi Folium Carbonisata: strengthening the anti-frostbite ability

Abstract

In this study, novel carbon dots (CDs) were discovered and separated from Artemisiae Argyi Folium Carbonisata (AAFC) aqueous extract. AAFC-CDs were characterised by a series of methods, mainly including electron microscopy, optical technology and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results displayed that AAFC-CDs with a quantum yield (QY) around 0.19% had a size distribution between 6.0 and 10.0 nm and possessed a nearly spherical shape, with a lattice spacing of 0.369 nm. In mice, AAFC-CDs reduced the tissue damage, ear frostbite, and body stiffness caused by cold, and provided energy by increasing the use of blood glucose. The mechanism may be by decreasing concentration of IL-1βk, TNF-α and reducing the rise in blood glucose levels caused by frostbite. This study is the first to indicate that CDs may be the active constituent of AAFC against frostbite, suggesting their potential for clinical applications.

Keywords:

• Carbon dots
• Artemisiae Argyi Folium Carbonisata
• anti-frostbite
• blood glucose levels

Introduction

Artemisia argyi is an herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Artemisiae Argyi Folium (AAF), the leaf of A. argyi, which is named AiYe in Chinese, has been widely used as both food and herbal medicine, with a history of nearly 3,000 years. It is recorded in the book of Zhuangzi that burning AAF is a common folk custom that the Chinese began around 300 BC. After high-temperature combustion, AAF turns into a charcoal herb, named Artemisiae Argyi Folium Carbonisata (AAFC) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Medicinal use of AAFC was firstly recorded in the Prescriptions for Fifty-Two Diseases (before 186 BC) for treating anal fistulas. The Compendium of Materia Medica (Ming dynasty, 1578 AD) recorded 1,892 Chinese medicines, including more than 700 charcoal medicines. Based on the ancient literature, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission selected 27 charcoal medicines, with a clear clinical efficacy and wide application, for the 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. AAFC is one of the charcoal medicines with a history of having been approved by physicians from ancient to modern times. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, AAFC is used to treat irregular menstruation, infertility, haematemesis, and diseases due to cold.

Frostbite may lead to the formation of intracellular ice crystals, which cause direct damage to cell membranes, while extracellular ice crystals alter the oncotic pressure, leading to electrolyte shifts, electrolyte concentration changes, and cell dehydration. This results in cell structure and function damage [1,2], lowers the enzyme activity, and slows down the energy metabolism [3]. The human body responds to tissue freezing by alternating vasodilation and vasoconstriction cycles, which results in a partially thawed cycle and creates a pre-thrombotic microenvironment [4]. Local vasoconstriction, hypoxia and acidosis can damage the endothelium and promote coagulation and interstitial oedema. Hypoxia, endothelial damage and local thrombosis can cause additional vasoconstriction caused by inflammatory mediators and lead to platelet aggregation and vascular thrombosis. Since inflammatory mediators peak during the rewarming process, the cycles of refreezing and rewarming will exacerbate the degree of tissue loss.

Although AAFC use has been supported by its therapeutic benefits of treating various diseases caused by frostbite, the active ingredients behind its clinical efficacy have remained unclear for thousands of years. There are some explanations in the theory of TCM, but all the views are largely speculative and untenable. Thus, the material basis and mechanism of action of AAFC remain a mystery.

In recent years, nanomaterials have captivated attention of many medical researchers for drug delivery [5–8], fluorescent bioimaging [9,10], and biological applications [11,12]. Their own bioactivities [13,14] and pharmacological effects [15–17] have also attracted attention, but the studies are still in initial stage. Studies have revealed the presence of quantum dots in the smoke from burning turmeric, and it has been proven that those have biological activity [18]. Additional studies have shown that carbon dots (CDs) from Pollen Typhae Carbonisata [19], Schizonepetae Herb Carbonisata [20], and egg yolk oil [21] effectively decreased the activated partial thromboplastin time and increased fibrinogen, indicating that carbon quantum dots have the ability to activate haemostasis.

In our ongoing research, a new type of CDs (hereinafter referred to as AAFC-CDs) has been found in AAFC, making us wonder whether this newly discovered substance is the key to unlocking the mystery of AAFC’s effect on the anti-frostbite ability. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the role of AAFC-CDs in strengthening the anti-frostbite ability and explored the related mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Plant material and chemicals

Artemisia argyi leaves, harvested in Hubei province, the genuine producing area of AAF, were purchased from Qiancao Chinese Herbal Medicine Company (Beijing, China). Analytical-grade chemical reagents were obtained from Sinopharm Chemical Reagents Beijing (Beijing, China). Dialysis bags of 1,000-Da molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) were purchased from Beijing Ruida Henghui Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Beijing, China). All experiments were performed using deionised water (DW).

Herbal extraction

AAF was prepared according to the literature [19,20]. First, 30 g AAF was placed in a crucible and covered with aluminium foil before replacing the lid to form a seal, then calcined using a muffle furnace（TL0612, Beijing Zhong Ke Anbo Technology Co., Ltd., China）for 1 h at 350 °C to produce AAFC, and then cooled to room temperature. Finally, 50 g of the fine powder obtained was soaked in 1800 ml DW and boiled twice for 1 h each time until the solution turned yellowish brown. After filtering the residue, the brown product solution was concentrated, and dialysed for 72 h (1,000-Da MWCO; Millipore). The solution obtained from the dialysis membrane was concentrated and then stored at 4 °C before use. The preparation process for AAFC-CDs is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Flow diagram of the preparation process of Artemisiae Argyi Folium (AAF) extract and Artemisiae Argyi Folium Carbonisata carbon dots (AAFC-CDs).

Analysis of AAF and AAFC-CDs by high-performance liquid chromatography

To evaluate changes in components, a comparative analysis of AAF and AAFC-CDs was performed using an Agilent series 1260 high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) instrument (Agilent, Waldbronn, Germany) equipped with an autosampler, degasser, quaternary pump, and diode-array detector. The detection conditions used for AAFC-CDs were consistent with those used for AAF [22]. Initially, an aqueous solution of AAFC-CDs and a methanol extract of AAF were prepared. For the HPLC analysis, a 10 μL aliquot was injected into a Reliasil-C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm; Orochem Technologies, Naperville, IL, USA) and eluted at 35 °C. The mobile phase consisted of water (solvent A) and methanol (solvent B), which were both filtered through 0.22-μm cellulose acetate membrane filters (Jin Teng, Tianjin, China) prior to use. The gradient program started with 80% solvent A, followed by a linear decrease to 20% solvent A for 10 min, which was maintained for another 30 min. The flow rate was 1.0 ml/min, and the detection wavelength was 254 nm.

Characterization of CDs

The morphology of the resultant AAFC-CDs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM; Tecnai G2 20; FEI Company; USA), operating at an accelerating voltage of 200 kV. Structural details and atomic lattice fringes of CDs were examined using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) (JEN-1230; Japan Electron Optics Laboratory, Japan). Spectral properties of CDs were studied using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) (CECIL, Cambridge, UK) and fluorescence (F-4500, Tokyo, Japan) spectroscopies and a standard quartz cuvette. In addition, a Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrum (Thermo Fisher, California, USA) was recorded to identify organic functional groups in CDs within a spectral window of 400 to 4,000 cm⁻¹. The surface and elemental compositions of CDs were recorded using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS) (ESCALAB 250Xi; Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA) with a mono X-ray source Al Kα excitation (1,486.6 eV). X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement was performed on a D8 DISCOVER Plus X-ray powder diffractometer with Cu Kα radiation.

Animals

This study was performed in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and was approved by the Committee of Ethics of Animal Experimentation of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Male Kunming mice (weighing 35.0 ± 2.0 g) were purchased from the Laboratory Animal Centre, Sibeifu, with a Laboratory Animal Certificate of Conformity. The mice were maintained under the following conditions: temperature, 24.0 ± 1.0 °C; relative humidity, 55–65%; and a 12 h light/dark cycle, with ad libitum access to food and water.

Mouse ice water bath experimental model

The effects of AAFC-CDs on the anti-frostbite ability were studied in a mouse ice water bath experimental model, the model imitates cycles of refreezing and rewarming. Mice were randomly divided into five groups, with six animals in each. In the control group and the model group, the mice were administered normal saline at the same volume. In the low-, medium- and high-dose AAFC-CDs groups, the mice were administered AAFC-CDs at concentrations of 3, 6, and 12 mg/kg, respectively. All treatments were performed by intraperitoneal injection. Two hours after administration, the mice were placed in ice-cold water (0 °C) for 5 min, except the control group. Blood samples and frostbitten ears were collected 12 h after administration for 3 days [23].

Effects of AAFC-CDs on frostbite

Measurement of limb stiffness

Before and after the mice were kept in ice-cold water, their grip strength was measured using a rat and mouse grip strength metre (Yiyan, Ji’nan, China.). A relative reduction in grip strength was calculated, which reflected the limb stiffness in each group of mice [24] and was used to evaluate the anti-frostbite ability of mice.

Cytokine measurement

Blood was collected into an Eppendorf tube, and the sample was allowed to clot overnight at 4 °C before centrifugation for 10 min at 800 × g. The serum samples were assessed for the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β cytokines. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were calibrated with commercial cytokine standards and used as per manufacturer's instructions (Cloud-Clone, USA.) [25].

Histology

The mice were euthanized and the ears were harvested and placed in 10% formaldehyde, followed by changing to water after 24 h. Each sample was then embedded in paraffin, split into 4-μm thick, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE) [26].

Blood glucose measurement as a basic physiological indicator

To explore the physiological state under frostbite and harsh conditions, we measured blood glucose in the mice as the basic physiological indicator. After overnight fasting, the animals were orally administered a glucose solution (1.0 g/kg). Two hours later, their blood glucose levels were measured as the baseline. Then, the mice were frozen at −18 °C, and their blood glucose levels were measured every 15 min. Relative changes in the blood glucose levels were calculated.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, version 20.0. Non-normally distributed data were expressed as the median (quartile range). Within-group differences were assessed using a non-parametric test, while the Wilcoxon rank test was used to compare two groups. Normally distributed data and homogeneous variances were expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. Multiple comparisons were performed using a one-way analysis of variance, followed by a least significant difference test. A p-value of < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Characterization of AAFC-CDs

As shown in Figure 2(a), the HPLC profile of the AAF extract. A series of small molecular compound peaks and specific peaks of index components were observed, isochlorogenic acid, is indicated. Figure 2(b) shows an HPLC chromatogram of AAFC-CDs, and it is obvious that the small-molecule constituents that existed in AAF disappeared from the AAFC-CDs solution.

Figure 2. HPLC profiles of (a) AAF extract and (b) AAFC-CDs solution.

The TEM image of the AAFC-CDs revealed that the CDs were nearly spherical and evenly distributed (Figure 3(a)). The size distribution of the AAFC-CDs was in the range of 6.0–10.0 nm and conformed to normal distribution characteristics, as determined by the statistical analysis of more than 100 particles by using ImageJ software. HRTEM showed that CDs had a lattice spacing of 0.369 nm (Figure 3(b)). Moreover, Figure 3(c) showed the powder XRD pattern exhibited a distinct diffraction peak (2θ = 22.76°), which was attributed to amorphous carbons arranged in a considerably random fashion [27].

Figure 3. Characteristics of AAFC-CDs. (a) TEM image and TEM size distribution of AAFC-CDs (Upper right corner). (b) HRTEM image. (c) XRD pattern. (d) UV–Vis spectrum. (e) Fluorescence spectrum. EM: emission; EX: excitation. (f) FTIR spectrum.

UV–Vis absorption was also analysed to determine the optical properties of AAFC-CDs. The UV–Vis spectrum (Figure 3(d)) of the aqueous AAFC-CDs solution exhibited an absorption pattern with a broad absorption spectrum without any obvious peak. The fluorescence spectrum showed a maximum emission at 410 nm and maximum excitation at 322 nm in Figure 3(e), and the QY of PRAC-CDs was calculated to be 0.19% using quinine sulphate as a reference. Fluorescence emission from carbon dots is due to the recombination of radiation between electrons and holes that are generated and trapped on the surface of the carbon dots. The different surface functional groups of carbon dots contribute to different emission states, resulting in excitation-dependent emission [28, 29]. In order to better understand the organic functional groups on the surface of AAFC-CDs, we further analysed CDs using FTIR spectroscopies, and the spectrum of purified AAFC-CDs (Figure 3(f)) showed characteristic peaks at 3,432, 2,920, 2,852, 2,360, 1,691, 1,384, 1,112, and 1,069 cm⁻¹. The presence of O–H groups is proved by the distinct peak at 3,432 cm⁻¹. The signal peaks at 2,920 and 2,852 cm⁻¹ were attributed to C–H stretching, which may occur because of the association of methyl or methylene groups with the aliphatic hydrocarbons present in AAFC-CDs. The weak absorption signals at 2,360 cm⁻¹ were attributed to C≡N stretch. Moreover, the AAFC-CDs displayed the characteristic absorption for C=O at 1,691 cm⁻¹. The peak at 1,384 cm⁻¹ in the AAFC-CDs spectrum was related to stretching vibrations of C=N, and a weak C–O stretching band occurs at ∼1,112 cm⁻¹ (alkoxy). The peak at 1,069 cm⁻¹ in the spectrum was attributed to a C–N stretch (Figure 2f) [30, 31]. These results imply that functional groups, including carboxyl, hydroxyl and amino groups, could exist on the surface of the AAFC-CDs.

XPS was used to determine the surface composition and chemical environments of the AAFC-CDs. XPS spectra of the C 1 s, O 1 s, and N 1 s regions of the AAFC-CDs solution were exhibited in Figure 4. The purified CDs were mainly composed of the C 1 s and O 1 s elements at relative percentages of 68.67% and 21.26%, respectively. In addition, elemental N, Mg, and Ca were also present in CDs. The components in the C 1 s spectra corresponded to C–C groups (C1), C–C–O groups, C–OH groups, O–C=O, or N–C=O groups. The components in the O 1 s spectra corresponded to O=C and O–C groups. The components in the N 1 s spectra corresponded to C–N and N–H [32, 33]. These results were consistent with the surface composition of AAFC-CDs determined by the FTIR analysis.

Figure 4. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS) spectra. (a) XPS survey spectrum. (b) C 1 s XPS spectra. (c) O 1 s XPS spectra. (d) N 1 s XPS spectra.

Effects of AAFC-CDs on frostbite in mice

Histological observations

The histology of HE-stained mouse ear tips was observed under a microscope. The ear tip frostbite necrosis was the most serious in the mice from the NS group. The cartilage between the necrotic part and the ear was broken, and they were connected by connective tissue. The border of the necrotic part is clear, with severe inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue congestion. The low-dose AAFC-CDs group also showed inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue congestion, but the epidermis was not completely necrotic, and necrosis tissue boundaries were not clear. The middle- and high-dose AAFC-CDs groups also showed inflammatory cell infiltration, but did not have obvious necrosis. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages were the major infiltrated inflammatory cells (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Morphology of mouse ear tips (a) and histology of HE-stained mice ear tips (b). (1) Model + NS group; (2) low-dose AAFC-CDs group; (3) middle-dose AAFC-CDs group; and (4) high-dose AAFC-CDs group.

Serum cytokine concentrations

To determine the effects of AAFC-CDs treatment on frostbite, IL-1β and TNF-α were measured in mouse sera. As shown in Figure 6(a,b), compared with those in the control group (36.42 pg/mL, 43.97 pg/mL), the IL-1β and TNF-α values of mice in the model group (108.76 pg/mL, 229.32 pg/mL) were significantly elevated (p < .01), indicating that the model was functional. Compared with those in the model group, the IL-1β values in the low-, medium- and high-dose AAFC-CDs groups (75.59 pg/mL, 57.12 pg/mL, 62.12 pg/mL, respectively) were significantly decreased (p < .01). Compared with those in the model group, the TNF-α values in the low-, medium- and high-dose AAFC-CDs groups (171.25 pg/mL, 99.43 pg/mL, 73.93 pg/mL, respectively) were significantly decreased (p < . 01).

Figure 6. (a) Concentrations of IL-1β. (b) Concentrations of TNF-αin mouse sera. (c) An increase in blood glucose levels, caused by frostbite. (d) Relative changes of grip strength in mice. **p < .01 and *p < .05 compared with NS group. **p < .01 and *p < .05 compared with control group.

Blood glucose changes under frostbite

AAFC-CDs could reduce the rise in blood glucose levels caused by frostbite (Figure 6(c)). The rise of blood glucose in the AAFC-CDs groups and control groups was not statistically different at 15 min (p > .05). After 30 min, there were statistically significant differences between the AAFC-CDs groups and the control groups (p < .05), but there were no significant differences among the low-, middle-, and high-dose AAFC-CDs groups (p > .05).

Differences in limb stiffness

The effect of AAFC-CDs on frostbite was explored using a relative change of grip strength in mice. A significant decrease in the relative grip strength was observed after AAFC-CDs treatment. The grip strength in the AAFC-CDs-treated groups was 94.46 ± 23.70 g at the high dose, 114.25 ± 13.27 g at the middle dose, and 156.72 ± 13.64 g at the low dose compared with 191.12 ± 34.99 g in the model + NS group. The differences among the groups were all statistically significant (Figure 6(d)).

Discussion

AAFC, as a traditional charcoal drug, has a long history in clinical treatment of frostbite-induced diseases; however, their active constituents are still obscure. Previous studies have attempted to explain the biological activity of AAFC from small molecules in the original plants such as flavonoids and volatile oils, but a little information was brought back. Some studies indicated that rough crystals after high-temperature combustion are the main active ingredients [34]. Modern medical research [35–37] revealed bioactivities and pharmacological effects of charcoal drugs from the aspect of carbon nano-particles, which inspired us to conduct this study. In the early stages of the experiment, we found that compared with AAF decoction, AAFC water extract has a fluorescence phenomenon, which enlightened us to have produced new substances during the carbonization process.

In this study, novel CDs were discovered and separated from an AAFC aqueous extract. AAFC-CDs were characterised using TEM, HRTEM, as well as FTIR, UV–Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies. In addition, in order to assess the component changes and eliminate the interference of small organic compounds, the chemical components of AAFC extract and AAFC-CD were compared by HPLC analysis. The precursor herb of AAFC-CDs, AAF, is mainly composed of flavonoids such as isochlorogenic acid and is widely used as an herbal medicine in TCM. However, the HPLC results showed that these small-molecule constituents and other organics disappeared after calcination.

During experiments with multiple ice water bath simulated cycles of refreezing and rewarming, AAFC-CDs could effectively reduce the tissue damage and ear frostbite caused by cold, which we confirmed by HE staining, the mechanism may be by decreasing concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α. In addition, AAFC-CDs showed the ability to improve the body's tolerance to frostbite, reduce the body stiffness caused by frostbite, the mechanism may be by reducing the rise in blood glucose levels caused by frostbite, which provides energy for the body under frostbite conditions.

Conclusions

In this study, a novel material was isolated from AAFC and identified as CDs. Pharmacodynamic experiments in mice revealed that AAFC-CDs could effectively reduce the tissue damage, ear frostbite, and body stiffness caused by cold, the mechanism may be by decreasing concentration of IL-1βk, TNF-α and reducing the rise in blood glucose levels caused by frostbite. This study may provide novel strategies for studying the active components of AAFC and new ideas for the treatment of frostbite and other diseases due to cold.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organisation or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [81573573] and the Classical Prescription Basic Research Team of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.