Specific DNA barcodes, germplasm resources, and genetic diversity of Eleutherococcus senticosus / 中国中药杂志

Eleutherococcus senticosus is one of the Dao-di herbs in northeast China. In this study, the chloroplast genomes of three E. senticosus samples from different genuine producing areas were sequenced and then used for the screening of specific DNA barcodes. The germplasm resources and genetic diversity of E. senticosus were analyzed basing on the specific DNA barcodes. The chloroplast genomes of E. senticosus from different genuine producing areas showed the total length of 156 779-156 781 bp and a typical tetrad structure. Each of the chloroplast genomes carried 132 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. The chloroplast genomes were relatively conserved. Sequence analysis of the three chloroplast genomes indicated that atpI, ndhA, ycf1, atpB-rbcL, ndhF-rpl32, petA-psbJ, psbM-psbD, and rps16-psbK can be used as specific DNA barcodes of E. senticosus. In this study, we selected atpI and atpB-rbcL which were 700-800 bp and easy to be amplified for the identification of 184 E. senticosus samples from 13 genuine producing areas. The results demonstrated that 9 and 10 genotypes were identified based on atpI and atpB-rbcL sequences, respectively. Furthermore, the two barcodes identified 23 genotypes which were named H1-H23. The haplotype with the highest proportion and widest distribution was H10, followed by H2. The haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were 0.94 and 1.82×10~(-3), respectively, suggesting the high genetic diversity of E. senticosus. The results of the median-joining network analysis showed that the 23 genotypes could be classified into 4 categories. H2 was the oldest haplotype, and it served as the center of the network characterized by starlike radiation, which suggested that population expansion of E. senticosus occurred in the genuine producing areas. This study lays a foundation for the research on the genetic quality and chloroplast genetic engineering of E. senticosus and further research on the genetic mechanism of its population, providing new ideas for studying the genetic evolution of E. senticosus.

Characterization and quantitation of aristolochic acid analogs in different parts of Aristolochiae Fructus, using UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS and UHPLC-QqQ-MS / 中国天然药物

Aristolochiae Fructus, a Chinese herbal medicine derived from the fruit of Aristolochia contorta Bge., contains nephrotoxic aristolochic acid analogues (AAAs). According to ancient medical texts, various medicinal parts of the fruit of A. contorta were ever used. In order to reveal which part could be safely and effectively used, it is necessary to analyze the chemical profiles of different medicinal parts. Herein we compared the chemical compositions and determined aristolochic acid I (AA-I) and aristolochic acid II (AA-II) in the four parts viz. outer pericarp, inner pericarp, septum, and seed. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography equipped with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) was applied for chemical profiling. Ultra-high performance liquid coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) was employed to quantify AA-I and AA-II in different parts. It was found that the chemical compositions of the four parts varied both qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of 10 AAAs, including 5 aristolochic acids and 5 aristolactams, together with 3 alkaloids, were unambiguously or tentatively identified by UHPLC-QTOF-MS. The quantitatively analytical results obtained by UHPLC-QqQ-MS showed that AA-I and AA-II exclusively accumulate in the seeds of A. contorta. These findings provide supporting data for the rational selection of medicinal parts.

Investigation of genus Ardisia in Bencao literature / 中国中药杂志

Based on a systematic review of morphology and distribution of plants, alternate names, actions, and properties of herbs recorded in ancient and modern literatures, in combination of field investigation, 18 Chinese herbal medicines recorded in ancient bencao literature were regarded to be derived from 7 species in the Ardisia genus. Among them, the variety Ardisia crenata f. hortensis was identified as the source of Zhushagen and Zijinniu. A. hanceana is referenced as Tiesan in the illustrated atlas of Botanical Nomenclature (Zhiwu Mingshi Tukao). The name Pingdimu refers to a different substance in the illustrated atlas of Botanical Nomenclature and the Flower Mirror (Huajing). The medicinals named Yedihong, Aicha, and Duanjiao sanlangare all derived from A. japonica. The origin of the herb Xiaoqing referenced in the Illustrated Classic of the Materia Medica (Bencao Tujing) is A. pusilla. The medicinals Bailiangjin, Jiuguanxue and Zoumatai are derived from A. crispa, A. brevicaulis, and A. gigantifolia, respectively. This investigation clarifies the botanical sources and actions of related Chinese medicinal materials in the genus Ardisia, and provides clues and evidence for utilizing and developing their medicinal plant resources.

Transmission and development of foreign medicinal materials in the Tang and Song Dynasties / 中国中药杂志

Many foreign medicinal materials that were imported to China via the Silk Road and maritime trade have enriched Chinese medicine. Imported foreign medicines reached a high point by the Tang and Song Dynasties, particularly in the case of aromatic medicines, which supplemented domestic Chinese aromatics and were widely employed in official dispensaries in the Song Dynasty. This study investigated historical records related to imported Chinese medicines in the Tang and Song periods, focusing on their varieties, quantity, use, and localization trends. Foreign medicines were assimilated as Chinese medical theory was applied to interpret their effects, and aromatics such as frankincense that were extremely expensive in the Tang Dynasty became accessible to common people by the Song Dynasty. By the Song Dynasty, some foreign medicines began to be domestically cultivated and the boundary between foreign and traditional Chinese medicines became blurred; foreign medicines gradually transformed into Chinese medicines. The importation of foreign medicines during the Tang and Song Dynasties was a historical turning point that contributed greatly to the development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Bencao literature investigation of Polygonum multiflorum (Heshouwu) / 中国中药杂志

Heshouwu, derived from the root of Polygonum multiflorum (=Fallopia multiflora), is widely used in the Chinese medicine market as a traditional tonic. The emergence of heshouwu material with a human shape reflects a pursuit of its supplementing effects. However, reports of Heshouwu toxicity have repeatedly surfaced in recent years, attracting widespread concern. To clarify the situation surrounding the safety and efficacy of Heshouwu, this research utilizes a systematic review of the text and illustrations in historical bencao (materia medica) literature to investigate the origin, botanical characteristics, actions and processing of Heshouwu, as well as the origin and historical evolution of Baishouwu ("white Heshouwu").

Inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicinal authentication / 中国中药杂志

Chinese medicinal authentication is fundamental for the standardization and globalization of Chinese medicine. The discipline of authentication addresses difficult issues that have remained unresolved for thousands of years, and is essential for preserving safety. Chinese medicinal authentication has both scientific and traditional cultural connotations; the use of scientific methods to elucidate traditional experience-based differentiation carries the legacy of Chinese medicine forward, and offers immediate practical significance and long-term scientific value. In this paper, a path of inheritance and innovation is explored through the scientific exposition of Chinese medicinal authentication, featuring a review of specialized publications, the establishment of a Chinese medicine specimen center and Chinese medicinal image databases, the expansion of authentication technologies, and the formation of a cultural project dedicated to the Compedium of Materia Medica.

Identification of ancient Chinese medicinal specimens preserved at Natural History Museum in London / 中国中药杂志

On-site field investigation was conducted to authenticate a batch of ancient Chinese medicinal decoction pieces that have been preserved in a rare collection at the Natural History Museum in London. These treasured artifacts comprise a portion of the Sloane Collection, and the nearly one hundred Chinese medicinal specimens examined within provide an objective record of the real situation regarding the Chinese medicinal materials in commercial circulation three hundred years ago. The precious data from this collection pro-vides an extremely valuable reference for the research into the history of medicinal exchange between China and the West during the Age of Exploration, shedding light on the evolution and historical changes in the species used in Chinese medicine, as well as the history of medicinal processing and decoction pieces.

Comparison on content of ligustilides in different danggui samples / 中国中药杂志

Bioactivity of Danggui is linked to the content of ligustilide, but the relationship between ligustilide with herb shape, cultivating areas and plant species is still unknown. The relationship was investigated by quantifying on the amounts of Z-ligustilide and E-ligustilide by HPLC-DAD-MS method, and then comparing the content of ligustilides (the sum of Z-ligustilide and E-ligustilide) among forty-four various "Danggui" samples containing thirty Chinese Danggui (CDG), six Japanese Danggui (JDG), four Korea Danggui (KDG) and four European Danggui (EDG). Results showed that the content of ligustilides in CDG samples (Angelica sinensis) was in the range of 5.63-24.53 mg x g(-1) with the mean of 11.02 mg x g(-1) (n = 30). Ligustilides amounts were varied among samples cultivated in different areas in China, i. e. 13.90 mg x g(-1) (n = 6) in Yannan, 12.51 mg x g(-1) (n = 6) in Sichuan and 10.04 mg x g(-1) (n = 13) in Gansu. It was also found that ligustilides content was related to the shape, color and fragrance of herb, e. g. the relative larger amount of ligustilides was in the small main root, long rootlet and perfumed sample. Further, ligustilides contents were estimated to be 1.00 mg x g(-1) (n = 6) in JDG samples (A. acutiloba and A. acutiloba var. sugiyamae) and 2.78 mg x g(-1) (n = 2) in EDG samples (lovage root, Levisticum officinale). However, ligustilides could not be detected in the four KDG samples (A. gigas) and two EDG samples (angelica root, A. archangelica). It has been concluded that ligustilide is significant variant among plant species, which may result in the variety of bioactivity and therapeutic effect.

Studies on chemical constituents of phenols in fresh Houttuynia cordata / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the aqueous constituents of Houttuynia cordata.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Various columns including Diaion HP-20, Sephadex LH-20, ODS and silica gel were employed for the isolation and purification of compounds from H. cordata. The structures of the compounds were identified by physiochemical properties and spectral analysis.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Five compounds were isolated, and their structures were identified as chlorogenic methyl ester (1), (E)-4-Hydroxy-4-[3'-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy) butylidene]-3, 5, 5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (2), 2-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl) ethyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), p-hydroxyphenethyl-beta-D-glucoside (4), 4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-hydroxy-Benzoic acid (5).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>All compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.</p>

Effect of roots of Ficus hirta on cocaine-induced hepatotoxicity and active components / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effect of the roots of F. hirta against the cocaine-induced hepatotoxicity and it's active components.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Cocaine hydrochloride was subcutaneously injected to make male ICR mice liver wounded. Male ICR mice were randomly ig administered with the F. hirta decoction. The dose groups are 100, 200, 300 g x kg(-1) herb materials per body weight. Cocaine hydrochloride was subcutaneously injected into the mice after the administration. The serum ALT, AST activity and the activity of CAT in liver homogenate were assayed, and liver change of pathomorphism was evaluated to prove the effect of the F. hirta decoction on cocaine-induced hepatotoxicity. And the activity of psoralean which was separated from the F. hirta decoction by bioassay-guided fractionation, was proofed in the same method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>We find that the F. hirta decoction shows a distinct effect on reducing serum transferase. The serum transferase and the content CAT in liver homogenate were dose-related reduced, and the histopathological examination found a significantly change of the liver tissues. And the psoralean, qua the mainly component, shows the same effect.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>F. hirta has the protective effect against the cocaine-induced hepatotoxicity. Psoralean is the basis.</p>

Probe into innovation and development of pattern of quality control and evaluation for Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

To set up a new pattern of quality control and evaluation for Chinese medicine. By investigating the limitation of quality control pattern for Chinese medicine, the differences and similarities in the chemical substantial style as well as quality control patterns among Chinese medicine, chemical synthetic drugs and Biologicals, combining with the author's experience on the research of geo-authentic medicinal material and theory of Chinese medicinal nature, a new pattern of quality control for Chinese medicine has been explored and designed. A more rational pattern of quality control for Chinese medicine should be referred to Biologicals instead of chemical synthetic drugs, there are more similarity in chemical substantial style and quality control pattern for Chinese medicine between Chinese medicine and Biologicals than that between Chinese medicine and chemical synthetic drugs. Based on geo-authentic medicinal material and bioassay or biopotency detection, a new pattern of quality control for Chinese medicine could be built and applied.

Orthogonal experiment using SFE-CO2 in extraction of essential oil from fresh Houttuynia cordata and analysis of essential oil by GC-MS / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To optimize the extraction procedure of essential oil from H. cordata using the SFE-CO2 and analyze the chemical composition of the essential oil.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The extraction procedure of essential oil from fresh H. cordata was optimized with the orthogonal experiment. Essential oil of fresh H. cordata was analysed by GC-MS.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The optimize preparative procedure was as follow: essential oil of H. cordata was extracted at a temperature of 35 degrees C, pressure of 15,000 kPa for 20 min. 38 chemical components were identified and the relative contents were quantified.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The optimum preparative procedure is reliable and can guarantee the quality of essential oil.</p>

Study on chemical constituents of flavonoids in fresh herb of Houttuynia cordata / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the flavonoid constituents in fresh herb of Houttuynia cordata.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Various column packing materials including Diaion HP - 20, Sephadex LH - 20, ODS and silica gel were employed for the isolation and purification of compounds from H. cordata. The structures of the compounds were identified by physiochemical properties and spectral analysis.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Five compounds were isolated, and their structures were identified as quercetin-3-O-beta-D-galactoside-7-O-beta-D-glucoside (1), kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), quercitrin (3), hyperin (4), quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compounds 1, 2 and 5 were separated from H. cordata for the first time.</p>

Determination of ligustilide for quality assessment of Ligusticum chuanxiong / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assay ligustilide content in the herb of Szechwan Lovage Rhizome (Chuanxiong, CX), which is the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong in order to assess the quality.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Ligustilide was quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography in 21 CX samples. An Alltima C18 column (4.6 mmx 150 mm, 5 microm) was used as the analytical column. The mobile phase consisted of water and acetonitrile (40:60). The flow rate was maintained at 1.0 mL x min(-1) with the column temperature at ambient conditions. The detection wavelength was set at 350 nm.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The average content of Z-ligustilide in 21 CX samples was found to be 7.40 +/- 3.54 mg x g(-1)(x +/- s, n = 21). Therefore,the content of Z-ligustilide in CX should not be less than 0.66% (calculated on the dried basis).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The overall analytical procedure is rapid and accuracy which is considered suitable for the quantitative analysis of ligustilide in CX. The amount of ligustilide in CX samples collected from different cultivation areas was obviously different. However, a relatively higher content of ligustilide was generally found in the CX collected from its main cultivated areas.</p>

Evaluation of measurement uncertainty for the determination of ginsenosides in Radix ginseng by HPLC / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To set out the procedure for estimation of measurement uncertainty for the determination of ginsenosides R(g1), Re and R(b1) in Radix ginseng by HPLC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>To facilitate the identification and analysis of the uncertainty sources arising from the procedure of analysis, a cause and effect diagram was constructed and simplified. Each uncertainty component whether associated with individual sources or with the combined effects of several sources, was evaluated with respect to the significance of its contribution to the overall measurement uncertainty and was expressed as standard uncertainty. All the standard uncertainties were then combined according to the appropriate rules to give a combined standard uncertainty and an expanded standard uncertainty. Results The expanded standard uncertainties for the HPLC determination of ginsenoside R(g1), Re, and R(b1), are 0.12c, 0.14c and 0.13c, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Measurement uncertainty is applicable to set the limit of the ginsenosides in Radix ginseng. The establishment of the methodology for the evaluation of measurement uncertainty is important to the studies of Chinese materia medica standards.</p>