Preparation of Diosgenin from Dioscorea zingiberensis： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Direct acid hydrolysis of Dioscorea zingiberensis rhizomes for preparation of diosgenin is wildly used in the traditional industry， which uses a large amount of inorganic acid catalysts， with high wastewater discharge and serious environmental pollution. Therefore， exploring clean and efficient preparation methods and processes has become an inevitable choice to realize the sustainable development of industrial production of diosgenin. Herein， the author reviewed and analyzed the research progress and problems of enzymatic hydrolysis， microbial transformation and modified acid hydrolysis in the preparation of diosgenin from D. zingiberensis rhizomes during the last ten years， and their application prospects are analyzed. Enzymatic hydrolysis has mild reaction conditions， but the yield of diosgenin is low， the economic cost is high， and the purification process of active enzyme is complicated. Microorganism shows specific activity to the substrate and high efficiency for diosgenin production， and microbial transformation is clean and environmentally friendly， but microbial transformation is time-consuming and the metabolic intermediates are complicated. For the modified acid hydrolysis， two-phase acid hydrolysis can reduce the amount of acid catalyst， and sulfonic acid-functionalized ionic liquid displays good recyclable performance by replacing the traditional inorganic acid， however， the wastewater discharge should still be considered. Solid acid catalysts are non-corrosive and easy to be recycled， but the need to use ethanol as the reaction solvent has certain safety hazards， and the catalyst preparation process is cumbersome. In conclusion， exploring clean and efficient conversion methods is an important research trend for preparation of diosgenin from D. zingiberensis rhizomes. For the enzymatic hydrolysis， the key glycoside hydrolases in the bioconversion process should be explored in depth， the conversion pathway of enzymatic saponins and enzyme specificity should be fully elucidated， and efforts should be made to improve the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis. For the microbial transformation， we should accelerate its industrial application process based on selecting and breeding efficient transformation strains， and optimizing stable transformation systems and processes， and in-depth investigation of the mechanism of microbial transformation， fully elucidating the specific key hydrolases and its catalytic properties， and striving to improve the efficiency of microbial transformation. For the modified acid hydrolysis， novel acid catalytic system with simple structure， stable performance and good biodegradability should be explored and applied， which can effectively solve the problems of environmental pollution and production safety.

Teores de polifenóis totais e de umidade em amostras de rizomas de Limonium brasiliense / Total polyphenols and moisture contents in samples of Limonium brasiliense rhizomes / Polifenoles totales y contenido de humedad en muestras de rizomas de Limonium brasiliense

O Limonium brasiliense (Boiss.) Kuntze (Plumbaginaceae), chamado popularmente de baicuru ou guaicuru é uma erva perene presente em todo litoral sul do Brasil, sendo indicada tradicionalmente para síndrome pré-menstrual e distúrbios menstruais. Essas atividades são atribuídas à presença dos polifenóis concentrados em seus rizomas, que também apresentam atividades bacteriostáticas, antioxidantes, antivirais e anti-inflamatórias. No desenvolvimento de formulações feitas a partir da droga vegetal são necessários testes de controle de qualidade durante todo o processo a fim de garantir a segurança, eficácia e qualidade da matéria-prima até sua formulação final. As metodologias utilizadas no desenvolvimento deste trabalho foram de análises físico-químicas para o controle de qualidade, análises quantitativas para determinação do teor de polifenóis totais e, por fim, uma análise comparativa entre os resultados obtidos no ano da coleta do material vegetal (2010) e das mesmas características após 13 anos da coleta, utilizando amostras do L. brasiliense com a presença de fungos ou sem nos rizomas. Sendo assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar o controle de qualidade comparativo dos rizomas de Limonium brasiliense coletados em 2010 em relação ao teor de polifenóis totais e de umidade em 2023. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram a produção de polifenóis pelos fungos na amostra contaminada, além de mostrarem a qualidade de armazenagem da droga vegetal. Com isso, foi possível concluir que o teor de polifenóis totais da amostra com fungo aumentou após 13 anos da coleta, e que neste interim não houve mudanças no teor de umidade da amostra sem fungo, garantindo sua qualidade no desenvolvimento de formulações ou pesquisas futuras.

Limonium brasiliense (Boiss.) Kuntze (Plumbaginaceae), popularly called baicuru or guaicuru, is a perennial herb present throughout the southern coast of Brazil, traditionally indicated for premenstrual syndrome and menstrual disorders. These activities are attributed to the presence of polyphenols concentrated in its rhizomes, which also have bacteriostatic, antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. When developing formulations made from plant-based drugs, quality control tests are necessary throughout the process to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of the raw material until its final formulation. The methodologies used in the development of this work were physical-chemical analyzes for quality control, quantitative analyzes to determine the total polyphenol content and, finally, a comparative analysis between the results obtained in the year the plant material was collected (2010) and the same characteristics after 13 years of collection, using samples of L. brasiliense with or without the presence of fungi in the rhizomes. Therefore, this work aimed to carry out comparative quality control of Limonium brasiliense rhizomes collected in 2010 in relation to the content of total polyphenols and moisture in 2023. The results obtained showed the production of polyphenols by fungi in the contaminated sample, in addition to show the storage quality of the plant drug. With this, it was possible to conclude that the total polyphenol content of the sample with fungus increased after 13 years of collection, and that in the meantime there were no changes in the moisture content of the sample without fungus, guaranteeing its quality in the development of formulations or future research.

Limonium brasiliense (Boiss.) Kuntze (Plumbaginaceae), popularmente llamada baicuru o guaicuru, es una hierba perenne presente en toda la costa sur de Brasil, tradicionalmente indicada para el síndrome premenstrual y trastornos menstruales. Estas actividades se atribuyen a la presencia de polifenoles concentrados en sus rizomas, que también tienen actividades bacteriostáticas, antioxidantes, antivirales y antiinflamatorias. Cuando se desarrollan formulaciones elaboradas a partir de medicamentos de origen vegetal, son necesarios ensayos de control de calidad durante todo el proceso para garantizar la seguridad, eficacia y calidad de la materia prima hasta su formulación final. Las metodologías utilizadas en el desarrollo de este trabajo fueron análisis físico- químicos para control de calidad, análisis cuantitativos para determinar el contenido de polifenoles totales y, finalmente, un análisis comparativo entre los resultados obtenidos en el año de recolección del material vegetal (2010) y el mismas características después de 13 años de colecta, utilizando muestras de L. brasiliense con o sin presencia de hongos en los rizomas. Por lo tanto, este trabajo tuvo como objetivo realizar un control de calidad comparativo de los rizomas de Limonium brasiliense recolectados en 2010 en relación al contenido de polifenoles totales y humedad en 2023. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron la producción de polifenoles por hongos en la muestra contaminada, además de mostrar la calidad de almacenamiento de la droga vegetal. Con esto se pudo concluir que el contenido total de polifenoles de la muestra con hongos aumentó después de 13 años de colecta, y que mientras tanto no hubo cambios en el contenido de humedad de la muestra sin hongos, garantizando su calidad en el desarrollo. de formulaciones o investigaciones futuras.

Chemical compositions, larvicidal and antimicrobial activities of Zingiber castaneum (Škorničk. & Q.B. Nguyễn) and Zingiber nitens (M.F. Newman) essential oils

Abstract In this paper, the chemical constituents, larvicidal and antimicrobial activities of hydrodistilled essential oils from Zingiber castaneum Škorničk. & Q.B. Nguyễn and Zingiber nitens M.F. Newman were reported. The main constituents of Z. castaneum leaf were bicyclogermacrene (24.8%), germacrene D (12.9%), cis-β-elemene (11.2%) and β-pinene (10.3%), while sabinene (22.9%) and camphene (21.2%) were the significant compounds in the rhizome. However, the dominant compounds in the leaf of Z. nitens includes β-pinene (45.8%) and α-pinene (10.7%). Terpinen-4-ol (77.9%) was the most abundant compound of the rhizome. Z. castaneum rhizome oil displayed larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus with LC50 values of 121.43 and 88.86 µg/mL, respectively, at 24 h. The leaf oil exhibited activity with LC50 values of 39.30 µg/mL and 84.97 µg/mL, respectively. Also, the leaf and rhizome oils of Z. nitens displayed greater larvicidal action towards Ae. aegypti with LC50 values of 17.58 µg/mL and 29.60 µg/mL, respectively. Only the rhizome oil displayed toxicity against Cx. quinquefasciatus with LC50 value of 64.18 µg/mL. All the studied essential oils inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC25923 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 50.0 µg/mL. This paper provides information on the larvicidal and antimicrobial potentials of Z. castaneum and Z. nitens essential oils.

Trace heavy metals and harmful elements in roots and rhizomes of herbs: Screening level analysis and health risk assessment / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Heavy metal and harmful element contamination are frequently reported in Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), and roots and rhizomes parts showed a higher content than other parts. To investigate the residue level and assess the potential human health risk of heavy metals and harmful elements in roots and rhizomes, 720 batches of the sample representing 20 species of herbs from different sources were collected. Methods: The content of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Cu in the digests was determined using ICP-MS. The chronic hazard index estimate based on non-cancer hazard quotient (HQ) was applied for potential health risk assessment of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Cu via consumption of CHMs. Results: Compared with the Chinese limit standard (Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, 2020 edition) of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Cu in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, the exceedance percentage of Pb in total samples was 14.1%, which were generally far higher than Cd, As, Hg, and Cu. Health risk assessment results based on hazard quotient calculating showed that total HQ of Cu, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg in Pulsatillae Radix and Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma exceeded 1, with the value of 1.543 and 1.235. Besides, Arsenic had the highest HQ value (0.957) in Pulsatillae Radix. Conclusion: Consuming raw materials of Pulsatillae Radix and Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma may pose a potential risk and Arsenic residues in Pulsatillae Radix deserved special attention.

Analysis on Chemical Constituents in Rhizomes of Bergenia scopulosa by UHPLC-Q Exactive Focus MS/MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/electrostatic field orbital trap high resolution mass spectrometry （UHPLC-Q Exactive Focus MS/MS） was developed to rapidly analyze and identify the chemical components in the rhizomes of <italic>Bergenia scopulosa</italic>. Method:The 75% methanol extract of <italic>B</italic>.<italic> scopulosa</italic> rhizomes was analyzed on a Thermo Accucore aQ RP18 column （2.1 mm×150 mm， 2.6 μm） with the mobile phase of methanol （A） and 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution （B） for gradient elution （0-40 min 5%-95%A， 40-45 min 95%A）， the flow rate was 0.3 mL·min^-1 and the column temperature was at 30 ℃. The information of the chemical constituents was acquired in positive and negative ion modes by heated electrospray ion source （HESI）， and the scanning range was <italic>m</italic>/<italic>z</italic> 80-1 200. Result:A total of 66 chemical constituents were identified， including 2 free amino acids， 7 bergenin derivatives， 15 flavonoids， 15 organic acids， 25 glycosides， and 2 others. Conclusion:The chemical constituents in the rhizomes of <italic>B</italic>.<italic> scopulosa</italic> can be identified systematically， accurately and rapidly by this method. Among them， 8 compounds were unambiguously identified by comparing with reference substances （succinic acid， arbutin， gallic acid， protocatechuic acid， bengenin， catechin， chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid）， 51 compounds were found from <italic>B</italic>.<italic> scopulosa</italic> for the first time and 28 compounds were found from the genus <italic>Bergenia</italic> for the first time. This paper can provide an important basis for the further material basis clarification and quality assessment of <italic>B</italic>.<italic> scopulosa</italic>.

Determination of nutritional value of turmeric flour and the antioxidant activity of Curcuma longa rhizome extracts from agroecological and conventional crops of Valle del Cauca-Colombia / Determinación del valor nutricional de la harina de cúrcuma y la actividad antioxidante de extractos del rizoma de Cúrcuma longa de cultivos agroecológicos y convencionales del Valle del Cauca-Colombia / Determinação do valor nutricional da farinha de açafrão e da atividade antioxidante de extratos do rizoma de Curcuma longa de culturas agroecológicas e convencionais do Valle del Cauca-Colombia

Abstract This research presents the results of the proximal analysis of turmeric rhizome flour (Curcuma longa) from different areas of Valle del Cauca (Colombia) and the quantitative estimation of the uptake of the radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) of the methanolic extracts of the flour. The results of the proximal analysqAis evidence that some parameters do not show evident differences. However, others, such as total fat, show differences between the turmeric crops with conventional and agroecological fertilization. The values obtained from the different samples for proteins and carbohydrates are in an average normal range (9.3% and 70.5%, respectively), which fulfills the requirement to be a nutritional supplement. The free radical uptake (FRS) test of the extracts showed an antioxidant activity of the different samples tested for FRS50 (%) of 2.11 ± 0.06 µg/mL (Yumbillo, Y), 1.34 ± 0.26 µg/mL (Guacas, G), 4.22 ± 0.06 µg/mL (Magdalena, M), 9.16 ± 0.32 µg/mL (Commercial, C), 1.29 ± 0.26 µg/mL (Santa Rosa de Tapias, SR), and 1.33 ± 0.05 µg/mL (Limonar, L), which were contrasted with the values of quercetin (Q) 1.01 ± 0.51 µg/mL, vitamin C (V) 2.07 ± 0.45 µg/mL, and piperine (P ) 0,0 µg/mL. The proximal nutritional value plus the oxidizing activity, due to the concentration of phenolic compounds, make turmeric flour a functional food.

Resumen Esta investigación presenta los resultados del análisis proximal de la harina de rizoma de cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) de diferentes zonas del Valle del Cauca (Colombia), y de la estimación cuantitativa de la captación del radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo (DDPH) de los extractos metanólicos de la harina. Los resultados del análisis proximal muestran que algunos parámetros no presentan diferencias evidentes. Sin embargo, otros, como la grasa total, sí presentan diferencias entre la cúrcuma de cultivos con fertilización convencional y agroecológica. Los valores obtenidos para proteínas y carbohidratos están en un rango normal promedio (9,3% y 70,5%, respectivamente), los cuales se encuentran dentro de los valores requeridos para ser un suplemento nutricional. El ensayo de captación de radicales libres (FRS) de los extractos mostró una actividad antioxidante de las diferentes muestras analizadas de FRS50 (%) de 2,11 ± 0,06 µg/mL (Yumbillo, Y), 1,34 ± 0,26 µg/mL (Cuacas, C), 4,22 ± 0,06 µg/mL (Magdalena, M), 9,16 ± 0,32 µg/mL (Comercial, C), 1,29 ± 0,26 µg/mL (Santa Rosa de Tapias, SR) y 1,33 ± 0,05 µg/mL (Limonar, L), los cuales fueron contrastados con los valores de quercetina (Q) 1,01 ± 0,51 µg/mL, vitamina C (V) 2,07 ± 0.45 µg/mL y piperina (P) 0,0 µg/mL. El valor nutricional proximal más la actividad oxidante hacen de la harina de cúrcuma un alimento funcional.

Resumo Esta pesquisa apresenta os resultados da análise proximal da farinha de rizoma de cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) de diferentes áreas do Vale do Cauca (Colômbia), além da estimativa quantitativa da captação do radical 2,2-difenil-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) dos extratos metanólicos da farinha. Os resultados da análise proximal mostram que alguns parâmetros não mostram diferenças óbvias. No entanto, outros, como gordura total, mostram diferenças entre a cúrcuma das culturas com adubação convencional e agroecológica. Os valores obtidos nas diferentes amostras para proteínas e carboidratos estão em uma faixa média normal (9,3% e 70,5% respectivamente), que estão dentro dos valores necessários para ser um suplemento nutricional. O teste de captação de radicais livres (FRS) dos extratos mostrou uma atividade antioxidante das diferentes amostras testadas para FRS50 (%) de 2,11 ± 0,06 μg/mL (Yumbillo, Y), 1,34 ± 0,26 μg/mL (Guacas, G), 4,22 ± 0,06 μg/mL (Magdalena, M), 9,16 ± 0,32 μg/mL (Comercial, C), 1,29 ± 0,26 μg/mL (Santa Rosa de Tapias, SR) e 1,33 ± 0,05 μg/mL (Limonar, L), que foram contrastados com os valores de quercetina (Q) 1,01 ± 0,51 μg/mL, vitamina C (V) 2,07 ± 0,45 μg/mL e piperina (P ) 0,0 μg/mL. O valor nutricional proximal mais a atividade oxidante, devido à concentração de compostos fenólicos, fazem da farinha de cúrcuma um alimento funcional.

Identification of curcumin content in raw and vinegar-processed rhizomes of Curcuma kwangsiensis based on electronic nose combined with back propagation neural network / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to establish a rapid and accurate method for identification of raw and vinegar-processed rhizomes of Curcuma kwangsiensis, in order to predict the content of curcumin compounds for scientific evaluation. A complete set of bionics recognition mode was adopted. The digital odor signal of raw and vinegar-processed rhizomes of Curcuma kwangsiensis were obtained by e-nose, and analyzed by back propagation(BP) neural network algorithm, with the accuracy, the sensitivity and specificity in discriminant model, correlation coefficient as well as the mean square error in regression model as the evaluation indexes. The experimental results showed that the three indexes of the e-nose signal discrimination model established by the neural network algorithm were 100% in training set, correction set and prediction set, which were obviously better than the traditional decision tree, naive bayes, support vector machine, K nearest neighbor and boost classification, and could accurately differentiate the raw and vinegar products. Correlation coefficient and mean square error of the regression model in prediction set were 0.974 8 and 0.117 5 respectively, and could well predict curcumin compounds content in Curcuma kwangsiensis, and demonstrate the superiority of the simulation biometrics model in the analysis of traditional Chinese medicine. By BP neural network algorithm, e-nose odor fingerprint could quickly, conveniently and accurately realize the discrimination and regression, which suggested that more bionics information acquisition and identification patterns could be combined in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, so as to provide ideas and methods for the rapid evaluation and stan-dardization of the quality of traditional Chinese medicine.

Effects of Valeriana amurensis Roots and Rhizomes Extract and Its Active Constituents on Activities of Drug Metabolism Enzymes in Liver / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To evaluate the effects of Valeriana amurensis roots and rhizomes extract and its active constituents on the activities of six major cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes in human liver microsomes. Method::Coumarin, bupropion, tolbutamide, omeprazole, dextromethorphan and testosterone were used as probe substrates for CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, respectively. Taking their specific metabolites of hydroxylation or demethylation (7-hydroxycoumarin, hydroxybupropion, 4-hydroxytolbutamide, 5-hydroxyomeprazole, dextromethorphan, 6β-hydroxytestosterone) as indicators of enzyme activities. The analytical indexes were used to establish an in vitro model of human liver microsomes of Cocktail probe substrates. This method was applied to evaluate the effects of V. amurensis roots and rhizomes extract and its active constituents on human liver microsomal enzymes. Result::The V. amurensis roots and rhizomes extract had different inhibitory effects on CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, their half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were 87.49, 1.73, 68.29, 2.80 mg·L-1, respectively. Among the 9 lignans, (-)-massoniresinol-3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside had a moderate inhibitory effect on CYP2A6 with an IC50 value of 8.51 μmol·L-1, 8, 8′-dihydroxypinoresinol-4, 4′-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside had a moderate inhibitory effect on CYP2D6 with an IC50 value of 8.73 μmol·L-1, (+)-medioresinol-4, 4′-O-di-β-D-glucopyranoside had a moderate inhibitory effect on CYP2B6 and CYP2C9 with IC50 values of 5.41 μmol·L-1 and 8.20 μmol·L-1. Conclusion::The V. amurensis roots and rhizomes extract and its active constituents have inhibitory effects on liver CYP450 enzymes. Therefore, in the clinical study of new drugs, it is necessary to fully evaluate the risk of drug interactions caused by combination therapy.

Material Basis Analysis of Toxicity Attenuation and Efficacy Reservation of Processing of Gelsemium elegans Rhizomes / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::On the basis of previous research, to detect the changes of six main alkaloids in Gelsemium elegans rhizomes before and after being processed, so as to reveal its internal mechanism of processing. Method::The contents of gelsemine, humantenidine, koumine, gelsenicine, gelsevirine and humantenine in G. elegans rhizomes was determined simultaneously by HPLC, the content changes of these components before and after processing and its reasons were analyzed by cluster analysis and principal component analysis. The mobile phase was methanol (A)-0.1%formic acid aqueous solution (B) for gradient elution (0-10 min, 22%A; 10-20 min, 22%-30%A; 20-30 min, 30%-40%A). The flow rate was 1.0 mL·min-1. The detection wavelength was set at 254 nm, the injection volume was 10 μL, and the column temperature was 30 ℃. Result::Before processing, contents of the above six components in raw products were 1.444, 1.129, 3.590, 1.603, 2.376, 1.631 mg·g-1, after processing, the contents of these six components were 2.258, 0.343, 1.176, 0.115, 0.459, 0.281 mg·g-1, respectively. Gelsenicine, the most toxic ingredient of G. elegans rhizomes, decreased most significantly with a decreasing rate of 92.83%, while the less toxic ingredient, gelsemine, increased by 56.37%after processing. The contents of other four components in G. elegans rhizomes decreased to varying degrees after processing. The results of cluster analysis indicated that G. elegans rhizomes were clearly divided into two categories before and after processing. Principal component analysis showed that the first principal component before and after processing was changed from koumine to gelsemine. Conclusion::The degradation of toxic components and content changes of other components may be one of the intrinsic mechanism of toxicity attenuation and efficacy reservation of G. elegans rhizomes being processed.

Analysis of Chemical Variability on Different Processed Products of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Dry Roots and Rhizomes Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE and Plant Metabolomics / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To identify the quality differential markers of different processed products of Glycyrrhiza uralensis dry roots and rhizomes. Method:Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE) was used to collect high-precision mass-charge ratio and ion response strength information of the components in G. uralensis dry roots and rhizomes before and after processing by negative ion mode. The data set collected after pretreatment was analyzed with principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to quickly search the differential components in different processed products of G. uralensis dry roots and rhizomes. Differential components were identified according to the relative molecular weight, fragment ion, mass spectrum database and related literature information, then the migration of components before and after processing was studied. Result:A total of 10 quality differential markers were searched from raw products, roasted products and honey-roasted products of G. uralensis dry roots and rhizomes, mainly derivatives of liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid. Among them, the contents of 6''-O-acetylliquiritin apioside, 6''-O-acetylliquiritin apioside isomer, 6''-O-acetylliquiritin, formononetin and 11-deoxo-18β-glycyrrhetic acid were the highest in the raw products, the contents of 6''-O-acetylisoliquiritin apioside, 6''-O-acetylisoliquiritin, isoliquiritin and glycyrrhetic acid 3-O-glucuronide were the highest in the roasted products, the content of liquiritin was the lowest in the honey-roasted products. Conclusion:There are some chemical differences among the three products. This study can provide material basis for the quality control and pharmacodynamic research of processed products of G. uralensis dry roots and rhizomes.

Isolation and Identification of Chemical Constituents from Rhizomes of Dendropanax proteus / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The chemical constituents from 95% ethanol extract of Dendropanax proteus rhizomes and their anti-inflammatory activities were investigated. These compounds in 95% ethanol extract of D. proteus rhizomes were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, medium-pressure liquid chromatography, preparative liquid chromatography, etc. Their structures were elucidated based on the spectral data and physicochemical properties. All the compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide production in the murine microglia BV2 cell line. Nine compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of 95% ethanol extract of D. proteus rhizomes, and identified as (-)-syringaresinol (1), (+)-(7S,8S)-1',4-dihydroxy-3,3',5'-trimethoxy-7',8,9'-trinor-8,4'-oxyneoligna-7,9-diol (2), erythro-guaiacylglycerol-β-O-4'-coniferyl ether (3), threo-guaiacylglycerol-β-O-4'-coniferyl ether (4), coniferyl alcohol (5), 7-O-ethylguaiacylglycerol (6), vanillin (7), syringaldehyde (8), and excoecanol B (9). Compounds 2 and 4 showed neuritis inhibitory activity against microglial inflammation factor, their half inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were 5.85, 7.29 μmol ·L-1, respectively. Compounds 1-6,8-9 are isolated from this plant for the first time, compounds 2 and 4 exhibit the potent inhibitory activity.

Preliminary study on water absorption of roots and rhizomes of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces / 药学实践杂志

Objective To determine the water absorption coefficient of single-flavor root and rhizome Chinese herbal medicine pieces at room temperature, and guide the water addition in the decoction process of decocting machine of Chinese herbal.Methods The water absorption coefficient of 222-flavor root and rhizome Chinese herbal medicine pieces were studied, the simulated prescriptions were decocted according to the recommended formula of the decocting machine manufacturer and the water absorption coefficient, and the amount of liquid were obtained by the two methods which were compared with the amount of liquid required.Results The water absorption coefficients of roots and rhizomes with different textures were quite different.The amount of liquid obtained according to the manufacturer′s recommended formula was quite different from the amount of liquid required and there was no rule to follow.The error of the amount of liquid obtained according to the water absorption coefficient and the amount of liquid required was small and regular.Conclusion The experimental determination of the water absorption coefficient of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces could guide the amount of water added to the decoction machine.

Lignans from roots and rhizomes of Diphylleia sinensis / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the lignans of the roots of Diphylleia sinensis. Methods: The chemical components were isolated and purified by chromatographic techniques (silica gel, sephadex LH-20 and semi preparative-HPLC) and the chemical structures were determined by spectral data analysis (1D/2D NMR, MS, and IR). Results: Seven lignans were obtained and identified as diphyllin A (1), (1S,2R,5S,6R)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo [3.3.0] octane (2), (7S,8R,7’S,8’R)-3,4,3’,4’-tetramethoxy-9,7-dihydroxy-8.8’,7.O.9’-lignan (3), (-)-lariciresinol (4), vladinol D (5), podophyllotoxone (6), and justicidin A (7). Conclusion: Diphyllin A (1) is a new compound and 2-4 are obtained from D. sinensis for the first time.

Serum Pharmacochemical Analysis of Periploca forrestii Rhizomes Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the serum pharmacochemistry of Periploca forrestii rhizomes,and to investigate the pharmacological material basis of extract of P. forrestii rhizomes in rats. Method:Rapid identification of constituents absorbed into blood was carried out by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS,according to retention time,accurate relative molecular mass and standard substance comparison,these constituents were identified and speculated by Data Analysis,Metabolite Detect and other softwares,then preliminary determination of constituents absorbed into blood of rats after oral administration of extract of P. forrestii rhizomes was investigated. Result:Totally 17 constituents absorbed into blood were detected in serum,ten of them were prototype constituents and the other were metabolites.Seven of the prototypes were identified as 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid,4-O-caffeoylquinic acid,3-O-caffeoylquinic acid,3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid,3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid,4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and periplocin. Conclusion:These constituents absorbed into blood may be substances that act directly in vivo of P. forrestii rhizomes,and it is helpful to clarify pharmacological material basis and mechanism of this herb.

Research process in biosynthesis pathway and regulation mechanism of phenolic acids in roots and rhizomes of Salvia miltiorrhiza / 中草药

Phenolic acids with significant biological activity and pharmacological effects are a class of active ingredients in the roots and rhizomes of Salvia miltiorrhiza used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. With increasing the demand of clinical and market, enhancing the contents and utilization efficiency of phenolic acids in the roots and rhizomes of S. miltiorrhiza has the important practical significance for sustainable development. In this paper, the research progress in study on genomics, proteomics, and metabonomics in recent years was carried out to summarize the biosynthesis pathway, key enzymes genes, regulation mechanism, and bioconversion and utilization of phenolic acids in the roots and rhizomes of S. miltiorrhiza, which lays the scientific foundation for the efficient production and comprehensive utilization of phenolic acids resources in S. miltiorrhiza.

A novel iridoid ester from roots and rhizomes of Valeriana jatamansi / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana jatamansi in Valeriana Linn., Valerianaceae. Methods: The chemical constituents were separated and purified by silica gel, medium pressure column chromatography, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were determined by 1D, 2D NMR, HRMS, and IR spectroscopic analyse. Results: An iridoid ester was isolated from the dichloromethane extract from the roots and rhizomes of V. jatamansi, which was named as valerjatadoid C. Conclusion: Compound 1 is a new iridoid ester.

Saponin constituents from roots and rhizomes of Caulophyllum robustum / 中草药

Objective: To separate the saponins from the roots and rhizomes of Caulophyllum robustum and determine their chemical structures. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated by repeated silica gel chromatography, medium pressure column chromatography, and semi-preparative liquid chromatography. Their structures were elucidated by the data of NMR and MS. Results: Ten compounds were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of C. robustum and the structures of compounds 1-10 were identified as echinocystic acid-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside (1), 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosylhederagenin-28-O-β-D- glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), HN-saponin H (3), ciwujianosides A1 (4), glycoside L-K1 (5), 3-O-β-D- glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin-28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-gluco-pyranoside (6), leonticin F (7), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3) [β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)] α-L-arabinopyranosyl-echinocystic acid-28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), leonticin A (9), and morroniside (10). Conclusion: Compound 10 is a iridoid. Compounds 1 and 10 are firstly isolated from the plants of Caulophyllum Maxim., compouds 2-9 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Two new triterpenoid saponins from roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Methods: The roots and rhizome of G. uralensis were extracted with 95% EtOH. Then the extract was partitioned with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol successively. The n-butanol fraction was isolated by silica gel and ODS column chromatography and preparative HPLC. The structures of compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods (UV, MS, 1D-NMR, and 2D-NMR). Results: Fourteen compounds were obtained from the n-butanol fraction. They were macedonoside E (1), 22β-acetyl-uralsaponin C (2), glycyrrhizic acid (3), uralsaponin F (4), licorice-saponin G2 (5), 22β-acetoxyl-glycyrrhaldehyde (6), 3β-O-[β-D-(6-methyl)-glucuronopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-glycyrrhizic acid (7), liquiritigenin (8), naringenin (9), isoliquiritigenin (10), ononin (11), liquiritin (12), isoviolanthin (13), and liquiritin apioside (14). Conclusion: Macedonoside E (1) and 22β-acetyl-uralsaponin C (2) are new compounds.

Determination of the contents of the main flavones and antioxidative activity of the extract of rhizomes and frond bases of Matteuccia struthiopteris / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method to determine three main flavones in the extract of rhizomes and frond bases of Matteuccia struthiopteris and evaluate the antioxidative activity of the extract. METHODS: The contents of the flavones in the extract were determined by HPLC. Kromasil C18 column was used. Methanol-0.1% orthophosphoric acid solution (70:30) was used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.00 mL· min-1. The detection wavelength was set at 295 nm and the column temperature was 40°C. The antioxidative activity of the extract was detected by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. IC50 (the antioxidant concentration for scavenging half of DPPH radical) was used as the index to evaluate scavenging capacity. RESULTS: The calibration curves of demethoxymatteucinol, matteucinol, and matteuorien showed good linearity over the ranges of 0.058 - 0.58, 0.045 - 0.45, and 0.003 - 0.028 mg· mL-1 (r = 0.9998, 0.9998, 0.9983), respectively. The average recoveries were 96.93%, 97.15%, and 96.41%, respectively. The IC50 value of the extract of rhizomes and frond bases of Matteuccia struthiopteris was 0.55 mg· mL-1. CONCLUSION: The quantitative determination method with good accuracy, repeatability and stability is suitable for the quality control of the extract of rhizomes and frond bases of Matteuccia struthiopteris. The extract has potential antioxidative action.

Study on immunomodulatory activity of root and rhizome of Rosa laevigata from different habitats / 中草药

Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of the roots and rhizomes in Rosa laevigata (Rosa Laevigata Radix) in Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guizhou provinces. Methods: The effects of cellular immunity, humoral inmunity, and non-specific immunity were investigated on delayed-type hypersensitivity, serum hemolysin antibody, and carbon clearance of mice, respectively. Results: Rosa Laevigata Radix could inhibit the delayed-type hypersensitivity and serum hemolysin antibody in mice, but had no effect on carbon clearance. All the roots and rhizomes of R. laevigata from different habitats had no statistically significant difference on immunomodulatory activity. Conclusion: The roots and rhizomes of R. laevigata from different habitats have the similar immunosuppressive activity.