Experience of Professor You Zhaoling in Application of the Lotus Medicinal Herbs for Reproductive System Diseases / 中医杂志

Lotus medicinal herbs have the effects of resolving blood stasis and stopping bleeding， invigorating the spleen and benefiting the kidneys， restoring coordination between heart and kidney， and tranquilizing the fetus. Lotus root， lotus leaf， lotus seed， Lotus plumule， Shilianzi（Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn） and other lotus herbs are used to treat various female reproductive system diseases. For example， lotus leaf tip with modified Youshi Pangxing Shuangtu Decoction （伍尤氏胖型双土汤）， lotus root section with modified Youshi Shouxing Shuangteng Decoction （尤氏瘦型双藤汤） were used for polycystic ovary syndrome； Youshi Yangchao Formula （尤氏养巢方） （containing lotus seed）， Gengnian Formula （更年方） （containing lotus plumule） for ovarian reserve dysfunction； Lotus seed - Shihu （Dendrobium nobile） as the herb-pair， lotus stamen with ginseng flowers and Sanqi Flower for thin endometrium； Shilianzi（Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn）， lotus leaf tip， lotus stamen， lotus seed， lotus room， lotus root section can be used for premature abortion， and we summarized the characteristics of clinical medication， compounding experience， drug dosage and precautions of each lotus drug in different diseases.

Textual Research on Nelumbinis in Famous Classical Formulas / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The name， origin， place of origin， medicinal parts， harvesting and processing of lotus are verified by consulting ancient Chinese herbal medicines and medical books， combined with modern literature， providing a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing lotus. According to textual research， the original base of lotus is Nelumbo nucifera since ancient times， rhizome （Nelumbinis Rhizomatis Nodus）， leaf （Nelumbinis Folium）， seed （Nelumbinis Semen）， embryo （Nelumbinis Plumula）， receptacle （Nelumbinis Receptaculum）， stamen （Nelumbinis Stamen） and other medicinal parts of N. nucifera can be used as medicine and have different clinical effects. Nelumbinis Semen was originally produced in Henan， and then gradually expanded to Jiangnan. Today， it can be cultivated and planted throughout the country， with Fujian， Hunan， and Jiangxi as the authentic production areas. After combing the medicinal parts of N. nucifera and the historical evolution of its processing， it is suggested that the dried and mature fruits of N. nucifera taking in autumn and removing the shell and Nelumbinis Plumula should be used in Qingxin Lianziyin. Nelumbinis Folium in Erdongtang should be harvested in summer and autumn， and the raw products was used as medicine and processed in accordance with the provision of the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Nuciferine protects against high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance via activating TFEB-mediated autophagy-lysosomal pathway

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance and there are currently no approved drugs for its treatment. Hyperactivation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and subsequent impairment of the transcription factor EB (TFEB)-mediated autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) are implicated in the development of NAFLD. Accordingly, agents that augment hepatic TFEB transcriptional activity may have therapeutic potential against NAFLD. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of nuciferine, a major active component from lotus leaf, on NAFLD and its underlying mechanism of action. Here we show that nuciferine activated ALP and alleviated steatosis, insulin resistance in the livers of NAFLD mice and palmitic acid-challenged hepatocytes in a TFEB-dependent manner. Mechanistic investigation revealed that nuciferine interacts with the Ragulator subunit hepatitis B X-interacting protein and impairs the interaction of the Ragulator complex with Rag GTPases, thereby suppressing lysosomal localization and activity of mTORC1, which activates TFEB-mediated ALP and further ameliorates hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. Our present results indicate that nuciferine may be a potential agent for treating NAFLD and that regulation of the mTORC1-TFEB-ALP axis could represent a novel pharmacological strategy to combat NAFLD.

Phytochemistry and Antiviral Properties of Tw o Lotus Species Growing in Egypt / Fitoquímica y propiedades antivirales de dos especies de Lotus que crecen en Egipto

Background:Lotus arabicus L and Lotusglaber Mill. belong to the family Fabaceae, and they grow in the wild in Egypt and have different therapeutic uses in folk medicine. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile, antimicrobial and antiviral properties of the methanolic extracts of two Lotus spp. growing in Egypt, L. arabicus and L. glaber.Material and methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify the compounds of the extracts of two Lotus species. An MTT colorimetric assay and the disc diffusion method were performed to investigate the antiviral and antimicrobial activities of two lotus species, respectively. Results: The n-hexane and methanol extracts of L. arabicuscontained high percentages of alkane hydrocarbons, such as 5-methyloctadecane, while L. glaber contained dodecane. The major compounds in the methanol extract of L. arabicuswere hexadecanoic acid methyl ester and dodecanoic acid,2,3-bis(acetyloxy)propyl ester. The major compounds in the methanol extract of L. glaber were palmitic acid and lucenin 2. The indole alkaloid ditaine was found only in L. arabicus. This alkaloid was identified for the first time in the genus Lotus. The antimicrobial properties of the extracts of the two Lotus species showed that the n-hexane extract of both Lotus species may have potential antifungal activity against Candida parapsilosis and Aspergillus flavus. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of both Lotus species have potential antiviral activity against the coxsackie B virus, but only the L. arabicus extract showed activity against the hepatitis A virus. Conclusion:Lotus arabicus might have potential antifungal or antiviral activity greater than L. glaber

Antecedentes:Lotus arabicus L y Lotus glaber Mill. pertenecen a la familia de las fabáceas y crecen en estado silvestre en Egipto y tienen diferentes usos terapéuticos en la medicina popular. Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el perfil fitoquímico y las propiedades antimicrobianas de los extractos metanólicos de dos especies de Lotus que crecen en Egipto, L. arabicus y L. glaber. Material y métodos: Se utilizó la cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas para identificar los compuestos de los extractos de las dos especies de Lotus. Se realizó un ensayo colorimétrico MTT y el método de difusión en disco para investigar las actividades antiviral y antimicrobiana de las dos especies de Lotus, respectivamente. Resultados: Los extractos de n-hexano y metanol de L. arabicus contenían altos porcentajes de hidrocarburos alcanos, como el 5-metiloctadecano, mientras que L. glaber contenía dodecano. Los principales compuestos del extracto de metanol de L. arabicus eran el éster metílico del ácido hexadecanoico y el éster dodecanoico, 2,3-bis(acetiloxi)propilo. Los principales compuestos del extracto de metanol de L. glaber fueron el ácido palmítico y la lucenina 2. El alcaloide indólico ditaína sólo se encontró en L. arabicus. Este alcaloide fue identificado por primera vez en el género Lotus. Las propiedades antimicrobianas de los extractos de las dos especies de Lotus mostraron que el extracto n-hexano de ambas especies de Lotus puede tener una potencial actividad antifúngica contra Candidaparapsilosis y Aspergillus flavus. Además, los extractos metanólicos de ambas especies de Lotustienen una potencial actividad antiviral contra el virus coxsackie B, pero sólo el extracto de L. arabicus mostró actividad contra el virus de la hepatitis A. Conclusión: L. arabicus puede tener una potencial actividad antifúngica o antiviral mayor que L. glaber

Lotus leaf flavonoids induce apoptosis of human lung cancer A549 cells through the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway

BACKGROUND: Leaves of the natural plant lotus are used in traditional Chinese medicine and tea production. They are rich in flavonoids. METHODS: In this study, lotus leaf flavonoids (LLF) were applied to human lung cancer A549 cells and human small cell lung cancer cells H446 in vitro to verify the effect of LLF on apoptosis in these cells through the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway. RESULTS: LLF had no toxic effect on normal cells at concentrations up to 500 µg/mL, but could significantly inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells and H446 cells. Flow cytometry showed that LLF could induce growth in A549 cells. We also found that LLF could increase ROS and MDA levels, and decrease SOD activity in A549 cells. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and western blot analyses showed that LLF could upregulate the expression of p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), caspase-3, caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and Bax and downregulate the expression of Cu/Zn SOD, CAT, Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in A549 cells. Results of HPLC showed that LLF mainly contain five active substances: kaemp-feritrin, hyperoside, astragalin, phloridzin, and quercetin. The apoptosis-inducing effect of LLF on A549 cells came from these naturally active compounds. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown in this study that LLF is a bioactive substance that can induce apoptosis in A549 cells in vitro, and merits further research and development.

Material Basis Analysis of "Homologous and Different Effect" of Lotus Leaf and Lotus Plumule / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To elucidate the key medicinal substances that cause the difference of efficacy between lotus leaf and lotus plumule， and to analyze their material basis of "homologous and different effect". Method:UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique was used to identify the main alkaloids in lotus leaf， lotus latex （juice in lotus petiole） and lotus plumule， chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters XBridge C18 column （4.6 mm×150 mm， 5 μm）， and gradient elution was performed with 0.1% ammonia aqueous solution （A）-acetonitrile （B） as mobile phase （0-13 min， 35%-60%B； 13-20 min， 60%-80%B； 20-20.1 min， 80%-95%B； 20.1-25 min， 95%B； 25-25.1min， 95%-35%B； 25.1-40 min， 35%B）. Data acquisition was carried out in electrospray ionization （ESI） under the positive ion mode， the scanning range was m/z 100-1 000. Besides， the metabolic network of the main alkaloids was constructed. Result:A total of 5 alkaloids （N-nornuciferine， O-nornuciferine， anonaine， nuciferine and roemerine） were identified from lotus leaf， 6 alkaloids （nuciferine， norisoliensinine， 6-hydroxynorisoliensinine， liensinine， isoliensinine and neferine） in lotus latex， and 8 alkaloids （lotusine， norcoclaurine， N-methylcoclaurine， pronuciferine， armepavine， liensinine， isoliensinine and neferine） in lotus plumule. Also， the biosynthetic pathways of the terminal alkaloids of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids （liensinine， isoliensinine and neferine） and aporphine alkaloids （N-nornuciferine， O-nornuciferine， anonaine， nuciferine and roemerine） was conducted. Conclusion:Five aporphine alkaloids in lotus leaf and three bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids in lotus plumule are the material basis for "homologous and different effect" of lotus leaf and lotus plumule. The metabolism of alkaloids in lotus leaf and lotus plumule is derived from the same compound of （S）-N-methylcoclaurine， and two types of alkaloids are synthesized through the action of two different enzymes. The synthetic alkaloids have different structures， resulting in different chemical composition between different tissues， thus producing different efficacy between lotus leaf and lotus plumule.

Research advances on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of snow lotus / 药学学报

Snow lotus is a medicinal plant with a wide range of pharmacological activities. It has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, cough with cold, stomach ache, dysmenorrhea, and altitude sickness in traditional medicine. This review summarizes the bioactive components in six species of snow lotus including flavonoids, lignans, phenolic compounds, phenylpropanoids, and sesquiterpenes present in Saussurea involucrate (SI), Saussurea obvallata (SO), Saussurea laniceps (SL), Saussurea medusa (SM), Saussurea stella (SS) and Saussurea tridactyla (ST). We review the pharmacological and related molecular mechanisms by which these components exert antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects and promote lipid catabolism, and provide a reference for the future study of the traditional Chinese medicinal chemistry and pharmacological activities of snow lotus.

Advances in chemical constituents of isoquinoline alkaloids from Nelumbo nucifera and their smooth muscle relaxation effect / 中国中药杂志

Lotus( Nelumbo nucifera) is a traditional medicinal plant,and nowadays it is regarded both as medicine and food. It is widespread across China and rich in natural resources. Almost every part of N. nucifera could be used for medical or edible purpose,including seeds( Lianzi),black ripe fruits( Shilianzi),seed coats( Lianyi),green embryos of mature seed( Lianzixin),flowers( Lianhua),stamens( Lianxu),receptacles( Lianfang),leaves( Heye),leaf or flower stalks( Hegeng),leaf bases( Heyedi),rhizomes( Ou) and rhizome nodes( Oujie). Therefore,this plant is praised as a commercial crop with great economic values. Isoquinoline type alkaloids are the main chemical components of lotus. Smooth muscles usually exist in the digestive tract,respiratory tract and vascular,urinary,reproductive and other human systems. Dysfunction of smooth muscle contraction will induce many diseases including hypertension,asthma and gastrointestinal disorder,etc.,and most of current therapeutic strategies rely on relaxation of smooth muscle by drugs.Previous studies have shown that alkaloids of lotus have strong relaxation activity on smooth muscle. The present paper reviews phytochemistry and smooth muscle relaxation activity of 59 isoquinoline alkaloids from N. nucifera through accessing CNKI,PubMed and multiple databases for biomedical sciences.

Evaluation of In vitro Antioxidant Potentials of Nymphaea lotus and Nymphaea pubescens Seed Oils

Aim: The study is aimed at assessing the antioxidant potentials of Nymphaea lotusand Nymphaea pubescensseed oils. Study Design:It was designed to extract oil from the seeds and investigate their antioxidant properties to indicate their capabilities to improve oxidative stability. Place and Duration of Study:The research was conducted between August 2016 and January 2017 atDepartment of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano State-Nigeria. Methodology: 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reducing power assays were used to determine free radical scavenging activities and reducing power potential of Nymphaea lotusand Nymphaea pubescensseed oils. Results:From the DPPH radical scavenging assay, It shows that the IC50value of the ascorbic acid (reference standard) was found to be higher (13.23± 0.16?g/ml) compared to Nymphaea lotusseed oil (8.82 ± 0.82?g/ml). The IC50 value of Nymphaea pubescensseed oil was also compared with the standard and was found to be (41.76 ± 0.98?g/ml) higher than ascorbic acid (13.23± 0.16?g/ml). The lower the IC50 value the higher the antioxidant activity of the oil. The order of the effectiveness of reducing capabilities of the oils was found to be N. lotusseed oil > ascorbic acid> N. pubescensseedoil.Gas chromatographic coupled mass spectroscopy analysis of the N. lotusseed oil showed that Dihydrocarveol (0.87%), Eicosane (1.10%), Lupeol (14.75%), Tetracosane (2.14%) and Viridiflorol (13.72%) were the major antioxidants compounds identified whereas Palmitic acid (23.57), Eicosane (7.65%), Oleic acid (37.85%), Tetracosane (3.10%) and Squalene (1.58%) were the major antioxidants detected in N. pubescensseed oil. Compared with standard (ascorbic acid), the results show that N. lotusseed oil possessed highest antioxidant potential. The higher antioxidant potential displayed by Nymphaea lotusseed oil could be attributed to the presence of these compounds that could act synergistically.Conclusion:Therefore, Nymphaea lotus seed oil and Nymphaea pubescensseed oil contains natural antioxidants that can improveoxidative stability.

Methane production from four forages at three maturity stages in a ruminal in vitro system / Producción de metano de cuatro forrajes en tres estados de madurez en un sistema ruminal in vitro / Produção de metano de quatro forragens em três estágios de maturidade em um sistema ruminal in vitro

Abstract Background: Forage characteristics can modify in vitro methane production. There is little information about in vitro methane production of legumes and grasses at different maturity stages in tropical highland grazing systems. Objective: To evaluate the effect of species and forage maturity on in vitro methane production. Methods: Four forage species grown in tropical highlands of Colombia, two grasses: Kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus, previously named Pennisetum clandestinum) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne var. Samsum), and two legumes: Lotus (Lotus uliginosus var. Maku) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) were harvested in two paddocks at three maturity stages (young, intermediate, and mature). In vitro 48 h gas production was measured and methane proportion in gas was quantified by gas chromatography. Data were analysed as a randomized complete block (paddocks) design with a factorial arrangement 4×3 (4 species × 3 maturity stages) using the GLM procedure of SAS®. Results: Lotus produced less methane (p<0.01) than ryegrass, clover, and kikuyu (35.5 vs 64.7, 55.7 or 51.4 mL/g degraded organic matter, respectively). Younger forages produced less methane than intermediate and mature forages (42.8 vs 56.3 and 56.4 mL/g degraded organic matter, respectively). Cellulose concentration and organic matter degradability explained 67% (p<0.01) of methane production. Conclusion: Forage composition, presence of condensed tannins, and changes in fermentation patterns may explain the differences observed in in vitro methane production among species and maturity stages.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las características de los forrajes pueden afectar la producción de metano. Hay poca información sobre la producción de metano de leguminosas y gramíneas en diferentes estados de madurez en los sistemas pastoriles de trópico alto. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la especie y la madurez de los forrajes sobre la producción de metano in vitro. Métodos: Cuatro especies forrajeras de trópico alto colombiano, dos gramíneas: Kikuyo (Cenchrus clandestinus, anteriormente llamado Pennisetum clandestinum) y ryegrass (Lolium perenne var. Samsum) y dos leguminosas: Lotus (Lotus uliginosus var. Maku) y trébol rojo (Trifolium pratense), fueron cosechadas de dos parcelas en tres estados de madurez (joven, intermedio y maduro). Se midió la producción de gas in vitro a las 48 h y la proporción de metano en el gas por cromatografía de gases. Los datos se analizaron empleando un diseño de bloques completos al azar (parcelas) con un arreglo factorial 4×3 (4 especies × 3 estados de madurez) mediante el procedimiento GLM de SAS®. Resultados: El lotus produjo menos metano (p<0,01) que el ryegrass, trébol o kikuyo (35,5 vs 64,7, 55,7 o 51,4 mL/g materia orgánica degradada, respectivamente). Los forrajes jóvenes produjeron menos metano que aquellos de edad intermedia y madura (42,8 vs 56,3 y 56,4 mL/g materia orgánica degradada, respectivamente). La concentración de celulosa y la digestibilidad de la materia orgánica explicaron el 67% (p<0,01) de la producción de metano. Conclusión: La composición de la pastura, la concentración de taninos condensados y los cambios en los patrones de fermentación pueden explicar las diferencias en la producción de metano in vitro según la especie y madurez del forraje.

Resumo Antecedentes: As caraterísticas das forragens podem modificar a produção de metano. Existe pouca informação sobre a produção de metano de leguminosas e gramíneas em diferentes fases de maturidade nos sistemas de pastoreio de trópico alto. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da espécie e a maturidade das forragens sobre a produção de metano in vitro. Métodos: Quatro espécies de forragens de trópico alto colombiano, duas gramíneas: Capim quicuio (Cenchrus clandestinus), antigamente chamado Pennisetum clandestinum) e azevém (Lolium perenne var. Samsum) e duas leguminosas: Trevina (Lotus uliginosus var. Maku) y trevo (Trifolium pratense), foram colhidas de duas parcelas diferentes em três fases diferentes de maturidade (jovem, intermedia e madura). Foi avaliada a produção de gás in vitro às 48 h e a proporção de metano foi determinada por cromatografia de gases. Os dados foram analisados com um delineamento em blocos ao acaso (parcelas) com um arranjo fatorial 4×3 (4 espécies × 3 fases de maturidade) utilizando o procedimento GLM de SAS®. Resultados: Trevina produz menos metano (p<0,01) que azevém, trevo o capim quicuio (35,5 vs 64,7, 55,7 ou 51,4 mL/g matéria orgânica degradada, respetivamente). Forragens jovens produzem menos metano que forragens com idade intermedia e matura (42,8 vs 56,3 y 56,4 mL/g matéria orgânica degradada, respetivamente). A concentração de celulosa e a digestibilidade da matéria orgânica explicaram o 67% (p<0,01) da produção de metano. Conclusão: A composição da pastagem, a concentração de taninos condensados e as mudanças nos padrões de fermentação podem explicar as diferencias na produção de metano in vitro entre espécies e maturidade de forragens.

A comparative study on antioxidant activity of different parts of lotus (Nelumbo nuficera Gaertn) rhizome

Abstract In this study, the antioxidant activities of different parts of lotus (Nelumbo nuficera Gaertn) rhizome were compared. The total phenolic content of lotus rhizome was determined, and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay and β-carotene-linoleic acid assay were performed to assess the antioxidant activity of lotus rhizome. Results showed that there was a significant difference in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity between any two of four parts of lotus rhizome. The order of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in different parts of lotus rhizome was as follows: peel of old lotus rhizome > peel of young lotus rhizome > flesh of old lotus rhizome > flesh of young lotus rhizome. The total phenol content is significantly positive correlated with the antioxidant activity in different parts of lotus rhizome. This study has provided a basis for further exploring the antioxidant components in lotus rhizome.

Inhibitory Effect of Total Alkaloids from Lotus Seed on Human Hepatoma Cells / 中国药师

Objective: To study the inhibitory effect of total alkaloids from lotus seed on human hepatoma HepG2 cells.Methods: The effect of total alkaloids from lotus seed on the growth of HepG2 cells was studied by CCK-8 kit.The apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells was detected by flow cytometry.Results: When the action time was the same, with the increase of drug concentration, the inhibitory rate of total alkaloids from lotus seed on HepG2 cells increased, in a dose-dependent manner.At 72 h, the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of total alkaloids from lotus seed on HepG2 cells was 1.501 μg·ml-1.At the same concentration, the inhibitory rate of the total alkaloids from lotus seed on HepG2 cells increased with the extension of the action time.At 72 h, the inhibition rate of 10 μg·ml-1 total alkaloids from lotus seed reached 72%.After treated with the total alkaloids from lotus seed at different concentrations, the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner.Compared with the blank control group, the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05), and the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells was 85.6% treated with 20 μg·ml-1 total alkaloids from lotus seed.Conclusion: The total alkaloids from lotus seed can induce cell apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells.

Overall intestinal permeability of multiple components in lotus leaf by in situ single pass intestinal perfusion models / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the overall intestinal permeability of multiple components in lotus leaves and make clear the interaction in composition absorption process. Rat single-pass intestinal perfusion technique was used, and the results showed that the Peff values of nuciferine, demethylanuciferine, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol from lotus leaf were greater than 0.5×10⁻⁴ cm•s⁻¹. In the biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) intestinal permeability property, these ingredients were high permeable components, while the hyperin was low permeable component. However, in the multi-component environment of the lotus leaf extract, component permeation was changed. Semi quantitative analysis of the unclear components showed that under the multi-component environment, four in seven components with relatively high contents had a Peff value less than 0.5×10⁻⁴ cm•s⁻¹, indicating these 4 components were of low permeability, while other 3 components were of high permeability. The results could be valuable to make clear the overall intestinal permeability of multiple components in lotus leaf, and lay a foundation for studying the mechanism of the lipid-lowering effect of lotus leaf.

Bioassay-guided isolation of novel and selective urease inhibitors from Diospyros lotus / 中国天然药物

Two new dimeric naphthoquinones, 5',8'-dihydroxy-6,6'-dimethyl-7,3'-binaphthyl-1,4,1',4'-tetraone (1; Di-naphthodiospyrol D) and 5',8'-dihydroxy-5,8-dimethoxy-6,6'-dimethyl-7,3'-binaphthyl-1,4,1',4'-tetraone (2; Di-naphthodiospyrol E), along with known naphthoquinones diospyrin (3) and 8-hydroxy diospyrin (4) were isolated from the chloroform fraction of extract of Diospyros lotus roots. Their structures were elucidated by advanced spectroscopic analyses, including HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, and J-resolved NMR experiments. The fractions and compounds 1-4 were evaluated for urease activity and phosphodiesterase-I, carbonic anhydrase-II and α-chymotrypsin enzyme inhibitory activities. Compounds 1 and 2 and their corresponding fractions showed significant and selective inhibitory effects on urease activities. The IC values of 1 and 2 were 260.4 ± 6.37 and 381.4 ± 4.80 µmol·L, respectively, using thiourea (IC = 21 ± 0.11 µmol·L) as the standard inhibitor. This was the first report demonstrating that the naphthoquinones class showed urease inhibition.

Seed colour affects light and temperature requirements during germination in two Lotus species (Fabaceae) of the Arabian subtropical deserts / El color de la semilla afecta los requerimientos de luz y temperatura durante la germinación en dos especies de Lotus (Fabaceae) de los desiertos subtropicales árabes

AbstractHeterogeneity in seeds mostly occurs due to physiological, environmental and genetic factors, and these could affect seed dormancy and germination. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the effect of seed colour on germination behavior. For this, both light and temperature requirements were assessed in Lotus glinoides and Lotus halophilus (Fabaceae) from the hyper-arid deserts of the United Arab Emirates. Germination was assessed in terms of both final germination level (percentage) and germination rate, as expressed by Timson’s germination velocity index. Lotus glinoides produces black and yellow-colored seeds, and L. halophilus produces green and yellow seeds. Different seed lots were germinated in both light and darkness at different temperatures. Yellow seeds of the two species attained significantly lower germination, compared to black and green seeds. There was no specific light or temperature requirements for the germination of the two coloured seeds of L. glinoides; the effect of interactions between seed colour and both light and incubation temperature, were not significant on the final germination percentage. in L. halophilus, green seeds germinated significantly more in both light and darkness at lower temperatures (15/25 °C) and in light at higher temperatures (25/35 °C), compared to yellow seeds. Yellow seeds germinated faster, compared to black at 15/25 °C in L. glinoides and compared to green seeds at 15/25 °C and 25/35 °C in L. halophilus. Seed colour variation, at least in L. halophilus, could be a survival strategy that would determine the time of germination throughout the year in the unpredictable desert environment. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 483-492. Epub 2016 June 01.

ResumenLa heterogeneidad en las semillas se produce principalmente debido a factores fisiológicos, genéticos y ambientales, y esto podría afectar latencia de las semillas y la germinación. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar el efecto del color de la semilla en el comportamiento de la germinación. Para ello, tanto los requisitos de luz y temperatura fueron evaluados en Lotus glinoides y Lotus halophilus (Fabaceae) desde los desiertos hiper-árida de los Emiratos Árabes Unidos. La germinación se evaluó en términos de nivel final de germinación (porcentaje) y la tasa de germinación, expresado por el índice de velocidad de germinación de Timson. L. glinoides produce semillas negro y de color amarillo, y L. halophilus produce semillas verdes y amarillas. Los diferentes lotes de semillas fueron germinadas en luz y oscuridad a diferentes temperaturas. Semillas amarillas de las dos especies alcanzaron significativamente menor germinación, en comparación con las semillas negras y verdes. No había requisitos específicos de luz o temperatura para la germinación de las semillas de dos colores de L. glinoides; el efecto de las interacciones entre color de la semilla y la luz y la temperatura de incubación, no fueron significativas en el porcentaje final de germinación. En L. halophilus, semillas verdes germinados significativamente más en la luz y la oscuridad a temperaturas más bajas (15/25 °C) ya la luz a temperaturas más altas (25/35 °C), en comparación con semillas amarillas. Semillas amarillas germinaron más rápido, en comparación con el negro a 15/25 °C en L. glinoides y en comparación con semillas verdes a 15/25 °C y 25/35 °C en L. halophilus. La variación del color de la semilla, al menos en L. halophilus, podría ser una estrategia de supervivencia que determinaría el momento de la germinación durante todo el año en el entorno del desierto impredecible.

In silico cloning and bioinformatics analysis of cyclophilin from Lotus corniculatus / 中草药

Objective: Using electronic cloning technology to predict cyclophilin gene of Lotus corniculatus. Methods: Using glycine max cyclophilin sequence as probe sequence, based on EST sequence from NCBI and assembled by CAP3 sequence assembly programme, using bioinformatic database and related software, the structure prediction and function analysis were performed. Results: The full length of cyclophilin gene was 1 346 bp, it contained a 771 bp ORF, encoding 256 amino acids, and the protein was a hydrophilic protein. Conclusion: The study is intended to further explain the molecular genetic function theory and experimental basis.

Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of bioactive alkaloids from lotus plumule using response surface methodology☆ / 药物分析学报

In this work, a fast and efficient microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method was developed to extract main bioactive alkaloids from lotus plumue. To optimize MAE conditions, three main factors were selected using univariate approach experiments, and then central composite design (CCD). The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: methanol concentration of 65%, microwave power of 200 W, and extraction time of 260 s. A high performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector (HPLC–DAD) method was established to quantitatively analyze these phytochemicals in different lotus plumule samples and in different part of lotus. Chromatographic separation was carried out on an Agilent Zorbax Extend-C18 column (4.6 mm×150 mm, 3.5 μm). Gradient elution was applied with the mobile phase constituted with 0.1%triethylamine in water (A) and acetonitrile (B): 40%?70% B at 0?8 min, 70%?100% B at 8–9 min, 100% B for 2 min, and then equilibrated with 40%B for 2 min.

Effects of lotus leaf on inflammatory factors and liver AdipoR2 expressions in rats with NAFLD induced by high fat diet and high glucose / 中国中药杂志

Lotus leaf (LL) is one of the traditional Chinese herbs which can be used for both pharmaceutical and food application, and it posses lipid regulating efficacy. To observe the effect of LL on experimental nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its potential mechanism, a NAFLD model was established by feeding SD rat with high-fat and high-glucose diet. LL was administrated to rats in experiment group at the same time. AST,ALT,Cr,BUN,GLU levels in serum were determined by automatic biochemical analyser and TNF-α,IL-6,INS,ADPN,LEP and liver NF-κB,TGF-β1 levels were determined by ELISA according to the specification of the kits. HE staining was applied for histopathological examination and RT-PCR,Western blot was applied for AdipoR2 mRNA and protein expression．Results have shown that LL could significantly decrease ALT,AST,IL-6 level in serum and NF-κB,TGF-β1 level in liver,promote adiponectin content in serum and AdipoR2 protein expression in liver and could alleviate hepatocyte lipid degeneration. These results indicating that LL has protective effect for NAFLD induced by high-fat and high-glucose diet via promoting AdipoR2 expression, improving insulin resistance and inhibiting inflammatory reaction.

Overall intestinal permeability of multiple components in lotus leaves / 中国中药杂志

In the study of biopharmaceutics classification system of Chinese materia medica (CMMBCS), the interactions of multiple components in the absorption should be taken into consideration in simultaneous multi-component determination. To investigate the absorption of multiple components, the in vitro everted gut sac model was used in this study, wtih lotus leaves as the research object. Aquantitative analysis was also carried out for the known components in this study. Totally 19 components in lotus extracts were absorbed by the intestinal tract, the Papp levels of the known components were nuciferine (1×10⁻⁵-1×10⁻⁶ cm•s⁻¹), rutin (1×10⁻⁶-1×10⁻⁷ cm•s⁻¹), hyperoside (1×10⁻⁶ cm•s⁻¹), isoquercitrin (1×10⁻⁶-1×10⁻⁷ cm•s⁻¹) and astragalin (1×10⁻⁶-1×10⁻⁷ cm•s⁻¹), respectively. These components showed a low permeability under a multi-component environment. This study was carried out to lay a foundation for further relevant target studies for different categories of components.

Prophylactic effects of alkaloids from Ba lotus seeds on L-NNA-induced hypertension in mice / 中国天然药物

Alkaloids from Ba lotus seeds (ABLS) are a kind of important functional compounds in lotus seeds. The present study was designed to determine its hypertension prophylactic effects in the L-NNA-induced mouse hypertension model. The mice were treated with ABLS, the serum and tissues levels of NO, MDA, ET-1, VEGF, and CGRP were determined using the experimental kits, the mRNA levels of various genes in the heart muscle and blood vessel tissues were further determined by RT-PCR assay. ABLS could reduce the systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), compared to that of the model control group. After ABLS treatment, the NO (nitric oxide) contents in serum, heart, liver, kidney and stomach of the mice were higher than that of the control mice, but the MDA (malonaldehyde) contents were lower than that of the control mice. The serum levels of ET-1 (endothelin-1), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) were decreased after ABLS treatment, but CGRP (calcium gene related peptide) level was increased. The ABLS treated mice had higher mRNA expressions of HO-1, nNOS, and eNOS and lower expressions of ADM, RAMP2, IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS than the control mice. Higher concentration of ABLS had greater prophylactic effects, which were close to that of the hypertension drug captopril. These results indicated the hypertension prophylactic effects of ABLS could be further explored as novel medicine or functional food in the future.