Cardiotoxicity of (-)-borneol, (+)-borneol, and isoborneol in zebrafish embryos is associated with Na+ /K+ -ATPase and Ca2+ -ATPase inhibition.

Borneol is an example of traditional Chinese medicine widely used in Asia. There are different isomers of chiral borneol in the market, but its toxicity and effects need further study. In this study, we used zebrafish embryos to examine the effects of exposure to three isomers of borneol [(-)-borneol, (+)-borneol, and isoborneol] on heart development and the association with Na+ /K+ -ATPase from 4 h post-fertilization (4 hpf). The results showed that the three isomers of borneol increased mortality and decreased hatching rate when the zebrafish embryo developed to 72 hpf. All three isomers of borneol (0.01-1.0 mM) significantly reduced heart rate from 48 to 120 hpf and reduced the expression of genes related to Ca2+ -ATPase (cacna1ab and cacna1da) and Na+ /K+ -ATPase (atp1b2b, atp1a3b, and atp1a2). At the same time, the three isomers of borneol significantly reduced the activities of Ca2+ -ATPase and Na+ /K+ -ATPase at 0.1 to 1.0 mM. (+)-Borneol caused the most significant reduction (p < 0.05), followed by isoborneol and (-)-borneol. Na+ /K+ -ATPase was mainly expressed in otic vesicles and protonephridium. All three isomers of borneol reduced Na+ /K+ -ATPase mRNA expression, but isoborneol was the most significant (p < 0.01). Our results indicated that (+)-borneol was the least toxic of the three isomers while the isoborneol showed the most substantial toxic effect, closely related to effects on Na+ /K+ -ATPase.

Preparation and Characterization of Aprepitant Solid Dispersion with HPMCAS-LF.

This study focused on improving the physicochemical characteristics of aprepitant with poor water solubility by preparing solid dispersion (SD). To prepare the SD with HPMCAS-LF, the solvent evaporation method was applied. Based on dissolution analysis, the dissolution rate of SD increased by five times compared with aprepitant. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results suggested the presence of amorphous-form aprepitant inside SD. According to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, intermolecular hydrogen bonds were detected between polymer and aprepitant. The Caco-2 cell experiment proved that SD did not lower the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values but improved the permeation amount of aprepitant. Additionally, the SD of aprepitant displayed excellent stability.

Fabrication of an aprepitant nanosuspension using hydroxypropyl chitosan to increase the bioavailability.

Aprepitant has been classified into BCS class IV, which has low permeability and poor water solubility, resulting in low bioavailability. This study focused on improving its permeability and solubility in order to improve the oral bioavailability of aprepitant. Hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCS) was used as a stabilizer for the nanosuspension and wet milling was utilized for improving aprepitant's bioavailability and solubility. The resulting nanosuspension size was 151 ± 14.5 nm and its zeta potential was 63.5 ± 0.34 Mv. The spectral characteristics (XRPD, DSC, TEM) of the nanosuspension suggested that aprepitant existed in the crystalline form and that nanosuspension had 2-fold higher solubility than aprepitant. Hydroxypropyl chitosan can significantly reduce the TEER of Caco-2 cells and the Papp of the suspension in Caco-2 cells increased by 2.2 times compared with aprepitant. The relative bioavailability of the nanosuspension was 147.7% compared with the commercial capsule.

Mongolian medicine: History, development and existing problems.

Mongolian medicine (MM) is an important part of Mongolian culture. Exploration of MM can play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases and can help provide better health care globally. In this article, we gave a brief introduction to the origin and development of MM, the theoretical system of MM, the principles of Mongolian materia medica formula, the modern research on Mongolian materia medica and the quality control of Mongolian materia medica. The present situation and outlook of MM were also discussed.

Mongolian medicine in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via FXR/LXR-mediated P2X7R/NLRP3/NF-κB pathway activation.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the most problematic metabolic diseases in the world. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of severity, ranging from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Importantly, NAFLD is closely linked to obesity and tightly interrelated with insulin resistance and T2DM. T2DM and NAFLD (T2DM-NAFLD) are called as the Xike Rixijing Disease and Tonglaga Indigestion Disease respectively, in Mongolian medicine. Xike Rixijing Disease maybe develop into Tonglaga Indigestion Disease. Forturnately many Mongolian medicines show efficient treatment of T2DM-NAFLD, such as Agriophyllum squarrosum, Haliyasu (dried powder of camel placenta), Digeda-4 (herbs of Lomatogonium carinthiacum, rhizomata of Coptis chinensis, ripe fruits of Gardenia jasminoides, herbs of Dianthus superbus), Guangmingyan Siwei Decoction Powder (Halite, ripe fruits of Terminalia chebula, rhizomata of Zingiber officinale, fruit clusters of Piper longum), Tonglaga-5 (ripe fruits of Punica granatum, barks of Cinnamomum cassia, ripe fruits of Amomum kravanh, fruit clusters of Piper longum, flowers of Carthamus tinctorius), Tegexidegeqi (rhizomata of Inula helenium, ripe fruits of Gardenia jasminoides, rhizomata of Platycodon grandiflorum, rhizomata of Coptis chinensis, heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan), Ligan Shiliu Bawei San (ripe fruits of Punica granatum, barks of Cinnamomum cassia, ripe fruits of Amomum kravanh, fruit clusters of Piper longum, flowers of Carthamus tinctorius, ripe fruits of Amomum tsao-ko, rhizomata of Zingiber officinale), etc. Principles of Mongolian medicine in treating diseases: by balancing "three essences or roots" and "seven elements", strengthening liver and kidney function, transporting nutrients to enhance physical strength and disease resistance, and combined with drugs for comprehensive conditioning treatment. However, their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this review, we prospect that Mongolian medicines might be a promising treatment for T2DM-NAFLD by activating P2X7R/NLRP3/NF-κB inflammatory pathway via lipid-sensitive nuclear receptors (i.e., FXR and LXR).

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride causes hyperactivity in zebrafish via modulation of the serotonin pathway.

This study aimed to explore behavioral changes of embryonic and larval zebrafish caused by pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (PSE) and its underlying mechanism. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0.5 µM, 2 µM, and 8 µM PSE at 4 h post-fertilization (4 hpf) or 22-23 hpf. Mortality, hatching rate, coiling frequency, heart rate, behavior changes, and related gene expression were observed at different developmental stages. PSE below 8 µM did not affect zebrafish mortality, hatching rate, and heart rate compared with the control group. For embryos, PSE caused an increase at 16-32 hpf in zebrafish coiling frequency which could be rescued by serotonin antagonist WAY100635. Similarly, PSE caused an increase in the swimming distance of zebrafish larvae at 120 hpf. PSE also elevated the expression of serotonin (5-HT)-related genes 5-htr1ab and tph2 and dopamine-related gene dbh. Behavioral changes in zebrafish embryos and larvae caused by PSE may be closely associated with increased expression of 5-HT and dopamine-related genes. This may be reflected that the behavioral changes in zebrafish are a possible PSE monitoring indicator.

Developmental disorders caused by cefixime in the otic vesicles of zebrafish embryos or larvae.

To explore the developmental toxicity of cefixime (CE) in the developmental disorder and toxicity mechanism of CE on otic vesicles, zebrafish embryos were used as an animal model. The results showed that CE increased mortality in a dose-dependent manner and decreased the hatching rate of zebrafish larva at 96 hpf. Interestingly, CE significantly reduced the area of the saccule and utricle, as well as the area of otic vesicles in zebrafish larvae (p < 0.001). Fibroblast growth factor 8a (Fgf8a) inhibitors and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) inhibitors caused similar morphological changes. CE decreased the lateral hair cells of zebrafish larvae in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CE caused the downregulation of cartilage and bone-related genes and Na+/K+-ATPase-related genes of zebrafish larvae at 72 hpf and 120 hpf according to RT-qPCR. A comparison with the control group revealed that 100 µg/mL CE also caused a decrease in Na+/K+-ATPase activity (p < 0.01). In addition, antibody staining verified that CE inhibited the expression of Na+/K+-ATPase in the otic vesicles and the nephridium of zebrafish larvae. The data obtained in this study suggested that CE has significant ototoxicity during embryonic development of zebrafish, which is closely related to Na+/K+-ATPase and the regulation of the Fgf8a/BMP signaling pathways. The effects and toxicity of CE on ear development in other animal models need to be further explored.

Nigrumol A, a new triterpenoid from Empetrum nigrum subsp. asiaticum (Nakai ex H.Ito) Kuvaev.

A new triterpenoid, named nigrumol A (1), along with 5 known triterpenoids were isolated from the aerial parts of Empetrum nigrum subsp. asiaticum (Nakai ex H.Ito) Kuvaev (E. nigrum) . The structure of 1 was elucidated by analysis of its spectroscopic data, including UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS and extensive 1 D and 2 D NMR techniques. Compound 1 showed that it could decrease ethanol-induced or CCl4-induced L02 cell toxicity effectively.[Formula: see text].

The first high-quality chromosomal genome assembly of a medicinal and edible plant Arctium lappa.

Arctium lappa has a long medicinal and edible history with great economic importance. Here, the first high-quality chromosome-level draft genome of A. lappa was presented by the Illumina and PacBio sequencing data. The assembled genome was approximately 1.79 Gb with a N50 contig size of 6.88 Mb. Approximately 1.70 Gb (95.4%) of the contig sequences were anchored onto 18 chromosomes using Hi-C data; the scaffold N50 was improved to be 91.64 Mb. Furthermore, we obtained 1.12 Gb (68.46%) of repetitive sequences and 32,771 protein-coding genes; 616 positively selected candidate genes were identified. Among candidate genes related to lignan biosynthesis, the following were found to be highly correlated with the accumulation of arctiin: 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL), dirigent protein (DIR), and hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT). Additionally, we compared the transcriptomes of A. lappa roots at three different developmental stages and identified 8,943 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in these tissues. These data can be utilized to identify genes related to A. lappa quality or provide a basis for molecular identification and comparative genomics among related species.

[Textual research on classical prescriptions in Mongolian medicine].

Mongolians have a long history of using prescriptions, which can be classified into four stages as follows: the germination and experience accumulation stage before the 13 th century, the theoretical formation stage from the 13 th to 16 th century, the rapid development stage from the 17 th to 20 th century, and the leaping development stage from the mid-20 th century to the present. The prescriptions from the ancient classical or representative medical books have always been used by Mongolian physicians for generations, and they are still in use due to the definite curative effects. In 2008, the Notice on Issuing the Supplementary Provisions to the Registration and Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) described that China has attached more importance to the excavation and development of classical prescriptions. As stipulated in the Law of the People's Republic of China on Traditional Chinese Medicine, the classical prescriptions should be those available in ancient TCM classics and still in wide use, with exact curative effects, distinct features, and obvious advantages. This paper expounded the historical formation and development of classical prescriptions in Mongo-lian medicine, introduced the five most influential ancient medical books revealing the formation and development of these classic prescriptions, and traced the origin of such classical prescriptions as Wenguanmu Siwei Decoction, Shouzhangshen Bawei Decoction, Jianghuang Siwei Decoction and summarized the origin, development history and characteristics of classical prescriptions in Mongolian medicine, aiming to provide a reference for their further research and development.

Agriophyllum Oligosaccharides Ameliorate Diabetic Insulin Resistance Through INS-R/IRS/Glut4-Mediated Insulin Pathway in db/db Mice and MIN6 Cells.

We have previously reported that Agriophyllum oligosaccharides (AOS) significantly enhance glycemic control by increasing the activation of insulin receptor (INS-R), insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, and glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) proteins in hepatic tissues. However, the effect of glucose control by AOS on the regulation of pancreatic tissues in db/db mice and MIN6 cells remains to be determined. An oral dose of AOS (380 or 750 mg/kg) was administered to type-2 diabetic db/db mice for 8 weeks to determine whether AOS regulates glucose by the INS-R/IRS/Glut4-mediated insulin pathway. Meanwhile, the effects of AOS on glucose uptake and its related signaling pathway in MIN6 cells were also investigated. The results showed that the random blood glucose (RBG) level in the AOS-treated group was lower than that in the control group. AOS reduced the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and free fatty acid (FFA) and significantly improved the pathological changes in the pancreatic tissues in db/db mice. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression of INS-R, IRS-1, IRS-2, and Glut4 was increased in the AOS-treated group than in the model group. Further, in vitro experiments using MIN6 cells showed that AOS regulated INS-R, IRS-1, IRS-2, and Glut4 protein and mRNA levels and attenuated insulin resistance and cell apoptosis. The results of both in vitro and in vivo experiments were comparable. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis of AOS with precolumn derivatization with 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC) tentatively identified five types of sugars: glucose, lactose, rutinose, glucuronic acid, and maltotriose. Our present study clearly showed that AOS is efficacious in preventing hyperglycemia, possibly by increasing insulin sensitivity and improving IR by regulating the INS-R/IRS/Glut4 insulin signal pathway. Therefore, AOS may be considered as a potential drug for diabetes treatment.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Aucklandia lappa Decne. (Asteraceae, Aucklandia Falc.).

The complete mitochondrial genome of Aucklandia lappa was sequenced for the first time. The mitochondrial genome length was 320,439 bp, with 45.05% GC contents. There were 67 genes annotated, including 31 known protein-coding genes, 25 tRNAs, and six rRNAs. The maximum likelihood method was used to establish the phylogenetic tree of 37 species. Results have shown that A. lappa and Arctium lappa were sister groups. It reveals the genetic relationship between different species and provides a theoretical basis for the establishment of a classification system.

Inhibitory Effects of Euphorbia ebracteolata Hayata Extract ECB on Melanoma-Induced Hyperplasia of Blood Vessels in Zebrafish Embryos.

Melanoma is a serious malignant form of skin cancer. Euphorbiaceae compound B (ECB, 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methylacetophenone) is an acetophenone compound that is isolated from Euphorbia ebracteolata Hayata (EEH), an herbaceous perennial, and has antitumor activity. Here, we transplanted human melanoma cells into zebrafish embryos to establish a zebrafish/melanoma model. We showed that this model can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of EEH and ECB and discussed its potential mechanism of action. The results showed that ECB was an active ingredient of EEH in inhibiting melanoma-induced hyperplasia of blood vessels in zebrafish embryos, similar to the angiogenic inhibitor vatalanib. ECB inhibited the number and length of subintestinal veins (p < 0.05), as well as the distribution of melanoma in zebrafish embryos (p < 0.05). More importantly, unlike vatalanib, ECB only inhibited melanoma-induced abnormal and excessive growth of blood vessels in xenografts. In addition, ECB inhibited the mRNA expression of vegfr2 and vegfr3 in zebrafish. Both vegfr2 and vegfr3 are essential genes that regulate blood vessel formation and upregulate the expression of p53 and casp3a genes in zebrafish. Together, the above-mentioned results indicate that ECB has a potential antimelanoma effect in vivo, which may be mediated by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Aconitum kusnezoffii Rchb. (Ranales, Ranunculaceae).

Aconitum kusnezoffii Rchb. is a medicinal plant in the Ranunculaceae family. In this study, we report the first complete mitochondrial genome of A. kusnezoffii. The total length of the mitochondrial genome of A. kusnezoffii is 440,720 bp and the GC content of 46.85%. The mitochondrial genome contained 37 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNAs, and three rRNAs. These data will provide the basis for the systematic evolutionary analysis of Ranunculaceae.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (Fabales, Leguminosae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of an important medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. is reported for the first time. The mitochondrial genome sequence of G. uralensis was 463,869 bp in length and had a GC content of 45.19%. The genome contained 40 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 30 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and three ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). The phylogenetic tree was built based on 25 plants, using the maximum-likelihood method. These data will provide certain help to determine the taxonomic status of G. uralensis.

Aconitine disrupts serotonin neurotransmission via 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor in zebrafish embryo.

Medicinal plants of the genus Aconitum are one of the most commonly used herbs in traditional medicine in East Asia to treat conditions related to the heart, pain, or inflammation. However, these herbs are also dangerous as accidental poisoning due to misuse is a recurring issue. These plants contain a number of diester-diterpenoid alkaloid compounds and aconitine is the most abundant and active one. This study investigated neurotoxicity of aconitine to zebrafish embryos in early development in relation to serotonin regulation. Experimental results showed that aconitine exposure (1, 10, and 100 µM) increased frequency of coiling behavior in zebrafish embryos in a dose-dependent manner and this effect can be triggered by either exposure to 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor agonist (±)-8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) or overexpression of serotonin receptor 5-htr1ab. At the same time, coiling behavior caused by aconitine exposure could be rescued by co-exposure to 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 Maleate (WAY100635) and knockdown of 5-htr1ab using morpholino. Exposure to aconitine also significantly increased serotonin receptor 5-htr1ab and 5-htr1bd gene expression at 24 h post fertilization (hpf), but decreased their expression and protein expression of the serotonin receptor at 96 hpf with the high dose. These results suggest that neurotoxicity caused by aconitine is mediated through the 5-HT receptor.

Overview of metalomics research and its application prospect in mineral Chinese medicine research / 中国中药杂志

Metallomics is a frontier interdisciplinary subject at its vigorous development stage. Its goal is to systematically study the content, distribution, chemical species, structural characteristics and functions of metal elements in biological system. It is also a comprehensive discipline to study the existing state and function of free or complex metal elements in life. Metallomics is an ideal tool to study the biological behavior of inorganic elements, which can be used to solve many problems in the research of mineral Chinese medicine(MCM). It provides a strong theoretical basis and technical support for the research of MCM. Its theory and methods provide re-ference and enlightenment for the in-depth study of MCM, and also provide new ideas and open up new ways for the research of MCM. The application of metallomics theory and methods in the research of MCM is of great significance to reveal the material basis and mec-hanism of MCM, promote the process of basic research on MCM, fully exploit and utilize medicinal mineral resources and carry forward the traditional MCM treasure in China. In this paper, we introduced the concept, academic development, research content and research methods of metallomics, and discussed the application prospects of metallomics in the analysis of inorganic element composition characteristics and quality control, material basis and mechanism of MCM, so as to provide reference for further researches on MCM.

Metabonomics research on lung tissue of rats with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with mineral Chinese medicine Chloriti Lapis / 中国中药杂志

To study the effect of mineral Chloriti Lapis on pulmonary metabolites and metabolic pathways in lung tissues of rats with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD). The AECOPD rat model of phlegm heat syndrome was replicated by the method of smoking combined with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Except for using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis, SPSS 18.0, SIMCA 13.0 and other software were also used for statistical analysis. Through literature search and online database comparison, the differential metabolites were identified, and the possible metabolic pathways were analyzed. After 15 days of administration, PLS-DA analysis was carried out on lung tissue samples of rats in each group. The results showed that the metabolic profiles of lung tissues of rats in each group could be well separated, which indicated that Chloriti Lapis and aminophylline had significant intervention effect on the lung metabolic profile of rats with AECOPD. Moreover, the metabolic profile of Chloriti Lapis group was closer to that of control group, and the intervention effect was better than that of aminophylline group. As a result, 15 potential differential metabolites were identified: phytosphingosine, sphinganine, tetradecanoylcarnitine, L-palmitoylcarnitine, elaidic carnitine, lysoPC[18∶2(9Z,12Z)], lysoPC(16∶0), lysoPC[18∶1(9Z)], lysoPC(18∶0), stearic acid, lysoPC(15∶0), arachidonic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid. Among them, Chloriti Lapis could significantly improve the levels of 10 differential metabolites of phytosphingosine, tetradecanoylcarnitine, L-palmitoylcarnitine, elaidic carnitine, lysoPC[18∶2(9Z,12Z)], lysoPC(16∶0), lysoPC[18∶1(9Z)], stearic acid, lysoPC(15∶0), and palmitic acid(P<0.05). The intervention effect of Chloriti Lapis group was better than that of aminophylline group. Analysis of metabolic pathways showed that there were 8 possible metabolic pathways that could be affected, and three of the most important metabolic pathways(pathway impact>0.1) were involved: linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. Chloriti Lapis had obvious intervention effects on lung tissue-related metabolites and metabolic pathways in rats with AECOPD, and the effect was better than that of aminophyllinne.

Effects of mineral Chinese medicine Chloriti Lapis on contents of metal elements in plasma and lung tissue of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD) rats / 中国中药杂志

The effects of Chloriti Lapis on metal elements in plasma and lung tissue of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease( AECOPD) rats were studied. The rat AECOPD model with phlegm heat syndrome was established by smoking combined with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. After the rats were treated by Chloriti Lapis,the contents of metal elements in plasma and lung tissue were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy( ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry( ICP-MS). The changes in the contents of metal elements were analyzed by SPSS 18. 0. Further,the correlations of differential metal elements( including Cu/Zn ratio) with differential metabolites in plasma,lung tissue and urine of AECOPD rats treated with Chloriti Lapis were analyzed. The results showed that Chloriti Lapis significantly up-regulated the contents of Fe,Al,Mn,Cu,Zn,Sn( P<0. 05),V,Co( P< 0. 01) and Cu/Zn ratio( P< 0. 05),and significantly down-regulated the contents of Ti( P< 0. 05)and Pb( P<0. 05) in the model rat plasma. It significantly increased the content of Be( P<0. 05) and decreased the contents of Mg,Ti and Al( P<0. 01) in model rat lung tissue. The element profiles of normal group,model group and Chloriti Lapis group can be well separated. Chloriti Lapis group and other groups were clustered into two categories. The taurine in plasma and phytosphingosine in lung tissue had the strongest correlations with differential metal elements. The Fe,Al,Mg,Be,Ti,V,Mn,Cu,Zn,Sn,and Co in Chloriti Lapis may directly or indirectly participate in the intervention of AECOPD rats. This group of metal elements may be the material basis of Chloriti Lapis acting on AECOPD rats,and reduce the Cu/Zn value in vivo. It was further confirmed that Chloriti Lapis could interfere with the metabolic pathways of taurine and hypotaurine in plasma and urine as well as the sphingolipid metabolism pathway in lung tissue of AECOPD rats. In addition,this study confirmed that long-term smoking can cause high-concentration Cd accumulation in the lung and damage the lung tissue.

Characteristic and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Three Medicinal Plants of Schisandraceae.

Schisandra chinensis, which has a high development value, has long been used as medicine. Its mature fruits (called Wuweizi in Chinese) have long been used in the famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recorded in the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia." Chloroplasts (CP) are the highly conserved primitive organelles in plants, which can serve as the foundation for plant classification and identification. This study introduced the structures of the CP genomes of three Schisandraceae species and analyzed their phylogenetic relationships. Comparative analyses on the three complete chloroplast genomes can provide us with useful knowledge to identify the three plants. In this study, approximately 5 g fresh leaves were harvested for chloroplast DNA isolation according to the improved extraction method. A total of three chloroplast DNAs were extracted. Afterwards, the chloroplast genomes were reconstructed using denovo combined with reference-guided assemblies. General characteristics of the chloroplast genome and genome comparison with three Schisandraceae species was analyzed by corresponding software. The total sizes of complete chloroplast genomes of S. chinensis, S. sphenanthera, and Kadsura coccinea were 146875 bp, 146842 bp, and 145399 bp, respectively. Altogether, 124 genes were annotated, including 82 protein-coding genes, 34 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs of all 3 species. In SSR analysis, only S. chinensis was annotated to hexanucleotides. Moreover, comparative analysis of chloroplast Schisandraceae genome sequences revealed that the gene order and gene content were slightly different among Schisandraceae species. Finally, phylogenetic trees were reconstructed, based on the genome-wide SNPs of 38 species. The method can be used to identify and differentially analyze Schisandraceae plants and offer useful information for phylogenetics as well as further studies on traditional medicinal plants.