Antioxidant potentials of extracts from different parts of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau.

The research aimed to explore the antioxidant potential of extracts from different parts of Clinacanthus nutans growing in Vietnam, a member of the Acanthaceae family. The plant's roots, stem and leaves were extracted using 96% ethanol. The antioxidant actions of these extracts were evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay on thin-layer plates and 96 well plates. The extract with the most potent activity was applied for distribution extraction with solvents with different polarities, including dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and water. Dry column vacuum chromatography was utilized to obtain the most antioxidant-potent extract fractions. The stem extract had the lowest IC50 value of 6.85µg/mL, showing the most potent antioxidant activity. The ethyl acetate fraction from the stem extract expressed the lowest IC50 value of 9.67µg/mL. Meanwhile, fraction 5, separated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the stem extract, had the lowest IC50 value of 9.89µg/mL. In conclusion, the extracts from different parts of Clinacanthus nutans all expressed antioxidant action at different levels, in which the stem extract, the ethyl acetate fraction and fraction 5 from the ethyl acetate fraction displayed the most effective actions. These findings highlight the promising potential of Clinacanthus nutans in treating oxidative stress-associated diseases, inspiring further research and exploration in this area.

Experimental investigation on strengthening of Zea mays root fibres for biodegradable composite materials using potassium permanganate treatment.

Humans are the only species who generate waste materials that cannot be broken down by natural processes. The ideal solution to this waste problem would be to employ only compostable materials. Biodegradable materials play a key role in creating a safer and greener world. Biodegradability is the gift that keeps on giving, in the sense of creating an Earth worth living. The future is thus best served by green energy, sustainability, and renewable resources. To realize such goals, waste should be considered as a valuable resource. In this context, Zea mays (Zm) root fibres, which are normally considered as agricultural waste, can be used as reinforcing substances in polymer matrices to produce structural composite materials. Before being used in composites, such fibres must be analysed for their physical properties. Chemical treatments can be employed to improve the structural quality of fibres, and the changes due to such modification can be analysed. Therefore, the current work examines the effect of permanganate treatment on the surface properties of Zm fibres. The raw and potassium permanganate-treated samples were assayed for various properties. Physical analysis of the fibre samples yielded details concerning the physical aspects of the fibres. The thermal conductivity and moisture absorption behaviour of the samples were analysed. Chemical analysis was employed to characterize the composition of both treated and untreated samples. p-XRD was employed to examine the crystalline nature of the Zm fibres. Numerous functional groups present in each sample were analysed by FTIR. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to determine the thermal stability of Zm fibres. Elemental analysis (CHNS and EDS) was used to determine the elemental concentrations of both raw and treated samples. The surface alterations of Zm fibres brought on by treatment were described using SEM analysis. The characteristics of Zm roots and the changes in quality due to treatment were reviewed, and there were noticeable effects due to the treatment. Both samples would have applications in various fields, and each could be used as a potential reinforcing material in the production of efficient bio-composites.

Preparation of Pueraria lobata Root-Derived Exosome-Like Nanovesicles and Evaluation of Their Effects on Mitigating Alcoholic Intoxication and Promoting Alcohol Metabolism in Mice.

Purpose: Pueraria lobata (P. lobata), a dual-purpose food and medicine, displays limited efficacy in alcohol detoxification and liver protection, with previous research primarily focused on puerarin in its dried roots. In this study, we investigated the potential effects and mechanisms of fresh P. lobata root-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (P-ELNs) for mitigating alcoholic intoxication, promoting alcohol metabolism effects and protecting the liver in C57BL/6J mice. Methods: We isolated P-ELNs from fresh P. lobata root using differential centrifugation and characterized them via transmission electron microscopy, nanoscale particle sizing, ζ potential analysis, and biochemical assays. In Acute Alcoholism (AAI) mice pre-treated with P-ELNs, we evaluated their effects on the timing and duration of the loss of the righting reflex (LORR), liver alcohol metabolism enzymes activity, liver and serum alcohol content, and ferroptosis-related markers. Results: P-ELNs, enriched in proteins, lipids, and small RNAs, exhibited an ideal size (150.7 ± 82.8 nm) and negative surface charge (-31 mV). Pre-treatment with 10 mg/(kg.bw) P-ELNs in both male and female mice significantly prolonged ebriety time, shortened sobriety time, enhanced acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity while concurrently inhibited alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, and reduced alcohol content in the liver and serum. Notably, P-ELNs demonstrated more efficacy compared to P-ELNs supernatant fluid (abundant puerarin content), suggesting alternative active components beyond puerarin. Additionally, P-ELNs prevented ferroptosis by inhibiting the reduction of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and reduced glutathione (GSH), and suppressing acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) elevation, thereby mitigating pathological liver lipid accumulation. Conclusion: P-ELNs exhibit distinct exosomal characteristics and effectively alleviate alcoholic intoxication, improve alcohol metabolism, suppress ferroptosis, and protect the liver from alcoholic injury. Consequently, P-ELNs hold promise as a therapeutic agent for detoxification, sobriety promotion, and prevention of alcoholic liver injury.

Fractionation of Carlina acaulis L. Root Methanolic Extract as a Promising Path towards New Formulations against Bacillus cereus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The root of Carlina acaulis L. has been widely used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial properties. In this study, the fractionation of methanol extract from the root was conducted. Four fractions (A, B, C, and D) were obtained and tested against a range of bacteria and fungi. The results showed promising antibacterial activity, especially against Bacillus cereus, where the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined to be equal to 0.08 mg/mL and 0.16 mg/mL for heptane (fraction B) and ethyl acetate (fraction C), respectively. In the case of the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 43300 strain, the same fractions yielded higher MIC values (2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL, respectively). This was accompanied by a lack of apparent cytotoxicity to normal human BJ foreskin fibroblasts, enterocytes derived from CaCo2 cells, and zebrafish embryos. Further analyses revealed the presence of bioactive chlorogenic acids in the fractionated extract, especially in the ethyl acetate fraction (C). These findings support the traditional use of the root from C. acaulis and pave the way for the development of new formulations for treating bacterial infections. This was further evaluated in a proof-of-concept experiment where fraction C was used in the ointment formulation, which maintained high antimicrobial activity against MRSA and displayed low toxicity towards cultured fibroblasts.

Intercropping with maize and sorghum-induced saikosaponin accumulation in Bupleurum chinense DC. by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics.

Bupleuri Radix is an important medicinal plant, which has been used in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years. Cultivated Bupleurum chinense DC. (B. chinense) is the main commodity of Bupleuri Radix. The benefits of intercropping with various crops for B. chinense have been recognized; however, the influence of intercropping on the chemical composition of B. chinense is still unclear yet. In this study, intercropping with sorghum and maize exhibited little effect on the root length, root diameter, and single root mass of B. chinense. Only the intercropping with sorghum increased the root length of B. chinense slightly compared to the monocropping. In addition, 200 compounds were identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and metabolomic combined with the Venn diagram and heatmap analysis showed apparent separation between the intercropped and monocropped B. chinense samples. Intercropping with sorghum and maize could both increase the saikosaponins, fatty acyls, and organic acids in B. chinense while decreasing the phospholipids. The influence of intercropping on the saikosaponin biosynthesis was probably related with the light intensity and hormone levels in B. chinense. Moreover, we found intercropping increased the anti-inflammatory activity of B. chinense. This study provides a scientific reference for the beneficial effect of intercropping mode of B. chinense.

Chemical characterization and comparative analysis of different parts of Cocculus orbiculatus through UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

Cocculus orbiculatus (L.) DC. (C. orbiculatus) is a medicinal herb valued for its dried roots with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, and other therapeutic properties. Despite its traditional applications, chemical investigations into C. orbiculatus remain limited, focusing predominantly on alkaloids and flavonoids. Furthermore, the therapeutic use of C. orbiculatus predominantly focuses on the roots, leaving the stems, a significant portion of the plant, underutilized. This study employed ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) with in-house and online databases for comprehensive identification of components in various plant parts. Subsequently, untargeted metabolomics was employed to analyze differences in components across different harvest periods and plant sections of C. orbiculatus, aiming to screen for distinct components in different parts of the plant. Finally, metabolomic analysis of the roots and stems, which contribute significantly to the plant's weight, was conducted using chemometrics, including principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and heatmaps. A total of 113 components, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and organic acids, were annotated across the root, stem, leaf, flower, and fruit, along with numerous previously unreported compounds. Metabolomic analyses revealed substantial differences in components between the root and stem compared to the leaf, flower, and fruit during the same harvest period. PLS-DA and OPLS-DA annotated 10 differentiating components (VIP > 1.5, P < 0.05, FC > 2 or FC < 0.67), with 5 unique to the root and stem, exhibiting lower mass spectrometric responses. This study provided the first characterization of 113 chemical constituents in different parts of C. orbiculatus, laying the groundwork for pharmacological research and advocating for the enhanced utilization of its stem.

Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Cholinesterase, and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Plant Derived Extracts and Column Semi-Purified Fractions of Ficus benghalensis.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the in-vitro anti-diabetic, anti-cholinesterase, and anti-inflammatory potential of extracts from different parts of Ficus benghalensis, including leaves, stem, and roots, as well as isolated column fractions (F-B-1 C, F-B-2 C, F-B-3 C, and F-B-4 C). METHODS: The extracts and subsequent fractions were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against key enzymes involved in diabetes [α-glucosidase and α-amylase], neurodegenerative diseases [acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase], and inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)). RESULTS: The results showed that F. benghalensis leaf extract exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (73.84%) and α-amylase inhibitory activity (76.29%) at 1000 µg/mL. The stem extract (65.50%) and F-B-2 C fraction (69.67%) also demonstrated significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. In terms of anti-cholinesterase activity, the extracts of roots, leaves, and stem showed promising inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 50.50 to 474.83 µg/mL. The derived fractions (F-B-1 C, F-B-2 C, F-B-3 C, and F-B-4 C) also exhibited notable inhibition of AChE and BChE, with IC50 values from 91.85 to 337.94 µg/mL. Moreover, the F-B-3 C fraction demonstrated the highest COX-2 inhibitory potential (85.72%), followed by F-B-1 C (83.13%), the stem extract (80.85%), and the leaves extract (79.00%). The F-B-1 C fraction showed the highest 5-LOX inhibitory activity (87.63%), while the root extract exhibited the lowest inhibition (73.39%). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated promising bioactivity, suggesting the potential of F. benghalensis as a source of natural compounds with therapeutic applications. Further studies are required to identify and isolate the active components responsible for these effects and to evaluate their in-vivo efficacy and safety.

In Vivo Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effects of the Chloroform Root Extract of Clausena excavata Burm.

Liver cancer is the most common cancer among males in Africa. The disease has a poor prognosis and its treatment is associated with toxicity and resistance. For this reason, numerous herbal combinations are being subjected to anticancer screening to circumvent the shortcomings of the conventional anticancer drugs. In the current study, the in vivo anti-cancer effects of the chloroform root extract of the herb, Clausena excavata Burm were investigated. Liver cancer was induced in mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) followed by oral administration of the promoter of carcinogenesis, 2-aminoacetyl fluorine that was mixed with the mice feed. The cytotoxicity of the root extract of C. excavata on liver cancer cells was investigated using liver enzyme, histology, DNA fragmentation and caspases assays. Real time qPCR was conducted to evaluate the effect of the extract on apoptotic genes. The findings revealed that the extract of C. excavata significantly decreased the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis and the toxicity-induced production of the liver enzymes, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases. The histological analyses of the liver tissues revealed evidence of apoptotic cell death. The extract also provoked significant (p < .05) expressions of caspase 9 protein and gene as well as other apoptotic genes (P53, P27, Apaf-1, cytochrome C, bax and bid). Therefore, we postulate that the chloroform root extract of C. excavata induces apoptosis of liver cancer in mice.

[Syntheses and Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Antitumor Bicyclic Hexapeptide RA-VII Analogues].

A series of antitumor bicyclic hexapeptide RA-VII analogues modified at residue 2, 3, or 6 were prepared by the chemical transformation of the hydroxy, methoxy, or carboxy groups or the aromatic rings of natural peptides RA-II, III, V, VII, and X. Analogues with modified side chains or peptide backbones, which cannot be prepared by the chemical transformation of their natural peptides, and newly isolated peptides from Rubia cordifolia roots were synthesized by using protected cycloisodityrosines prepared by the degradation of bis(thioamide) obtained from RA-VII or the diphenyl ether formation of boronodipeptide under the modified Chan-Lam coupling reaction conditions. Studies of the conformational features of the analogues and the newly isolated peptides and their relationships with cytotoxic activities against the HCT-116, HL-60, KATO-III, KB, L1210, MCF-7, and P-388 cell lines revealed the following: the methoxy group at residue 3 is essential for the potent cytotoxic activity; the methyl group at Ala-2 and Ala-4 but not at D-Ala-1 is required to establish the bioactive conformation; the N-methyl group at Tyr-5 is necessary for the peptides to adopt the active conformation preferentially; and the orientation of Tyr-5 and/or Tyr-6 phenyl rings has a significant effect on the cytotoxic activity.

Mobility, bioavailability and distribution of Fe and Cu in mangroves (Avicennia schaueriana and Rhizophora mangle) from a semiarid coast in NE Brazil.

Mangroves buffer metals transfer to coastal areas though strong accumulation in sediments making necessary to investigate metals' bioavailability to plants at the rhizosphere. This work evaluates the effect of mangrove root activity, through iron plaque formation, on the mobility of iron and copper its influence on metals' uptake, and translocation through simultaneous histochemical analysis. The Fe2+ and Fe3+ contents in porewaters ranged from 0.02 to 0.11 µM and 1.0 to 18.3 µg.l-1, respectively, whereas Cu concentrations were below the method's detection limit (<0.1 µM). In sediments, metal concentrations ranged from 12,800 to 39,500 µg.g-1 for total Fe and from 10 to 24 µg.g-1 for Cu. In iron plaques, Cu concentrations ranged from 1.0 to 160 µg.g-1, and from 19.4 to 316 µg.g-1 in roots. Fe concentrations were between 605 to 36,000 µg.g-1 in the iron plaques and from 2,100 to 62,400 µg.g-1 in roots. Histochemical characterization showed Fe3+ predominance at the tip of roots and Fe2+ in more internal tissues. A. schaueriana showed significant amounts of Fe in pneumatophores and evident translocation of this metal to leaves and excretion through salt glands. Iron plaques formation was essential to the Fe and Cu regulation and translocation in tissues of mangrove plants.

Extraction and In Vitro Skincare Effect Assessment of Polysaccharides Extract from the Roots of Abelmoschus manihot (L.).

Obtaining high-added value compounds from agricultural waste receives increasing attention, as it can both improve resource utilization efficiency and reduce waste generation. In this study, polysaccharides are extracted from the discarded roots of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) by the high-efficiency ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The optimized condition was determined as solid-liquid ratio SL ratio = 1:20, temperature T = 30 °C and time T = 40 min, achieving an extraction yield of 13.41%. Composition analysis revealed that glucose (Glc, 44.65%), rhamnose (Rha, 26.30%), galacturonic acid (GalA, 12.50%) and galactose (Gal, 9.86%) are the major monosaccharides of the extract. The extract showed a low degree of esterification (DE) value of 40.95%, and its Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum exhibited several characteristic peaks of polysaccharides. Inspired by the wide cosmetic applications of polysaccharides, the skincare effect of the extract was evaluated via the moisture retention, total phenolic content (TPC) quantification, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-free radical scavenging activity, anti-hyaluronidase and anti-elastase activity experiments. The extract solutions demonstrated a 48 h moisture retention rate of 10.75%, which is superior to that of commercially available moisturizer hyaluronic acid (HA). Moreover, both the TPC value of 16.16 mg GAE/g (dw) and DPPH-free radical scavenging activity of 89.20% at the concentration of 2 mg/mL indicated the strong anti-oxidant properties of the extract. Furthermore, the anti-hyaluronidase activity and moderate anti-elastase activity were determined as 72.16% and 42.02%, respectively. In general, in vitro skincare effect experiments suggest moisturizing, anti-oxidant, anti-radical and anti-aging activities of the A. manihot root extract, indicating its potential applications in the cosmetic industry.

Discovery of sesquiterpenoids from the roots of Chloranthus henryi Hemsl. var. hupehensis (Pamp.) K. F. Wu and their anti-inflammatory activity by IKBα/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway suppression.

Phytochemical analysis of Chloranthus henryi var. hupehensis roots led to the identification of a new eudesmane sesquiterpenoid dimer, 18 new sesquiterpenoids, and three known sesquiterpenoids. Among the isolates, 1 was a rare sesquiterpenoid dimer that is assembled by a unique oxygen bridge (C11-O-C8') of two highly rearranged eudesmane-type sesquiterpenes with the undescribed C16 carbon framework. (+)-2 and (-)-2 were a pair of new skeleton dinorsesquiterpenoids with a remarkable 6/6/5 tricyclic ring framework including one γ-lactone ring and the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane core. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and quantum chemical computations. In the LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cell model, 17 suppressed IL-1ß and TNF-α expression with EC50 values of 6.81 and 2.76 µM, respectively, indicating its excellent efficacy in inhibiting inflammatory factors production in a dose dependent manner and without cytotoxicity. In subsequent mechanism studies, compounds 3, 16, and 17 could reduce IL-1ß and TNF-α production by inhibiting IKBα/p65 pathway activation.

Krameria lappacea root extract's anticoccidial properties and coordinated control of CD4 T cells for IL-10 production and antioxidant monitoring.

Introduction: Recently, the use of botanicals as an alternative to coccidiostats has been an appealing approach for controlling coccidiosis. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential role of aqueous methanolic extract (200 mg/kg) of Krameria lappacea (roots) (KLRE) against infection induced by Eimeria papillata. Methods: A total of 25 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups (I, II, III, IV, and V). On 1st day of the experiment, all groups except groups I (control) and II (non-infected-treated group with KLRE), were inoculated orally with 103 sporulated E. papillata oocysts. On the day of infection, group IV was treated with KLRE. Group V served as an infected-treated group and was treated with amprolium (coccidiostat). Results: Treatment with extract and coccidiostat was continued for five consecutive days. While not reaching the efficacy level of the reference drug (amprolium), KLRE exhibited notable anticoccidial activity as assessed by key criteria, including oocyst suppression rate, total parasitic stages, and maintenance of nutrient homeostasis. The presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in KLRE is thought to be responsible for its positive effects. The Eimeria infection increased the oxidative damage in the jejunum. KLRE treatment significantly increased the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase. On the contrary, KLRE decreased the level of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide. Moreover, KLRE treatment decreased macrophage infiltration in the mice jejunal tissue, as well as the extent of CD4 T cells and NFkB. E. papillata caused a state of systemic inflammatory response as revealed by the upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs)-mRNA. Upon treatment with KLRE, the activity of iNOs was reduced from 3.63 to 1.46 fold. Moreover, KLRE was able to downregulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ, nuclear factor kappa B, and interleukin-10 -mRNA by 1.63, 1.64, and 1.38 fold, respectively. Moreover, KLRE showed a significant reduction in the expression of IL-10 protein level from 104.27 ± 8.41 pg/ml to 62.18 ± 3.63 pg/ml. Conclusion: Collectively, K. lappacea is a promising herbal medicine that could ameliorate the oxidative stress and inflammation of jejunum, induced by E. papillata infection in mice.

A Review of the Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Echinopsis Radix.

The main varieties of Echinopsis Radix recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia are the roots of Echinops latifolius Tausch or Echinops grijsii Hance. However, the chemical constituents and biological activities of this herb have not been reviewed. In order to clarify the chemical constituents of the main varieties of this herb and improve the quality of Chinese medicinal material resources, this paper systematically reviewed their chemical constituents and related biological activities. Phytochemical investigations reveal eighty-five compounds including fort y-nine thiophenes (1-49), eight flavonoids (50-57), seven caffeic acids and its derivatives (58-64), eight sesquiterpenoids (65-72), and thirteen triterpenoids and other compounds (73-85) were reported from Echinopsis Radix. The review of biological activities suggests that thiophenes are the main secondary metabolites of the medicinal material which exert antitumor, insecticidal and antifungal activities. In addition, caffeic acid and its derivatives and sesquiterpenes are potential active ingredients worthy of further study. This review provides an important scientific basis for the development of active ingredients and resource quality evaluation of Echinopsis Radix.

Screening Antioxidant Components in Different Parts of Dandelion Using Online Gradient Pressure Liquid Extraction Coupled with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Antioxidant Analysis System and Molecular Simulations.

Utilizing online gradient pressure liquid extraction (OGPLE) coupled with a high-performance liquid chromatography antioxidant analysis system, we examined the antioxidative active components present in both the aerial parts and roots of dandelion. By optimizing the chromatographic conditions, we identified the ferric reducing-antioxidant power system as the most suitable for online antioxidant reactions in dandelion. Compared to offline ultrasonic extraction, the OGPLE method demonstrated superior efficiency in extracting chemical components with varying polarities from the samples. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed twelve compounds within the dandelion samples, with nine demonstrating considerable antioxidant efficacy. Of these, the aerial parts and roots of dandelion contained nine and four antioxidant constituents, respectively. Additionally, molecular docking studies were carried out to investigate the interaction between these nine antioxidants and four proteins associated with oxidative stress (glutathione peroxidase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, and xanthine oxidase). The nine antioxidant compounds displayed notable binding affinities below -5.0 kcal/mol with the selected proteins, suggesting potential receptor-ligand interactions. These findings contribute to enhancing our understanding of dandelion and provide a comprehensive methodology for screening the natural antioxidant components from herbs.

Determining Antiradical Capacity of Medicinal Plant Extract Individual Constituents Using Post-Column Reaction Method.

The post-column reaction method enables the evaluation of the antiradical capacity of individual components in a mixture by separating the components using HPLC and measuring stable free radical (e.g., DPPH●) scavenging that occurs after the chromatography column. The equipment typically consists of two detectors. The first records signals of the analytes leaving the column. The second records radical scavenging by the analytes, which appears as a negative band. The recorded signals are found on two separate chromatograms, which must be combined to interpret the results. In this study, a single DAD detector was used behind the post-column reactor, enabling the simultaneous recording of the analyte bands and negative signals, indicating radical scavenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antiradical capacity of key compounds found in two herbal raw materials used in traditional Chinese medicine. Saposhnikovia divaricata roots contain phenolic acids, chromones, and furanocoumarins. Chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and imperatorin demonstrated strong radical scavenging, while prim-O-glucoslocimifugin showed a weaker response, both in standards and in root extracts. However, scavenging was not observed for cimifugin and 4'-O-ß-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol. Astragalus mongholicus roots contain astragalosides I-IV (triterpene saponins). None of these showed DPPH● scavenging. Furthermore, additional signals were observed, indicating the presence of unidentified radical scavenging compounds.

Norditerpenoid alkaloids from Aconitum refractum var. circinatum as autophagy inducers.

A total of twenty-two diterpenoid alkaloids, including ten unprecedented ones, namely refractines C-L, were isolated from the roots of Aconitum refractum (Finet et Gagnep.) Hand.-Mazz. Refractine C was the first example of a natural diterpenoid alkaloid wherein C-19 is linked to N position by an oxaziridine ring. Refractine L was a rare glycosidic diterpenoid alkaloid with fructofuranoside. Most of the isolated compounds obtained from a previous study were screened for their anti-inflammatory and myocardial protective activities. The autophagy-inducing effects of some of these compounds on RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated by assessing the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3-II/LC3-I). Results revealed that some compounds exerted varying levels of inhibitory effects on the proliferative activity of RAW 264.7 cells.

Investigation of in vitro Biological Activity from Extracts of Ruellia tuberosa.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> is a common plant in the Mekong Delta and is widely used in many Vietnamese folk remedies. This study was conducted to investigate the potential use of roots, stems, leaves of <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> as antioxidant, antimicrobial, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase associated with diabetes. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-Azino-Bis-(3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reducing power (RP) assays. The antibacterial activity of extracts from <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method. <b>Results:</b> The root extract of <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> has more polyphenols (32.49±0.72 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (15.48±1.32 mg QE/g extract) than the other parts. Simultaneously, the root extract of <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> has antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ values range from 117.67±2.82 to 569.20±7.68 µg/mL), inhibiting amylase (IC₅₀ = 266.72±10.58 µg/mL) and glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 147.13±3.58 µg/mL) enzymes more effectively than the other parts. Research results also show that extracts from <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> are capable of inhibiting <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1280 to 10240 mg/mL. <b>Conclusion:</b> These results highlighted the potential using of <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> extracts as natural antioxidant, antimicrobial, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors agents.

[Analysis of chemical compositions in different parts of Isodon japonicus using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique combined with chemometrics].

In order to analyze the similarities and differences of chemical compositions between the roots and stems and leaves of Isodon japonicus(IJ), this study utilized UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology to systematically characterize its chemical compositions, analyzed and identified the structure of its main compounds, and established a method for simultaneous determination of its content by refe-rence substance. A total of 34 major compounds in IJ, including 14 reference compounds, were identified or predicted online. Moreover, an UPLC-UV content determination method was developed for 11 compounds [danshensu, caffeic acid, vicenin-2,(1S,2S)-globoidnan B, rutin,(+)-rabdosiin,(-)-rabdosiin,(1S,2S)-rabdosiin, shimobashiric acid C, rosmarinic acid, and pedalitin]. The method exhibited excellent separation, stability, and repeatability, with a wide linear range(0.10-520.00 µg·mL~(-1)) and high linearity(R~2>0.999). The average recovery rates ranged from 94.72% to 104.2%. The principal component analysis(PCA) demonstrated a clear difference between the roots and stems and leaves of IJ, indicating good separation by cluster. Furthermore, the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) model was employed, and six main differentially identified compounds were identified: rosmarinic acid, shimobashiric acid C, epinodosin, pedalitin, rutin, and(1S,2S)-rabdosiin. In summary, this study established a strategy and method for distinguishing different parts of IJ, providing a valuable tool for quality control of IJ and a basis for the ratio-nal utilization and sustainable development of IJ.