X-ray Study of Cembranoids with Flexible Rings from Boswellia papyrifera Resins Allowing Structural Revision of Misleading Structures from the Past 70 Years.

Thirty new, highly oxygenated and stereogenic 14-membered macrocyclic diterpenoids, papyrifuranols A-Z (1-26) and AA-AD (27-30), and eight known analogs have been isolated from Boswellia papyrifera resins. All the structures were characterized by detailed spectral analyses, quantum calculations, X-ray diffraction, and modified Mosher's methods. Notably, six previously reported structures were revised. Our study points out misleading factors of macrocyclic cembranoid (CB) representation in the past seven decades by analyzing of 25 X-ray structures, lending a hand for the innately challenging structure identification of such flexible macrocyclic CBs and avoiding following the tracks of an overturned cart during future structure characterization and total synthesis. Biosynthetic conversions of all the isolates are proposed, and wound healing bioassays reveal that papyrifuranols N-P could significantly stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.

Skeletal meroterpenoids from Ganoderma petchii mushrooms that potentially stimulate umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.

(±)-Petchilactones A-C (1-3), three pairs of enantiomeric meroterpenoids respectively with a 6/6/5/5 or a 5/5/5/7/6 ring system were isolated from Ganoderma petchii. Their structures including absolute configurations were assigned by using spectroscopic, computational, and X-ray diffraction methods. Compounds 1 and 2 represent a new skeletal meroterpenoid. Biological evaluation found that (-)-1 and (-)-3 could induce umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into keratinocyte-like cells.

[Current quality standards of Andrographis Herba of different countries and regions].

Andrographis Herba is a commonly used plant medicine, and has been recorded in pharmacopeias of different countries. However, there are some differences in the quality standards. Based on this, this paper compare the quality standards of Andrographis Herba between Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards, United States Pharmacopoeia, European Pharmacopoeia and Indian Pharmacopoeia, including origin, botanical characteristics, identification(microscopic identification and chromatographic identification), content determination, specific test(such as impurities, loss on drying, extractives, pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and other items) and storage requirements, so as to provide a reference for studying international quality standards of Andrographis.

Populeuphrines A and B, two new cembrane diterpenoids from the resins of Populus euphratica.

Two new cembrane diterpenoids, named populeuphrines A and B (1 and 2), together with three known analogues (3-5) were isolated from the resins of Populus euphratica. The planar structures and relative configurations of 1 and 2 were elucidated by detailed 1 D and 2 D NMR spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and quantum chemical computation. Biological activities of all the isolates against proliferation of human cancer cells and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were evaluated.

[Clinical treatment of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis of kidney-yang deficiency type by acupuncture of Sanhuang points].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture stimulation of Sanhuang points in the treatment of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) of kidney-yang deficiency type. METHODS: A total of 60 CNP outpatients were equally randomized into medication(control) group and acupuncture plus medication (acupuncture) group. Patients of the control group were ordered to take Tamsulosin (0.2 mg/d) for successive 8 weeks. On the basis of medication treatment, for patients of the acupuncture group, bilateral Sanhuang points including Tianhuang-fu Point (Shenguan), Dihuang Point and Renhuang Point (at the lower leg) were needled with filiform needles which were manipulated for a while till Deqi, followed by retaining the needles for 30 min. The treatment was conducted once daily for successive 8 weeks. The therapeutic effect was evaluated in reference to the "Criteria for Diagnosis and Therapeutic Effect Evaluation of Syndromes/Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine". The National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) scores were used to assess the severity of chronic prostatitis. Routine examination of the leukocyte count in the prostatic fluid was performed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Of the two 30 cases of the control and acupuncture groups, 9 and 19 were cured, 14 and 10 experienced improvement, and 7 and 1 failed in the treatment, with the effective rates being 76.67% and 96.67%, respectively. The effective rate of the acupuncture plus medication was significantly higher than that of the medication (P<0.05). After the treatment, the scores of NIH-CPSI and white blood cell counts in the prostatic fluid in both groups were significantly decreased in comparison with their own pre-treatment (P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus medication was significantly superior to that of the medication alone in reducing the NIH-CPSI symptom score and the number of leukocytes in the prostatic fluid (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Sanhuang points is effective in improving symptoms of CNP patients of kidney-yang deficiency type, and the therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus medication is superior to that of medication alone.

Discovery of Populusone, a Skeletal Stimulator of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Populus euphratica Exudates.

Populusone (1), a cembrane-type macrocyclic trinorditerpenoid, was isolated from the exudates of Populus euphratica and shown to have an unprecedented carbon skeleton, The structure was identified using spectroscopic methods and X-ray crystallography. A possible pathway for the biosynthesis of 1 was proposed. Populusone (10 µM) was found to promote proliferation and differentiation of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells into keratinocyte like cells.

[Study on herbal textual evolution and flavonoids and their pharmacological of Spatholobi Caulis].

Spatholobi Caulis, the vine stem of Spatholobus suberectus and widely used in China and Southeast Asian nations, has the effects on nourishing the blood and promoting blood flow, regulating menstruation and relieving pain, and invigorating the nerves. Through consulting the herbal textual and local chronicles, we summarized the original textual research and medicinal evolution on Spatholobi Caulis to analyze the changes of varieties in different historical periods. Further, the major active ingredient in Spatholobi Caulis was discussed. According to the literature to date, 60 flavonoids compounds have been isolated and could be divided into isoflavones, dihydroflavones, flavanols, dihydroflavonols, procyaninides, chalcones, pterocarpans, isoflavanols, isoflavanones and aurone according to their molecular structures. These indicative ingredients in Spatholobi Caulis showed pharmacological activities on regulation of the blood system, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-virus, anti-bacteria and inhibition of melanin deposition. This review will provide reference and basis for the sustainable use of resources and industry development on Spatholobi Caulis.

Characterization of Sesquiterpene Dimers from Resina Commiphora That Promote Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation.

The new sesquiterpene dimers commiphoroids A-D (1-4) were isolated from Resina Commiphora, and their structures were assigned by spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are stereoisomers of putative [2 + 4]-cycloaddition reactions, and 3 is a trinorsesquiterpene dimer containing a 6/6/5/6/6/6 hexacyclic framework, while 4 possesses a 8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-ene skeletal core. Plausible biosynthetic pathways for 1-4 are proposed. Biochemical studies show that compound 1 promotes ca. 60% expression of keratinocyte-specific markers in adipose-derived stem cells at 10 µM.

[Effect of exogenous GA3 and DPC on active components of Lonicera japonica and its mechanism].

To reveal the effect of plant growth regulator GA3 and DPC on the active components and its possible mechanism of Lonicera japonica. GA and DPC were applied at the stage of flower bud differentiation, and the content of active ingredients was measured by LC-MS-MS, the content of endogenous hormones were measured by ELISA, and the expression of key enzyme enes expression was determined by qRT-PCR. The level of endogenous hormone GA3, IAA, ZR, DHZR and iPA in the GA treatment group was significantly improved, the expression of C4H1, C4H2, 4CL1 and HQT2 were also significantly increased. The content of chlorogenic acid, luteolin, luteoloside, isoquercetin and caffeic acid increased significantly. Spraying DPC did not affect or inhibit the accumulation of active components of L. japonica. Spraying GA can increase the content of endogenous GA3, thus enhance the expression of C4H1, C4H2, 4CL1 and HQT2, and then increase the content of chlorogenic acid and luteolin.

[Determination of mineral elements in cistanche and its extractives by ICP-AES].

Determination of Fe, Zn, Cu, K, P, Ca, Mg, Na, B and Al in cistanche and its extractives was carried out by the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The results showed that (1) the contents of Mn, K, Ca, Mg and Na in cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma were 17.70, 16,278. 03, 1,947.25, 1,662.76, and 106.79 respectively (microg.g-1), much higher than in Cistanche tubulosa (Schrenk) Wight; (2) the contents of Fe, Cu and P in 50% methanol extract of Cistanche deserticola were 1.5, 2.4, and 1.1 times that of aqueous extract respectively, the contents of Mn, Zn, K, P, Mg and Na were 3.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.3, 2.2, and 1.1 times that of methanol extract respectively; (3) the contents of Cu and P in 50% methanol extract of Cistanche tubulosa were 1.6 and 1.2 times that of aqueous extract, the contents of Mn, Zn, K, P, Mg, Na and Al were 2.0, 1.6, 1.6, 1.4, 1.8, 1.2, and 1.2 times that of methanol extract respectively; (4) the leaching rate of 11 mineral elements in Cistanche deserticola and Cistanche tubulosa were 60.79%-83. 10% and 44. 58%-83.84% in 50% methanol respectively, and the leaching rate of Mn, Zn, K, P, Ca, Na and Al were much higher than in water and 100% methanol extracted. The research provided the basic data of mineral element in comparative study on Cistanche deserticola and Cistanche tubulosa, and provide scientific basis for efficient utilization of mineral element in cistanche.

[Detection of inorganic elements in parasitic plants and their hosts].

Parasitic plants are destructive agricultural pests. Today, parasitic plants have been recognized as serious pests causing considerable economic damage on crop and woods in China. Parasites are among the most destructive weeds known, and more and more people begin to pay more attention to the relationship between parasitic plant and host. Two cistanches and their hosts were analyzed and characterized by ICP-AES. The contents of K, P, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, B, Cu, Zn, Al and Mn in Tamarix chinensis, Haloxylon ammodendron, Cistanche deserticola and Cistanche tubulosa were determined. The results showed that the spectra of main elements of the two cistanches and their hosts are similar, but the content of each element is different. The content of K, P, N and Ca is higher than other element, The content of K and P in Cistanche deserticola and Cistanche tubulosa is higher than the content of theirs hosts. The present study provides a new scientific foundation for further study and general application of parasitic plant.

[Analysis of the content of mineral elements in Scutellaria baicalensis, skullcap tea and its solution].

The content of nine mineral elements in the root, stem and leaf of 1-3 years old Scutellaria baicalensis, skullcap tea, and its solution was determined by the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The results show that the main mineral elements in the root, stem and leaf are similar. The main mineral elements include K, Ca, Mg, P, Al and Fe. The content ratio of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Al, P, Mg, Ca and K in the leaf of Scutellaria haicalensis is 1 : 3 : 6 : 15 : 18 19 : 41 : 333 : 423. The contents of Fe, Mn, P, Mg and Ca in the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis increase with the increase of cultivation period. There were K, Ca, Mg and other mineral elements in the skullcap tea, and Fe, Zn and Mg were easy to be dissolved, the dissolution rates were 61.8%, 55.4% and 61.4% respectively. This study can provide scientific basis for rational utilization of the above ground resources of Scutellaria baicalensis.

[Determination of trace elements in holoparasitism Cistanche tubulosa].

The trace elements in Chinese herbal medicines are important nutritional elements for human health. Application of ICP-AES was applied to detect Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Mg of the different parts and size grading on growth of Cistanche tubulosa. The results showed that there were comparatively rich trace elements in Cistanche tubulosa, and the trace elements of the different parts and size grading on growth were significantly different. Traditionally, the succulent stem and 200-500 grams of Cistanche tubulosa are common in the use of medicinal herbs, and the authors found that the iron, manganese, copper, zinc and magnesium were 242.18, 17.85, 7.96, 6.64 and 1 357.50 microg x g(-1) in the succulent stem of Cistanche tubulosa. There were 174.21, 4.48, 8.11, 4.31 and 1 126.93 microg x g(-1) in 200-500 grams of Cistanche tubulosa. It provided useful data for discussing the relationship between the content of the trace elements and the efficacy of Cistanche tubulosa.

Effect of protocatechuic acid from Alpinia oxyphylla on proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells in vitro.

The effect of protocatechuic acid (PCA) from Alpinia oxyphylla and catapol from Rehmannia on the proliferation capacity of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hADSCs) was investigated in vitro. Cell counts showed that treatment of hADSCs with PCA for 48 h increased the cell number in a dose-dependent manner, while no obvious effect of catapol on the proliferation of hADSCs was observed. In addition, the cell number of hADSCs treated by 1.5 mM PCA increased in a time-dependent manner. The flow cytometric analysis of DNA content demonstrated the cell cycle progress from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase. Western blot analysis revealed the elevated expression of cyclin D1 in hADSCs induced by PCA treatment. Cyclin D1-siRNA transfection significantly inhibit the promotion of cell proliferation by PCA. Furthermore, the flow cytometric analysis of the cell surface antigens and the multidifferential potential tests of PCA-treated hADSCs showed that the cells retained their functional characteristics of multipotential mesenchymal progenitors. It is concluded that PCA can effectively up-regulate the proliferation of hADSCs.

Protocatechuic acid from Alpinia oxyphylla promotes migration of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells in vitro.

Human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hADSCs) demonstrate promising potential in various clinical applications, including the transplantation to regenerate injured or degenerative tissues. The migration of engrafted hADSCs to the correct site of injure is essential for the curative effect of stem cell therapy. We found that protocatechuic acid (PCA) from Alpinia (A.) oxyphylla could promote the migration capacity of hADSCs through transwell coated with gelatin in vitro. PCA enhanced the cell migration rate in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, RT-PCR and quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed the elevation of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP) mRNA expression in 1.5 mM PCA-treated hADSCs. In the supernatants of these cells, the active matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) increased compared with control cells with zymography. Moreover, the promotion of cell migration by PCA could be effectively and obviously inhibited by anti-MT1-MMP or anti-MMP-2 antibodies. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis of the cell surface antigens, osteogenic induction, adipogenic induction and cardiomyocyte-like cell induction demonstrated that hADSCs retained their functional characteristics of multipotential mesenchymal progenitors after PCA treatment. These results suggest that PCA from A. oxyphylla promote the migration of hADSCs in vitro, which is partially due to the increased expression of MT1-MMP and the promotion of MMP-2 zymogen activation.