Paotianxiong polysaccharides potential prebiotics: Structural analysis and prebiotic properties.

Paotianxiong (PTX) is a processing product of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., often used as a tonic food daily. However, the structure and activity of the polysaccharide component that plays a major role still need to be determined. In our work, two new polysaccharides were purified from PTX and named PTXP-1 and PTXP-2. Structural analysis showed that PTXP-1 is a glucan with a molecular weight of 915 Da and a structure of 4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ as the main chain. PTXP-2 is a glucose arabinoglycan with 4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ as the main chain, containing 8 glycosidic bonds attached, and a molecular weight of 57.9KDa. In vitro probiotic experiments demonstrated that PTXP-1 could significantly promote probiotic growth and acid production. In vivo experiments demonstrated that both PTXP-1 and PTXP-2 exhibited significant effectiveness in promoting the growth of intestinal probiotics. These findings help expand the application of polysaccharide components extracted from tonic herbs as functional food ingredients.

Intra-articular delivery system of methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis therapy: An in-suit thermosensitive comprehensive gel of polysaccharide from Aconitum carmichaelii Debx.

The polysaccharides (FP) extracted from the lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. (Fuzi) are natural compounds, which have effective therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line drug for RA, but its application is greatly limited to the toxicity in liver and kidney and drug resistance. In this study, an attempt is made to apply oxidized FP (OFP) as a polymer carrier based on intra-articular delivery system loaded MTX. The FP could be modified and used as comprehensive gel carriers with biocompatibility and degradability for therapy of RA. Firstly, OFP-chitosan-poloxamer 407 in situ gel (OFP-CS-F407-MTX gel) was prepared by natural non-toxic cross-linking agents. Physicochemical characterization was performed by using 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopic techniques to assess the successful functionalization of OFP. TGA, SEM and rheological experiment of OFP-CS-F407-MTX gel were investigated. Notably, we loaded MTX into OFP-CS-F407-MTX gel which had remarkable therapeutic efficacy and biosafety for RA. Therefore, OFP-CS-F407-MTX in situ gel delivery system can potentially reduce systemic toxicity and irritation of oral administration of MTX but hold a controlled release of drug for a long period of time.

Identification of antagonistic fungi and their antifungal activities against aconite root rot pathogens.

Root rot is one of the main diseases affecting Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. during cultivation, seriously limiting yields of this herb. Currently, there is no effective control measure for aconite root rot. The antifungal activities of antagonistic strains against aconite root rot pathogens (Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium solani, and Fusarium oxysporum) were investigated in this study. Three antagonistic strains, JKT7, JKT28 and JKT39, were screened and identified as Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma hamatum and Trichoderma virens, respectively. Dual culture tests showed that the inhibition rates of the three Trichoderma strains on the pathogens were all approximately 70%. The volatile metabolites had inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of pathogens, while the nonvolatile metabolites in the culture filtrates did not show significant inhibitory effects. The volatile components analyzed by GC‒MS were mainly ketones, esters, and alcohols. These results indicate that these strains of Trichoderma and their secondary metabolites have antimicrobial activities against the pathogens of aconite root rot. This study could provide a scientific basis for the biocontrol of aconite root rot.

Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. Attenuates Heart Failure through Inhibiting Inflammation and Abnormal Vascular Remodeling.

Heart failure (HF) is the most common complication following myocardial infarction, closely associated with ventricular remodeling. Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., a traditional Chinese herb, possesses therapeutic effects on HF and related cardiac diseases. However, its effects and mechanisms on HF-associated cardiac diseases are still unclear. In the present study, a water extraction of toasted Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. (WETA) was verified using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The heart function of HF rats was assessed by echocardiography and strain analysis, and myocardial injury was measured by serum levels of CK-MB, cTnT, and cTnI. The pathological changes of cardiac tissues were evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and Masson's trichrome staining. Additionally, the levels of inflammation-related genes and proteins and components related to vascular remodeling were detected by RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. WETA significantly inhibited the changes in echocardiographic parameters and the increase in heart weight, cardiac infarction size, the myonecrosis, edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells, collagen deposition in heart tissues, and also mitigated the elevated serum levels of CK-MB, cTnT, and cTnI in ISO-induced rats. Additionally, WETA suppressed the expressions of inflammatory genes, including IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α and vascular injury-related genes, such as VCAM1, ICAM1, ANP, BNP, and MHC in heart tissues of ISO-induced HF rats, which were further confirmed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. In summary, the myocardial protective effect of WETA was conferred through inhibiting inflammatory responses and abnormal vascular remodeling in ISO-treated rats.

Characterization of a Root-Knot Nematode Infecting Aconitum carmichaelii in Southwest China.

Growth of the Chinese herbal medicine industry has resulted in several new pests and diseases. China is one of the world largest producers of monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii Debx.), but an unidentified root-knot nematode has become a significant pest in the southwestern provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan. Morphological characteristics and the ribosomal DNA-internal transcribed spacer and D2-D3 region of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene sequences were used to identify the nematode as Meloidogyne hapla. Through investigation, this is the first report of M. hapla infecting monkshood in Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces.

Root endophytic bacterial community composition of Aconitum carmichaelii debx. from three main producing areas in China.

Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. is famous for the bioactive aconitum alkaloids as traditional Chinese medicine. Endophytic bacteria play vital roles in plant growth, health, and the production of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids. In this study, we employed 16 S rRNA amplicon high-throughput sequencing to determine the root endophytic bacterial community of A. carmichaelii Debx. collected from three main producing areas including the geo-authentic area in China, high performance liquid chromatography to measure the contents of six bioactive alkaloids and correlation analysis to explore the relationship among environmental factors, alkaloids contents, and endophytic bacterial community. The results indicated that the root core microbiota of A. carmichaelii Debx. was dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Root endophytic bacterial community in the geo-authentic area was distinct from the other two regions. Soil nitrogen contents, organic matter, and temperature were the main factors contributing to the endophytic bacterial community structure. Significant correlation was found between alkaloids contents and some bacterial genera. Particularly, the abundance of Lactobacillus was positively correlated with the contents of benzoyl-mesaconitine and benzoyl-aconine. This study provided the first insight into the root endophytic bacterial community composition of A. carmichaelii Debx., and can direct further isolation of functional bacterial strains.

Safety evaluations of the processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. And its hepatotoxicity mechanisms in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. is known as Fuzi, an extensively used Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases, rheumatism arthritis, bronchitis, pains, and hypothyroidism, etc. Although Chinese Pharmacopeia regulates the safe clinical dosage of Fuzi at 3-15 g/person/day, such recommendation not only lacks bench evidence but also does not differentiate Fuzi with different processing types, such as Heishunpian and Paofupian. AIM OF THE STUDY: The current study aimed to 1) determine No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Levels of Heishunpian and Paofupian in rats and 2) investigate the related toxicity mechanisms for their safe clinical use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After giving clinically relevant dosing regimen of Heishunpian/Paofupian to rats, we conducted toxicity assessments including ECG monitoring, histopathological changes and serum biomarkers to detect organ injury. Metabolomic study in the liver revealed changes in endogenous metabolite levels after two-week treatment of Fuzi preparations or its corresponding six toxic alkaloids mixtures. RESULTS: The NOAEL for both bolus and two-week treatments of Heishunpian and Paofupian in rats was designated to be 7.5 g/kg and 15 g/kg, respectively. Corresponding recommended doses in humans were 7.5-25 g/person/day for Heishunpian and 15-50 g/person/day for Paofupian. Metabolic profiles revealed more significant alterations in endogenous substances from rats receiving the two Fuzi preparations than their corresponding toxic alkaloids mixtures. Upregulation of bile acid pathway could be responsible for Fuzi induced liver injury. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the current maximum recommended dose, our suggested upper limit of guided dose for Heishunpian was comparable, whereas that for Paofupian could be further elevated. Both C19-diterpenoid alkaloids and co-occurring components in Fuzi preparations contributed to their hepatotoxicity via upregulation of bile acid pathway.

Effect and molecular mechanism research of Astragalus membranaceus on inhibiting intestinal absorption of six alkaloids of Aconitum carmichaelii in spleen deficiency rats.

Objective: To investigate the effect and the mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi in Chinese, HQ) extract on the intestinal absorption of six alkaloids of Aconitum carmichaelii (Fuzi in Chinese, FZ) in rats with spleen deficiency and provide novel insights into the application of HQ on modulating intestinal barrier. Methods: Four-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with Xiaochengqi Decoction to induce the spleen deficiency model for 40 d. Single-pass intestinal perfusion model were used to study the effects of HQ extract on the absorption of alkaloids. Protein expression and mRNA levels of MRP2 and BCRP and tight junction proteins (TJ, including Claudin-1, Occludin and ZO-1) were measured using Western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. The location and expression of TJ protein was also investigated by the immunofluorescence method. Results: Compared with the normal group, the protein expression of MRP2, BCRP and TJ proteins in the model group were significantly down-regulated. After oral administration of HQ, the alkaloid absorption in intestinal villi was inhibited, MRP2, BCRP and TJ proteins were up-regulated, the green fluorescence staining of Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1 was enhanced, and a thick layer of mucus was deposited on the surface of the epithelium of the intestinal cavity. Conclusion: HQ as an intestinal barrier modulator improves the physiological changes of the intestinal environment of spleen deficiency to reduce the absorption of toxic components, leading to a decrease in the absorption of drug-like molecules.

Biocontrol and plant growth promotion potential of endophytic Bacillus subtilis JY-7-2L on Aconitum carmichaelii Debx.

Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. is a famous medicinal plant rich in alkaloids and widely used to treat various human diseases in Asian countries. However, southern blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii severely hampered the yield of A. carmichaelii. Beneficial microbe-based biological control is becoming a promising alternative and an environmentally friendly approach for the management of plant diseases. In this study, we evaluated the biocontrol potential of an endophytic bacterial strain JY-7-2L, which was isolated from the leaves of A. carmichaelii, against southern blight in vitro and by a series of field experiments. JY-7-2L was identified as Bacillus subtilis based on multi-locus sequence analysis. JY-7-2L showed strong antagonistic activity against S. rolfsii in vitro and on A. carmichaelii root slices by dual-culture assay. Cell-free culture filtrate of JY-7-2L significantly inhibited the hyphal growth, sclerotia formation, and germination of S. rolfsii. In addition, volatile compounds produced by JY-7-2L completely and directly inhibited the growth of S. rolfsii. Furthermore, JY-7-2L was proved to produce hydrolytic enzymes including glucanase, cellulase, protease, indole acetic acid, and siderophore. The presence of bacA, fenA, fenB, fenD, srfAA, and baeA genes by PCR amplification indicated that JY-7-2L was able to produce antifungal lipopeptides and polyketides. Field trials indicated that application of the JY-7-2L fermentation culture significantly reduced southern blight disease severity by up to 30% with a long-acting duration of up to 62 days. Meanwhile, JY-7-2L significantly promoted the fresh and dry weights of the stem, main root, and lateral roots of A. carmichaelii compared to non-inoculation and/or commercial B. subtilis product treatments. Taken together, JY-7-2L can be used as a promising biocontrol agent for the control of southern blight in A. carmichaelii.

Effect and molecular mechanism research of Astragalus membranaceus on inhibiting intestinal absorption of six alkaloids of Aconitum carmichaelii in spleen deficiency rats / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To investigate the effect and the mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi in Chinese, HQ) extract on the intestinal absorption of six alkaloids of Aconitum carmichaelii (Fuzi in Chinese, FZ) in rats with spleen deficiency and provide novel insights into the application of HQ on modulating intestinal barrier. Methods: Four-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with Xiaochengqi Decoction to induce the spleen deficiency model for 40 d. Single-pass intestinal perfusion model were used to study the effects of HQ extract on the absorption of alkaloids. Protein expression and mRNA levels of MRP2 and BCRP and tight junction proteins (TJ, including Claudin-1, Occludin and ZO-1) were measured using Western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. The location and expression of TJ protein was also investigated by the immunofluorescence method. Results: Compared with the normal group, the protein expression of MRP2, BCRP and TJ proteins in the model group were significantly down-regulated. After oral administration of HQ, the alkaloid absorption in intestinal villi was inhibited, MRP2, BCRP and TJ proteins were up-regulated, the green fluorescence staining of Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1 was enhanced, and a thick layer of mucus was deposited on the surface of the epithelium of the intestinal cavity. Conclusion: HQ as an intestinal barrier modulator improves the physiological changes of the intestinal environment of spleen deficiency to reduce the absorption of toxic components, leading to a decrease in the absorption of drug-like molecules.

Characteristics of Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens Associated With Post-harvest Fuzi (Aconitum carmichaelii) Rot and Their Novel Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Detection Methods.

Fuzi (the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx.) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is cultivated in more than eight provinces in China. However, it can be easily devastated by post-harvest rot, causing huge losses. Therefore, it is extremely important that the primary causal pathogens of post-harvest Fuzi rot are identified and appropriate detection methods for them are developed to prevent and control losses. In this study, two bacterial strains (X1 and X2) were isolated from rotten post-harvest Fuzi. Based on their morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, housekeeping gene homologies, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) results, these isolates were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens. The pathogenicities of these isolates were confirmed by fulfilling Koch's postulates demonstrating that they were post-harvest Fuzi rot pathogens. Two loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) methods targeting the gyrase B subunit (gyrB) gene of P. aeruginosa and the phosphatidylinositol glycan C (pigC) gene of S. marcescens were successfully developed, and it was found that the target genes were highly specific to the two pathogens. These LAMP methods were used to detect P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens in 46 naturally occurring Fuzi and their associated rhizosphere soil samples of unknown etiology. The two bacterial assays were positive in some healthy and rotten samples and could be accomplished within 1 h at 65°C without the need for complicated, expensive instruments. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens causing post-harvest Fuzi rot. The newly developed methods are expected to have applications in point-of-care testing for the two pathogens under different Fuzi planting procedures and will significantly contribute to the control and prevention of Fuzi rot.

Research progress on structure and activity of C19 diterpeneoid alkaloids from Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata / 中草药

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi in Chinese) is a commonly used Chinese materia medica in clinic, with the effects in rescuing from collapse by restoring yang, eliminating cold to stop pain, warming yang and transforming qi. C19 diterpenoid alkaloids from Fuzi can be divided into three types: diester type, monoester type and amine alcohol type, which can lead to neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity while exerting anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-tumor and other pharmacodynamic effects. In this paper, the chemical structure, pharmacology and toxicological effects of C19 diterpene alkaloids of Fuzi were systematically combed, in order to provide a theoretical basis for safer and more effective use of Fuzi in clinic.

Non-diterpenoid alkaloids in aerial parts of Aconitum carmichaelii / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents in the aerial parts of Aconitum carmichaelii. Methods: The air-dried arial parts of A. carmichaelii were powdered and extracted with methanol by percolation extraction. After the removal of solvent under reduced pressure, the crude extract was dissolved in 1.5% HCl solution, and then extracted by ethyl acetate to obtain the total crude extract. The compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography and identified by spectral analyses (MS, 13C-NMR, and 1H-NMR). Results: Fifteen compounds were isolated from A. carmichaelii and characterized as indol-3-carboxylic acid (1), corchoionol C (2), β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside-6’-palmitate (3), (+)-pinoresinol (4), (+)-N-formylnorglaucine (5), oxoglaucidaline (6), glaucine (7), (+)-cataline (8), kaempferol-7-O-α-L-rhamnofuranoside (9), kaempferol-3-O-β-(2″-acetyl)-galactopyranoside (10), megastigmane (11), kaempferol-7-O-α-L-arabinoside (12), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (13), kaempferol-3-O-β-D- glucopyranoside (14), and quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (15). Conclusion: All compounds are isolated from aerial parts of A. carmichaelii for the first time, and compounds 1-3,5-6,8-15 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Exploration on molecular mechanism of hot herb Aconitum carmichaelii for therapeutic action based on metabolomics / 中草药

Objective: To observe the effects of Aconitum carmichaelii on serum metabolites in mice by metabolomics technology, and to explore biomarkers and metabolic pathways and targets related to its treatment of various ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, in order to uncover its molecular mechanism of efficacy. Methods: Twenty male mice were randomly divided into two groups, and A. carmichaelii decoction and distilled water were orally administered with the dose of 15 mL/(kg∙d) for consecutive 4 d respectively. Collected blood samples of each group were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS technology, and data pattern recognition was performed using PCA, PLS-DA and other analytical methods. Meanwhile, differential metabolites were screened out based on VIP greater than 1 and manual integral calculation. The differential metabolites were used for pathway analysis. Network modular analysis and targets screening were performed by Cytoscape and MetScape. Results: When performing data pattern recognition, the aconite group and the control group could be completely separated. A total of 18 differential metabolites were screened out, and their contents were up-regulated. Pathway analysis was performed to obtain five related pathways, namely linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and inositol phosphate metabolism. Fourteen modules were obtained using the network analysis, the largest two of which were arachidonic acid metabolism pathway and linoleic acid metabolism pathway. The degree of arachidonic acid (59), linoleic acid (55), nicotinamide (26), and palmitic acid (11) were greater than the mean value (8.010) in the network, and the related pathways were arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and saturated fatty acid beta-oxidation pathway respectively. A total of 26 genes were screened out, all of which belonged to the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Conclusion: A. carmichaelii may affect arachidonic acid metabolism by acting on CYP450, thereby improving the body's energy metabolism and producing therapeutic effects.

Stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. as potential herbal resources for treating rheumatoid arthritis: Chemical analysis, toxicity and activity evaluation.

According to folk usage of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., the present study was designed to determine the feasibility of the stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. as a new medicinal resource. Fourteen alkaloids in mother roots, fibrous roots, stems, and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. And multivariate analysis methods, such as clustering analysis and principal component analysis, were applied to analyze the difference among various parts. In addition, the acute toxicity, analgesia, and anti-inflammatory tests were carried out. The results suggested that the contents of alkaloids in mother roots and fibrous roots were approximate, but those of leaves and stems were different from mother roots and fibrous roots. The results of the acute toxicity testing demonstrated the toxicity of fibrous root was strongest, and mother roots were slightly less toxic than fibrous roots. The stems and leaves were far less toxic than mother and fibrous roots. In addition, the analgesia and inflammatory tests showed the effects of the various tissues had no difference each other. These results provided a basis for developing new complementary and alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Simultaneously, the approach may also turn wastes into treasure and promote the development of circular economy.

Stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. as potential herbal resources for treating rheumatoid arthritis: Chemical analysis, toxicity and activity evaluation / 中国天然药物

According to folk usage of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., the present study was designed to determine the feasibility of the stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. as a new medicinal resource. Fourteen alkaloids in mother roots, fibrous roots, stems, and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. And multivariate analysis methods, such as clustering analysis and principal component analysis, were applied to analyze the difference among various parts. In addition, the acute toxicity, analgesia, and anti-inflammatory tests were carried out. The results suggested that the contents of alkaloids in mother roots and fibrous roots were approximate, but those of leaves and stems were different from mother roots and fibrous roots. The results of the acute toxicity testing demonstrated the toxicity of fibrous root was strongest, and mother roots were slightly less toxic than fibrous roots. The stems and leaves were far less toxic than mother and fibrous roots. In addition, the analgesia and inflammatory tests showed the effects of the various tissues had no difference each other. These results provided a basis for developing new complementary and alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Simultaneously, the approach may also turn wastes into treasure and promote the development of circular economy.

Stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. as potential herbal resources for treating rheumatoid arthritis: Chemical analysis, toxicity and activity evaluation / 中国天然药物

According to folk usage of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., the present study was designed to determine the feasibility of the stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. as a new medicinal resource. Fourteen alkaloids in mother roots, fibrous roots, stems, and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. And multivariate analysis methods, such as clustering analysis and principal component analysis, were applied to analyze the difference among various parts. In addition, the acute toxicity, analgesia, and anti-inflammatory tests were carried out. The results suggested that the contents of alkaloids in mother roots and fibrous roots were approximate, but those of leaves and stems were different from mother roots and fibrous roots. The results of the acute toxicity testing demonstrated the toxicity of fibrous root was strongest, and mother roots were slightly less toxic than fibrous roots. The stems and leaves were far less toxic than mother and fibrous roots. In addition, the analgesia and inflammatory tests showed the effects of the various tissues had no difference each other. These results provided a basis for developing new complementary and alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Simultaneously, the approach may also turn wastes into treasure and promote the development of circular economy.

Marker-trait association analysis for weight of first and second fleshy root in 126 diverse lines of aconitum carmichaelii / 中草药

Objective To identify molecular markers associated with weight of fleshy root of Aconitum carmichaelii, and provide technologic basis to A. carmichaelii breeding. Methods The marker-trait association (MTA) analysis for the weight of first and second fleshy root was conducted in association mapping panel comprised 126 diverse lines based on 280 AFLP loci. Results The population structure analysis of all lines conducted using STRUCTURE indicated that the likely number of subgroups was 2 based on the change in k. A total of 19 loci were identified to associate with 0.87%-6.69% of phenotypic variance for objective trait. The loci of P1M1-27, P3M3-30, and P1M1-20 were identified under all analysis modes of GLM, MLM, GLM + K, and GLM + Q. Conclusion These loci should be compatible to marker assistance selection during A. carmichaelii breeding.

The Influence of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. on the Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Main Components in Rheum palmatum L.

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma was one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicines, and the compatibility of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata was the basic herb pair applied in many Chinese traditional prescription. Rhubarb anthraquinones were the main bioactive materials of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. To elucidate the compatibility of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, the pharmacokinetics of rhubarb anthraquinones as the main marker constituents were investigated. In the present study, pharmacokinetic differences of rhubarb anthraquinones were detected after oral administration of extract of Rheum palmatum L. and compatibility with Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. After oral administration, no difference of peak time can be found for anthraquinones between rhubarb group and compatibility group. But Cmax and area under the curve of aloe-emodin, emodin and chrysophanol in compatibility group were significantly higher than that in rhubarb group. Although the Cmax of rhein in compatibility group was much lower than that in rhubarb group, the area under the curve value was similar in two groups. The clearance and t1/2 of rhubarb anthraquinone were also changed after compatibility. The change of pharmacokinetics characteristics of rhubarb anthraquinone after compatibility may be caused by the drug-drug interaction medicated by chemical reaction and cytochromes P450.

Effects of microelements fertilizer ratio on growth of aconite daughter root / 中草药

Objective: To study the effect of micronutrient fertilizer ratio on the growth and yield of aconite daughter root (the processed daughter root of Aconitum carmichaelii). Methods: Taking A. carmichaelii (Ranunculaceae) as test material, to study the growth and yield of aconite daughter root under the various ratio of Zn, B, Fe, and Mn by the uniform design. Results: To promote the growth and improve the yield of aconite daughter root, the optimum ratio of fertilizer Zn-B-Fe-Mn was 4:1:1:2. Under this ratio, the size of the tuber, the number of the fibrous roots, the length of fibrous roots, the volume of the sub-root, and the dry weight of the tuber, the fibrous roots, and the mother root were significantly or very significantly higher than those under the other fertilizer ratio, while the plant height and the dry weight of leaf were lower than those in the control treatment, with the weight of fibrous roots and the mother roots increased by 24.5% and 25.9% compared with those in the control treatment. The results also showed that there existed negative correlation between the plant height and the yield of per plant, while the dry weight of the fibrous roots and the mother roots showed significantly positive correlation with the yield of per plant. Conclusion: The above mentioned ratio of Zn-B-Fe-Mn as 4:1:1:2 is the best, since it could promote the growth and improve the yield of aconite daughter root more than the other treatment.