Water decoction of Pericarpium citri reticulatae and Amomi fructus ameliorates alcohol-induced liver disease involved in the modulation of gut microbiota and TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Introduction: Alcohol consumption alters the diversity and metabolic activities of gut microbiota, leading to intestinal barrier dysfunction and contributing to the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which is the most prevalent cause of advanced liver diseases. In this study, we investigated the protective effects and action mechanism of an aqueous extraction of Pericarpium citri reticulatae and Amomi fructus (PFE) on alcoholic liver injury. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were used to establish the mouse model of alcoholic liver injury and orally administered 500 and 1,000 mg/kg/d of PFE for 2 weeks. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing were used to analyze the mechanism of action of PFE in the treatment of alcohol-induced liver injury. Results: Treatment with PFE significantly improved alcohol-induced liver injury, as illustrated by the normalization of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total triglyceride, and cholesterol levels in ALD mice in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of PFE not only maintained the intestinal barrier integrity prominently by upregulating mucous production and tight junction protein expressions but also sensibly reversed the dysregulation of intestinal microecology in alcohol-treated mice. Furthermore, PFE treatment significantly reduced hepatic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and attenuated oxidative stress as well as inflammation related to the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. The PFE supplementation also significantly promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the ALD mice. Conclusion: Administration of PFE effectively prevents alcohol-induced liver injury and may also regulate the LPS-involved gut-liver axis; this could provide valuable insights for the development of drugs to prevent and treat ALD.

Effects of Different Processing Methods on the Volatile Components of Amomi Fructus Based on GC-MS and Multivariate Statistical Analysis / 医药导报

Objective To analyze the influence of different processing methods,including frying,ginger frying,and salt frying,on the volatile components of A.fructus.Methods The volatile components in different processed products of A.fructus were detected and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)based on multivariate statistical analysis.After OPLS-DA analysis,the different components were screened under the conditions of VIP＞1.5 and P＜0.05 and were qualitatively searched using the NIST 11 spectral library.Results A total of 49 different components were identified,with 14 components only changing in the seed mass and 22 components changing in the peel.The content of camphor could be significantly reduced in the seed mass after A.fructus was processed and the content of bornyl acetate significantly increased in the peel of frying A.fructus.Salt frying had a great influence on the alkanes in A.fructus,and ginger processing did not only increase the volatile components in ginger,which reflected the complexity of the processing mechanism.Conclusion At present,the specific processing mechanism is not clear,but the experimental results provide theoretical data for the "detoxification and efficiency enhancement" effect of A.fructus processing,reflecting the scientific nature of the processing,enriching the processing theory of A.fructus,and providing a reference for further in-depth research on the activity of different processed products of A.fructus.

Development of a variety and quality evaluation method for Amomi fructus using GC, electronic tongue, and electronic nose.

Amomi fructus is rich in volatile components and valuable as a medicine and edible spice. However, the quality of commercially available A. fructus varies, and issues with mixed sources and adulteration by similar products are common. In addition, due to incomplete identification methods, rapid detection of the purchased A. fructus quality is still an issue. In this study, we developed qualitative and quantitative evaluation models to assess the variety and quality of A. fructus using GC, electronic tongue, and electronic nose to provide a rapid and accurate variety and quality evaluation method of A. fructus. The models performed well; the qualitative authenticity model had an accuracy of 1.00 (n = 64), the accuracy of the qualitative origin model was 0.86 (n = 44), and the quantitative model was optimal on the sensory fusion data from the electronic tongue and electronic nose combined with borneol acetate content, with R 2 = 0.7944, RMSEF = 0.1050, and RMSEP = 0.1349. The electronic tongue and electronic nose combined with GC quickly and accurately evaluated the variety and quality of A. fructus, and the introduction of multi-source information fusion technology improved the model prediction accuracy. This study provides a useful tool for quality evaluation of medicine and food.

Correlation between soil environment and yield and quality of Sharen (Amomi Fructus) under different planting patterns / 数字中医药（英文）

@#【Objective】  To study the effects of soil environment on the growth, yield, and quality of Sharen (Amomi Fructus) under different planting patterns. 【Methods】  Soil physical and chemical indices and enzyme activities in four periods including early flowering (March), full flowering (June), fruit ripening (September), and late fruit picking (December), were measured under three planting patterns including natural forest, greenhouse, and rubber forest in Xishuangbanna, China. The changes in soil indices during the growth periods of Sharen (Amomi Fructus) under different planting patterns were analyzed, and the differences in plant growth, yield, and quality under different planting patterns were explored. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between soil indices and Sharen (Amomi Fructus) growth, yield, and quality. Principal component analysis was used to investigate the effects of soil environment under different planting patterns on Sharen (Amomi Fructus) growth, yield, and quality. 【Results】  The soil moisture, available potassium content, and urease activity of the three planting patterns of Sharen (Amomi Fructus) increased initially and decreased afterwards throughout the year; pH and organic matter content showed little change in the whole year. Exchangeable manganese content and acid phosphatase activity gradually increased throughout the year. Hydrolyzed nitrogen content, exchangeable calcium content, available zinc content, protease activity, and sucrase activity decreased initially and increased afterwards throughout the year. Exchangeable magnesium content, available iron content, and catalase activity decreased annually. Total nitrogen content, total phosphorus content, and available phosphorus content fluctuated throughout the year. The total potassium content under natural forest and greenhouse planting decreased throughout the year, while the total potassium content under rubber forest showed an upward trend all year round. The organic matter content, total nitrogen content, total potassium content, available potassium content, available zinc content, urease activity, acid phosphatase activity, and catalase activity under greenhouse were significantly lower than those under natural and rubber forests (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that plant growth, yield, and quality of Sharen (Amomi Fructus) were significantly correlated with soil organic matter, total nitrogen, hydrolyzed nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, total potassium, available potassium, exchangeable manganese, exchangeable magnesium, exchangeable calcium, available zinc, urease, acid phosphatase, and invertase (P <  0.05). The results of the principal component analysis indicated that the soil environment of Sharen (Amomi Fructus) under natural forest was the best, followed by rubber forest and greenhouse. The order of its advantages and disadvantages is consistent with the growth index of Sharen (Amomi Fructus), but contrary to the yield of Sharen (Amomi Fructus), indicating that the soil environment directly affects the growth index and nutritional components of plants. 【Conclusion】  Different planting patterns of Sharen (Amomi Fructus) have different soil nutrient content, and the change rules in the growths period are not similar, with some differences. Soil indices have impacts on plant growth, yield, and quality of Sharen (Amomi Fructus). Soil ecological environment is positively correlated with the growth characteristics of Sharen (Amomi Fructus) plants, but has no direct correlation with yield and quality.

Analysis of Suitable Processing Time of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata Processed with Amomi Fructus and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the relative content changes of differential metabolites and reducing sugars during the processing process of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata （RRP） processed with Amomi Fructus （AF） and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium （CRP）， and to lay the foundation for revealing the processing principle of this characteristic variety. MethodThe samples of the 0-54 h processing process of RRP processed with AF and CRP were taken as the research object， and their secondary metabolites were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF-MS）. The 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution （A）-acetonitrile （B） was used as the mobile phase for gradient elution （0-1 min， 1%-3%B； 1-10 min， 3%-9%B； 10-15 min， 9%-12%B； 15-22 min， 12%-18%B； 22-31 min， 18%-24%B； 31-35 min， 24%-100%B； 35-36 min， 100%-5%B； 36-40 min， 5%-1%B； 40-45 min， 1%B）， column temperature was 40 ℃， injection volume was 3 μL， flow rate was 0.3 mL·min-1. Electrospray ionization （ESI） was used to scan and collect MS data in the negative ion mode， the scanning range was m/z 50-1 250. Data analysis was carried out using PeakView 1.2 software， and the chemical composition of RRP processed with AF and CRP was identified by combining the literature information and chemical composition databases. The MS data were normalized by MarkerView 1.2， and then the multivariate statistical analysis was applied to screen the differential metabolites， and the changes of the relative contents of the differential metabolites with different processing times was analyzed， finally， correlation analysis was performed between the differential metabolites， the change of the reducing sugar content was combined to determine the most suitable processing time of RRP processed with AF and CRP. ResultA total of 121 compounds were identified from RRP processed with AF and CRP at different processing times， and 12 differential metabolites were screened out by multivariate statistical analysis， including catalpol， hesperidin， isoacteoside， acteoside， narirutin， echinacoside， isomartynoside， decaffeoylacteoside， 6-O-E-feruloylajugol， dihydroxy-7-O-neohesperidin， jionoside D， and rehmapicroside. With the prolongation of processing time， the relative contents of these 12 differential metabolites and reducing sugars changed slightly at 52-54 h. ConclusionUPLC-Q-TOF-MS can comprehensively and accurately identify the chemical constituents of RRP processed with AF and CRP at different processing times， and the suitable processing time of 52-54 h is determined according to the content changes of different metabolites and reducing sugars， which provides a basis for revealing the scientific connotation of the processing principle of this variety.

[Comparison between macroscopic identification and DNA barcoding identification of Amomi Fructus].

This study aims to explore the consistency between macroscopic identification and DNA barcoding identification of Amomi Fructus. With the DNA barcoding identification results, we evaluated the reliability of identifying Amomi Fructus quality by combining macroscopic traits with main volatile chemical components. Thirteen batches of Amomi Fructus samples were collected for identification. Firstly, the morphological and sensory characteristics of each sample were observed and recorded according to the standard in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition). The 100-fruit weight, longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, and longitudinal diameter-to-transverse diameter ratio were measured, which correspond to large, solid, and full kernel representing good quality in the sensory evaluation. The odor value detected by electronic nose and major volatile components(borneol, camphor, limonene, and borneol acetate) correspond to the sensory evaluation of strong odor representing good quality. Secondly, DNA barcoding was employed to identify the 13 batches of samples. Finally, clustering analysis was performed for the main volatile components and macroscopic traits, and the identification results were compared with those of DNA barcoding. Except two batches of samples(No.6 and No.10), the macroscopic identification showed the results consistent with those of DNA barcoding, with an identification rate of 84.62%. The clustering results of the content of four volatile chemical components and macroscopic traits were also consistent with the DNA barcoding identification results. DNA barcoding can verify the results of macroscopic identification and provide a scientific basis for the inheritance and development of macroscopic identification. Moreover, the combination of macroscopic traits and chemical components demonstrates higher accuracy in the quality evaluation of Chinese medicinal materials.

Essential oil components in the seed masses of Amomum xanthioides and its related species from Southeast Asia and China.

Previously, to develop an objective identification method for Amomi Semen (AS), the nucleotide sequences of nrDNA ITS region and two cpDNA regions of nine Amomum taxa specimens from Southeast Asia and China were determined, and the generated phylogenetic tree showed six taxa specimens were divided into four groups. In this study, 51 crude drug samples of AS in Japanese markets were classified into four groups or species based on their ITS sequences. Approximately 67% of samples were derived from A. villosum var. xanthioides or A. xanthioides, A. villosum var. villosum and A. longiligulare prescribed in Japanese Pharmacopoeia, and the rest were mixed with A. uliginosum and A. microcarpum. Subsequently, the essential oil compositions of Amomum taxa specimens and AS samples were determined by GC-MS to characterize each group or species. Group 1(A. xanthioides) samples were characterized by containing higher amount of camphor(6) than bornyl acetate(9), and a specific germacrene D-4-ol; group 2(Chinese A. villosum var. villosum and var. xanthioides) by containing higher amount of 9 than 6, a specific isobornyl acetate; group 3(Laotian A. villosum var. villosum and A. longiligulare) by containing higher amount of 6 than 9, and a characteristic neointermedeol, except for A. longiligulare specimen from Hainan, China; group 4(A. uliginosum) by containing equivalent amount of 6 and 9, and the specific (E,E)-farnesyl acetate and (E,E)-farnesol. A. microcarpum samples were discriminated from the above groups by absence of 6 and 9, and with higher amount of (E)-nerolidol. There was a good correlation between genetic classification and chemical discrimination.

Herbal Textual Research on Traditional Chinese Medicines of Doukou in Famous Classical Formulas / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Chinese medicines of Doukou includes Amomi Fructus Rotundus， Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen， Galangae Fructus and Myristicae Semen. They have a long medicinal history and are also commonly used in cooking and seasoning. Due to the similar names and limited to the traffic conditions in ancient times， the records of Doukou in ancient literature are often confused with many plants in the same family， and there are still many kinds of confused products. In order to promote the development of famous classical formulas containing the medicinal materials， the ancient literature of Doukou in the past dynasties was comprehensively combed from the aspects of name， origin， genuine area， medicinal parts， harvesting and processing and processing methods. It has been found that the basic original plants of Amomi Fructus Rotundus are Amomum kravanh and A. compactum， the original plant of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen is Alpinia katsumadai and it often confused with Tsaoko Fructus. The main source of Galangae Fructus recorded in the ancient materia medica is the fruit of A. officinarum， while the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia stipulates that the original plant is A. galanga. Myristica fragrans is the original plant of Myristicae Semen. It was found that except M. fragrans， the other three kinds of medicinal origin of Doukou had changed， there are many other plants confused with each other. The four kinds of Doukou are produced in Southeast China and Southeast Asia， and most of Amomi Fructus Rotundus and Myristicae Semen are imported. The Chinese medicines of Doukou have clear medicinal parts and simple processing methods， the main methods in the past dynasties are cleaning， stir frying and simmering， and the processed products are selected according to the needs of different diseases. It is suggested to use the dry mature seeds of A. katsumadai in Houpo Wenzhongtang， which is from Guangxi， Guangdong， Hainan， Fujian and Yunnan and so on， among which Wanning in Hainan province is genuine producing area. The fruits should be harvested in summer and autumn， and dried to 90% dry in the sun， or slightly scalded with water and dried to half dry in the sun， and removed the peel， taken out the seed group， dried in the sun and then be used as medicine.

Discussion on Pharmacopoeia Standard and Drug Site of Amomi Fructus Based on Quality Investigation of Commercial Samples / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the quality of Amomi Fructus in the market， and to compare the difference between the seed mass and shell， so as to provide a basis for standardizing the usage of Amomi Fructus. MethodThe properties， thin layer identification， moisture， the content of bornyl acetate were determined by the methods in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia， and the ash and extract content were determined according to the collection method of the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. ResultAmong the 17 batches of samples， except the content of bornyl acetate in 2 batches of Amomum longiligulare， 2 batches of A. longiligulare and A. villosum mixture was lower than the standard， the quality of other samples all met the standard of the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia， but there were two specifications with shell and without shell. The husk rate， volatile oil， extract and bornyl acetate contents of the seed mass and shell were tested. It was found that the content of volatile oil in three kinds of Amomi Fructus seed mass was 1.8-5.3 times that of the corresponding shell， and the content of bornyl acetate in the seed mass was 8.8-62.1 times that of the corresponding shell， but there was little difference in the extract content. ConclusionBased on the above research， it is considered that the content of bornyl acetate in A. longiligulare contained in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia remains to be discussed. It is tentatively determined that the total ash content of Amomi Fructus should not be more than 10.0%， and the extract content should not be less than 15.0%. At the same time， it is suggested that when Amomi Fructus is used as medicine， the dosage of Amomi Fructus should be calculated according to the removal rate of 20%-30% of shell， and it should be crushed regardless of whether it is used in shell or not.

Genetic diversity of Amomum xanthioides and its related species from Southeast Asia and China.

Amomum Semen, the seed mass of Amomum xanthioides, has been imported from Southeast Asia and China and used for the treatment of gastric and intestinal disorders. A. xanthioides has been treated as a synonym of A. villosum var. xanthioides. Furthermore, A. villosum var. villosum, A. villosum var. xanthioides, or A. longiligulare have been described as the botanical origin of Amomi Fructus, which is a similar crude drug in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Under these circumstances, the botanical origin of Amomum Semen was changed to A. villosum var. xanthioides, A. villosum var. villosum, or A. longiligulare in Supplement II to the 17th edition of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. To develop an objective identification method for Amomum Semen and to confirm the phylogenetic relationship among Amomum taxa, the nucleotide sequences of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region and chloroplast DNA partial matK-trnK and trnH-psbA intergenic spacer regions were determined in specimens collected from Southeast Asia and China, including those from the type localities of each taxon. Six taxa were divided into four groups. A. xanthioides from Myanmar belonging to group 1 was discriminated from A. villosum var. xanthioides from China of group 2. A. villosum and its varieties were divided into two groups: group 2 included those from China, and group 3 consisted of A. villosum from Laos. A. longiligulare from China and Laos and A. uliginosum from Laos belonged to group 3 and group 4, respectively. These findings illustrate the phylogenetic basis for the need for taxonomical reorganization among the Amomum species.

Chemotaxonomic Monitoring of Genetically Authenticated Amomi Fructus Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detector with Chemometric Analysis.

Amomi Fructus is widely used to treat digestive disorders, and Amomum villosum, A. villosum var. xanthioides, and A. longiligulare are permitted medicinally in national pharmacopeias. However, there are a variety of adulterants present in herbal markets owing to their morphological similarities to the genuine Amomum species. Forty-two Amomi Fructus samples from various origins were identified using internal transcribed spacer and chloroplast barcoding analyses, and then their chromatographic profiles were compared using chemometric analysis for chemotaxonomic monitoring. Among the Amomi Fructus samples, A. villosum, A. longiligulare, A. ghaticum, and A. microcarpum were confirmed as single Amomum species, whereas a mixture of either these Amomum species or with another Amomum species was observed in 15 samples. Chemotaxonomic monitoring results demonstrated that two medicinal Amomum samples, A. villosum and A. longiligulare, were not clearly distinguished from each other, but were apparently separated from other non-medicinal Amomum adulterants. A. ghaticum and A. microcarpum samples were also chemically different from other samples and formed their own species groups. Amomum species mixtures showed diverse variations of chemical correlations according to constituent Amomum species. Genetic authentication-based chemotaxonomic monitoring methods are helpful in classifying Amomi Fructus samples by their original species and to distinguish genuine Amomum species from the adulterants.

The Absorption Characteristics of Nonvolatile Components in a Water Extraction From Amomi fructus as Determined by In Situ Single-Pass Intestinal Perfusion and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

BACKGROUND: Amomi fructus is a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that can exert beneficial effects during the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and is used widely in China and other countries in Southeast Asia. However, the nonvolatile active ingredients that are present in the water extractions from A. fructus used to treat gastrointestinal diseases have yet to be elucidated. The goal of this study was to identify the nonvolatile active ingredients of A. fructus. METHODS: We used an in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) model to identify the active ingredients of A. fructus that play significant roles in gastrointestinal absorption. In addition, we developed a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to identify key fractions in intestinal outflow perfusate. RESULTS: Nineteen components were identified in a water extraction from A. fructus; these exhibited different absorption capabilities in different intestinal segments. Of these, six components were determined by the newly developed HPLC method: catechin, vanillic acid, epicatechin, polydatin, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin. CONCLUSIONS: The current study aimed to identify the active ingredients present in water extractions prepared from A. fructus in a single-intestinal perfusate from rats. Our findings provide an experimental basis to explain the pharmacodynamic actions of A. fructus.

Innovation of pulvis modification technology in traditional Chinese medicine preparations: A case study of Shenling Baizhu Pulvis / 中草药

Objective: To study the powder properties and powder modification technology of Shenling Baizhu Pulvis (SBP), so as to lay a foundation for the study of the suitability of powder modification technology in the solid preparation of traditional Chinese medicine. Methods: The characterization and evaluation methods of powder in the field of materials science and pharmaceutical science were used for reference to evaluate the grouping of single medicinal materials in the particle design and the process rationality of composite particles. The preparation process of composite particles of SBP was optimized by L9(34) orthogonal test, and the surface properties of the composite particles were evaluated by SEM, IR and XRD. Results: The study on the powder properties of prescription raw materials showed that there was a good correlation between the grinding time and the particle size. Finally, the best process for composite particles was as following: the pulverization temperature for powders of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Dioscoreag Rhizoma, Nelumbinis Semen, Lablab Semen Album, Coicis Semen and Platycodonis Radix was -10 ℃ for 45 min, and then pulverization for another 4 min after adding with Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, Amomi Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The results showed that the composite particles were well formed and the preparation process was stable and feasible. Conclusion: The powder modification technology solves the powder defects in the preparation process of traditional powder, which provides experimental basis for powder modification technology to improve the quality of traditional Chinese medicine solid preparation and promote the development and upgrading of powder, pill and other traditional dosage forms.

Identification and Monitoring of Amomi Fructus and its Adulterants Based on DNA Barcoding Analysis and Designed DNA Markers.

Amomi Fructus is one of the traditional medicines derived from the ripe fruits of the Zingiberaceae family of plants, which include Amomum villosum, A. villosum var. xanthioides, and A. longiligulare. Owing to their highly similar morphological traits, several kinds of adulterants of Amomi Fructus have been reported. Therefore, accurate and reliable methods of identification are necessary in order to ensure drug safety and quality. We performed DNA barcoding using five regions (ITS, matK, rbcL, rpoB, and trnL-F intergenic spacer) of 23 Amomi Fructus samples and 22 adulterants. We designed specific DNA markers for Amomi Fructus based on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ITS. Amomi Fructus was well separated from the adulterants and was classified with the species of origin based on the detected SNPs from the DNA barcoding results. The AVF1/ISR DNA marker for A. villosum produced a 270 bases amplified product, while the ALF1/ISF DNA marker produced a 350 bases product specific for A. longiligulare. Using these DNA markers, the monitoring of commercially distributed Amomi Fructus was performed, and the monitoring results were confirmed by ITS analysis. This method identified samples that were from incorrect origins, and a new species of adulterant was also identified. These results confirmed the accuracy and efficiency of the designed DNA markers; this method may be used as an efficient tool for the identification and verification of Amomi Fructus.

Phytochemicals, pharmacology, clinical application, patents, and products of Amomi fructus.

Amomi fructus (A. fructus) (Sharen) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine widely used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. It has high medical and economic values, which have been confirmed both in vitro and in vivo studies. This review highlights the phytochemicals, pharmacology, clinical application, patents, and products of A. fructus. More than 100 phytochemicals have been isolated and identified from A. fructus, mainly including volatile oils, saponins, flavonoids, organic acids, inorganic ingredients, and polysaccharides. The main pharmacology of gastrointestinal protection, anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic activity, antidiarrheal activity, antibacterial activity, anti-microbial activity and hypoglycemic activity have been confirmed. The main clinical applications include functional digestion disorder, gastritis, helicobacter pylori infection in children and treatment of mastitis. There are 23 patents and 405 different drug products of A. fructus.

Volatile Oil from Amomi Fructus Attenuates 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis.

Amomi Fructus has been used to treat digestive diseases in the context of traditional Chinese medicine, so we evaluated the effects of a volatile oil from Amomum villosum (VOA) on intestinal mucositis induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). We measured the effect of VOA and its main active constituent, bornyl acetate (BA), on body weight, food intake, diarrhea, inflammatory cytokines, the mucosal barrier, and gut microbiota. VOA and BA significantly increased the rats' body weight, relieved diarrhea, and reversed histopathological changes in the gut and inflammation. VOA significantly inhibited apoptosis and alleviated the endoenteritis by downregulating p38 MAPK and caspase-3 expression. VOA and BA strengthened the intestinal mucosal barrier by increasing zonula occludin-1 and occludin expression. VOA and BA reduced the amount of pathogenic bacteria and increased the abundance of probiotics. Thus, VOA prevented the development and progression of intestinal mucositis after chemotherapy.

Change Rule of Decocting Quantity of Effective Components in Amomi Fructus and Amomi Fructus Rotun-dus with Decocting Time by GC / 中国药师

Objective:To study the change rule of decocting quantity of the effective components in Amomi fructus and Amomi fructus rotundus with decocting time to determine whether or not decocted later and optimal decocting time. Methods:The herbs were extracted by the traditional water decoction, and at different time points, sampling was carried out. Using camphor and eucalyptol as the index components, the change rule of decocting quantity of the effective components with the decoction time under the condition of single and combined decoction was investigated. Results:When the decoction time of Amomi fructus was within the range of 3-6 min, the total amount of camphor in the decoction reached relatively high value, and the total amount lost more than 45% when the decoction time exceeded 10 min. Amomi fructus rotundus boiled for a short time below 2 min, and when the decoction time was more than 5 min, more than 50% eucalyptol lost. Conclusion:Amomi fructus and Amomi fructus rotundus should be decocted later with decocting time within 3-6min and below 2 min, respectively. The analytical method is reliable and precise in the quality control of relative decoction.

Determination of Camphor, Borneol and Bornyl Acetate in Shenling Baizhu Powder by Gas Chromatography / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To establish a GC method for simultaneous determine of camphor, borneol and bornyl acetate in Shenling Baizhu Powder. Methods Capillary column was used with 100% methyl polysiloxane as stationary phase. The temperature-programmed was as follows:starting temperature of 60 ℃, 5 ℃/min, rose to 130 ℃, kept for 5 minutes, followed by 20 ℃/min up to 230 ℃, and kept for 5 minutes. Results The average recovery rate of camphor was 99.87%, RSD was 1.3%, and good linear relationship was showed in the range of 0.003 77-0.150 8 μg (r=0.999 9). The average recovery of borneol was 100.71%, RSD was 2.1%, and good linear relationship was showed in the range of 0.002 411-0.096 4 μg (r=0.999 9). The average recovery rate of bornyl acetate was 101.95%, RSD was 1.3%, and good linear relationship was showed in the range of 0.003 02-0.121 1 μg (r=0.999 9). Conclusion The method is simple, reliable, accurate, and can effectively control the quality of Amomi Fructus in Shenling Baizhu Powder.

ISSR analysis on genetic diversity in Amomi Frucius / 中草药

Objective: To evaluate the genetic diversity of germplasm resources for Amomi Fructus from various habitats in different phenotypes. Methods: Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers were used to analyze the genetic diversity and the genetic relationship among 21 samples Amomi Fructus collected from Yunnan, Hainan, Guangdong, and Fujian Provinces; At the same time, the phenotypic characters of 16 Amomum villosum samples were measured in height, stem diameter, blade number, and blade size, etc. Then cluster analysis on all populations of Amomi Fructus was carried out based on the above data. Results: Eleven primers selected from 60 ISSR-primers were used for amplification and a total of 54 DNA bands were obtained,including 22 polymorphic bands. At species level, the average percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) was 40.74%, Nei's gerne diversity (H) was 0.116 1, Shannon's information index (I) was 0.184 2. There was a little difference of morphological characteristics. Conclusion: The genetic diversity of germplasm resources in Amomi Fructus is lower.