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.

Analysis of Electrochemically Active Substances in Malvaceae Leaves via Electroanalytical Sensing Technology for Species Identification.

Electrochemical analysis has become a new method for plant analysis in recent years. It can not only collect signals of electrochemically active substances in plant tissues, but can also be used to identify plant species. At the same time, the signals of electrochemically active substances in plant tissues can also be used to investigate plant phylogeny. In this work, we collected electrochemical finger patterns in Malvaceae leaves based on the established methodological strategy. After the second derivative treatment, the collected electrochemical fingerprints can show more obvious differences. Three different recognition models were used to attempt electrochemical fingerprinting. The results show that linear support vector classification can be used to identify species with high accuracy by combining the electrochemical fingerprint signals collected in the phosphoric acid buffer solution and acetic acid buffer solution. In addition, the fingerprint information collected by the electrochemical sensor is further used for phylogenetic investigation. The 18 species were divided into three clusters. Species of the same genus have been clustered together. Dendrogram obtained by electrochemical fingerprinting was used to compare previously reported results deduced from morphological and complete chloroplast genomes.

[Current situation and problems of national standards for Chinese medicinal materials].

To learn the current situation and strengthen the management of national standards for Chinese medicinal materials, we sorted out the relevant national standards. According to incomplete statistics, there are 1 185 kinds of Chinese medicinal materials, including 1 024 kinds of plant medicines, 106 kinds of animal medicines, and 54 kinds of mineral medicines, in addition to ethnic medicinal materials with different functions. The relevant standards include 819 Pharmacopoeia standards, 342 standards issued by the Ministry of Health or National Medicinal Products Administration, 7 standards for new medicinal materials, and 17 standards for imported medicinal materials. In this paper, the sources of standards as well as the distribution of families and genera and the distribution of medicinal parts of medicinal materials are analyzed. The suggestions are as follows:(1)to improve the coordination among different national standards of Chinese medicinal materials;(2)to improve the standardization and controllability of relevant standards;(3)to revise the issued standards for Chinese medicinal materials(including Tibetan, Uygur, and Mongolian medicinal materials).

Electrochemical Fingerprint Biosensor for Natural Indigo Dye Yielding Plants Analysis.

Indigo is a plant dye that has been used as an important dye by various ancient civilizations throughout history. Today, due to environmental and health concerns, plant indigo is re-entering the market. Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze is the most widely used species in China for indigo preparation. However, other species under Strobilanthes have a similar feature. In this work, 12 Strobilanthes spp. were analyzed using electrochemical fingerprinting technology. Depending on their electrochemically active molecules, they can be quickly identified by fingerprinting. In addition, the fingerprint obtained under different conditions can be used to produce scattered patter and heatmap. These patterns make plant identification more convenient. Since the electrochemically active components in plants reflect the differences at the gene level to some extent, the obtained electrochemical fingerprints are further used for the discussion of phylogenetics.

Characterization of the complete plastome of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk.

Saposhnikovia divaricata is traditional herbal medicine with a long history in China. We reported the complete chloroplast genome of S. divaricate using the next generation sequencing. A total of 115 unique genes were annotated, consisting of 81 protein coding genes, 30 tRNA and 4 rRNA. The overall AT content was 69.2%. The molecular phylogenetic tree reveals that S. divaricate is closely related to Peucedanum in tribe Selineae.

Pseudoprotodioscin inhibits SREBPs and microRNA 33a/b levels and reduces the gene expression regarding the synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides.

The extract of Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H. Wright rhizomes is found to be effective in the therapy of cardiovascular disease. Steroidal saponins make substantial contribution. Previous study has proposed that methylprotodioscin (MP) may promote cholesterol efflux by increasing ABCA1 expression. But the other main saponins ingredients are not referred to. The aim of the present work was to reveal the effect and mechanism of protodioscin (PD), MP and pseudoprotodioscin (PPD) on the synthesis-related gene expression of cholesterol and triglycerides. MTT assay apoptosis assay with annexin AV-APC and 7-AAD double staining were performed. MicroRNA assay and qRT-PCR were used to analyze the gene expression which regulates synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides. Western blot was to demonstrate the levels of target proteins. Cholesterol efflux assay was executed to study the stimulative effect of saponins on cholesterol efflux. In Hep G2 cells, PPD increased ABCA1 protein and mRNA levels, and promoted the effluxion of ApoA-1-mediated cholesterol. The underlying mechanisms involved that PPD inhibited SREBP1c and SREBP2 transcription by decreasing microRNA 33a/b levels. This procedure reciprocally led to the increase of ABCA1 levels. In THP-1 macrophages, PPD showed the similar effect, which reduced HMGCR, FAS and ACC mRNA levels and promoted low density lipoprotein receptor by decreasing the PCSK9 levels. These studies demonstrated that PPD is a potential agent for cholesterol efflux, SREBPs and microRNA 33a/b inhibition, which related to the gene expression for the synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides.

The complete plastome of Peucedanum praeruptorum (Apiaceae).

Peucedanum praeruptorum is an important traditional herbal medicine unique to China. The complete chloroplast genome of P. praeruptorum was generated here using high-throughput sequencing. The plastome was 147,197 bp in size, which consisted of a pair of inverted repeats (IRs; 18,713 bp), a large single copy (LSC; 92,161 bp) and a small single copy (SSC; 17,610 bp). The GC content of the plastome was 37.6%, with 44.5%, 36.0%, and 31.1% in IRs, LSC, and SSC, respectively. A total of 128 genes were annotated, including 84 protein-coding genes, 35 tRNAs, eight rRNAs, and one pseudogene (Ψycf1). The phylogenomic analysis indicated that P. praeruptorum formed a monophyletic clade with Peucedanum japonicum.

[Chemical constituents of Angelica nitida roots].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents in the roots of Angelica nitida. METHODS: The chemical constituents were isolated by silica gel,their structures were identified by spectral analysis. RESULTS: Nine compounds were isolated and identified as isoimperatorin(I), imperatorin(II), cnidilin(III), beta-sitosterol(IV), isopimpinellin(V), phellopterin(VI), neobyakangelicol(VII), (3S)-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-dihydroxy-8-hydroxylmethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H,6H-benzo[1,2-b: 5,4-b'] dipyran-6-one(VIll) and byakangelicin (IX). CONCLUSION: All the compounds are isolated from the plant for the first time.

Protective Effect of Anthocyanins Extract from Blueberry on TNBS-Induced IBD Model of Mice.

This study was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of anthocyanins extract of blueberry on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) model of mice. The study employed female C57BL/6 mice (n = 50), and colitis was induced by intracolonic injection of 0.5 mg of TNBS dissolved in 50% ethanol-phosphate buffered solution. The mice were divided into five groups (n = 10): vehicle, TNBS control and anthocyanins groups that received different doses of anthocyanins extract (10, 20 and 40 mg kg(-1)) daily for 6 days. Both increase in body weight and diarrhea symptoms were monitored each day. After 6 days, the animals were killed, and the following parameters were assessed: colon length, morphological score, histological score and biochemical assay (NO, myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ). The results showed that the anthocyanins extract of blueberry rendered strong protection against TNBS-induced colonic damage at a dosage of 40 mg kg(-1). When compared with the control, anthocyanins extract significantly prevented loss of body weight and ameliorated the scores of diarrhea, morphology and histology. Treatment with anthocyanins extract restored IL-10 excretion, as well as caused reduction in the levels of NO, MPO, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ. Our research revealed the protective effect of anthocyanins extract from blueberry on TNBS-induced experimental colitis in mice, as well as examined whether high levels of dietary blueberries would lower the risk or have protective effects on human IBD, which may require further investigation.

[Comparison on HPLC analysis of aerial part of Bupleurums from different germplasm resources].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate ingredient differences of the aerial part of Bupleurums from different germplasm resources by HPLC. METHOD: Twenty-one different germplasm resources were sown and cultured at the same conditions and the aerial parts of the biennial plants were analyzed by HPLC. RESULT: The chromatograms were established and the data were analyzed by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis to compare the similarity of the samples. The results showed that ingredients from various germplasm resources were significantly different, which indicated the germplasm diversity of Bupleurum. CONCLUSION: The method can be used for comparison of the ingredient differences and quality control, the results provide important references for classification of Bupleurum species.

[Comparative analysis on the configuration of vegetative organs of medicinal Chrysanthemum from different original locations and species].

OBJECTIVE: Compared the difference of the configuration of vegetative organs of medicinal Chrysanthemum in the same habitats but from various original locations and species, in order to provide scientific basis for the study of introduction, differentiation within the species, breeding and genetic diversity. METHODS: The experimental plot were divided into some groups randomly in design and the configuration of vegetative organs were observed, measureed and analysed. RESULTS: The differences of the type and shape of the leaves were obvious. All the Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Gongju' had deep notch long-leaves; Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Boju', Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Chuju', Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Hang bai ju' and Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Hang huang ju' had deep notch correctitude-leaves; Chrysanthemum nakingense and Chrysanthemum indicum had long-leaves; Chrysanthemum indicum had clump-leaves. All the 12 medicinal Dendranthema material had auricle except Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Boju' and Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Chuju'. The young leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Gongju', Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Gongju' and Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Hang bai ju' did not split and the rest were all splitting. CONCLUSION: The differences of the configuration of vegetative organs were obvious and the Key of Vegetative organs was built.

[Studies on the chemical constituents in roots of Angelica tianmuensis and A. megaphylla].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents in roots of Angelica tianmuensis and A. megaphylla. METHODS: Compounds were isolated by column chromatography with silica gel, their structures were identified by spectral analysis. RESULTS: Another three compounds (ligustilone, 5-methoxyhamaudol, cimifugin) were obtained from the roots of Angelica tianmuensis, and another two compounds (ligustilone, angelol) were obtained from the roots of A. megaphylla. CONCLUSION: All the compounds are isolated in these two plants for the first time, and ligustilone is first found from Angelica L..

[Selection of the microorganism for dioscin hydrolyze].

OBJECTIVE: To select the microorganism which can hydrolyze dioscin to diosgenin. METHODS: The microorganism were selected from the surface of rhizome, rhizosphere soil, the inside of the leaves and rhizome of Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright. Diosgenin was identified by thin-layer chromatography and HPLC. RESULTS: The microorganism which could hydrolyze dioscin from the experiment were identified as Aspergillus sp and Alternaria sp. Characteristics of enzymes production and fermentation technology of Aspergillus No. 1 were also studied primarily. CONCLUSION: The Aspergillus strain No. 1 can secret enzyme to hydrolyze dioscin into diosgenin effectively.

[Research of polysaccharide from Dioscorea opposita Thunb].

OBJECTIVE: To isolate a homogeneous polysaccharide RP from RDP (a crude polysaccharide from Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) , and study its preliminary composition and structure. METHODS: RP was obtained with water extraction, alcohol sedimentation, CTAB deprotein, cellulose column and SephadexG-100 column. The purities of RP were identified by SephadexG-200. PC analysis on its acidic hydrolysates was used to determine the sugar components. Sephadex chromatography was used to mensurate its molecular weight. IR was used to analysis RP. RESULTS: RP was homogeneous. IR indicated that RP had beta configurations. The compositon was identified by paper chromatography as glucose, D-mannose, D-galactose. CONCLUSION: The research could provide a theoretical foundation for further development and utilization.

[Studies on the chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Breynia fruticosa].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Breynia fruticosa. METHOD: Various chromatographic techniques were employed for isolation and purification of the constituents. The structures were elucidated by chemical evidence and spectral methods. RESULT: Seven compounds were obtained and identified by spectroscopic methods and compared with authentic samples as aviculin [(+)-isolariciresinol-9'-rhamno-pyranoside], friedelan-3beta-ol, friedelin, arborinone, isoarborinol, 5-hydroxy-7,8,4'-trimethoxy flavone, 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methyl-acetophenone. CONCLUSION: All compounds were firstly isolated from B. genus, furthermore, aviculin was isolated from Euphorbiaceae for the first time.

[Effect of environmental factors on the growth and fatty acid composition of five endophytic fungi from Sapium sebiferum].

Five fungi species including Rhizoctonia sp., Sclerotium sp., Acremoniell sp., Chaetomium sp. and Pestalotiopsis sp. screened from the inner bark of Sapium sebiferum (Lével) Roxb. were used to study their growth under different environmental factors, with the biomass and fatty acid composition as main indexes to elucidate the relationship between plant and its endophytic fungi. Compared with that from synthesized medium, a higher biomass was harvested when the fungi were cultured on liquid potato dextrose medium; the unsaturation index of fatty acid (IUFA) was lower, and the main fatty acids in the fungi were linoleic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid. Compared with the fungi grown on the synthesized medium without Sapium sebiferum's extract, the Sclerotium sp. growth was promoted, and the others were inhibited when the extract was added to the synthesized medium. At the same time, the IUFA were increased. When 0-1.0 mol.L-1 NaCl was added in Sclerotium sp.'s culture medium, the biomass was not changed notably; IUFA in 0-0.5 mol.L-1 NaCl was not significantly different, while in the range of 0.6-1.0 mol.L-1 NaCl, the IUFA was decreased with increasing concentration of NaCl. It indicated that fungus had a stronger tolerance to salt. Sclerotium sp.'s growth was promoted, and the IUFA was increased when plant oil was added in the synthesized medium. The biomass was the highest by adding 1.5% plant oil. The results mentioned above were some way related to the symbiotic relations between the endophytic fungi and their host plant.