[A new lignan from stem bark of Syringa pinnatifolia].

One new lignan, named Z-pinnatifolin A, along with ten known analogues, were isolated from the stem bark of Syringa pinnatifolia by various chromatographic methods. Their structures were extensively determined on basis of MS and NMR spectroscopic data analyses, and comparison with those in literature. Among them, compounds 3,4, and 8-11 were isolated from this genus for the first time, and 5-7 were isolated from the specie for the first time. Compound 1 showed a moderate inhibition on NO production in BV-2 cells. The present study provides a preliminary data for clarification of bioactive ingredients of S.pinnatifolia with anti-myocardial ischemic effect.

[Progress on treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with ethnodrugs].

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, belonging to the "Arthromyodynia (Bi Zheng)" category in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the ethnomedicine has a unique understanding of RA, with a long-term clinical experience accumulation and significant efficacy in the treatment of RA, and it has now become one of the important means in treatment of RA. On the basis of literature research, the understanding of RA and commonly used Tibetan medicine, Mongolian medicine, Hui medicine and other herbs and preparations were reviewed in this paper, with the aim of providing a reference for its clinical treatment of RA and research and development of innovative drugs.

Anti-Proliferative Effect of Triterpenoidal Glycosides from the Roots of Anemone vitifolia through a Pro-Apoptotic Way.

A cytotoxicity-guided phytochemical investigation of Anemone vitifolia roots led to the isolation of six oleanane saponins (1-6), which were reported from the species for the first time. Their structures were determined by comparing its MS and NMR data with those in literature. Compounds 1-4 showed significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells with IC50 values ranging from 2.0 to 8.5 µM, compared to positive control methotrexate with IC50 value of 15.8 µM. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that compounds 1-4 exerted anti-proliferative effects through a pro-apoptotic way of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Alashinols F and G, two lignans from stem bark of Syringa pinnatifolia.

Two new lignans, alashinols F and G (1 and 2), together with two known analogues (-)-secoisolariciresinol (3) and meso-secoisolariciresinol (4) were isolated from the stem bark of Syringa pinnatifolia, a Mongolian folk medicine with anti-myocardial ischaemic effects. Their structures were elucidated on basis of spectroscopic data analyses, including MS and 1D and 2D NMR, and their absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroisms. The in vitro anti-inflammation and anti-hypoxia evaluations were also discussed.

[Advances on chemical constituents and bioactivities of genus Stellera].

Advance on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Stellera plants have been conducted. The chemical constituents include terpenes, coumarins, flavonoids, lignans, volatile oils, and other compounds. Pharmacological studies showed that diterpenoids and biflavones showed strong activities, such as antitumor, anti-HIV, and immune regulations. This review hopes to provide a scientific basis for further research and explorations of the medicinal values of the genus.