Quality evaluation for Radix Astragali based on fingerprint, indicative components selection and QAMS.

Radix Astragali (RA) is one of the most widely used Chinese herbs prescribed in many Chinese formulas to reinforce 'Qi' and treat vital energy deficiency. This study combined fingerprinting with quantitative analysis multi-components by a single marker (QAMS) to improve the quality control standard for RA on the basis of existing quality control methods of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. UPLC-ESI-TOF-MS technique was used to evaluate the quality of RA by fingerprinting and QAMS. Using the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and anti-anoxic activities to screen characteristic components of RA, the calycosin-7-O-ß-d-glucoside (CG), ononin, astragaloside IV, astragaloside II, calycosin and astrageloside I significantly inhibited ear edema in mice, the calycosin and CG had good antioxidant activity and the astragaloside I had a significant anti-hypoxia activity. Astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV, ononin, calycosin and CG had significant pharmacological actions. These components were comprehensively used as the indicative components for the quality control of RA. Astragaloside I was used as the internal standard of the relative correction factors of CG (13.45), ononin (0.51), calycosin (12.08), astragaloside IV (0.73) and astragaloside II (0.81). Astragaloside I and CG were used as internal standards of the relative correction factors of the flavonoids and saponins of ononin (1.11), calycosin (0.04), astragaloside IV (0.73) and astragaloside II (0.81). The study combined fingerprinting with QAMS to improve the quality control standard for RA.

[Decolorization of chitin from Catharsius molossus discards].

OBJECTIVE: Decolorization of crude chitin from Catharsius molossus was studied in order to prepare chitosan with white color and high viscosity. METHODS: Some factors affecting decolorization such as the kind of decolorant reagent, H2O2 concentration, pH, solid-liquid ratio, temperature and other factors were studied by single factor test and orthogonal design. RESULTS: The best decolorization process of chitin from Catharsius molossus was as follows:treated with 15 times of 15% H2O2 at 45 degrees C. CONCLUSION: The process is stable and feasible. The chitosan from Catharsius molossus might be used as a new carrier of colon-specific drug delivery system.

SiC and N, S-doped carbon nanosheets and lignin-enhanced organohydrogel for low-temperature tolerant solid-state supercapacitors.

The rational design of porous carbon materials and hydrogel electrolytes with excellent mechanical properties and low-temperature tolerance are significance for the development of flexible solid-state supercapacitors. In this study, we introduce a novel methodology for synthesizing SiC/N, S-doped porous carbon nanosheets from bamboo pulp red liquor (RL). We leverage the SiO2 and the sodium salt in RL as templates and sodium lignosulfonate as sulfur dopants for the pyrolysis process and use NH4Cl as a nitrogen dopant. This innovative approach results in a material with a remarkable specific surface area of 1659.19 m2 g-1, a specific capacitance of 308 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 and excellent stability. Additionally, we harness alkali lignin extracted from RL to enhance a poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix, creating a gel electrolyte with low-temperature tolerance and outstanding mechanical properties. A flexible solid-state supercapacitor, which incorporates our electrodes and gel electrolyte, demonstrates high energy density (5.2 W h kg-1 at 251 W kg-1 power density). Impressively, it maintains 82 % of its capacitance over 10,000 cycles of charge and discharge. This provides a new solution for the development of flexible solid-state supercapacitors.

Berberine hydrochloride-loaded dung beetle chitosan/sodium alginate microspheres ameliorate DSS-induced colitis and regulate gut microorganisms in mice.

Berberine hydrochloride (BH) has long been known for its therapeutic efficacy. In the present study, we aimed to treat mice with colitis using dung beetle chitosan (DCS) -transported BH. To achieve this, BH-loaded DCS/sodium alginate microspheres (SA-DCS-BH) were prepared. The SA-DCS-BH was characterized using SEM, DLS, FT-IR, and XRD, then was used for administration and anti-inflammatory examination in mice. SEM and DLS confirmed the surface morphology of the microspheres, and the particle size was relatively uniform. FT-IR and XRD results confirmed that BH was successfully loaded. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that SA-DCS-BH had slow-release ability. After treatment with SA-DCS-BH, DAI was significantly reduced, colon weight and length increased, spleen length and weight reduced, concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in colonic tissues were reduced, and gut microbiota species abundance was modulated. In addition, this study found a correlation between specific microbes and colitis indicators, Muribaculaceae showed sequential growth after receiving BH, SA-CS-BH, and SA-DCS-BH treatments, respectively. It was concluded that SA-DCS-BH effectively delivered the BH to the intestine with slow-release ability and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by immune response. Compared to commercial chitosan, DCS has potential for modulating intestinal microorganisms and more suitable carrier for intestinal drug delivery systems.

Preparation and Characterization of Dopamine-Modified Carbon Fiber Paper Composites for Gas Diffusion Layers.

Carbon fibers (CFs) cannot be directly used for the preparation of CF paper because of their chemically inert nature. Herein, the surface of CFs was modified using the spontaneous oxidative self-polymerization of dopamine. By taking full advantage of the spontaneous oxidation and self-polymerization properties of PD to maintain the maximum strength of CFs, a polydopamine-modified CF paper (PDA-CFP) with excellent performance was prepared using PD-modified CFs (PDA-CFs). This increased the proportion of hydrophilic functional groups on the surface of carbon fibers, increased the O/C ratio on the CF surface by 6 times, and improved the bond strength between the modified CF and the adhesive by making full use of the interaction force between polydopamine and PVA fibers. In this way, the primary properties of the CF paper were improved. Overall, the results showed that the dispersion of CF was considerably improved with dopamine modification. In addition, the primary physical properties of PDA-CFP were better than those of virgin CF paper (CFP-0). PDA-CFP exhibited a maximum tensile strength of 2.04 kN·m-1, a minimum resistivity of 0.06055 Ω·cm-1, and a minimum porosity of 72.4%. The tightness was increased by up to 12.1%.

Pyrolysis Enzymolysis-Treated Pomelo Peel: Porous Carbon Materials with Fe-Nx Sites for High-Performance Supercapacitor and Efficient Oxygen Reduction Applications.

This paper proposes a different strategy for deriving carbon materials from biomass, abandoning traditional strong corrosive activators and using a top-down approach with a mild green enzyme targeted to degrade the pectin matrix in the inner layer of pomelo peel cotton wool, inducing a large number of nanopores on its surface. Meanwhile, the additional hydrophilic groups produced via an enzymatic treatment can be used to effectively anchor the metallic iron atoms and prepare porous carbon with uniformly dispersed Fe-Nx structures, in this case optimizing sample PPE-FeNPC-900's specific surface area by up to 1435 m2 g-1. PPE-FeNPC-900 is used as the electrode material in a 6 M KOH electrolyte; it manifests a decent specific capacitance of 400 F g-1. The assembled symmetrical supercapacitor exhibits a high energy density of 12.8 Wh kg-1 at a 300 W kg-1 power density and excellent cycle stability. As a catalyst, it also exhibits a half-wave potential of 0.850 V (vs. RHE) and a diffusion-limited current of 5.79 mA cm-2 at 0.3 V (vs. RHE). It has a higher electron transfer number and a lower hydrogen peroxide yield compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts. The green, simple, and efficient strategy designed in this study converts abundant, low-cost waste biomass into high-value multifunctional carbon materials, which are critical for achieving multifunctional applications.

γ-Aminobutyric acid is involved in overlapping pathways against chilling injury by modulating glutamate decarboxylase and defense responses in papaya fruit.

The effect of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) treatment at two concentrations (1 mM or 5 mM) on papaya fruit stored at 4°C and 80%-90% relative humidity for 5 weeks was investigated. The application of GABA at 5 mM apparently inhibited chilling injury, internal browning, electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phospholipase D (PLD), and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities of papaya fruit. Fruit treated with 5 mM GABA enhanced the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). In addition, GABA treatment significantly displayed higher levels of proline, endogenous GABA accumulation, phenolic contents, and total antioxidant activity than the nontreated papaya. The results suggested that GABA treatment may be a useful approach to improving the chilling tolerance of papaya fruit by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing the defense system.

Chitosan microspheres-based controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers improve the biological characteristics of Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis and the soil.

Present study investigates the impact of chitosan microspheres-based controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (Cm-CRNFs) on biological characteristics of Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis (Chinese cabbage) and soil. The study was carried out under various four treatments, urea (0.8033 g), blank chitosan microspheres (without urea), Cm-CRNFs (0.8033 g), and a control group (CK). The results indicated that Cm-CRNFs significantly prolonged the nitrogen release and enhanced the plant shoot length, shoot diameter, number of branches, pods, total amino acids, and vitamin C of Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis as well as increased the soil nutrient availability. Chao index of bacterial diversity analysis showed a significant reduction of 15.89 % in Cm-CRNFs, but the Shannon index value in Cm-CRNFs was increased by 23.55 % compared to CK. Furthermore, Cm-CRNFs treatment significantly influenced genus richness level of Arthrobacter, Archangium, Bacillus, and Flavihumibacter. Moreover, relative abundance of bacteria significantly enhanced Cm-CRNFs, including Acidobacteriota, Acitinobacteriota, Cloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, and Patescibacteria. Soil enzyme activity such as: urease, acid phosphatase, and catalase enzymes in Cm-CRNFs and urea treatment significantly increased. Besides, other enzymes such as: cellulase and ß-glucosidase activity decreased in the Cm-CRNFs treatment. It was concluded that Cm-CRNFs potentially prolonged discharge of micro/macronutrients and improved soil bacterial diversity, which ultimately enhanced the soil fertility and improved the soil enzyme activity.

[Preparation and preliminary characterization of chitosan from Catharsius molossus discards].

OBJECTIVE: To study preparation and characterization of chitosan from Catharsius Molossus processing discards and explore the feasibility of utilization of insects residue. METHODS: Preparation technique of chitosan was studied by orthogonal design,and properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), etc. RESULTS: Preparation techniques were as follows: demineralizing: soaked for 30 min at 80 degrees C with 1.3 mol/L HCl, then kept for 12 h under room temperature. Deproteinization and delipidation: treated for 6 h at 90 degrees C with 4 mol/L NaOH. Decolorizing: soaked at room temperature with 3% KM-nO4, then treated with 2% oxalic acid at 70 degrees C. Deacetylating:treated for 5 h at 110 degrees C with 14 mol/L NaOH. CONCLUSION: The technique is stable and feasible. The result also preliminarily showes that chitosan from Catharsius Molossus is better than shrimp's. It will be widely applied in biomedical and other industrial areas with such exciting properties.

Terrestrial insects as a promising source of chitosan and recent developments in its application for various industries.

Chitosan is a deacetylated form of chitin and increasingly important amino-polysaccharide used in many various sectors including agriculture, food, and biomedicine. However, chitosan from marine sources has several adverse effects, including allergenic components harmful to human health. Furthermore, marine resources are seasonal, and availability is limited due to dependency on environmental conditions and climate change. In addition, shell infection in crustaceans and environmental contamination make the harvesting of chitin and chitosan problematic. In recent years, chitosan from terrestrial insects has attracted considerable interest. The discoveries show insect chitosan is more advantageous compared to crustacean chitosan. In addition, we were unable to find any literature about the adverse effects of insect chitosan thus far. This review aims to reveal information regarding crustacean and terrestrial insect chitosan and recent advances in chitosan sources. Applications from specific insect orders and perspectives for further study will also be highlighted, including medical and sensing applications.

Nano-fertilizers: A sustainable technology for improving crop nutrition and food security.

Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers cause economic burdens, increasing soil, water and atmospheric pollution. Nano-fertilizers have shown great potential for their sustainable uses in soil fertility, crop production and with minimum or no environmental tradeoffs. Nano-fertilizers are of submicroscopic sizes, have a large surface area to volume ratio, can have nutrient encapsulation, and greater mobility hence they may increase plant nutrient access and crop yield. Due to these properties, nano-fertilizers are regarded as deliverable 'smart system of nutrients'. However, the problems in the agroecosystem are broader than existing developments. For example, nutrient delivery in different physicochemical properties of soils, moisture, and other agro-ecological conditions is still a challenge. In this context, the present review provides an overview of various uses of nanotechnology in agriculture, preference of nano-fertilizers over the conventional fertilizers, nano particles formation, mobility, and role in heterogeneous soils, with special emphasis on the development and use of chitosan-based nano-fertilizers.

Protective effects of Polygonatum kingianum polysaccharides and aqueous extract on uranium-induced toxicity in human kidney (HK-2) cells.

The current detoxification options of uranium, a toxic radioactive heavy metal, have obvious side effects. Polygonatum kingianum (PK), a natural product with the function of antioxidant, may be effective in detoxification and prevention of uranium-induced nephrotoxicity. Here, we studied the protective effects of PK polysaccharides (PKP) and aqueous extract (PKAE) on uranium-induced toxicity in human kidney (HK-2) cells. First, the physicochemical properties of PKP and PKAE were characterized. Assays on cultured cells demonstrated that pretreatment with PKP and PKAE significantly increased metabolic activity, relieved morphological impairments, and alleviated apoptosis. The impairments caused by uranium exposure were ameliorated (mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level increased while reactive oxygen species decreased). Molecular mechanistic studies revealed that PKP and PKAE alleviated uranium-induced cytotoxicity by regulating mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and the GSK-3ß/Fyn/Nrf2 pathway. Collectively, our data support the preventive and therapeutic applications of PKP and PKAE for uranium poisoning.

A Review on a Medicinal and Edible Plant: Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem.

Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. (Araliaceae), which is the key point of this review, is a precious wild vegetable that has served in the treatment of diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis in traditional folk medicine in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Russia). This review aims to overview the results of the current research related to Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem., with particular emphasis on chemical composition and biological activity. The existing research has been searched and summarized through the database, and it has been found that it has a certain therapeutic effecta on a variety of chronic diseases such as: malignant tumors, cardio-cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and its complications, etc. Additionally, it is loved by people in East Asia due to its rich taste as a wild vegetable. In conclusion, it offers the possibility of developing innovative pharmacological drugs as well as healthy food. Thus, it is critical to prove its validity and clarify the exact action mechanisms that promote it as a pharmacological drug. This review is expected to provide direction for future research.

A novel cyanoacrylate-based matrix excipient in HPMCP capsules forms a sustained intestinal delivery system for orally administered drugs with enhanced absorption efficiency.

Patients prefer oral drug delivery due to its convenience and noninvasiveness. Nevertheless, a multitude of potentially clinically important drugs will not reach the market or achieve their full potential, due to their low bioavailability and instability in gastric acid. In this study, a novel oral drug delivery system based on poly-cyanoacrylate [a polymer of 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate (MECA)] and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) was developed and shown to permit intestinal targeting and sustained drug release. Aspirin [acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)] was selected as a model drug for atherosclerosis treatment. It was physically dissolved in liquid MECA, and the ASA-MECA matrix was then polymerized into a solid drug-loading depot in an HPMCP shell. The delivery of the drug depot in the intestine was achieved with the HPMCP shell; then the polymerized MECA (polyMECA) provided sustained drug release. The polyMECA excipient was not absorbed by the intestine due to its high molecular weight; a fluorescein-labeled assay indicated that it was excreted completely in feces after drug release. The formulation, ASA-polyMECA-HPMCP, showed good intestinal targeting and sustained drug release in vitro and in vivo. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that this formulation improved the bioavailability of ASA relative to commercially available controls. ASA-polyMECA-HPMCP showed desirable anti-atherosclerosis efficacy in a rabbit model, with significant enhancement of atheromatous lesion stability. Biosafety tests proved the low toxicity of ASA-polyMECA-HPMCP and the polyMECA matrix. We believe that this work has provided a practical and biocompatible system for sustained intestinal drug delivery that can be applied broadly with various drugs for specific therapeutic aims.

A review of the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Tussilago farfara L. (coltsfoot).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tussilago farfara L. (commonly called coltsfoot), known as a vital folk medicine, have long been used to treat various respiratory disorders and consumed as a vegetable in many parts of the world since ancient times. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review aims to provide a critical evaluation of the current knowledge on the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of coltsfoot, thus provide a basis for further investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A detailed literature search was obtained using various online search engines (e.g. Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Baidu Scholar, PubMed and CNKI). Additional information was sourced from ethnobotanical literature focusing on Chinese and European flora. The plant synonyms were validated by the database 'The Plant List' (www.theplantlist.org). RESULTS: Coltsfoot has diverse uses in local and traditional medicine, but similarities have been noticed, specifically for relieving inflammatory conditions, respiratory and infectious diseases in humans. Regarding its pharmacological activities, many traditional uses of coltsfoot are supported by modern in vitro or in vivo pharmacological studies such as anti-inflammatory activities, neuro-protective activity, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant activity. Quantitative analysis (e.g. GC-MS, UHPLC-MRMHR) indicated the presence of a rich (>150) pool of chemicals, including sesquiterpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, chromones, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and others from its leaves and buds. In addition, adverse events have resulted from a collection of the wrong plant which contains PAs that became the subject of public concern attributed to their highly toxic. CONCLUSIONS: So far, remarkable progress has been witnessed in phytochemistry and pharmacology of coltsfoot. Thus, some traditional uses have been well supported and clarified by modern pharmacological studies. Discovery of therapeutic natural products and novel structures in plants for future clinical and experimental studies are still a growing interest. Furthermore, well-designed studies in vitro particularly in vivo are required to establish links between the traditional uses and bioactivities, as well as ensure safety before clinical use. In addition, the good botanical identification of coltsfoot and content of morphologically close species is a precondition for quality supervision and control. Moreover, strict quality control measures are required in the studies investigating any aspect of the pharmacology and chemistry of coltsfoot.

[Preparation technology of effective fraction of Catharsius molossus based on determination of effective composition and characterization of physico-chemical property].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the preparation technology of effective fraction of Catharsius molossus, and investigate the feasibility of process control by the physical and chemical characterization of extracts. METHOD: Used single-factor test method, choosed the main effective components of peptides and amino acids as indexes, combined with theology, chemistry, electricity, and other characterization, the study researched the prepared technology of effective fraction of C. molossus including extraction, concentration, separation, purification, drying and so on. RESULT: The optimal preparation technology of effective fraction of C. molossus was that soaked an amount of crude drugs with three times of 85% ethanol for 48 h, added 10 times of 85% ethanol, percolated in 4 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1), collected percolation liquid, concentrated to 1:1 at 50-55 degrees C, removed fat by frozen, adopted DA201-C macroporous resin, used 1 BV of water and 4 BV of 70% ethanol as eluting agent, collected eluant respectively. The water part was concentrated and dried, then washed twice with 85% ethanol, collected washing liquid and mixed with 70% ethanol eluant. The product was obtained by concentrating and dring. At the same time, the liquid-phase system of each link was characterized in preparation of effective fraction of C. molossus, which showed that the surface tension related to polypeptide was essentially unchanged, and the conductivity related to salt decreased by about 90% with ineffective substances closely related to salt The results showed that the preparation technology maximumly retained the effective information, and removed the invalid information. CONCLUSION: The preparation technology of effective fraction of C. molossus is stable and reliable, and the process control in physico-chemical characterization of extracts is feasible.

[Researches on relationships between main active ingredients and physical and chemical parameters of dangguibuxue decoction].

OBJECTIVE: To study relationships between the main active ingredients and physical and chemical parameters of dangguibuxue decoction, and to explore the feasibility of characterization the quality of decoction by physical and chemical parameters. METHOD: Solutions of ferulic acid and astragaloside with different concentrations were prepared, of which physical and chemical parameters such as surface tension, pH value and conductivity, etc were determined at 25 degrees C. And polynomial regression analysis was used to analyze these data. RESULT: With the increase of concentration of ferulic acid, pH value was decreased and conductivity was increased. And surface tension was decreased in the aqueous solution of astragaloside. In the combined solution of ferulic acid and astragaloside, ferulic acid was the main influencing pH value and conductivity, while astragaloside was the main factor influencing surface tension. CONCLUSION: On one hand, astragaloside concentration has a significant correlation with surface tension, but almost no correlation with pH value and conductivity. On the other hand, ferulic acid concentration has a strong correlation with pH value and conductivity, but almost no correlation with surface tension. In addition, each parameter has strong anti-interference ability and almost didn't change with the addition of another material. These preliminary results suggested that such characteristic parameters could be used to characterize the decoction quality.

Spectrum-Effect Relationships of Flavonoids in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. is used in large quantities in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides, with flavonoids being the main active ingredients. In this study, flavonoids were isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. grown in 21 areas in China by water extraction, alcohol precipitation, polyamide resin separation, and other methods. Fingerprints were established by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). There were 15 common peaks in the fingerprints by similarity evaluations of the chromatographic fingerprints. The spectrum-effect relationships between the HPLC fingerprints and pharmacological activities of flavonoids in G. uralensis Fisch., including the heat clearing, detoxifying effects, cough relief, and phlegm elimination effects, were assessed by gray relational analysis and partial least squares regression. After HPLC-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and standard comparison, these five identified compounds (liquiritin apioside, neoisoliquiritin, licochalcone A, licochalcone B, and licochalcone C) could be used to evaluate licorice quality with regard to its efficacy. This research provides a scientific basis for improving licorice quality and also establishes a model for modernization of traditional Chinese medicines.

Cynanchum paniculatum (Bunge) Kitag. ex H. Hara: A review of its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cynanchum paniculatum (Bunge) Kitag. ex H. Hara (C. paniculatum), is a broadly used traditional medicinal plant by East Asians. The roots and rhizomes of this herb were named 'Xu-Chang-Qing' since the Qin or Han Dynasty (B.C.221-220) in China. It is pungent and warm in nature and associated with the liver and stomach meridians. Moreover, the efficacy of this herb are dispelling wind, resolving dampness, relieving pain and itching. It is used for treating the onset of rheumatic arthralgia, stomachache, toothache, lumbago, soft tissue injury, rubella and eczema. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review about the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of C. paniculatum on the strength of the studies in the past two decades. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search on previous literature was conducted on databases such as Web of Science, Pubmed, Sciencedirect, American Chemical Society (ACS), Google scholar and China national knowledge internet (CNKI). The search was based on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of C. paniculatum. The key search words were 'Cynanchum paniculatum' and 'Radix Cynanchi Paniculati'. In addition, some published books were searched for more information on the herb. RESULTS: Over 150 compounds have been isolated and identified from C. paniculatum, including C21 steroids, volatile oils, carbohydrates and phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids. Extensive pharmacological activities of the extracts or compounds of C. paniculatum in vivo and in vitro were confirmed including anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, sedative antiviral, antitumor, neuroprotective, treating snake bites, immunomodulatory, anti-radiation, vasodilatory, acaricidal potentials and anti-adipogenic activities. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of C. paniculatum were reviewed. This herb has long been used as traditional medicine. It was reported with numerous chemical ingredients and various pharmacological activities with anti-inflammatory, antitumor, neuroprotection, etc. In the future, C. paniculatum still needs further study, such as identifying the active compounds, clarifying the pharmacological mechanisms, discussing quality and safety.

A Conjugated Polymer Fluorescent Sensor for Continuous Identification of Copper(II) and Pyrophosphate in Blood Serum and Synovial Fluid.

A novel "on-off-on" super-sensitive conjugated polymer fluorescence sensor (PPE-DPA) was developed and it was applied to realize the continuous recognition of Cu2+ and pyrophosphate (PPi). The fluorescence intensity decreased linearly with the change of Cu2+ from 0.05 to 5.0 µmol L-1 and the limit of detection was 24 nmol L-1. The fluorescence intensity was linearly enhanced with the increase of PPi from 0.5 to 12.0 µmol L-1 and the limit of detection was 230 nmol L-1. In addition, this method was applied to detect PPi in the blood serum and synovial fluid of patients with arthritis and satisfactory results were obtained. Thus, the PPE-DPA is not only an effective tool for detecting Cu2+ and PPi in samples, but also presents a potential way to diagnose arthritis.