cDNA cloning and expression analysis of a non-photosynthetic ferredoxin gene in morning glory (Pharbitis nil).

A full-length cDNA encoding a non-photosynthetic ferredoxin was isolated from apical buds of morning glory (Pharbitis nil), a short-day plant, by differential screening under flower-inducing and non-inducing conditions. Northern analysis and in situ hybridization showed that the transcript was abundant in shoot apices and root tips. The transcript level in the apical buds decreased with the flower-inducing light treatment.

Evaluation of angelicae radix (Touki) by the inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation.

Quality evaluation of Angelicae Radix (Touki) was discussed referring to its inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. No better correlation was observed in quality determined morphologically from the above-ground part of Touki and that determined by anti-platelet aggregation (APA) effects. Phthalides and adenosine, known to be the major components of Touki, were found not sufficient to evaluate the Touki quality as regards APA active components have been studied and it was concluded that the APA effect of Touki results from the combined action of plural components. The importance of determining quality based on the action of total extract to meet the purpose for which the substance is to be used was suggested.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Neolignans Newly Isolated from the Crude Drug "Shin-i" (Flos Magnoliae).

The anti-inflammatory effects of the major components of the dried flower buds of MAGNOLIA SALICIFOLIA were determined using the pouch granuloma method in mice. Though alkaloids, fatty acids, essential oils, and lignans had no anti-inflammatory effects, neolignans (magnoshinin and magnosalin) significantly inhibited the granuloma tissue formation. The inhibitory effect of magnoshinin was particularly strong, being nearly half of that of hydrocortisone acetate when administered orally. Some differences were noted in the mode of action between the neolignans and the steroidal drugs as the neolignans selectively inhibited the granuloma tissue formation but did not affect the exudation of pouch fluid. The structural specificity of neolignans was also found on their anti-inflammatory effect.

Polygoacetophenoside, A New Acetophenone Glucoside from Polygonum multiflorum1.

Polygoacetophenoside ( 3), a new acetophenone glucoside, was isolated from POLYGONUM MULTIFLORUM (Polygonaceae), together with quercetin 3- O-galactoside ( 1) and arabinoside ( 2). The structure of the new glucoside was deduced to be 2,3,4,6-tetrahy-droxyacetophenone 3- O-beta- D-glucoside ( 3) by its chemical and spectral data.

Characterization of a novel gene encoding a phytocyanin-related protein in morning glory (Pharbitis nil).

A cDNA for a novel phytocyanin homolog was cloned from apical buds of morning glory (Pharbitis nil). The predicted protein was most similar to a family of early nodulins, which are expressed during the formation of symbiotic root nodules of legume plants, and less similar to typical phytocyanins such as lacquer tree stellacyanin and cucumber basic protein. The amino acid sequence predicted that it is a secreted protein associated with other components of the extracellular matrix. Hybridization analyses showed that the transcript was expressed specifically in meristems and procambia of apical buds and root tips. The transcript level in the apical buds decreased significantly on flower-inducing treatment. Involvement of this phytocyanin-related protein in plant organ differentiation is discussed.

The structure-hemolysis relationship of oleanolic acid derivatives and inhibition of the saponin-induced hemolysis with sapogenins.

Chikusetsusaponin IV and V, whose genin is oleanolic acid, exhibited weak hemolytic activities. Removal of glucose residue at position 29 of chikusetsusaponin V by partial hydrolysis increased the activity more than 30-fold. Methylation of the carboxyl group at position 28 increased the activity furthermore by about 10-fold, showing HD50 value of 3.77 microM. On the other hand, removal of the sugar chain at position 3 of chickusetsusaponin V by partial hydrolysis completely lost the activity. These facts suggest that the sugar chain at position 3 of oleanolic acid is essential but that at position 29 is pernicious for the activity. The cytolytic agents, whose target has been regarded as membrane cholesterol, were inactivated not only by cholesterol but also by sapogenins such as oleanolic acid, gitogenin and hederagenin. Among saponins tested, akebia saponin B and C were inactivated by cholesterol, but not by the genins, probably because their affinities for the genins are too low to form complexes.

Blocking effects of blended paeoniflorin or its related compounds with glycyrrhizin on neuromuscular junctions in frog and mouse.

The combined effects of paeoniflorin (PF), a main component of paeony roots, and glycyrrhizin (GLR), a main component of licorice roots, were investigated on isolated sciatic nerve-sartorius muscle preparations in frogs, or on isolated or in situ phrenic nerve-diaphragm muscle preparations in mice, intending to explain the effects of "Shakuyaku-Kanzô-Tô, composed of both these Chinese drugs, on clinical neuropathy. PF and GLR used together blocked indirectly stimulated twitchings at concentrations which when used alone induced no blocking effects. PF and GLR at a combining ratio of 1:2 (weight concentrations) corresponding to the amounts contained in "Shakuyaku-Kanzô-Tô, was more potent than when they were used at the ratio of 1:1 or 2:1. The synergistic effects induced by GLR were also confirmed for the other components, paeoniflorigenone or oxypaeoniflorin, which are contained in paeony roots, and for succinylcholine. The blocking effect of d-tubocurarine were not increased by GLR. Concludedly, PF and GLR were found to cause the pharmacological blend effect. The two combined compounds were mainly therapeutic components in "Shakuyaku-Kanzô-Tô".

Studies on aldose reductase inhibitors from natural products. II. Active components of a Paraguayan crude drug "Para-parai mí," Phyllanthus niruri.

Aldose reductase (AR) inhibitory activity-directed fractionation of the 70% ethanolic extract of Para-parai mí, Phyllanthus niruri, has led to the isolation of three active components, ellagic acid (1), brevifolin carboxylic acid (4) and ethyl brevifolin carboxylate (5). Among them, 1 showed the highest inhibitory activity, being about 6 times more potent than quercitrin, which is a known natural inhibitor of AR.

Anti-inflammatory constituents of topically applied crude drugs. IV. Constituents and anti-inflammatory effect of Paraguayan crude drug "alhucema" (Lavandula latifolia Vill.).

The anti-inflammatory active fraction of the Paraguayan crude drug, "Alhucema," Lavandula latifolia Vill. afforded four compounds: coumarin (1), 7-methoxycoumarin (2), trans-phytol (3) and caryophyllene oxide (4). 1 showed a weakly inhibitory effect on carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats on topical application and 4 showed an inhibitory effect on histamine-induced contraction in guinea pig ileum.