[Overview of research and development of polypeptide drugs and traditional Chinese medicine-peptides].

Peptide is a compound consisting of 2-50 amino acids, which is intermediate between small molecule and protein. It is characterized by a variety of biological activities, easy absorption, strong specific targeting, and few side effects and has become one of the hotspots in biomedical research in recent years. Chinese medicine contains a large number of peptides. The traditional processing methods such as decocting and boiling can effectively boost peptides to exert their due biological activities. At present, however, the research on Chinese medicinal components in laboratory generally employs high-concentration alcohol extraction method, which may cause the peptides to be ignored in many natural Chinese medicines. Substantial studies have revealed that the peptides in Chinese medicine are important material basis responsible for the traditional efficacy. Based on years of research and literature retrieval, this study put forward the concept of "traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)-peptides", referring to the components consisting of two or more amino acids with molecular weight between small molecules and proteins that can express the efficacy of Chinese medicine. Furthermore, this study also summarized the extraction and separation of TCM-peptides, and structure determination methods and routes, predicted the research prospect of modern research methods of TCM-peptides based on "holistic view" and big data. The artificial intelligence prediction was combined with high-throughput screening technology to improve the discovery efficiency and accuracy of TCM-peptides, and holographic images between TCM-peptides and biological targets were established to provide references for the innovative drug design and related health product development of TCM-peptides based on TCM theories.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo: a review.

Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo is a herbaceous plant of the family Lamiaceae, subfamily Lamioideae. Approximately, 127 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from L. rotata, including iridoids, flavonoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, polysaccharides, and organic acids. These chemical constituents have extensive pharmacological properties, which include anti-nociceptive, haemostatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and cardio-protective activities. Documentation of its historical use in traditional medicine and contemporary phytochemical and pharmacological research indicate that L. rotata has significant potential in therapeutic and health care applications. Both whole extracts and individual chemical components isolated from this plant exhibit a wide range of biological activities that warrant further investigation. These investigations can be assisted by careful review of existing traditional knowledge from diverse cultural backgrounds. A new search for chemical and biological markers and reinforced protection of the germplasm resources of L. rotata are also important to ensure targeted and sustainable use of this medicinal resource. The aim of this review was to provide comprehensive information on the botanical characteristics, traditional uses, ethnopharmacology, chemical and pharmacological properties, toxicity profile, and conservation status of L. rotata, to improve understanding of its mechanisms of action so that novel therapeutic agents may be developed from this plant.

[Study on herbal textual evolution and flavonoids and their pharmacological of Spatholobi Caulis].

Spatholobi Caulis, the vine stem of Spatholobus suberectus and widely used in China and Southeast Asian nations, has the effects on nourishing the blood and promoting blood flow, regulating menstruation and relieving pain, and invigorating the nerves. Through consulting the herbal textual and local chronicles, we summarized the original textual research and medicinal evolution on Spatholobi Caulis to analyze the changes of varieties in different historical periods. Further, the major active ingredient in Spatholobi Caulis was discussed. According to the literature to date, 60 flavonoids compounds have been isolated and could be divided into isoflavones, dihydroflavones, flavanols, dihydroflavonols, procyaninides, chalcones, pterocarpans, isoflavanols, isoflavanones and aurone according to their molecular structures. These indicative ingredients in Spatholobi Caulis showed pharmacological activities on regulation of the blood system, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-virus, anti-bacteria and inhibition of melanin deposition. This review will provide reference and basis for the sustainable use of resources and industry development on Spatholobi Caulis.

[Effect of exogenous GA3 and DPC on active components of Lonicera japonica and its mechanism].

To reveal the effect of plant growth regulator GA3 and DPC on the active components and its possible mechanism of Lonicera japonica. GA and DPC were applied at the stage of flower bud differentiation, and the content of active ingredients was measured by LC-MS-MS, the content of endogenous hormones were measured by ELISA, and the expression of key enzyme enes expression was determined by qRT-PCR. The level of endogenous hormone GA3, IAA, ZR, DHZR and iPA in the GA treatment group was significantly improved, the expression of C4H1, C4H2, 4CL1 and HQT2 were also significantly increased. The content of chlorogenic acid, luteolin, luteoloside, isoquercetin and caffeic acid increased significantly. Spraying DPC did not affect or inhibit the accumulation of active components of L. japonica. Spraying GA can increase the content of endogenous GA3, thus enhance the expression of C4H1, C4H2, 4CL1 and HQT2, and then increase the content of chlorogenic acid and luteolin.

[Analysis phylogenetic relationship of Gynostemma (Cucurbitaceae)].

The sequences of ITS, matK, rbcL and psbA-trnH of 9 Gynostemma species or variety including 38 samples were compared and analyzed by molecular phylogeny method. Hemsleya macrosperma was designated as outgroup. The MP and NJ phylogenetic tree of Gynostemma was built based on ITS sequence, the results of PAUP phylogenetic analysis showed the following results: (1) The eight individuals of G. pentaphyllum var. pentaphyllum were not supported as monophyletic in the strict consensus trees and NJ trees. (2) It is suspected whether G. longipes and G. laxum should be classified as the independent species. (3)The classification of subgenus units of Gynostemma plants is supported.

[Analysis of critical genes expression of chlorogenic acid and luteolin biosyntheses in Lonicera confusa].

This study analysed the tissue specific expression of critical genes involved in chlorogenic acid and luteolin biosynthesis, for exploiting the molecular mechanism of components biosynthesis in Lonicera confusa. Expression of PAL, 4CL, C4H, CHS, CHI, FNS and HQT gene families of chlorogenic acid and luteolin biosynthesis-related genes in buds and leaves of L. confusa were analyed by Real-time PCR. Expressions of PAL1, C4H1, 4CL1, CHS1, CHI3 and HQT2 in buds were lower than that in leaves, and expressions of PAL3, 4CL2, CHI2 and FNS2 in buds were higher than that in leaves. The results indicated that that PAL3 and 4CL2 may be associated with accumulation of chlorogenic acid, and the expression patterns of PAL1, CHS1, CHI3 and HQT2 in buds and leaves of L. confusa were different with L. japonica. This study provided some theoretical basis for the further research on genetic mechanism of active components differences in L. confusa and L. japonica.

[Gene cloning and bioinformatics analysis of SABATH methyltransferase in Lonicera japonica var. chinensis].

OBJECTIVE: To clone SABATH methyltransferase (rLjSABATHMT) gene in Lonicera japonica var. chinensis, and compare the gene expression and intron sequence of SABATH methyltransferase orthologous in L. japonica with L. japonica var. chinensis. It provide a basis for gene regulate the formation of L. japonica floral scents. METHOD: The cDNA and genome sequences of LjSABATHMT from L. japonica var. chinensis were cloned according to the gene fragments in cDNA library. The LjSABATHMT protein was characterized by bioinformatics analysis. SABATH family phylogenetic tree were built by MEGA 5.0. The transcripted level of SABATHMT orthologous were analyzed in different organs and different flower periods of L. japonica and L. japonica var. chinensis using RT-PCR analysis. Intron sequences of SABATHMT orthologous were also analyzied. RESULT: The cDNA of LjSABATHMT was 1 251 bp, had a complete coding frame with 365 amino acids. The protein had the conservative SABATHMT domain, and phylogenetic tree showed that it may be a salicylic acid/benzoic acid methyltransferase. Higher expression of SABATH methyltransferase orthologous was found in flower. The intron sequence of L. japonica and L. japonica var. chinensis had rich polymorphism, and two SNP are unique genotype of L. japonica var. chinensis. The motif elements in two orthologous genes were significant differences. CONCLUSION: The intron difference of SABATH methyltransferase orthologous could be inducing to difference of gene expression between L. japonica and L. japonica var. chinensis. These results will provide important base on regulating active compounds of L. japonica.