Purified anthocyanins from Zea mays L. cob ameliorates chronic liver injury in mice via modulating of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Purple corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the main economic crops in China and has been used in the treatment of cystitis, urinary infections and obesity. However, purple corncobs, the by-product remaining after processing and having an intense purple-black color, are normally disposed of as waste or used as animal feed. Therefore, to further expand the medicinal value of purple corncob, its content was analyzed and, after purification, the effect and mechanism of purified purple corncob anthocyanins (PPCCA) on CCl4 -induced chronic liver injury in mice were investigated. RESULTS: It was observed that the total anthocyanin content (TAC) from PPCCA (317.51 ± 9.30 mg cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C-3-G) g-1 dry weight) was significantly higher than that from the purified purple corn seed anthocyanin (266.73 ± 3.67 mg C-3-G g-1 dry weight), of which C-3-G accounted for 90.6% and 90.4% of the TAC, respectively. Furthermore, compared with the CCl4 group, PPCCA treatment significantly reduced liver index, serum total bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and liver malondialdehyde levels, but increased liver superoxide dismutase activity. The pathological changes were also improved, such as more regular arrangement of hepatocytes, less swelling, and fewer vacuoles and apoptotic cells. Additionally, mechanistic studies showed that PPCCA downregulated the expression of Caspase-3, Bax and cytochrome P450 2E1 proteins in the liver and upregulated the expression of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that PPCCA could ameliorate CCl4 -induced chronic liver injury by regulating oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis pathways. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Novel Compound Heterozygous CYP17A1 Variant Causes 17α-Hydroxylase/17, 20-Lyase Deficiency.

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) encompasses a group of autosomal recessive diseases characterized by enzyme deficiencies, within steroid hormone anabolism, which lead to disorders in cortisol synthesis. The 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency (17-OHD) is an uncommon form of CAH caused by variants in the CYP17A1 gene. Aims: We report a novel compound heterozygous CYP17A1 variant and its association with the pathogenesis of 17-OHD. Methods: The patient was assessed for medical history, clinical manifestations, physical examination, laboratory examination, karyotype analysis, and adrenal computed tomography. Mutation screening was conducted using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing. The wild-type and mutant CYP17A1 complementary DNAs (cDNAs) were amplified and cloned into a pcDNA3.1(+) vector. These plasmids were transfected transiently into HEK-293T cells. Quantitative PCR and Western blotting analysis were performed to measure the expression level of P450c17. An enzymatic activity assay was conducted to measure the content of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in medium using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: The proband was characterized by 17-OHD with rhabdomyolysis, hypokalemia, and adrenal insufficiency. Novel compound heterozygous variants of the CYP17A1 gene (c.1304T > C/p.Phe435Ser and c.1228delG/p.Asp410Ilefs*9) were identified. The enzymatic activity assay revealed that this variant resulted in a complete deficiency of 17α-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activity. This was consistent with the hormonal characteristics of the proband's blood. Conclusions: These results suggest that the compound heterozygous variant of c.1304T > C and c.1228delG of the CYP17A1 gene can lead to 17-OHD. Our findings thus provide a novel insight into the clinical evaluations and molecular basis of 17-OHD.

A Purified Anthraquinone-Glycoside Preparation From Rhubarb Ameliorates Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Modulating the Gut Microbiota and Reducing Inflammation.

Rheum palmatum L. is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of constipation. Here, the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of purified anthraquinone-glycoside preparation from rhubarb (RAGP) on the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats were investigated. After 6 weeks of metformin and RAGP treatment, the weight returned to normal. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated serum protein (GSP), insulin concentration and HOMA-IR index had significantly decreased, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations had increased. Histological abnormalities in the pancreas and ileum had improved. These effects were associated with enhanced intestinal integrity, thereby reducing the absorption of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammation. To investigate whether RAGP ameliorated insulin resistance via effects on the gut microbiota, we performed 16s rDNA sequencing of ileal gut contents. This showed an amelioration of gut dysbiosis, with greater abundance of probiotic Lactobacillus and short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, and lower abundance of the Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and LPS-producing Desulfovibrio. The mechanism of the hypoglycemic effect of RAGP involves regulation of the gut microbiota, activation of the GLP-1/cAMP pathway to ameliorate insulin resistance. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis for the use of RAGP to treat T2DM, and it may be a novel approach to restore the gut microbiota.

Ameliorative Effect and Mechanism of the Purified Anthraquinone-Glycoside Preparation from Rheum Palmatum L. on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Rheum palmatum L. is a traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and detoxification effects. In this study, the mechanism of the hypoglycemic effect of purified anthraquinone-Glycoside from Rheum palmatum L. (PAGR) in streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in rats was investigated. The rats were randomly divided into normal (NC), T2DM, metformin (Met), low, middle (Mid), and high (Hig) does of PAGR groups. After six weeks of continuous administration of PAGR, the serum indices and tissue protein expression were determined, and the pathological changes in liver, kidney, and pancreas tissues were observed. The results showed that compared with the type 2 diabetes mellitus group, the fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels in the serum of rats in the PAGR treatment groups were significantly decreased, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels were noticeably increased. The expression of Fas ligand (FasL), cytochrome C (Cyt-c), and caspase-3 in pancreatic tissue was obviously decreased, and the pathological damage to the liver, kidney, and pancreas was improved. These indicate that PAGR can reduce oxidative stress in rats with diabetes mellitus by improving blood lipid metabolism and enhancing their antioxidant capacity, thereby regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway to inhibitß-cell apoptosis and improve ß-cell function. Furthermore, it can regulate Fas/FasL-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway to inhibit ß-cell apoptosis, thereby lowering blood glucose levels and improving T2DM.

[Correlative analysis of agronomic traits and quality of Panax ginseng saponins cultivation in farmland].

Cultivated ginseng in the farmland would become the mainly planting mode of Panax ginseng. However,there are relatively few cultivation ginseng varieties for farmland in China. Correlative analysis of qualitity and agronomic traits of P. ginseng cultivation in the farmland could provide a reference for the selection of excellent germplasm and new variety breeding of P. ginseng. In this study,the main index of saponin and agronomic traits of 4-6 years' samples were analyzed by UPLC and measured. The results show that there was significant difference in agronomic indexes of Damaya. The coefficient of variation of the root length( CV = 41. 97%) and fresh weight( CV = 31. 81%) were maximum,and the coefficient of variation of the stems thickness( 16. 72%) and root thickness were minimum. There was a significant correlation between yield and root thickness( P<0. 05). There was significant difference in drug yield of different harvest years( P<0. 05),and the yield of 6-years was 31. 52%-39. 69% higher than 4-years. However,there wasn't significant difference in total ginsenosides between 4 and 6 years old P. ginseng,but there was significant difference in ginseng Rg2,Rc and Rb2( P<0. 05),and the ginsenoside contents of different harvesting years were accorded with the criterion standards of 2015 Chinese Pharmacopoeia. There was no significant correlation between the saponin and the agronomic trait,while there was positive correlation with root thickness( P < 0. 05). Therefore,the stem diameter was positive correlation with yield of P. ginseng. Selection of the stem thickness of seedlings is beneficial to the increase of the yield and breeding of P. ginseng.

Nicotinamide induces liver regeneration and improves liver function by activating SIRT1.

Nicotinamide (Nam) has recently been characterized as an agent for tissue regeneration due to the observed pro­proliferation effects. However, the effect of Nam on liver regeneration remains undetermined. In the present study, the potency of Nam as a regimen to promote liver regeneration and restore liver function was evaluated following partial hepatectomy (PH) on C57BL/6 mice. Ki­67 immunohistochemical and cell cycle analyses demonstrated that exogenous Nam supplementation promoted the proliferation of hepatocytes and accelerated the recovery of liver tissue. The addition of Nam protected liver function following PH, as evidenced by hematoxylin and eosin staining of liver tissue morphology and measurement of serum liver injury markers. Notably, immunoblotting results revealed that the expression and activity of NAD­dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin­1 (SIRT1) were significantly upregulated following treatment with Nam, suggesting that Nam may promote liver regeneration through activation of SIRT1. The present study demonstrated that Nam regulated the process of liver regeneration and improved liver function by activating SIRT1, suggesting that Nam has the potency to be used for promoting liver regeneration following surgical resection.

Antioxidant and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activities of Seed Oils from Torreya grandis Fort. ex Lindl.

Torreya grandis Fort. ex Lindl. is a plant belonging to the Taxaceae family and Torreya grandis cv. Merrillii is the only grafted and thoroughbred species belonging to this species. In this study, we extracted five different seed oils, including T. grandis seed oil (TGSO), T. grandis "Xiangyafei" seed oil (XYSO), T. grandis "Zhimafei" seed oil (ZMSO), T. grandis "Majus"seed oil (TGMSO), and T. grandis "cunguangfei" seed oil (CGSO) using physical pressure. The resulting extracts were analyzed to determine their fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, and inhibitory activity towards tyrosinase. The results of the antioxidant activity assays revealed that XYSO and ZMSO exhibited much greater DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing power than TGSO. Notably, all five of the seed oils showed dose-dependent inhibitory activity towards tyrosinase. XYSO and TGSO gave the highest activities of all of the seed oils tested in the current study against monophenolase and diphenolase, with IC50 values of 227.0 and 817.5µg/mL, respectively. The results of this study show that wild TGSOs exhibit strong antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activities. These results therefore suggest that wild TGSOs could be used as a potential source of natural antioxidant agents and tyrosinase inhibitors.

The Protective Effect of the Total Flavonoids of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Flowers on Transient Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Is due to Activation of the Nrf2-ARE Pathway.

Abelmoschus esculentus L. has favorable nutritional/medicinal features. We found the content of total flavonoids in flower extract to be the highest (788.56 mg/g) of all the different parts of A. esculentus; according to high-performance liquid chromatography, the quercetin-3-O-[ß-D-glu-(1 → 6)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside content was 122.13 mg/g. Protective effects of an extract of the total flavonoids of A. esculentus flowers (AFF) on transient cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (TCI-RI) were investigated. Compared with the model group, mice treated with AFF (300 mg/kg) for 7 days showed significantly reduced neurologic deficits, infarct area, and histologic changes in brain tissue, accompanied by increased contents of superoxide dismutase, whereas contents of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde decreased. AFF upregulated the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1. These data suggest that AFF protects against TCI-RI by scavenging free radicals and activating the Nrf2-ARE pathway.

Protection of Anthocyanin from Myrica rubra against Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3 Pathways.

Myrica rubra (MR) is rich in anthocyanins, and it has good anti-cancer, anti-aging, antioxidant, and antiviral effects. The proportion of disability and death caused by ischemic stroke gradually increased, becoming a major disease that is harmful to human health. However, research on effects of anthocyanin from MR on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is rare. In this study, we prepared eight purified anthocyanin extracts (PAEs) from different types of MR, and examined the amounts of total anthocyanin (TA) and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C-3-G). After one week of PAE treatment, the cerebral infarction volume, disease damage, and contents of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were reduced, while the level of superoxide dismutase was increased in I/R mice. Altogether, our results show that Boqi¹ MR contained the most TA (22.07%) and C-3-G (21.28%), and that PAE isolated from Dongkui MR can protect the brain from I/R injury in mice, with the mechanism possibly related to the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/ nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 protein (NLRP3) pathways.

Novel approaches to pulmonary arterial hypertension drug discovery.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disorder associated with abnormally elevated pulmonary pressures that, if untreated, leads to right heart failure and premature death. The goal of drug development for PAH is to develop effective therapies that halt, or ideally, reverse the obliterative vasculopathy that results in vessel loss and obstruction of blood flow to the lungs. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the current approach to candidate discovery in PAH and discusses the currently available drug discovery methods that should be implemented to prioritize targets and obtain a comprehensive pharmacological profile of promising compounds with well-defined mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION: To improve the successful identification of leading drug candidates, it is necessary that traditional pre-clinical studies are combined with drug screening strategies that maximize the characterization of biological activity and identify relevant off-target effects that could hinder the clinical efficacy of the compound when tested in human subjects. A successful drug discovery strategy in PAH will require collaboration of clinician scientists with medicinal chemists and pharmacologists who can identify compounds with an adequate safety profile and biological activity against relevant disease mechanisms.

Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Evidence on the One-Electron Reduction of U(VI) to U(V) on Magnetite.

Reduction of U(VI) to U(IV) on mineral surfaces is often considered a one-step two-electron process. However, stabilized U(V), with no evidence of U(IV), found in recent studies indicates U(VI) can undergo a one-electron reduction to U(V) without further progression to U(IV). We investigated reduction pathways of uranium by reducing U(VI) electrochemically on a magnetite electrode at pH 3.4. Cyclic voltammetry confirms the one-electron reduction of U(VI) to U(V). Formation of nanosize uranium precipitates on the magnetite surface at reducing potentials and dissolution of the solids at oxidizing potentials are observed by in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy. XPS analysis of the magnetite electrodes polarized in uranium solutions at voltages from -0.1 to -0.9 V (E(0)(U(VI)/U(V))= -0.135 V vs Ag/AgCl) show the presence of only U(V) and U(VI). The sample with the highest U(V)/U(VI) ratio was prepared at -0.7 V, where the longest average U-O(axial) distance of 2.05 ± 0.01 Å was evident in the same sample revealed by extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis. The results demonstrate that the electrochemical reduction of U(VI) on magnetite only yields U(V), even at a potential of -0.9 V, which favors the one-electron reduction mechanism. U(V) does not disproportionate but stabilizes on magnetite through precipitation of mixed-valence state U(V)/U(VI) solids.

[Chemical constituents of Hyptis rhomboidea and their antifungal activity].

The present work is to investigate the chemical constitutions of Hyptis rhomboidea and their antifungal activities. The compounds were isolated by Toyopearl HW-40, Sephadex LH-20, MCI-Gel CHP-20, RP-18, PTLC and silica column chromatographic methods and subjected to evaluate some monomers antifungal activity of eight kinds of plant pathogenic bacteria. Eleven compounds were isolated and identified as ethyl caffeate (1), ursolic acid (2), oleanolic acid (3), vanillactic acid (4), methyl rosmarinate (5), kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6) -beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), ilexgenin A (8), beta-amyrin (9), kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (astrgalin, 10) and cholest-5-ene-3beta, 4beta-diol (11). Compound 1 showed the strongest inhibitory effect on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum with the MIC 16.2 mg x L(-1), and compound 5 showed the strongest inhibitory effect on S. minor and Exserohilum turcicum with MIC 16.2, 8.1 mg x L(-1), respectively. All compounds were isolated from the H. rhomboidea for the first time, and compounds 1 and 5 showed antifungal activity.

Antioxidant and anti-fatigue effects of anthocyanins of mulberry juice purification (MJP) and mulberry marc purification (MMP) from different varieties mulberry fruit in China.

Anthocyanins, copiously distributed in a variety of colored fruits and vegetables, are probably the most important group of visible plant pigments besides chlorophyll. And the mulberry fruit is one of the anthocyanins-rich fruits. Total flavonols, total phenolic acids and anthocyanins contents of ten varieties mulberry juice purification (MJP) and mulberry marc purification (MMP) were determined. The highest content was 965.63±4.90 mg RE/g, 690.83±7.38 mg GAE/g and 272.00±1.20 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/g FW, respectively. Moreover, MJP and MMP exhibited high antioxidant activity, including total force reduction (TRP), Fe³âº reducing power (FRAP) and DPPH • radical scavenging capacity. In addition, the anti-fatigue activity of MJP and MMP was determined through mice-burden swimming experiments. Interestingly, the antioxidant and anti-fatigue capacities of MMP were much higher than those of MJP. The experimental results suggested that the generally discarded mulberry marc had greater value of development and utilization as food processing waste.

The essential oils chemical compositions and antimicrobial, antioxidant activities and toxicity of three Hyptis species.

CONTEXT: Hyptis suaveolens (Linn.) Poit., Hyptis rhomboidea Mart. et Gal., and Hyptis brevipes Poit., are three species of Hyptis Jacq. (Lamiaceae). Hyptis suaveolens is used for the treatment of fever, headache, gastrointestinal bloating and rheumatism in the traditional folk medicine; Hyptis rhomboidea for hepatitis, ulcer and swollen poison; and Hyptis brevipes for asthma and malaria. OBJECTIVE: To characterize chemical compositions of the oils from three Hyptis species and evaluate their potential antimicrobial, radical scavenging activities and toxicities against brine shrimp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The oils were obtained by hydrodistillation, and their chemical compositions were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the tube double-dilution technique. The antioxidant activities were investigated using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and toxicities by the brine shrimp bioassay. RESULTS: Forty-seven, 33 and 28 constituents of oils isolated, respectively, from H. suaveolens, H. rhomboidea and H. brevipes were identified. Among the essential oils, the strongest antioxidant activity was exhibited by H. brevipes with an SC50 value of 2.019 ± 0.25 µg mL⁻¹. The H. brevipes oil exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity (3.125-6.25 µg mL⁻¹) on pathogens employed in the assay. They all showed significant toxicities with median lethal concentration (LC50) values of 62.2 ± 3.07 µg mL⁻¹, 65.9 ± 6.55 µg mL⁻¹ and 60.8 ± 9.04 µg mL⁻¹, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The three Hyptis species oils possess strong antimicrobial activities and toxicities. Hyptis rhomboidea and H. brevipes showed considerable antioxidant activity compared to the positive control.

[Chemical constituents contained in Aeschynanthus moningeriae].

OBJECTIVE: To study chemical constituents contained in Aeschynanthus moningeriae. METHOD: The chemical constituents were separated and purified by column chromatographic methods such as Diaion HP-20, Toyopearl HW-40, Sephadex LH-20, MCI-Gel CHP-20, RP18 and normal phase silica gel. Their structures were identified on the basis of physiochemical property and spectral techniques (1H, 13C-NMR, DEPT, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, HR-MS). RESULT: Twelve compounds were separated and identified as 5,7-dihydroxy-8-C-beta-D-glucosyl-chromone (1), 5-hydroxyl-7,4'-dimethoxyl-flavone (2), 2,3,19, 24-tetrahydroxy-urs12-en-28-oic acid (3), 2,3,19, 24-tetrahydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid ester-28-O-beta-D-gucoside (4), 5-hydroxyl-6,4'-dimethoxyl-7-O-[alpha-L-rhamnosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-flavone (5), 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-6-C-beta-D-glucosyl-flavonol (6), 5,7-dihydroxy-6-C-beta-D-glucosyl-flavonones (7), 5,7, 3',4'-tetrahydroxy-6-C-beta-D-glucosyl-dihydroflavonol (8), daucosterol (9), stigmasterol (10), beta-sitosterol (11), and 3-O-beta-D-glucosyl-stigmasterol (12). CONCLUSION: Compound 1 is a new compound, while other compounds were separated from this plant for the first time.

[Research on the content of trace elements and heavy metals in the three kinds of Zhejiang specific medicinal materials before and after processing].

By establishing the ICP-MS determining method, we determined the contents of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, As, Cd and Pb in the three kinds of Zhejiang specific medicinal materials before and after processing them. The recovery ratio with standard addition of the method is between 95.2% and 106.3, and the relative standard deviation between 0.69% and 2.34%. The results of the experiment show that the contents of useful metals Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn are fairly high both before and after processing, while the contents of harmful heavy metals Cd, Cr, Pb and As are all lower than the limited quantity in the standard of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. After processing, there seems to be some content changes in the trace elements and heavy metals. Different content changes depend on different processing methods. After processing, except the notable decrease in Pb, the contents of Cu, As and Cd are almost constant, while the contents of other elements are nearly all increased. The result seems to be related with the methods of processing. This experimental result provides us with new scientific foundation for the further research on the relationship between different processing methods and different efficacy of the three specific Zhejiang medicinal materials.

[Analysis the chemical constituents of volatile oils in Medinilla arboricola by SPME-GC-MS].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the chemical constituents of the volatile oils in Medinilla arboricala. METHODS: The chemical constituents was extracted from Medinilla arboricola by SPME. The components of chemical constituents of volatile oil separated and identified by GC-MS. The relative content of each component was determined by area normalization. RESULTS: 60 kinds of components were separated and identified, accounting about 100% of the total chemical constituents. CONCLUSION: The main chemical constituents of Medinilla arboricola are D-Limonene (9.47%), [3R-(3à, 3aá,7á, 8aà]-octahydro-3,8, 8-trimethyl-6-methylene-1H-3a, 7-Metha noazulene (9.10%),3,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-4a, 8a-dimethyl-1 H-Naphthalen-2-one (6.15%), 1,4-Methano-1H-indene, octahydro-4-methyl-8-methylene-7-(1-methylethyl)-,[ 1S-(1à,3aá,4à,7à,7aá)] (5.58%), 1H-3a,7-Methanoazulene,2,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,6,8,8-tetramethyl-[3R, (3à,3aá,7à,8aà)] (5.30%), 1H-3a,7-Methanoazulene,octahydro-3,8,8-trimethyl-6-methylene-[3R-(3à, 3aá,7á,8à)] (5.33%), Cyclohexene, 1-methyl-4-(5-methyl-1-methylene-4-hexenyl)-,(S)-(5.19%), Acetone (5.08%) etc.

[Determination of trace elements in Lophatherum gracile brongn from different habitat by microwave digestion-atomic absorption spectroscopy].

A method of microwave digestion technique was proposed to determine the content of Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, K, Ca, Mg, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, Co, Al, Se and As in Lophatherum gracile brongn of different habitat by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The RSD of the method was between 1.23% and 3.32%, and the recovery rates obtained by standard addition method were between 95.8% and 104.20%. The results of the study indicate that the proposed method has the advantages of simplicity, speediness and sensitivity. It is suitable for the determination of the contents of metal elements in Lophatherum gracile brongn. The experimental results also indicated that different areas' Lophantherum gracile brongn had different trace elements content. The content of trace elements K, Mg, Ca, Fe and Mn beneficial to the human body was rich. The content of the heavy metal trace element Pb in Lophantherum gracile brongn of Hunan province was slightly high. The content of the heavy metal trace element Cu in Lophantherum gracile brongn of Guangdong province and Anhui province is also slightly higher. Beside, the contents of harmful trace heavy metal elements Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb and As in Lophatherum gracile brongn of different habitat are all lower than the limits of Chinese Pharmacopoeia and Green Trade Standard for Importing and Exporting Medicinal Plant and Preparation and National Food Sanitation Standard. These determination results provided the scientific data for further discussing the relationship between the content of trace elements in Lophantherum gracile brongn and the medicine efficacy.

[Studies on chemical constituents and antibacterial activity from n-butanol extract of Sarcandra glabra].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents and the antibacterial activity from n-butanol extract of Sarcandra glabra. METHOD: The compounds were isolated by Diaion HP-20, Sephadex LH-20, MCI CHP-20 and silica gel column chromatographic methods. Their structures were identified on the basis of physicochemical and spectroscopic analysis. The antibacterial effect of the compounds were measured against Staphylococcus aureus by filterpaper slice method, finally the antibacterial ring in each group was recorded after 24 hours. RESULT: Seven constituents were isolated and elucidated as 5, 7, 3', 4'-tetrahydroxy-6-C-beta-D-glucopyranosylflavanone (1), kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucuronide (2), fraxidin (3), isofraxidin (4), isofraxidin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), kaempferol (6), pinostrobin (7). Diameters (in mm) of antibacterial ring in the compounds 2, 5, 6 were orderly recorded as follows: 14.67 +/- 0.08, 11.14 +/- 1.06, 8.26 +/- 1.26 and the compound 4 is not effective. CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-3 and 5 were isolated from S. glabra for the first time.