Effects of mixed substrates of different agricultural and forestry residues on the cutting seedlings of Thuja sutchuenensis.

To screen environment-friendly seedling cultivation substrates which could replace peat and with less cost, we compared the effects of different agricultural and forestry residue mixed substrates on cutting propagation of Thuja sutchuenensis, in an experiment following randomized block design. There were five types of mixed substrates, including peat + vermiculite + perlite (T1), edible mushroom residue (EMR) + vermiculite + perlite (T2), carbo-nized rice husk (CRH) + vermiculite + perlite (T3), EMR + slag + sawdust (T4) and CRH + EMR + slag (T5). The results showed that the bulk density of T3 was the lowest, followed by T2, which significantly differed from other mixed substrates. The non-capillary porosity of T2 was significantly greater than that of T1, while the capillary porosity and the total porosity of T2 was lower than T1 and T3, respectively. T2 had the highest contents of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus, substrate moisture and the highest pH, which differed significantly from other mixed substrates in most chemical indicators. The membership function values of rooting rate and growth indicators of cuttings with different mixed substrates were in order of T2 > T3 > T1> T5 > T4. Most indicators with larger grey relation values were physical indicators. The top five indicators were capillary water capacity, total potassium, field water capacity, maximum water capacity, and total porosity, with both capillary water capacity and total potassium content ranking first. In general, the physicochemical properties, rooting rate, and growth characteristics of cuttings under T2 were better than those of other mixed substrates. The capillary water capacity and total potassium were the main factors affecting rooting and growth of cuttings. At the early stage of cutting, the physical properties of mixed substrate had greater effect on rooting rate and growth of cuttings than the chemical properties. Overall, our results suggested that T2 should be preferred in the cutting propagation of T. sutchuenensis.

A new aromatic glycoside and its anti-proliferative activities from the leaves of Bergenia purpurascens.

Chemical investigation of the ethanolic extracts of the dried leaves of Bergenia purpurascens led to the isolation and identification of a new aromatic glycoside, 1-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-2-methoxy-3-hydroxyl-phenylethene (1), along with other 19 known compounds (2-20). The structure of compound 1 was determined by a detailed analysis using various analytical techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR. In vitro anti-proliferative activities of compound 1 on five human cancer cell lines were evaluated. The results showed that compound 1 possessed the most potent effects with the IC50 values of 14.36 ± 1.04 µM against T24 cells. The further bioactivity analysis showed that compound 1 induced apoptosis of T24 cells, and altered anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of caspase-3 for causing cell apoptosis. The present investigation illustrated compound 1 might be used as a potential antitumour chemotherapy candidate.

Chemical Constituents of the Aerial Parts of Euphorbia nematocypha.

Chemical constituents of the dried aerial parts of Euphorbia nematocypha were investigated. A new oleanane triterpenoid, trans, trans-2',4'- hexadienedioicacid-1'-ß-amyrin ester (1), together with, ß-amyrin (2), ß-amyrin acetate (3), betulinic acid (4), ellagic acid (5), oleanolic acid (6), ß-sitosterol (7), kaempferol (8), quercetin (9), lupeol (10) and pseudo-taraxasterol (11) were isolated from the methylene chloride extract. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (1D- & 2D-NMR) and ESI-MS analysis and comparison with data reported in the literature. The new isolated triterpenoid showed moderate cytotoxic activities against HeLa and MCF-7cell lines.

[Effect of electro-acupuncture on metabolites in the cerebral cortex of ulcerative colitis rats based on Pi/Wei-brain related theory].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) at points along Foot Yangming Channel on metabolite of ulcerative colitis (UC) rats' cerebral cortex and to identify key metabolites by referring to Pi/Wei-brain related theory in Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: The UC rat model was set up by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) method. Male SD rats were randomly divided into the model group and the EA group, 13 in each group. Another 13 rats were recruited as the blank control group. Rats in the blank control group and the model group received no EA. EA was performed at Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), and Tianshu (ST25) for 5 days by using disperse-dense wave. Then all rats were sacrificed. Their recto-colon and the ileocecal junction were pathomorphologically observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Cerebral cortexes were extracted. Water-soluble and lipid-soluble brain tissue metabolites were respectively extracted for metabolic research using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). RESULTS: EA could obviously improve the general condition of UC model rats, decrease the value of DAI, reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the intestinal tract, stabilize structures such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and so on (P <0.05). 1HNMR analysis showed that in the model group, contents of glutamic acid, cholesterol, very low density lipoproein (VLDL) in the pallium obviously decreased, while alanine and low density lipoprotein (LDL) significantly increased. After EA, levels of lactic acid, glutamic acid, total cholesterol (TC), and VLDL all increased, and levels of alanine and LDL decreased. All indices were approximate to those of the blank control group. CONCLUSION: EA at Foot Yangming channel was found to have some effect on metabolites in the brain tissue of UC model rats, which had specific metabonomic material basis and mechanism based on the Pi/Wei-brain related theory.

[Contraindications of spirit (shen) in acupuncture and moxibustion].

ABSTRACT The taboos of man-spirit (RenShen) and bottom-spirit (KaoShen) are two kinds of time-related contraindications that are more commonly seen in the literature of acupuncture and moxibustion. The meaning of man-spirit is often extended to qi-blood or mind, or else directly equals to heaven-spirit (TianShen). It is highly possible that the bottom-spirit is subordinate to man-spirit, and both Taoist philosophy and the SanCai theory declare the importance of bottom in human body. The violation of contraindications could lead to diseases in the neighborhood where man-spirit travels. However, the results are generally recorded as ulcer, lingering disease and death in most medical texts. From Ming dynasty, more and more doctors have expressed disapproval of man-spirit and bottom-spirit.

Two new 2,3-seco-hopane triterpene derivatives from Megacodon stylophorus and their antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities.

Chemical investigation of the ethanol extract of the whole plant of Megacodon stylophorus led to the isolation and identification of two new seco-hopane triterpenoids, 2,3-seco-22(29)-hopene-2-carboxyl-3-aldehyde (1) and 2,3-seco-4(23),22(29)-hopene-2-carboxyl-3-aldehyde (2), along with 10 known compounds, 3-12. All the isolates were reported from this plant for the first time. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by detailed analysis of their spectral data including 1D and 2D NMR. In addition, compound 1 was further analyzed by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their in vitro anti-proliferative activities on HeLa, MCF-7, and Hep-G2 tumor cell lines. Compound 2 was active against the three cell lines with IC50 values of 3.6, 7.5, and 13.6 µM, respectively, while compound 1 exhibited cytotoxicity on MCF-7 (IC50 14.0 µM) and HeLa (IC50 18.2 µM) cell lines. Antimicrobial activities of compounds 1-2 (minimum inhibitory concentration values in the range of 3.12-12.50 mg/mL) were also observed.

Two new sesquiterpenes from Artemisia sieversiana.

Two new sesquiterpenes, together with 32 known compounds(3-34), were isolated from Artemisia sieversiana Ehrhart ex willd. and the compounds 3-21 were isolated from this plant for the first time. The new compounds were elucidated as 2α,9α-dihydroxymuurol-3(4)-en-12-oic acid (1) and 13α-methyl-(5αH,6αH,7αH,8αH)-austricin 8-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2), respectively. The structural identification of these compounds was mainly achieved by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR techniques, and the structure of compound 1 was confirmed by a single crystal X-ray diffraction experiment. Compounds 1-2 were evaluated for cytotoxic activity in vitro against MCF-7, NCI-H460 and Hep-G2 cell lines, respectively.

[Effect of electroacupuncture intervention on enteric microecology in ulcerative colitis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on enteric microbial populations in ulcerative colitis (UC) model rats, so as to study its mechanisms underlying improving UC. METHODS: Thirty-nine male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and EA group (n = 13 in each group). The UC model was established by intragstric perfusion of 4% dextran sodiumaqueous solution (DSS), once daily for 7 days. EA (15-25 Hz, 0.1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Tianshu" (ST 25), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37) for 10 min, once daily for 5 days. Disease Activity Index (DAI) including body weight and stool blood state was used to evaluate the animals' conditions. The rats' excrement was collected to detect the abundance and diversity of bacterial populations by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, the animals' DAI score and enteric Clostridium bifermentans content were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the abundance and diversity of bacterial populations, and contents of enteric Lachnospiraceae bacterium and Lactobacillus sp. were considerably down-regulated in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the DAI score and enteric Clostridium bifermentans content were significantly lowered, and the abundance and diversity of bacterial populations, and contents of enteric Lachnospiraceae bacterium and Lactobacillus sp. were notably increased in the EA group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: EA can improve DAI and the abundance and diversity of enteric bacterial microbiota in UC rats, which may be related to its protective effect on enteric microecology in UC.

Contraindications of spirit (shen) in acupuncture and moxibustion / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT The taboos of man-spirit (RenShen) and bottom-spirit (KaoShen) are two kinds of time-related contraindications that are more commonly seen in the literature of acupuncture and moxibustion. The meaning of man-spirit is often extended to qi-blood or mind, or else directly equals to heaven-spirit (TianShen). It is highly possible that the bottom-spirit is subordinate to man-spirit, and both Taoist philosophy and the SanCai theory declare the importance of bottom in human body. The violation of contraindications could lead to diseases in the neighborhood where man-spirit travels. However, the results are generally recorded as ulcer, lingering disease and death in most medical texts. From Ming dynasty, more and more doctors have expressed disapproval of man-spirit and bottom-spirit.

Effect of electro-acupuncture on metabolites in the cerebral cortex of ulcerative colitis rats based on Pi/Wei-brain related theory / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) at points along Foot Yangming Channel on metabolite of ulcerative colitis (UC) rats' cerebral cortex and to identify key metabolites by referring to Pi/Wei-brain related theory in Chinese medicine (CM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The UC rat model was set up by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) method. Male SD rats were randomly divided into the model group and the EA group, 13 in each group. Another 13 rats were recruited as the blank control group. Rats in the blank control group and the model group received no EA. EA was performed at Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), and Tianshu (ST25) for 5 days by using disperse-dense wave. Then all rats were sacrificed. Their recto-colon and the ileocecal junction were pathomorphologically observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Cerebral cortexes were extracted. Water-soluble and lipid-soluble brain tissue metabolites were respectively extracted for metabolic research using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>EA could obviously improve the general condition of UC model rats, decrease the value of DAI, reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the intestinal tract, stabilize structures such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and so on (P <0.05). 1HNMR analysis showed that in the model group, contents of glutamic acid, cholesterol, very low density lipoproein (VLDL) in the pallium obviously decreased, while alanine and low density lipoprotein (LDL) significantly increased. After EA, levels of lactic acid, glutamic acid, total cholesterol (TC), and VLDL all increased, and levels of alanine and LDL decreased. All indices were approximate to those of the blank control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA at Foot Yangming channel was found to have some effect on metabolites in the brain tissue of UC model rats, which had specific metabonomic material basis and mechanism based on the Pi/Wei-brain related theory.</p>

Triterpenoid saponins with anti-myocardial ischemia activity from the whole plants of Clematis tangutica.

Four new triterpenoid saponins named clematangosides A-D (1-4) along with six known saponins (5-10) were isolated from the whole plants of Clematis tangutica. Their structures were determined by extensive spectral analysis and chemical evidences. All saponins were evaluated for their protective effects in hypoxia-induced myocardial injury model. Compounds 2-4, 6, and 10 exhibited anti-myocardial ischemia activities with ED50 values in the range of 75.77-127.22 µM.

Triterpenoids of Chrysosplenium carnosum.

A phytochemical study of the ethanolic extract of Chrysosplenium carnosum Hook. f. et Thoms. led to the isolation of two new oleanane-type triterpenoids, 6ß-hydroxy-3-oxoolean-12-en-27-oic acid (1) and 3ß, 21α-dihydroxyolean-12-en-27-oic acid (2), along with fourteen known compounds (3-16), all of which were isolated from this plant for the first time. The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for their in vitro anti-tumor activities on B16F10, SP2/0 and Hep-G2 cells lines. Compounds 1, 3 and 4 exhibited strong inhibitory activity against B16F10 and SP2/0 cells' growth, compared with moderate cytotoxic activity against Hep-G2 cells. However, compound 2 showed to be inactive against these tumor cells.

Design, synthesis, and bioactivities screening of a diaryl ketone-inspired pesticide molecular library as derived from natural products.

Three natural products, 1,5-diphenylpentan-1-one, 1,5-diphenylpent-2-en-1-one, and 3-hydroxy-1,5-diphenylpentan-1-one, with good insecticidal activities were extracted from Stellera chamaejasme L. Based on their shared diaryl ketone moiety as 'pharmacophores', a series of diaryl ketones were synthesized and tested for insecticidal activity, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, and antifungal activity. All synthesized compounds showed poor insecticidal and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Compound III with a furyl ring showed strong activities against plant pathogenic fungi. The IC(50) of compound (E)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-(furan-2-yl)- -prop-2-en-1-one (III(2) ) was 1.20 mg/L against Rhizoctonia solani, suggesting its strong potential as a novel antifungal drug.

[Effects of electroacupuncture of "Weishu" (BL 21) and "Zhongwan" (CV 12) on serum large molecular metabolites in functional dyspepsia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of Shu-acupoint "Weishu" (BL 21), Mu-acupoint "Zhongwan" (CV 12) and BL 21 + CV 12 on serum large molecular metabolites in functional dyspepsia (FD) rats. METHODS: A total of 50 Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, model, BL 21, CV 12 and BL 21 + CV 12 groups (n = 10/group). FD model was established by clamping the rats' tails for 30 min, once every 3 h, 4 times daily for 7 days. EA was applied to BL 21,CV 12, or BL 21 + CV 12, respectively for 20 min, once daily for 10 days. The rats' venous blood was collected for detecting large molecular metabolites by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer (Varian UnityInova, 600 MHz). Segmental integral calculus (0.04 ppm per segment) was performed from 6.0-0 ppm (longitudinal eddy-delay, LED) as defaulted 1H spectra values by using the VNMR software. Data was saved as text or excel files after normalization and then used for pattern recognition analyses. All the data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) using the SIMCA-P 10.04 software (Umetrics AB, Umea, Sweden), and orthogonal signal correction and partial least squares discriminant analysis (OSC-PLS-DA). RESULTS: The rat serum proton-LED-1H NMR spectra revealed different metabolic spectra among control,model, BL 21, CV 12, and BL 21 + CV 12 groups. PCA and OSC-PLS-DA showed that compared with the normal control group, FD rats in model group displayed serum N-acetylglucoprotein (NAc) content was reduced considerably, high density lipoprotein (HDL) level decreased to a certain degree, while very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)/LDL increased significantly. In comparison with model group, VLDL/LDL was decreased in BL 21, CV 12 and BL 21 + CV 12 groups, while NAc content increased. Compared with BL 21 and CV 12 groups respectively, HDL level in BL 21 + CV 12 increased to a certain degree. CONCLUSION: EA of BL 21, CV 12 and BL 21 + CV 12 groups can reverse or relieve FD induced increase of VLDL/LDL and decrease of serum NAc level in rats, which may contribute to its function in improving symptoms of FD patients.

[Analysis of trace elements and macro elements in 13 anti-anoxic traditional Tibetan medicine].

Thirteen kinds of anti-anoxic Tibetan traditional medicine including Hongjingtianjiaonang, Anshensan, Wuweishiliusan, Zhangsongbaweichenxiangsan, Shiliuweidujuansan, Ershiwuweiyuganziwan, Ershiwuweizhuhuangjiaonang, Shiwuweilongdanwan, Mijueqingliangsan, Qishiweizhenzhuwan, Bawei-chenxiangsan, Liuweidingxiangsan and Qiweiputansan were digested with HNO3-HClO4 mixed acid. Fourteen trace elements and macro elements in the 13 kinds of anti-anoxic Tibetan traditional medicine, such as silver, aluminium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, ferrum, hydrargyrum, magnesium, manganese, nickel, lead, stannum and zinc were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). The results showed that there were comparatively rich trace elements and macro elements in kinds of anti-anoxic Tibetan traditional Medicine. The 13 Anti-anoxic Tibetan traditional medicine contains higher amount of ferrum, magnesium, copper, chromium, zinc and manganese than other elements. This provided useful data for discussing the relationship between trace elements and macro elements and anti-anoxic activities in Tibetan traditional medicine.

[Simultaneous determination of six main constituents in Swertia of Qinghai Province and Sichuan Province by HPLC].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a quantitative method of simultaneously determination of swertiamarin, gentiopicroside, mangiferin, swertianolin, isoorientin, 1,8-drihydroxy-3-methoxy-xthanone in Swertia from Qinghai province and Sichuan province by HPLC. METHOD: The samples were separated on the column of Kromasil C18 (4. 6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) which eluted with methanol and water (content 0.02% phosphoric acid). The ratio of methanol increased from 20% to 80% during 20-50 min, and from 80% to 100% during 50-60 min, with detected wavelength 254 nm, flow rate at 1 mL x min(-1), column temperature 35 degrees C. RESULT: Six compounds were base-isolated, the linear ranges of swertiamarin, gentiopicroside, mangiferin, 4-swertianolin, 5-isoorientin, 1,8-drihydroxy-3-methoxy-xthanone were excellent. CONCLUSION: The method was rapid and precise, and can be use for controlling medicinal materials quality.

[Study on HPLC fingerprint of Swertia mussotii var. mussotii from north-west area of Sichuan Province I].

OBJECTIVE: To constitute HPLC fingerprint of the methanol extract from Swertia mussotii grown in Sichuan Province. METHOD: RP-HPLC, methanol and water including 0.02% acid as mobile phase, gradient elution, flow rate 1.0 mL x min(-1), the detection wavelength was 260 nm, temperature was 30 degrees C. RESULT: The RSD values of peak area and retention time of common peaks in precision, repeatability and stability were lower than 5.0%, respectively, similarity was over 0.805 in S. mussotii collected from 10 different habitats. CONCLUSION: All results above exhibit that this method is simple, practicable, and reliable as a standard method in controlling the quality of S. mussotii.

[Investigation on the title of bu mei (sleepless)].

There are various titles applied for "sleepless", including mu bu ming (unclosed eyes), bu de mian (unable to sleep), bu de wo (unable to lie down), shi mian (insomnia). The implications of the titles vary according to different periods. Bu de wo (unable to lie down) was first appeared in Zu bi shi yi mai jiu jing (Moxibustion Classic of Foot and Arm Eleven Channels) and Yin yang shi yi mai jiu jing (Moxibustion Classic of Yin-Yang Eleven Channels), while bu de wo, mu bu ming, and ye bu mei were appeared in Huang di nei jing (Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor), bu mei was first seen in Nan jing (Classic of Questioning). When bu de mian and bu de wo were applied in Zhang Zhongjing's Shang han lun (Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases) and Jin kui yao lue (Synopsis of Golden Chamber), it exerted good influence in later generations. The title of bu mei was more popular after the Ming and Qing dynasties. This titles is the most appropriate one from the standpoint of syndrome itself as viewed from its semantic implication and its accuracy.