Exploring pharmaphylogeny from multiple perspectives: a case study on Lithospermeae.

Lithospermeae Dumort., a tribe under the subfamily Boraginoidae, is a perennial herb containing approximately 470 species under 26 genera, primarily distributed in temperate and tropical regions. To gain a deeper understanding of the medicinal plants of Lithospermeae and better protect and develop plant medicinal resources, the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional use of Lithospermeae with medicinal value were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out based on the internal transcribed spacer sequence. Through spatial analysis and the species distribution model, the spatial distribution pattern of Lithospermeae medicinal plants was analyzed. Meanwhile, the relevant targets and pathways involved in the pharmacological effects of commonly used medicinal plants were predicted using network pharmacology to further explore the genetic origin of Lithospermeae and enrich the pharmaphylogeny of medicinal plants. In this study, the chemical composition, traditional efficacy, and modern pharmacological activity of Lithospermeae were collected for the first time and analyzed in combination with the geographical distribution model, molecular phylogeny, and network pharmacology. Based on our findings, the pharmaphylogeny of Lithospermeae was preliminarily discussed, providing the scientific basis for basic research regarding Lithospermeae. Concurrently, this study explored the relationship between the development of the regional medicinal plant industry and the protection of biodiversity. Furthermore, our findings provide direction and theoretical guidance for the study of the phylogenetic relationships in medicinal plants and the development of Lithospermeae medicinal plant resources.

Exploring the Two Herb Combination Strategy to Treat Injured PC12 Cells.

In view of the advantages of the combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of cerebral ischemia, we studied the differences in the efficacy and mechanism between the preparation combination and the component combination in order to explore the two herb combination strategy to treat injured PC12 cells. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) combined with a glucose-free medium was employed to induce oxidative damage of PC12 cells. Then, the optimal combination of Astragalus mongholicus (Ast) and Erigeron breviscapus (Eri) injection was selected and combined following uniform design methods after screening their safe and effective concentration on PC12 cells. Further, the component combination screened comprises 10 µM astragaloside A, 40 µM scutellarin, and 75 µM chlorogenic acid in two herbs. Then, MTT, Annexin V-FITC/PI, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis were used to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of the preparation combination and the component combination on injured PC12 cells. The results showed that the optimal preparation combination for cell pro-survival was Ast injection and Eri capsule with a concentration of 6:1.8 (µM). The component combination (10 µM astragaloside A, 40 µM scutellarin, and 75 µM chlorogenic acid) was more effective than the preparation combination. Both combinations remarkably reduced apoptotic rate, the fluorescence intensity of caspase-3, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level; meanwhile, they upregulated the expression levels of p-Akt/Akt, Bcl-2/Bax, and Nrf2. These effects were more evident in the component combination. In conclusion, both combinations can inhibit the injury induced by CoCl2 combined with a glucose-free medium on PC12 cells, thus promoting cell survival. However, the efficiency of the component combination over the preparation combination may be due to its stronger regulation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway related to oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Specification and grade of Saposhnikoviae Radix (Saposhnikovia divaricata).

Objective: Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng in Chinese), the roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata, lacks commodity specification and grade standardization in the current market. This study investigated the existing specifications and grades of Saposhnikoviae Radix to provide a standardized scientific reference for its market use. Methods: Based on a textual research of Chinese herbal medicine from the Han Dynasty to the present, medicinal materials of different specifications and grades obtained from Saposhnikoviae Radix in the main producing areas of China were collected and the markets for these materials were investigated. Field investigations were performed in the major producing areas such as Northeast China, Hebei Province, and Inner Mongolia. Four major Chinese herbal medicine markets in China were investigated. Sensory indices were used to categorize the two specifications (wild and cultivated) according to the shape, color, texture, and cross-section. High-performance liquid chromatography was performed to determine the active components. Vernier calipers and measuring tape were used to measure the diameter and length, respectively, of 41 samples. Using Excel and the R Language software, cluster analysis and descriptive statistical analysis were performed to assist in the application of new specifications and grades based on physical characteristics, pharmacological activity, and chemical composition. Results: The two specifications (wild and cultivated) of Saposhnikoviae Radix were divided into three grades each based on the length and diameter. Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, 5-O-methylvisamminoside, and the length of Saposhnikoviae Radix can be used as a basis for classifying the commodity specifications and grades. The specifications and grade standards of Saposhnikoviae Radix were established based on the following eight aspects: shape, surface characteristics, texture, cross section, taste, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin content, 5-O-methylvisamminoside content and length. Conclusion: The formulation of this standard stipulates the commodity specification level of Saposhnikoviae Radix. It is also suitable for the evaluation of commodity specifications in the process of production, circulation and use of Saposhnikoviae Radix.