The phytoestrogenic potential of flavonoid glycosides from Selaginella moellendorffii via ERα-dependent signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Selaginella moellendorffii (SM) has been applied as an ethnic drug to treat conditions such as osteoporosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and chronic inflammation. It is known to be rich in flavonoids, including apigenin glycosides and unique elements of bioflavonoids. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate estrogen-like constituents of SM and the possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified the main components in liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The estrogenic effects were examined using a recombinant yeast screening assay, an E-screen cell proliferation assay, and an in vivo uterotrophic assay. RESULTS: Flavonoid glycosides extract, some flavonoid glycosides, and apigenin showed estrogen agonistic activity in the yeast screening assay. They also induced cell proliferation in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cells but not in estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) cells. Consistently, the protein expression of ERα, phosphorylation protein kinase B (p-AKT), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), phosphorylation mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), phosphorylation 38,000-Da protein (p-P38), and phosphorylation extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) elevated following treatment with flavonoid glycoside extract (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). These effects could be blocked by ER antagonist or ERα antagonist but not be blocked by ERß antagonist. In vivo assay, flavonoid glycoside extract could significantly increase body weight, serum estradiol level, uterine wet weight, alter uterine morphology, and promote ERα protein expression (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ERα induction via mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways might be the possible mechanism underlying the phytoestrogen effect of SM, and the flavonoid glycosides might be the critical estrogenic constituents.

Antitumor Effects of Evodiamine in Mice Model Experiments: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Evodiamine (EVO), an alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Euodia rutaecarpa, plays an important role in the treatment of cancer. This study was performed to clarify the effects of evodiamine in mice tumor model studies. METHODS: Electronic databases and search engines involved China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (CSJD-VIP), China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, which were searched for literature related to the antitumor effects of evodiamine in animal tumor models (all until 1 October 2021). The evodiamine effects on the tumor volume and tumor weight were compared between the treatment and control groups using the standardized mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: Evodiamine significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice, as was assessed with tumor volume [13 studies, n=267; 138 for EVO and 129 for control; standard mean difference (SMD)= -5.99; 95% (CI): -8.89 to -3.10; I2 = 97.69%, p ≤ 0.00], tumor weight [6 studies, n=89; 49 for EVO and 40 for control; standard mean difference (SMD)= -3.51; 95% (CI): -5.13 to -3.90; I2 = 83.02%, p ≤ 0.00]. CONCLUSION: EVO significantly suppresses tumor growth in mice models, which would be beneficial for clinical transformation. However, due to the small number of studies included in this meta-analysis, the experimental design and experimental method limitations should be considered when interpreting the results. Significant clinical and animal studies are still required to evaluate whether EVO can be used in the adjuvant treatment of clinical tumor patients.

Material basis, effect, and mechanism of ethanol extract of Pinellia ternata tubers on oxidative stress-induced cell senescence.

BACKGROUND: The tuber of Pinellia ternata has been used for a thousand years in China. P. ternata possessed the activities of anti-emetic, sedative-hypnotic, anti-cancer, anti-asthmatic, anti-tussive, and anti-inflammatory. It is the representative of expectorant medicines in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Phlegm is the pathological product and a new pathogenic factor of the metabolite, which is analogous to the damage of oxidative stress. PURPOSE: The objectives of the study were to investigate the protective activity and mechanism of ethanol extract of P. ternata tubers (PTE) and its main constituents on oxidative stress-induced cell senescence. METHODS: H2O2 and AAPH were used to establish cellular senescence models. The anti-aging effects of PTE and its components were evaluated by SA-ß-gal staining, flow cytometry, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and multiple microplate reader, the molecular mechanisms of them were investigated by qRT-PCR and Western Blot. RESULTS: We found PTE exhibited the apparent effect on cell senescence, evidenced by inhibiting senescence ß-Galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) expression, lipofuscin accumulation, cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, oxidative damage and apoptosis, and increasing telomerase activity. Their mechanisms were related to increase expressions of SIRT1, forkhead box 3a (Foxo3a), Bcl-2, active regulator of SIRT1, RPS19BP1 (AROS), and Hu antigen R (HuR), but decrease Bax, p53 and deleted in breast cancer 1 (DBC1) levels. Furthermore, adenosine, and succinic acid, as the critical substances in PTE, could also inhibit SA-ß-gal expression and cell cycle arrest, down-regulate the expression of Bax, and up-regulate Bcl-2, SirT1, and Foxo3a. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that PTE slows down oxidative stress-induced cell senescence, and adenosine and succinic acid are the key active components.

Effect of carnosine supplementation on lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, HbA1C and insulin resistance: A systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Glucose disorders and dyslipidemia are closely associated with obesity and metabolic disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Carnosine supplementation on lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, HbA1C and Insulin resistance. METHOD: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Web of sciences were investigated to identify relevant articles up to June 2019. The search strategy combined the Medical Subject Heading and Title and/or abstract keywords. The combined effect sizes were calculated as weight mean difference (WMD) using the random-effects model. Between study heterogeneity was evaluated by the Cochran's Q test and I2. RESULTS: Four RCTs studies investigated Carnosine use versus any control for at least 2 weeks were identified and analyzed. Overall results from the random-effects model on included studies, with 184 participants, indicated that carnosine intervention reduced HbA1C levels in intervention vs control groups (WMD: -0.92 %, 95 % CI: -1.20, -0.63, I2:69 %). Four studies, including a total of 183 participants, reported TG changes as an outcome measure variable, but combined results did not show significant reduction in this outcome (WMD: -14.46 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -29.11, 0.19, I2:94 %). Furthermore, combined results did not show any significant change in HOMA-IR, Cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, or HDL-C. CONCLUSION: Carnosine supplementation results in a decrease in HbA1C, but elicits no effect on HOMA-IR, Cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, TG and HDL-C. Future studies with a larger sample sizes, varied doses of carnosine, and population-specific sub-groups are warranted to confirm, and enhance, the veracity of our findings.

Effect Of Chinese Herb Danzhi Xiaoyao Pills On Pharmacokinetics Of Venlafaxine In Beagles.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Chinese herb Danzhi Xiaoyao pills on the pharmacokinetics of venlafaxine and its metabolites O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) and N-desmethylvenlafaxine (NDV) in beagles by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). METHODS: Six beagles (half male, half female) were chosen to test, being fasted before the experiment but having free access to drinking water 1 day before being fed drugs. After oral administration of venlafaxine hydrochloride tablets (10.28 mg/kg), the blood samples were collected in succession at different points in time. After 1-week washout period, Danzhi Xiaoyao pills (0.6g/kg) were given through oral administration to the six beagles every morning until the 7th day, venlafaxine hydrochloride tablets (10.28 mg/kg) were given after feeding Danzhi Xiaoyao pills (0.6g/kg) half an hour and blood samples were collected continuously at different points. All samples were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS, and the main pharmacokinetic parameters of venlafaxine, ODV and NDV were computed by DAS 2.0. RESULTS: The Cmax of the venlafaxine group (control group) and the combination group (experimental group) were (2267.26±252.89) ng/mL and (1542.64±190.73) ng/mL, respectively. The AUC(0-∞) of the two groups were (13,934.79±3609.23) ng·h/mL and (8001.91±2167.58) ng·h/mL, respectively. The ODV Cmax of the two groups were (2253.80±215.81) ng/mL and (2721.37±118.20) ng/mL, and AUC(0-∞) were (13,974.99±2784.04) ng·h/mL and (17,539.44±1894.29) ng·h/mL, respectively. The NDV Cmax of the two groups were (50.98±5.76) ng/mL and (58.74±12.33) ng/mL, and AUC(0-∞) were (179.26±34.94) ng·h/mL and (220.68±51.41) ng·h/mL, respectively. After administration of Danzhi Xiaoyao pills, the Cmax and AUC(0-∞) of venlafaxine decreased significantly, indicating that the plasma exposure of venlafaxine decreased. The increase of Cmax and AUC(0-∞) of ODV and NDV indicated a rise in plasma exposure. CONCLUSION: Danzhi Xiaoyao pills can accelerate the metabolism of venlafaxine in beagles. In clinical, when venlafaxine was co-administrated with Danzhi Xiaoyao pills, dose adjustment of venlafaxine should be taken into account.

Screening the Best Compatibility of Selaginella moellendorffii Prescription on Hyperuricemia and Gouty Arthritis and Its Mechanism.

OBJECTIVES: The Selaginella moellendorffii prescription (SMP) consists of S. moellendorffii Herba (SM), Smilacis glabrae Rhizoma (SGR), and Plantaginis Semen (PS). It has been commonly used to treat hyperuricemia and acute gouty arthritis as a hospital preparation. This study was aimed at investigating the best compatibility ratio of SMP on hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis and getting better insight of the possible mechanism. Methods. In vitro, anti-inflammatory activity of SMP was evaluated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RAW264.7 cells. The release of nitric oxide (NO) was screened by Griess assay, and NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 proteins expression was examined by immunofluorescence assay. Then, the levels of creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid (UA) were detected in mice induced by potassium oxonate, and the paw oedema, inflammatory mediators, and histological examination were analyzed in rats induced by monosodium urate (MSU). HPLC method was employed to investigate the chemical profile of this preparation. Results. In vitro, SMP-3 (the ratio of SMP:SGR:PS was 3:1:1) exhibited the most potent anti-NO production activity without obvious toxicity. This anti-inflammatory effect was associated with suppression of NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and NLRP3 protein expression. In animal experiments, the levels of BUN and Cr in SMP-3 group were lower than other extract groups, and the level of UA was also remarkably decreased by SMP-3 in hyperuricemic mice (P<0.01). Besides, SMP-3 extract was able to prevent the paw edema, reduce gouty joint inflammatory features, and decrease the levels IL-1ß, PGE-2, IL-8, and NO in gouty arthritis rats. Furthermore, 6-C-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-8-C-ß-D-glucopyranosyl, apigenin, and astilbin were identified from SMP-3 extract. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, SMP-3 may be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of hyperuricemic and gout.

Corrigendum to "Pharmacological Basis for Use of Selaginella moellendorffii in Gouty Arthritis: Antihyperuricemic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2017/2103254.].

Lidanpaidu prescription alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway.

The Lidanpaidu Prescription (LDP), a hospital preparation, composed of Chinese classical preparations, has been reported to have antiendotoxin, anticoagulant and other effects. However, its therapeutic effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and the mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we administered LPD pretreatment at different doses to examine the protective effects and mechanisms in LPS-induced AKI in mice. The kidney injury induced by LPS was assessed by histological examination. ELISA was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines. The mRNA expression of the inflammatory genes IKKß and TNF-α in kidney tissues was assessed by RT-PCR. Finally, Western blot was performed to assess the NF-κB signaling pathway related proteins, and the nuclear translocation of NF-kB P65 was detected by immunofluorescence laser confocal microscopy. The findings suggested that LDP significantly improved at 48 h animal survival (66.7%), compared with the LPS group (26.7%), determined by a Kaplan-Meier analysis. LDP attenuated the kidney histopathological changes induced by LPS and decreased the inflammatory cytokine levels in serum and renal tissue. Moreover, LDP markedly inhibited the expression of inflammatory genes and suppressed the activation of relevant proteins in the nucleus. In summary, these findings suggest that LDP reduces LPS-induced AKI via a mechanism related to the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Determination of zinc oxide content of mineral medicine calamine using near-infrared spectroscopy based on MIV and BP-ANN algorithm.

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been widely used in the analysis fields of traditional Chinese medicine. It has the advantages of fast analysis, no damage to samples and no pollution. In this research, a fast quantitative model for zinc oxide (ZnO) content in mineral medicine calamine was explored based on NIR spectroscopy. NIR spectra of 57 batches of calamine samples were collected and the first derivative (FD) method was adopted for conducting spectral pretreatment. The content of ZnO in calamine sample was determined using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) titration and taken as reference value of NIR spectroscopy. 57 batches of calamine samples were categorized into calibration and prediction set using the Kennard-Stone (K-S) algorithm. Firstly, in the calibration set, to calculate the correlation coefficient (r) between the absorbance value and the ZnO content of corresponding samples at each wave number. Next, according to the square correlation coefficient (r2) value to obtain the top 50 wave numbers to compose the characteristic spectral bands (4081.8-4096.3, 4188.9-4274.7, 4335.4, 4763.6,4794.4-4802.1, 4809.9, 4817.6-4875.4cm-1), which were used to establish the quantitative model of ZnO content using back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) algorithm. Then, the 50 wave numbers were operated by the mean impact value (MIV) algorithm to choose wave numbers whose absolute value of MIV greater than or equal to 25, to obtain the optimal characteristic spectral bands (4875.4-4836.9, 4223.6-4080.9cm-1). And then, both internal cross and external validation were used to screen the number of hidden layer nodes of BP-ANN. Finally, the number 4 of hidden layer nodes was chosen as the best. At last, the BP-ANN model was found to enjoy a high accuracy and strong forecasting capacity for analyzing ZnO content in calamine samples ranging within 42.05-69.98%, with relative mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) of 1.66% and coefficient of determination (R2) of 95.75% in internal cross and relative mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.98%, R2 of 97.94% and ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of 6.11 in external validation.

[Study on formation and changes of Dao-di herbs production origin of Gastrodia elata].

Gastrodia elata has been used in China for more than 2 000 years and it is a kind of valuable traditional Chinese medicine. The originrecords of G. elata were Mount Tai of Shandong and and Mount Song of Henan, which began in Wupu Bencao of Wei Jin Dynasties, and Tai'an and its surrounding areas had been the Do-di herbs production areas. But from the beginning of the Republic of China, G. elata origin has undergone major changes, Do-di herbs production areas moved westward to the southwest.In this paper,through literature research and field visits, we studied the formation and changes of Do-di herbs production areas of G. elata. The cultivation history and current main producing area of G. elata was also introduced. On this basis, we profoundly summarized the reasons of Do-di herbs production areas formation and changes from the nature, society, transportation, humanities and germplasm resources.Combining the ancient herbal medicine and the characteristics of modern producing areas, the planting strength of G. elata could be strengthened in the hope of providing reference for the quality evaluation and cultivation of G. elata.

A Rapid Identification Method for Calamine Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Based on Multi-Reference Correlation Coefficient Method and Back Propagation Artificial Neural Network.

As a mineral, the traditional Chinese medicine calamine has a similar shape to many other minerals. Investigations of commercially available calamine samples have shown that there are many fake and inferior calamine goods sold on the market. The conventional identification method for calamine is complicated, therefore as a result of the large scale of calamine samples, a rapid identification method is needed. To establish a qualitative model using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for rapid identification of various calamine samples, large quantities of calamine samples including crude products, counterfeits and processed products were collected and correctly identified using the physicochemical and powder X-ray diffraction method. The NIR spectroscopy method was used to analyze these samples by combining the multi-reference correlation coefficient (MRCC) method and the error back propagation artificial neural network algorithm (BP-ANN), so as to realize the qualitative identification of calamine samples. The accuracy rate of the model based on NIR and MRCC methods was 85%; in addition, the model, which took comprehensive multiple factors into consideration, can be used to identify crude calamine products, its counterfeits and processed products. Furthermore, by in-putting the correlation coefficients of multiple references as the spectral feature data of samples into BP-ANN, a BP-ANN model of qualitative identification was established, of which the accuracy rate was increased to 95%. The MRCC method can be used as a NIR-based method in the process of BP-ANN modeling.

Anti-hepatoma activities of ethyl acetate extract from Ampelopsis sinica root.

Ampelopsis sinica root (ASR) is a known hepatoprotective folk traditional Chinese medicine. The anti­hepatoma activity of ethyl acetate extract from A. sinica root (ASRE) in vitro and in vivo and its possible mechanism were explored. This study was designed to investigate cytotoxicity by MTT assay, induction of apoptosis via Hoechst 33258 staining, scanning electron microscopy and bivariate flow cytometric analysis (Annexin V-FITC/PI), inflammation and apoptosis related genes expression by RT-PCR and p53 protein expression by immunofluorescence assay in HepG2 cells. Then, the antitumor activity in vivo was detected by hepatoma H22 xenograft tumor in mice. The results showed that ASRE had powerful anti­hepatoma activity in vitro without obvious toxicity on normal cells and could induce HepG2 cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with downregulation of inflammatory cytokines including cyclooxygenase-2, 5-lipoxygenase and FLAP, increase of the ratio of bax/bcl-2, activation caspase-3 and inhibition of survivin, and increased expression of p53 protein. Furthermore, the HPLC assay showed the main compounds of ASRE were gallic acid, catechin and gallic acid ethyl ester. In animal experiments, ASR ethanol extract decreased the tumor weights of hepatoma H22 tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, ASR may be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Pharmacological Basis for Use of Selaginella moellendorffii in Gouty Arthritis: Antihyperuricemic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition.

This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron. (SM) on gouty arthritis and getting an insight of the possible mechanisms. HPLC method was developed for chemical analysis. The paw oedema, the neutrophil accumulation, inflammatory mediators, lipid peroxidation, and histopathological changes of the joints were analyzed in gouty arthritis rat model, and the kidney injury and serum urate were detected in hyperuricemic mice. Pharmacokinetic result demonstrated that the main apigenin glycosides might be quantitatively transformed into apigenin in the mammalian body. Among these compounds, the apigenin exhibited the strongest effect on xanthine oxidase (XOD). SM aqueous extract has proved to be active in reducing hyperuricemia in dose-dependent manner, and the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) in high dose group were decreased significantly as compared with hyperuricemic control group (P < 0.01). The high dose of SM extract could significantly prevent the paw swelling, reduce gouty joint inflammatory features, reduce the release of IL-1ß and TNF-α, lower malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) level (P < 0.01). For the first time, this study provides a rational basis for the traditional use of SM aqueous extract against gout in folk medicine.

Pharmacokinetic properties and drug interactions of apigenin, a natural flavone.

INTRODUCTION: Apigenin, a natural flavone, is widely distributed in plants such as celery, parsley and chamomile. It is present principally as glycosylated in nature. Higher intake of apigenin could reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It has gained particular interest in recent years as a beneficial, health-promoting agent with low intrinsic toxicity. Areas covered: This review summarizes and the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties of apigenin, and drug-drug interaction of apigenin. Expert opinion: Since apigenin is a bioactive plant flavone and is widely distributed in common food, its consumption through the diet is recommended. Apigenin-enriched drugs are better for some chronic diseases, but may affect animal and human health if present in the daily diet. Dietary or therapeutic apigenin has value as a good cellular regulator in cancer, especially cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to apigenin's limitations on absorption and bioavailability, novel carriers would need to be developed to enhance the oral bioavailability of apigenin. Further research about its ADME properties and drug-drug interactions are needed before apigenin can be brought to clinical trials.

Protective effect of n-butyl alcohol extracts from Rhizoma Pinelliae Pedatisectae against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rhizoma Pinelliae Pedatisectae (RPP) has been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of various neurological related diseases. However, the mechanisms have not been fully clarified yet. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effect of RPP against cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats models, and more importantly, to explore the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cerebral ischemia and reperfusion was established through the classic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2h, followed by 24h reperfusion. Rats were orally given different doses of n-butyl alcohol extracts (NBES) of RPP or saline for one week before induction of ischemia. Neurological defect scoring, cerebral infarct volume, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory reaction and nerve cell apoptosis were then estimated. RESULTS: It showed that NBES could alleviate in a dose-dependent manner neurological deficit and reduce the infarct volume in vivo. The protective effects of NBES were associated with increased Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malonaldehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) levels. In addition, ischemia-induced neuron apoptosis was inhibited by NBES pretreatment, and western blot showed NBES upregulated expressions of B-cell leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and downregulated Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) expression. CONCLUSION: NBES prevent cerebral I/R injury by alleviating neuronal oxidative injury, inflammatory reaction and neuron apoptosis. The research for the traditional use of RPP provided certain theoretical basis.

[Induction and analysis for NIR features of frequently-used mineral traditional Chinese medicines].

In order to provide theoretical basis for the rapid identification of mineral traditional Chinese medicines(TCM) with near infrared (NIR)diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Characteristic NIR spectra of 51 kinds of mineral TCMs were generalized and compared on the basis of the previous research, and the characteristic spectral bands were determined and analyzed by referring to mineralogical and geological literatures. It turned out that the NIR features of mineral TCMs were mainly at 8 000-4 000 cm ⁻¹ wavebands, which can be assigned as the absorption of water, -OH and[CO3 ²â»] and so on. Absorption peaks of water has regularity as follows, the structure water and -OH had a combined peak which was strong and keen-edged around 7 000 cm ⁻¹, the crystal water had two strong peak around 7 000 cm ⁻¹ and 5 100 cm ⁻¹, and water only has a broad peak around 5 100 cm ⁻¹. Due to the differences in the crystal form and the contents of water in mineral TCMs, NIR features of water in mineral TCMs which could be used for identification were different. Mineral TCMs containing sulfate are rich in crystal water, mineral TCMs containing silicate generally had structure water, and mineral TCMs containing carbonate merely had a little of water, so it was reasonable for the use of NIR spectroscopy to classify mineral TCMs with anionic type. In addition, because of the differences in cationic type, impurities, crystal form and crystallinity, mineral TCMs have exclusive NIR features at 4 600-4 000 cm ⁻¹, which can be assigned as Al-OH, Mg-OH, Fe-OH, Si-OH,[CO3 ²â»] and so on. Calcined mineral TCMs are often associated with water and main composition changes, also changes of the NIR features, which could be used for the monitoring of the processing, and to provide references for the quality control of mineral TCMs. The adaptability and limitation of NIR analysis for mineral TCMs were also discussed:the majority of mineral TCMs had noteworthy NIR features which could be used for the NIR analysis. And the NIR features of a few mineral TCMs were inapparent, such as Fluoritum, Realgar and Cinnabar, for which the Raman spectroscopy can be adopted alternatively.

[Taxonomy and Distribution of Chinese Medicinal Centipedes].

Objective: To study the taxonomy and distribution of Chinese medicinal centipedes. Methods: The species of Chinese medicinal centipedes were investigated in the light of their morphology. According to the feature of life, the distribution of centipedes were explored. Results: There were 12 centipede species in China, and seven of them were used for medical, the species could be effectively distinguished by the identification key. It was suggested that their characteristics were related to the climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, altitude and air pressure. Conclusion: The distribution of medicinal centipede is characteristics of "three river system distribution belts" and "three geographical distribution areas". The results provide the basis for the development and application of medicinal centipedes in China.

Identification of Chinese Herbs Using a Sequencing-Free Nanostructured Electrochemical DNA Biosensor.

Due to the nearly identical phenotypes and chemical constituents, it is often very challenging to accurately differentiate diverse species of a Chinese herbal genus. Although technologies including DNA barcoding have been introduced to help address this problem, they are generally time-consuming and require expensive sequencing. Herein, we present a simple sequencing-free electrochemical biosensor, which enables easy differentiation between two closely related Fritillaria species. To improve its differentiation capability using trace amounts of DNA sample available from herbal extracts, a stepwise electrochemical deposition of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was adopted to engineer a synergistic nanostructured sensing interface. By using such a nanofeatured electrochemical DNA (E-DNA) biosensor, two Chinese herbal species of Fritillaria (F. thunbergii and F. cirrhosa) were successfully discriminated at the DNA level, because a fragment of 16-mer sequence at the spacer region of the 5S-rRNA only exists in F. thunbergii. This E-DNA sensor was capable of identifying the target sequence in the range from 100 fM to 10 nM, and a detection limit as low as 11.7 fM (S/N = 3) was obtained. Importantly, this sensor was applied to detect the unique fragment of the PCR products amplified from F. thunbergii and F. cirrhosa, respectively. We anticipate that such a direct, sequencing-free sensing mode will ultimately pave the way towards a new generation of herb-identification strategies.

Separation and purification of four flavonol diglucosides from the flower of Meconopsis integrifolia by high-speed counter-current chromatography.

Flavonoids are the main components of Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch, which is a traditional Tibetan medicine. However, traditional chromatography separation requires a large quantity of raw M. integrifolia and is very time consuming. Herein, we applied high-speed counter-current chromatography in the separation and purification of flavonoids from the ethanol extracts of M. integrifolia flower. Ethyl acetate/n-butanol/water (2:3:5, v/v/v) was selected as the optimum solvent system to purify the four components, namely quercetin-3-O-ß-d-glucopyrannosy-(1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranoside (compound 1, 60 mg), quercetin 3-O-[2'''-O-acetyl-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranoside (compound 2, 40 mg), quercetin 3-O-[3'''-O-acetyl-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranoside (compound 3, 11 mg), and quercetin 3-O-[6'''-O-acetyl-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranoside (compound 4, 16 mg). Among the four compounds, 3 and 4 were new acetylated flavonol diglucosides. After the high-speed counter-current chromatography separation, the purities of the four flavonol diglucosides were 98, 95, 90, and 92%, respectively. The structures of these compounds were identified by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy.

Corrigendum to "Ethanol Extract from Ampelopsis sinica Root Exerts Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Activity via Inhibition of p53 Pathway In Vitro".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/ecam/neq011.].