[Materia medica illustrations related to the regional names in Shandong province in Ben Cao Tu Jing].

Ben Cao Tu Jing had 48 materia medica illustrations related to the regional names in Shandong province. It was found that 42 of them were plant medicinal materials, distributed in seven areas in Shandong province. This study examined these illustration of plant medicinal materials and found that 26 species of these illustration of plant medicinal materials were identified with three genera and 11 illustrations were unverified. Most materia medica illustrations relating to the regional names in Shandong province were found mainly in Yanzhou, Qizhou and Zizhou. This indicated that materia medica were widely used in these areas in the Northern Song Dynasty. The haustorium of Cuscuta Chinensis were depicted in the "Shanzhou Tu Si Zi" and the habitat of wild poriacocos was described. This showed that the illustrators of Ben Cao Tu Jing might have conducted fieldwork and reflected on the main principles about how to identify materia medica in Ben Cao Tu Jing Zou Chi. Inconsistencies were found between the illustrations and the expressions of plant medicinal materials in some illustrations, such as Gui Jiu, Ginsen and Shan Zhu Yu. This suggested that in the Northern Song Dynasty Stemmacantha Uniflora, Belamcanda chinensis might have been mixed up with Dysosma and Pinellia Pedatisecta might have been mixed up with Pinellia Ternata. This was in line with the compiling theories of Su Song that they could be recorded together when the illustrations and literature were inconsistent with each other.

[Effect of genetic polymorphism of TPMT and NUDT15 on the tolerance of 6-mercaptopurine therapy in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

Objective: To investigate the effect of genetic polymorphisms of TPMT*2 rs1800462, TPMT*3B rs1800460, TPMT*3C rs1142345, and NUDT15 rs116855232 on the tolerance of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) therapy in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) . Methods: A total of 216 adult patients who were diagnosed with ALL and treated with cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, and 6-MP [complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) regimen] from September 2015 to December 2019 were included. Polymorphisms were detected by TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay. Combined with clinical data, the influence of genetic polymorphism on the tolerance of 6-MP in the treatment of ALL was analyzed. Results: Among the 216 patients, 185 (85.65%) patients had B-ALL and 31 (14.35%) patients had T-ALL. 216 (100%) patients had CC genotype for both TPMT*2 rs1800462 and TPMT*3B rs1800460. The number of TT and TC genotypes for TPMT*3C rs1142345 was 209 (96.76%) and 7 (3.24%) , respectively. The allele frequency was 1.62% for TPMT*3C rs1142345. The number of CC, CT, and TT genotypes for NUDT15 rs116855232 was 166 (76.85%) , 48 (22.22%) , and 2 (0.93%) , respectively. The allele frequency was 12.04% for NUDT15 rs116855232. The TPMT*3C rs1142345 mutant group (TC+CC genotype) had less transfusion volume of packed red blood cell than the wild group (CC genotype) (P=0.036) , and the mutant group (TC+CC genotype) had a higher risk to develop hepatotoxicity (increased aspartate aminotransferase) than the wild group (CC genotype) (OR=9.559, 95% CI 1.135-80.475, P=0.038) . The durations of white blood cells (WBC) <1×10(9)/L and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0.5×10(9)/L in the NUDT15 rs116855232 mutation group (CT+TT genotype) were longer than that in the wild group (CC genotype) (P=0.005, P=0.007) , and the transfusion volume of apheresis-derived platelets in the mutant group (CT+TT type) was greater than that in the wild group (CC genotype) (P=0.014) . Conclusion: Genetic polymorphism of TMPT and NUDT15 has an effect on the tolerance of 6-MP in the treatment of adult ALL. Detecting genotypes of patients with ALL before treatment helps to optimize the dosage of 6-MP, which may help shorten the bone marrow suppression duration and reduce blood transfusion volume.

[Factors influencing the quality of Peucedanum Praeruptorum Dunn and "assessment of quality based on its features"].

The factors influencing the evaluation of the quality of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn, called "Qianhu" in Chinese, include the botanical origin, places of production, harvesting time and its nature of "Ci Xiong" (bolting and unbolting) etc. The orthodox products are derived from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn in successive dynasties, especially the unbolting one produced in Anhui and Zhejiang Provinces picked up during the Beginning of Winter. The "assessment of quality based on its features" includes the "Earthworm head" , "black skin of the root" , "gold inlaid with white jade" , "soft texture like sweet rice" and "strong fragrant smell" . Therefore, the "assessment of quality based on its features" is the summary of all its properties, including the morphology, color, flavor, and property, and it's also the background for evaluating its quality and embodying the wisdom of distinguishing experiences of ancient herbologists.

[Analysis of the factors influencing adjuvant chemotherapy decisions for triple negative breast cancer].

Objective: To analyze adjuvant chemotherapy decisions for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and explore the influencing factors in the multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) modality. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed. The cases with invasive TNBC who underwent surgery and MDT discussion for adjuvant treatment in Ruijin Hospital, from April 2013 to June 2015, were recruited. The patients' clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed and adjuvant treatment suggestions from MDT were obtained. Here the chemotherapy decision alteration was defined as a disagreement in chemotherapy or not, or inconsistence in regimens between the attending doctor and the multidisciplinary team. Results: A total of 194 patients aged ≤70 years old were enrolled in the multidisciplinary discussion, and 187 patients (96.4%) were suggested to receive chemotherapy. When compared the opinions of the attending doctor to suggestions of the multidisciplinary team, we found that the percentage of chemotherapy decision alteration reached 22.7% (39/172), of which 94.9% (37/39) were inconsistence in chemotherapy regimens. There were 119 patients who were recommended to receive epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide (EC) followed by docetaxel (T) or weekly paclitaxel (wP) regimens. Before the announcement of results for the E1199 trial, EC-T accounted for 62.5% (55/88), and EC-wP accounted for 37.5% (33/88) for this group of patients. After that, the proportion of EC-T was decreased to 22.6% (7/31) and proportion of EC-wP increased to 77.4%(24/31) (P<0.001). In addition, a total of 20 patients were suggested to receive platinum based chemotherapy. The proportions were 9.3% in cases with invasive ductal carcinoma, and 33.3% in cases with metaplastic carcinoma, respectively (P=0.016). Conclusions: The adjuvant chemotherapy decision for TNBC patients is altered in 22.7% of the patients after MDT discussion. After the announcement of SABCS E1199 results, more patients are suggested to receive EC followed by weekly paclitaxel. There is a lack of detailed evidence for platinum based adjuvant chemotherapy for TNBC, and more patients with metaplastic carcinoma receive platinum based adjuvant chemotherapy.

Distinguishing characteristics of urothelial carcinoma in kidney transplant recipients between China and Western countries.

OBJECTIVE: To identify significant distinctive characteristics of urothelial carcinoma (UC) in kidney transplant recipients between China and Western countries and investigate probable tumor screening and treatment factors contributing to these differences. METHODS: Renal transplant recipients from 1998 to 2011 in our institution diagnosed with UC were included in this study. Our data on tumor incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were compared with literature reports. RESULTS: Among 2572 renal transplant recipients identified, 24 (0.93%) experienced UC, including 10 men and 14 women of overall mean age of 49.3 ± 11.6 years at transplantation and 53.5 ± 9.5 years at tumor detection. The Chinese traditional herbal intake mainly focused on 2 preparations: Aristolochic acid and rhubarb (the latter was mainly used in patients with chronic renal impairment) in 20 people. There were 21 (87.5%) cases of upper (UTUC) 5 cases of bilateral, and 13 cases of multifocal urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. Four subjects died owing to tumor progression at 4-63 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: UC in renal transplant recipients shared notable characteristics in China with widespread herb intake: UTUC predominance; multifocal and bilateral organ involvement; high rates of recurrence, progression, and dissemination, in contrast with bladder tumor dominance in Western countries. As a consequence, we suggest that bilateral nephroureterectomy should be performed prophylactically in high-risk patients, especially those with a long history of Chinese herb intake. The relationship of rhubarb consumption to UC in renal transplant recipients should be noted and evaluated.

First Report of Impatiens necrotic spot virus in Gentiana macrophylla in China.

Large leaf gentian, Gentiana macrophylla Pall., known as Qin Jiao in Chinese, is a medicinal herb. Its root is most commonly used in Chinese traditional medicine to relieve rheumatic conditions and to remove damp-heat. During a survey in July 2009, large leaf gentian plants exhibiting foliar chlorotic and necrotic spots as well as severe stunting were collected in Lijiang County, Yunnan Province of China. Incidence of symptomatic plants ranged from 10 to 30% in the field. Symptomatic leaves from five different G. macrophylla plants were collected and tested for Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), Tomato spotted wilt virus, Watermelon silver mottle virus, Groundnut bud necrosis virus, Tomato chlorotic spot virus, and Groundnut ringspot virus by double-antibody sandwich-ELISA kits (Agdia Inc., Elkhart, IN). All tested samples were positive only for INSV. To further confirm the presence of INSV, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was conducted. Total RNA was extracted from the symptomatic large leaf gentian plants leaves with a RNeasy Plant Kit (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA) and used as a template in RT-PCR using forward (5'-CTT TGC TTT TTA GAA CTG TGC A-3') and reverse (5'-AGA GCA ATT GTG TCA CGA ATA T-3') primers specific to the partial INSV nucleoprotein (N) gene (GenBank No. DQ425096). Amplicons of the expected size (approximately 760 bp) were obtained from all ELISA-positive samples. Three clones were sequenced and the partial nucleocapsid protein genes consensus sequences of these isolates were determined (GenBank No. HQ317133). Nucleotide sequences of large leaf gentian isolates shared 98 to 99% nucleotide identity with INSV sequences of isolates from China, Italy, Japan, United States, and the Netherlands (GenBank Nos. FN400772, GQ336989, DQ425096, AB109100, D00914, AB109100, and X66972). INSV is one of the most serious viral pathogens of ornamental plants in North America, Europe, and Asia (1-3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of natural occurrence of INSV in G. macrophylla in China. References: (1) S. T. Koike. Plant Dis. 92:1248, 2008. (2) E. K. Tóth et al. Plant Dis. 91:331, 2007. (3) Q. Zhang et al. Plant Dis. 94:915, 2010.

Transfer of conjugated linoleic acid from sows to their offspring and its impact on the fatty acid profiles of plasma, muscle, and subcutaneous fat in piglets.

This experiment was conducted to determine if CLA could be transferred from sows to their offspring through the umbilical cord or milk. Eighteen pregnant Dalland sows of mixed parity were used in a completely randomized block design based on parity and BW. The sows were allotted to 1 of 3 groups and fed diets containing 0, 0.5, or 1.0% CLA during the last 50 d of gestation and throughout a 26-d lactation (n = 6). Umbilical cord blood was sampled at parturition. Colostrum and milk were collected from each sow on d 2 and 15 after farrowing. Samples of blood, backfat, and the LM were obtained from piglets at 2 and 26 d of age. Sow reproductive performance and piglet growth were not altered by CLA supplementation during the late gestation and lactation periods. The CLA supplementation of sow diets had an impact on the fatty acid profiles in colostrum and milk. Dietary CLA increased the concentrations of total SFA (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01), but reduced the total MUFA in the colostrum (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01). Although dietary CLA increased the concentrations of total SFA (quadratic, P < 0.01), it had no influence on total MUFA concentrations in the milk. In addition, feeding sows diets supplemented with CLA resulted in increases (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) in the CLA content of plasma, backfat, and the LM in their offspring. However, trans-10, cis-12-18:2, rather than cis-9, trans-11-18:2, was detected in the umbilical cord blood, which indicates that CLA may be transported from the sow to the fetus in an isomer-specific manner.

Influence of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract in broiler chickens: effect on chicken coccidiosis and antioxidant status.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has been widely used as a human food supplement for health promotion and disease prevention. However, there was little information regarding its application in animal nutrition. The aim of the current study is to determine the effect of GSPE at different concentrations on chicken performance, and the status of antioxidant/oxidant system after the Eimeria tenella infection. In the first experiment, GSPE incorporated in the diet at 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg significantly decreased mortality and increased weight gain after the E. tenella infection, and the protective effect of GSPE was dose-dependent. The lowest mortality and the greatest growth gains were recorded in the group of birds fed with GSPE between 10 to 20 mg/kg. In the second experiment, 12 mg/kg of GSPE supplementation in the diet significantly reduced the mortality and lesion scores in birds after the infection with 5 x 10(4) and 1 x 10(5) oocysts of E. tenella. The weight gains also improved significantly. After the oral infection with 5 x 10(4) and 1 x 10(5) of E. tenella, analysis of the status of antioxidant/oxidant system revealed that plasma NO increased significantly from 7.11 to 21.31 micromol/L, plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased from 126.55 to 111.14 U/mL, and malondiadehyde increased, suggesting oxidative stress was increased in circulation. However, supplementation of 12 mg/kg GSPE reduced the level of plasma NO from 21.31 to 14.73 micromol/L and increased plasma SOD activities from 111.14 to 133.27 U/mL. The effects of incorporation of GSPE into the poultry diet on the concentration of plasma NO, malondiadehyde, and SOD indicated that the lower concentration of dietary GSPE was able to restore the balance of antioxidant/oxidant system that was exerted by the oxidative stress after the parasite infection. The current results suggested GSPE can act as an antioxidant in diet to improve the performance of broiler chickens and remedy the clinical symptoms caused by the oxidative stress of E. tenella infection.

Studies on the chemopreventive potentials of vegetable oils and unsaturated fatty acids against breast cancer carcinogenesis at initiation.

The effect of dietary fat on breast cancer is a longstanding and an unresolved issue. We found that 17beta-estradiol (E2) could be activated by the epoxide-forming oxidant dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) to bind DNA-forming DNA adducts both in vitro and in vivo, and to inhibit nuclear RNA synthesis. We proposed that E2 epoxidation is the underlying mechanism for the initiation of breast cancer carcinogenesis (Carcinogenesis 17, 1957-61, 1996). This report is on the transcriptional and DNA-binding properties of vegetable oils and fatty acids, and on the potentials of these compounds to prevent the formation of E2 epoxide. The results show that vegetable oils, having no effect on nuclear RNA synthesis either before or after DMDO treatment, were all able to prevent the formation of E2 epoxide independent of their mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Similarly, unsaturated fatty acids, regardless of chain length and number of double bonds, were all able to prevent the formation of E2 epoxide as reflected by the loss of the ability of [3H]E2 to bind DNA. In contrast to vegetable oils, the results indicated that the unsaturated fatty acids palmitoleic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acid could be activated by DMDO to inhibit nuclear RNA synthesis, and that the mono-unsaturated fatty acids (i.e. palmitoleic and oleic acid) were stronger inhibitors than fatty acids with more than one double bond (e.g. linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acid). [32P]Post-labeling analysis revealed that under identical DMDO activation, the DNA adducts formed for oleic acid were 17098 adducts/10(8) nucleotides, which was 20-fold more than palmitoleic acid (815), and 120-fold more than alpha-linolenic acid (142). This result strongly suggests that oleic acid could be a potential initiating carcinogen after epoxidation.

Image accuracy improvements in microwave tomographic thermometry: phantom experience.

Evaluation of a laboratory-scale microwave imaging system for non-invasive temperature monitoring has previously been reported with good results in terms of both spatial and temperature resolution. However, a new formulation of the reconstruction algorithm in terms of the log-magnitude and phase of the electric fields has dramatically improved the ability of the system to track the temperature-dependent electrical conductivity distribution. This algorithmic enhancement was originally implemented as a way of improving overall imaging capability in cases of large, high contrast permittivity scatterers, but has also proved to be sensitive to subtle conductivity changes as required in thermal imaging. Additional refinements in the regularization procedure have strengthened the reliability and robustness of image convergence. Imaging experiments were performed for a single heated target consisting of a 5.1 cm diameter PVC tube located within 15 and 25 cm diameter monopole antenna arrays, respectively. The performance of both log-magnitude/phase and complex-valued reconstructions when subjected to four different regularization schemes has been compared based on this experimental data. The results demonstrate a significant accuracy improvement (to 0.2 degrees C as compared with 1.6 degrees C for the previously published approach) in tracking thermal changes in phantoms where electrical properties vary linearly with temperature over a range relevant to hyperthermia cancer therapy.

Microwave thermal imaging: initial in vivo experience with a single heating zone.

The deployment of hyperthermia as a routine adjuvant to radiation or chemotherapy is limited largely by the inability to devise treatment plans which can be monitored through temperature distribution feedback during therapy. A non-invasive microwave tomographic thermal imaging system is currently being developed which has previously exhibited excellent correlation between the recovered electrical conductivity of a heated zone and its actual temperature change during phantom studies. To extend the validation of this approach in vivo, the imaging system has been re-configured for small animal experiments to operate within the bore of a CT scanner for anatomical and thermometry registration. A series of 5-7 day old pigs have been imaged during hyperthermia with a monopole antenna array submerged in a saline tank where a small plastic tube surgically inserted the length of the abdomen has been used to create a zone of heated saline at pre-selected temperatures. Tomographic microwave data over the frequency range of 300-1000 MHz of the pig abdomen in the plane perpendicular to the torso is collected at regular intervals after the tube saline temperatures have settled to the desired settings. Images are reconstructed over a range of operating frequencies. The tube location is clearly visible and the recovered saline conductivity varies linearly with the controlled temperature values. Difference images utilizing the baseline state prior to heating reinforces the linear relationship between temperature and imaged saline conductivity. Demonstration of in vivo temperature recovery and correlation with an independent monitoring device is an important milestone prior to clinical integration of this non-invasive imaging system with a thermal therapy device.

[Pattern recognition of stereoscopic features of the leaves epidermis of medicinal Curcuma plants in China by image analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To provide new ways for classifying and identifying medicinal curcuma plants. METHOD: Based on classical taxonomy, the microscopic features of the epidermis of Curcuma plants in China were scored quantitatively by stereology and image analysis. RESULT: It showed that there were a lot of differences in density, size and shape of the epidermic cells among the medicinal Curcuma plants in China; that the average perimeter of the upper epidermic cells, average sectional area of the lower epidermis, stoma density and trichoma distribution of the upper and lower epidermis, etc. could be considered to be the main evidences for the microscopic identification of leaves of Curcuma. The 21 materials which belong to 11 species of Curcuma in China were systematized into 6 species, 1 species complex, 2 cultivated varieties. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that stereology, and image analysis are advanced and feasible in pharmacognosy and taxonomy especially in the authentication of the relative and easily confused species.

Study on fragmentation behavior of 5/7/6-type taxoids by tandem mass spectrometry.

The mass spectrometric behaviors of seven compounds, namely four 4beta(20),5-oxetane 5/7/6-type taxoids (i.e. taxayuntin A, taxayuntin B, taxayuntin and taxayuntin C) and three 4(20)-methylene 5/7/6-type taxoids (i.e. brevifoliol, taxchinin A and 7-acetyl-10-deacetyl-7-debenzoylbrevifoliol) have been investigated by the positive ion FAB-MS/MS technique. The fragmentation has been correlated with the types and positions of substituents of these compounds. It has been found that with the OH group at the C-10 position, taxayuntin A, taxayuntin B and 7-acetyl-10-deacetyl-7-debenzoylbrevifoliol are dominated by the loss of H2O, while with the BzO group at the C-10 position, taxayuntin, taxayuntin C, brevifoliol and taxchinin A preferentially eliminate the BzO group. In addition, C-2 is an active site, and neutral loss from the C-2 position readily occurs. The four 4beta(20),5-oxetane 5/7/6-type taxoids produce the terminal product ion with a stable conjugated system at m/z 311, while the 4(20)-methylene 5/7/6-type taxoids brevifoliol and 7-acetyl-10-deacetyl-7-debenzoylbrevifoliol produce this ion at m/z 237, and taxchinin A at m/z 253. Interestingly, characteristic fragment ions involving the loss of a 118 u group were observed for taxayuntin, and a possible fragmentation mechanism is given. The major fragmentation pathways and mechanisms of ion formation for the compounds are proposed on the basis of CID spectra and accurate mass measurements. The results of this paper will be helpful for structural analysis of analogs.

Micelle-mediated extraction and preconcentration of ginsenosides from Chinese herbal medicine.

The feasibility of employing micelle-mediated extraction as an alternative and effective method for the solubilization, purification and/or preconcentration of active ingredients from herbal products is demonstrated for the first time using the root of American ginseng as a model. When compared to methanol and water, an aqueous surfactant solution containing 10% Triton X-100 yielded faster kinetics and higher recovery for the extraction of various ginsenosides. An experimental design approach (uniform design) was demonstrated as a novel and useful method for the optimization of experimental factors involved in the micelle-mediated extraction process. For the preconcentration of ginsenosides prior to chromatographic determination, a salting-out agent (sodium sulfate) was employed to make the efficient cloud point extraction of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic ginsenosides into the surfactant-rich phase possible, as well as to increase the preconcentration factor by reducing the volume of the surfactant-rich phase.

Boswellic acid acetate induces differentiation and apoptosis in leukemia cell lines.

Boswellic acid acetate (BC-4), a compound isolated from the herb Boswellia carterii Birdw., can induce differentiation and apoptosis of leukemia cells. Based on cell morphology and NBT reduction, BC-4 induced monocytic differentiation of myeloid leukemia HL-60, U937 and ML-1 cells at a dose under 12.5 microg/ml (24.2 microM). BC-4 was a potent inducer, with 90% of the cells showing morphologic changes and 80-90% of the cells showing NBT reduction. Specific and non-specific esterase were also increased by BC-4. Based on benzidine staining assay, BC-4 failed to induce erythroid leukemia DS-19 and K562 cells differentiation. In contrast to its selective differentiation effect, BC-4 strongly inhibited growth of all cell lines tested. The growth inhibition effect was dose- and time-dependent. In HL-60 cells, 20 microg/ml (38.8 microM) of BC-4 decreased viable cell number by 60% at 24 h, whereas at 3 days there was virtually no viable cells. Morphologic and DNA fragmentation analysis proved that BC-4 induced cell apoptosis. The dual apoptotic and differentiation effects of BC-4 suggest that it may be a powerful agent in the treatment of leukemia.

[Survey on traditional medicinal resources of Uncaria distributed in China].

OBJECTIVE: To make clear the botanical origin of medicinal Uncaria distributed in China and the situation of its use in folk medicines. METHODS: Collecting data and making on-the-spot investigation. RESULTS: There are thirteen medicinal plants which belong to Uncaria genus, and ten of them are commercially available. A clear idea was obtained of their geographical distribution, distribution features and practical experiences in folk application. CONCLUSION: This investigation is helpful in further researching and exploring the resources of Uncaria for medical use, as well as provides a scientific basis for production, management and safe use of crude drugs.

[A model atlas of the crude drug Radix Ophiopogonis in tri-dimensional computer reconstraction from their serial transections].

In this paper, the tri-dimensional computer reconstruction and animated display from the serial transections of the crude drugs Radix Ophiopogonis and Radix Liriopes have been achieved. Accordingly, some tri-dimensional image techniques and information for the computer aided teaching and identification of pharmacognosy have been offered.

[Tri-dimensional computer reconstruction and animated display from serial sections of the Chinese crude drugs].

In this paper, the tri-dimensional computer reconstruction and animated display from serial sections of the genuine crude drug Radix Aconitii have been addressed. Accordingly, some tridimensional image technique and information for the teaching and identification of pharmacognosy have also been offered.

[Isolation and identification of four new tetracyclic-atxanes from Taxus yunnanensis].

Four new minor toxoids, named as taxayuntin A, B, C and D, have been isolated from the ethanolic extract of the bark of Taxus yunnanensis Cheng et L. K. Fu. Their structures were identified as the new taxane diterpenoids with 5/7/6/4 membered ring system by spectral means and 2D NMR shift correlation experiments.

[Optimal high-yield agronomic measures for Curcuma longa L].

Regression method of orthogonal conic substitution with factors was employed to build up a tuber yield simulation model. Three main measures (sowing time, plant population, application rate of fertilizer) affecting the tuber yield were analyzed by the mathematical model of three unknown second order orthogonal rotative regression. The optimal agronomic measures were obtained. The results indicate that sowing time and plant population play a important role in raising the tuber yield. Sowing time is clearly interrelated with plant population, and likewise, plant population application rate of fertilizer.