A newly-discovered tea population variety processed Bai Mu Dan white tea: Flavor characteristics and chemical basis.

The quality of white tea (WT) is impacted by selected tea cultivars. To explore the organoleptic quality of a recently-discovered WT ("Caicha", CC), HS-SPME/GC-MS and UPLC were employed to identify volatile and non-volatile compounds in tea samples. Multiple statistical methods demonstrated the distinctions between CC and four mainstream WT varieties from main producing areas. CC exhibited abundant volatile alcohol, terpenoids, ketone, aldehyde and ester, as well as non-volatile lignans and coumarins, phenolic acids and low-molecular carbohydrates. These substances combinedly contributed to the flavor attributes of CC, characterized by an intense herbal/citrus-like cleanness and flower/fruit-like sweetness, scarce in existing commercial WT varieties. Sensory evaluation corroborated these findings. In conclusion, we have processed a new tea variety (CC) with WT manufacturing technology, and discovered the unique cleanness and sweetness of it. This study enriches the raw material database for WT production and blending, and boosts the development of more premium WT varieties.

Production regions discrimination of Huangguanyin oolong tea by using the content of chemical components and rare earth elements.

Oolong tea is one of the most popular tea beverages in China. Tea cultivars, processing technology and origin of production affect the quality and price of oolong teas. To investigate the differences in Huangguanyin oolong tea from different production regions, the chemical components, mineral elements and rare earth elements of Huangguanyin oolong tea produced in Yunxiao (YX) and Wuyishan (WY) were analyzed by using spectrophotometry methods, targeted metabolomics and inductive plasma coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results of spectrophotometry methods revealed that there were significant differences in thearubigin, tea polyphenols and water extract between Huangguanyin oolong teas from different production regions. Targeted metabolomics identified a total of 31 chemical components in Huangguanyin oolong teas from the two production regions, of which 14 chemical components were significantly different and contributed to the regional differentiation of Huangguanyin oolong tea. Yunxiao Huangguanyin had relatively higher contents of (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methylgallate) (EGCG3″Me), ornithine (Orn) and histidine (His), while Wuyishan Huangguanyin had relatively higher contents of glutamic acid (Glu), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), ß-aminobutyric acid (ß-ABA) and other components. Moreover, ICP-MS identified a total of 15 mineral elements and 15 rare earth elements in Huangguanyin oolong tea from the two production regions, of which 15 elements were significantly different between YX and WY, and contributed to the regional differentiation of Huangguanyin oolong tea. K had a relatively higher content in Yunxiao Huangguanyin, while rare earth elements had relatively higher contents in Wuyishan Huangguanyin. The classification results by the production region showed that the discrimination rate of the support vector machine (SVM) model based on the 14 different chemical components reached 88.89%, while the SVM model based on the 15 elements reached 100%. Therefore, we used targeted metabolomics and ICP-MS techniques to screen and explore the chemical components, mineral elements and rare earth elements differences among two production regions, which indicated the feasibility of Huangguanyin oolong tea classification by production regions in the study. The results will provide some reference for the distinction between the two production regions of Huangguanyin oolong tea.

In Vitro-In Vivo Study of the Impact of Excipient Emulsions on the Bioavailability and Antioxidant Activity of Flavonoids: Influence of the Carrier Oil Type.

The influence of the carrier oil type on the bioavailability and bioactivity of flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin) was examined using in vitro digestion, in situ intestinal perfusion, and pharmacokinetic studies. Here, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), or MCT/LCT mixtures (1:1, w/w) served as the oil phase of excipient emulsions. Overall, the bioavailability and antioxidant activity of flavonoids increased when they were coingested with excipient emulsions. The in vitro bioaccessibility of flavonoids was affected by the carrier oil: LCT (17.9-22.8%) > MCT/LCT (12.1-13.7%) > MCT (9.2-12.6%). These differences were mainly attributed to the fact that the mixed micelles formed after the digestion of LCTs had larger hydrophobic domains to solubilize more flavonoids. However, in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments showed that the flavonoid concentrations in rat serum were comparable for all carrier oils (p > 0.05). Our results assist in formulating excipient emulsions to enhance the efficacy of flavonoids.

Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsule alleviates postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats by regulating autophagy through AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is the most common primary osteoporosis, which is prone to fractures and affect the health and quality of life of the elderly and even shorten their lifetime. Traditional Chinese medicine can not only effectively improve osteoporosis and reduce fracture rate, but also have tonifying and analgesic effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Zhuanggu Zhitong (ZGZT) Capsule on autophagy related genes and proteins in PMOP rats, so as to elucidate the molecular mechanism of tonifying deficiency and regulating stasis in the treatment of osteoporosis and analgesia. Methods: The PMOP rat model was established by bilateral oophorectomy, and then the rats were randomly divided into control group, PMOP group, PMOP + ZGZT group and PMOP + E2 group. The changes of mechanical pain threshold of rats were detected by von Frey filaments, and the changes of mechanical pain threshold of rats in each group were compared. Computed tomography (CT) and dual-energy X-ray were used to measure the bone mineral density of lumbar bone tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining were used to detect inflammatory factors and bone metabolism related indicators. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the tissue morphology of lumbar vertebra tissue. Western blot (WB) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to detect AMPK/mTOR pathway- and autophagy-related factor expression. Results: ZGZT can effectively restore the bone mineral density (BMD) of PMOP rats, improve the microstructure of lumbar vertebra of PMOP rats, restore the balance of bone metabolism, promote the expression of AMPK and autophagy related factors, inhibit the expression of mTOR and the release of inflammatory factors, and increase the mechanical pain threshold of PMOP rats, so as to effectively improve osteoporosis and relieving osteoporosis pain in PMOP rats. Conclusions: ZGZT affects autophagy by regulating AMPK/mTOR pathway, restores the homeostasis of bone metabolism and inhibits the release of inflammatory factors. Moreover, the regulation of feedback pathways between bone metabolism and inflammatory factors finally plays the role of "bone strengthening" and "pain relieving". ZGZT may be a new treatment for PMOP and relieving osteoporotic pain.

Multi-Modal Optical Imaging and Combined Phototherapy of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Based on a Nanoplatform.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor of the head and neck with a high incidence rate worldwide, especially in southern China. Phototheranostics in combination with nanoparticles is an integrated strategy for enabling simultaneous diagnosis, real-time monitoring, and administration of precision therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). It has shown great potential in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment owing to its unique noninvasive advantages. Many Chinese and international research teams have applied nano-targeted drugs to optical diagnosis and treatment technology to conduct multimodal imaging and collaborative treatment of NPC, which has become a hot research topic. In this review, we aimed to introduce the recent developments in phototheranostics of NPC based on a nanoplatform. This study aimed to elaborate on the applications of nanoplatform-based optical imaging strategies and treatment modalities, including fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging, Raman spectroscopy imaging, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy. This study is expected to provide a scientific basis for further research and development of NPC diagnosis and treatment.

Jiangu granule ameliorated OVX rats bone loss by modulating gut microbiota-SCFAs-Treg/Th17 axis.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a common disease that has decreased bone strength as its main symptom after menopause. Effective treatment for PMOP remains lacking, but traditional Chinese medicine has some advantages in delaying bone loss. Jiangu granule is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription commonly used to treat PMOP. Previous studies have demonstrated its efficacy, but the mechanism of action remains uncharacterized. PURPOSE: This study aims to observe and discuss the mechanism of Jiangu granule to ameliorate bone loss in OVX rats by regulating the gut microbiota (GM)-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)- Treg/Th17 axis. METHODS: Female SD rats were divided into the sham operation (S), Jiangu granule (J), and model group (M). Bilateral ovaries were surgically removed from the rats in the J and M groups. After 6 and 12 weeks, rats were sacrificed, and femur, tibia, vertebrae, serum, spleen, colon, and feces samples were collected. We detected the strength of bones, gut microbiota structure, and SCFAs in feces, the Treg and Th17 cell levels in the spleen, and cytokine levels in the serum. RESULT: Jiangu granule restored the abundance of gut microbiota, increased the content of SCFAs, reduced the permeability of colon epithelium, increased the proportion of Treg cells in the spleen, changed the osteoimmunomodulation-related cytokines, effectively prevented bone loss, and enhanced bone strength. CONCLUSION: Jiangu granule can effectively improve bone loss in OVX rats, possibly by regulating the "GM-SCFAs-Treg/Th17″ axis.

Effectiveness of horticultural therapy on physical functioning and psychological health outcomes for older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To systematically determine the effectiveness of horticultural therapy (HT) on the physical functioning and psychological health of older people. BACKGROUND: With advancing age and increased chronic diseases, older adults are vulnerable to physical deterioration and psychological problems. There is evidence that horticultural therapy (HT) has positive effect among older adults. However, less attention has been devoted to systematically evaluating the physical functioning and psychological health effects of HT in older adults. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted based on the checklist for PRISMA. METHODS: The searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane, China Network Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, and China Science and Technology Journal Database, from their inception until June 2021. Randomised controlled trials published in either English or Chinese were reviewed. The Review Manager 5.4 software was used for meta-analyses. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool by two independent researchers. RESULTS: Ten studies involving 884 participants were included. Compared with the control group, HT can significantly improve upper body flexibility and aerobic endurance in older adults with cancer. Besides, HT was found to be more effective for promoting emotional functioning and well-being, subjective social functioning, and quality of life among the elderly. The attendance rate for HT was 66%-100%, and no negative events were found. CONCLUSION: Horticultural therapy has potentially positive effects on the physical functioning and psychological health of older adults. However, more rigorous randomised controlled trials with larger populations are required to confirm the findings. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: As a safe and promising nonpharmacological intervention, healthcare professionals may consider the HT intervention when caring for older adults with cancer, dementia and frailty.

Characterization of Key Aroma-Active Compounds in Rough and Moderate Fire Rougui Wuyi Rock Tea (Camellia sinensis) by Sensory-Directed Flavor Analysis and Elucidation of the Influences of Roasting on Aroma.

Rougui Wuyi rock tea (WRT) with the premium aroma is a subcategory of oolong tea. Roasting is a unique process that provides a comprehensive aroma to WRT. The key aroma-active compounds of rough Rougui WRT (RR) and Rougui WRT with moderate fire (RM) were characterized by sensory-directed flavor analysis. A total of 80 aroma-active compounds were identified by gas chromatography-olfactometry-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (GC-O-TOF-MS) and two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC × GC-O-MS), and 42 of them revealing high flavor dilution (FD) factors (16-4096) during aroma extract dilution analysis were quantitated. Finally, the aroma recombination and omission experiments confirmed 26 odorants as key aroma-active compounds in Rougui WRT. Roasting enhanced the aroma of roasted, woody, burnt/smoky, and cinnamon-like odor impressions in RM evoked by 2- and 3-methylbutanal, furaneol, 3-methylbutanoic acid, propanoic acid, methional, ß-myrcene, 2-pentylfuran, 5- and 6-methyl-2-ethylpyrazine, and furfural. In contrast, hexanal, linalool, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, (Z)-4-heptenal, (E)-2-heptenal, geraniol, pentanal, and ß-nerolidol were responsible for the more intense floral, fruity, and grassy/fresh leaf-like aroma attributes in RR.

Differences of characteristic aroma compounds in Rougui tea leaves with different roasting temperatures analyzed by switchable GC-O-MS and GC × GC-O-MS and sensory evaluation.

Roasting, an important process to refine Wuyi Rock tea, could impart different types of aroma to the final products. This study focuses on the differences in aroma characteristics among three kinds of refined teas, named light fire (LF), moderate fire (MF), and high fire (HF). A combination of solid phase microextraction (SPME) and a switchable system between GC-O-MS and GC × GC-O-MS was utilized to identify the odorants. In total, 97 aroma-active compounds could be smelled at the sniffing port, comprising alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, heterocycles, and terpenes. However, only 52 obtained r-OAV >1. Significant differences were uncovered by the application of principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). Thereby, MF and HF had a more similar aroma profile, while in LF samples, alcohols, aliphatic aldehydes and some ketones were responsible for the aroma profile, such as (E,E)-2,4-hexadienal, octanal, hexanal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, (E)-ß-ionone, 3-octen-2-one etc. Strecker aldehydes had a great impact on the aroma of MF, including 2-methylpropanal, 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal etc. Some N-heterocyclic compounds also affected the overall aroma, for instance, 6-methyl-2-ethylpyrazine. In HF, the majority of aroma compounds increased with increasing roasting temperature, especially N-heterocyclic compounds as well as furfural and 5-methyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde, which are all closely related to the Maillard reaction. Besides, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-4-hexen-1-ol, trans-linalooloxide and 2-nonanone also remarkably influenced the aroma of HF. In addition, it was supposed that most amino acids that participated in the Maillard reaction during roasting were decomposed from the compounds that combined with tea polyphenols and amino acids.

Effect of Qing'e Decoction on Leptin/Leptin Receptor and Bone Metabolism in Naturally Aging Rats.

Senile osteoporosis (SOP) is a common disease that has decreased bone strength as its main symptom. There is currently no medication that can treat SOP, and traditional Chinese medicine has advantages in slowing down bone aging. The present study aimed to observe the effects of Qing'e decoction on leptin, leptin receptor, sex hormone, and biochemical markers of bone metabolism in naturally aging rats and to explore its mechanism in regulating bone metabolism. The results revealed that, with the increase in age, the bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength, bone trabecula sparse, serum levels of leptin receptor (LEP-R), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), core binding-factor α-1 (Cbfα-1), collagen-I (COL-I) and osteocalcin (OC), and the mRNA levels of leptin (LEP) and LEP-R in bone tissue decreased, while serum LEP levels increased in the female and male NS groups. The serum levels of LEP, LEP-R, E2, T, osteoprotegerin, Cbfα-1, COL-I, OC and bone alkaline phosphatase, and the mRNA levels of LEP and LEP-R in bone tissue in the female and male QED groups were higher than those in the same age and sex NS group, while the BMD, bone trabecular area percentage, maximum load, and maximum stress in the female and male QED groups were significantly higher than those in the same age and sex NS group. In conclusion, with the increase in age, the bone quality of naturally aging rats decreased gradually. Qing'e decoction can regulate the bone metabolism and increase the bone quality and delay bone aging, which may be achieved by increasing sex hormone, LEP, and LEP-R levels.

[Simulation of the relationship between magnetic medium parameters and heating temperature in magnetic fluid hyperthermia].

In this paper, we established magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) model for rat tumor using the finite element software COMSOL based on the linear response theory. By analyzing four kinds of magnetic medium within relaxation mechanism, such as Fe 3O 4、FeCo、fccFePt and L1 0FePt, we studied the influence of the change of magnetic medium radius on dissipation power and temperature field, respectively. At the same time, the optimization method for the parameters of several magnetic medium is proposed, and the applications of four kinds of magnetic medium are given as well. By increasing the dissipation power of the magnetic medium as much as possible, the dose of magnetic medium used in the treatment can be reduced, meanwhile, the adverse effects on health tissue surrounding the tumor will be minimized. The conclusions of this paper can provide reference for magnetic medium preparation applied to MFH.

Transcriptome analysis identifies strong candidate genes for ginsenoside biosynthesis and reveals its underlying molecular mechanism in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer.

Ginseng, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, is one of the most important medicinal herbs for human health and medicine in which ginsenosides are known to play critical roles. The genes from the cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene superfamily have been shown to play important roles in ginsenoside biosynthesis. Here we report genome-wide identification of the candidate PgCYP genes for ginsenoside biosynthesis, development of functional SNP markers for its manipulation and systems analysis of its underlying molecular mechanism. Correlation analysis identified 100 PgCYP genes, including all three published ginsenoside biosynthesis PgCYP genes, whose expressions were significantly correlated with the ginsenoside contents. Mutation association analysis identified that six of these 100 PgCYP genes contained SNPs/InDels that were significantly associated with ginsenosides biosynthesis (P ≤ 1.0e-04). These six PgCYP genes, along with all ten published ginsenoside biosynthesis genes from the PgCYP and other gene families, formed a strong co-expression network, even though they varied greatly in spatio-temporal expressions. Therefore, this study has identified six new ginsenoside biosynthesis candidate genes, provided a genome-wide insight into how they are involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis and developed a set of functional SNP markers useful for enhanced ginsenoside biosynthesis research and breeding in ginseng and related species.

Structural Variation, Functional Differentiation, and Activity Correlation of the Cytochrome P450 Gene Superfamily Revealed in Ginseng.

Ginseng ( C.A. Mey.) is one of the most important medicinal herbs for human health and medicine, for which ginsenosides are the major bioactive components. The cytochrome P450 genes, , form a large gene superfamily; however, only three genes have been identified from ginseng and shown to be involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis, indicating the importance of the gene superfamily in the process. Here we report genome-wide identification and systems analysis of the genes in ginseng, defined as genes. We identified 414 genes, including the three published genes. These genes formed a superfamily consisting of 41 gene families, with a substantial diversity in phylogeny and dramatic variation in spatiotemporal expression. Gene ontology (GO) analysis categorized the gene superfamily into 12 functional subcategories distributing among all three primary functional categories, suggesting its functional differentiation. Nevertheless, the majority of its gene members expressed correlatively and tended to form a coexpression network and some of them were commonly regulated in expression across tissues and developmental stages. These results have led to genome-wide identification of genes useful for genome-wide identification of the genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis in ginseng and provided the first insight into how a gene superfamily functionally differentiates and acts correlatively in plants.

Long-term electroacupuncture stimulation prevents osteoporosis in ovariectomised osteopaenic rats through multiple signalling pathways.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenic mechanisms of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) development are complex and are related to multiple cellular signalling transduction pathways. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at GV4/GV6 versus BL20/BL23 on the bones in ovariectomised (OVX) rats to explore the pathways that mediate the effects of EA on bone. METHODS: Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to one of four groups (n=10 rats each) that received sham surgery (Sham group), OVX surgery only (OVX group), OVX surgery plus EA at GV4/GV6 (GV group) and OVX surgery plus EA at BL20/BL23 (BL group). Bone turnover markers osteocalcin (OC) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b) were measured in serum, and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae and histomorphology of the femur were evaluated. Moreover, the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) was detected by ELISA. The expression of lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) 5, ß-catenin, runt-related transcription factor (Runx) 2 involving Wnt/ß-catenin signalling and p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 involving mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: The two EA-treated groups demonstrated increased levels of OC and the BMD of lumbar vertebrae, decreased levels of TRACP 5b and improved bone microstructure in the femur, compared with the untreated OVX group (P<0.05). Histomorphology analysis showed that EA treatment significantly increased the values of the trabeculae (µm), trabecular area (%) and trabecular bone number (per mm) and reduced trabecular separation (mm), compared with the OVX group. In addition, the ratio of OPG to RANKL and LRP5, ß-catenin and Runx2 expression were significantly upregulated, while the expression of phosphorylated (p)-p38 and p-JNK were downregulated in EA-treated groups compared with the OVX group. CONCLUSION: EA attenuates PMOP and it appears that the mechanism involves the regulation of multiple targets and pathways.

Evolution, functional differentiation, and co-expression of the RLK gene family revealed in Jilin ginseng, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer.

Most genes in a genome exist in the form of a gene family; therefore, it is necessary to have knowledge of how a gene family functions to comprehensively understand organismal biology. The receptor-like kinase (RLK)-encoding gene family is one of the most important gene families in plants. It plays important roles in biotic and abiotic stress tolerances, and growth and development. However, little is known about the functional differentiation and relationships among the gene members within a gene family in plants. This study has isolated 563 RLK genes (designated as PgRLK genes) expressed in Jilin ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), investigated their evolution, and deciphered their functional diversification and relationships. The PgRLK gene family is highly diverged and formed into eight types. The LRR type is the earliest and most prevalent, while only the Lec type originated after P. ginseng evolved. Furthermore, although the members of the PgRLK gene family all encode receptor-like protein kinases and share conservative domains, they are functionally very diverse, participating in numerous biological processes. The expressions of different members of the PgRLK gene family are extremely variable within a tissue, at a developmental stage and in the same cultivar, but most of the genes tend to express correlatively, forming a co-expression network. These results not only provide a deeper and comprehensive understanding of the evolution, functional differentiation and correlation of a gene family in plants, but also an RLK genic resource useful for enhanced ginseng genetic improvement.

Molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of jiangu granule­containing serum on RANKL­induced osteoclastogenesis.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is characterized by increased bone loss due to enhanced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. A Chinese herbal formula, jiangugranule (JG), exhibited great efficacy in the clinical treatment of PMOP. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects remain unclear. The present study aimed to examine the effects of JG­containing serum on receptor activator of nuclear factor­κB (NF­κB) ligand (RANKL)­induced osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclast precursor RAW264.7 cells were cultured and treated with JG­containing serum in the presence of RANKL. Following 6 days of culture, the cells were stained with tartrate­resistant acid phosphatase and the rate of differentiation was calculated. In addition, cells were treated with JG­containing serum for 24, 48 and 96 h and total RNA and proteins were extracted for reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis to detect mRNA and protein expression, respectively, of key molecules in the RANK/RANKL signaling pathway, including RANK, tumor necrosis factor receptor­associated factor 6, NF­κB (p50 and p52 subunits), c­Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). The results revealed that JG­containing serum inhibited RANKL­induced osteoclastogenesis and reduced mRNA and protein expression of RANK, c­Fos and NFATc1. The results suggested that JG may regulate osteoclast differentiation through the RANK/RANKL signaling pathway, which may be a possible mechanism for the therapeutic effects of JG on PMOP.

[Research of genes expression related to ginsenosides biosynthesis by methyl jasmonic acid in ginseng hair roots].

In order to obtain the expression of ginsenoside biosynthetic pathway related enzyme gene in ginseng hairy root under the control of elicitors, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was added exogenously as elicitors. Ginseng hairy root clones induced by 4-year-old ginseng root was used as material, total saponin content in ginseng hairy root before and after MeJA treatment was determined by vanillin-sulfuric acid colorimetry, Meanwhile, relative expression of squalene synthase genes, squalene epoxidase genes, oxidized squalene cyclase genes, dammarenediol synthase genes, ß-amyrin synthase genes, cycloartenol synthase genes before and after MeJA treatment were determined by Real-time PCR. The optimum conditions of MeJA which added to ginseng hairy root were obtained, the optimum additional concentration was 6×10⁻4 µmol•L⁻¹, the optimum additional time was 22 d, and the optimum action time was 5 d. The addition of MeJA could improve the enzymatic activity of peroxidase (PPD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (PPD) in ginseng hairy root. The expression of SQS，SQE，OSC，DS and ß-AS genes of ginsenoside biosynthetic pathway increased significantly after MeJA treatment, while the change of CAS gene expression were not significant. The expression of key enzyme SQS，SQE，OSC，DS and ß-AS genes in ginsenoside biosynthetic pathway was consistent with the changes of PPD，CAT，PPO enzymatic activity.

Functional differentiation and spatial-temporal co-expression networks of the NBS-encoding gene family in Jilin ginseng, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer.

Ginseng, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, is one of the most important medicinal plants for human health and medicine. It has been documented that over 80% of genes conferring resistance to bacteria, viruses, fungi and nematodes are contributed by the nucleotide binding site (NBS)-encoding gene family. Therefore, identification and characterization of NBS genes expressed in ginseng are paramount to its genetic improvement and breeding. However, little is known about the NBS-encoding genes in ginseng. Here we report genome-wide identification and systems analysis of the NBS genes actively expressed in ginseng (PgNBS genes). Four hundred twelve PgNBS gene transcripts, derived from 284 gene models, were identified from the transcriptomes of 14 ginseng tissues. These genes were classified into eight types, including TNL, TN, CNL, CN, NL, N, RPW8-NL and RPW8-N. Seven conserved motifs were identified in both the Toll/interleukine-1 receptor (TIR) and coiled-coil (CC) typed genes whereas six were identified in the RPW8 typed genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the PgNBS gene family is an ancient family, with a vast majority of its genes originated before ginseng originated. In spite of their belonging to a family, the PgNBS genes have functionally dramatically differentiated and been categorized into numerous functional categories. The expressions of the across tissues, different aged roots and the roots of different genotypes. However, they are coordinating in expression, forming a single co-expression network. These results provide a deeper understanding of the origin, evolution and functional differentiation and expression dynamics of the NBS-encoding gene family in plants in general and in ginseng particularly, and a NBS gene toolkit useful for isolation and characterization of disease resistance genes and for enhanced disease resistance breeding in ginseng and related species.

Evidence of Chinese herbal medicine Duhuo Jisheng decoction for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: Duhuo Jisheng decoction (DJD) is considered beneficial for controlling knee osteoarthritis (KOA)-related symptoms in some Asian countries. This review compiles the evidence from randomised clinical trials and quantifies the effects of DJD on KOA. DESIGNS: 7 online databases were investigated up to 12 October 2015. Randomised clinical trials investigating treatment of KOA for which DJD was used either as a monotherapy or in combination with conventional therapy compared to no intervention, placebo or conventional therapy, were included. The outcomes included the evaluation of functional activities, pain and adverse effect. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The estimated mean difference (MD) and SMD was within a 95% CI with respect to interstudy heterogeneity. RESULTS: 12 studies with 982 participants were identified. The quality presented a high risk of bias. Meta-analysis found that DJD combined with glucosamine (MD 4.20 (1.72 to 6.69); p<0.001) or DJD plus meloxicam and glucosamine (MD 3.48 (1.59 to 5.37); p<0.001) had a more significant effect in improving Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (total WOMAC scores). Also, meta-analysis presented more remarkable pain improvement when DJD plus sodium hyaluronate injection (MD 0.89 (0.26 to 1.53); p=0.006) was used. These studies demonstrated that active treatment of DJD in combination should be practiced for at least 4 weeks. Information on the safety of DJD or comprehensive therapies was insufficient in few studies. CONCLUSIONS: DJD combined with Western medicine or sodium hyaluronate injection appears to have benefits for KOA. However, the effectiveness and safety of DJD is uncertain because of the limited number of trials and low methodological quality. Therefore, practitioners should be cautious when applying DJD in daily practice. Future clinical trials should be well designed; more research is needed.

[Research achievements on ginsenosides biosynthesis from Panax ginseng].

Panax ginseng is one of the famous rare medicinal herbs, and ginsenosides are the main active ingredient of ginseng is ginsenoside.They can be divided into three chemotypes: oleanane type, protopanaxadiol (PPD) type and the protopanaxatriol (PPT)type. Ginsenosides possess anti-thrombotic, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, cancer control, strengthening the immune system and many other effects. Rrogress has remarkably been made in pharmacology, efficacy and blosynthesis of ginsenosides.This review covers the recent research achievements of ginsenasides, which would be helpful for the relevant researchers to get useful information.