The water extracts from the oil cakes of Prinsepia utilis repair the epidermal barrier via up-regulating Corneocyte Envelope-proteins, lipid synthases, and tight junction proteins.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Prinsepia utilis Royle, native to the Himalayan region, has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its heat-clearing, detoxification, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Oils extracted from P. utilis seeds are also used in cooking and cosmetics. With the increasing market demand, this extraction process generates substantial industrial biowastes. Recent studies have found many health benefits with using aqueous extracts of these biowastes, which are also rich in polysaccharides. However, there is limited research related to the reparative effects of the water extracts of P. utilis oil cakes (WEPUOC) on disruptions of the skin barrier function. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the reparative efficacy of WEPUOC in both acute and chronic epidermal permeability barrier disruptions. Furthermore, the study sought to explore the underlying mechanisms involved in repairing the epidermal permeability barrier. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse models with induced epidermal disruptions, employing tape-stripping (TS) and acetone wiping (AC) methods, were used. The subsequent application of WEPUOC (100 mg/mL) was evaluated through various assessments, with a focus on the upregulation of mRNA and protein expression of Corneocyte Envelope (CE) related proteins, lipid synthase-associated proteins, and tight junction proteins. RESULTS: The polysaccharide was the major phytochemicals of WEPUOC and its content was determined as 32.2% by the anthranone-sulfuric acid colorimetric method. WEPUOC significantly reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improved the damaged epidermal barrier in the model group. Mechanistically, these effects were associated with heightened expression levels of key proteins such as FLG (filaggrin), INV (involucrin), LOR (loricrin), SPT, FASN, HMGCR, Claudins-1, Claudins-5, and ZO-1. CONCLUSIONS: WEPUOC, obtained from the oil cakes of P. utilis, is rich in polysaccharides and exhibits pronounced efficacy in repairing disrupted epidermal barriers through increased expression of critical proteins involved in barrier integrity. Our findings underscore the potential of P. utilis wastes in developing natural cosmetic prototypes for the treatment of diseases characterized by damaged skin barriers, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

DHEA down-regulates mitochondrial dynamics and promotes apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells through FASTKD2.

Background: DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the gonads, adrenal cortex, brain, and gastrointestinal tract. While the anti-obesity, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-cancer, and memory-enhancing effects of DHEA have been substantiated through cell experiments, animal studies, and human trials, the precise mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. Altered mitochondrial dynamics can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which is closely related to many human diseases, especially cancer and aging. This study was to investigate whether DHEA inhibits lung adenocarcinoma through the mitochondrial pathway and its molecular mechanism. Methods: Through animal experiments and cell experiments, the effect of DHEA on tumor inhibition was determined. The correlation between FASTKD2 expression and DHEA was analyzed by Western blot, Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, Immunohistochemistry, and TCGA database. Results: In this study, DHEA supplementation in the diet can inhibit the tumor size of mice, and the effect of adding DHEA one week before the experiment is the best. DHEA limits the glycolysis process by inhibiting G6PDH activity, increases the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and initiates apoptosis in the mitochondrial pathway of cancer cells. Conclusion: DHEA suppresses mitochondrial fission and promotes mitochondrial fusion by downregulating the expression of FASTKD2, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging the overall survival of lung adenocarcinoma patients, which also provides a new target for the prevention and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.

Bioactive solanidane steroidal alkaloids from Solanum lyratum.

Six previously unreported solanidane steroidal alkaloids, namely lyrasolanosides A-F, were isolated from Solanum lyratum. In addition, five known steroidal alkaloids were also identified. The structures of these compounds were determined through the use of NMR, HRESIMS,UV, IR and ECD analysis. To assess their bioactivities, the cytotoxic effects of the six previously unreported compounds were evaluated on A549 cells. The results revealed that lyrasolanoside B (2) exhibited the highest potency among them. Lyrasolanoside B (2) exhibited significant inhibition of cell migration, invasion, and adhesion dramatically. Mechanistically, it was found to suppress the activity of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway by downregulating the expression of phosphorylated JAK2/STAT3 in an exosome-dependent manner. In addition, lyrasolanoside B (2) was found to significantly upregulate the expression of E-cadherin and downregulate the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin. These findings indicate that lyrasolanoside B (2) inhibits the metastasis of A549 cells by suppressing exosome-mediated EMT. These findings suggest that lyrasolanoside B (2) may inhibit the metastasis of lung cancer by regulating A549-derived exosomes.

Azide-modified corrole phosphorus complexes for endoplasmic reticulum-targeted fluorescence bioimaging and effective cancer photodynamic therapy.

Study on corrole photosensitizers (PSs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) has made remarkable progress. Targeted delivery of PSs is of great significance for enhancing therapeutic efficiency, decreasing the dosage, and reducing systemic toxicity during PDT. The development of PSs that can be specifically delivered to the subcellular organelle is still an attractive and challenging work. Herein, we synthesize a series of azide-modified corrole phosphorus and gallium complex PSs, in which phosphorus corrole 2-P could not only precisely target the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with a Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) up to 0.92 but also possesses the highest singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ = 0.75). This renders it remarkable PDT activity at a very low dosage (IC50 = 23 nM) towards HepG2 tumor cell line while ablating solid tumors in vivo with excellent biosecurity. Furthermore, 2-P exhibits intense red fluorescence (ΦF = 0.25), outstanding photostability, and a large Stokes shift (190 nm), making it a promising fluorescent probe for ER. This study provides a clinically potential photosensitizer for cancer photodynamic therapy and a promising ER fluorescent probe for bioimaging.

Sesquiterpenes from Chloranthus holostegius with anti-inflammatory activities.

The phytoconstituents of the whole plants of Chloranthus holostegius were investigated. As a result, thirteen undescribed sesquiterpenes (chloranholosins A-M, 1-13), including ten acorane-type sesquiterpenes (1-10), one germacrene-type sesquiterpene (11), and two lindenane-type sesquiterpenes (12-13), together with fifteen known sesquiterpenes were isolated. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by a comprehensive method including the spectroscopic data, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Chloranholosin L (12) was elucidated as a rare lindenane-type sesquiterpene featuring 14α-Me and 5-OH moieties. And chloranholosin M (13) was the first lindenane-type sesquiterpene possessing ß-cyclopropane, 14α-Me, and 5ß-H configuration from the family Chloranthaceae. Furthermore, twelve new isolates and some known sesquiterpenes were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Among them, compounds 12, 16, and 23 showed comparable inhibitory activity to that of the positive control, with IC50 values of 47.9, 41.5, and 48.3 µM, respectively.

Study on the difference and regularity of tongue images in 309 patients with different pathological stages of non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Tongue diagnosis is a crucial traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) inspection method for TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment. OBJECTIVE: The primary research focus was on tongue image characteristic parameters of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Analysis of the tongue image parameters of various pathological stages of NSCLC provides technical support for establishing an integrated Chinese and Western auxiliary diagnosis and efficacy evaluation medicine system for lung cancer that integrates tongue image features. METHODS: Tongue image characteristics of 309 patients with NSCLC and 206 controls were collected and analyzed clinically. The T-test or rank sum test and logistic regression analysis were applied to analyze the characteristics of tongue image indicators of different pathological stages of NSCLC. RESULTS: There were differences in tongue image characteristics in the NSCLC group compared to the control group. The tongue quality and brightness of the tongue coating in the NSCLC group increased, the red component was reduced, the tongue coating thickened, and the yellow component increased compared to the healthy control group. A comparison of tongue image indexes of NSCLC in different pathological stages showed that stage IV had lower TB-b and higher TB-a than stage I. In addition, stage IV had lower TB-b than stage II + III, showing an increase in the blue and red components of the tongue in stage IV and the appearance of cyanotic tongue features. CONCLUSION: The tongue image characteristics of NSCLC patients differed from those of the control group. Tongue imaging indicators can reflect the characteristics of tongue images of patients with NSCLC. The tongue image characteristics of patients with stage IV lung cancer are bluish and purple compared with those with stage I, II, and III. It is suggested that the tongue's image characteristics can be used as a reference for the pathological classification of NSCLC and judgment of the disease process.

[High-value utilization technology and approach of Chinese medicinal residues under background of "Dual Carbon"].

In recent years, the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)industry has experienced rapid development, resulting in a significant amount of Chinese medicinal residues generated during the industrial manufacturing process. Currently, the main methods of handling Chinese medicinal residues include stacking, landfilling, and incineration, which lead to substantial resource waste and potential environmental pollution. With "carbon peak" and "carbon neutrality"( "Dual Carbon")becoming national strategic goals, the TCM industry is ushering in a new wave of "low-carbon" trends, and the high-value utilization of Chinese medicinal residues has become a breakthrough for implementing a low-carbon economy in the TCM sector. From the perspective of a low-carbon economy, this article reviewed literature in China and abroad to summarize the microbial transformation technology, enzymatic conversion technology, biomass pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal liquefaction, and other high-value utilization technologies for Chinese medicinal residues. It also overviewed the applications of Chinese medicinal residue in feed additives, organic fertilizers, edible mushroom cultivation substrates, preparation of activated carbon for wastewater treatment, and new energy batteries. Considering the current status of resource utilization of Chinese medicinal residues, feasible strategies and suggestions for resource development and utilization were proposed to improve the quality and efficiency of the Chinese medicinal resource industry chain and promote green development, thereby providing research ideas and theoretical basis for achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.

Maternal vitamin B1 is a determinant for the fate of primordial follicle formation in offspring.

The mediation of maternal-embryonic cross-talk via nutrition and metabolism impacts greatly on offspring health. However, the underlying key interfaces remain elusive. Here, we determined that maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy in mice impaired preservation of the ovarian primordial follicle pool in female offspring, which was concomitant with mitochondrial dysfunction of germ cells. Furthermore, this occurred through a reduction in maternal gut microbiota-related vitamin B1 while the defects were restored via vitamin B1 supplementation. Intriguingly, vitamin B1 promoted acetyl-CoA metabolism in offspring ovaries, contributing to histone acetylation and chromatin accessibility at the promoters of cell cycle-related genes, enhancement of mitochondrial function, and improvement of granulosa cell proliferation. In humans, vitamin B1 is downregulated in the serum of women with gestational diabetes mellitus. In this work, these findings uncover the role of the non-gamete transmission of maternal high-fat diet in influencing offspring oogenic fate. Vitamin B1 could be a promising therapeutic approach for protecting offspring health.

[Measures for waste and by-product recycling and circular economy of whole industry chain of traditional Chinese medicine resources facing carbon peak and carbon neutrality (dual carbon) goals].

It has become a common consensus that resource conservation and intensive recycling for improving resource utilization efficiency is an important way to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality(dual carbon). Traditonal Chinese medicine(TCM)resources as national strategic resources are the material basis and fundamental guarantee for the development of TCM industry and health services. However, the rapid growth of China's TCM industry and the continuous expansion and extension of the industrial chain have exposed the low efficiency of TCM resources. Resource waste and environmental pollution caused by the treatment and discharge of TCM waste have emerged as major problems faced by the development of the industry, which has aroused wide concern. Considering the dual carbon goals, this paper expounds the role and potential of TCM resource recycling and circular economy industry development. Taking the typical model of TCM resource recycling as the case of circular economy industry in reducing carbon source and increasing carbon sink, this paper puts forward the suggestions for the TCM circular economy industry serving the double carbon goals. The suggestions mainly include strengthening the policy and strategic leading role of the double carbon goals, building an objective evaluation system of low-carbon emission reduction in the whole industrial chain of TCM resources, building an industrial demonstration park for the recycling of TCM resources, and promoting the establishment of a circular economy system of the whole industrial chain of TCM resources. These measures are expected to guide the green transformation of TCM resource industry from linear economic model to circular economy model, provide support for improving the utilization efficiency and sustainable development of TCM resources, and facilitate the low-carbon and efficient development of TCM resource industry and the achievement of the double carbon goals.

Dispelling Dampness, Relieving Turbidity and Dredging Collaterals Decoction, Attenuates Potassium Oxonate-Induced Hyperuricemia in Rat Models.

Purpose: Dispelling dampness, relieving turbidity and dredging collaterals decoction (DED), is a traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of hyperuricemia. We aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of DED in the treatment of hyperuricemia. Methods: The effects of DED (9.48, 4.74, and 2.37 g/kg/d) on potassium oxonate (750 mg/kg/d)-induced hyperuricemia in rats were evaluated by serum uric acid (UA), creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal pathological changes. Network pharmacology was used to identify the effective components and targets of DED, and the key targets and signaling pathways for its effects on hyperuricemia were screened. Molecular docking was used to predict the action of DED. H&E, immunohistochemistry, WB, and PCR were used to validate the network pharmacology results. Results: DED can effectively alleviate hyperuricemia, inhibit UA, CRE, BUN, and xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity, and reduce renal inflammatory cell infiltration and glomerular atrophy. The experiment identified 27 potential targets of DED for hyperuricemia, involving 9 components: wogonin, stigmasterol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3ß-acetoxyatractylone, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, diosgenin, naringenin, astilbin, and quercetin. DED can relieve hyperuricemia mainly by inhibiting RAGE, HMGB1, IL17R, and phospho-TAK1, and by regulating the AGE-RAGE and IL-17 signaling pathways. Conclusion: DED can alleviate hyperuricemia by inhibiting XOD activity and suppressing renal cell apoptosis and inflammation via the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway. This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of DED.

[Quality analysis of Rosae Radix et Rhizoma].

Rosae Radix et Rhizoma is a herbal medicine in a variety of famous Chinese patent medicines, while the quality standard for this medicine remains to be developed due to the insufficient research on the quality of Rosae Radix et Rhizoma from different sources. Therefore, this study comprehensively analyzed the components in Rosae Radix et Rhizoma of different sources from the aspects of extract, component category content, identification based on thin-lay chromatography, active component content determination, and fingerprint, so as to improve the quality control. The results showed that the content of chemical components varied in the samples of different sources, while there was little difference in the chemical composition among the samples. The content of components in the roots of Rosa laevigata was higher than that in the other two species, and the content of components in the roots was higher than that in the stems. The fingerprints of triterpenoids and non-triterpenoids were established, and the content of five main triterpenoids including multiflorin, rosamultin, myrianthic acid, rosolic acid, and tormentic acid in Rosae Radix et Rhizoma was determined. The results were consistent with those of major component categories. In conclusion, the quality of Rosae Radix et Rhizoma is associated with the plant species, producing area, and medicinal parts. The method established in this study lays a foundation for improving the quality standard of Rosae Radix et Rhizoma and provides data support for the rational use of the stem.

Biosynthesis of Au/CuO catalyst withSyringa oblata Lindl. leaf extract for efficient selective oxidation of glycerol to 1,3-dihydroxyacetone.

Efficient conversion of glycerol to 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the affirmation and guarantee of the feasible development of biodiesel industry, but the biocompatibility of catalyst must be considered due to the wide application of DHA in food and medicine industries. In this work, an environmentally benign biosynthesis approach withSyringa oblata Lindl.(SoL) leaf extract was employed to fabricate Au/CuO catalysts for the oxidation of glycerol to DHA. The biosynthesizedSoL-Au/CuO catalysts were characterized and the effects of plant extracts concentration, gold loading, calcination temperature and reaction conditions on the catalytic performance were systematically analyzed. High catalytic performance with glycerol conversion rate of 95.7% and DHA selectivity of 77.9% can be attained under optimum conditions. This work provides the first example of preparing biocompatible catalyst for the thermal catalytic oxidation of glycerol to DHA, which can not only reach efficient conversion of glycerol and selectivity to DHA, but also is simple, green, environmentally friendly, and promising.

Chemical fingerprint analysis and quality assessment of Tibetan medicine Triphala from different origins by high-performance liquid chromatography.

INTRODUCTION: Although the Tibetan medicine Triphala (THL) is widely used in many countries, insufficient progress has been made in quality control. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to propose a methodology for quality control of THL based on HPLC fingerprinting combined with an orthogonal array design. METHODS: Seven identified peaks were used as indicators to examine the effects of temperature, extraction time, and solid-liquid ratio on the dissolution of active ingredients in THL. Fingerprint analysis was performed on 20 batches of THL from four geographical areas (China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam). For further chemometric assessment, analysis techniques including similarity analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to classify the 20 batches of samples. RESULTS: Fingerprints were established and 19 common peaks were identified. The similarity of 20 batches of THL was more than 0.9 and the batches were divided into two clusters. Four differential components of THL were identified based on OPLS-DA, including chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, and corilagin. The optimal extraction conditions were an extraction time of 30 min, a temperature of 90°C, and a solid-liquid ratio of 30 mL/g. CONCLUSION: HPLC fingerprinting combined with an orthogonal array design could be used for comprehensive evaluation and quality assessment of THL, providing a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of THL.

Anti-tumour effect of Huangqin Decoction on colorectal cancer mice through microbial butyrate mediated PI3K/Akt pathway suppression.

Introduction. Huangqin Decoction (HQD), a Chinese herbal formula, is widely used for various diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC).Hypothesis/Gap Statement. We proposed that microbial butyrate mediated PI3K/Akt pathway suppression might involve the anti-cancer effect of HQD.Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the potential mechanism of HQD against CRC.Methodology. An azoxymethane plus dextran sulphate sodium induced CRC mouse model was used, and the intestinal flora and faecal short-chain fatty acid changes were detected, respectively, after HQD administration with 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Disease activity index, colon length and levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured to evaluate the effect of HQD on intestinal inflammation. Tumour size, number and histopathology were assessed to reflect the impact of HQD on tumour burden. Apoptosis and PI3K/Akt pathway activity were measured by TUNEL staining and Western-blotting. In vitro, the effects of sodium butyrate (NaB) on the viability of CRC cell lines were detected by the Cell-counting Kit-8. The apoptotic cells were determined by TUNEL staining. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. Western-blotting and immunofluorescent staining were used to test the activity of PI3K/Akt pathway.Results. Animal study showed that HQD could improve the gut dysbiosis, increase the abundance of Clostridium and the level of faecal butyric acid. Then, we found that HQD could attenuate colitis, reduce tumour burden, promote cell apoptosis and suppress PI3K/Akt pathway activity in CRC mice. In vitro experiment revealed that NaB treatment could inhibit cell growth, migration and invasion in CRC cell lines. Additionally, NaB enhanced cellular apoptosis, and reduced phosphorylated PI3K and Akt expressions. Interestingly, addition of 740Y-P, an agonist of PI3K, reversed the NaB effects on CRC cells.Conclusion. Overall, in this study, we revealed that HQD could induce apoptosis through microbial butyrate mediated PI3K/Akt inhibition and perform anti-CRC activity.

[Regulatory effect of eight Chinese herbal medicines on glucose and lipid metabolism and their potential active components based on HCBP6 target].

With the improvement of living standards and changes in working style, the prevalence of abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism in humans is increasing in modern society. Clinically, the related indicators are often improved by changing the lifestyle and/or taking hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering drugs, but there are no therapeutic drugs for disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism at present. Hepatitis C virus core protein binding protein 6(HCBP6) is a newly discovered target that can regulate triglyceride and cholesterol content according to level oscillations in the body, thereby regulating abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism. Relevant studies have shown that ginsenoside Rh_2 can significantly up-regulate the expression of HCBP6, but there are few studies on the effect of Chinese herbal medicines on HCBP6. Moreover, the three-dimensional structural information of HCBP6 has not been determined and the discovery of potential active components acting on HCBP6 is not rapidly advanced. Therefore, the total saponins of eight Chinese herbal medicines commonly used to regulate abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism were selected as the research objects to observe their effect on the expression of HCBP6. Then, the three-dimensional structure of HCBP6 was predicted, followed by molecular docking with saponins in eight Chinese herbal medicines to quickly find potential active components. The results showed that all total saponins tended to up-regulate HCBP6 mRNA and protein expression, where gypenosides showed the optimum effect on up-regulating HCBP6 mRNA and ginsenosides showed the optimum effect on up-regulating HCBP6 protein expression. Reliable protein structures were obtained after the prediction of protein structures using the Robetta website and the evaluation of the predicted structures by SAVES. The saponins from the website and literature were also collected and docked with the predicted protein, and the saponin components were found to have good binding activity to the HCBP6 protein. The results of the study are expected to provide ideas and methods for the discovery of new drugs from Chinese herbal medicines to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism.

[Research progress on chemical constituents of Schisandra chinensis and its effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease].

Schisandra chinensis, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is rich in chemical constituents, including lignans, triterpenes, polysaccharides, and volatile oils. Clinically, it is commonly used to treat cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, liver, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that S. chinensis extract and monomers have multiple pharmacological activities in lowering liver fat, alleviating insulin resistance, and resisting oxidative stress, and have good application prospects in alleviating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). Therefore, this study reviewed the research progress on chemical constituents of S. chinensis and its effect on NAFLD in recent years to provide references for the research on S. chinensis in the treatment of NAFLD.

Effects of Different Drying Methods on the Quality of Bletilla striata Scented Tea.

Flower tea is widely loved as a drink, especially for the beautiful and rich flowers of the orchid family, and the drying method for different flowers is also unique. GC-MS is widely used to study volatile substances to determine the quality of flower teas. The findings show that the freeze-drying method can retain the original aroma and flavor of Bletilla striata has the highest sensory evaluation score, with the key flavor substances ethyl caproate and N-heptanal containing 1.14% and 6.28%, respectively, and their ROAV values reaching 54.46 and 100.00. Additionally, the freeze-drying method can well retain flavonoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic components, while providing better antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The stove-drying method would make Bletilla striata slightly burnt and less flavorful and efficacious than freeze-drying; the air-drying method is difficult to retain the special odor and fragrance of Bletilla striata flowers and has the lowest sensory evaluation score, with the presence of volatile components with irritating and unpleasant odors such as pyrazine and 2-pentylfuran, while not showing better efficacy. In addition, steam fixation would destroy the morphology and flavor of Bletilla striata, lose polysaccharide and phenolic components, and reduce the efficacy of Bletilla striata scented tea, but could retain the flavonoid components well. In summary, direct freeze-drying without steam fixation is the best process for drying Bletilla striata scented tea, stove-drying without steam fixation is more economical and convenient in actual production and application, steam fixation and air-drying are not suitable as drying processes for Bletilla striata scented tea. This study analyzed the quality of Bletilla striata scented tea under different drying methods, promoted the further processing of Bletilla striata scented tea, and provided a reference for the comprehensive utilization of Bletilla striata scented tea.

[Effects of Fertilization and Straw Mulching on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Loss in Chengdu Plain].

In recent years, the excessive application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers has caused serious pollution and eutrophication, especially in paddy fields. Accordingly, a two-year (2018-2019) study was conducted at a rice paddy field under different fertilizer application rates and straw mulching in Chengdu Plain. N and P losses through the rainfall and surface runoff in the paddy field were measured under natural rainfall conditions. The results showed that nitrogen mainly existed in the form of ammonium nitrogen, and phosphorus mainly existed in the form of soluble phosphorus in the wet deposition. The wet deposition of nitrogen and phosphorus mainly occurred in June, July, and August. Surface runoff was positively correlated with rainfall, whereas surface runoff nitrogen concentration was inversely correlated with rainfall. The highest runoff losses of TN (4.75 kg·hm-2 in 2018 and 2.68 kg·hm-2 in 2019) were produced by TR3 practice and were 26.73% and 43.32% higher than that of the conventional practice. TN runoff loss was significantly decreased by reducing the rate of N fertilizer (P<0.05). Compared with that in the conventional practice TR1, TR4 reduced the N loss by 36.33% in 2018 and 26.74% in 2019, respectively. Optimized fertilizer TR2 and nitrogen reduction practice TR4 decreased P loss from surface runoff, and high intensity rainfall could reduce the content of granular phosphorus in surface runoff. The surface runoff occurring in July, August, and September contributed mostly to the total N loss, whereas the loss of total P mainly occurred before July. Consequently, the use of balanced fertilizer and decreased nitrogen fertilization amount might be effective strategies to attenuate non-point source pollution in the Chengdu Plain in the paddy fields.

Hybrids of ß-triketone and monoterpenoids from the peels of Callistemon viminalis.

Phytoconstituents of the peels of Callistemon viminalis has been investigated for the first time. As a result, two pair of diastereomers of hybrids of ß-triketone and α-phellandrene, named viminalisones A-B (1-2) and viminalisones CD (3-4), and three known analogues were obtained. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated through a combination of the analysis of their MS data, NMR spectra, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and their experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. All isolates were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against Botrytis cinerea and Cutibacterium acnes. Meroterpenoid 7 exhibited antibacterial activity against Botrytis cinerea with a MIC value of 0.256 mg/mL.

Targeted modulation of gut microbiota by traditional Chinese medicine and natural products for liver disease therapy.

The gut microbiota not only constitutes intestinal microenvironment homeostasis and human health but also exerts indispensable roles in the occurrence and progression of multiple liver diseases, including alcohol-related liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune liver disease and liver cancer. Given the therapeutic status of these diseases, their prevention and early therapy are crucial, and the detailed mechanism of gut microbiota in liver disease urgently needs to be explored. Meanwhile, multiple studies have shown that various traditional Chinese medicines, such as Si Miao Formula, Jiangzhi Granules, Liushen Capsules, Chaihu-Shugan Power, Cassiae Semen and Gynostemma, as well as some natural products, including Costunolide, Coprinus comatus polysaccharide, Antarctic krill oil, Oridonin and Berberine, can repair liver injury, improve fatty liver, regulate liver immunity, and even inhibit liver cancer through multiple targets, links, and pathways. Intriguingly, the aforementioned effects demonstrated by these traditional Chinese medicines and natural products have been shown to be closely related to the gut microbiota, directly driving the strategy of traditional Chinese medicines and natural products to regulate the gut microbiota as one of the breakthroughs in the treatment of liver diseases. Based on this, this review comprehensively summarizes and discusses the characteristics, functions and potential mechanisms of these medicines targeting gut microbiota during liver disease treatment. Research on the potential effects on gut microbiota and the regulatory mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine and natural products provides novel insights and significant references for developing liver disease treatment strategies. In parallel, such explorations will enhance the comprehension of traditional Chinese medicine and natural products modulating gut microbiota during disease treatment, thus facilitating their clinical investigation and application.