Characterization of the physiological parameters, effective components, and transcriptional profiles of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. Under pH stress.

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. is a traditional Chinese medicine with extensive distribution and robust adaptability, but comprehensive research on its acid and alkali resistance is presently lacking. This study aimed to analyze the effects of 5 months of continuous pH stress on the physiological and photosynthetic parameters of P. multiflorum, and the content of effective components. Results revealed that pH stress significantly influenced the normal growth, physiological functions, and photosynthetic indicators of P. multiflorum. At soil pH 4.5, the tubers of P. multiflorum exhibited the highest levels of 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy stilbene-2-O-ß-d-glucoside (THSG) and total anthraquinones at 5.41% and 0.38%, respectively. However, increased soil pH significantly reduced the content of THSG and total anthraquinones. Reference-free transcriptome analysis was further conducted on P. multiflorum treated at pH 4.5 and 9.5, generating a total of 47,305 unigenes with an N50 of 2118 bp, of which 31,058 (65.65%) were annotated. Additionally, 2472 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Among them, 17 DEGs associated with the biosynthesis of THSG and anthraquinones were screened. A comprehensive analysis of differential gene expression and effective component content demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the content of effective components and the 14 DEGs' expression but a negative correlation with soil pH. This study highlighted the influence of varying soil pH values on the effective component content of P. multiflorum. Specific acidic conditions proved beneficial for the synthesis and accumulation of THSG and total anthraquinones in P. multiflorum, thereby enhancing the quality of the medicinal material.

[The dynamic change of total alkaloids content from Pinellia ternate].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the alkaloids content of Pinellia ternate in different growing time for finding out the best harvest time. METHODS: The alkaloid was extracted by chloroform from Pinellia ternate and tested at 417 nm with the spectroscopy by acid dye. The result was analyzed in One-Way ANOVA. RESULTS: The calibration curve of alkaloid was linear( r = 0.9989). The recovery rate was perfect (100.1%). The alkaloids content in different growing time had very significant difference ( F = 12.789, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This method is simple and quick. The alkaloids content in whole seedling stage is higher than that in other growing stages, while the mean total alkaloids output per plant is the highest in intensive seedling-downfallen stage which is considered as the best harvest time.

[Study on optimum extraction conditions of alkaloids from Pinellia ternate].

The optimum extraction conditions of alkaloids from Pinellia ternate (Thunb.) Breit were studied by orthogonal test. The results showed that the highest extraction rate of the alkaloids could be obtained by smashing the material in 60 (sieve number) of fragmentation and socking the material in 2.575 mol/L ammonia water, extracting alkaloids with 18 times as much chlorolform at room temperature for 25 hours. The highest extraction rate of alkaloids was 0.0817%.

[Survey of Pinellia ternata and its adulterants].

The tubers of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. distributed widely in China, have been used in traditional medicine. Recently, P. ternata is deficient in herb market and its adulterants are used. This article mainly summarizes some researches on P. ternata and its adulterants from four aspects, including pharmacognostics, chemical component, pharmacology and toxicity. Also some suggestions are presented about the study prospect of P. ternata.