Pulse image recognition using fuzzy neural network.

The automatic recognition of pulse images is the key in the research of computerized pulse diagnosis. In order to automatically differentiate the pulse patterns by using small samples, a fuzzy neural network to classify pulse images based on the knowledge of experts in traditional Chinese pulse diagnosis was designed. The designed classifier can make hard decision and soft decision for identifying 18 patterns of pulse images at the accuracy of 91%, which is better than the results that achieved by back-propagation neural network.

Studies on the molecular markers of rhizomes of some Alpinia species.

The rhizomes of Alpinia jianganfeng are used as a traditional Chinese medicine, Jian Gan Feng, to cure rheumatism in Guangdong, China. The rhizomes of some other species of the genus Alpinia such as A. japonica, A. suishaensis and A. nanchuanensis are also used as Jian Gan Feng in Southwest China. However, the identification of the original plants of the crude drugs is difficult. The internal transcribed spacers and the 5.8S coding region of nuclear ribosomal DNA of the four species were sequenced and analyzed. The DNA markers have been determined and they can be used for the molecular identification of these medicinal plants.

Characters of nrDNA ITS region sequences of fruits of Alpinia galanga and their adulterants.

The fruits of Alpinia galanga (L.) Sw. are used as a traditional Chinese medicine; but the dry fruits of A. conchigera, A. suishaensis, A. maclurei and A. polyantha are also used as the medicine in local areas. Because dry fruits of these related plants are similar to those of Alpinia galanga (L.) Sw. in odor, morphological characters and chemical components, and even anatomical characters, it is difficult to identify the medicine. Nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the five taxa were directly sequenced using an automated sequencer. Sequence analysis showed that the ITS 1 ranges from 177 to 178 base pairs (bp), and the ITS 2 from 225 to 234 bp. The size of the 5.8S coding region is 164 bp for all species. Also, the pairwise sequence divergence is higher and some molecular markers were determined. According to these molecular markers, Alpinia galanga (L.) Sw. and the related species can easily be distinguished from each other. Therefore, evidence from nrDNA ITS sequence variation can identify the medicine at the DNA level.

[Authentication of traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHM) by fingerprints of characteristic general constituents].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the theory, scientific significance, distinguishing features and authentication feasibility of TCHMs by spectral fingerprints of characteristic general constituents. METHOD: Previous relevant investigations and literatures were summed up in the field, and the present situation on the authentication of TCHMs at home and abroad was analysed. RESULT: The characteristic general constituents of TCHMs can be obtained by an appropriate procedure. Their compositions and structures can be determined by spectral fingerprints, especially the 1HNMR fingerprint. The species of TCHMs can be identified accurately by these fingerprints. Besides, the quality of TCHMs can be evaluated by the contents of their GCEs. CONCLUSION: Fingerprint authentication of characteristic general constituents of TCHMs has profound significance for the species identification and quality evaluation of TCHMs.

[rDNA its sequencing of Herba Dendrobii (Huangcao)].

AIM: To study the genetic diversity of ITS sequences of Herba Dendrobii (Huangcao) and analyze the utility of ITS sequences in molecular authentication of Herba Dendrobii (Huangcao) and phylogenetic of Dendrobium. METHODS: The ITS gene fragment was amplified using a pair of primers. The PCR products were purified and sequenced by the methods of Sanger Dideoxy. RESULTS: The DNA sequence of 228-233 bp ITS 1, 242-247 bp ITS 2 gene fragments and 5.8S rDNA were obtained from 14 samples of Dendrobium. The interspecific substitution varies from 11.79% to 31.58% at ITS 1 and 10.29% to 25.30% at ITS 2. The intraspecific substitution of D. nobile is 0.87% at ITS 1 and without difference at ITS 2. The substitution between Dendrobium and outgroup varies from 23.56% to 36.89% at ITS 1 and 26.52% to 33.31% at ITS 2. The phylogenetic tree based on ITS 1 and ITS 2 data was set up. CONCLUSION: The ITS 1 and ITS 2 gene fragments were highly conservative at intraspecific level in Dendrebium, while they were less conservative at interspecific level in D. nobile. They were least conservative between Dendrobium and outgroup. Hence, the sequence of this fragment is a good molecular marker for authentication of the Huangcao. But, further study is necessary for the phylogenetic of Dendrobium.

A sesquiterpene lactone glucoside from Ixeris denticulata f. pinnatipartita.

An extract from the entire Ixeris denticulata f. pinnatipartita plant afforded the guaianolide sesquiterpene lactone glucoside, 8 beta,15-dihydroxy-1(10),3,11(13)-guaiatrien-12,6-olide-15-O- glucopyranoside, along with the known flavonoids luteolin-7-O-glucoside and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide-6'-methyl ester; their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. Ixerin Y inhibited the growth of human breast cancer MCF7 and MDA468 cell lines.

[Isolation and amplification of DNA from tortoise and turtle shells].

DNA was extracted from tortoise and turtle shells, two Chiense crude drugs which have been preserved for at least nine years. The cytochrome b sequence was amplified from the extracts using the polymerase chain reaction. Treatments with detergent and ultraviolet light were employed to destroy possible extraneous contamination. A control extract was set in parallel with the extracts of the specimens in order to detect contamination in solutions and reagents. The results show that significant amounts of genetic information can survive in the shells and may have important implications for their identification.

[A survey of commercial Chinese crude drug shasheng (radix Adenophorae and Glehniae)].

The commercial crude drug of Radix Adenophorae bought from 15 provinces and autonomous regions, and Radix Glehniae bought from 17 provinces and autonomous regions were surveyed. The original plants of 60 samples of Radix Adenophorae were identified as 9 species and 4 subspecies of genus Adenophora. The main species are Adenophora stricta, A. stricta subsp. sessilifolia, A. potaninii and A. hunanensis. Sixty two samples of Radix Glehniae were all identified as the roots of Glehnia littoralis.

[Herbalogical study of Chinese drug guijiu and xiaoyelian].

Through a critical study of ancient Chinese herbals, it is concluded that the botanical origin of Guijiu should be Dysosma versipellis or D. pleiantha instead of Sinopodophyllum emodi, and that Xiaoyelian was originated from the latter. In Chinese Pharmacopoeia and many other books, the botanical origin of Xiaoyelian was erroneously referred to as Podophyllum emodi.

[Study on the Chinese drug beimu. IX. Microscopic identification of the upper epidermis of the scales of Fritillaria bulls].

Beimu, a famous traditional Chinese drug, has been used as an antitussive and expectorant for a long time and it is derived from a number of species of Fritillaria. So it is difficult to identify exactly the botanical origin of the commercial crude drugs by means of macroscopic examination. This paper deals with the microscopic identification of the upper epidermis of the scales of 20 species. The result showed that these species are different from each other in the shape and size of the epidermal cells, the shape, size and arrangement of the cuticular peg. Moreover, it was found that the anticlinal wall of the epidermal cells is not bead--thickened, but cuticular peg formed by cuticle.

Determination of avicularin in Polygonum aviculare L. by square wave polarography.

A method for the determination of avicularin in Polygonum aviculare L. is described. Square wave polarography (SWP) with a static mercury drop electrode was used to observe the reduction of avicularin. The supporting electrolyte was an acetate buffer solution of pH 4. Avicularin gives a well-defined peak at a potential of -1.30 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). An excellent linear relationship was obtained between the concentration (1.20-3.59 x 10(-6) mol/L) and peak current. The method can be used to analyze small amounts of sample.

[Microscopical examination of leaf sheathes of the Chinese drug "Shihu", herba dendrobii].

"Shihu", a famous Chinese traditional drug, is used to replenish the vital essence of the lung and stomach, to clear up the excessive heat and to promote the secretion of the body fluid. The commercial crude drugs under the general name "Shihu" are mostly derived from a number of species of the genus Dendrobium. It is difficult to identify exactly the botanical origin of these crude drugs through macroscopical examination. In order to tackle this problem, the leaf sheathes of the stems of 16 species of the genus Dendrobium are examined microscopically and the characteristics of their epidermal cells and calcium oxalate crystals are compared. The diagnostic features found are proved to be useful for the identification of the botanical origin of commercial samples of the "Shihu". In this paper the microscopical characters of 16 Dendrobium species are described with illustration.