The complete chloroplast genome of Hedychium flavum Roxb., an ornamental, edible and medicinal plant.

Hedychium flavum Roxb. 1820 is a perennial herb mainly distributed in China, India, Myanmar and Thailand with ornamental, edible and medicinal value. It is extensively cultivated as a source of aromatic essential oils, ornamental plant, food flavorings and vegetables, and folk medicine. In this study, we sequence the complete chloroplast genome of H. flavum by de novo assembly. The assembled genome has a typical quadripartite circular structure with 163,909 bp in length, containing a large single-copy region (LSC, 88,589 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 15,762 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IRs, 29,779 bp). The cp genome contains 133 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete cp genome shows a close affinity of H. flavum and H. neocarneum with 100% bootstrap support. This study will provide useful genetic resource for further phylogenetic analysis of the genus Hedychium and Zingiberaceae.

Fusidic Acid and Its Major Active Metabolite Penetration into Cerebrospinal Fluid for Assessing Treatment of Intracranial Infections.

Fusidic acid (FA) had excellent antimicrobial effects due to its unique mechanism of action. Since 1962, FA has been widely used in the systemic and topical treatment of staphylococcal infections and exhibits a well-characterized potency against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci. In view of the spectrum of activity, no cross-resistance with other clinically used antibiotics, and potential penetration into brain tissue, FA was used to treat possible gra-positive bacteria in 3 patients with intracranial infections in the present report. FA and its active metabolite (3-keto FA) were measured in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to assess the treatment of FA, and the results indicated that 1,500 mg per day of FA was sufficient to achieve therapeutic concentrations in both plasma and CSF in intracranial infection patients, while the dosage did not experience unexpected regimen-related toxicity.

Bioactivity-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory limonins from Chukrasia tabularis.

Chukrasia tabularis is an economically important tree and widely cultured in the southeast of China. Its barks, leaves, and fruits are consumed as a traditional medicine and perceived as a valuable source for bioactive limonin compounds. The extracts from root barks of C. tabularis showed significant anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this research was to explore the material basis of C. tabularis anti-inflammatory activity, and to purify and identify anti-inflammatory active ingredients. By a bioassay-guided isolation of dichloromethane fraction obtained two novel phragmalin limonins, Chukrasitin D and E (1 and 2), together with 12 known limonins (3-14). The chemical structure of these compounds is determined on the basis of extensive spectral analysis and chemical reactivity. In addition, the activities of these isolated limonins on the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were evaluated. Limonins 1 and 2 indicated significant anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 6.24 and 6.13 µM. Compound 1 notably inhibited the production of NF-κB, TNF-α and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in macrophages. The present results suggest that the root barks of C. tabularis exhibited anti-inflammatory effect and the limonins may be responsible for this activity.

The complete chloroplast genome of Diarthron tianschanicum (Thymelaeaceae).

Diarthron tianschanicum (Pobedimova) Kit Tan (Thymelaeaceae), a perennial herb, has been used as counterfeit for Stellera chamaejasme in traditional Chinese folk medicine. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of D. tianschanicum is reported for the first time. The plastome, 172,119 bp in length, is quadripartite and circular. It contains a large single-copy (LSC) region (85,829 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (2828 bp), and two separate inverted repeat (IR) regions (41,731 bp). The overall GC content of the complete chloroplast genome is 36.8%. The genome contains 139 genes, including 93 protein-coding, 38 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The phylogenetic tree showed that all sampled species of Thymelaeaceae formed a monophyletic clade. D. tianschanicum was closely related to the congeneric D. linifolium and formed a monophyly with 100% support.

The in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of triterpene saponins from Clematis florida.

Clematis florida is widely used in She Ethnopharmacy in China owing to its significant anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of the active fraction of C. florida (CFAF) in an arthritis animal model and its possible mechanism. Pre-inflammatory cytokine levels were examined by ELISA. CFAF can significantly improve the symptoms of arthritis such as paw swelling, arthritic index, and histological condition in AA rat. CFAF can also reduce levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-6. Further studies showed that triterpene saponins from CFAF induced anti-inflammatory activity inhibited inflammatory mediators by blocking JAK/STAT signalling pathways in the LPS-treated macrophages.

The complete chloroplast genome of a medicinal plant, Wikstroemia chamaedaphne (Thymelaeaceae).

The first complete chloroplast genome of Wikstroemia chamaedaphne, a poisonous shrub with important medicinal value, is reported in this study. The plastome is a quadripartite circular shape with 173,042 bp in length. It consists of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,330 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 2868 bp, separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 41,922 bp each. The chloroplast genome contains 137 genes, including 91 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The GC content values in the whole cp genome, LSC region, SSC region, and IR region are 36.6%, 34.6%, 28.3%, and 38.9%, respectively. The corresponding numbers of mono-, di-, tri-, tetra- and penta-nucleotides SSRs were 73, 13, 9, 13, and 1. Phylogenetic study revealed that W. chamaedaphne and W. indica formed a monophyletic branch and having a close relationship with Stellera chamaejasme.

[Effect of Fu's subcutaneous needling on thickness and elasticity of affected muscles in shoulder neck pain based on ultrasonic elastography].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Fu's subcutaneous needling on thickness and elasticity of affected muscles in subjects with shoulder neck pain by ultrasonic elastography. METHODS: A total of 30 subjects with upper trapezius pain and local tenderness, or stiffness and funicular nodules were observed randomly, right shoulders were as observation group and left shoulders were as control group. Simple resistance training was adopted in the control group. At the same time of the resistance training, sweeping technique of Fu's subcutaneous needling was adopted at the local tenderness or the stiffness and funicular nodules of upper trapezius in the observation group. The treatment was given once in both groups. Before and immediately after treatment, thickness and elasticity of bilateral upper trapezius and supraspinatus were observed by ultrasonic elastography, and the variations of visual analogue scale (VAS) score were observed in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the elasticity of upper trapezius and supraspinatus were decreased after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the VAS scores after treatment were decreased in both groups (P<0.05), and that in the observation group was lower than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Fu's subcutaneous needling can increase the elasticity and release the muscular tension of affected muscles, and relieve pain in subjects with shoulder neck pain.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of a medicinal plant, Wikstroemia indica (Thymelaeaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome of Wikstroemia indica, a medicinal plant with a variety of medicinal functions in treatment for arthritis, whooping cough, cancer, and bacillosis, was generated by de novo assembly using whole genome next-generation sequencing. The plastome was a quadripartite circular with 151,731 bp in length; containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,523 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 12,384 bp; separated by 2 inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,403 bp each. The chloroplast genome contained 124 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The GC content in the whole cp genome, LSC region, SSC region, and IR region were 37.4, 34.9, 32.4, and 42.6%, respectively. The phylogenetic tree indicated that W. indica has a close relationship with Stellera chamaejasme with 100% support.

A new indole-type alkaloid from the roots of Clematis florida var. plena.

One new indole-type alkaloid, α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-D- glucopyranosyl 6-methoxy-3-indolecarbonate (1), together with three known alkaloids (2-4), one aromatic acid (5) and five known saponins (6-10), was isolated from the roots of Clematis florida var. plena. Their structures were established by NMR spectroscopic analysis and acid hydrolysis. In in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, n-butanol extract was found to be potent against ear edema in mice, with inhibition rate of 48.7% at a dose of 800 mg/kg. Furthermore, compounds 8 and 9 obtained from the n-butanol extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activities with inhibition rates of 50.9% and 54.7% at a dose of 200 mg/kg.

Yangfei Kongliu Formula, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, combined with cisplatin, inhibits growth of lung cancer cells through transforming growth factor-ß1 signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the tumor inhibition effect of Yangfei Kongliu Formula (YKF), a compound Chinese herbal medicine, combined with cisplatin (DDP) and its action mechanisms. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice with Lewis lung carcinoma were divided into six groups: control group (C), DDP group (2 mg/kg, DDP), low-dose YKF group (2.43 g/kg, L), high-dose YKF group (24.3 g/kg, H), low-dose YKF combined with DDP group (L + DDP) and high-dose YKF combined with DDP group (H + DDP). Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) and Smad7 levels were measured with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the expressions of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). RESULTS: YKF combined with DDP significantly inhibited the growth and metastasis of tumors relative to the control group, and YKF groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between high-dose YKF group and low-dose YKF group (P > 0.05). We also found that the expression levels of TGF-ß1 and Smad3 were both significantly decreased by YKF relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, after treatment with YKF combined with DDP, the expression levels of TGF-ß1 and Smad3 were decreased but the expression level of Smad7 was increased relative to the DDP group (P < 0.05). Compared to the DDP group, the combination of YKF and DDP enhanced the effect of tumor inhibition (P < 0.05), showing obvious synergy between YKF and DDP. Treatment with DDP or YKF decreased serum levels of IL-2 and TNF-α relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of IL-2 and TNF-α were significantly decreased when treated with YKF in combination with DDP. Co-treatment with YKF and DDP significantly inhibited tumor growth, decreased the expressions of TGF-ß1, Smad3, IL-2 and TNF-α and increased the expression of Smad7; these differences were significant relative to both YKF groups and the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: YKF can inhibit tumor growth synergistically with DDP, mainly through the TGF-ß1 signaling pathway.

Effect of Flaxseed Intervention on Inflammatory Marker C-Reactive Protein: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Functional food-flaxseed and its derivatives (flaxseed oil or lignans) are beneficial for human health, possibly because of their anti-inflammatory effects. C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive marker of inflammation was chosen to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of flaxseed. We searched randomized controlled trials from PubMed and the Cochrane Library in October 2015 and conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of flaxseed and its derivatives on CRP. The mean differences (net change) in CRP (mg/L) concentrations were pooled with a random- or a fixed-effects model depending on the results of heterogeneity tests. Overall, flaxseed interventions had no effects on reduction of CRP (p = 0.428). The null effects were consistent in the subgroup analysis with multiple studies and population characteristics. Significant heterogeneity was observed in most of the analyses. Meta-regression identified baseline body mass index (BMI) as a significant source of heterogeneity (P-interaction = 0.032), with a significant reduction in CRP of 0.83 mg/L (95% confidence interval -1.34 to -0.31; p = 0.002) among subjects with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m². In conclusion, our meta-analysis did not find sufficient evidence that flaxseed and its derivatives have a beneficial effect on reducing circulating CRP. However, they may significantly reduce CRP in obese populations.

[Chemical constituents of Scurrula parasitica].

A new triterpenoid ester, 7ß-hydroxyl-hop-22(29)-en-3ß-O-palmitate (1), was isolated from the stems and leaves of Scurrula parasitica parasitic on Nerium indicum, along with nine known compounds, uvaol (2), 3-epi-ursolic acid (3), 3ß-hydroxyl-hop-22(29)-ene (4), 3ß, 15α-dihydroxyl-lup-20(29)-ene (5), lup-20(29)-en-3-O-α-D-glucoside (6), stigmasterol-3-O-ß-D-glucoside (7), digitoxin-3-O-α-D-glucoside (8), behenic acid (9), octacosyl alcohol (10). Their structures were elucidated using a combination of 1D and 2D NMR techniques (COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) and HR-ESI-MS analyses. Compounds 2-10 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Screening for anti-inflammatory components from Corydalis bungeana Turcz. based on macrophage binding combined with HPLC.

BACKGROUND: Corydalis bungeana Turcz. (CB; family: Corydalis DC.) is an anti-inflammatory medicinal herb used widely in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for upper respiratory tract infection, etc., but its anti-inflammatory active molecules are unknown. This study was designed to screen for the anti-inflammatory components from CB based on macrophage binding combined with HPLC. METHODS: Xylene-induced ear edema in mouse and carrageenan-induced hind-paw edema in rats were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of CB. The macrophage binding with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis and HPLC-MS were established to screen the potential active compounds. ELISA kits were performed to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and NO in RAW 264.7 macrophages culture media. RESULTS: The alkaloid extract of CB could inhibit significantly xylene-induced ear edema in mouse and carrageenan-induced hind-paw edema in rats. Two components binded to RAW 264.7 cell were identified as 12-hydroxycorynoline and corynoline. Bioassays demonstrated that these two compounds significantly inhibited LPS-induced IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and NO levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that corynoline and 12-hydroxycorynoline contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of the alkaloid extract of CB. Our findings suggest that these two compounds can be used as candidate for anti-inflammatory drugs.

Gene-based association analysis identified novel genes associated with bone mineral density.

Genetic factors contribute to the variation of bone mineral density (BMD), which is a major risk factor of osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to identify more "novel" genes for BMD. Based on the publicly available SNP-based P values, we performed an initial gene-based analysis in a total of 32,961 individuals. Furthermore, we performed differential expression, pathway and protein-protein interaction analyses to find supplementary evidence to support the significance of the identified genes. About 21,695 genes for femoral neck (FN)-BMD and 21,683 genes for lumbar spine (LS)-BMD were analyzed using gene-based association analysis. A total of 35 FN-BMD associated genes and 53 LS-BMD associated genes were identified (P < 2.3×10(-6)) after Bonferroni correction. Among them, 64 genes have not been reported in previous SNP-based genome-wide association studies. Differential expression analysis further supported the significant associations of 14 genes with FN-BMD and 19 genes with LS-BMD. Especially, WNT3 and WNT9B in the Wnt signaling pathway for FN-BMD were further supported by pathway analysis and protein-protein interaction analysis. The present study took the advantage of gene-based association method to perform a supplementary analysis of the GWAS dataset and found some BMD-associated genes. The evidence taken together supported the importance of Wnt signaling pathway genes in determining osteoporosis. Our findings provided more insights into the genetic basis of osteoporosis.

Chemical of Vitex trifolia.

A new steroidal ester, beta-rosaterol palmitate (1) along with ten known compounds, uvaol(2), 3-epi-ursolic acid (3), 2alpha, 3beta, 24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (4), 2alpha, 3alpha, 24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (5), 2alpha, 3alpha, 24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (6), 2alpha, 3alpha, 24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (7), (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid (8), octacosyl alcohol (9), beta-sitosterol (10) and beta-daucosterol (11), has been isolated from the stems and leaves of Vitex trifolia. Their structures were elucidated using a combination of 1D and 2D NMR techniques (COSY, HMQC, and HMBC)and HR-ESI-MS analyses. Compounds 2-7 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Morinda officialis how extract improves microwave-induced reproductive impairment in male rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different concentrations of Morinda Officialis How (MOH) extracts on microwave radiation-induced injury to the spermatogenic function of male rats. METHODS: Forty SD male rats were equally divided into four groups: control, microwave injury model, aqueous extract of MOH treatment, and alcohol extract of MOH treatment. Models of microwave-induced injury were made by exposing the rats to microwave radiation from a microwave signal generator (900 MHz 1.0 W) at 218 microm/cm2, 12 h/d, for 2 weeks. The model rats of the two treatment groups were intragastrically given aqueous extract and alcohol extract of MOH, respectively, both at 20 g per kg per day for 2 weeks. Then we observed the growth, capture incubation period (CIP), capture times (CT), changes in testicular and epididymal weight and morphology, sperm concentration and malformation, and levels of serum testosterone. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, the rats of the model group showed a slightly reduced body weight, markedly prolonged CIP and decreased CT (P < 0.05), significantly reduced sperm concentration (P < 0.05) and remarkably in- creased sperm malformation (P < 0.05), but no statistically significant differences in the testosterone level. The two treatment groups exhibited obviously decreased body weight, CIP and sperm malformation compared with the control group (P < 0.05) but markedly increased CT, sperm concentration and testosterone level as compared with the models (P < 0.05). The microwave radiation-induced testis injury was repaired perfectly in the two treatment groups, the epididymal ducts filled with sperm and cast-off cells. CONCLUSION: Both aqueous and alcohol extracts of MOH can promote spermatogenesis and repair of reproductive injury induced by microwave radiation.

A new inositol derivative from Prenanthes macrophylla.

A new chiro-inositol ester, 4-hydroxyphenylacetyl-3-d-chiro-inositol ester (1), was isolated from the whole plants of Prenanthes macrophylla Franch., along with 10 known compounds, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (2), trans-ethyl caffeate (3), cis-ethyl caffeate (4), protocatechualdehyde (5), luteolin (6), luteolin-7-O-ß-d-glucoside (7), 15-hydroxy-2-oxo-guai-3-en-1α,5α,6ß,7α,10α,11ßH-12,6-olide (8), 15-glucopyranosyloxy-2-oxo-guaia-3,11(13)-dien-1α,5α,6ß,7α,10αH-12,6-olide (9), ursolic acid (10), and oleanolic acid (11). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including HR-ESI-MS, ESI-MS, (1)H and (13)C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, and ROESY, and chemical evidences.

[Studies on the triterpenoids of Vitex trifolia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Vitex trifolia. METHODS: Chromatography and spectroscopic analysis were employed to isolate and elucidate the chemical constituents in the plant. RESULTS: Five triterpenoids were obtained and identified as ursolic acid (I),2alpha,3alpha-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (II), betulinic acid (11), taraxerol (IV), 2alpha,3beta, 19-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (V). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-5 are isolated from this plant for the first time.