The ratio of chelate-soluble fraction to alcohol insoluble residue is a major influencing factor on the texture of lotus rhizomes after cooking.

The differences in cell wall polysaccharides are considered as a major influencing factor on the texture of plant-based food after cooking. Here, 18 varieties of lotus rhizomes were collected from different regions of China and subjected to analysis, with the aim to identify the key factors that affect the texture of lotus rhizomes after cooking. The texture (hardness) of fresh samples and the samples after thermal treatment for different time periods was examined. The cell wall polysaccharides present in alcohol insoluble residue (AIR) were further subdivided into different fractions, and the composition of monosaccharides in each fraction was analyzed by gas chromatography. We then calculated the sugar ratios to examine the discrepancies in molecular structure among the fractions. Principal component analysis and regression analysis showed that the ratio of chelate-soluble fraction (CSF) to AIR is the major factor affecting the texture of lotus rhizomes after cooking.

Secondary metabolite profiling, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory potential and in vitro inhibitory activities of Nardostachys jatamansi on key enzymes linked to hyperglycemia, hypertension and cognitive disorders.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC., 'Spikenard' or 'Jatamansi', a highly valued, aromatic herb from alpine Himalayas has a long history of use as ethnomedicine and dietary supplements in Ayurveda, Unani and Chinese system of medicine since Vedic ages (1000-800 BC). In Ayurveda and traditional system of medicine, the species is used as stimulant, sedative, brain tonic or mind rejuvenator, antidiabetic, cardio tonic, and in the treatment of various neurological disorders such as insomnia, epilepsy, hysteria, anxiety and depression. It is considered as Sattvic herb in Ayurveda and is now commercially marketed either as single or poly-herbal formulations by many companies in national and international markets. AIM OF THE STUDY: The species has become threatened in its natural habitats due to over exploitation and illegal trade of its rhizomes for drug preparation in herbal and pharmaceutical industries. Considering the increasing demand and tremendous medicinal importance of this threatened plant species, a detailed study was undertaken to evaluate its antioxidant potential, secondary metabolite profiling, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory potential and in vitro enzyme inhibitory activities on key enzymes linked to hyperglycemia, hypertension and cognitive disorders in different plant parts of wild and in vitro-raised plants with respect to different solvent systems for its sustainable utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-cholinesterase activity of leaves and rhizome of wild and cultured plant extracts was investigated against both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes. In vitro anti-hyperglycemic (α-amylase and PTP1B), anti-hypertensive (angiotensin-converting enzyme), anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory potential (5-lipoxygenase and hyaluronidase) of different plant parts of wild and in vitro-raised plants with respect to different solvent systems were also evaluated. In vitro cytotoxic effect of rootstock extracts of wild and in vitro-derived plants were against cancer (HCT-116, MCF-7 and OE33) and two normal (HEK and MEF) cell lines. Secondary metabolite profiling of rhizome segments of wild and in vitro-derived plants was carried out by quantitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: In vitro-raised plantlets showed comparative higher yield of various secondary metabolites with a significantly high antioxidant activity as compared to the wild plants. Methanolic rootstock extracts of both wild and in vitro-derived plants of N. jatamansi exhibited significant AChE (IC50 36.46 ±â€¯2.1 and 31.18 ±â€¯2.6 µg/ml, respectively) and BuChE (IC50 64.6 ±â€¯3.5 and 60.12 ±â€¯3.6 µg/ml, respectively) inhibitory potential as compared to standard inhibitor galanthamine (IC50 0.94 ±â€¯0.03 and 4.45 ±â€¯0.5 µg/ml). Methanolic rootstock extract of in vitro-derived plants showed significant α-amylase (IC50 90.69 ±â€¯2.1 µg/ml), PTP1B (IC50 24.56 ±â€¯0.8 µg/ml), angiotensin-converting enzyme (IC50 42.5 ±â€¯3.6 µg/ml) and tyrosinase (IC50 168.12 ±â€¯3.6 µg/ml) inhibitory potential as compared to standard acarbose (IC50 52.36 ±â€¯3.1 µg/ml), ursolic acid (IC50 5.24 ±â€¯0.8 µg/ml), captopril (IC50 32.36 ±â€¯2.5 µg/ml) and kojic acid (IC50 = 54.44 ±â€¯2.3 µg/ml). Both the methanolic rootstock and leaf extracts of tissue culture-derived plants exhibited promising anti-5-LOX and anti-hyaluronidase activities against the known inhibitor of 5-LOX and hyaluronidase. Furthermore, methanolic rootstock extracts of both wild and in vitro-derived plants exhibited promising cytotoxic effects to HCT-116, MCF-7 and OE33 cell lines as compared to the normal HEK and MEF after 12 h of treatment. Secondary metabolite profiling of wild and in vitro-derived plants by quantitative GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of different classes of terpenoids and phenolic acids might be responsible for its effective biological activities. CONCLUSION: In vitro-derived plants revealed a substantial anti-cholinesterases, anti-hyperglycemic anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive and anti-tyrosinase potential with higher yield of various bioactive metabolites and significantly higher antioxidant activity which substantially explain medicinal importance of N. jatamansi in traditional medicine, used for centuries in different Ayurvedic formulations. The present findings suggest that cultured plants could be a promising alternative for the production of bioactive metabolites with comparative biological activities to the wild plants.

Transcriptome sequencing of rhizome tissue of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum at two temperatures.

BACKGROUND: Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is an endangered medicinal herb, which is commonly present in elevations ranging between 2,400-4,500 m and is sensitive to temperature. Medicinal property of the species is attributed to the presence of podophyllotoxin in the rhizome tissue. The present work analyzed transcriptome of rhizome tissue of S. hexandrum exposed to 15°C and 25°C to understand the temperature mediated molecular responses including those associated with podophyllotoxin biosynthesis. RESULTS: Deep sequencing of transcriptome with an average coverage of 88.34X yielded 60,089 assembled transcript sequences representing 20,387 unique genes having homology to known genes. Fragments per kilobase of exon per million fragments mapped (FPKM) based expression analysis revealed genes related to growth and development were over-expressed at 15°C, whereas genes involved in stress response were over-expressed at 25°C. There was a decreasing trend of podophyllotoxin accumulation at 25°C; data was well supported by the expression of corresponding genes of the pathway. FPKM data was validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction data using a total of thirty four genes and a positive correlation between the two platforms of gene expression was obtained. Also, detailed analyses yielded cytochrome P450s, methyltransferases and glycosyltransferases which could be the potential candidate hitherto unidentified genes of podophyllotoxin biosynthesis pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The present work revealed temperature responsive transcriptome of S. hexandrum on Illumina platform. Data suggested expression of genes for growth and development and podophyllotoxin biosynthesis at 15°C, and prevalence of those associated with stress response at 25°C.

[Microscopic identification of dai medicine alpiniae kwangsiensis rhizoma and its confused species].

OBJECTIVE: To observe microscopic characteristics of rhizome of Alpinia kwangsiensis, Alpinia platychilus, Alpinia blepharocalyx, and to provide basis for their identification. METHODS: Microscopic identification of root transverse section by paraffin tissue section and free-hand section and powder were carried out to distinguish them. RESULTS: The microscopic identification can be made by cell structure of epidermis and endodermis, the existence of nonglandular hair, the lignification degree of vascular bundle fiber, the number and existence style of vascular bundle fiber, the number and size of tube, and so on. The powder identification can be made mainly according to the existence of nonglandular hair and spiral vessel, the shape of starch grain, and so on. CONCLUSION: The microscopic characteristics of rhizome can provide basis for the identification of three Alpinia species.

[Anatomical structures of Coleus forskohlii transplanted in Tongcheng].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the vegetative tissues of Coleus forskohlii cultivated in Tongcheng, Hubei Province, and to provide useful information for its planting. METHODS: The root, stem, leaf and enlarged rhizome of Coleus forskohlii were subject to routine paraffin section and staining with safranin and fast green FCF solution before examination by light microscopy. RESULTS: The secondary tissue was well developed in root, and stem showed a higher percentage of cortex and pitch, and 4 large vascular bundles. Leaf epidermis was covered by lots of trichomes, including glandular hairs, glandular scale and linear non-glandular hairs. Mesophyll tissue was poorly differentiated to palisade and spongy tissues. Enlarged rhizome was the same as normal dicotyledons plants. CONCLUSION: Enlarged rhizome, unconspicuous root tuber and poorly differentiated leaf mesophyll cells are 3 main different features of Coleus forskohlii transplanted in Tongcheng. These results provide scientific basis for formulating quality standards, further cultivation and utilization of the plant.

[Macroscopic and microscopic identification of Chloranthus henryi].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of Chloranthus henryi and provide a basis for establishing its quality standard. METHODS: The plants were identified by original plant, macroscopic and microscopic identification. RESULTS: The radical vascular bundle of Chloranthus henryi was primary xylem tetrarch. The secretory canals dispersed in cortex. The vascular bundle in rhizome was amphivasal bundle, stone cell scattered in cortex, and there were solitary crystals in the core parenchyma cell. Several vascular bundles in caudex were connected like a circel by interfascicular fibers. Meanwhile, two vascular bundles lay in main vein, like a converse Chinese letter eight. CONCLUSION: This paper reports the microscopic characteristics of Chloranthus henryi. It provides a basis for the quality standard of Chloranthus henryi.

Microscopical discrimination of the subterranean organs of medicinally used plants of the Cichorieae and their relatives.

CONTEXT: Light microscopy is in most cases a quick method for the identification and discrimination of medicinally used plant drugs; moreover, this technique is very inexpensive. Reliable descriptions of the anatomy of plants and their adulterations are prerequisites for necessary purity controls. OBJECTIVE: The anatomy of the subterranean organs of 18 pharmaceutically useful as well as related but inconsiderable Asteraceae species from nine genera (Taraxacum F. H. Wigg., Leontodon L., Scorzoneroides Moench, Hypochaeris L., Crepis L., Aposeris Neck., Cichorium L., Scorzonera L., and Tragopogon L.; tribe Cichorieae, Asteraceae) is described in detail and graphically illustrated. Features characterizing and discriminating the studied taxa are presented and discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The roots/rhizomes of various species were examined by means of light microscopy. RESULTS: Useful anatomical characters were found for the discrimination between the species, and some of them were examined for the first time. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Discrimination of most genera and species investigated was possibly based on the anatomy of their underground parts. The identified characters may be effectively used for quality control of commercial drugs and the identification of adulterations.

Studies on morphology and aristolochic acid analogue constituents of Asarum campaniflorum and a comparison with two official species of Asari radix et rhizoma.

Dried whole herbs or roots and rhizomes of Asarum campaniflorum have been sold under the trade name Xixin and used as folk remedies in its producing areas for a long time. In order to avoid the misuse of A. campaniflorum as official species of Xixin (Asari radix et rhizoma), a comparative study based on the morphological and phytochemical analysis of the aerial and underground parts was carried out. The usual morphological methods and a microscopic imaging system were used. The results show that A. campaniflorum could be easily distinguished from two official species (Asarum sieboldii and A. heterotropoides var. mandshuricum) by the diameter of thicker roots (1.3-2.7 mm), distinct large parenchymatous cells in phloem of roots, and the size of oil cells in upper leaf epidermises [(40)80-140(174) microm in diameter, where numbers in parentheses are for rare cases], etc. Nine aristolochic acid analogues (AAAs) were identified and estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The aerial and underground parts of A. campaniflorum contained 3-4 AAAs, i.e., aristololactam-II-N-beta-D-glucoside (AL-II-Glc), aristololactam I (AL-I), aristololactam II (AL-II), and aristolochic acid I (AA-I), while only AL-I was detected in underground parts of A. sieboldii and no AAAs were detected in underground parts of A. heterotropoides var. mandshuricum. The respective contents (in mg/g) in aerial and underground parts of A. campaniflorum, were as follows: AL-I, 0.06-0.12, 0.05-0.10; AL-II, 0.03-0.04, 0.01-0.03; AA-I, 0.01-0.02, 0.0-0.0. These data suggest A. campaniflorum has a high risk of causing aristolochic acid nephropathy. All these discoveries can contribute to not only the better understanding of this new resource species, but also the safe use of the crude drug Xixin.

[Identification on three kinds of Diphylleia sinensis (II)].

OBJECTIVE: In order to provide reference for the development of quality standards and distinction of authenticity, some sources of Diphylleia sinensis Li. in the maket were identified by sampling. METHODS: The TLC of six batches of Diphylleia sinensis Li. in the market were identified. RESULTS: They were the dried rhizome of Diphylleia sinensis Li., Dysosma versipellis (Hance.) M. Cheng and D. pleiantha (Hance) Woods. According to the pharmaceutical characteristics, retrieval tables of identification on plants, traits, microscopic and TLC were established. CONCLUSION: It is simple and reliable to use TLC and retrieval table to identify three sources of Diphylleia sinensis Li.

[Identification on three kinds of Diphylleia sinensis (I)].

OBJECTIVE: In order to provide reference for the development of quality standards and distinction of authenticity, some sources of Diphylleia sinensis Li. in the market were identified by sampling. METHODS: To identify the traits and microscopic features of six batches of Diphylleia sinensis Li. in the market. RESULTS: They were the dried rhizome of Diphylleia sinensis Li., Dysosma versipellis (Hance) M. Cheng and D. pleiantha (Hance) Woods. CONCLUSION: The differences in traits and microscopic features of them are obvious.

Application of microscopy in authentication of traditional Tibetan medicinal plants of five Rhodiola (Crassulaceae) alpine species by comparative anatomy and micromorphology.

A comparative analysis was undertaken to conduct an anatomical and micromorphological study of five species of Rhodiola-R. kirilowii, R. yunnanensis, R. crenulata, R. fastigata, and R. quadrifida-collected from the western Sichuan province plateau of China. Rhodiola plants are a popularly used ethnodrug from the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau of China. Modern studies have shown that the plants of Rhodiola possess different pharmacological activities, chemical constituents, and efficiencies in clinical application. To distinguish five main species of Rhodiola and ensure their safety and efficacy, microscopic characteristics of roots, rhizomes, and stems, including transverse sections, stem and foliar epidermis, as well as the crude drug powder, were observed. The fixed, sectioned, and stained plant materials, as well as the crude powder, were studied using a light microscope according to the usual microscopic techniques. The results of the microscopic features were systematically and comparatively described and illustrated. The five species have distinct microscopic characteristic differences, thus allowing us to distinguish between the species. Also, semi-quantitative and quantitative micrographic parameter tables were simultaneously presented. Further, a key to the five species and a comparative chart of the key authentication parameters based on these anatomic characteristics analyzed was drawn up and is presented for the Rhodiola species studied. The study indicated that light microscopy and related techniques provide a method that is convenient, feasible, and can be unambiguously applied to the authentication of species of Rhodiola.

[Pharmacognostic identification of Rodersia aesculifolia].

OBJECTIVE: To establish pharmacognostical methods of Rodersia aesculifolia. METHODS: Macroscopical, microscopic and physicochemical identification were used to authenticate this crude drug, and the identification characteristics were studied. RESULTS: There were some palea on the rhizoma superior extremity and some white flare dot on transverse section. Vascular bundle formed into interval circularity in rhizoma transverse section, and some small atypia bundle appeared in lateral of core. Xylem of root was tetrarch. A lot of starch grain and acicular cyrstal were observed in parenchyma cell. Brown cell was present as single or several linked. CONCLUSION: These characteristics can be used as identification basis for Rodersia aesulifolia Batal.

[The identification of microscopic, physical and chemistrical analysis on Curculigo orchiode and its counterfeit].

OBJECTIVE: To identify sham Curculigo orchiode from the genuine. METHODS: Using the distinguishing method of morphology and histology, TLC and UV spectrum analysis. RESULTS: The tissue structrue, the physical and chemical featrures of Curculigo orchiode and its counterfeit have obvious differences. CONCLUSION: The counterfeit of Curculigo orchiode come from Paeonia lactifora's axillary root.

[Pharmacognostic studies on Begonia sinensis rhizome].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the characteristic method of rude medicinal material of rhizome of Begonia sinensis. METHOD: The characteristic features of the rhizome were studies by morphological and microscopic observation. RESULTS: The description and transverse features of transverse section of the rhizome were described, and in the powder the microscopic features such as cluster needle crystals, tentacle, ring-thread vessel were found. CONCLUSION: The characteristics can be used to differentiate the rhizome of Begonia sinensis.

[Quantity study of cultivated and wild Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati].

METHODS: In this article, cultivated and wild Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati have been compared in macroscopical identificaation, microscopical identification, contents of odoratan of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati. RESULTS: Cultivated and wild Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati are different in macroscopical identification, microscopical identification. Contents of odoratan of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati: wild Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati 9.67%, cultivated Rhizoma Polygonati Odorait 8.05%, wild > cultivated.

[Histological and morphological studies on the rhizomes of Curcuma].

OBJECTIVE: To provide some new evidences for the identification of medicinal materials of Curcuma. METHOD: Microscopic observation was made to characterize the rhizomes of Curcuma. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: There were no obvious histological and morphological differences among the rhizomes of Curcuma. The distribution of oil cells and vascular bundles as well as the number and diameter of xylem vessels were considered to be the distinguishing features of their rhizomes.

[Microscopical identification of roots and rhizome of six species of plants from viola in the region of Nanjing].

Microscopical identification of 6 species of plants from Viola in Nanjing was made, and the distinguished microscopical characteristics of them were found. The key was also listed on, which can provide scientific data for identification and exploitation of Viola plants.

[Pharmacognostical studies on the rhizome and root of Alpinia nigra].

Morphological and histological characters of the rhizome and root of Alpinia nigra (Gaertn.) Burtt, used as the origin of a traditional Chinese medicine, were described and illustrated with line drawing. These studies provide referential information for the identification and quality control.

[Pharmacognostical studies on the rhizome, root and leaf of Alpinia jianganfeng T.L. Wu].

Morphological and histological characters of the rhizome, root and leaf of Alpinia jianganfeng T.L. Wu used as the origin of a traditional Chinese medicine, were described and illustrated with line drawing. These studies provide referential information for the identification and quality control.

[Pharmacognostical identification of one Rhizoma Drynariae habitually used species from Yunnan].

The species recorded on the "Rhizoma Drynariae" item of Chinese Pharmacopeia is the dry rhizoma of Drynaria fortunei from Polypodiacae. But in Yunnan province, many plants (including D. delavayi) are habitually used as Rhizoma Drynariae. In this article the authors identified D. delavayi on Chinese medinal materials discriptions, microscopic characters and TLC. This proved evidences for the utilization and identification of D. delavayi in some extent.