[A new sesquiterpene lactone from biological transformation of Hericium erinaceus and Artemisiae Annuae Herba].

This study aimed to investigate the chemical constituents from the biological transformation of Hericium erinaceus and Artemisiae Annuae Herba(HQ biological transformation). The chemical constituents of ethyl acetate fraction of 75% ethanol extract in HQ biological transformation were separated and purified by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatographies together with semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Their structures were identified by physicochemical properties, spectroscopic analysis, as well as comparisons with the data reported in literature. Nine compounds were isolated and identified as 2α-hydroxydeoxyartemisinin(1), 6ß-hydroxy-stigmast-4,22-dien-3-one(2), 3ß,5α-dihydroxy-ergosta-7,22-dien-6-one(3), friedelin(4), dankasterone(5), ergosterol endoperoxide(6), 3ß-hydroxy-5,9-epoxy-(22E,24R)-ergosta-7,22-dien-6-one(7), 3α,5α,9α-trihydroxy-(22E,24R)-ergosta-7,22-dien-6-one(8), and stigmast-3-one(9). Compound 1 was a new sesquiterpene lactone named 2α-hydroxy-deoxyartemisinin. The activity against Helicobacter pylori(Hp) of compounds 1-9 in vitro was determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The screening results showed compounds 1, 2 and 5 had certain anti-Hp activity.

[Content determination of five flavonoids in Tibetan medicine Rhododendron anthopogonoides by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS)].

To establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) method for five flavonoids in Rhododendron anthopogonoides and verify its feasibility and applicability in the medicinal materials of R. anthopogonoides. With hyperoside as the internal reference, relative correction factors(RCF) of rutin, quercetin, quercitrin and kaempferol were established by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) analysis. RCFs were used to calculate the content of each component, system durability and relative retention time. Simultaneously, QAMS and external standard method(ESM) were used to determine the content of five flavonoids in 12 batches of R. anthopogonoides from different origins. The results were statistically analyzed to verify the accuracy and feasibility. The fingerprints and cluster analysis data of R. anthopogonoides analyzed and discussed differences among the batches. According to the results, the RCFs of rutin, quercetin, quercetin and kaempferol in R. anthopogonoides were 1.242 6, 0.990 5, 0.535 0, and 0.781 3, respectively. The RCFs represented a good reproducibility under different experimental conditions. Besides, there was no significant difference between QAMS and ESM. Besides, the fingerprint and cluster analysis data showed the consistency between the classification and with the origin distribution of the herbs. In conclusion, the QAMS method shows a good stability and accuracy in the quality control of R. anthopogonoides.

A Novel Tropoloisoquinoline Alkaloid, Neotatarine, from Acorus calamus L.

A novel tropoloisoquinoline alkaloid, neotatarine (1), was isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the rhizome parts of Acorus calamus L. The chemical structure was unambiguously elucidated by spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Neotatarine (1) exhibited significantly inhibitory activity against Aß25 - 35 induced PC12 cell death with 2, 4 and 8 µm comparing with the assay control (P < 0.01).

New Acorane-Type Sesquiterpene from Acorus calamus L.

A new sesquiterpene, named neo-acorane A (1), and two known ones, acoric acid (2) and calamusin D (3), were isolated from a 95% ethanol extract of the rhizome parts of Acorus calamus L. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configurations were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are nonisoprenoid sesquiterpenoids, likely biosynthesized from an acorane-type sesquiterpene by oxidative fission of the six- or five-membered ring. Moreover, compounds 1 (10 µM), 2 (5 µM and 10 µM) and 3 (10 µM) showed cell proliferation activity on the SK-N-BE (2) cell line.

[A new sesquiterpene from Acorus calamus (â ¡)].

A new quaiane-tgpe sesquiterpene was isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the rhizomes of Acorus calamus by silica gel and sephadex LH-20 column chromatographic methods. Structure and absolute configuration of the sesquiterpene were elucidated by spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallographic analysis, and named as 1R,5R,7S-guaiane-4R,10R-diol-6-one.

[Studies on identification of Phragmitis Rhizoma and its counterfeits].

The study aims to explore the main differential characteristics of Phragmites Rhizoma and its counterfeits (rhizomes of Arundo donax, Triarrhena lutarioriparia and Miscanthus sinensis) and provide experimental basis for the reasonable applications of gramineous plants through system research and comparison of plant morphogenesis, character, transverse organization characteristics and powder microscopic characteristics.

Inhibition of macrophage-derived foam cell formation by ezetimibe via the caveolin-1/MAPK pathway.

Ezetimibe, a selective inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol absorption, effectively reduces plasma cholesterol, but its effect on atherosclerosis is unclear. Foam cell formation has been implicated as a key mediator during the development of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ezetimibe on foam cell formation and explore the underlying mechanism. The results presented here show that ezetimibe reduces atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE-/-) mice by lowering cholesterol levels. Treatment of macrophages with Chol:MßCD resulted in foam cell formation, which was concentration-dependently inhibited by the presence of ezetimibe. Mechanically, ezetimibe treatment downregulated the expression of CD36 and scavenger receptor class B1 (SR-B1), but upregulated the expression of apoE and caveolin-1 in macrophage-derived foam cells, which kept consistent with our microarray results. Moreover, treatment with ezetimibe abrogated the increase of phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and their nuclear accumulation in foam cells. Inhibition of the MAPK pathway by the MEK inhibitor PD98059 attenuated the inhibitory effect of ezetimibe on the expression of p-ERK1/2 and caveolin-1. Taken together, these results showed that ezetimibe suppressed foam cell formation via the caveolin-1/MAPK signalling pathway, suggesting that inhibition of foam cell formation might be a novel mechanism underlying the anti-atherosclerotic effect of ezetimibe.

[Sesquiterpenoids of Acori Calami Rhizoma].

To study the chemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of Acori Calami Rhizoma. Components were isolated through various chromatographic methods and identified by spectroscopic data. The agar dilution method was adopted to analyze antimicrobial activity of the compounds in vitro.Eleven sesquiterpenoids were isolated, and indentified as 4ß,6ß-dihydroxy-1α,5ß(H)-guai-9-ene(1),4ß,6ß-dihydroxy-1α,5ß(H)-guai-10(14)-ene(2), teuclatriol(3), isocalamendiol(4), calamendiol(5), calamusin H(6), oxyphyllenodiols A(7), oplodiol(8), ananosmin(9), epishyobunone(10), and bullatantriol(11). Compound 9 was isolated from genus Acorus for the first time. Compounds 3, 7-9, and 11 had significantly antimicrobial activity. There were good sterilizing effects that the MBC of compound 9 to the four tested strains were 20.00 mg•L⁻¹, and compound 11 to Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 12.50 mg•L⁻¹.

[Chemical Constituents from Fruit Dregs of Rhus chinensis( â ¡)].

Objective: To investigate the constituents from the fruit dregs of Rhus chinensis. Methods: The constituents were isolated and purified by chromatography on silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,RP-C18 and Pre-TLC and recrystalization. The structures were identified on the basis of the chemical evidence,spectroscopic data. Results: Ten compounds were obtained and elucidated as m-digalloyl acid( 1),ethyl-m-digallate( 2),apigenin( 3),kaempferol( 4),quercetin( 5),3,7-dimethoxy-5,3',4'-trihydroxy-flavone( 6),quercitrin( 7),kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside( 8),myricetrin( 9) and quercetin-3-O-( 4″-methoxy)-α-L-rahmnopyranosyl( 10),respectively. Conclusion: Compounds 1 ~ 3,6 ~ 10 are separated from the Rhus genus for the first time.

[Crosstalk between Wnt5a and inflammatory signaling in inflammation].

Wnt5a belongs to the large WNT family of cysteine-rich secreted glycoproteins, which is involved in multiple signaling pathways that regulate a variety of cellular processes, including cell motility, proliferation differentiation and so on during development. The regulation and signaling transduction of Wnt5a have been reported to closely relate to inflammatory response, which indicates that Wnt5a plays a critical role in the occurrence and development of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarized data on Wnt5a and its signaling pathway, as well as their involvement in inflammatory response. Further comprehensive understanding of the function and relationship between Wnt5a and inflammatory response would help us to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.

[Chemical Constituents From Rhus chinensis Fruit Dregs].

OBJECTIVE: To isolate and elucidate the constituents from the fruit dregs of Rhus chinensis. METHODS: The constituents were isolated and purified by chromatography on silica gel,Sephadex LH-20, RP-C18 gel and recrystallization. The structures were elucidated on the basis of the chemical evidence and spectroscopic data. RESULTS: Ten compounds were obtained: ß-sitosterol (1), morolic acid (2), (2S) -1-O-heptatriacontanoyl glycerol (3), α-monpalmitin (4), palmitic acid (5), gallic acid (6), methyl gallate (7), ethyl gallate (8), propyl gallate (9), and protocatechuic acid (10). CONCLUSION: Compounds 3, 4 and 9 are isolated from the plants of Rhus genus for the first time.

Ezetimibe suppresses cholesterol accumulation in lipid-loaded vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro via MAPK signaling.

AIM: To investigate the mechanisms of anti-atherosclerotic action of ezetimibe in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro. METHODS: VSMCs of SD rats were cultured in the presence of Chol:MßCD (10 µg/mL) for 72 h, and intracellular lipid droplets and cholesterol levels were evaluated using Oil Red O staining, HPLC and Enzymatic Fluorescence Assay, respectively. The expression of caveolin-1, sterol response element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and ERK1/2 were analyzed using Western blot assays. Translocation of SREBP-1 and ERK1/2 was detected with immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Treatment with Chol:MßCD dramatically increased the cellular levels of total cholesterol (TC), cholesterol ester (CE) and free cholesterol (FC) in VSMCs, which led to the formation of foam cells. Furthermore, Chol:MßCD treatment significantly decreased the expression of caveolin-1, and stimulated the expression and nuclear translocation of SREBP-1 in VSMCs. Co-treatment with ezetimibe (3 µmol/L) significantly decreased the cellular levels of TC, CE and FC, which was accompanied by elevation of caveolin-1 expression, and by a reduction of SREBP-1 expression and nuclear translocation. Co-treatment with ezetimibe dose-dependently decreased the expression of phosphor-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in VSMCs. The ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (50 µmol/L) altered the cholesterol level and the expression of p-ERK1/2, SREBP-1 and caveolin-1 in the same manner as ezetimibe did. CONCLUSION: Ezetimibe suppresses cholesterol accumulation in rat VSMCs in vitro by regulating SREBP-1 and caveolin-1 expression, possibly via the MAPK signaling pathway.

The novel role and underlying mechanism of Wnt5a in regulating cellular cholesterol accumulation.

Cholesterol accumulation is a critical step during the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Recently, Wnt5a expression has been found to be markedly upregulated in both murine and human atherosclerotic lesions. However, the effect and mechanism of Wnt5a in atherosclerosis is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of Wnt5a on cholesterol accumulation during atherosclerosis. We used RAW264.7 and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) as lipid-loaded cell models. We found that expression of Wnt5a protein was increased in a concentration (25, 50, 75 and 100 µg/mL)- and time (24, 48 and 72 h)-dependent manner by oxLDL treatment. To explore the underlying mechanism, we used Wnt5a short interference (si) RNA to knockdown Wnt5a expression in both RAW264.7 cells and VSMC, or applied recombinant Wnt5a (rWnt5a) to stimulate Wnt5a signalling. After Wnt5a knockdown, total cholesterol (TC) and free cholesterol (FC) content in both cell types increased significantly (P < 0.05) upon exposure to oxLDL. Conversely, the TC and FC content decreased markedly (P < 0.05) after treatment of cells with rWnt5a. More importantly, both protein and mRNA expression of Caveolin-1 and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) was significantly reduced after exposure of wnt5a siRNA-treated cells to oxLDL, whereas rWnt5a treatment of cells resulted in increased Caveolin-1 and ABCA1 protein expression after exposure of cells to oxLDL. Together, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, that Wnt5a reduces the accumulation of cholesterol in lipid-loaded cells by regulating the mRNA expression of Caveolin-1 and ABCA1, which are involved in reverse cholesterol transport. This may present a novel mechanism of Wnt5a-mediated cholesterol transportation in macrophages and VSMC. Therefore, targeting the Wnt5a signalling pathway may have clinical implications in atherosclerosis.

Anti-inflammatory activity of ezetimibe by regulating NF-κB/MAPK pathway in THP-1 macrophages.

Inflammation plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis. Monocytes/macrophages are involved in the inflammatory process during atherogenesis. Here, we performed daily gavage of ezetimibe in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed with a high-fat diet and found that ezetimibe administration decreased the level of C-reactive protein significantly. To investigate the potential molecular mechanism, we employed microarray analysis on the cultured macrophages treated with Chol:MßCD in the presence or absence of ezetimibe. We found that ezetimibe dramatically down-regulated the expression of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene. Consistent with the microarray results, TNF-α protein levels were inhibited by ezetimibe. Moreover, ezetimibe suppressed the promoter activity of TNF-α but not TNF-α lacking the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) binding domain in THP-1 cells treated with phorbol myristate acetate and Chol:MßCD. Furthermore, treatment of THP-1 macrophages with ezetimibe resulted in the degradation of IκB and subsequently inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-κB and its transcriptional activity. Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway using PD98059 attenuated the reduction effect of ezetimibe on the expression of NF-κB. Collectively, our results demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory properties of ezetimibe in THP-1 macrophages are, at least in part, through suppression of NF-κB activation via the MAPK pathway. These data provide direct evidence for the potential application of ezetimibe in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.

[Chemical constituents of Acori Calami Rhizoma from Hunan Province].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical components from the ethanol extract of Acori Calami Rhizoma from Hunan Province. METHODS: Components were isolated and purified through various chromatographic methods and recrystallization, and identified by spectroscopic data. RESULTS: Ten compounds were isolated and identified as follows: heptadecanoic acid(1), monopentadecanoin(2), syringic acid(3), aurantiamide acetate(4), monononadecanoin(5),tatarine A(6),tatanan C(7),cerevisterol(8),2 ,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl acetate(9) and palmatine(10). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-5 and 8-10 are isolated from Acorus genus for the first time, and compounds 1-5 and 7-10 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Chemical constituents from Pholidota cantonensis].

OBJECTIVE: To isolate and elucidate the constituents from whole plant of Pholidota cantonensis. METHODS: The constituents were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and MCI gel chromatography and recrystallization. The structures were elucida- ted on the basis of the chemical evidence and spectroscopic data. RESULTS: Ten compounds were obtained : batatasin ll(1), orchinol(2), ephmeranthoquinone(3 ), densiflorol B (4) , 3, 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy-propiophenone (5) , cinnamic acid (6) , syringaresinol (7) ,24- methylenencycoartanol( 8),ergosterol peroxide(9) and ß-sitosterol( 10). CONCLUSION: Compounds 6 and 9 are isolated from Pholidota genus for the first time,and compounds 4,5 and 7 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Bioassay-guided fractionation of constituents targeting mediators of inflammation from lycii cortex as inhibitors of NF-kappaB].

Lycii Cortex, a popular herb medicine in traditional Chinese medicine, is used to treat different inflammation-related diseases. The aim of our work is to find the key constituents inhibiting NF-kappaB, a key regulator of inflammation. In the investigations of cell-based in vitro assays of extracts, we found that both ethyl acetate extract and methanol extract of Lycii Cortex inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced activation of NF-kappaB. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, we identified 4 phenolic amides including trans-N-(p-coumaroyl) tyramine (1), trans-N-feruloyltyramine (2), trans-N-caffeoyltyramine (3), and dihydro-N-caffeoyltyramine (4). Four phenolic amides showed differently inhibitory activities on TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation. Trans-N-caffeoyltyramine (3) was identified as the key component with an IC50 of 18.41 micromol x L(-1). It was suggested that the hydroxyl group at C-3 in trans-N-caffeoyltyramine might be a key binding site and its C-7,8-double bond might play an important role on NF-kappaB inhibitory activities as the link of the conjugation of pi electrons leading to a partial planar conformation. It might be inferred that the biological activity of compound 3 is attributed to the structure of Michael reaction acceptor containing alpha, beta-unsaturated ketones and benzene along with hydroxyl group in o-diphenol.

[Study on material basis of essential oil from Yin Teng Gu Bi Kang prescription on activating blood circulation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the component difference of the serum containing essential oil from Yin Teng Gu Bi Kang prescription in pathologic and physiologic rat models, and to reveal the material basis of its efficacy of activating blood circulation. METHODS: The essential oils were obtained by CO2 supercritical fluid extraction and the ingredients of the essential oils in vitro and in vivo (under physiological and pathological status) were analyzed by GC-MS to compare differences of the essential oil under physiological and pathological status in rats. RESULTS: 32 components were identified with the main components of Z-ligustilide (39.23%) and d-limonene (21.7%) in the essential oil. In vivo analysis on the essential oil indicated that 16 components were identified, 7 existed originally in essential oil and 9 were metabolites under physiological status; while 22 components were identified, 10 existed originally in essential oil and 12 were metabolites under pathological status (acute blood stasis). There were 7 common prototypes and 8 common metabolites under different physiological status. CONCLUSION: The absorption and metabolism of essential oils were affected by blood stasis and the compounds migrating to blood may be the effective substance in activating blood circulation.

[Study on pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics correlation of yin teng gu bi kang prescription].

OBJECTIVE: To study pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) correlation of Yin Teng Gu Bi Kang (YTGBK) prescription through determination of Tanshinone II(A) concentration and the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma in normal and blood stasis rats treated with YTGBK prescription. METHODS: The concentration of Tanshinone II(A) in the plasma was measured by HPLC-UV and loratadine was used as internal standard; Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay (TBARS) was adopted to determine the concentration of MDA in the plasma Area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and area under the effect-time curve (AUE) were calculated using linear trapezoid rule. The correlation and regression analysis was performed by plotting AUE (Y) versus lgAUC (X) using linear regression. RESULTS: YTGBK prescription could significantly decrease MDA level in the plasma in above two different physiological rats at the analyzed time point (P < 0.05). Scatter plots of AUE-lgAUC showed an upward trend. The results of the correlation and regression analysis were as follows: Y = 53.367 X -30.780, r = 0. 822, P = 0.007 for normal rats and Y = 61.091 X -39.863, r = 0.777, P = 0.003 for model rats, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a positive correlation between Tanshinone II(A) level in plasma and the antioxidant activity of YTGBK prescription in decreasing MDA level, which indicates that Tanshinone II(A) is the antioxidant effective substance of YTGBK prescription.

Nourishing Yin traditional Chinese medicine: potential role in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a common and frequently occurring disease in contemporary society, has become a global health threat. However, current mainstream methods of prevention and treatment, mainly including oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin injections, do not fundamentally block the progression of T2DM. Therefore, it is imperative to find new ways to prevent and treat diabetes. Traditional Chinese medicine is characterized by multiple components, pathways, and targets with mild and long-lasting effects. Pharmacological studies have shown that nourishing yin traditional Chinese medicine (NYTCM) can play a positive role in the treatment of T2DM by regulating pathways such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor-kappa B, and other pathways to stimulate insulin secretion, protect and repair pancreatic ß cells, alleviate insulin resistance, ameliorate disordered glucose and lipid metabolism, mitigate oxidative stress, inhibit inflammatory responses, and regulate the intestinal flora. The pharmacologic activity, mechanisms, safety, and toxicity of NYTCM in the treatment of T2DM are also reviewed in this manuscript.