Structures and immunomodulatory activity of one galactose- and arabinose-rich polysaccharide from Sambucus adnata.

One galactose- and arabinose-rich polysaccharide isolated from Sambucus adnata was named SPS-1, which had an average molecular weight 138.52 kDa, and was composed of L-rhamnose, D-glucuronic acid, D-galacturonic acid, D-galactose, and L-arabinose in a molar ratio of 0.6:0.4:0.1:4.9:4.0. The primary structure of SPS-1 was further analyzed through methylation and NMR spectroscopy. The results showed that SPS-1 had the structural characteristics of AG-II pectin. The immunoactivity test showed that SPS-1 activated the phosphorylation of MAPKs-related proteins and further elevated the expression levels of related nuclear transcription factors (IκBα and NF-κB p65) in the cells through the TLR2 and MyD88/TRAF6-dependent pathway, thereby significantly enhancing the phagocytosis of macrophages and stimulating the secretion of NO, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α, which activated the RAW264.7 cells. Therefore, SPS-1, acting as an immunomodulator, is a potential drug for immunological diseases.

The seed oil of Paeonia ludlowii ameliorates Aß25-35-induced Alzheimer's disease in rats.

Paeonia ludlowii, a plant of the Paeoniaceae family, has abundant genetic diversity in different populations, and the seed oil can be used in a diverse number of activities. However, its neuroprotective effect is not clear. We investigated the memory-improving effects and associated mechanisms of Paeonia ludlowii seed oil (PLSO) on amyloid beta (Aß)25-35-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) in rats. The Morris water maze test was undertaken, and subsequently, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) in the hippocampus was detected by biochemical analyses. To further study PLSO, we examined the pathologic structure and apoptosis of hippocampal tissue by staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect expression of IBA-1 and GFAP in the hippocampus. Detection of proinflammatory factors was achieved by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. High-dose PLSO inhibited expression of GFAP and IBA-1. We demonstrated that high-dose PLSO can regulate activation of glial cells and mediate apoptosis of hippocampal cells, and significantly improve learning and memory deficits in AD rats. PLSO could be developed as a nutritional supplement and sold as a drug for AD prevention and/or treatment.

Study on the Fatty Acids, Aromatic Compounds and Shelf Life of Paeonia ludlowii Kernel Oil.

To determine the food potential of Paeonia ludlowii D.Y.Hong (P. ludlowii) kernel oil, in this study, we analysed the fatty acid composition and volatile components of this oil, compared the antioxidant effects of two natural antioxidants on it, and then predicted its shelf life at room temperature (25°C). The results showed that P. ludlowii kernel oil mainly contained 20 fatty acids, of which linoleic acid, oleic acid and other unsaturated fatty acid contents together made up 86.99%. The aromatic composition of the crude P. ludlowii kernel oil was analysed, and 34 aromatic compounds were obtained, including 5 lipids (2.30%), 9 alcohols (12.64%), 6 aldehydes (14.67%), 2 alkanes (1.30%), 5 acids (2.70%), 1 ketone (0.41), 2 alkenes (39.12%) and 4 other substances (26.85%). The effects of the antioxidants were ranked as follows: 0.04% tea polyphenols + crude oil > 0.04% bamboo flavonoids + crude oil > crude oil. In addition, the shelf lives at room temperature (25℃) of each kernel oil-antioxidant mixture were 200.73 d, 134.90 d and 131.61 d, respectively. Overall, these results reveal that P. ludlowii kernel oil is a potential candidate for a new high-grade edible oil, and its development has broad application prospects.

[Analysis of photosynthetic characteristics and its influencing factors of medicinal plant Mirabilis himalaica].

To study photosynthetic characteristics and its influencing factors in leaves of medicinal plant Mirabilis himalaica, and provide an evidence for guiding artificial planting and improving the quantity. The light-response and diurnal photosynthesis course of leaves at the booting stages of 1-3 year old M. himalaica were measured with LI-6400 system. The Results showed that the light response curves were fitted well by non rectangle hyperbola equation (R2 > or = 0.98). The values of the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax) and light use efficiency of three-year old M. himalaica leaves were higher than those of 1-2 year old individuals. The diurnal variation of net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs) of 2-3 year old M. himalaica were typical double-peak curves determinately regulated by stomatal conductance. However, transpiration rate (Tr) of 1-3 year old plants leaves were single-peak curve, which was self-protection of harm reduction caused by the higher temperature at noontime. Correlation analysis showed that the changes between photosynthetic active radiation (PFD), air temperature (T ) and Pn, were significant positive related. Therefore, M. himalaica is a typical sun plant, which should be planted under the sufficient sunshine field and prolong the growing ages suitably in order to improve the yield.