Cytological analysis of flower development, insights into suitable growth area and genomic background: implications for Glehnia littoralis conservation and sustainable utilization.

BACKGROUND: Glehnia littoralis F. Schmidt ex Miq., an endangered plant species with significant medicinal, edible, and ecological value, is now a central concern for conservation and sustainable utilization. Investigating the physiological and ecological mechanisms leading to its endangerment and elucidating its genetic background constitutes the foundation for conducting in-depth research on G. littoralis. RESULTS: Our observations have revealed a significant degree of floral sterility in wild populations of G. littoralis. The inflorescences of G. littoralis are classified into three types: completely fertile, completely sterile, and partially fertile compound umbels. Moreover, the flowers of G. littoralis can be categorized into fertile and sterile types. Sterile flowers exhibited abnormalities in the stigma, ovary, and ovules. This study is the first to discover that the presence or absence of a giant cell at the funiculus during the initiation of ovule primordium determines whether the flower can develop normally, providing cytological evidence for female sterility in G. littoralis. Conversely, both fertile and sterile flowers produced normally developed pollen. Field observations have suggested that robust plants bear more fertile umbels, while weaker ones have fewer or even no fertile umbels, indicating a close relationship between flower fertility and plant nutritional status. Our model correctly predicted that the eastern coastal regions of China, as well as prospective areas in Neimenggu and Sichuan, are suitable environments for its cultivation. Additionally, Using flow cytometry and genome survey, we estimated the genome size of G. littoralis to be 3.06 Gb and the heterozygosity to be 4.58%. CONCLUSION: The observations and findings presented in this study were expected to provide valuable insights for further conserving its genetic resources and sustainable utilization of G. littoralis.

Notopterygium incisum roots extract (NRE) alleviates neuroinflammation pathology in Alzheimer's disease through TLR4-NF-κB pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H. T. Chang, also called 'Qianghuo', is a distinct umbelliferae plant in China. The rhizomes and roots of Notopterygium incisum have long been used to treat headaches, colds, analgesia and rheumatoid arthritis. It is a main traditional Chinese medicine in Qianghuo Yufeng Decoction, which was used to treat diseases such as liver and kidney insufficiency, mental paralysis and dementia. AIM OF THIS STUDY: As the most common dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has a complicated pathogenesis. So far, there is no effective drug to prevent its pathological process. Previous research has shown that Notopterygium incisum root extract (NRE) may inhibit the release of Aß and the activation of tau in mice with AD. However, the effect of NRE on the pathological process of neuroinflammation is still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined the pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in BV2 cells exposed to LPS/Aß42 after treated with NRE. APP/PS1 and LPS-induced C57BL/6 neuroinflammatory mice were given NRE for 8 weeks and 5 days respectively to detect the pathological changes of neuroinflammation. RESULTS: The findings showed that NRE had a notable inhibitory effect on the levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß in BV2 cells induced by LPS/Aß42. The results of in vivo experiments show that following NRE treatment, there was a notable decrease in the number of activated microglia in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice as indicated by immunofluorescence results. Sholl analysis showed that microglia branches increased in NRE group, indicating that M1 microglia activation was inhibited. In the mice model injected with LPS in the tail vein, PCR and Western Blot results confirmed the anti-inflammatory effect of NRE, Nissl staining showed the protective effect of NRE on neurons, and immunofluorescence results also indicated that the activation of M1 microglia was inhibited. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that long term oral administration of NRE may inhibit neuroinflammation in the progression of AD.

A single origin and high genetic diversity of cultivated medicinal herb Glehnia littoralis subsp. littoralis (Apiaceae) deciphered by SSR marker and phenotypic analysis.

Ten SSR markers based on transcriptome sequencing were employed to genotype 231 samples of G. littoralis subsp. littoralis (Apiaceae) from nine cultivated populations and seven wild populations, aiming to assess the genetic diversity and genetic structure, and elucidate the origin of the cultivated populations. Cultivated populations exhibited relatively high genetic diversity (h = 0.441, I = 0.877), slightly lower than that of their wild counterparts (h = 0.491, I = 0.930), likely due to recent domestication and ongoing gene flow between wild and cultivated germplasm. The primary cultivated population in Shandong have the crucial genetic status. A single origin of domestication was inferred through multiple analysis, and wild populations from Liaoning and Shandong are inferred to be potentially the ancestor source for the present cultivated populations. Phenotypic analysis revealed a relatively high heritability of root length across three growth periods (0.683, 0.284, 0.402), with significant correlations observed between root length and petiole length (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.30, P<0.05), as well as between root diameter and leaf area (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.36, P<0.01). These parameters can serve as valuable indicators for monitoring the developmental progress of medicinal plants during field management. In summary, this study can shed light on the intricate genetic landscape of G. littoralis subsp. littoralis, providing foundational insights crucial for conservation strategies, targeted breeding initiatives, and sustainable management practices in both agricultural and natural habitats.

The gradual establishment of complex coumarin biosynthetic pathway in Apiaceae.

Complex coumarins (CCs) represent characteristic metabolites found in Apiaceae plants, possessing significant medical value. Their essential functional role is likely as protectants against pathogens and regulators responding to environmental stimuli. Utilizing genomes and transcriptomes from 34 Apiaceae plants, including our recently sequenced Peucedanum praeruptorum, we conduct comprehensive phylogenetic analyses to reconstruct the detailed evolutionary process of the CC biosynthetic pathway in Apiaceae. Our results show that three key enzymes - p-coumaroyl CoA 2'-hydroxylase (C2'H), C-prenyltransferase (C-PT), and cyclase - originated successively at different evolutionary nodes within Apiaceae through various means of gene duplications: ectopic and tandem duplications. Neofunctionalization endows these enzymes with novel functions necessary for CC biosynthesis, thus completing the pathway. Candidate genes are cloned for heterologous expression and subjected to in vitro enzymatic assays to test our hypothesis regarding the origins of the key enzymes, and the results precisely validate our evolutionary inferences. Among the three enzymes, C-PTs are likely the primary determinant of the structural diversity of CCs (linear/angular), due to divergent activities evolved to target different positions (C-6 or C-8) of umbelliferone. A key amino acid variation (Ala161/Thr161) is identified and proven to play a crucial role in the alteration of enzymatic activity, possibly resulting in distinct binding forms between enzymes and substrates, thereby leading to different products. In conclusion, this study provides a detailed trajectory for the establishment and evolution of the CC biosynthetic pathway in Apiaceae. It explains why only a portion, not all, of Apiaceae plants can produce CCs and reveals the mechanisms of CC structural diversity among different Apiaceae plants.

Plastome structure and phylogenetic relationships of genus Hydrocotyle (apiales): provide insights into the plastome evolution of Hydrocotyle.

BACKGROUND: The genus Hydrocotyle Tourn. ex L. is a key group for further study on the evolution of Apiales, comprising around 170 species globally. Previous studies mainly focused on separate sections and provided much information about this genus, but its infrageneric relationships are still confusing. In addition, the genetic basis of its adaptive evolution remains poorly understood. To investigate the phylogeny and evolution of the genus, we selected ten representative species covering two of three diversity distribution centers and exhibiting rich morphology diversity. Comparative plastome analysis was conducted to clarify the structural character of Hydrocotyle plastomes. Positive selection analyses were implemented to assess the evolution of the genus. Phylogenetic inferences with protein-coding sequences (CDS) of Hydrocotyle and 17 related species were also performed. RESULTS: Plastomes within Hydrocotyle were generally conservative in structure, gene order, and size. A total of 14 regions (rps16-trnK, trnQ-rps16, atpI-atpH, trnC-petN-psbM, ycf3-trnS, accD-psaI-ycf4, petA-psbJ, rps12-rpl20, rpl16 intron, rps3-rpl16 intron, rps9-rpl22, ndhF-rpl32, ndhA intron, and ycf1a) were recognized as hotspot regions within the genus, which suggested to be promising DNA barcodes for global phylogenetic analysis of Hydrocotyle. The ycf15 gene was suggested to be a protein-coding gene for Hydrocotyle species, and it could be used as a DNA barcode to identify Hydrocotyle. In phylogenetic analysis, three monophyletic clades (Clade I, II, III) were identified with evidence of rapid radiation speciation within Clade I. The selective pressure analysis detected that six CDS genes (ycf1b, matK, atpF, accD, rps14, and psbB) of Hydrocotyle species were under positive selection. Within the genus, the last four genes were conservative, suggesting a relation to the unique evolution of the genus in Apiales. Seven genes (atpE, matK, psbH, ycf1a, ycf1b, rpoA, and ycf2) were detected to be under some degree of positive selection in different taxa within the genus Hydrocotyle, indicating their role in the adaptive evolution of species. CONCLUSIONS: Our study offers new insights into the phylogeny and adaptive evolution of Hydrocotyle. The plastome sequences could significantly enhance phylogenetic resolution and provide genomic resources and potential DNA markers useful for future studies of the genus.

Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn leaf aqueous extract protects against alcoholic gastric injury by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (PPD) was used to treat gastrointestinal disease in China before the Tang Dynasty, and it was considered a "Top-grade" herb in Shennong Bencaojing, known for its ability to relieve the stomach Qi and indigestion. AIM OF THE STUDY: Alcohol consumption can induce severe gastric mucosal injury that lacks effective and safe interventions. We aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effects of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn leaf (PPL) after bolting in alcohol-induced gastric damage in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were orally administered PPL aqueous extract at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 g/kg for 5 consecutive days prior to the induction of gastric damage model with ethanol. Gastric tissue was stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indicators were determined using ELISA and RT-qPCR. RNA-seq was used to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the gastric tissue, while Western blotting was employed to measure the expressions of IL-17, TNF-a, and AKT pathways. RESULTS: Treatment with PPL alleviated alcohol-induced gastric damage in mice, whereas dried root (PPD) and stem (PPS) of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn had no gastroprotective function. The content of peucedanocoumarin I was higher in the dried PPL compared to PPD and PPS, with an increase in peucedanocoumarin I content in PPL after boiling. Additionally, PPL administration (5, 10 g/kg) decreased pro-inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-4, IL-1ß, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a) in alcohol-induced gastric injury mice (p < 0.05), and improved oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase enzymes (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). RNA-seq data revealed that PPL treatment inhibited alcohol-induced inflammation-related signals, including IL-17 and TNF pathways, and restored alcohol-inhibited gastric digestive and metabolic functions, such as xenobiotics metabolism of cytochrome P450, and protein digestion and absorption pathways. Notably, treatment with PPL downregulated the expressions of IL-17 A, TNF-a, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and AKT-phosphorylation induced by ethanol exposure (p < 0.05). Thus, the aqueous extract of PPL provided protection against alcohol-induced gastric injury by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress in mice, suggesting a potential novel therapeutic approach for alcohol-induced gastric damage.

Notopterygium Incisum Extract Promotes Apoptosis by Preventing the Degradation of BIM in Colorectal Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC), a prevalent malignancy worldwide, has prompted extensive research into anticancer drugs. Traditional Chinese medicinal materials offer promising avenues for cancer management due to their diverse pharmacological activities. This study investigated the effects of Notopterygium incisum, a traditional Chinese medicine named Qianghuo (QH), on CRC cells and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The sulforhodamine B assay and colony formation assay were employed to assess the effect of QH extract on the proliferation of CRC cell lines HCT116 and Caco-2. Propidium iodide (PI) staining was utilized to detect cell cycle progression, and PE Annexin V staining to detect apoptosis. Western blotting was conducted to examine the levels of apoptotic proteins, including B-cell lymphoma 2-interacting mediator of cell death (BIM), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and cleaved caspase-3, as well as BIM stability after treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. The expression of BAX was suppressed using lentivirus-mediated shRNA to validate the involvement of the BIM/BAX axis in QH-induced apoptosis. The in vivo effects of QH extract on tumor growth were observed using a xenograft model. Lastly, APCMin+ mice were used to study the effects of QH extract on primary intestinal tumors. RESULTS: QH extract exhibited significant in vitro anti-CRC activities evidenced by the inhibition of cell proliferation, perturbation of cell cycle progression, and induction of apoptosis. Mechanistically, QH extract significantly increased the stability of BIM proteins, which undergo rapid degradation under unstressed conditions. Knockdown of BAX, the downstream effector of BIM, significantly rescued QH-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the in vitro effect of QH extract was recapitulated in vivo. QH extract significantly inhibited the tumor growth of HCT116 xenografts in nude mice and decreased the number of intestinal polyps in the APCMin+ mice. CONCLUSION: QH extract promotes the apoptosis of CRC cells by preventing the degradation of BIM.

Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and quality control of Peucedanum decursivum (Miq.) Maxim: A critical review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dried roots of Peucedanum decursivum, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has historically respiratory diseases such as cough, thick phlegm, headache, fever, and gynecological diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. AIM OF THE STUDY: Made an endeavor to evaluate the research trajectory of P. decursivum, comprehensively discern its developmental status, and offer a guideline for future investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meticulous search of literatures and books from 1955 to 2024 via databases like PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI was conducted, including topics and keywords of " P. decursivum" "Angelica decursivum" and "Zihua Qianhu". RESULTS: P. decursivum and its prescriptions have traditionally been used for treating phlegm-heat cough, wind-heat cough, gastrointestinal diseases, pain relief and so on. It contains 234 identified compounds, encompassing coumarins, terpenes, volatile oils, phenolic acids, fatty acids and derivatives. It exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer, and anti-cancer properties, primarily attributed to coumarins. Microscopic identification, HPLC fingerprinting, and bioinformatics identification are the primary methods currently used for the quality control. CONCLUSION: P. decursivum demonstrates anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, aligning with its traditional use. However, experimental validation of its efficacy against phlegm and viruses is needed. Additionally, analgesic effects mentioned in historical texts lack modern pharmacological studies. Numerous isolated compounds exhibit highly valuable medicinal properties. Future research can delve into exploring these substances further. Rigorous of heavy metal contamination, particularly Cd and Pb, is necessary. Simultaneously, investigating its pharmacokinetics and toxicity in humans is crucial for the safety.

A systematic review of the botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, analytical methods, pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics of NOTOPTERYGII RHIZOMA ET RADIX.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: NOTOPTERYGII RHIZOMA ET RADIX (NRR), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been utilized in China for millennia. Thriving in high-altitude regions with cold climates, wild NRR has been heavily exploited for its significant economic worth, particularly in the medical sector. THE AIM OF THE REVIEW: This paper presents a comprehensive review of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, analytical methods, quality control, processing methods, pharmacological effects, and pharmacokinetics of NRR. These findings offer valuable insights for future research endeavors and establish a solid groundwork for the judicious clinical utilization of NRR. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The related information for NRR comes from scientific databases (such as Baidu Scholar, CNKI, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, SciFinder Scholar, Chinese Herb Classics, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, PhD and MSC Dissertations, etc.). RESULTS: Currently, components isolated from NRR are identified as coumarins, volatile oils, organic acids, flavonoids, glycosides, polyacetylenes, and trace elements. Most compounds are analyzed using HPLC and GC techniques. NRR exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, immunosuppressive activities, as well as promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, providing neuroprotection, and liver protection. CONCLUSION: The research on NRR in phytochemistry and pharmacology has made great progress, and some traditional uses have been proven by modern pharmacology. However, because the complex chemical composition of NRR has not been effectively related to its pharmacological action, its mechanism of action has not been clearly expounded. In this review, the processing methods of NRR are summarized, and the exploration of further strengthening the processing mechanism of NRR is put forward, which provides some theoretical help for the clinical application of NRR. Furthermore, the complex chemical composition of NRR makes quality control difficult, so we must study its quality control thoroughly. In order to better develop and utilize NRR, we should establish a reasonable, reliable, and accurate quality control standard, and focus on the relationship between its active components and pharmacodynamic indicators and the study of its mechanism of pharmacological effects.

Morphology and ITS sequences provide insights into the phylogeny of Tongoloa (Apiaceae) from China.

BACKGROUND: Tongoloa is a genus comprising approximately 20 species, primarily distributed in the mountainous regions of southwest China. The insufficiency of specimen materials and morphological similarities among species render it a taxonomically challenging genus within the Apiaceae family. To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy of Chinese Tongoloa, this study utilized a total of 115 nrITS sequences, including 47 recently obtained sequences, for phylogenetic reconstruction. RESULTS: Phylogenetic relationships reconstructed from ITS sequences indicate that the East Asia Clade and the Komarovia Clade are sister groups, and Tongoloa belongs to the East Asia Clade. Species of Tongoloa are subdivided into 3 distinct groups, all sharing similar fruit morphologies and are clearly differentiated from related taxa. Several Tongoloa-like members classified under other genera are interpreted to be closely related to Tongoloa. Morphological and molecular data indicate that Tongoloa, Sinolimprichtia subclade and Chinese Trachydium subclade are separate yet genetically contiguous taxa. It is confirmed that Tongoloa zhongdianensis belongs to the Hymenidium Clade, while Sinocarum is classified within the Acronema Clade. Two new taxa are found in the Hengduan Mountains. CONCLUSION: Tongoloa is a genus within the East Asia Clade of Apiaceae, and the phylogeny reconstructed based on ITS sequences divides it into 3 main groups. By integrating fruit morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses, we preliminary clarified the intricate taxonomic relationships among Tongoloa and related taxa. These results provide valuable opportunities for a deeper understanding of the phylogeny of Tongoloa.

Phytochemistry and Biological Profile of the Chinese Endemic Herb Genus Notopterygium.

Notopterygium, a plant genus belonging to the Apiaceae family, is utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties. Specifically, the roots and rhizomes of these plants are employed in phytotherapy to alleviate inflammatory conditions and headaches. This review provides a concise overview of the existing information regarding the botanical description, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and molecular mechanisms of the two Notopterygium species: Notopterygium incisum and N. franchetii. More than 500 distinct compounds have been derived from these plants, with the root being the primary source. These components include volatile oils, coumarins, enynes, sesquiterpenes, organic acids and esters, flavonoids, and various other compounds. Research suggests that Notopterygium incisum and N. franchetii exhibit a diverse array of pharmacological effects, encompassing antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiarrhythmic, anticoagulant, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties on various organs such as the brain, heart, digestive system, and respiratory system. Building activity screening models based on the pharmacological effects of Notopterygium species, as well as discovering and studying the pharmacological mechanisms of novel active ingredients, will constitute the primary development focus of Notopterygium medicinal research in the future.

Study on the Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of Coumarins in Peucedanum decursivum Based on Spatial Metabolomics Combined with Network Pharmacology.

Peucedanum decursivum (Miq.) Maxim (P. decursivum) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, the root of which is widely used as medicine. Determining the spatial distribution and pharmacological mechanisms of metabolites is necessary when studying the effective substances of medicinal plants. As a means of obtaining spatial distribution information of metabolites, mass spectrometry imaging has high sensitivity and allows for molecule visualization. In this study, matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MSI) and network pharmacology were used for the first time to visually study the spatial distribution and anti-inflammatory mechanism of coumarins, which are metabolites of P. decursivum, to determine their tissue localization and mechanism of action. A total of 27 coumarins were identified by MALDI-TOF-MSI, which mainly concentrated in the cortex, periderm, and phloem of the root of P. decursivum. Network pharmacology studies have identified key targets for the anti-inflammatory effect of P. decursivum, such as TNF, PTGS2, and PRAKA. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that coumarins in P. decursivum mainly participated in biological processes such as inflammatory response, positive regulation of protein kinase B signaling, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, pathways in cancer, and other biological pathways. The molecular docking results indicated that there was good binding between components and targets. This study provides a basis for understanding the spatial distribution and anti-inflammatory mechanism of coumarins in P. decursivum.

Phytochemical profiling, antiviral activities, molecular docking, and dynamic simulations of selected Ruellia species extracts.

The antiviral properties of the flowering aerial extracts of Ruellia tuberosa and Ruellia patula were investigated through phytochemical profiling via LC-MS/MS and HPLC techniques. Qualitative LC-MS/MS analyses identified seventy-seven metabolites from both Ruellia species. R. tuberosa had the highest phenolic content (49.3%), whereas R. patula had the highest flavonoid content (57.8%). Additionally, quantitative HPLC investigations of the compounds identified by LC-MS/MS were performed using the available standard compounds. The main constituents in the R. tuberosa extract was found to be catechin (5321.63 µg/g), gallic acid (2878.71 µg/g), and ellagic acid (2530.79 µg/g), whereas the major compounds in the R. patula extract was found to be rutin (11,074.19 µg/g) and chlorogenic acid (3157.35 µg/g). Furthermore, the antiviral activities of both Ruellia species against HAdV-40, herpes simplex type 2 and H1N1 were evaluated. These findings demonstrated that R. tuberosa was more active than R. patula against all tested viruses, except for the HSV-2 virus, against which R. patula showed greater activity than R. tuberosa, with IC50 values of 20, 65, 22.59, and 13.13 µg/ml for R. tuberosa flowering aerial parts and 32.26, 11.66, and 23.03 µg/ml for R. patula flowering aerial parts, respectively for HAdV-40, herpes simplex type 2, and H1N1. Additionally, computational docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to assess the molecular interactions between the bioactive compounds and specific viral targets. The combined findings from the in-vitro and in-silico experiments comprehensively evaluated the antiviral activities of both Ruellia species extracts.

Chemical structure and immunomodulatory activity of a polysaccharide from Saposhnikoviae Radix.

A new polysaccharide, named SP40015A01, was obtained from Saposhnikoviae Radix by water extraction, isolation and purification. SP40015A01 (9.7 × 105 Da) is composed of Rhamnose (Rha), Galacturonic acid (GalA), Galactose (Gal), and Arabinose (Ara) with the proportion of 1.6:85.6:5.8:7.6. The backbone of SP40015A01 is composed of 3-α-GalAp, 2-α-GalAp, 2,3-ß-GalAp and 2,3-ß-Galp, and branched at C3 of 2,3-ß-GalAp, C3 of 2,3-ß-Galp. Zebrafish experiments were used to explore the immunomodulatory activity of SP40015A01. Results showed that SP40015A01 could significantly improve the neutrophils density of immunocompromised zebrafish and reduce the content of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). This study demonstrated that SP40015A01 has significant immunomodulatory activity, which can improve the neutrophils density and reduce inflammatory factor content, suggesting SP40015A01 may be a potential immunomodulator in Saposhnikoviae Radix (SR) for treatment of hypoimmunity related disease. This study supplemented the research on the polysaccharide components in traditional Chinese medicine and provided a scientific explanation for the development and clinical applications of SR.

Two Undescribed Coumarins from Notopterygium Incisum with Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Two previously undescribed coumarins (1-2) were isolated from the root of Notopterygium incisum. The structures of new findings were elucidated by analyses of spectral evidences in HRESIMS, NMR, as well as ICD. The absolute configurations were further confirmed by chemical calculations. 1-2 exhibits obviously anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory mediators (COX-2, iNOS), as well as reducing the release of NO and the accumulation of ROS in cells. Western blotting analysis revealed that 2 could inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway by reducing the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT.

Recent progress on Prangos (Apiaceae) species used in traditional herbal medicine.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Plants have been used for a long time in traditional medicine to treat many diseases. The genus Prangos belongs to the Apiaceae family and has various medicinal and aromatic species. Since ancient times, Prangos species have been employed extensively in traditional medicine for different purposes and are especially popular for their aphrodisiac effects. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The goal of this paper is to represent a systematic review of the species in the genus Prangos, including their botanical characteristics, uses in traditional medicine, phytochemical constituents, the composition of the essential oils produced, and the biological properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The articles regarding traditional uses and bioactivities of Prangos species were evaluated using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Use of the World Flora Online (WFO) - The Plant List, The International Plant Names Index, the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (2024), and ChemDraw Professional helped complete this compilation. RESULTS: Phytochemical investigations have indicated that coumarins are characteristic constituents of Prangos species, especially prenylated simple coumarins and furanocoumarins, and also flavonoids, terpenoids, and phytosterols occur in this genus. In addition, the essential oils of these plants have been examined. The biological properties of the Prangos species seem worthy of further investigation. Also, some information about the toxicity of these species and their use as ingredients in food products is presented. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the evaluation of traditional knowledge, phytochemical profiles, biological activities, and potential uses of Prangos species as foods and spices. Many pharmacological activities have been performed related to their traditional uses, but frequently, the exact mechanism of action remains scientifically unproven. This review has compiled data on the phytochemistry, the active secondary metabolites, the biological properties, and recent advances in Prangos species.

Combined metabolome and transcriptome reveal HmF6'H1 regulating simple coumarin accumulation against powdery mildew infection in Heracleum moellendorffii Hance.

BACKGROUND: Powdery mildew, caused by Eeysiphe heraclei, seriously threatens Heracleum moellendorffii Hance. Plant secondary metabolites are essential to many activities and are necessary for defense against biotic stress. In order to clarify the functions of these metabolites in response to the pathogen, our work concentrated on the variations in the accumulation of secondary metabolites in H. moellendorffii during E. heraclei infection. RESULTS: Following E. heraclei infection, a significant upregulation of coumarin metabolites-particularly simple coumarins and associated genes was detected by RNA-seq and UPLC-MS/MS association analysis. Identifying HmF6'H1, a Feruloyl CoA 6'-hydroxylase pivotal in the biosynthesis of the coumarin basic skeleton through ortho-hydroxylation, was a significant outcome. The cytoplasmic HmF6'H1 protein was shown to be able to catalyze the ortho-hydroxylation of p-coumaroyl-CoA and caffeoyl-CoA, resulting in the formation of umbelliferone and esculetin, respectively. Over-expression of the HmF6'H1 gene resulted in increased levels of simple coumarins, inhibiting the biosynthesis of furanocoumarins and pyranocoumarins by suppressing PT gene expression, enhancing H. moellendorffii resistance to powdery mildew. CONCLUSIONS: These results established HmF6'H1 as a resistance gene aiding H. moellendorffii in combatting E. heraclei infection, offering additional evidence of feruloyl-CoA 6'-hydroxylase role in catalyzing various types of simple coumarins. Therefore, this work contributes to our understanding of the function of simple coumarins in plants' defense against powdery mildew infection.

Comparison of the chemical constituents of Saposhnikoviae Radix associated with three different growth patterns and its therapeutic effect against atopic dermatitis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Saposhnikoviae Radix (SR) was initially documented in Shennong Bencao Jing classics for its properties in dispelling wind, dissolving surface, relieving pain, and alleviating spasms. This herb is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to address conditions that affect the body's surface, by aiding in the expulsion of pathogens from the surface and alleviating pain associated with the immune response. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent allergic skin disorder, and the therapeutic effects of SR in dispelling wind and relieving the body's surface are consistent with the clinical symptoms commonly observed in AD. AIM OF THE STUDY: The anti-AD effects of SR were examined under three different growth patterns to identify active pharmacodynamic compounds. The results provide insight into the clinical efficacy of wild and cultivated SR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The efficacy of wild, wild-simulated, and cultivated SR was assessed in a mouse model of AD. In addition, the effects of wild and varying doses of cultivated SR were evaluated in mice with short-term AD symptoms. GC-MS and UPLC-MS/MS were used to analyze the chemical components of the three SR treatments and molecular docking was used to identify active components. RESULTS: A mouse model of AD was used to assess the pharmacodynamic effects of SR prepared by three different cultivation methods. The study found that all three SR preparations improved phenotypic markers and histopathological features in the AD mouse model. The efficacy of wild SR and wild-simulated SR was similar, although there was a significant difference between wild and cultivated SR. Both wild SR and various doses of cultivated SR ameliorated skin injuries and reduced inflammation in serum and skin tissues. Furthermore, skin thickness, inflammatory cells, mast cell infiltration, and IL-33 expression improved following treatment. Notably, wild SR, double-cultivated SR, and triple-cultivated SR demonstrated significant therapeutic effects. An analysis using GC-MS revealed the presence of 55, 52, and 43 volatile oils in the three SR preparations, with more common components observed between wild and wild-simulated SR. Fewer common components were evident between cultivated and wild SR. UPLC-MS/MS analysis identified a total of 37 compounds, with larger relative peak areas observed for the chromogenic ketones. Molecular docking studies revealed that certain compounds, such as n-propyl 9,12-octadecadienoate, (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester, and various chromogenic ketones, such as cimifugin, 5-O-methyIvisamminol, hamaudol, 3'-O-acetylhamaudol, 3'-O-angeloyhamandol, adenosine and farnesylaceton, may be the major substances that distinguish the activities of SR with three different growth patterns. CONCLUSION: Variations in the anti-AD efficacy of SR with three growth patterns were identified, and their chemical composition differences were determined. These findings suggest that increasing the dosage of cultivated SR could potentially be a viable clinical alternative for atopic dermatitis treatment.

The telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn provides insights into the genome evolution and coumarin biosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine has used Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (Apiaceae) for a long time. Various coumarins, including the significant constituents praeruptorin (A-E), are the active constituents in the dried roots of P. praeruptorum. Previous transcriptomic and metabolomic studies have attempted to elucidate the distribution and biosynthetic network of these medicinal-valuable compounds. However, the lack of a high-quality reference genome impedes an in-depth understanding of genetic traits and thus the development of better breeding strategies. RESULTS: A telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome was assembled for P. praeruptorum by combining PacBio HiFi, ONT ultra-long, and Hi-C data. The final genome assembly was approximately 1.798 Gb, assigned to 11 chromosomes with genome completeness >98%. Comparative genomic analysis suggested that P. praeruptorum experienced 2 whole-genome duplication events. By the transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of the coumarin metabolic pathway, we presented coumarins' spatial and temporal distribution and the expression patterns of critical genes for its biosynthesis. Notably, the COSY and cytochrome P450 genes showed tandem duplications on several chromosomes, which may be responsible for the high accumulation of coumarins. CONCLUSIONS: A T2T genome for P. praeruptorum was obtained, providing molecular insights into the chromosomal distribution of the coumarin biosynthetic genes. This high-quality genome is an essential resource for designing engineering strategies for improving the production of these valuable compounds.

UPLC-ESI-MS/MS Profiling of Secondary Metabolites from Methanol Extracts of In Vivo and In Vitro Tissues of Daucus capillifolius Gilli (A Comparative Study).

Daucus capillifolius Gilli is a rare annual wild herb grown in Libya. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, which is one of the largest flowering plant families. Plants of this family are outstanding sources of various secondary metabolites with various biological activities. A UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of different extracts of in vivo and in vitro tissues of Daucus capillifolius together with the fruit extract of the cultivated plant in both ionization modes was carried out for the first time in the current study. Our results reveal the tentative identification of eighty-seven compounds in the tested extracts, including thirty-two phenolic acids and their derivatives; thirty-seven flavonoid glycosides and aglycones of apigenin, luteolin, diosmetin, myricetin and quercetin, containing glucose, rhamnose, pentose and/or glucuronic acid molecules; seven anthocyanins; six tannins; three acetylenic compounds; and three nitrogenous compounds. The tentative identification of the above compounds was based on the comparison of their retention times and ESI-MS/MS fragmentation patterns with those previously reported in the literature. For this Apiaceae plant, our results confirm the presence of a wide array of secondary metabolites with reported biological activities. This study is among the first ones to shed light on the phytoconstituents of this rare plant.