Processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua attenuates postpartum depression in rat model by regulating monoamines and hormones.

Background: Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a traditional Chinese medicinal food herb which can regulate the liver and Qi, nourish the heart and blood, moisten the lungs and nourish the kidneys with the potential to treat emotional diseases. However, few studies have explored the effects of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua on postpartum depression. Therefore, we investigated whether processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua could improve postpartum depression in rat models by regulating monoamines and hormones. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal control (0.9%Nacl), Sham operation (0.9%Nacl), postpartum depression model (0.9%Nacl), fluoxetine (2.5 mg/kg Fluoxetine), low, medium and high dose of processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg, 10 g/kg) groups. Rats in these groups received drug intervention, and then subjected to Open-field test and Forced swimming test. Brain tissues and serum samples were collected and used to quantify levels of monoamines, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and serum Estradiol. The status of neuronal cells in hippocampus 1 region was examined through hematoxylin-eosin staining, whereas expression of estrogen receptor α and ß was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: Rats in the model group showed decreased mobility time, the disorder of neuronal cells in hippocampus 1 area, and decreased concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine in brain tissue, norepinephrine and estradiol in serum as well as estrogen receptor α and ß expression. They also exhibited increased adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone and corticotropin releasing hormone in serum. However, the treatment with processed Polygonatum cyrtonem Hua or fluoxetine reversed the above abnormalities. Conclusion: The H group showed significant improvement in postpartum depression in rats, and processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua can be used as a developing drug for the prevention or treatment of depression.

[Study on selective breeding of medicinal Chrysanthemum morifolium].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate botanical characters and yield of four cultivars of Chrysanthemum morifolium for further study on their genetic diversity and selective breeding. METHOD: The characters were observed and yield was investigated by field randomized block and analysis of variance. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The botanical characters are difference among four cultivars; the amount of single flower head is the main factor influencing on the output of Chrysanthemum morifolium (r = 0.925); the yield of "Hongxinju" and "Xiaobaiju" are remarkably higher than that of "Dabaiju" and "Changbanju".

[Salt-tolerance evaluation of seedlings of medicinal Chrysanthemum morifolium cultivar].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate salt tolerance of seedlings of 4 medicinal C. morifolium cultivars to be transplanted, and to expand the planting area. METHOD: Seedlings were cultivated in hoagland nutrient solution containing various concentrations of NaCl for 30 days. The height, dry weight and chlorophyll content were investigated. Identification index mainly in relative growth rate, the evaluation of NaCl effects on the growth, K+, Na+ and Cl- distribution in seedlings were surveyed. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The salt tolerance was difference among four cultivars of C. morifolium. The salt tolerance of "Dabaiju" and "Changbanju" was weak, while "Hongxinju" and "Xiaobaiju" was strong. "Hongxinju" and "Xiaobaiju" may be planted in salinte soil area.

[Comparative study on pesticide and heavy metal residuals of four cultivars of Chrysanthemum morifolium].

OBJECTIVE: To study organochlorine pesticide and heavy metal residuals of Chrysanthemum morifolium. METHOD: The contents of organochlorine pesticide residuals was determined by chromatography, Cu, Pb, Cd was determined by AAS, and As, Hg was determined by AFS. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The contents of organochlorine pesticide and heavy metals residuals are up to "Green Trade Standards of Importing & Exporting Medicinal plants & Preprations" (MOFTEC, 2001), but the contents are different among four cultivars clearly.

[Comparative study on internal quality of four cultivars of Chrysanthemum morifolium].

OBJECTIVE: To study the genetic diversity of C. morifolium on the chemical constituents. METHOD: Chemical constituents of four cultivars cultivated with the same conditions were compared in three types of index: chlorogenic acid, flavonoid and volatile oil. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: With different cultivars and processing methods, the contents of chlorogenic acid, flavonoid and volatile oil extracted from C. morifolium vary great extent.