Chloroplast DNA reveals genetic population structure in Sinomenium acutum in subtropical China.

Objective: The population density and diversity of Sinomenium acutum (Menispermaceae) have been greatly reduced recently by overharvesting for medicinal purposes in China. Therefore, it is urgent that the remaining populations are investigated, and that strategies for the utilization and conservation of this species are developed. This study aimed to find the possible glacial refugia and define the genetic diversity of S. acutum for its proper utilization and conservation. Methods: A total of 77 S. acutum samples were collected from four locations, Qinling Mountains, Daba Mountains, Dalou Mountains, and Xuefeng Mountains, in subtropical China. Genetic diversity among and between these populations were phylogenetically analyzed using four chloroplast DNA molecular markers (atpI-atpH, trnQ-5'rps16, trnH-psbA and trnL-trnF). Results: A total of 14 haplotypes (C1 to C14) were found in collected samples. Haplotypes C1 and C3 were shared among all populations, with C3 as the ancestral haplotype. Haplotypes C11 and C12 diverged the most from C3 and other haplotypes. No obvious phylogeographic structure was found in four locations using the GST/NST test. There is no evidence of rapid demographic expansion in S. acutum based on the mismatch distribution, and the results of Tajima's D test, and Fu's FS test. Our analyses of molecular variance revealed a high level of genetic variation within populations. In contrast, the genetic differentiation among S. acutum populations was low, indicating frequent gene flow. Conclusion: Xuefeng, Dalou, and Daba Mountains were possible glacial refugia for the populations of S. acutum. C1, C3, C11 and C12 haplotypes of S. acutum should be carefully preserved and managed for their genetic value.

Quality assessment of Succus Bambusae oral liquids based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry fingerprints and chemometrics.

RATIONALE: Succus Bambusae is consumed as a kind of herbal medicine and natural beverage in China. However, the current quality standards for Succus Bambusae are low and lack safety indicators, which makes it difficult to effectively guarantee its quality. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the identification and quality control technology for the product. METHODS: We have developed a set of qualitative and quantitative methods based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for the analysis of volatile components in Succus Bambusae oral liquid (SBOL). Combining GC/MS fingerprint analysis and related chemometrics algorithms, with similarity evaluation, Hotelling T2 and distance to Model X (DModX) as criteria, the quality consistency of different batches was evaluated, and SBOL samples from different manufacturers were differentiated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine volatile components were preliminarily identified from 40 batches of SBOL samples from six manufacturers, and six Q-markers (Quality Markers) for the SBOLs were discussed and determined using GC/MS. The products from different manufacturers were distinguished using chemometrics. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the quality of the SBOL samples from different batches and different manufacturers fluctuated greatly, which suggested that research into the raw materials and manufacturing techniques should be strengthened to improve the quality of SBOL and ensure its quality consistency.

[Research progress on chemical constituents and quality control methods of Succus Bambusae].

Through the investigation of a large number of both domestic and overseas literatures and related quality standards, chemical compositions, quality evaluation system and quality control methods of Succus Bambusae were systematic summarized in this study. There were abundant chemical constituents in Succus Bambusae, mainly including volatile ingredients, amino acids, flavonoids, trace elements and vitamins, with high medicinal and edible value. The quality control methods involved traditional morphological identification, spectroscopy, chromatography and other techniques. However, the current quality standards of Succus Bambusae are relatively low, lacking safety indicators, and cannot effectively ensure its quality, seriously affecting the safety and effectiveness of its clinical use. Therefore, it is particularly important to establish a set of highly sensitive and specific quality evaluation system for Succus Bambusae. In this paper, the current research status of the chemical compositions and quality standards of Succus Bambusae were reviewed, with the purpose of providing a basis for further improvement of its quality evaluation system.