A genome assembly of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) provides insights into genome evolution and 6-gingerol biosynthesis.

Ginger is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions and is one of the most crucial spices worldwide owing to its special taste and scent. Here, we present a high-quality genome assembly for 'Small Laiwu Ginger', a famous cultivated ginger in northern China. The ginger genome was phased into two haplotypes, haplotype A (1.55Gb), and haplotype B (1.44Gb). Analysis of Ty1/Copia and Ty3/Gypsy LTR retrotransposon families revealed that both have undergone multiple retrotransposon bursts about 0-1 million years ago. In addition to a recent whole-genome duplication event, there has been a lineage-specific expansion of genes involved in stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid, and gingerol biosynthesis, thereby enhancing 6-gingerol biosynthesis. Furthermore, we focused on the biosynthesis of 6-gingerol, the most important gingerol, and screened key transcription factors ZoMYB106 and ZobHLH148 that regulate 6-gingerol synthesis by transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis in the ginger rhizome at four growth stages. The results of yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays showed that both ZoMYB106 and ZobHLH148 bind to the promoters of the key rate-limiting enzyme genes ZoCCOMT1 and ZoCCOMT2 in the 6-gingerol synthesis pathway and promote their transcriptional activities. The reference genome, transcriptome, and metabolome data pave the way for further research on the molecular mechanism underlying the biosynthesis of 6-gingerol. Furthermore, it provides precious new resources for the study on the biology and molecular breeding of ginger.

Integrative analyses of metabolome and transcriptome reveal the dynamic accumulation and regulatory network in rhizomes and fruits of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua.

BACKGROUND: According to Chinese ancient books, both fruits and rhizomes of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua have medicinal and edible values. Up to now, there is no report about the metabolite profiles and regulatory network in fruits and different year-old rhizomes of P. cyrtonema. RESULTS: In this study, we performed integrative analyses of metabolome and transcriptome to reveal the dynamic accumulation and regulatory network of fruits and different year-old rhizomes in P. cyrtonema. The relative content of phenolic acids, lignans and coumarins, flavonoids and alkaloids increased with growth years, while steroids and lipids decreased with it. In addition, the relative content of nucleotides and derivatives, flavonoids, organic acids, steroids and lipids in fruits were higher than rhizomes. Genes that might relate to the biosynthesis of polysaccharides, flavonoids, triterpene saponins and alkaloids biosynthesis were further analyzed by transcriptome analysis, including sacA, GMPP, PMM, CCoAOMT, CHI, ANR, CHS, DXS, GGPS, ZEP, CYP72A219 and so on, for their expressions were positively correlated with the relative content of the metabolites. Additionally, the correlation network in sugar and aromatic amino acids metabolites were constructed to further illustrate the biosynthesis of polysaccharides, flavonoids and alkaloids in P. cyrtonema, and some transcription factors (TFs) were screened, such as C2C2, MYB, bZIP, GRAS and NAC. CONCLUSIONS: This study can deepen our understanding of the accumulation patterns and molecular mechanism of the main compounds in P. cyrtonema, and provide reference for the standardize production of P. cyrtonema.

Zingiber officinale promotes autophagy and apoptosis in human oral cancer through the C/EBP homologous protein.

The rhizome of Zingiber officinale (Z. officinale), commonly known as ginger, has been characterized as a potential drug candidate due to its antitumor effects. However, the chemotherapeutic effect of ginger on human oral cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of an ethanol extract of Z. officinale rhizomes (ZOE) on oral cancer and identified the components responsible for its pharmacological activity. ZOE exerts its inhibitory activity in oral cancer by inducing both autophagy and apoptosis simultaneously. Mechanistically, ZOE-induced autophagy and apoptosis in oral cancer are attributed to the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress response. Additionally, we identified two active components of ZOE, 1-dehydro-6-gingerdione and 8-shogaol, which were sufficient to stimulate autophagy initiation and apoptosis induction by enhancing CHOP expression. These results suggest that ZOE and its two active components induce ROS generation, upregulate CHOP, initiate autophagy and apoptosis, and hold promising therapeutics against human oral cancer.

Soil fungal community structure and function response to rhizoma perennial peanut cultivars.

BACKGROUND: Crop-associated microorganisms play a crucial role in soil nutrient cycling, and crop growth, and health. Fine-scale patterns in soil microbial community diversity and composition are commonly regulated by plant species or genotype. Despite extensive reports in different crop or its cultivar effects on the microbial community, it is uncertain how rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata Benth.), a perennial warm-season legume forage that is well-adapted in the southern USA, affects soil microbial community across different cultivars. RESULTS: This study explored the influence of seven different RP cultivars on the taxonomic composition, diversity, and functional groups of soil fungal communities through a field trial in Marianna, Florida, Southern USA, using next-generation sequencing technique. Our results showed that the taxonomic diversity and composition of the fungal community differed significantly across RP cultivars. Alpha diversity (Shannon, Simpson, and Pielou's evenness) was significantly higher in Ecoturf but lower in UF_Peace and Florigraze compared to other cultivars (p < 0.001). Phylogenetic diversity (Faith's PD) was lowest in Latitude compared to other cultivars (p < 0.0001). The dominant phyla were Ascomycota (13.34%), Mortierellomycota (3.82%), and Basidiomycota (2.99%), which were significantly greater in Florigraze, UF_Peace, and Ecoturf, respectively. The relative abundance of Neocosmospora was markedly high (21.45%) in UF_Tito and showed large variations across cultivars. The relative abundance of the dominant genera was significantly greater in Arbrook than in other cultivars. There were also significant differences in the co-occurrence network, showing different keystone taxa and more positive correlations than the negative correlations across cultivars. FUNGuild analysis showed that the relative abundance of functional guilds including pathogenic, saprotrophic, endophytic, mycorrhizal and parasitic fungi significantly differed among cultivars. Ecoturf had the greatest relative abundance of mycorrhizal fungal group (5.10 ± 0.44), whereas UF_Peace had the greatest relative abundance of endophytic (4.52 ± 0.56) and parasitic fungi (1.67 ± 0.30) compared to other cultivars. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide evidence of crop cultivar's effect in shaping fine-scale fungal community patterns in legume-based forage systems.

Spatiotemporal transcriptomic atlas of rhizome formation in Oryza longistaminata.

Rhizomes are modified stems that grow underground and produce new individuals genetically identical to the mother plant. Recently, a breakthrough has been made in efforts to convert annual grains into perennial ones by utilizing wild rhizomatous species as donors, yet the developmental biology of this organ is rarely studied. Oryza longistaminata, a wild rice species featuring strong rhizomes, provides a valuable model for exploration of rhizome development. Here, we first assembled a double-haplotype genome of O. longistaminata, which displays a 48-fold improvement in contiguity compared to the previously published assembly. Furthermore, spatiotemporal transcriptomics was performed to obtain the expression profiles of different tissues in O. longistaminata rhizomes and tillers. Two spatially reciprocal cell clusters, the vascular bundle 2 cluster and the parenchyma 2 cluster, were determined to be the primary distinctions between the rhizomes and tillers. We also captured meristem initiation cells in the sunken area of parenchyma located at the base of internodes, which is the starting point for rhizome initiation. Trajectory analysis further indicated that the rhizome is regenerated through de novo generation. Collectively, these analyses revealed a spatiotemporal transcriptional transition underlying the rhizome initiation, providing a valuable resource for future perennial crop breeding.

Study on the immune-enhancing and inhabiting transmissible gastroenteritis virus effects of polysaccharides from Cimicifuga rhizoma.

Cimicifugae rhizoma is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine in China, and modern pharmacological research showed that it has obvious antiviral activity. Many polysaccharides have been proved to have immune enhancement and antiviral activity, but there are few studies on the biological activity of Cimicifuga rhizoma polysaccharide (CRP). The aim was to explore the character of CRP and its effects on improving immune activity and inhibiting transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). The monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, fourier transform infrared spectra and electron microscopy analysis of CRP was measured. The effect of CRP on immune activity in lymphocytes and RAW264.7 cells were studied by colorimetry, FITC-OVA fluorescent staining and ELISA. The effect of CRP on TGEV-infected PK-15 cells was determined using Real-time PCR, Hoechst fluorescence staining, trypan blue staining, acridine orange staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI fluorescent staining, DCFH-DA loading probe, and JC-1 staining. Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets of CRP in enhancing immunity and anti-TGEV, and molecular docking was used to further analyze the binding mode between CPR and core targets. The results showed that CRP was mainly composed of glucose and galactose, and its molecular weight was 64.28 kDa. The content of iNOS and NO in CRP group were significantly higher than the control group. CRP (125 and 62.5 µg/mL) could significantly enhance the phagocytic capacity of RAW264.7 cells, and imprive the content of IL-1ß content compared with control group. 250 µg/mL of CRP possessed the significant inhibitory effect on TGEV, which could significantly reduce the apoptosis compared to TGVE group and inhibit the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential compared to TGVE group. The mRNA expression of TGEV N gene in CRP groups was significantly lower than TGEV group. PPI showed that the core targets of immune-enhancing were AKT1, MMP9, HSP90AA1, etc., and the core targets of TGE were CASP3, MMP9, EGFR, etc. Molecular docking show that CRP has binding potential with target. These results indicated that CRP possessed the better immune enhancement effect and anti-TGEV activity.

Bud shapes dictate tiller-rhizome transition in African perennial rice (Oryza longistaminata).

KEY MESSAGE: Rhizome formation of Oryza longistaminata was dependent on the bud shape. The loci qBS3.1, qBS3.2 and qBS3.3 for controlling rhizome formation were functional redundant under Oryza longistaminata background. The rhizome, a root-like underground stem, is the key organ for grasses to achieve perennial growth. Oryza longistaminata, the only rhizomatous wild Oryza species with the same AA genome as cultivated rice, is an important germplasm for developing perennial rice. Our study found that the rhizome formation of O. longistaminata was dependent on the bud shape: the dome-like axillary bud (dome bud) usually penetrated through the leaf sheaths, developing into rhizome (extravaginal branching), but the flat axillary bud (flat bud) wrapped by the leaf sheaths only developed into tiller (intravaginal branching). The genetic loci (QTL) controlling the bud shape (BS) were mapped by entire population genotyping method (F2 population from crossing O. longistaminata with Balilla (Oryza sativa) and selective genotyping mapping method (BC1F2 population from backcrossing F1 with Balilla). A total of twelve loci were identified, including four major-effect QTL: qBS2, qBS3.1, qBS3.2 and qBS3.3, and the genetic network of these twelve loci was established. The dome bud lost the potential to develop into rhizome with the increase in backcross generations under Balilla background. Considering the rapid loss of rhizome under Balilla background, the near-isogenic lines under O. longistaminata background were used to identify the effect of major-effect loci. According to the BC3F2, BC4F2 and BC5F2 under O. longistaminata background, there was some functional redundancy among qBS3.1, qBS3.2 and qBS3.3. Our results provided a new perspective for analyzing the genetic basis of perenniality and laid the foundation for fine mapping and verification of related genes.

Fermentation of Polygonati Rhizoma aqueous extract using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum under the condition of eutrophication.

In this experiment, the eutrophication system was established by adding sucrose and yeast powder, and the pH and dissolved oxygen were measured in a bioreactor in real time to study the effect of aerobic environment on the fermentation process of Polygonati Rhizoma extract by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. To further analyze metabolic changes, UPLC-Q-Exactive MS was used for metabolomic analysis and metabolic profiling. Multivariate analysis was performed using principal component analysis and Orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis. Finally, 313 differential metabolites were selected, 196 of which were annotated through database matching. After fermentation, the content of short-chain fatty acids, lactic acid, and their derivatives increased significantly, and there were 13 kinds and 4 kinds, respectively. Both compounds and their derivatives are beneficial to the intestinal flora. Consequently, incorporating L. plantarum into the aerobic fermentation process of Polygonati Rhizoma extract within the eutrophic system is potentially advantageous in enhancing the impact of its fermentation solution on the gut microbiota and its effects on human health. Our findings for this kind of edible and medicinal material research and development offer useful insights.

Alocasia macrorrhiza rhizome lectin inhibits growth of pathogenic bacteria and human lung cancer cell in vitro and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell in vivo in mice.

Cancer and antibiotic resistance represent significant global challenges, affecting public health and healthcare systems worldwide. Lectin, a carbohydrate-binding protein, displays various biological properties, including antimicrobial and anticancer activities. This study focused on anticancer and antibacterial properties of Alocasia macrorrhiza lectin (AML). AML, with a molecular weight of 11.0 ± 1.0 kDa was purified using Ion-exchange chromatography, and the homotetrameric form was detected by gel-filtration chromatography. It agglutinates mouse erythrocytes, that was inhibited by 4-Nitrophenyl-α-d-mannopyranoside. Maximum hemagglutination activity was observed below 60 °C and within a pH range from 8 to 11. Additionally, it exhibited moderate toxicity against brine shrimp nauplii with LD50 values of 321 µg/ml and showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae. In vitro experiments demonstrated that AML suppressed the proliferation of mice Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells by 35 % and human lung cancer (A549) cells by 40 % at 512 µg/ml concentration. In vivo experiments involved intraperitoneal injection of AML in EAC-bearing mice for five consecutive days at doses of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg/day, and the results indicated that AML inhibited EAC cell growth by 37 % and 54 %, respectively. Finally, it can be concluded that AML can be used for further anticancer and antibacterial studies.

The contribution of carbon budget to masting intervals in Veratrum album populations inhabiting different elevations.

PREMISE: Mast flowering/seeding is often more extreme in lower-resource environments, such as alpine compared to lowland habitats. We studied a masting herb that had less extreme masting at higher elevations, and tested if this difference could be explained by higher photosynthetic productivity and/or lower reproductive investment at the higher-elevation sites. METHODS: We examined the relationship between flowering intervals and carbon budget (i.e., the balance between reproductive investment and annual carbon fixation) in a masting herb, Veratrum album subsp. oxysepalum, across five lowland and six alpine populations in northern Japan. We evaluated the previous flowering histories of individual plants based on rhizome morphology and analyzed the masting patterns of individual populations. Total mass of the reproductive organs, as a proxy of reproductive investment, was compared between the lowland and alpine populations. Annual carbon fixation was estimated on the basis of photosynthetic capacity, total leaf area per plant, and seasonal transition of light availability. RESULTS: Interval between high-flowering years was shorter and total reproductive investment was smaller in the alpine than in the lowland populations. Owing to its high photosynthetic capacity and continuous bright conditions, annual carbon fixation per plant was 1.5 times greater in alpine habitat than in lowland habitat. These results suggest that V. album alpine populations have shorter flowering intervals than lowland populations due to faster recovery from energy loss after reproduction. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that masting intervals in V. album populations can be explained by habitat-specific carbon budget balances.

The protective effects of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome against fevers in rats.

The Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes are traditionally used to treat fever, and the in vitro inhibitory effect of ethyl acetate extract from Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes (EAEZZR) against DENV2 NS2B/NS3 (two non-structural proteins, NS2 and NS3 of dengue virus type 2) has been reported earlier. This study was carried out to establish an acute toxicity profile and evaluate the anti-fever (anti-pyretic) activities of EAEZZR in yeast-induced fever in rats. The major compound of EAEZZR, zerumbone, was isolated using chromatographic methods including column chromatography (CC) and preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC). Additionally, the structure of zerumbone was elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), liquid chromatography mass spectrometer-ion trap-time of flight (LCMS-IT-TOF), infrared (IR), and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The toxicity of EAEZZR was evaluated using Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Test Guideline 425 (OECD tg-425) with minor modifications at concentrations EAEZZR of 2000 mg/kg, 3000 mg/kg, and 5000 mg/kg. Anti-fever effect was determined by yeast-induced fever (pyrexia) in rats. The acute toxicity study showed that EAEZZR is safe at the highest 5000 mg/kg body weight dose in Sprague Dawley rats. Rats treated with EAEZZR at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg exhibited a significant reduction in rectal temperature (TR) in the first 1 h. EAEZZR at the lower dose of 125 mg/kg showed substantial potency against yeast-induced fever for up to 2 h compared to 0 h in controls. A significant reduction of TR was observed in rats treated with standard drug aspirin in the third through fourth hours. Based on the present findings, ethyl acetate extract of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes could be considered safe up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg, and the identification of active ingredients of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes may allow their use in the treatment of fever with dengue virus infection.

Protective Effects of Coptis chinensis Rhizome Extract and Its Constituents (Berberine, Coptisine, and Palmatine) against α-Synuclein Neurotoxicity in Dopaminergic SH-SY5Y Cells.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease with progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and the presence of α-synuclein-immunoreactive inclusions. Gaucher's disease is caused by homozygous mutations in ß-glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA). GBA mutation carriers have an increased risk of PD. Coptis chinensis (C. chinensis) rhizome extract is a major herb widely used to treat human diseases. This study examined the association of GBA L444P mutation with Taiwanese PD in 1016 cases and 539 controls. In addition, the protective effects of C. chinensis rhizome extract and its active constituents (berberine, coptisine, and palmatine) against PD were assayed using GBA reporter cells, LC3 reporter cells, and cells expressing mutated (A53T) α-synuclein. Case-control study revealed that GBA L444P carriers had a 3.93-fold increased risk of PD (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-11.24, p = 0.006) compared to normal controls. Both C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents exhibited chemical chaperone activity to reduce α-synuclein aggregation. Promoter reporter and endogenous GBA protein analyses revealed that C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents upregulated GBA expression in 293 cells. In addition, C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents induced autophagy in DsRed-LC3-expressing 293 cells. In SH-SY5Y cells expressing A53T α-synuclein, C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents reduced α-synuclein aggregation and associated neurotoxicity by upregulating GBA expression and activating autophagy. The results of reducing α-synuclein aggregation, enhancing GBA expression and autophagy, and protecting against α-synuclein neurotoxicity open up the therapeutic potentials of C. chinensis rhizome extract and constituents for PD.

Storage Conditions Influence the Quality of Ginger - A Stability Study Inspired by Clinical Trials.

Ginger has traditionally been used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting; however, the results of clinical trials are ambiguous. The efficacy of ginger is attributed to gingerols and their metabolites, shogaols. Since these compounds have different pharmacological profiles, the clinical efficacy of ginger products is largely dependent on their chemical composition. The goal of our study was to examine the stability of ginger, determining the 6-gingerol contents in order to assess the effects of different storage conditions. We have performed a 6-month stability test with dry ginger rhizome samples stored in a constant climate chamber in three different storage containers (uncovered glass container, glass container sealed with rubber stopper, and plastic container). The 6-gingerol contents were measured by HPLC method. The concentration of 6-gingerol decreased in all samples. In the sealed glass container, the decrease in 6-gingerol content was significantly lower than in the unsealed glass container and in the plastic container. These results demonstrate that storage conditions have a significant impact on the quality of ginger, which may also affect efficacy.

Turmeric rhizomes reduced in vitro methane production and improved gas production and nutrient degradability.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of dry turmeric rhizomes on in vitro biogas production and diet fermentability. Turmeric rhizomes were included at gradually increased levels: 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% of a diet containing per kg dr matter (DM): 500 g concentrate feed mixture, 400 g berseem hay and 100 g rice straw, and incubated for 48 h. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that ar-turmerone, α-turmerone and ß-turmerone were the major bioactive compounds in the rhizomes. Turmeric rhizomes increased (p < 0.01) asymptotic gas production (GP) and rate and lag of CH4 production and decreased (p < 0.01) rate of GP, lag of GP, asymptotic CH4 production and proportion of CH4 production. Turmeric rhizome administration linearly increased (p < 0.01) DM and fiber degradability and concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids, acetic and propionic acids and ammonia-N and quadratically (p < 0.05) decreased fermentation pH. It is concluded that including up to 2% turmeric rhizomes improved in vitro ruminal fermentation and decreased CH4 production.

Structure of crude polysaccharides from Atractylodes lancea rhizome and treatment of diarrhea owing to spleen deficiency through intestinal flora.

To optimize the extraction process of crude polysaccharides from Atractylodes and elaborate the mechanism of Atractylodes polysaccharides in treating diarrhea owing to spleen deficiency, so as to lay a foundation for further development and utilization of Atractylodes lancea, we used an orthogonal test to optimize the extraction process and established a model of spleen deficiency. It was further combined with histopathology and intestinal flora to elaborate the mechanism of Atractylodes polysaccharides in the treatment of spleen-deficiency diarrhea. The optimized extraction conditions were as follows: the ratio of material to liquid was 1:25; the rotational speed was 150 rpm; the extraction temperature was 60°C; the extraction time was 2 h; and the extraction rate was about 23%. The therapeutic effect of Atractylodes polysaccharides on a spleen-deficiency diarrhea model in mice showed that the water content of stools and diarrhea grade in the treatment group were alleviated, and the levels of gastrin, motilin and d-xylose were improved. The analysis results based on gut microbiota showed that the model group had a higher diversity of gut microbiota than the normal group and treatment group, and the treatment group could correct the diversity of gut microbiota in model mice. Analysis based on the level of phylum and genus showed that the treatment group could inhibit the abundance of Helicobacter pylori genus and increase beneficial bacteria genera. The conclusion was that the optimized extraction process of Atractylodes polysaccharides was reasonable and feasible, and had a good therapeutic effect on spleen deficiency diarrhea.

Study on the active components and mechanism of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma for invigorating the spleen and tonifying qi based on spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology.

Spleen deficiency can lead to various abnormal physiological functions of the spleen. Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (AMR) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to invigorate the spleen and tonify qi. The study aimed to identify the primary active components influencing the efficacy of AMR in strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi through spectrum-effect relationship and chemometrics. Network pharmacology was used to investigate the mechanism by which AMR strengthens the spleen and replenishes qi, with molecular docking utilized for validation purposes. The findings indicated that bran-fried AMR exhibited superior efficacy, with atractylenolides and atractylone identified as the primary active constituents. Atractylenolide II emerged as the most influential component impacting the effectiveness of AMR, while the key target was androgen receptor. Furthermore, crucial pathways implicated included the mitogen-activated protein cascade (MAPK) cascade, RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity, ligand-activated sequence-specific DNA binding, and RNA polymerase II sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factor binding. In summary, our study has identified the primary active components associated with the efficacy of AMR and has provided an initial exploration of its mechanism of action. This offers a theoretical foundation for future investigations into the material basis and molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmacodynamics of AMR.

Two Undescribed Protostane Triterpenoids from the Rhizome of Alisma plantago-aquatica.

Two undescribed protostane triterpenoids, 11-deoxy-13(17),15-dehydro-alisol B 23-acetate (2) and alisol S (3), together with 21 known ones (1, 4-23), were isolated from the dried rhizome of Alisma plantago-aquatica. Of these compounds, 13(17),15-Dehydro-alisol B 23-acetate (1) and 11-deoxy-13(17),15-dehydro-alisol B 23-acetate (2) are two protostane triterpenoids containing conjugated double bonds in the five-membered ring D that are rarely found from nature resource, while alisol S (3) is a protostane triterpenoid with undescribed tetrahydrofuran moiety linked via C20 -O-C24 at the side chain. Additionally, compound 18 is a new natural product, and cycloartenol triterpenoid 23 is a non protostane triterpenoid firstly isolated from genus Alisma. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectral analysis of the UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and comparison of the experimental and calculated CD curves.

New Iridoids and Acyclic Monoterpenoids from the Roots and Rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia.

Five new iridoids, valeralides A-E (1-5), two new acyclic monoterpenoids, valeralides F (6) and G (7), together with two known iridoids (8 and 9), were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia. Their structures were elucidated based on 1D and 2D NMR, as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of compounds 1-4 were elucidated based on electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. In addition, all the isolates were evaluated for their inhibition on nitric oxide production, cytotoxicity and anti-influenza A virus activity.

Exploring Steroidal Saponin Composition and Morphometric Characteristics of Rhizomes from Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don: Inference for Medicinal Properties and Genetic Stock Improvement.

Trillium govanianum, a medicinal herb, exhibiting diverse morphometric traits and phytochemicals across developmental stages of plants. The changes in the chemical profile and steroidal saponin levels in the rhizome of T. govanianum across different developmental stages were previously unknown. This study categorizes rhizomes into three types based on scar presence: juvenile (5-10 scars, Type I), young (11-19 scars, Type II), and mature (21-29 scars, Type III). Rhizomes show varying sizes (length 1.2-4.7 cm, girth 0.3-1.6 cm), weight (0.18-5.0 g), and extractive yields (9.7-16.1 % w w-1), with notable differences in saponin content (5.95-21.9 mg g-1). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS)-based chemical profiling identifies 31 phytochemicals, mainly including diverse saponins. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (UHPLC-ELSD)-based quantitative analysis of seven key saponins reveals stage-specific accumulation patterns, with protodioscin (P) and dioscin (DS) predominant in mature rhizomes. Statistical analysis confirms significant variation (p=0.001) in saponin levels across developmental stages with chemical constituent protodioscin (P=4.03±0.03-15.76±0.14 mg g-1, PAve=9.79±3.03 mg g-1) and dioscin (DS=1.23±0.06-3.93±0.07 mg g-1, DSAve=2.59±0.70 mg g-1), with acceptable power (p=0.738; |δ|>0.5) statistics for effective sample size (n=27 samples used in the study) of T. govanianum. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Euclidean clustering further highlighted chemotype distinctions.

Polyhydroxylated Spirostanol Saponins from the Rhizomes of Paris dulongensis.

Three new polyhydroxylated spirostanol steroidal saponins, dulongenosides B-D (2-4), along with 14 known compounds, dulongenoside A (1), padelaoside B (5), parisyunnanoside G (6), polyphyllin D (7), ophiopogonin C' (8), formosanin C (9), dioscin (10), paris saponin VII (11), paris H (12), parisyunnanoside I (13), protodioscin (14), proprotogracillin (15), crustecdysone (16), and stigmasterol-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (17), were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris dulongensis (Melanthiaceae). Their chemical structures were elucidated based on extensive analyses of NMR and MS data and acidic hydrolyses. The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicity to five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SW480, MDA-MB-231, A549, and A549/Taxol) and the normal human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B by the MTS test. Compounds 7-12 and 14 showed cytotoxic activity, with IC50 values ranging from 0.20 to 4.35 µM. Proprotogracillin selectively inhibited A549 (IC50=0.58 µM) and A549/Taxol (IC50=0.74 µM) cells, with no significant cytotoxic activity against HL-60, SW480, MDA-MB-231, or BEAS-2B cells, with IC50 values greater than 40 µM.