Volume 10,Issue 3,2018 Table of Contents

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  • 1  Recognizing importance of epigenetic and epigenomic regulations of medicinal plants
    Chang-xiao Liu
    2018, 10(3):237-238.
    [Abstract](659) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](6)
    Abstract:
    Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetics most often denotes changes in a chromosome that affect gene activity and expression, and also can be used to describe any heritable phenotypic change. Such effects on cellar and physiological phenotypic traits may result from external or exvironmental factors, or be part of normal developmental program. The standard definition of epigenetics requires these alterations to be heritable, either in the progeny of cells or of organisms. Epigenomics is the study based on the comprehensive analyses of the epigenome using high-throughput technologies. Many fundamental discoveries concerning epigenetics and the elucidation of mechanisms of epigenetic regulation have developed from studies performed in medicinal plants. Many techniques now allow genome-wide analyses of epigenetic regulation and help to understand how epigenetic regulatory mechanisms affect cellular and genome function with a particular focus on the epigenetics of medicinal plants. It is considered what has been historically understood by the “epigenetics” before turning to the advances in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. It is given to know how advances in molecular techniques for more comprehensive understanding of epigenetic phenomena in medicinal plants. Some opportunities, challenges, and techniques for epigenetic research in both model and non-model medicinal plants, in particular for advancing understanding of the regulation of genome function by epigenetic mechanisms. In this issue of CHM journal, the article titled “Deep in shadows: Epigenetic and epigenomic regulations of medicinal plants” (CHM, 2018, 10(3):xxx-xxx) is written by Professors Hao and Xiao. After reading it happily, the editor felt that there are three points worth mentioning to the readers: Firstly, recognizing the importance of epigenetic and epigenetic mechanisms of genuine medicinal materials; Secondly, the study of epigenetic processes opens up a new field of post-transcriptional gene regulation; Finally, the epigenome layer is critical in the age of multi-omics. Recognizing importance of epigenetic and epigenetic mechanisms of genuine medicinal materials Genuine medicinal material (geoherb) is produced in particular geographic regions. The special medicinal features of a plant are determined by its genome, while the proper ecological conditions have major effects on the formation of a geoherb, which is at least partially mediated by the epigenetics. By epigenetics/epigenomics, researchers uncover the complexities of the influence of the environment on the expression of genes that control medicinal plant growth, development, stress responses, and medicinal phytometabolite yield, and put the other "omics layers" in a meaningful biological context. The unique phenotypes of geoherb are closely related to the growth, development, and stress responses of medicinal plants. In addition to the commonly known genetic control, epigenetic machineries, active at the population level, play an essential role in the formation of geoherbs. This contribution gives a comprehensive overview of the epigenetic regulation of medicinal plants and the associated microbes, and the role of DNA methylation, small non-coding RNA, transposable elements, and histone modifications in the gene expression regulation of geoherbs and relevant microbiota. The epigenetic and epigenomic mechanisms should be highlighted in the study of specific phenotype and indigenousness of geoherbalism. Revealing the correlation between epigenetics and geoherbs could shed light on the quality assessment, authentication, molecular breeding, and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants and the associated microbes. Study of epigenetic processes opens up a new field of post-transcriptional gene regulation Various epigenetic processes affect the transcriptome of medicinal plant cells: (1) cytosine methylation influences gene expression by altering transcription and chromatin structure; (2) histone modifications have a profound impact on the structure of chromatin and can make DNA relatively accessible for transcription; (3) sRNAs, like miRNA and siRNAs, influence gene expression through targeted degradation of mRNA (PTGS) or induction of methylation at complementary DNA sequences (transcriptional gene silencing). Moreover, reversible mRNA methylation and other novel modifications, i.e., epitranscriptome, open a new realm of post-transcriptional gene regulation in plants. The regulation of mRNA metabolism is particularly crucial under stress conditions. With over 100 known RNA modifications, understanding the repertoire of RNA modifications in medicinal plant development and phytometabolite production is a huge enterprise. Epigenome layer is critical in age of multi-omics In epigenetic/epigenomic studies of medicinal plants, it becomes highly possible that large-scale epigenetic reprogramming to the establishment of transcriptionally permissive epigenetic landscapes that put the medicinal compound production onto a fast track. In the age of multi-omics, the numerous layers of biological systems to progressively understand cellular functions and interactions. From studying the genome and epigenome, one understands the complexities of the environmental interactions. Genome is based on study for the simplicity of understanding DNA sequences and the high level detection of genes. Progressive layers uncover further details: transcriptomics to understand mRNAs, proteomics to reveal protein expression and characterization, and metabolomics to study metabolites. Therefore, the epigenome layer is critical. Firstly, epigenomics aims to discover the complexities of the influence of the environment on the expression of genes and the other “omics layers” in a meaningful and pertinent biological context. Secondly, Epigenetic/epigenomic techniques could be alternative strategies for large scale in vitro or even in vivo production of high value phytochemicals, the deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying genotype-environment interactions is beneficial for long-term improvement of medicinal plant development. ?
    2  Deep in shadows: Epigenetic and epigenomic regulations of medicinal plants
    Da-Cheng Hao Pei-Gen Xiao
    2018, 10(3):239-248.
    [Abstract](57989) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](17)
    Abstract:
    Around 60% of the extant plants have medicinal and health-promoting values. genuine medicinal material (geoherb) is produced in particular geographic regions, that is defined ecological environment and cultivation pipeline. The clinical efficacy of a geoherb is superior to that of the same medicinal plant growing in other regions. The special medicinal features of a plant are determined by its genome, while the proper ecological conditions have major effects on the formation of a geoherb, which is at least partially mediated by the epigenetics. By epigenetics/epigenomics, researchers uncover the complexities of the influence of the environment on the expression of genes that control medicinal plant growth, development, stress responses, and medicinal phytometabolite yield, and put the other "omics layers" in a meaningful biological context. The unique phenotypes of geoherb are closely related to the growth, development, and stress responses of medicinal plants. In addition to the commonly known genetic control, epigenetic machineries, active at the population level, play an essential role in the formation of geoherbs. This contribution gives a comprehensive overview of the epigenetic regulation of medicinal plants and the associated microbes, and the role of DNA methylation, small non-coding RNA, transposable elements and histone modifications in the gene expression regulation of geoherbs and relevant microbiota. The epigenetic and epigenomic mechanisms should be highlighted in the study of specific phenotype and indigenousness of geoherbalism. Revealing the correlation between epigenetics and geoherbs could shed light on the quality assessment, authentication, molecular breeding, and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants and the associated microbes.
    3  Identification and classification of medicinal plants in Epimedium
    Li Ren Meng-yue Guo Xiao-hui Pang
    2018, 10(3):249-254.
    [Abstract](938) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](11)
    Abstract:
    Epimedium (Berberidaceae) has been used as Chinese medicines for a long time in China due to the efficiency of enhancing kidney function, strengthening sinew and bone, and dispelling wind-dampness. However, it is difficult to identify them because of the morphological similarity which has focused extensive attention. Here the advances in identification and classification of medicinal plants in the genus were summarized.
    4  Mechanism underlying bergapten-mediated regulation of vincristine transport in MDCK-MDR1 cells
    Xin-li Liang Tao Tang Guo-wei Zhao Wei Dong Xue-jing Guan Zheng-gen Liao Ming Yang
    2018, 10(3):255-262.
    [Abstract](798) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](7)
    Abstract:
    Objectives To investigate the effects of bergapten of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix on the transport of vincristine and its possible mechanism. Methods The apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) for the transport of vincristine through the membrane of MDCK-MDR1 cells was used as an indicator of the effect of bergapten on vincristine transport. Molecular docking was employed to predict the binding force between bergapten and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The effects of bergapten on P-gp function and P-gp ATPase activity were determined by rhodamine 123 (Rho123) accumulation and activity analysis, respectively. 1,6-Diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) was used to study the effects of bergapten on membrane fluidity, and Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR assays were performed to analyze the effect of bergapten on the protein and mRNA expression of P-gp, respectively. These experiments clarified the effects of bergapten on the transport of vincristine and allowed exploration of the possible mechanism underlying the effects of bergapten. Results The results showed that bergapten could inhibit the transport of vincristine in MDCK-MDR1 cells, and the binding force between bergapten and P-gp was weaker. Bergapten could reduce the accumulation of Rh123 in MDCK-MDR1 cells, increase the membrane fluidity, and upregulate P-gp protein and mRNA expression but it had no effect on P-gp ATPase activity. Conclusions Overall, we concluded that the possible mechanism through which bergapten inhibits vincristine transport was related to the bergapten-mediated upregulation of P-gp protein and mRNA expression, membrane fluidity or P-gp enzyme activity.
    5  Transcriptional activity and subcellular location of SmWRKY42-like and its response to gibberellin and ethylene treatments in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy roots
    Zhen-qing Baia b Wen-rui Lid e Zi-yun Zhoua Zong-suo Lianga c
    2018, 10(3):263-268.
    [Abstract](807) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](8)
    Abstract:
    Objective: The exogenous gibberellin (GA) and ethylene (ET) treatment can improve the medicinal ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Interestingly, many reports pointed out that WRKY transcription factors played an important regulatory role in these treatment responses. However, whether the SmWRKY mediate these treatment signalings in S. miltiorrhiza remains largely elusive. Methods qRT-PCR was used for SmWRKY42-like in response to exogenous GA and ethephon (Eth) treatment. The subcellular location of SmWRKY42-like was transiently transformed into onion epidermal cells by particle bombardment. The self-activating activity of SmWRKY42-like was verified in AH109 yeast strain. Results: SmWRKY42-like was a WRKY family gene in S. miltiorrhiza. The subcellular localization and transcriptional activity results of the SmWRKY42-like protein indicated that SmWRKY42-like mainly enriched in nucleus and might be a transcription factor in S. miltiorrhiza. In the meantime, the SmWRKY42-like gene significantly responded to exogenous GA and Eth treatment. Conclusion: These results collectively indicated the SmWRKY42-like gene functions, as an important hormone-responsive gene, might play a potentially role in ET and GA signaling pathways.
    6  Medicinal plants of Chinese Pharmacopoeia and Daodi: insights from phylogeny and biogeography
    Di Lei Jie Wu Christine Leon Lin-fang Huang Julie A. Hawkins
    2018, 10(3):269-278.
    [Abstract](509) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](5)
    Abstract:
    Objective The Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015) includes 584 plant medicines, of which 284 also contain high quality subsets, so called “Daodi” components, where Daodi denotes superior clinical properties compared to non-Daodi counterparts despite being sourced from the same species. Commercial and clinical drivers of selection for Daodi have been described elsewhere. Our objective is to investigate the overall composition of Daodi to determine in what ways medicines with Daodi as a whole differ from the other plants of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. A further objective is to characterise the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and Daodi in terms of the plant species including their traits and distribution.Methods We used trait analysis to identify whether Daodi species were significantly different from the remaining Chinese Pharmacopoeia plant species in any traits. We used biogeographic methods and an existing classification of Daodi into 10 regions to identify spatial patterns amongst the species. Regression and binomial analyses were used to test for over- and under-use of plant families and endemic species. Preferences for lineages were visualized using phylogenetic mapping. Results We found Daodi species (species with any Daodi subset) were more likely to be roots that are ‘hot’ or ‘warm’, and less likely to be ‘toxic’, according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) concepts. Roots were over-represented in the Bei region, and whole plants over-represented in Guang. Both the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and Daodi indicated preferences for families not common in previously studied ethnopharmacopoeias, and fewer endemic species were represented than expected by chance.Conclusion Using the phylogenetic and biogeographical methods, we highlighted patterns of plant use, and the biological characters of Daodi medicinal plants. Our study points towards cultural preferences in need of scientific explanation.
    7  Antifatigue effects of peptide isolated from sheep placenta
    Li Wang Xin-bo Song Huan-tian Cui Shan-shan Man Wei Li Rekik A. Muluye Yu-hong Bian Xiao-qian Chu Dan-dan Yan Yu-zi Cai
    2018, 10(3):279-284.
    [Abstract](1102) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](9)
    Abstract:
    Objective: Fatigue has become one of the major threats to human health in the 21st century. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which proved to be safer and more effective, has become a hot spot in antifatigue research. Human placenta, also called “Ziheche”, has drawn great attention in the antifatigue effect since the Tang dynasty. However, the shortage of human placenta restricts wide usage of it. According to the theory of TCM, sheep placenta (SP) also has the effect of nourishing blood, tranquilization, nourishing skin, and prolongation of life. The aim of this study was to examine the antifatigue effects of sheep placenta peptide (SPP), an extract of sheep placenta, in mice and the mechanism was also studied. Methods: Peptide from fresh SP was extracted via enzymolysis. SPP (0.13 g/kg) and soybean peptide (0.65g/kg) were administrated orally and daily to mice for four weeks. Antifatigue effects of SPP were estimated on weight-loaded swimming test; A non-weight-loaded swimming test was conducted to elucidate underlying the mechanisms of the anti-fatigue effects. Results: Administration of SPP prolonged the weight-loaded swimming time in mice. In addition, SPP significantly decreased the levels of muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum lactic acid (LD), and increased the activities of muscle glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and liver glycogen in mice after non-weight-loaded swimming test. Moreover, the electron microscope observation showed that the muscle fiber bundle ranked neatly, the H band, I band, Z line as well as M line were clear and the numbers of mitochondria was normal though some of the mitochondria were swell in SPP treated mice after non-weight-loaded swimming test. Conclusion: SPP possesses potent abilities for antifatigue; Increasing the anti-oxidant activities and energy reserve as well as improving the ultrastructures in gastrocnemius muscle cells, which may be the mechanisms of SPP exerting its antifatigue effects.
    8  Polyclonal antibody preparation of BcbZIP134 for transcriptional regulation analysis on saikosaponin biosynthesis
    Jiao Xu Xuan Liu Su-rui Wu Chun Sui Jian-He Wei
    2018, 10(3):285-289.
    [Abstract](514) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](9)
    Abstract:
    Objective The aim of the present study was to verify how a transcription factor BcbZIP134 regulates the synthesis of saikosaponin using specific antibody. However, it is hard to obtain this soluble protein expressed in vitro, a prerequisite for antibody preparation. So the condition in which the soluble protein can efficiently express followed by preparation of the specific polyclonal antibody were explored. Methods Firstly, the cDNA of BcbZIP134 from Bupleurum chinense was expressed in Transetta (DE3) E. coli. Different concentrations of IPTG (0.05 and 0.5 mmol/L) and different culture temperatures (16 and 37 °C) were explored for efficient expression of target protein. Then, the expressed protein with His Tag was purified using Ni Sepharose 6 Fast Flow. Different concentrations of imidazole elution (15, 60, and 300 mmol/L) were used to elute the target protein. The purified protein of BcbZIP134 was used to immunize rabbit. Using the purified polyclonal antibody, the expression of BcbZIP134 in transgenic B. chinense hairy root lines was analyzed by Western Blot. Results Under the following conditions: IPTG 0.5 mmol/L, 16 °C, and overnight, recombinant protein of BcbZIP134 was obtained in high content using pEASY?-Blunt E1 vector and Transetta (DE3) E. coli. Anti-serum against BcbZIP134 was obtained with a high titer of 1: 51 200 after immunization in rabbit. The polyclonal antibody could react with BcbZIP134 overexpressed in transgenic B. chinense hairy root lines. Conclusion An efficient protein expression system in E. coli was constructed and the soluble recombinant protein for BcbZIP134 was obtained. By using this protein, the specific and high-performance polyclonal antibody was prepared. Furthermore, by using BcbZIP134 overexpressed hairy roots, the availability of the polyclonal antibody was verified by Western Blot analysis.
    9  Moisture sorption and diffusion determination of Chinese Herbal Granules: moisture-resistant effects of fluidized bed granulation with dextrin
    Peng-jun Han Zhi-feng Xue Li-na Zhang Bing Zhang Dong-li Qi Jia-xin Pi Nan Li Pan Guo Zhi-dong Liu
    2018, 10(3):290-297.
    [Abstract](905) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](13)
    Abstract:
    Objective To investigate the effects of fluidized bed granulation with dextrin on moisture sorption and diffusion of Zexie Decoction granules. Methods The particle characterization was studied by the particle size, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The moisture sorption isotherm, equilibrium moisture content (EMC), and moisture diffusion coefficients were determined by using the saturated salt solution method. Results The particle size increased from 6.04 μm (powder) to 1201.47 μm (granule). The glass transition temperature of dextrin, Zexie Decoction powder, and granule was 107.13 oC, 94.82 oC, and 126.25 oC. As the increase of temperature, the initial rate of moisture sorption become higher. Furthermore, the initial rate of moisture sorption of Zexie Decoction granules was lower than those of powders and dextrin. The EMC and moisture diffusion coefficients were reduced significantly after granulation (p<0.01). Critical relative humidity and diffusion activation energy of granules were higer than powders. Conclusion Results suggested that fluidized bed granulation with dextrin could reduce the hygroscopicity of the Zexie Decoction extract powders and inhibite moisturediffusion, which is mainly related to the microstructure reorganization by fluidized bed granulation and anti-plasticizing effects of dextrin.
    10  Zhengtian Pills accelerated long term potentiation both in schaffer collateral -CA1 and perforant path-dentate gyrus synapses
    Chen Duan Jun-hua Sun Ye Li Ke-zhu Wang Zhi Dai Hui Fu Fei-fei Pu Xin-min Liu Tian-xiu Qian Xiao-ying Wang
    2018, 10(3):298-303.
    [Abstract](702) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](9)
    Abstract:
    Objective To investigate the effects of Zhengtian Pills (ZTP) on long term potentiation (LTP) both in schaffer-CA1 in vitro and perforant path-dentate gyrus (PP-DG) synapses in vivo. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, positive control, migraine model, low-, and high-dose ZTP groups. Glyceryl trinitrate (10 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously to make migraine rat model. Flunarizine (0.9 mg/kg) was set as positive control. Extracellular recording technique in vivo was used to record the effects of ZTP on LTP of PP-DG pathway in anesthetized rats; Using extracellular recording technique in vitro, the effects of ZTP on LTP of Schaffer Collateral-CA1 pathway in rat hippocampal slices were investigated. Results Compared to the control group, ZTP (1.08 g/kg) had significantly enhanced population spike amplitude in PP-DG pathway; Glyceryl trinitrate (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced population spike amplitude in PP-DG pathway; Neither ZTP (0.54 g/kg) nor Flunarizine (0.9 mg/kg) had significant effects on LTP in PP-DG pathway. Compared to the model group, ZTP (1.08 g/kg), ZTP (0.54 g/kg), and flunarizine (0.9 mg/kg) had significantly enhanced population spike amplitude in PP-DG pathway. Compared to the control group, ZTP (1.08 g/kg) significantly enhanced field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) slope in Schaffer Collateral-CA1 pathway; Glyceryl trinitrate (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced fEPSP slope in Schaffer Collateral-CA1 pathway; Neither ZTP (0.54 g/kg) nor flunarizine (0.9 mg/kg) had significant effects on LTP in Schaffer Collateral-CA1 pathway, Compared to the model group, ZTP (1.08 g/kg), ZTP (0.54 g/kg), and Flunarizine (0.9 mg/kg) had significantly enhanced fEPSP slope in Schaffer Collateral-CA1 pathway. Conclusion: Combined with the previous study, the results gave a clue that the effects of ZTP on TRPV1 and hippocampal LTP or their interactions could be the important molecular mechanisms of ZTP acting as migraine and headache medication.
    11  Pharmacokinetic study of ginsenoside Re after vaginal administration in rabbits by UPLC-MS/MS determination
    Xu Han Ying Zhang Jia-xin Pi Dereje Kebebe Bing Zhang Shu-ya Wang Bo-ying Liu Jing Ren Zhi-dong Liu
    2018, 10(3):304-309.
    [Abstract](405) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](12)
    Abstract:
    Objective A selective and sensitive ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was employed to study the pharmacokinetics of ginsenoside Re (GRe) in rabbits after vaginal administration of Xiaomi suppository to evaluate the systemic exposure of the suppository for the local treatment. Methods Chromatographic separation was on an ACQUITY UPLC? BEH C18 column, and acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid was used as mobile phase in gradient elution. The plasma samples were deproteinized by acetonitrile, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by Winnonlin 6.4. Results Calibration curve of GRe showed a good linearity over the concentration range from 5 ng/mL to 500 ng/mL (r = 0.9999). The low limit of quantification of 5 ng/mL could satisfy the experimental requirement. The intra-day and inter-day precision of GRe at three concentrations were less than 1.96%, and the average recoveries of GRe were >64.0%. The pharmacokinetic parameters for vaginal administration were as follows: Tmax, 0.5 h; Cmax, 20.88 ng/mL; AUC0-t, 64.71 h·ng/mL and the residence time was 3.06 h. By using deconvolution calculation method, the cumulative absorption fraction of GRe was about 0.89%. Conclusion The systemic exposure of GRe was precious little after the vaginal administration of Xiaomi suppository.
    12  Preparation and evaluation of Paclitaxel and Brucea Javanica oil core-matched nanoemulsions to treat cancer in vitro and in vivo
    Shu-qing Cao Kuan-yun Zhang Xia Yan Yan Ma
    2018, 10(3):310-317.
    [Abstract](811) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](5)
    Abstract:
    Objective Developed the core-matched nanoemulsions (CMNEs) to co-delivery paclitaxel-oleic acid prodrug (PTX-OA) and brucea javanica oil (BJO) for increasing the antitumor effect.. Methods Antitumor effects and mechanism of PTX-OA/BJO CMNEs that the combination therapy which based on core-matched technology (CMT) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Results The PTX-OA/BJO CMNEs were of nanoscale particle size (108.7 ± 2.3) nm and with entrapment efficiency of > 95%. The PTX-OA/BJO CMNEs displayed concentration and time-dependent cytotoxicity against HepG-2 cells and increased G2/M phase block. More importantly, a significant reduction of the tumor volume with no obvious toxicity was observed in nude mice model following administration of PTX-OA/BJO CMNEs compared with the control treated with normal saline (P < 0.05), which suggested the excellent efficacy in vivo. It was further found that the enhanced effectiveness of PTX-OA/BJO CMNEs were associated with the ability of inducing apoptosis of the tumor cells, as well as obviously inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and the activity of TOPO Ⅱ. Conclusion Co-encapsulation of two drugs with different mechanisms allows simultaneous interruption of diverse anticancer pathways, resulting in increased therapeutic response and lower toxicity.
    13  Extraction and verification of miRNA from ginseng decoction
    Ying-fang Wang Wen-juan Wang Yan-lin Chen Zhi-hua He Jing-jing Cao Ze-min Yang Meng-juan Gong Yong-qin Yin
    2018, 10(3):318-322.
    [Abstract](818) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](8)
    Abstract:
    Objective To verify the existence of microRNAs (miRNAs) extracted from fresh ginseng decoction. Methods Fresh ginseng was prepared into decoction according to the conventional method. The miRNA were extracted from the condensed ginseng decoction by plant microRNA extraction kit. Then miRNA were treated by DNase I and subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis and Agilent 2100 bioanalysis. MiR-159 and miR-6135, which were highly expressed in ginseng, were selected and verified by real-time quantitative PCR to detect the expression in the decoction. Results Ginseng miRNA were successfully extracted from fresh decoction. MiR-159 and miR-6135 were expressed in fresh decoction with lower levels than those of fresh ginseng. Conclusion miRNAs stably existed after processing, and retained some stability after high-temperature treatment. The findings provide a valuables basis for the further studies on ginseng miRNAs.
    14  Synthesis and anti-tumor activities of novel 7-O-amino acids chrysin derivatives
    Ding Liu Yan-peng Li Hong-xiu Shen Yang Li Jun He Qi-zhi Zhang Yun-mei Liu
    2018, 10(3):323-330.
    [Abstract](1119) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](3)
    Abstract:
    Objective To design and synthesize a series of chrysin derivatives and evaluate the antitumor activities with MTT assay, so as to investigate molecular structure-activity relationship with molecular docking. Methods Target products were synthesized with high yield by substitution reaction, hydrolysis reaction, esterification reaction, and saponification reaction in sequence, and activities of all compounds were evaluated with human gastric carcinoma cell lines MGC-803 and human breast carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 through standard MTT assay. Molecular docking results were calculated with Surflex Geom X programme of Sybyl X-2.0 version workstation. Results 7-O-amino acids chrysin derivatives 6a-6l were synthesized and their inhibitory effects were evaluated by comparing the material chrysin with positive control drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Among these derivatives, compound 5b (IC50 = 24.50 ± 2.26 μmol/L), 5k (IC50 = 24.30 ± 2.19 μmol/L), and 6f (IC50 = 24.61 ± 2.01 μmol/L) showed better inhibitory activities against MGC-803 cell lines, and compound 5g (IC50 = 13.15 ± 1.73 μmol/L) and 5j (IC50 = 12.34 ± 1.25 μmol/L) showed better inhibitory activities against MCF-7 cell lines than chrysin and 5-FU. Molecular docking scores showed a credible consistency compared with MTT results. Conclusion Compounds 5b, 5d, 5g, 5j, 5k, and 6f showed good antiproliferative effects on specific tumor cells, and compound 5g should be researched further when according to molecular docking.
    15  α-Glucosidase inhibitors and antioxidants from Root Bark of Morus alba
    Bing-rui Liu Tie-ning Yan Jian Xiao Xiao-ling Wang
    2018, 10(3):331-335.
    [Abstract](916) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](17)
    Abstract:
    Objective To study the chemical constituents from root bark of Morus alba and their α-glucosidase inhibition and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Methods The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by repeated column chromatographies on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectra and HR-ESI-MS. Results Thirteen compounds 1?13 were isolated and identified. The bioactive assays revealed that compounds 1, 3 and 8 displayed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of (147.1 ± 1.1), (314.1 ± 0.8), and (207.6 ± 0.1) μmol/L, respectively, which were stronger than the positive control of acarbose (418.6 ± 0.1 μmol/L). Compounds 10 and 11 displayed potent DPPH scavenging activity with EC50 values of (2.9 ± 0.1) and (5.0 ± 0.1) μmol/L [EC50 of positive control Vitamin C was (54.8 ± 0.1) μmol/L], respectively. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about the compounds 1, 3 and 8 of M. alba with α-glucosidase inhibitory effects .

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