Flavonol tetraglycosides from fruits of Styphnolobium japonicum (Leguminosae) and the authentication of Fructus Sophorae and Flos Sophorae

Rutin distribution in Tartary buckwheat: Identifying prime dietary sources through comparative analysis of post-processing treatments

Rutin is a crucial bioactive compound that determines the nutritional value of Tartary buckwheat (TB). However, the potential of utilizing TB as a dietary source of rutin for human consumption remains largely unexplored. This study aims to address these knowledge gaps by conducting a detailed analysis of rutin content distribution in TB tissues. Our findings revealed a significant variation in rutin content across different plant tissues. Notably, higher levels of rutin were found in embryos and cotyledons compared to other tissues, highlighting them as the primary sites of rutin accumulation in TB seeds and sprouts. Additional research on the processing of TB showed that sprouts and seeds retain high rutin levels even after boiling, steaming, deep-frying, stir-frying, and popping. Comparative analysis of different TB-derived products confirmed that cooked seeds and sprouts can serve as significant dietary sources of rutin. This study offers a foundational framework for the development of future dietary recommendations and applications of TB.

Potential antioxidant and cytotoxic impacts of defatted extract rich in flavonoids from Styphnolobium japonicum leaves growing in Egypt

Styphnolobium japonicum leaves are considered a rich source of flavonoids, which are the prospective basis for various therapeutic effects. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive cytotoxic studies conducted on these leaves. Therefore, this ongoing investigation aimed to detect and isolate the flavonoids present in S. japonicum leaves, and assess their antioxidant and anticancer properties. The defatted extract from S. japonicum leaves was analyzed using HPLC, which resulted in the identification of seven phenolics and six flavonoids. Rutin and quercetin were found to be the most abundant. Furthermore, a comprehensive profile of flavonoids was obtained through UPLC/ESI-MS analysis in negative acquisition mode. Fragmentation pathways of the identified flavonoids were elucidated to gain relevant insights into their structural characteristics. Furthermore, genistein 7-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside were isolated and characterized. The defatted extract rich in flavonoids exhibited significant antioxidant, iron-reducing, free radicals scavenging impacts, and remarkable cytotoxicity against the liver cell line (IC50 337.9μg/ mL) and lung cell line (IC50 55.0 μg/mL). Furthermore, the antioxidant and anticancer capacities of the three isolated flavonoids have been evaluated, and it has been observed that their effects are concentration-dependent. The findings of this research highlight the promising impact of flavonoids in cancer therapy. It is recommended that future scientific investigations prioritize the exploration of the distinct protective and therapeutic characteristics of S. japonicum leaves, which hold significant potential as a valuable natural resource.

A fruit extract of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) counteracts oxidative stress and mediates neuroprotection in Caenorhabditis elegans

BACKGROUND

Despite its widespread uses in Chinese and European medicine, Styphnolobium japonicum (Chinese scholar tree, formerly Sophora japonicum) has not been extensively investigated for its potential to protect against neurodegenerative processes and to promote resistance to oxidative stress. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective activities of a hydroalcoholic extract from Chinese scholar tree fruits that could be possibly linked to its antioxidant properties using Caenorhabditis elegans as a well-established in vivo model.

METHODS

Survival rate in mutant daf-16 and skn-1 worms, stressed by the pro-oxidant juglone and treated with the extract, was tested. Localization of the transcription factors SKN-1 and DAF-16, and expression of gst-4 were measured. For evaluation of neuroprotective effects, formation of polyglutamine (polyQ40) clusters, α-synuclein aggregates, loss of amphid sensilla (ASH) neuronal function, and amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation (as markers for Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's) was examined.

RESULTS

The extract, which contains substantial amounts of phenolic phytochemicals, showed an increase in the survival rate of worms challenged with juglone in daf-16 mutants but not in skn-1 mutants. The transcription factor SKN-1 was activated by the extract, while DAF-16 was not affected. Upon application of the extract, a significant decline in GST-4 levels, polyQ40 cluster formation, number of lost ASH sensory neurons, α-synuclein aggregation, and paralysis resulting from Aβ accumulation was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Styphnolobium japonicum fruit extract activated the SKN-1/Nrf2 pathway, resulting in oxidative stress resistance. It revealed promising pharmacological activities towards treatment of Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases. Polyphenolics from Styphnolobium japonicum may be a promising route towards treatment of CNS disorders, but need to be tested in other in vivo systems.

Cytotoxic constituents from the leaves and stems of Panax quinquefolius

Four new isolates including one new butanediamide glycoside (1), one new flavonoid glycoside (2) and two new flavonone glycosides (3, 4) were identified from the leaves and stems of Panax quinquefolius, among which 1 possessed the firstly reported N,N'-(5-hydroxy-1,3-phenylene) butanediamide skeleton with an unique 6/9 ranged dual-ring structure. The structures were elucidated by the NMR data, ECD analysis and chemical acid hydrolysis. All the compounds (1-4) were tested for their cytotoxicity against two human cancer cell lines of HepG₂, A549 and HCT116 by the MTT method. Outstandingly, compound 1 exhibited targeted inhibitory proliferation of HCT116 cell with IC₅₀ value of 12.1 μM, whereas compounds 3 and 4 exhibited targeted inhibitory proliferation of HepG₂ cell with IC₅₀ values of 15.3 and 17.3 μM, as well as no obvious cytotoxicity of compounds 1-4 against A549.

Bioactivity and Component Analysis of Water Extract of Sophora japonica against Hyperuricemia by Inhibiting Xanthine Oxidase Activity

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic condition caused by excessive production or low excretion of uric acid (UA) in the body. Xanthine oxidase (XOD) is the key enzyme in the process of metabolism purines to generate UA. In this study, the in vitro inhibitory effect of water extract of the flower bud of Sophora japonica (WESJ) on XOD was investigated by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. A mice model of HUA was constructed to explore the effect of WESJ on UA levels and the mechanism of action on renal function. Based on Box-Behnken design, the optimal extraction process of WESJ was determined to extract Sophora japonica twice with 8 times of water, 0.5 h each time. Pharmacological results showed that low, medium, and high doses of WESJ (200, 400, 600 mg/kg) could significantly reduce serum UA level, inhibit the activity of XOD in blood and liver, and have a protective effect on kidney damage caused by high UA. Through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis, 214 compounds were identified in WESJ, including flavonoids, polyphenols, triterpenoids, organic acids, and others. The rat serum of WESJ was analyzed, and 23 prototype components entering the blood were identified, including 15 flavonoids and polyphenols, which may be the main bioactive components. In conclusion, flavonoids and polyphenols in WESJ may reduce the level of UA and alleviate kidney damage by inhibiting the activity of XOD. WESJ is expected to be used as a plant-based food and dietary supplement for the treatment of HUA.

United States Pharmacopeia comprehensive safety review of Styphnolobium japonicum flower and flower bud

The dried flower and flower bud of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott (Japanese Sophora flower and Japanese Sophora flower bud, respectively) have long been used as herbal medicines in Asia. Today, they are marketed as dietary supplements in the United States for their anti-oxidative properties and as a source of flavonoids, including rutin and quercetin. This review focused on the safety of S. japonicum flower and flower bud as dietary supplement ingredients. No serious adverse events or toxicity were reported in the clinical or experimental animal studies we reviewed. Although some studies indicated that rutin or quercetin may have potential for drug interactions, none were identified for S. japonicum flower or flower bud. S. japonicum flower and flower bud are not known to have been associated with serious health risks when appropriately consumed in dietary supplements and have been admitted to the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention monograph development process. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should seek the advice of a healthcare professional because no data are available on their use by these special populations.

Isorhamnetin, the xanthine oxidase inhibitor from Sophora japonica, ameliorates uric acid levels and renal function in hyperuricemic mice

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic condition closely linked to xanthine oxidase (XOD) function, which is involved in the production of uric acid (UA). In this study, XOD was used as a target to construct an in vitro and in vivo activity screening and verification system. The XOD inhibition ability of the main components from the water extract of Sophorae Flos (WSF), an unopened dry flower bud of Sophora japonica, was screened by HPLC. Isorhamnetin (IRh) was identified as a major flavonoid XOD inhibitor from WSF, and we characterized its effects and potential mechanism in ameliorating UA levels and renal function in hyperuricemia model mice. Hyperuricemia was induced by oral administration of potassium oxonate (PO) and hypoxanthine to mice for 7 days. The biochemical index results showed that treatments with low, medium, and high doses of IRh (50, 100, and 150 mg kg^-1) significantly reduced serum UA levels and inhibited XOD activity in serum and in the liver. Additionally, IRh effectively decreased the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, suggesting that it possessed nephroprotective effects in hyperuricemic mice. Furthermore, histopathological results showed that nuclear lesions and renal tubule dilatation in the kidneys of IRh-treated hyperuricemic mice were reduced, suggesting that IRh may alleviate renal injury. Molecular docking results showed that IRh combined well with XOD and is an effective XOD inhibitor. In conclusion, IRh from Sophora japonica may reduce the UA levels and alleviate renal injury by inhibiting XOD activity. It potentially functions as a therapeutic drug and dietary supplement to treat hyperuricemia.

Kaempferol tri- and tetrasaccharides from Camellia japonica seed cake and their inhibitory activities against matrix metalloproteinase-1 secretion using human dermal fibroblasts

Eight kaempferol oligosaccharides were isolated and identified from Camellia japonica seed cake. The chemical structures of the isolates were determined by using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, such as high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA), one-dimensional (¹H and ¹³C), and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-¹H COSY, HSQC and HMBC), ESI-Q-TOF-MS, and optical rotation. To evaluate the anti-aging efficacy of kaempferol oligosaccharides for cosmetic use, the MMP-1 inhibitory effects of the isolates were studied using human dermal fibroblasts which were cultured in HaCaT cell-conditioned media. The MMP-1 inhibitory assay results revealed that kaempferol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside showed the most potent MMP-1 inhibitory activity. The basal level inhibition was 50 ppm, which indicated that C. japonica seed cake is a promising material for the development of anti-aging skin cosmetics.

Antioxidant Activity of Compounds Isolated from Elaeagnus umbellata Promotes Human Gingival Fibroblast Well-Being

Four new triterpenoid bidesmosidic saponins (1-4) and a sesquiterpenoid glucoside (5), together with nine known phenolic compounds (6-14), were isolated from the fruits of Elaeagnus umbellata. Their structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry data. The antioxidant capability of the isolated compounds was evaluated in human gingival fibroblasts. Compound 6 decreased ROS production and promoted cell proliferation. It also counteracted the cell cycle blockade induced by a low concentration of H2O2 decreasing the expression of p21 and CDKN2A (p16INK4A). Compound 6 decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) in response to inflammatory stimuli, supporting its possible use in periodontitis lesions.

Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott Fruits Increase Stress Resistance and Exert Antioxidant Properties in Caenorhabditis elegans and Mouse Models

Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott is a popular Asian tree widely used in traditional medicine. The current study explored the potential stress resistance and antioxidant activities of its fruits. Phytochemical profiling of the hydroalcoholic fruit extract was done via high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-electrospray ionization-mass/mass (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS). Twenty four phenolic constituents were tentatively identified in the extract. The Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) nematode model in addition to trimethyltin (TMT)-induced neurotoxicity mouse model were used for in vivo evaluation of its antioxidant properties. The ability of the extract to enhance stress resistance was manifested through increasing survival rate by 44.7% and decreasing basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 72.3% in C. elegans. In addition, the extract increased the levels of the stress response enzyme superoxide dismutase-3 (Sod-3) by 55.5% and decreased the expression of heat shock protein-16.2 (Hsp-16.2) in nematodes, which had been challenged by juglone, by 21%. Using a mouse model, the extract significantly decreased the expression of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, an elevation in the levels of the antioxidant marker glutathione (GSH), SOD and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzymes were observed. Our findings imply that Styphnolobium japonicum has the potential to be used in future studies focusing on diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Extraction and Isolation of Kaempferol Glycosides from the Leaves and Twigs of Lindera neesiana

The hydroalcoholic extract of leaves and twigs of Lindera neesiana (Wall. ex Nees) Kurz (Lauraceae) was subjected to various column chromatographic methods that isolated five kaempferol glycosides: kaempferol 3-O-β-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β- glucopyranoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (1); kaempferol 3-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-rhamnopyranosyl (1→6)]-β-glucopyranoside (2); kaempferol 3-O-β-glucopyranosyl(1→2)- α-rhamnopyranoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (3); kaempferol 3-O-sophoroside (4); and kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (5). The extract showed moderate free radical scavenging activity and potent pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity.

DPP-IV Inhibitory Potentials of Flavonol Glycosides Isolated from the Seeds of Lens culinaris: In Vitro and Molecular Docking Analyses

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), a new target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, degrades incretins such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. DPP-IV inhibitors shorten the inactivation of GLP-1, permitting the incretin to stimulate insulin release, thereby combating hyperglycemia. In our ongoing search for new DPP-IV inhibitors from medicinal plants and foods, three flavonol glycosides (1–3) were isolated from the seeds of Lens culinaris Medikus (Fabaceae) and tested for their DPP-IV–inhibitory activity. We demonstrated for the first time, that compounds 1–3 inhibited DPP-IV activity in a concentration-dependent manner in our in vitro bioassay system. In addition, molecular docking experiments of compounds 1–3 within the binding pocket of DPP-IV were conducted. All investigated compounds readily fit within the active sites of DPP-IV, in low-energy conformations characterized by the flavone core structure having optimal electrostatic attractive interactions with the catalytic triad residues of DPP-IV.

A simple and sensitive UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS method for sophoricoside metabolism study in vitro and in vivo

Sophoricoside (SOPH) is an isoflavone glycoside isolated from Fructus Sophorae, and it has the effects on reproductive system. Currently, a strategy was firstly developed to identify the metabolites of SOPH in vitro and in vivo using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid triple quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Based on the proposed method, 60 metabolites were structurally characterized in vivo including 22 phase I and 38 phase II metabolites, and 4 metabolites in vitro were detected containing 2 phase I and 2 phase II metabolites. The results indicated that the metabolic pathways mainly included oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, methylation, sulfate, glucuronide, glutamine and glycine conjugation. These results will provide basic data for future pharmacological and toxicology studies of SOPH and other isoflavone glycoside.

Bioactive Glycosides from the Twigs of Litsea cubeba

The air-dried twigs of Litsea cubeba, a traditional Chinese medicinal tree, afforded 10 new aromatic glycosides (1-10) and 26 known analogues. Their structures were assigned by extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments, and the absolute configurations were resolved by chemical methods, electronic circular dichroism, specific rotation, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compound 4 is the first example of a naturally occurring homoneolignan glucoside. Compounds 4, 6-8, and the known neolignan glucosides (11, 12, and 14) at respective 10 μM concentrations were found to reduce acetaminophen-induced HepG2 cell injury with 30.5-46.0% inhibitions. Furthermore, compounds 12 and 15 demonstrated moderate inhibitory activities against HDAC1, with IC₅₀ values of 3.6 and 4.6 μM, respectively.

Sophorae Flos extract inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by suppressing the NF-κB/NFATc1 pathway in mouse bone marrow cells

Background

Sophorae Flos (SF) is a composite of flowers and buds of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott and has been used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine for the treatment of hemostasis and inflammation. Previous studies reported that SF possesses anti-obesity properties, as well as anti-allergic, anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of SF in bone resorption has not been studies. In this study, we examined the potential of SF extract (SFE) to inhibit receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) -induced osteoclast differentiation in cultured mouse-derived bone marrow macrophages (BMMs).

Methods

BMMs, that act as osteoclast precursors, were cultured with M-CSF (50 ng/ml) and RANKL (100 ng/ml) for 4 days to generate osteoclasts. Osteoclast differentiation was measured by tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP) staining and the TRAP solution assay. Osteoclast differentiation marker genes were analyzed by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. RANKLs signaling pathways were confirmed through western blotting.

Results

SFE significantly decreased osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. SFE inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing NF-κB activation. By contrast, SFE did not affect phospholipase C gamma 2 or subsequent cAMP response element binding activation. SFE inhibited the RANKL-induced expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1).

Conclusions

SFE attenuated the RANKL-mediated induction of NF-κB through inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation, which contributed to inhibiting of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation through downregulation of NFATc1.

Local and traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Sophora japonica L.: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sophora japonica (Fabaceae), also known as Huai (Chinese: ), is a medium-sized deciduous tree commonly found in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and other countries. The use of this plant has been recorded in classical medicinal treatises of ancient China, and it is currently recorded in both the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and European Pharmacopoeia. The flower buds and fruits of S. japonica, also known as Flos Sophorae Immaturus and Fructus Sophorae in China, are most commonly used in Asia (especially in China) to treat hemorrhoids, hematochezia, hematuria, hematemesis, hemorrhinia, uterine or intestinal hemorrhage, arteriosclerosis, headache, hypertension, dysentery, dizziness, and pyoderma. To discuss feasible trends for further research on S. japonica, this review highlights the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicology of S. japonica based on studies published in the last six decades.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on the S. japonica was collected from major scientific databases (SciFinder, PubMed, Elsevier, SpringerLink, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Medline Plus, China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI), and "Da Yi Yi Xue Sou Suo (http://www.dayi100.com/login.jsp)" for publications between 1957 and 2015 on S. japonica. Information was also obtained from local classic herbal literature, government reports, conference papers, as well as PhD and MSc dissertations.

RESULTS

Approximately 153 chemical compounds, including flavonoids, isoflavonoids, triterpenes, alkaloids, polysaccharides, amino acids, and other compounds, have been isolated from the leaves, branches, flowers, buds, pericarps, and/or fruits of S. japonica. Among these compounds, several flavonoids and isoflavonoids comprise the active constituents of S. japonica, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities in vitro and in vivo such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-osteoporotic, antioxidant, radical scavenging, antihyperglycemic, antiobesity, antitumor, and hemostatic effects. Furthermore, flavonoids and isoflavonoids can be used as quality control markers for quality identification and evaluation of medicinal materials and their preparations. Information on evaluating the safety of S. japonica is very limited, so further study is required. To enable safer, more effective, and controllable therapeutic preparations, more in-depth information is urgently needed on the quality control, toxicology data, and clinical value of crude extract and active compounds of S. japonica.

CONCLUSIONS

S. japonica has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its wide range of biological activities, and is administered orally. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies of S. japonica have increased in the past few years, and the extract and active components of this plant can be used to develop new drugs based on their traditional application as well as their biological activities. Therefore, this review on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicity of S. japonica offers promising data for further studies as well as the commercial exploitation of this traditional medicine.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of 15 main active constituents in Fructus Sophorae pill by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Background:

Fructus Sophorae pill, one of the traditional Chinese medicine, was widely used for hemorrhoids, hypertension and odontalgia. This paper describes a sensitive and specific assay for the determination of the 15 active constituents (sophoricoside, genistin, genistein, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, baicalein, baicalin, naringin, naringenin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, wogonin and cimifugin, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin) in Fructus Sophorae pill.

Materials and Methods:

Chromatographic separation was performed on a C₁₈ column with acidified aqueous methanol gradients at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The identification and quantification of the analytes were achieved by use of a hybrid quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Multiple-reaction monitoring scanning was applied to quantification with switching electrospray ion source polarity between positive and negative modes.

Results:

The proposed method was used to analyze 40 batches of samples with good linearity (r, 0.9990-0.9999), intraday precisions (RSD, 0.14-2.55%), interday precisions (RSD, 0.51-2.81%), stability (RSD, 0.31-2.65%), and recovery (RSD, 1.29-2.95%) of the 15 compounds. In addition, the hierarchical cluster analysis, including a method called furthest neighbor and nearest neighbor, was employed to classify samples according to characteristics of the 15 constituents.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that the analytical method was rapid, reliable, simple and suitable for the quality evaluation of Fructus Sophorae pill.

Effective bioconversion of sophoricoside to genistein from Fructus sophorae using immobilized Aspergillus niger and Yeast

In this study, sophoricoside from Fructus sophorae was highly bioconversed to genistein by co-immobilized Aspergillus niger and Yeast. Bioconversion conditions for genistein were optimized with single-factor experiments. The optimal conditions were as follows: microbial concentration 1.5 × 10(7) cells/mL, wet weight of microorganisms beads 10.0 g/g material, pH 5, ratio of liquid to solid 25:1 (mL/g), temperature 32 °C and time 24 h. Under these conditions, a 34.45-fold increase in production of genistein was observed with a bioreactor. Moreover, the antioxidant activities of the extracts from the fermented and untreated F. sophorae were 0.287 ± 0.11, 0.384 ± 0.08 mg/mL (IC50) and 1.84 ± 0.13, 1.28 ± 0.25 mmol Fe(II)/g, according to the DPPH test and FRAP assay, respectively. The results indicated that the method described in the current work were valuable procedure for the production of genistein, which is of most importance for industrial scale applications as well as food industry.

Sophoricoside fails the embryo implantation by compromising the uterine endometrial receptivity at implantation "window" of pregnant mice

Sophoricoside (SOPH) is an isoflavone glycoside isolated from the fruits of Sophora japonica. Since its first isolation in 1961, there are rare findings about the effects of SOPH on reproductive system. In the present study, the pregnant mice administrated by different doses of SOPH were used to explore the effect of SOPH on embryo implantation, especially on the endometrial receptivity. The statistical results showed that the number of implanted embryos was gradually declining along the increasing dose of SOPH. When the administrated dose of SOPH was 600 mg/kg per day, great changes were observed in the exposed uterine morphology and up-regulated progesterone receptor (PR) and down-regulated estrogen receptor α (ERα), E-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and integrin β3 were also found in SOPH-exposed uterine. These findings demonstrated that SOPH exposure reduced the number of implanted embryos in a dose-dependent manner and failed the embryo implantation through altering the morphology of uterine and compromising the endometrial receptivity.

Characterization of complete genome and small RNA profile of pagoda yellow mosaic associated virus, a novel badnavirus in China

A new badnavirus was discovered from pagoda trees showing yellow mosaic symptoms on the leaves by high throughput sequencing of small RNAs. The complete genome of this virus was determined to comprise 7424 nucleotides, and the virus shared 40.4-45.1% identity with that of other badnaviruses. The genome encodes five open reading frames (ORFs) on the plus strand, which includes three conserved badnaviral ORFs. These results suggest that this virus is a new member of the genus Badnavirus in the family Caulimoviridae. The virus is tentatively named pagoda yellow mosaic associated virus (PYMAV). Phylogenetic analysis suggested that this virus together with gooseberry vein banding virus (GVBV) and grapevine vein-clearing virus (GVCV) forms a separate group that is distinct two other well characterized badnaviral groups. Additionally, the viral derived small RNA (vsRNA) profile of PYMAV was analyzed and compared with that of viruses within the same family. Results showed that the most abundant PYMAV vsRNAs were 21-nt, whereas other viruses in the same family have a predominance of 22- or 24-nt vsRNA. The percentage of sense PYMAV vsRNA was almost equal to that of antisense vsRNA, whereas vsRNAs of other viruses in the family display preferences toward the sense strand of their genome. Furthermore, PYMAV vsRNAs were symmetrically distributed along the genome with no obvious vsRNA generating hotspots.

Isolation, bioactivity, and production of ortho-hydroxydaidzein and ortho-hydroxygenistein

Daidzein and genistein are two major components of soy isoflavones. They exist abundantly in plants and possess multiple bioactivities. In contrast, ortho-hydroxydaidzein (OHD) and ortho-hydroxygenistein (OHG), including 6-hydroxydaidzein (6-OHD), 8-hydroxydaidzein (8-OHD), 3'-hydroxydaidzein (3'-OHD), 6-hydroxygenistein (6-OHG), 8-hydroxygenistein (8-OHG), and 3'-hydroxygenistein (3'-OHG), are rarely found in plants. Instead, they are usually isolated from fermented soybean foods or microbial fermentation broth feeding with soybean meal. Accordingly, the bioactivity of OHD and OHG has been investigated less compared to that of soy isoflavones. Recently, OHD and OHG were produced by genetically engineering microorganisms through gene cloning of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme systems. This success opens up bioactivity investigation and industrial applications of OHD and OHG in the future. This article reviews isolation of OHD and OHG from non-synthetic sources and production of the compounds by genetically modified microorganisms. Several bioactivities, such as anticancer and antimelanogenesis-related activities, of OHD and OHG, are also discussed.

Simultaneous Quantification of Six Major Flavonoids From Fructus sophorae by LC-ESI-MS/MS and Statistical Analysis

A new, sensitive and selective high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method has been developed for the determination of six major flavonoids including sophoricoside, genistin, genistein, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol in Fructus sophorae. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis were used to classify and differentiate these samples. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C₁₈ column with linear gradient elution of methanol and 0.05% acetic acid (v/v) at a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. The detection was accomplished in the negative mode using multiple-reaction monitoring. The total run time was 8.0 min. Full validation of the assay was carried out including linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, limit of detection and limit of quantification. The validated method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of these active components in Fructus sophorae. The results demonstrated that the quantitative difference in content of six active compounds was useful for chemotaxonomy of many samples from different sources and the standardization and differentiation of many similar samples. Simultaneous quantification of bioactive components by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method coupled with chemometric techniques would be a well-acceptable strategy to comprehensively control the quality of Fructus sophorae.

Dichloromethane extracts of Sophora japonica L. stimulate osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells

Sophora japonica L. fruit prevents bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast activity. We hypothesized that S japonica L. extracts could promote osteoblast differentiation. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of S japonica L. on osteoblast differentiation and identified the bioactive compound(s) from S japonica L. The mature fruit of S japonica L. was partitioned with ethanol, hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate, and butanol, and their effects were tested on osteoblast differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. DCM fractionated extracts were identified as the most osteogenic fractions. DCM fractionated extracts dose-dependently stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization. The DCM fractions also induced expression of osteoblast markers such as alkaline phosphatase, osterix, and osteocalcin in C3H10T1/2 and primary bone marrow cells. Genistein was found abundantly in the DCM fractions. Furthermore, the genistein and DCM fractions similarly modulated the expression of estrogen target genes and were both active in transfection assays that measured estrogen agonistic activity. Finally, pharmacological inhibition by treatment with an estrogen receptor antagonist or specific inhibition of gene expression by small interference RNAs targeted to estrogen receptor-β abolished the effects of the DCM extracts, further supporting the idea that the genistein in the DCM extracts mediated the pro-osteogenic effects. Taken together, we identified genistein as the key phytoestrogen responsible for the effects of S japonica L. on osteoblast differentiation.

Enhanced profiling of flavonol glycosides in the fruits of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Use of enhanced LC-MS/MS methods to identify common glycosyl groups of flavonoid glycosides enabled better characterization of the flavonoids in fruits of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides). The saccharide moieties of 48 flavonol O-glycosides detected in a methanol extract were identified by these methods. Several of the flavonol glycosides were acylated, two of which were isolated and found to be new compounds. Their structures were determined using spectroscopic and chemical methods as isorhamnetin 3-O-(6-O-E-sinapoyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (24) and isorhamnetin 3-O-(6-O-E-feruloyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (30). Analysis of the acylated glycosyl groups of 24 and 30 by serial mass spectrometry provided evidence to suggest the acylation position of 11 other minor flavonol glycosides acylated with hydroxycinnamic or hydroxybenzoic acids. The nitric oxide scavenging activities of 24 and 30 were compared with those of other flavonoids and with ascorbic acid and the potassium salt of 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1H-imidazolyl-1-oxy-3-oxide (carboxy-PTIO).

Phytochemical characterisation of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry

INTRODUCTION

Although green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) constitute a major agro-industrial crop worldwide and involve many bean varieties, the phytochemical composition and how this fluctuates among varieties is not well known.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work was to conduct a comprehensive characterisation of the phytochemical compounds found in three varieties of green bean.

METHODOLOGY

Hydromethanol extracts from green beans were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) in order to characterise phytochemical compounds from different varieties of P. vulgaris L. The compounds were characterised based on interpreting their mass spectrum provided by the TOF-MS as well as by comparison with information from the literature (some compounds have been described previously in Fabaceae).

RESULTS

In this work, 72 phytochemical compounds were tentatively characterised by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS. These compounds were classified as, 10 phenolic acids, 59 flavonoids, two lignans and an iridoid. Notably, out of the 72 compounds, 54 are new and their isomers have been characterised for the first time in green beans.

CONCLUSION

The phytochemical composition of three different varieties of P. vulgaris L have been characterised using HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS. A total of 72 phytochemical compounds were characterised, 54 being reported in green beans for the first time. Among these were the main flavonoids detected. These results highlight the influence that variety can exert on the quality of phytochemicals. Given that new phytochemical compounds have been characterised, this study offers a useful approach for improving and updating the food-composition tables.

Molecular Analysis of Vitex Species Using Candidate DNA Barcoding and PCR-RFLP of the matK Gene for Authentication of Vitex glabrata

Several species of the Vitex genus, family Lamiaceae, are used in folk medicine for a variety of remedies. V. glabrata is unique among Vitex species because its main effect is sexual enhancement. However, crude drugs derived from different Vitex species might not be easily distinguishable, which could lead to their misidentification and misuse. Therefore, the accurate authentication of V. glabrata is critical for its effective medicinal use. In this study, the mat K gene and the psbA- trnH intergenic spacer candidate DNA barcodes were sequenced and analyzed to identify five different Vitex species that are medicinally used in Thailand: V. negundo, V. trifolia, V. rotundifolia, V. limonifolia, and V. glabrata. Each region was successfully amplified from the leaves of the five species using a single set of primers, and the sequences determined. The size difference in PCR products of psb A- trn H and PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of the matK gene sequences were used to differentiate V. glabrata from other Vitex species. These results indicate both the matK gene and the psbA-trnH intergenic spacer as candidate DNA barcodes of Vitex species and suggest that the difference of psbA-trnH PCR products and PCR-RFLP analysis based on the mat K gene are effective for the authentication of V. glabrata.

Application of response surface methodology to optimise extraction of flavonoids from fructus sophorae

Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) was applied to optimise the extraction conditions for flavonoids from fructus sophorae with advantages in terms of resisting flavonoids during the whole process and maximising of extraction yield. Three aglycon forms of the flavonoids, namely, quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) to estimate extraction yield. The combined effects of independent variables were studied and the optimal extraction conditions were obtained as ethanol concentration, 74.47%; solid-liquid ratio, 17.99 ml/g; temperature, 89.13°C; and extraction time, 2.10h. The reliability of the method was confirmed by recovery experiments, performed under optimal conditions. Recoveries indicated that flavonoids resisted the extraction conditions. The experimental extraction yield under optimal conditions was found to be 10.459%, which was well matched with the predicted values of 10.461%.

Identification of flavonoid glycosides in Rosa chinensis flowers by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in combination with ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance

Flowers of Rosa chinensis are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in food industry. Flavonoid glycosides are believed to be the major components in R. chinensis that are responsible for its antioxidant activities. In this work, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for analysis of flavonoid glycosides presented in ethyl acetate extract of dried R. chinensis flowers. Twelve flavonoid glycosides were separated and detected. By comparing the retention times, UV spectra, and tandem MS fragments with those of respective authentic compounds, eight flavonoid glycosides were unequivocally identified. Although the other four were also identified as flavonoid glycosides, the glycosylation positions could not be determined due to lack of authentic compounds. Fortunately, the glycosylation effects were clearly observed in the (13)C NMR spectrum of the extract. The detailed structural information was, therefore, obtained to identify the four flavonoid glycosides as quercetin-3-O-D-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-D-xyloside, kaempferol-3-O-D-xyloside and quercetin-3-O-D-(6″-coumaroyl)-galactoside. These flavonoid glycosides were detected and identified for the first time in this botanic material. This work reports on the first use of (13)C NMR of a mixture to enhance a rapid HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The proposed analytical protocol was validated with a mixture of authentic flavonoid glycosides.

Simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetic study of six flavonoids from Fructus Sophorae extract in rat plasma by LC-MS/MS

In this study, a new liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the determination of six flavonoids including sophoricoside, genistin, genistein, rutin, quercetin and kaempferol in rat plasma after oral administration of Fructus Sophorae extract using sulfamethalazole as internal standard (IS). The plasma samples were pretreated and extracted by liquid-liquid extraction. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a C(18) column with a simple linear gradient elution. The detection was accomplished by multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning after electrospray ionization (ESI) source operating in the negative ionization mode. The optimized mass transition ion pairs (m/z) for quantitation were 431.1/267.9 for sophoricoside and genistin, 269.0/133.0 for genistein, 609.2/300.0 for rutin, 301.0/150.9 for quercetin, 284.9/93.0 for kaempferol and 252.0/155.9 for IS. The total run time was 8.0 min. Full validation of the assay was implemented including specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery and matrix effect. This is the first report on determination of the major flavones in rat plasma after oral administration of Fructus Sophorae extract. The results provided a meaningful basis for the clinical application of this herb.

Biotransformation of sophoricoside in Fructus sophorae by the fungus Schizophyllum commune

Biotransformation of sophoricoside in Fructus sophorae was performed with Schizophyllum commune. Sophoricoside was firstly metabolized to 4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone (2), and then to 4',7-dihydroxy-5-methoxyisoflavone (3) and 5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone (4) as determined by NMR and MS analyzes. The content of compound (2) was increased by more than 30-fold, and compound (3) is a new product that showed good cytotoxic activity with an IC(50) of 12.1 nmol/ml against MCF-7 cells.

Applications of HPLC/MS in the analysis of traditional Chinese medicines

In China, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been used in clinical applications for thousands of years. The successful hyphenation of high-Performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) has been applied widely in TCMs and biological samples analysis. Undoubtedly, HPLC/MS technique has facilitated the understanding of the treatment mechanism of TCMs. We reviewed more than 350 published papers within the last 5 years on HPLC/MS in the analysis of TCMs. The present review focused on the applications of HPLC/MS in the component analysis, metabolites analysis, and pharmacokinetics of TCMs etc. 50% of the literature is related to the component analysis of TCMs, which show that this field is the most populär type of research. In the metabolites analysis, HPLC coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry has been demonstrated to be the powerful tool for the characterization of structural features and fragmentation behavior patterns. This paper presented a brief overview of the applications of HPLC/MS in the analysis of TCMs. HPLC/MS in the fingerprint analysis is reviewed elsewhere.

Identification of common glycosyl groups of flavonoid O-glycosides by serial mass spectrometry of sodiated species

Flavonoid O-glycosides are a ubiquitous and important group of plant natural products in which a wide variety of sugars are O-linked to an aglycone. Determining the identity of the sugars, and the manner in which they are linked, by mass spectrometry alone is challenging. To improve the identification of common O-linked di- and trisaccharides when analysing mixtures of flavonoid O-glycosides by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), the fragmentation of electrosprayed sodium adducts in an ion trap mass spectrometer was investigated. The sodium adducts [M + Na](+) of kaempferol 3-O-glycosides generated sodiated glycosyl groups by the neutral loss of kaempferol. The product ion spectra of these sodiated glycosyl groups differed between four isomeric kaempferol 3-O-rhamnosylhexosides and four isomeric kaempferol 3-O-glucosylhexosides in which the primary hexose was either glucose or galactose and bore the terminal glucose or rhamnose at either C-2 or C-6. Fragmentation of sodiated glycosyl groups from linear O-triglucosides and branched O-glucosyl-(1 → 2)-[rhamnosyl-(1 → 6)]-hexosides produced sodiated disaccharide residues, and the product ion spectra of these ions assisted the identification of the complete sugar. The product ion spectra of the sodiated glycosyl groups were consistent among flavonoid O-glycosides differing in the position at which the sugar was O-linked to the aglycone, and the nature of the aglycone. The abundance of sodiated species was enhanced by application of a pre-trap collision voltage, without the need to dope with salt, allowing automated LC/MS methods to be used to identify the glycosyl groups of common flavonoid O-glycosides, such as rutinosides, robinobiosides, neohesperidosides, gentiobiosides and sophorosides.

Authentication of the medicinal plant Senna angustifolia by RAPD profiling

In this study "RAPD" molecular marker was employed for the identification of Senna angustifolia, Senna acutifolia, Senna tora and Senna sophera. Total 32 decamer primers were screened in amplification with genomic DNA extracted from all species, of which 6 primers yielded species-specific reproducible bands. Out of 42 loci detected, the polymorphic, monomorphic and unique loci were 24, 2 and 16, respectively. Based on dendrogram and similarity matrix, 4 species were differentiated from each other and showed more divergence. Thus, this technique may prove and to contribute the identification of these species of Senna having similar morphology sold in the local markets.

Acylated flavonol tri- and tetraglycosides in the flavonoid metabolome of Cladrastis kentukea (Leguminosae)

The foliar metabolome of Cladrastis kentukea (Leguminosae) contains a complex mixture of flavonoids including acylated derivatives of the 3-O-rhamnosyl(1→2)[rhamnosyl(1→6)]-galactosides of kaempferol and quercetin and their 7-O-rhamnosides, together with an array of non-acylated kaempferol and quercetin di-, tri- and tetraglycosides. Thirteen of the acylated flavonoids, 12 of which had not been reported previously, were characterised by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Eight of these were the four isomers of kaempferol 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)]-(3/4-O-E/Z-p-coumaroyl-β-d-galactopyranoside) and their 7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosides, and three were isomers of quercetin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)]-(3/4-O-E/Z-p-coumaroyl-β-d-galactopyranoside) - the remaining 4Z isomer was identified by LC-UV-MS analysis of a crude extract. The final two acylated flavonoids characterised by NMR were the 3E and 4E isomers of kaempferol 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)]-(3/4-O-E-feruloyl-β-d-galactopyranoside)-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside while the 3Z and 4Z isomers were again detected by LC-UV-MS. Using the observed fragmentation behaviour of the isolated compounds following a variety of MS experiments, a further 18 acylated flavonoids were given tentative structures by LC-MS analysis of a crude extract. Acylated flavonoids were absent from the flowers of C. kentukea, which contained an array of non-acylated kaempferol and quercetin glycosides. Immature fruits contained kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)[α-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-galactopyranoside and its 7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside as the major flavonoids with acylated flavonoids, different from those in the leaves, only present as minor constituents. The presence of acylated flavonoids distinguishes the foliar flavonoid metabolome of C. kentukea from that of a closely related legume, Styphnolobium japonicum, which contains a similar range of non-acylated flavonoids.

Genistein mediates the anti-adipogenic actions of Sophora japonica L. extracts

Previous studies showed that feeding diets containing the mature fruits of Sophora japonica L. prevented body weight gain and reduced fat mass in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. This observation has led to the hypothesis that extracts from S. japonica L. may inhibit adipocyte differentiation of preadipocytes. To elucidate the possible mechanisms for the anti-obesity action of S. japonica L., its effects on adipocyte differentiation were investigated in C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells and 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. The mature fruit of S. japonica L. was partitioned with ethanol, hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and butanol to identify the active fractions. The EtOAc fraction extracts inhibited morphological differentiation and lipid accumulation in the C3H10T1/2 and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Molecular studies indicated that the EtOAc fraction extracts also reduced the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and other adipocyte markers. Furthermore, among the fractions, the EtOAc fraction extracts had the highest total phenolic contents, suggesting that the polyphenols in the EtOAc fractions mediated the anti-adipogenic effects. Finally, high-performance liquid chromatography identified genistein, a known anti-adipogenic compound, as the probable mediator of the anti-adipogenic effects of the EtOAc fractions. This work validates the beneficial roles of S. japonica L. in controlling body weight and obesity-related metabolic diseases.