Active pharmaceutical ingredients and mechanisms underlying phasic myometrial contractions stimulated with the saponin extract from Paris polyphylla Sm. var. yunnanensis used for abnormal uterine bleeding

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals key genes responsible for the differences in polyphyllin composition in two Paris polyphylla species

Paris polyphylla biosynthesizes significant quantities of polyphyllins, which exhibit numerous pharmacological activities and have become vital components in many patented drugs. However, only two species in this genus are officially recognized as medicinal sources due to their high levels of bioactive compounds. In this study, we measured and compared the total saponin content in Paris forrestii and Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis The content in Paris forrestii was nearly double that in Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis, and polyphyllin V and gracillin, hardly detectable in Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis, were the primary saponins in Paris forrestii. To elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying the differences in saponin content between the two species, transcriptome sequencing was conducted, and the correlation between saponin content and the expression of genes involved in polyphyllin biosynthesis was analyzed. Differential expression of functional genes associated with terpenoid backbone biosynthesis and steroid biosynthesis was identified as a potential cause of the variation in polyphyllin V and gracillin levels. Screening the transcriptomics data led to the identification of two rhamnolipid glycosyltransferases, PpUGT91T1 and PpUGT91T2, whose expression levels were found to be highly correlated with polyphyllin II content. Subsequent functional validation demonstrated that PpUGTs catalyze the conversion of polyphyllin V to polyphyllin III, acting as polyphyllin V C'-4-O-rhamnosyltransferases. Additionally, polyphyllin II was derived from the extension of the polyphyllin III sugar chain with rhamnose. Key amino acid residues involved in sugar donor and acceptor recognition were predicted using molecular docking, providing a theoretical framework for the biosynthesis of polyphyllins.

Exploration of the profiles of steroidal saponins from Rhizoma Paridis and their metabolites in rats by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS

INTRODUCTION

Steroidal saponins characterised by intricate chemical structures are the main active components of a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Rhizoma Paridis. The metabolic profiles of steroidal saponins in vivo remain largely unexplored, despite their renowned antitumor, immunostimulating, and haemostatic activity.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a comprehensive analysis of the chemical constituents of Rhizoma Paridis total saponins (RPTS) and their metabolites in rats after oral administration.

METHOD

The chemical constituents of RPTS and their metabolites were analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS).

RESULTS

A reliable UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS method was established, and a total of 142 compounds were identified in RPTS. Specifically, diosgenin-type saponins showed the diagnostic ions at m/z 415.32, 397.31, 283.25, 271.21, and 253.20, whereas pennogenin-type saponins exhibited the diagnostic ions at m/z 413.31, 395.30, and 251.20. Based on the characteristic fragments and standard substances, 15 specific metabolites were further identified in the faeces, urine, plasma, and bile of rats. The metabolic pathways of RPTS, including phase I reactions (de-glycosylation and oxidation) and phase II reactions (glucuronidation), were explored and summarised, and the enrichment of metabolites was characterised by multivariate statistical analysis.

CONCLUSION

The intricate RPTS could be transformed into relatively simple metabolites in rats through de-glycosylation, which provides a reference for further metabolic studies and screening of active ingredients for TCM.

Arbuscular mycorrhiza and plant growth promoting endophytes facilitates accumulation of saponin under moderate drought stress

Objective

Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis, one of the important medicinal plant resources in Yunnan, China, usually takes 6-8 years to be harvested. Therefore, it is urgent to find a method that can not only shorten its growth years, but also improve its quality. In this study, we examined the effects of a combination treatment of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting endophytes (PGPE) and drought stress on the accumulation of saponins in it.

Methods

P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis was infected with a mixture of AMF and PGPE under drought stress. The content of saponins, as well as morphological, physiological, and biochemical indicators, were all measured. The UGTs gene related to saponin synthesis was obtained from transcriptome data by homologous comparison, which were used for RT-PCR and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Regardless of water, AMF treatment could infect the roots of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, however double inoculation with AMF and PGPE (AMF + PGPE) would reduce the infection rate of AMF. Plant height, aboveground and underground fresh weight did not differ significantly between the single inoculation AMF and the double inoculation treatment under different water conditions, but the inoculation treatment significantly increased the plant height of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis compared to the non-inoculation treatment. Single inoculation with AMF considerably increased the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis leaves under various water conditions, but double inoculation with AMF + PGPE greatly increased the intercellular CO2 concentration and chlorophyll fluorescence parameter (Fv/Fm). Under diverse water treatments, single inoculation AMF had the highest proline content, whereas double inoculation AMF + PGPE may greatly improve the amount of abscisic acid (ABA) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) compared to normal water under moderate drought. Double inoculation AMF + PGPE treatment improved the proportion of N, P, and K in the rhizome of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis under various water conditions. Under moderate drought stress, AMF + PGPE significantly enhanced the contents of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis saponins I, II, VII, and total saponins as compared to normal water circumstances. Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS), Geranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GPPS), Cycloartenol synthase (CAS), and Squalene epoxidase (SE1) were the genes that were significantly up-regulated at the same time. The amount of saponins was favorably linked with the expression of CAS, GPPS, and SE1. Saponin VI content and glycosyl transferase (UGT) 010922 gene expression were found to be substantially associated, as was saponin II content and UGT010935 gene expression.

Conclusion

Under moderate drought, AMF + PGPE was more conducive to the increase of hormone content, nutrient absorption, and total saponin content in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, and AMF + PGPE could up regulate the expression of key genes and UGTs genes in one or more steroidal saponin synthesis pathways to varying degrees, thereby stimulating the synthesis and accumulation of steroidal saponins in the rhizome of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. The combination of AMF and PGPE inoculation, as well as adequate soil drought, reduced the buildup of saponins in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis and increased its quality.

Unraveling the serial glycosylation in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins in the medicinal plant Paris polyphylla and their antifungal action

Sugar-sugar glycosyltransferases play important roles in constructing complex and bioactive saponins. Here, we characterized a series of UDP-glycosyltransferases responsible for biosynthesizing the branched sugar chain of bioactive steroidal saponins from a widely known medicinal plant Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. Among them, a 2'-O-rhamnosyltransferase and three 6'-O-glucosyltrasferases catalyzed a cascade of glycosylation to produce steroidal diglycosides and triglycosides, respectively. These UDP-glycosyltransferases showed astonishing substrate promiscuity, resulting in the generation of a panel of 24 terpenoid glycosides including 15 previously undescribed compounds. A mutant library containing 44 variants was constructed based on the identification of critical residues by molecular docking simulations and protein model alignments, and a mutant UGT91AH1Y187A with increased catalytic efficiency was obtained. The steroidal saponins exhibited remarkable antifungal activity against four widespread strains of human pathogenic fungi attributed to ergosterol-dependent damage of fungal cell membranes, and 2'-O-rhamnosylation appeared to correlate with strong antifungal effects. The findings elucidated the biosynthetic machinery for their production of steroidal saponins and revealed their potential as new antifungal agents.

A new cycloheptane derivative from the fungus Penicillium crustosum JT-8

A new highly oxygenated cycloheptane derivative crustane (1), along with fourteen known compounds (2-15) were isolated from Penicillium crustosum JT-8. The structure of compound 1 was determined by extensive spectroscopic data, DP4+ probability analyses and dimolybdenum CD method. Compound 1 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC of 4.0 μg/mL.

Assessing the Potency of the Novel Tocolytics 2-APB, Glycyl-H-1152, and HC-067047 in Pregnant Human Myometrium

The intracellular signaling pathways that regulate myometrial contractions can be targeted by drugs for tocolysis. The agents, 2-APB, glycyl-H-1152, and HC-067047, have been identified as inhibitors of uterine contractility and may have tocolytic potential. However, the contraction-blocking potency of these novel tocolytics was yet to be comprehensively assessed and compared to agents that have seen greater scrutiny, such as the phosphodiesterase inhibitors, aminophylline and rolipram, or the clinically used tocolytics, nifedipine and indomethacin. We determined the IC₅₀ concentrations (inhibit 50% of baseline contractility) for 2-APB, glycyl-H-1152, HC-067047, aminophylline, rolipram, nifedipine, and indomethacin against spontaneous ex vivo contractions in pregnant human myometrium, and then compared their tocolytic potency. Myometrial strips obtained from term, not-in-labor women, were treated with cumulative concentrations of the contraction-blocking agents. Comprehensive dose-response curves were generated. The IC₅₀ concentrations were 53 µM for 2-APB, 18.2 µM for glycyl-H-1152, 48 µM for HC-067047, 318.5 µM for aminophylline, 4.3 µM for rolipram, 10 nM for nifedipine, and 59.5 µM for indomethacin. A single treatment with each drug at the determined IC₅₀ concentration was confirmed to reduce contraction performance (AUC) by approximately 50%. Of the three novel tocolytics examined, glycyl-H-1152 was the most potent inhibitor. However, of all the drugs examined, the overall order of contraction-blocking potency in decreasing order was nifedipine > rolipram > glycyl-H-1152 > HC-067047 > 2-APB > indomethacin > aminophylline. These data provide greater insight into the contraction-blocking properties of some novel tocolytics, with glycyl-H-1152, in particular, emerging as a potential novel tocolytic for preventing preterm birth.

Bioactive secondary metabolites in Paris polyphylla Sm. and their biological activities: A review

Paris polyphylla Sm. is an important medicinal plant used to treat a variety of diseases through traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Tibetan traditional medicines, Chinese traditional medicines, and others around the world. The IUCN red list has designated it as "vulnerable" due to a decline in wild population by over-exploitation, habitat degradation, illegal collection for trade and traditional use. This review paper aims to summarize the bioactive secondary metabolites in Paris polyphylla. Paris saponins or steroidal saponins are the main bioactive chemical constituents from this plant that account for more than 80% of the total compounds. For instance, polyphyllin D, diosgenin, paris saponins I, II, VI, VII, and H are steroidal saponins having anticancer activity comparable to synthetic anticancer medicines. Antioxidant, anticancer, anti-leishmaniasis, antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antityrosinase, and antiviral effects of extracts and pure compounds were also demonstrated in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, this review summarizes the bioactive components from the P. polyphylla which will be useful to researchers and scientists, and for the development of potential drugs.

Effective prediction of biosynthetic pathway genes involved in bioactive polyphyllins in Paris polyphylla

The genes in polyphyllins pathway mixed with other steroid biosynthetic genes form an extremely complex biosynthetic network in Paris polyphylla with a giant genome. The lack of genomic data and tissue specificity causes the study of the biosynthetic pathway notably difficult. Here, we report an effective method for the prediction of key genes of polyphyllin biosynthesis. Full-length transcriptome from eight different organs via hybrid sequencing of next generation sequencingand third generation sequencing platforms annotated two 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs), 216 cytochrome P450s (CYPs), and 199 UDP glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Combining metabolic differences, gene-weighted co-expression network analysis, and phylogenetic trees, the candidate ranges of OSC, CYP, and UGT genes were further narrowed down to 2, 15, and 24, respectively. Beside the three previously characterized CYPs, we identified the OSC involved in the synthesis of cycloartenol and the UGT (PpUGT73CR1) at the C-3 position of diosgenin and pennogenin in P. polyphylla. This study provides an idea for the investigation of gene cluster deficiency biosynthesis pathways in medicinal plants.

Xin Hua, Wei Song, and ZheYong Xue et al. report an effective method to predict key genes involved in polyphyllin biosynthesis in plants. Their results provide further insight into biosynthesis pathways in Paris polyphylla, and the approach may be relevant to other medicinal plants.

Anticancer Plants: A Review of the Active Phytochemicals, Applications in Animal Models, and Regulatory Aspects

The rising burden of cancer worldwide calls for an alternative treatment solution. Herbal medicine provides a very feasible alternative to western medicine against cancer. This article reviews the selected plant species with active phytochemicals, the animal models used for these studies, and their regulatory aspects. This study is based on a meticulous literature review conducted through the search of relevant keywords in databases, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Twenty plants were selected based on defined selection criteria for their potent anticancer compounds. The detailed analysis of the research studies revealed that plants play an indispensable role in fighting different cancers such as breast, stomach, oral, colon, lung, hepatic, cervical, and blood cancer cell lines. The in vitro studies showed cancer cell inhibition through DNA damage and activation of apoptosis-inducing enzymes by the secondary metabolites in the plant extracts. Studies that reported in vivo activities of these plants showed remarkable results in the inhibition of cancer in animal models. Further studies should be performed on exploring more plants, their active compounds, and the mechanism of anticancer actions for use as standard herbal medicine.

Structural characterisation and discrimination of the aerial parts of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis and Paris polyphylla var. chinensis by UHPLC-QTOF-MS coupled with multivariate data analysis

INTRODUCTION

As sources of Rhizoma Paridis are facing shortages, utilising the aerial parts of Paris polyphylla has emerged as a promising additional source. However, the components in the aerial parts still need to be explored, and it is difficult to distinguish the aerial parts of P. polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (PPY) and P. polyphylla var. chinensis (PPC), two varieties of P. polyphylla.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to establish a comprehensive platform to characterise steroid saponins from the aerial parts of PPY and PPC and to discriminate these two varieties.

METHODOLOGY

A dereplication approach and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) analysis were used for the characterisation of steroidal saponins in the aerial parts of PPY and PPC. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to differentiate these two varieties and screen discriminant variables. In addition, a genetic algorithm-optimised for support vector machines (GA-SVM) model was developed to predict P. polyphylla samples. The distribution of steroidal saponins in PPY and PPC was visualised by a heatmap.

RESULTS

A total of 102 compounds were characterised from the aerial parts of PPY and PPC by dereplication. A clear separation of PPY and PPC was achieved, and 35 saponins were screened as marker compounds. The established GA-SVM model showed excellent prediction performance with a prediction accuracy of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Many steroid saponins that have been reported in Rhizoma Paridis also exist in the aerial parts of P. polyphylla. Samples from the aerial parts of PPY and PPC could be discriminated using our platform.

Hemostasis and uterine contraction promoting effect of the extract from drugs in the Zi-Yin-Tiao-Jing granule, a traditional Chinese compound preparation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zi-Yin-Tiao-Jing granule (ZG) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation for perimenopausal dysfunctional uterine bleeding. It is made from 9 Chinese crude drugs based on a modified traditional Chinese prescription recorded in Fu Qingzhu Nvke as Guben Zhibeng Tang.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the hemostasis and uterine contraction promoting effect of quality controlled ZG extract on animals as a preclinical study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ZG extract was quality controlled by determining the contents of asperosaponin Ⅵ and tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (TSG) with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the contents of total tannins, total saponins and total flavonoids with ultraviolet spectrophotometry (UV). Bleeding time, clotting time, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen (FIB) content were assayed to test the hemostasis effect of ZG extract on sixty healthy female Kunming mice. In addition, ten healthy female Sprague-Dawley rats were used to test the effect of ZG extract on uterine contractions in vitro with the BL-420 Biological Function Experiment System.

RESULTS

The ZG extract contained 0.81mgg^-1 asperosaponin Ⅵ, 0.15mgg^-1 TSG, 1.98mgg^-1 total tannins, 1.83mgg^-1 total saponins, and 4.09mgg^-1 total flavonoids. Compared with placebo, the ZG extract shortened the bleeding time at a dosage of 1.2gkg^-1 and 2.4gkg^-1, and shortened the clotting time at 0.6gkg^-1, 1.2gkg^-1 and 2.4gkg^-1 in mice (P < 0.01). It also decurtated the APTT at a dosage of 0.6gkg^-1 (P < 0.05) and raised the content of FIB in the plasma at a dosage of 2.4gkg^-1 (P < 0.05). However, the PT showed no changes after the administration of ZG extract (P > 0.05). In addition, ZG extract at the doses of 1.8mgmL^-1, 3.6mgmL^-1, and 5.4mgmL^-1 increased the amplitude and motoricity of uterine contractions of rats (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) but maintained the frequency as unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

The ZG extract was quality controllable by assaying for asperosaponin Ⅵ, TSG, total tannins, total saponins and total flavonoids. It could promote the hemostasis of mice in vivo, as well as the uterine contractions of rats in vitro. Therefore, it may be a promising preparation for clinical treatment of perimenopausal dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Flucrypyrim, a novel uterine relaxant, has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo

Consequences of primary dsysmenorrhea (PD) can be severe. Increased prostaglandin production leads to uterine contraction and insufficient blood flow to the endometrium causing ischemia and pain symptoms. Protein tyrosine kinase/phosphatase activities contribute to the modulation of uterine contraction. In our previous study, we found the synthetic β-methoxyacrylates compound Fluacrypyrim (FAPM), significantly increased protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) activity, resulting in dephosphorylation of tyrosine kinases. In the present study, we found that FAPM near completely inhibited prostaglandin F2α (PGF_2α)-, oxytocin-, acetylcholine-, and high K⁺-induced uterine contractions in rats in vitro, and decreased rat myometrial myosin light chain (MLC₂₀) phosphorylation induced by PGF_2α. A structure–activity relationship assay indicated that the β-methoxyacrylates structure of FAPM is crucial for the inhibition of PGF_2α-induced uterine contractions. FAPM caused a concentration-dependent parallel rightward shift of the concentration–response curve induced by oxytocin, dose-dependently reduced the number of abdominal constrictions and increased the latency time in PGF_2α- and acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice in vivo. Furthermore, FAPM considerably inhibited the development of Carr-induced rat paw edemas and thexylene-induced mouse ear edemas. Taken together, our results indicate that FAPM exerts antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo with considerable potential as a novel uterine relaxant.

Chemical constituents and antitumor activity from Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis

Eleven compounds were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of rigorous 1D and 2D NMR experiments as well as comparison with the literature data. To the best of our knowledge, compound 1 was only predicted by UPLC/Q-TOF MS^E and the NMR spectroscopic data was given for the first time. The cytotoxic activities of all compounds on mouse B16 cells were evaluated. Among the tested molecules, compounds 6-9 showed strong cytotoxicities, while compound 1 did not show significant effect.

RNA-seq analysis of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis roots identified candidate genes for saponin synthesis

Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz. is a rhizomatous, herbaceous, perennial plant that has been used for more than a thousand years in traditional Chinese medicine. It is facing extinction due to overharvesting. Steroids are the major therapeutic components in Paris roots, the commercial value of which increases with age. To date, no genomic data on the species have been available. In this study, transcriptome analysis of an 8-year-old root and a 4-year-old root provided insight into the metabolic pathways that generate the steroids. Using Illumina sequencing technology, we generated a high-quality sequence and demonstrated de novo assembly and annotation of genes in the absence of prior genome information. Approximately 87,577 unique sequences, with an average length of 614 bases, were obtained from the root cells. Using bioinformatics methods, we annotated approximately 65.51% of the unique sequences by conducting a similarity search with known genes in the National Center for Biotechnology Information's non-redundant database. The unique transcripts were functionally classified using the Gene Ontology hierarchy and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. Of 3082 genes that were identified as significantly differentially expressed between roots of different ages, 1518 (49.25%) were upregulated and 1564 (50.75%) were downregulated in the older root. Metabolic pathway analysis predicted that 25 unigenes were responsible for the biosynthesis of the saponins steroids. These data represent a valuable resource for future genomic studies on this endangered species and will be valuable for efforts to genetically engineer P. polyphylla and facilitate saponin-rich plant development.

Steroidal saponins from stems and leaves of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis

Phytochemical investigation of the stems and leaves of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis led to isolation of 12 steroidal saponins, chonglouosides SL-9-SL-20, which had not been described previously, along with 13 known compounds. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. Four of the twelve steroidal saponins possessed three steroidal aglycones which have not been reported in nature. Steroidal saponins were also evaluated for their cytotoxicities against two human cancer cell lines (HepG2 and HEK293) and anti-HCV effects. One known steroidal saponin was the most cytotoxic compound overall with IC50 values of 2.9 ± 0.5 μM and 5.0 ± 0.6 μM against HepG2 and HEK293 cell lines, respectively, while none showed anti-HCV activity at a concentration of 20 μM.

Simultaneous quantification of five steroid saponins from Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H. Wright in rat plasma by HPLC-MS/MS and its application to the pharmacokinetic studies

A simple, reliable and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method (HPLC-MS/MS) was established for simultaneous analyses of the following 5 steroid saponins in rat plasma after the single dose administration of total steroid saponins extracted from the rhizome of Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H. Wright for the first time. Protodioscin, huangjiangsu A, zingiberensis new saponin, dioscin, and gracillin were quantified using ginsenoside Rb1 as the internal standard (IS). The plasma samples were pretreated by a single step acetonitrile-mediated protein precipitation. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Inersil ODS-3 C18 column (250mm×4.6mm, 5μm) with the mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid under a gradient elution mode at 0.2mLmin(-1) using a microsplit after the eluent from the HPLC apparatus. The quantification was accomplished on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in the positive ionization mode. The above five analytes were stable under sample storage and preparation conditions applied in the present study. The linearity, precision, accuracy, and recoveries of the analysis confirmed the requirements for quality-control purposes. After validation, this proposed method was successfully adopted to investigate the pharmacokinetic parameters of these five analytes.

Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in study of the pharmacokinetics of six steroidal saponins in rats

A rapid, simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of six main steroidal saponins in Paris polyphylla in rat plasma. Ginsenoside Rg3 was selected as the internal standard (IS). Plasma samples were pretreated with protein precipitation, and the separation was achieved on a reverse phase Agilent poroshell120 EC-C18 column using a gradient mobile phase system of acetonitrile-water containing 0.1% formic acid. The triple quadruple mass spectrometer was set in negative electrospray ionization mode and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used for six steroidal saponins quantification. The precursors to produce ion transitions monitored for polyphyllin I, polyphyllin II, polyphyllin VI, polyphyllin VII, dioscin, gracillin and IS were m/z 899.5>853.4, 1059.5>1013.5, 783.4>737.4, 1075.5>1029.5, 913.5>867.4, 929.5>883.4 and 819.5>783.4, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD%) were less than 13% and the average extraction recoveries ranged from 85% to 97.0% for each analyte. Six steroidal saponins were proved to be stable during sample storage, preparation and analytical procedures. The established method was employed for simultaneous quantification and successfully used for the first time for the pharmacokinetics evaluation of the six main compounds after intragastric administration of P. polyphylla extract in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Study on hemostatic activities of the rhizome of Paris bashanensis

CONTEXT. Paris bashanensis Wang et Tang (Liliaceae) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of injuries, fractures and hemorrhage in Hubei and Sichuan Province.

OBJECTIVE

The n-BuOH extract of Paris bashanensis was investigated for hemostatic activity and chemical constituents in order to provide a basis for the application in folk use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The n-BuOH extract of P. bashanensis was divided into three eluents (30, 50 and 70% EtOH) by macroporous adsorptive resin D101. The bleeding time of breaking tail hemostasis and clotting time of capillary and slide method in mice were used extensively to screen the hemostasis properties after repetitive administration of these three fractions (100 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg) for 5 days (total of 5 times, once per day). The chemical compounds were analyzed by HPLC-UV.

RESULTS

The inhibition rates in the bleeding time of 70, 50 and 30% n-BuOH ext. were 45, 32 and 21%, respectively. Using the slide method the decreasing rate of the clotting time of 70, 50 and 30% n-BuOH ext. were 71, 65 and 32% and in the experiment of capillary method, the inhibition rates were 43, 31 and 24%, respectively. A total of 70% n-BuOH ext. showed a high content of the pennogenin-type saponins by HPLC-UV.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The 70% n-BuOH ext. of P. bashanensis was found to contain high levels of pennogenin saponins, which may lead to a higher hemostatic activity. Combined with the hemostatic test, P. bashanensis could be used as a resource of hemostatic drug.

Correlation among cytotoxicity, hemolytic activity and the composition of steroidal saponins from Paris L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cytotoxicity and hemolysis of saponins were the characteristic activities. Many researches have been devoted to the synthesis of saponins devoid of the hemolysis by structure-activity relationship studies. However, saponins contained in the plants were not fully researched on the two activities such as Parissteroidal saponins. Paris steroidal saponins as the active compounds of Paris plants have multiple effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of Paris plants collected from twelve places in China. The contents of nine known steroidal saponins in the plants were determined simultaneously using HPLC-ELSD method. The two activities are not related to the contents of saponins.

RESULTS

As the results of hemolysis of saponins shown, the hemolysis was positive related to the sugar chain. The membrane toxicity suggested that the integration of saponins with the membrane in erythrocyte was correlated to the kinds of saponins and the hemolysis of disosgenyl saponins were stronger than that of pennogenyl glycosides.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provided information about the hemolysis and cytotoxicity of Paris steroidal saponins, which may be useful for their synthesis devoid of hemolysis toxicity.

Pennogenin tetraglycoside induces rat myometrial contraction and MLC20 phosphorylation via PLC-IP(3) and RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Total steroidal saponins extracted from the rhizome of Paris polyphylla Sm. var. yunnanensis (TSSPs) have been widely used in China for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding. We previously studied the main active constituents of TSSPs and their structure-activity relationships with respect to rat myometrial contractions. Tg (pennogenin tetraglycoside) was identified as one of the active ingredients in TSSPs able to induce rat myometrial contractions. However, the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological actions on uterine activity have not been described clearly.

METHODS

Here Tg was screened for effects on contractile activity in isolated uterine strips from estrogen-primed rats and on MLC20 phosphorylation and related signaling pathways in cultured rat myometrial cells as determined by Western blot. Intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) was monitored under a confocal microscope using Fluo-4 AM-loaded myometrial cells.

RESULTS

Tg dose-dependently stimulated rat myometrial contractions as well as MLC20 phosphorylation in vitro, which could be completely suppressed by an inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Use of Ca(2+) channel blockers and kinase inhibitors demonstrated that Tg-induced myometrial contractions are mediated by activation of the phospholipase C (PLC)-inositol triphosphate (IP3) signaling pathway, resulting in increased MLC20 phosphorylation. Furthermore, Y27632, a specific inhibitor of Rho kinase (ROK), notably suppressed Tg-stimulated myometrial contractions and decreased MLC20 phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide evidence that rat myometrial contractility induced by Tg results from enhanced MLC20 phosphorylation, while both PLC-IP3 and RhoA/ROK signaling pathways mediate the process. These mechanisms may be responsible for the therapeutic effects of TSSPs on abnormal uterine bleeding.

Pharmacological evaluation of sedative-hypnotic activity and gastro-intestinal toxicity of Rhizoma Paridis saponins

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhizoma Paridis saponins (RPS) have been well studied for antimicrobial, anti-hemorrhagic, and anticancer effects. However, scientific information on RPS regarding the toxic and neuropharmacological effects is limited. In this study, the acute oral toxicity, sedative-hypnotic activity and gastro-intestinal toxicity of RPS were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The acute toxicity was carried out by administering single doses (800-5000 mg/kg) of RPS to adult mice. Rotarod test and sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis activity were used to evaluate the neuropharmacological effects on mice. Gastric emptying and intestinal transit were used to investigate the gastric-intestinal system effects.

RESULTS

A single oral administration of RPS dose-dependently caused adverse effects on the general behavior and mortality rate of mice. LD(50) value of oral acute toxicity was 2182.4 mg/kg, with 95% confidence limit of 1718.4-2807.8 mg/kg. In the test of sleeping mice, RPS acted in synergy with sodium pentobarbital at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg while motor coordination was not influenced within 120 min after treatment with RPS. Regarding the gastric-intestinal toxicity, RPS (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) significantly inhibited gastric emptying but did not affect the intestinal transit.

CONCLUSIONS

RPS, which is a hypotoxic anticancer drug, possesses the sedative-hypnotic activity and gastric stimulus side effect.

Steroidal saponins with antimicrobial activity from stems and leaves of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis

Rhizoma Paridis, the root of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (Trilliaceae), is a Chinese traditional medicine, which resources become less and less. However, the aerial parts of this herb, which can regenerate every year, were discarded. In order to expand the resources, detailed chemical investigation on the stems and leaves of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis led to isolation of one sapogenin and 24 steroidal saponins (1-25), including 6 new glycosides, named chonglouosides SL-1-SL-6 (1-6). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed analyses of their 1D and 2D NMR spectra and acid hydrolysis. Among them, compounds 3 and 4 are the first 23,27-dihydroxydiosgenin saponin having a sugar chain attached to C-23 or C-27, while compound 6 is the first 27-hydroxyruscogenin glycoside bearing 1, 27-di-O-sugar chains. The known compounds 10, 12, 14, 19, 20, 22, and 25 were isolated from the genus Paris for the first time. Antimicrobial testing activities of the selected compounds showed that compound 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 17, 18, 21, and 24 were active against Propionibacterium acnes with MIC values of 62.5, 62.5, 3.9, 16.5, 17.2, 7.8, 39.0, 17.2, 31.3, 62.5, and 31.3 μg/ml, respectively.

Steroidal saponins from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis

Eleven steroidal saponins, along with seven known steroidal saponins, were isolated from rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and acid hydrolysis. Two of these compounds contained a spirostanol saponin aglycone, hitherto unknown in Nature. The isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxic effects on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma epithelial (CNE) cells, and seven compounds displayed more potent inhibitory effects than cisplatin (the positive control). One compound with diosgenin and tetrasaccharide moieties possessed the strongest inhibitory effect on CNE cells through the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Comparative study on hemostatic, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities of different species of Paris L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The rhizoma of Paris polyphylla var. yannanensis or P. polyphylla var. chinensis called Rhizoma Paridis as a traditional Chinese medicine has an effect of heat-clearing and detoxicating, detumescence and acesodyne in folk for a long time. The increasing application of Rhizoma Paridis resulted in the shortage of wildlife resources. Here, we compared the major activities of other species of genus Paris to find the replacement plants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six species (P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, P. delavayi var. delavayi, P. fargesii var. Fargesii, P. bashanensis Wang et Tang, P. polyphyllar var. minora, and P. polyphylla var. pseudothibetical) were collected from three Provinces in China, and compared the hemostatic, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities by different assays.

RESULTS

For the hemostatic activity, all the plants except Paris fargesii var. Fargesii could significantly shorten the tail bleeding time and blood clotting time (P<0.05). For further mechanism study, they reduced the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), but they had no significant effect on thrombin time (TT). P. fargesii var. Fargesii showed the similar cytotoxicity to P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis (IC(50): 18.21 and 15.73 μg/mL, respectively). HD(50) was used as the index of hemolytic activity. P. delavayi var. delavayi and P. bashanensis Wang et Tang were the last to have this activity as the values were 3.027 and 1.222 mg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

The different species of genus Paris have different activities. Paris delavayi var. delavayi and Paris bashanensis Wang et Tang could be used as the resources of hemostatic drugs and P. fargesii var. Fargesii as the antitumor medicine.

Polyhydroxylated steroidal glycosides from Paris polyphylla

Three new steroidal saponins, parisyunnanosides G-I (1-3), one new C(21) steroidal glycoside, parisyunnanoside J (4), and three known compounds, padelaoside B (5), pinnatasterone (6), and 20-hydroxyecdyson (7), were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis. Compounds 1 and 3 have unique trisdesmoside structures that include a C-21 β-d-galactopyranose moiety. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against human CCRF leukemia cells.

In VitroActivity ofParis polyphyllaSmith Against Enterovirus 71 and Coxsackievirus B3 and Its Immune Modulation

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) have resulted in severe pathogenesis caused by the host's immune response, including the cytokine cascade. Paris polyphylla Smith is a folk medicinal plant in Asia traditionally prescribed for the reduction of pain and elimination of poisoning. In this study, we investigated the anti-EV71 and CVB3 activity of P. polyphylla Smith as well as its immune modulation. The IC50for the P. polyphylla Smith 95% ethanol extract against EV71 and CVB3 were 12.5–23% and 99–156% of that of ribavirin, a positive control. Prevention of viral infection, viral inactivation, and anti-viral replication effects against both EV71 and CVB3 were demonstrated by the extract, the anti-viral replication effect being dominant. The extract significantly increased IL-6 production in both EV71- and CVB3-infected cells. A high correlation was possibly demonstrated between the high amounts of IL-6 induction in the EV71 and CVB3-infected cells and the anti-viral replication activity of the extract. In conclusion, good anti-EV71 and CVB3 activity was observed in the P. polyphylla Smith 95% ethanol extract. The high amounts of IL-6 induction in the virus-infected cells played a key role in the anti-viral activity of the extract.

Anticancer drugs from traditional toxic Chinese medicines

Many anticancer drugs are obtained from natural sources. Nature produces a variety of toxic compounds, which are often used as anticancer drugs. Up to now, there are at least 120 species of poisonous botanicals, animals and minerals, of which more than half have been found to possess significant anticancer properties. In spite of their clinical toxicity, they exhibit pharmacological effects and have been used as important traditional Chinese medicines for the different stages of cancer. The article reviews many structures such as alkaloids of Camptotheca acuminata, Catharanthus roseus and Cephalotaxus fortunei, lignans of Dysosma versipellis and Podophyllum emodi, ketones of Garcinia hanburyi, terpenoids of Mylabris and Ginkgo biloba, diterpenoids of Tripterygium wilfordii, Euphorbia fischeriana, Euphorbia lathyris, Euphorbia kansui, Daphne genkwa, Pseudolarix kaempferi and Brucea javanica, triterpenoids of Melia toosendan, steroids of Periploca sepium, Paris polyphylla and Venenum Bufonis, and arsenic compounds including Arsenicum and Realgar. By comparing their related phytochemistry, toxic effects and the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of action, this review puts forward some ideals and examples about how to increase antitumour activity and/or reduce the side effects experienced with Chinese medicine.

Polyphyllin D, a steroidal saponin from Paris polyphylla, inhibits endothelial cell functions in vitro and angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Angiogenesis, the process of blood vessel formation, is critical to tumour growth. The importance of angiogenesis in tumour development has lead to the development of anti-angiogenic strategies to inhibit tumour growth. In this study, polyphyllin D (PD), an active component in Chinese herb, Paris polyphylla, was evaluated for its potential anti-angiogenic effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The inhibitory effects of PD on three important processes involved in angiogenesis, i.e. proliferation, migration and differentiation were examined using human microvascular endothelial cell line HMEC-1 by MTT assay, scratch assay and tube formation assay, respectively. Using zebrafish embryos as an animal model of angiogenesis, the anti-angiogenic effect of PD was further verified in vivo.

RESULTS

PD suppressed the growth of HMEC-1 cells at 0.1-0.4 μM without toxic effects. At 0.3 μM and 0.4 μM, PD significantly inhibited endothelial cell migration and capillary tube formation. About 70% of the zebrafish embryos showed defects in intersegmental vessel formation upon treatment with PD at concentrations of 0.156 μM and 0.313 μM.

CONCLUSION

The anti-angiogenic effects of PD have been explored in the study which implied a potential therapeutic development of PD in cancer treatment.

Evaluation of In Vitro Uterotonic Activities of Fruit Extracts of Ficus asperifolia in Rats

The aim of the present study was to determine the uterotonic activities of Ficus asperifolia and investigate its mechanism. The effects of aqueous and methanol extracts of the dried fruits of F. asperifolia (0.05–1.60 mg mL⁻¹) were evaluated on estrogenized isolated rat uterus in the presence and absence of atropine (1.73–55.27 nM), pyrilamine maleate (1.25 × 10⁻³ to 40 × 10⁻³ M), indomethacin (0.06 × 10⁻⁵ to 2.00 × 10⁻⁵ M) or hexamethonium (0.66 × 10⁻⁴ to 21.43 × 10⁻⁴ M). Aqueous (EC₅₀, 0.36 mg mL⁻¹) and methanol (EC₅₀, 0.22 mg mL⁻¹) extracts as well as oxytocin (EC₅₀, 0.02 nM), acetylcholine (EC₅₀, 7.87 nM) and histamine (EC₅₀, 0.76 nM) evoked concentration-dependent contractions of the uterus. Atropine, pyrilamine maleate and indomethacin concentration dependently blocked the response of the uterus to acetylcholine (IC₅₀, 4.82 nM), histamine (IC₅₀, 2.49 nM) and oxytocin (IC₅₀, 0.07 nM), respectively, and to aqueous extract. Hexamethonium produced graded decreases in oxytocin-induced uterine contractions (IC₅₀, 0.37 μM), but did not prevent the contractile effects of the aqueous extract (IC₅₀, 9.88 μM). These results suggest that F. asperifolia-induced uterotonic effect is related to the release of prostaglandins and contraction of the myometrial cells through muscarinic, oxytocic and H₁ histamine receptors. These data further give added value to the ethnic use of F. asperifolia for its abortificient and contraceptive properties.

Structural requirement of spirostanol glycosides for rat uterine contractility and mode of their synergism

OBJECTIVES

Total steroidal saponins extracted from the rhizome of Paris polyphylla (TSSP) have been used in China for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding. The aim of this study was to analyse the structure-activity relationship of steroidal saponins purified from P. polyphylla Sm. var. yunnanensis on rat myometrial contractions, and investigate the synergism among themselves as well as with known inherent agonists, such as Prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF-2alpha).

METHODS

In this study, 22 steroidal saponins purified from TSSP were screened for their contractile activity in isolated uterine strips from estrogen-primed rats.

KEY FINDINGS

It was shown that spirostanol glycosides exhibited inducible or inhibitory activity in rat uterine contraction based on the difference of their structures, which was not only attributed in part to the number, the length and the position of sugar side chains attached by a glycoside, but also related to the structure of the aglycone. Furthermore, synergistic actions were observed among pennogenin or diosgenin glycosides as well as with the known inherent agonist PGF-2alpha, indicating they may share, at least in part, similar pathways with PGF-2alpha in stimulating myometrial contractions. Finally, the contractile response of rat myometrium to spirostanol glycosides was significantly enhanced with advancing pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these data support the possibility that some spirostanol glycosides may represent a new type of contractile agonist for the uterus and their synergism may be responsible for the therapeutic effect of TSSP on abnormal uterine bleeding.

Steroidal saponins from the rhizomes of Paris delavayi

Two new steroidal saponins, padelaosides A (1) and B (2), along with two other known steroidal saponins (3 and 4) were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris delavayi. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR techniques, HRFTMS, physical data and chemical methods. The two different absolute configurations of fucose, assigned as l and d that were found on compounds 1 and 2, respectively, were simultaneously reported in a natural medicine for the first time.