Comparative Analysis of the Major Chemical Constituents in Salvia miltiorrhiza Roots, Stems, Leaves and Flowers during Different Growth Periods by UPLC-TQ-MS/MS and HPLC-ELSD Methods

Recent advances and molecular mechanisms of TGF-β signaling in colorectal cancer, with focus on bioactive compounds targeting

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most significant forms of human cancer. It is characterized by its heterogeneity because several molecular factors are involved in contiguity and can link it to others without having a linear correlation. Among the factors influencing tumor transformation in CRC, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a key promoter role. This factor is associated with human colorectal tumors with a very high prognosis: it increases the survival, invasion, and metastasis of CRC cells, thus functioning as an oncogene. The inhibition of this factor can constitute a major therapeutic route for CRC treatment. Various chemical drugs including synthetic molecules and biotherapies have been developed as TGF-β inhibitors. Moreover, the scientific community has recently shown a major interest in screening natural drugs inhibiting TGF-β in CRC. In this context, we carried out this review article using computerized databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, to highlight the molecular mechanism of TGF-β in CRC induction and progression and current advances in the pharmacodynamic effects of natural bioactive substances targeting TGF-β in CRC.

Isolation and identification of antioxidant constituents from the flowers of Salvia miltiorrhiza

A new salvianolic acid derivative, (7'E)-(7S, 8S)-salvianolic acid V (1), together with four previously described compounds (2-5) were obtained from the n-butanol fraction of Salvia miltiorrhiza flowers. Their structures were established by a series of spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. Salvianolic acids (1) and phenolic acids (2-4) showed stronger DPPH free radical scavenging abilities and certain protective effects against H2O2-induced human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells oxidative damage, in which compound 1 (IC50 7.12 μM) possessed more noticeable free radical scavenging activity than the positive control vitamin C (IC50 14.98 μM).

Biosynthesis and signal transduction of plant growth regulators and their effects on bioactive compound production in Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen)

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are involved in multiple aspects of plant life, including plant growth, development, and response to environmental stimuli. They are also vital for the formation of secondary metabolites in various plants. Salvia miltiorrhiza is a famous herbal medicine and has been used commonly for > 2000 years in China, as well as widely used in many other countries. S. miltiorrhiza is extensively used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in clinical practices and has specific merit against various diseases. Owing to its outstanding medicinal and commercial potential, S. miltiorrhiza has been extensively investigated as an ideal model system for medicinal plant biology. Tanshinones and phenolic acids are primary pharmacological constituents of S. miltiorrhiza. As the growing market for S. miltiorrhiza, the enhancement of its bioactive compounds has become a research hotspot. S. miltiorrhiza exhibits a significant response to various PGRs in the production of phenolic acids and tanshinones. Here, we briefly review the biosynthesis and signal transduction of PGRs in plants. The effects and mechanisms of PGRs on bioactive compound production in S. miltiorrhiza are systematically summarized and future research is discussed. This article provides a scientific basis for further research, cultivation, and metabolic engineering in S. miltiorrhiza.

Danshen-Shanzha formula for the treatment of atherosclerosis: ethnopharmacological relevance, preparation methods, chemical constituents, pharmacokinetic properties, and pharmacological effects

Danshen-Shanzha Formula (DSF) is a well-known herbal combination comprising Radix Salvia Miltiorrhiza (known as Danshen in Chinese) and Fructus Crataegi (known as Shanzha in Chinese), It has been documented to exhibit considerable benefits for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and was used extensively in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiac and cerebral vascular diseases over decades. Despite several breakthroughs achieved in the basic research and clinical applications of DSF over the past decades, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews summarizing its features and research, which hinders further exploration and exploitation of this promising formula. This review aims to provide a comprehensive interpretation of DSF in terms of its ethnopharmacological relevance, preparation methods, chemical constituents, pharmacokinetic properties and pharmacological effects. The related information on Danshen, Shanzha, and DSF was obtained from internationally recognized online scientific databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Baidu Scholar, ScienceDirect, ACS Publications, Online Library, Wan Fang Database as well as Flora of China. Data were also gathered from documentations, printed works and classics, such as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese herbal classics, etc. Three essential avenues for future studies were put forward as follows: a) Develop and unify the standard preparation method of DSF as to achieve optimized pharmacological properties. b) Elucidate the functional mechanisms as well as the rationality and rule for the compatibility art of DSF by focusing on the clinic syndromes together with the subsequent development of preclinic study system in vitro and in vivo with consistent pathological features, pharmacokinetical behaviour and biomarkers. c) Perform more extensive clinical studies towards the advancement of mechanism-based on evidence-based medicine on the safety application of DSF. This review will provide substantial data support and broader perspective for further research on the renowned formula.

Comparative pharmacokinetic study on phenolic acids and flavonoids in normal and microcirculation dysfunction rats plasma by UPLC-TQ/MS/MS after oral administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza stem-leaf extracts

According to the Standard of Chinese Medicinal Materials of Shaanxi Province (2015 edition), Salvia miltiorrhiza caulis et folium is the dried stems and leaves of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which could activate blood and dispell blood stasis, clear the mind and remove annoyance. In this study, the dynamic absorption changes of phenolic acids (FS) and phenolic acids-flavonoids (FT) in rats after oral administration were studied by UPLC-TQ/MS/MS, to elucidate the pharmacokinetics of seven major bioactive components of the stem-leaf of Salvia miltiorrhiza in vivo. The results showed that the pharmacokinetic parameters of FS and FT were significantly different in normal rats and model rats. Compared with the control group, after injecting 10 % polymer dextran 500 into the tail vein to establish a model of microcirculation disturbance, the Cmax of caffeic acid decreased. The Cmax of rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid increased. Danshensu showed a decrease in CLz/F, accompanied by an increase in both AUC0-t and AUC0-∞. The AUC0-t of lithospermic acid was also increased. These results indicated that microcirculation disturbance could decrease the absorption of caffeic acid while increasing the absorption of danshensu, rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid. After oral administration of FT, the Cmax of danshensu and the AUC0-t of caffeic acid were increased significantly, suggesting that the presence of flavonoids may promote the absorption and exposure of phenolic acids in vivo. This study provides a reference for the elucidation of the in vivo substances and the mechanisms of action of FS and FT from the stem-leaf of Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Identification of phytochemical as a dual inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR: a structure-based computational approach

Breast cancer is a common form of cancer that affects both men and women. One of the most common types of genomic flaws in cancer is the aberrations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The benefit of dual targeting PI3K as well as mTOR is that the kinase-positive feedback loops are more effectively inhibited. Therefore, in the current study, structure-based models like molecular docking, MM-GBSA, Qikprop, induced fit docking, simulated molecular dynamics (MD), and thermal MM-GBSA were used to identify the phytochemicals from the zinc 15 database, which may inhibit PI3K and mTOR. After docking the phytochemicals with PI3K (PDB 4FA6), ten ligands based on the docking score were selected, among which salvianolic acid C had the highest docking score. Hence, salvianolic acid A was also docked. All the ligands taken showed a binding energy of greater than - 30 kcal/mol. The predicted ADME showed that the ligands have druggable properties. By performing MD of the top five ligands and salvianolic acid A, it was found that ZINC000059728582, ZINC000257545754, ZINC000253532301, and salvianolic acid A form a stable complex with PI3K protein, among which ZINC000014690026 showed interaction with Val 882 for more than 89% of the time. Salvianolic acid A is already proven to suppress tumor growth in acute myeloid leukemia by inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway, but the exact protein target is unknown. Therefore, the present study identifies new molecules and provides evidence for salvianolic acid A for dual inhibition. Further experiments must be performed both in vitro and in vivo to support the predictions of these computational tools.

Salvianolic Acid B: A Review of Pharmacological Effects, Safety, Combination Therapy, New Dosage Forms, and Novel Drug Delivery Routes

Salvianolic acid B is extracted from the roots and rhizomes of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., family Labiatae). It is a water-soluble, weakly acidic drug that has demonstrated antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects on various organs and tissues such as the lung, heart, kidney, intestine, bone, liver, and skin and protective effects in diseases such as depression and spinal cord injury. The mechanisms underlying the protective effects of salvianolic acid B are mainly related to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti- or pro-apoptotic, anti- or pro-autophagy, anti-fibrotic, and metabolism-regulating functions. Salvianolic acid B can regulate various signaling pathways, cells, and molecules to achieve maximum therapeutic effects. This review summarizes the safety profile, combination therapy potential, and new dosage forms and delivery routes of salvianolic acid B. Although significant research progress has been made, more in-depth pharmacological studies are warranted to identify the mechanism of action, related signaling pathways, more suitable combination drugs, more effective dosage forms, and novel routes of administration of salvianolic acid B.

Purification and identification of oligosaccharides from Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. rhizomes

Even though Cimicifuga sp. is widely used in functional foods around the world, the content and structure of its oligosaccharides remain unclear. Here, we isolated a mixture of oligosaccharides from Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. rhizomes with a yield of 9.5% w/w. Twenty-six oligosaccharide monomers from the mixture were purified using optimized SEC and HILIC techniques. The oligosaccharides were identified as belonging to two groups by using HPAEC-PAD, MALDI-TOF-MS, NMR and GC-MS methylation analyses. One group belongs to sucrose and inulin type fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) {β-d-Fruf-(2 → 1)-[β-d-Fruf-(2 ↔ 1)]_n=1-12-α-d-Glcp} with a 3-14 degree of polymerization (DP). Oligosaccharides in the other group belong to the inulo-n-ose type FOS {β-d-Fruf-(2 → 1)-[β-d-Fruf-(2 → 1)]_m=0-12-β-d-Frup} with a DP of 2-14. This appears to be the first time that these oligosaccharides have been purified from Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom., thus providing useful information concerning the utilization of Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. in functional foods.

Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide and its related metabolite 5-methoxyindole-3-carboxaldehyde ameliorate experimental colitis by regulating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway

The roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. However, tons of aerial parts of this plant are usually discarded in the production of roots preparation. To make better use of these plant resources, the polysaccharide isolated from the aerial part of S. miltiorrhiza was investigated for its potential protection against intestinal diseases. A pectic polysaccharide (SMAP-1) was isolated and characterized being composed of homogalacturonan as the main chain and rhamnogalacturonan type I as ramified region, with side chains including arabinans and possible arabinogalactan type I and II. SMAP-1 exhibited robust protective effects against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and restored colitis symptoms, colonic inflammation, and barrier functions. Anti-oxidative effects were also observed by up-regulating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Additionally, the level of serum 5-methoxyindole-3-carboxaldehyde (5-MC) was restored by SMAP-1 identified in metabolomic analysis, being correlated with the aforementioned effects. Protection against oxidative stress on intestinal porcine enterocyte cells (IPEC-J2) by 5-MC was observed through the activation of Nrf2/Keap1 system, as also shown by SMAP-1. In conclusion, SMAP-1 could be a promising candidate for colitis prevention, and 5-MC could be the signal metabolite of SMAP-1 in protecting against oxidative stress in the intestine.

Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza active compounds on placenta-mediated pregnancy complications

Placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (PMPCs), including preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), occur in approximately 5% of pregnancies and are caused by abnormal placenta development. The development of effective therapies for PMPCs is still challenging due to the complicated pathogenesis, such as disrupted vascular homeostasis and subsequent abnormal placentation. Synthetic drugs have been recommended for treating PMPCs; however, they tend to cause adverse reactions in the mother and fetus. Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza) has potential effects on PMPCs owing to its advantages in treating cardiovascular disorders. S. miltiorrhiza and its active compounds could attenuate the symptoms of PMPCs through anticoagulation, vasodilation, antioxidation, and endothelial protection. Thus, in this review, we summarize the literature and provide comprehensive insights on S. miltiorrhiza and its phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and on PMPCs, which would be valuable to explore promising drugs.

Response of Thymus lotocephalus In Vitro Cultures to Drought Stress and Role of Green Extracts in Cosmetics

The impact of drought stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) on morphological, physiological, (bio)chemical, and biological characteristics of Thymus lotocephalus López and Morales shoot cultures have been investigated, as well as the potential of iron oxide nanoparticles, salicylic acid, and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) as alleviating drought stress agents. Results showed that PEG caused oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner, raising H₂O₂ levels and reducing shoots’ growth, photosynthetic pigment contents, and phenolic compounds production, especially phenolic acids, including the major compound rosmarinic acid. Moreover, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra analysis revealed that PEG treatment caused changes in shoots’ composition, enhancing terpenoids biosynthesis. PEG also decreased the biological activities (antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and photoprotective) of the eco-friendly extracts obtained with a Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent. MeJA was the most efficient agent in protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by drought, by improving the biosynthesis of phenolics, like methyl 6-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside and salvianolic acids, as well as improving the extracts’ antioxidant activity. Altogether, the obtained results demonstrated a negative impact of PEG on T. lotocephalus shoots and an effective role of MeJA as a mitigating agent of drought stress. Additionally, extracts showed a good potential to be used in the cosmetics industry as skincare products.

Comparative proteomics reveals biochemical changes in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge during sweating processing

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is a bulk medicinal material used in traditional Chinese medicine, that can cure cardiovascular diseases, neurasthenia, and other conditions. Sweating is a frequently used method of processing S. miltiorrhiza for medical applications. We previously demonstrated changes to the metabolic profile of linoleic acid, glyoxylate, and dicarboxylate after Sweating. However, this alteration has not been explained at the molecular level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fresh roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge were treated by the Sweating processing, and then the tandem mass tag technique was used to compare the proteome difference between Sweating S. miltiorrhiza and non-Sweating S. miltiorrhiza.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 850 differentially expressed proteins after Sweating treatment in S. miltiorrhiza, including 529 upregulated proteins and 321 downregulated proteins. GO enrichment analysis indicated that these differentially expressed proteins are involved in external encapsulating structure, cell wall, oxidoreductase activity, ligase activity, and others. Further analysis showed that CYP450, the pathogenesis-related protein Bet v 1 family, and the peroxidase domain were the major protein domains. KEGG enrichment identified 18 pathways, of which phenylpropanoid biosynthesis is the most important one related to the metabolite profile and is the principal chemical component of S. miltiorrhiza.

CONCLUSION

This study addressed potential molecular mechanisms in S. miltiorrhiza after Sweating, and the findings provide reasons for the changes in biochemical properties and metabolites changes which might cause pharmacological variation at the proteome level.

Plant-microbe hybrid synthesis provides new insights for the efficient use of Macleaya cordata

Sanguinarine and chelerytrine have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and is the main active ingredients of growth promoters in animals. Currently, Sanguinarine and chelerytrine were extracted from the capsules of the medicinal plant Macleaya cordata. However, the biomass of M. cordata nonmedicinal parts (leaves) accounted for a large proportion and contained a rich presentation of protopine and allocryptopine which are the precursor compounds of sanguinarine and chelerytrine. The aim of this study was to develop a new method for producing sanguinarine and chelerytrine through yeast transformation of protopine and allocryptopine in M. cordata leaves. First, we isolated different genes from Papaver somniferum (PsP6H, PsCPR, PsDBOX), Eschscholtzia californica (EcP6H), Cucumis sativus (CuCPR), Arabidopsis thaliana (AtCPR) and M. cordata (Mc11229, Mc11218, Mc6408, Mc6407, Mc19967, Mc13802). Additionally, some of the gene sequences were codon optimized. Then, we transformed these genes into yeast cells to compare the catalytic efficiency. Second, we used the most efficient strains to biotransform the leaves of M. cordata. Finally, we obtained 85.415 ± 11.887 ng mL^-1 sanguinarine and 4.288 ± 1.395 ng mL^-1 chelerytrine, which was more than 2-3 times the content in leaves of M. cordata. Overall, we using the nonmedicinal parts of M. cordata and successfully obtained sanguinarine and chelerytrine by the plant-microbial hybrid synthesis method.

De novo Biosynthesis of Salvianolic Acid B in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Engineered with the Rosmarinic Acid Biosynthetic Pathway

Salvianolic acid B (SAB), also named lithospermic acid B, belongs to a class of water-soluble phenolic acids, originating from plants such as Salvia miltiorrhiza. SAB exhibits a variety of biological activities and has been clinically used to treat cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases and also has great potential as a health care product and medicine for other disorders. However, its biosynthetic pathway has not been completely elucidated. Here, we report the de novo biosynthesis of SAB in Saccharomyces cerevisiae engineered with the heterologous rosmarinic acid (RA) biosynthetic pathway. The created pathway contains seven genes divided into three modules on separate plasmids, pRS424-FjTAL-Sm4CL2, pRS425-SmTAT-SmHPPR or pRS425-SmTAT-CbHPPR, and pRS426-SmRAS-CbCYP-CbCPR. These three modules were cotransformed into S. cerevisiae, resulting in the recombinant strains YW-44 and YW-45. Incubation of the recombinant strains in a basic medium without supplementing any substrates yielded 34 and 30 μg/L of SAB. The findings in this study indicate that the created heterologous RA pathway cooperates with the native metabolism of S. cerevisiae to enable the de novo biosynthesis of SAB. This provides a novel insight into a biosynthesis mechanism of SAB and also lays the foundation for the production of SAB using microbial cell factories.

Biosynthesis-based spatial metabolome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge by combining metabolomics approaches with mass spectrometry-imaging

Defining the spatial distributions of metabolites and their structures are the two key aspects for interpreting the complexities of biosynthesis pathways in plants. As a means of obtaining information on the spatial distribution of metabolites, a strategy is needed that has high sensitivity and allows visualization. Toward this goal, we carried an untargeted metabolomics to obtain detailed metabolic information on different plant parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza, the roots of which are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Systematic optimization of desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) including parameter selection and sample preparation were carried out to improve the sensitivity of the method for plant samples. Guided by the metabolomics data, the spatial distributions of diverse metabolites, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, tanshinones, carbohydrates, and lipids, were characterized and visualized for both the underground and aerial parts. To integrate the information pertaining to the spatial distribution of metabolites, the flavonoids and phenolic acids (phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway) were chosen as examples for in-depth study the biosynthesis pathways in S. miltiorrhiza. The complementary data obtained from the metabolomics study and mass spectrometry imaging enabled the identification of key reactions involved in flavonoid biosynthesis in flowers, which lead the changes in metabolite distribution. The analysis also identified the core precursor for phenolic acid biosynthesis in Salvia species. Therefore, the powerful combination of metabolomics and mass spectrometry imaging provides a basis for obtaining detailed information on spatial metabolome and constitutes a platform for deep understanding the biosynthesis of bioactive metabolites in plants.

Anti-Osteogenic Effect of Danshensu in Ankylosing Spondylitis: An in Vitro Study Based on Integrated Network Pharmacology

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by abnormal bone metabolism, with few effective treatments available. Danshensu [3-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl) lactic acid) is a bioactive compound from traditional Chinese medicine with a variety of pharmacologic effects. In the present study, we investigated the pharmacologic effect and molecular mechanism of Danshensu in AS. Potential targets of Danshensu were identified in four drugs-genes databases; and potential pharmacologic target genes in AS were identified in three diseases-genes databases. Differentially expressed genes related to AS were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Overlapping targets of Danshensu and AS were determined and a disease–active ingredient–target interaction network was constructed with Cytoscape software. Enrichment analyses of the common targets were performed using Bioconductor. To test the validity of the constructed network, an in vitro model was established by treating osteoblasts from newborn rats with low concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Then, the in vitro model and AS fibroblasts were treated with Danshensu (1–10 μM). Osteogenesis was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining and activity assay, alizarin red staining, quantitative PCR, and western blotting. We identified 2944 AS-related genes and 406 Danshensu targets, including 47 that were common to both datasets. The main signaling pathways associated with the targets were the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. A low concentration of TNF-α (0.01 ng/ml) promoted the differentiation of osteoblasts; this was inhibited by Danshensu, which had the same effect on AS fibroblasts but had the opposite effect on normal osteoblasts. Danshensu also decreased the phosphorylation of JNK and ERK in AS fibroblasts. There results provide evidence that Danshensu exerts an anti-osteogenic effect via suppression of JNK and ERK signaling, highlighting its therapeutic potential for the treatment of AS.

Comparative Analysis of Major Flavonoids among Parts of Lactuca indica during Different Growth Periods

L. indica L. cv. Mengzao, a medicinal plant of the Ixeris genus, is rich in flavonoids. In order to thoroughly analyze the the distribution and dynamic change of major flavonoids in its various parts from different growth periods, the flavonoids extracted from L. indica L. cv. Mengzao were identified and quantitatively analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Results indicated that 15 flavonoids were identified from L. indica L. cv. Mengzao, and rutin, luteolin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol, quercetin, and apigenin are the major flavonoids in L. indica L. cv. Mengzao. In general, the total flavonoids' content in different parts of L. indica L. cv. Mengzao followed the order flowers > leaves > stems > roots. Flowers and leaves are the main harvesting parts of L. indica L. cv. Mengzao, and the flowering period is the most suitable harvesting period. This study provides valuable information for the development and utilization of L. indica L. cv. Mengzao and determined the best part to harvest and the optimal time for harvesting.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition by Major Tanshinones from Salvia miltiorrhiza and Selective Muscarinic Acetylcholine M4 Receptor Antagonism by Tanshinone I

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are considered important therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease (PD). Lipophilic tanshinones are major phytoconstituents in the dried roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza that have demonstrated neuroprotective effects against dopaminergic neurotoxins and the inhibition of MAO-A. Since MAO-B inhibition is considered an effective therapeutic strategy for PD, we tested the inhibitory activities of three abundant tanshinone congeners against recombinant human MAO (hMAO) isoenzymes through in vitro experiments. In our study, tanshinone I (1) exhibited the highest potency against hMAO-A, followed by tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone, with an IC50 less than 10 µM. They also suppressed hMAO-B activity, with an IC50 below 25 µM. Although tanshinones are known to inhibit hMAO-A, their enzyme inhibition mechanism and binding sites have yet to be investigated. Enzyme kinetics and molecular docking studies have revealed the mode of inhibition and interactions of tanshinones during enzyme inhibition. Proteochemometric modeling predicted mAChRs as possible pharmacological targets of 1, and in vitro functional assays confirmed the selective M4 antagonist nature of 1 (56.1% ± 2.40% inhibition of control agonist response at 100 µM). These findings indicate that 1 is a potential therapeutic molecule for managing the motor dysfunction and depression associated with PD.

Effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza aerial parts on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and digestive enzymes in rabbits

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza (S.m.) aerial parts as an alternative ingredient on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and digestive enzymes in growing rabbits.

Methods

Treatments included five tested diets: a control (basal diet), antibiotic (basal diet +enramycin at 5 mg/kg), and S.m. aerial parts powder added at 3.0%, 6.0%, and 9.0% of feed using 300 growing rabbits.

Results

The diets with S.m. aerial parts addition at 9.0% decreased (p<0.05) feed/gain compared to the control, but there were no differences in feed intake and body weight gain. In contrast with the control, the addition of antibiotic increased (p<0.05) digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, energy, fiber, and ash. The herb addition did not cause differences in the digestibility of most nutrients compared to the antibiotic, but fiber digestibility of the herb at 6.0% and 9.0% was lower (p<0.05) than that of the antibiotic. Moreover, the antibiotic and the herb also similarly increased (p<0.05) the activities of duodenal α-amylase, maltase, lipase, and trypsin, compared to the control, and the herb at 6.0% and 9.0% showed a greater (p<0.05) activity of elastase than the dose 3.0%.

Conclusion

The obtained data indicate that S.m. aerial parts can be a potential forage in rabbit’s diet at 9.0% with a beneficial regulation on nutrition and digestion.

Detection-confirmation-standardization-quantification: a novel method for the quantitative analysis of active components in traditional Chinese medicines

Background

Quantitative analysis of the active ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine is a research tendency. The objective of this study was to build a novel method, namely, Detection-confirmation-standardization-quantification (DCSQ), for the quantitative analysis of active components in traditional Chinese medicines, without individual reference standard.

Methods

Danshen (the dried root of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza) was used as the matrix. The “extraction” function in high-performance liquid chromatography-mass (HPLC-MS) instrument was used to find the peaks corresponding to cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I, and tanshinone IIA in the total ion current (TIC) chromatogram of Danshen. The multicomponent reference standard (MCRS) containing the three tanshinones mainly was prepared by preparative HPLC. The contents of them in the resulting MCRS were determined by NMR; moreover, the constituents of the MCRS were confirmed. The MCRS containing known content of the three tanshinones was used as the reference standard for the quantitative analysis of cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I and tanshinone IIA in Danshen Samples by analytical HPLC.

Results

The optimized HPLC conditions for the quantitative analysis of the active components in Danshen were established, and the assignments of the extracted peaks were confirmed by analyzing the characteristic fragments in their MS/MS product ion spectra and UV spectra. Then, the MCRS containing the three tanshinones were successfully prepared. The results of determination about the contents by NMR showed linearity fitted with high likelihood and calibration curves possessed high linearity. The results of determination on Danshen Samples obtained through DCSQ exhibited minimal deviations, in contrast to those obtained through individual reference standards.

Conclusion

The establishing DCSQ is independent and convenient for the quantitative analysis of the active components in TCMs by MCRS, without individual reference standard. This method is a great advance in quantitative analysis for complex composition, especially TCMs.

Genome-wide identification and functional characterization of natural antisense transcripts in Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza is one of the most widely used traditional medicines. Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are a class of long noncoding RNAs that can regulate gene expression. Here, we identified 812 NATs, including 168 cis-NATs and 644 trans-NATs from twelve root, flower, and leaf samples of S. miltiorrhiza using RNA-seq. The expression profiles for 41 of 50 NATs and their sense transcripts (STs) obtained from RNA-Seq were validated using qRT-PCR. The expression profiles of 17 NATs positively correlated with their STs. GO and KEGG pathway analyses mapped the STs for cis-NATs to pathways for biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. We characterized four NATs in detail, including NAT0001, NAT0002, NAT0004, and NAT00023. Their STs are kaurene synthase-like 1 and the homologs of UDP-glucose flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase 6, UDP-glycosyltransferase 90A1, and beta-glucosidase 40, respectively. The first gene is involved in the biosynthesis of bioactive tanshinones, the next two are involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, whereas the last is involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Besides, we found seven STs that are potential targets of miRNAs. And we found two miRNAs including miR156a and miR7208, might originate from NATs, NAT0112 and NAT0086. The results suggest that S. miltiorrhiza NATs might interact with STs, produce miRNAs, and be regulated by miRNAs. They potentially play significant regulatory roles in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds.

Comparative study of Danshen and Siwu decoction based on the molecular structures of the components and predicted targets

BACKGROUND

The sentence of "Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) and Siwu decoction are similar in function" was first recorded in an ancient Chinese medical book "Fu Ren Ming Li Lun". This theory has far-reaching influence on the clinical practice of Chinese medicine and is highly respected by Chinese medical doctors. However, the theory has limitations and controversial part for there is no in-depth and system comparative study.

METHODS

We collected the molecular structures of 129 compounds of Danshen and 81 compounds of Siwu decoction from the literatures. MACCS fingerprints and Tanimoto similarity were calculated based on the molecular structures for comparing the structural feature. Molecular descriptors which represent physical and chemical properties were calculated by Discovery Studio. Principal component analysis (PCA) of was performed based on the descriptors. The ADMET properties were predicted by FAF-Drugs4. The effect targets for the compounds with good ADMET properties were confirmed from experimental data and predicted using the algorithm comprising Bernoulli Naive Bayes profiling.

RESULTS

Based on the molecular structures, the presented study compared the structural feature, physical and chemical properties, ADMET properties, and effect targets of compounds of Danshen and Siwu decoction. It is found that Danshen and Siwu decoction do not have the same main active components. Moreover, the 2D structure of compounds from Danshen and Siwu decoction is not similar. Some of the compounds of Danshen and Siwu decoction are similar in 3D structure. The compounds with good ADMET properties of Danshen and Siwu decoction have same predicted targets, but some have different targets.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be inferred from the result that Danshen and Siwu decoction have some similarities, but also present differences from each other in the structure of the compounds and predicted targets. This may be the material basis of the similar and different traditional efficacy of Danshen and Siwu decoction. The setence of " Danshen and Siwu decoction are similar in function. " which is used in clinical has its material basis and target connotation to some extent. However, the traditional effects of Danshen and Siwu decoction are not exactly the same.

Protocatechuic aldehyde from Salvia miltiorrhiza exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect through inhibiting MAPK signalling pathway

Background

The aerial parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which was considered to be the waste part and discarded during the root harvest, is rich in protocatechuic aldehyde (PAI). This study investigated the health-promoting effects of extracts and PAI from the aerial parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza, including its anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of action in vitro and in vivo.

Method

Purification of the sample paste of Salvia miltiorrhiza was accomplished using HPLC analysis. TheMTT (Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay was employed to determine the cell viability. The production of inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA assays. The histopathological analysis was used to analyse the lungs and livers of mice treated with PAI. Western blot was performed to reveal the mechanism of PAI in anti-inflammatory.

Results

The extracts and PAI from the aerial parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza inhibited TNF-α, IL-6 production and promoted the production of IL-10 in vivo in mice and in vitro in the macrophage cell line RAW264.7. NF-κB and MAPKs kinase phosphorylation were also suppressed by PAI in vivo and in vitro, indicating that PAI exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the aerial parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza extract may serve as potential protective agents for inflammatory.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12906-020-03090-4.

Integrative omic and transgenic analyses reveal the positive effect of ultraviolet-B irradiation on salvianolic acid biosynthesis through upregulation of SmNAC1

Salvianolic acids (SalAs), a group of secondary metabolites in Salvia miltiorrhiza, are widely used for treating cerebrovascular diseases. Their biosynthesis is modulated by a variety of abiotic factors, including ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, an integrated metabolomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic approach coupled with transgenic analyses was employed to dissect the mechanisms underlying UV-B irradiation-induced SalA biosynthesis. Results of metabolomics showed that 28 metabolites, including 12 SalAs, were elevated in leaves of UV-B-treated S. miltiorrhiza. Meanwhile, the contents of several phytohormones, including jasmonic acid and salicylic acid, which positively modulate the biosynthesis of SalAs, also increased in UV-B-treated S. miltiorrhiza. Consistently, 20 core biosynthetic enzymes and numerous transcription factors that are involved in SalA biosynthesis were elevated in treated samples as indicated by a comprehensive proteomic analysis. Correlation and gene expression analyses demonstrated that the NAC1 gene, encoding a NAC transcriptional factor, was positively involved in UV-B-induced SalA biosynthesis. Accordingly, overexpression and RNA interference of NAC1 increased and decreased SalA contents, respectively, through regulation of key biosynthetic enzymes. Furthermore, ChIP-qPCR and Dual-LUC assays showed that NAC1 could directly bind to the CATGTG and CATGTC motifs present in the promoters of the SalA biosynthesis-related genes PAL3 and TAT3, respectively, and activate their expression. Our results collectively demonstrate that NAC1 plays a crucial role in UV-B irradiation-induced SalA biosynthesis. Taken together, our findings provide mechanistic insights into the UV-B-induced SalA biosynthesis in S. miltiorrhiza, and shed light on a great potential for the development of SalA-abundant varieties through genetic engineering.

Chemical characteristic and bioactivity of hemicellulose-based polysaccharides isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza roots (SMRs), the main component of cell wall from the residual waste extraction, differ depending on the forming ways of monosaccharides. The extraction from 8% sodium hydroxide solution (H-8) was characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), monosaccharide composition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The structure model of hemicellulose-based polysaccharides (HBPs) was derived by combining one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR. Monosaccharides difference and correlation were performed by partial least square analysis (PLS). Seven H-8s exhibited optimal inhibitory activities, which varied based on different sources of Danshen. The backbone structure indicated that 4-β-D-Xylp served as the main chain connected by 3-α-L-Araf or 5-α-L-Araf-1, 4-β-D-Galp, and β-D-Glcp branch, as well as α-L-Rhap, α-D-GalpA and α-D-GlcpA fragments. The variation of HBPs in terms of the structure and bioactivity of SMRs correlated with different cultivation sites can be a new approach to optimize and utilize the medical materials by chemical and biological aspects of natural macromolecules.

Distribution Analysis of Salvianolic Acids in Myocardial Ischemic Pig Tissues by Automated Liquid Extraction Surface Analysis Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The distribution of active compounds of traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Chinese name: Danshen) in vivo was determined by establishing a liquid extraction surface analysis coupled with the tandem mass spectrometry (LESA-MS/MS) method. Stability analysis and distribution analysis were designed in the present study using normal animals or a myocardial ischemia model. The model assessment was performed four weeks after surgery, and then three groups were created: a normal-dose group, a model-blank group, and a model-dose group. Meanwhile, Danshen decoction administration began in dose groups and lasted for four weeks. In stability analysis, four salvianolic acids—Danshensu (DSS), caffeic acid (CAA), rosmarinic acid (RA), and salvianolic acid A (SAA)—in kidney tissues from the normal-dose group were detected by LESA-MS/MS under four conditions, and then distribution analysis was conducted in different tissues using the same method. Ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) in animals from two model groups decreased significantly four weeks after surgery (P < 0.01) and were improved after four weeks of Danshen decoction administration (P < 0.01). Results of stability analysis demonstrated that this method was basically stable since there were no significant differences in signal intensities of DSS, CAA, and SAA under four conditions (P > 0.05). Distribution analysis showed the signal intensities of DSS in the liver and kidney and SAA in the heart were higher in the model-dose group than in the normal-dose group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Signal intensities of RA in the liver and kidney, and SAA in the liver were lower in the model-dose group compared with the normal-dose group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In conclusion, Danshen decoction has the effect of improving the ischemic condition in a chronic myocardial ischemia model, and the content of two active compounds increased in the targets. These findings contribute to an understanding of the therapeutic role of Danshen in cardiovascular disease.

Quality standard of traditional Chinese medicines: comparison between European Pharmacopoeia and Chinese Pharmacopoeia and recent advances

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are becoming more and more popular all over the world. However, quality issues of TCM may lead to medical incidents in practice and therefore quality control is essential to TCM. In this review, the state of TCM in European Pharmacopoeia are compared with that in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and herbal drugs that are not considered as TCM and not elaborated by TCM working party at European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Health Care (EDQM) but present in both European Pharmacopoeia and Chinese Pharmacopoeias are also discussed. Different aspects in quality control of TCM including origins, identification, tests and assays, as well as sample preparation, marker selection and TCM processing are covered to address the importance of establishing comprehensive quality standard of TCM. Furthermore, advanced analytical techniques for quality control and standard establishment of TCM are also reviewed.

Systematic Analysis of Kelch Repeat F-box (KFB) Protein Gene Family and Identification of Phenolic Acid Regulation Members in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge

S. miltiorrhiza is a well-known Chinese herb for the clinical treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Tanshinones and phenolic acids are the major secondary metabolites and significant pharmacological constituents of this plant. Kelch repeat F-box (KFB) proteins play important roles in plant secondary metabolism, but their regulation mechanism in S. miltiorrhiza has not been characterized. In this study, we systematically characterized the S. miltiorrhiza KFB gene family. In total, 31 SmKFB genes were isolated from S. miltiorrhiza. Phylogenetic analysis of those SmKFBs indicated that 31 SmKFBs can be divided into four groups. Thereinto, five SmKFBs (SmKFB1, 2, 3, 5, and 28) shared high homology with other plant KFBs which have been described to be regulators of secondary metabolism. The expression profile of SmKFBs under methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment deciphered that six SmKFBs (SmKFB1, 2, 5, 6, 11, and 15) were significantly downregulated, and two SmKFBs (SmKFB22 and 31) were significantly upregulated. Tissue-specific expression analysis found that four SmKFBs (SmKFB4, 11, 16, and 17) were expressed preferentially in aerial tissues, while two SmKFBs (SmKFB5, 25) were predominantly expressed in roots. Through a systematic analysis, we speculated that SmKFB1, 2, and 5 are potentially involved in phenolic acids biosynthesis.

Effect of Danshen on TLR2-triggered inflammation in macrophages

BACKGROUND

Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza Radix et Rhizoma) is a valued herbal plant widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases in Asian countries. In modern medicine, innate immunity-induced inflammation is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanism of Danshen.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the molecular mechanisms of Danshen on Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2-triggered inflammation in macrophages and identify its bioactive components.

METHODS

Pam3CSK4-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were treated with Danshen water extract (DSE), and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) were measured by both real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)-based bioinformatics analyses were applied to reveal the novel molecular mechanisms of DSE, followed by western blotting for verification. Additionally, HPLC-UV analysis along with bioassays was performed to identify the bioactive ingredients of DSE.

RESULTS

The results of RT-qPCR and ELISA showed that DSE significantly inhibited proinflammatory cytokine expression in a dose-dependent manner. Transcriptome analyses revealed that a wider panel of inflammatory cytokines responded to the regulatory effect of DSE, and that the TNF signaling pathway might have played a vital role. Western blotting data confirmed the involvement of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK) and Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) related singling pathway. Among the seven components identified in DSE, Danshensu (DSS) and protocatechuic aldehyde (PA) were confirmed as bioactive ones with anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSION

DSE showed a promising effect against TLR2-triggered inflammation associated with the inhibition of the TNF cascade down-streamed mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, in which IL-6 acts as the key effective molecule, and ERK and JNK phosphorylation was inhibited. Notably, DSS and PA were considered bioactive components with anti-inflammatory bioactivity.

Porous carbon derived from herbal plant waste for supercapacitor electrodes with ultrahigh specific capacitance and excellent energy density

Here in this work, porous carbon is prepared from waste of a traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza flowers. Structures of the porous carbons are regulated by simply regulating of activation temperatures and dosages of activator. The optimized porous carbon owns a high specific surface area of 1715.3 m² g^-1 and total pore volume of 0.6392 cm³ g^-1, together with a unique hierarchical architecture and ultrahigh content of 45.97 at% self-doped O and 0.49 at% of N. When used as electrode materials for supercapacitors, the prepared porous carbon exhibited excellent specific capacitance and energy density as well as fantastic cycle stability. Under a current density of 0.5 A/g, the electrode based on this material showed high specific capacitance of 530 F/g, with fantastic rate performance of 258 F/g at 20 A/g and excellent cycle stability of 91% capacitance retention for 10,000 cycles at 10 A/g in a three-electrode system in 6 M KOH. In assembled supercapacitors, the SF-PC_700-3 based electrode worked under potential of 1 V and exhibited 222 F/g of specific capacitance at a current density of 0.5 A/g, and even when the current density was increased up to 30 A/g, the specific capacitance can still as high as 168 F/g, verified the excellent performance of SF-PC_700-3. Symmetric supercapacitors in Na₂SO₄ and TEABF₄/AN electrolyte showed voltage ranges of 1.8 V and 3 V respectively, and high energy density of 22.2 Wh Kg^-1 at 448. W Kg^-1 and 40.6 Wh Kg^-1 at 755.8 W Kg^-1 are obtained.

Salvia miltiorrhiza stem-leaf active components of salvianolic acids and flavonoids improved the hemorheological disorder and vascular endothelial function on microcirculation dysfunction rats

Microcirculation, which connects macrocirculation and cells between arterioles and venules, plays a major role in the early onset of a variety of diseases. In this article, a dextran-induced microcirculation dysfunction (MCDF) model rats were adopted to evaluate the effects and mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza stem-leaf extracts based on plasma and urine metabonomics. The results showed the effective components of S. miltiorrhiza stem-leaf could significantly improve the hemorheology and coagulation index of MCDF rats and callback the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1), induciblenitric oxide synthase (iNOS), vascularendothelial growth factor (VEGF), P-Selectin, thromboxane A2, 6-keto-PGF_1α , TNF-α, and interleukin-1β to control group in MCDF rats. The decrease of microvessel density (MVD) in lung and thymus caused by MCDF was upgraded by Salvia miltiorrhiza stem-leaf. Based on the plasma and urine metabolic data, 20 potential biomarkers were identified. These biomarkers are mainly related to linoleic acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, pyruvate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, beta-alanine metabolism, and citrate cycle. The results indicated that the effective components of S. miltiorrhiza stem-leaf can improve the hemorheological disorder and vascular endothelial function. Meanwhile, the effective components can regulate potential biomarkers and correlated metabolic pathway, which can provide guidance for the research and development of new drugs for MCDF.

Enhancement of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Salvia miltiorrhiza Roots Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae

The roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza are known to exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial activities. To improve the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of S. miltiorrhiza roots, the roots were fermented with Aspergillus oryzae at 25 °C for 3 weeks. The non-fermented (SME) and fermented (SMBE) roots of S. miltiorrhiza were extracted with 70% ethanol, respectively, and then fractionated with organic solvents. By fermentation, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant activity of SMBE, were increased by about 1.2 to 1.3 times compared with those of SME. The antibacterial activity of SMBE was also twice as high as that of SME. The antibacterial activity of SMBE against Bacillus cereus was lower in the n-hexane and chloroform fractions, but higher in the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions, compared with those of SME. These results indicate that the bioactive components of S. miltiorrhiza roots exhibiting antibacterial activity were converted to more polar compounds by fermentation of A. oryzae. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and LC-MS analyses of SME and SMBE demonstrate that these changes are due to the acylation of dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, dealkylation of 4-methylbenzene-1,2-diol and 4-ethylbenzene-1,2-diol, and esterification of hexadecanoic acid and (9Z, 12Z)-octadec-9,12-dienoic acid during fermentation.

Identification of key genes involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenic acids in the mint family

Triterpenic acids (TAs), a large group of natural compounds with diverse biological activity, are produced by several plant taxa. Betulinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids are the most medicinally important TAs and are mainly found in plants of the mint family. Metabolic engineering is strongly dependent on identifying the key genes in biosynthetic pathways toward the products of interest. In this study, gene expression tracking was performed by transcriptome mining, co-expression network analysis, and tissue-specific metabolite-expression analysis in order to identify possible key genes involved in TAs biosynthetic pathways. To this end, taxa-specific degenerate primers of six important genes were designed using an effective method based on the MEME algorithm in a phylogenetically related group of sequences and successfully applied in three members of the Lamiaceae (Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Thymus persicus). Based on the results of in-depth data analysis, genes encoding squalene epoxidase and oxido squalene cyclases are proposed as targets for boosting triterpene production. The results emphasize the importance of identifying key genes in triterpene biosynthesis, which may facilitate genetic manipulation or overexpression of target genes.

Comparison of Chemical Compositions, Antioxidant, and Anti-Photoaging Activities of Paeonia suffruticosa Flowers at Different Flowering Stages

Paeonia suffruticosa is an ornamental, edible, and medicinal plant. The ethanolic extracts of P. suffruticosa bud and flower were examined for their antioxidant, anti-photoaging, and phytochemical properties prior to chemometric analysis. The results showed that the bud ethanolic extract (BEE) and the flower (the early flowering stage) ethanolic extract (FEE) had better antioxidant activities, and significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the skin tissues. In total, 68 compounds, including 20 flavonoids, 15 phenolic derivatives, 12 terpenoids, 9 fatty acids, and 12 others were identified or tentatively identified by ultra-fast liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UFLC-Q-TOF-MS). Gallic acid, 1,2,3,4,6-O-pentagalloyl glucose, paeoniflorin, and oxypaeoniflorin were predominant compounds in the extracts. Taken together, P. suffruticosa flowers are a candidate for functional material in food and health related industries, and their optimal time to harvest is before the early flowering stage.

Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch Ameliorates Rheumatic Heart Disease by Affecting Relative Percentages of CD4+CD25+FoxP3 Treg and CD4+IL17 T Cells

(Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch. (SSLK) helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) but its effects on rheumatic heart disease (RHD) patients remain unclear. 80 RHD patients were recruited and randomly assigned into SG (to receive SSLK treatment) and CG (to receive placebo) groups, and the intervention lasted for 3 months. The following cardiac indexes were measured, including mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), blood lactate, fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitation, and chest pain. ELISA kits were used to analyze creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), serum troponin T (cTnT), CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Relative percentages of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3 regulatory (Treg) and CD4⁺IL-17 T cells were measured using flow cytometry. After 3-month therapy, SSLK intervention improved MAP, HR, CVP, fatigue, palpitation, and shortness breath of CHD patients, reduced the levels of blood lactate, CK-MB, cTnT, CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, and increased SOD level (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, SSLK treatment increased the percentages of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3 Treg cells and reduced relative percentages of CD4⁺IL-17 T cells in a dose-dependent way (p < 0.05). Relative percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3 Treg cells had negative relationship while CD4⁺IL17 T cells had positive relationship with CK-MB, cTnT, CRP, and TNF-a (p < 0.01). SSLK ameliorated RHD by affecting the balance of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3 Treg and CD4⁺IL17 T cells.

Comparative Analysis of Carbohydrates, Nucleosides and Amino Acids in Different Parts of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. by (Ultra) High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Evaporative Light Scattering Detector Methods

Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. is one of the original plants for traditional Chinese medicines Trichosanthis Fructus, Trichosanthis Semen, Trichosanthis Pericarpium and Trichosanthis Radix. Amino acids, nucleosides and carbohydrates are usually considered to have nutritional value and health-care efficacy. In this study, methods involving high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD), UV-visible spectrophotometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) were established for quantifying carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, stachyose, raffinose and polysaccharide), fourteen nucleosides and twenty one amino acids. Moreover, sixty-three samples from nine different parts, including pericarp, seed, fruit pulp, stem, leaf, main root, main root bark, lateral root and lateral root bark of T. kirilowii from different cultivated varieties were examined. The established methods were validated with good linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery. The results showed that the average content of total amino acids in roots (15.39 mg/g) and root barks (16.38 mg/g) were relatively higher than for others. Contents of nucleosides in all parts of T. kirilowii were below 1.5 mg/g. For carbohydrates, fruit pulp has a higher content than others for glucose (22.91%), fructose (20.63%) and polysaccharides (27.29%). By using partial least-squared discriminate analysis (PLS-DA), Variable importance in the projection (VIP) plots and analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis, the characteristic components of the different organs (fruit, stems and leaves, roots) were found. This analysis suggested there were potential medicinal and nutritive health care values in various parts of the T. kirilowii, which provided valuable information for the development and utilization of T. kirilowii.

Preparation of Salvianolic Acid B Disodium Salt Considering the Water Extract Quality Standard

A preparation process of salvianolic acid B (SAB) disodium salt from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) is provided in this work. A water extract quality standard was also developed to estimate the influences of Danshen quality on SAB disodium salt quality at an early stage of the preparation process. Crude SAB solution was obtained after water extraction, concentration, acidification, 1-butanol extraction, water washing, basification, and water back extraction. Extraction temperature, extraction pH, and back-extraction pH were identified to be key parameters for the preparation of crude SAB solution. These parameters were optimized with Box⁻Behnken designed experiments. Crude SAB solution was further purified with a chromatography process. AMBERCHROW CG161M resin was selected as the best adsorbent. SAB disodium salt could be obtained by drying the eluate. Considering the quality of Danshen may affect the purity and yield of SAB disodium salt, different batches of Danshen were used to prepare SAB disodium salt with the optimized parameters. Water extract indices of phenolic compound purity and phenolic compound yield were measured. By developing models between SAB disodium salt purity and yield with water extract indices, the quality standard of Danshen water extract was obtained. The application of water extract quality standards can improve the quality consistency of SAB disodium salt. The effects of different batches of Danshen raw materials on the final product could be evaluated at the beginning of production stages. The present method could prepare about five grams of high-purity SAB disodium salt (>95%) in one preparation cycle. The method reported in this work can also be used to develop process intermediate quality standards for other natural products.

Polypharmacological Profiles Underlying the Antitumor Property of Salvia miltiorrhiza Root (Danshen) Interfering with NOX-Dependent Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

Danshen, the dried root of Salvia miltiorrhiza, one of the most investigated medicinal plants with well-defined phytochemical constituents, has shown prominent clinical outcomes for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant activities to attain vascular protection and additional benefits for cancer therapy. More recently, activation of neutrophil and excessive formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been observed in pathological conditions of metastatic cancers; thus, we hypothesized that suppression of NETs could account for an essential cellular event underlying Danshen-mediated reduction of the incidence of metastasis. Using an experimental pulmonary metastases model of red fluorescent protein- (RFP-) labeled gastric cancer cells in combination with macroscopic ex vivo live-imaging system, our data indicated that Danshen impaired the fluorescent intensity and quantity of metastatic nodules. Moreover, Danshen could prevent neutrophil trafficking to the metastatic sites with decreased plasma levels of neutrophil elastase (NE) and procoagulant potential featured by fibrinogen. We further established phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate- (PMA-) induced NET formation of human neutrophils and screened representative active compounds derived from the hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions of Danshen using qualitative and quantitative methods. As a result, we found that salvianolic acid B (Sal B) and 15,16-dihydrotanshinone I (DHT I) exhibited superior inhibitory activities on NET formation and significantly attenuated the levels of citrullinated histone H3 (citH3), a biomarker for NET formation. Multitarget biochemical assays demonstrated that Sal B and DHT I distinctly modulated the enzymatic cascade involved in NET formation. Sal B and DHT I could disrupt NET formation at the earlier stage by blocking the activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and NADPH oxidase (NOX), respectively. Lastly, combining treatment of Sal B and DHT I under subED₅₀ doses displayed remarkable synergism effect on NET inhibition. Altogether, these data provide insight into how promiscuous compounds from herbal medicine can be effectively targeted NETs towards hematogenous metastasis of certain tumors.

Comparison of antibacterial activity and phenolic constituents of bark, lignum, leaves and fruit of Rhus verniciflua

Rhus verniciflua is commonly known as a lacquer tree in Korea. The bark of R. verniciflua has been used as an immunostimulator in traditional medicine, but also causes allergic dermatitis due to urushiol derivatives. For the development of active natural resources with less toxicity, the antibacterial activity of various parts of R. verniciflua such as bark, lignum, leaves and fruit, together with chemical composition, were investigated. Among the various parts of R. verniciflua, lignum showed the most potent antibacterial activity against fish pathogenic bacteria such as Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio anguillarum and Streptococcus iniae. Measurement of total phenolic content and flavonoid content clearly showed a high content of phenolic and flavonoids in lignum among the various parts of R. verniciflua. Further analysis showed a close correlation between antibacterial activity and phenolic content. In addition, methyl gallate and fustin, the major constituents of bark and lignum, showed antibacterial activity, which suggested phenolic constituents as active constituents. The content of urushiols, however, was highest in bark, but there was a trace amount in lignum. LC-MS-MS and PCA analysis showed good discrimination with the difference of phenolic composition in various parts of R. verniciflua. Taken together, phenolic compounds are responsible for the antibacterial activity of R. verniciflua. The lignum of R. verniciflua contains high content of phenolic compounds with less urushiols, which suggests efficient antibacterial activity with less toxicity. Therefore, the lignum of R. verniciflua is suggested as a good source for antibacterial material to use against fish bacterial diseases.

Identification and Characterization of Flavonoid Biosynthetic Enzyme Genes in Salvia miltiorrhiza (Lamiaceae)

Flavonoids are a class of important secondary metabolites with a broad spectrum of pharmacological functions. Salviamiltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a broad diversity of flavonoids. However, flavonoid biosynthetic enzyme genes have not been systematically and comprehensively analyzed in S.miltiorrhiza. Through genome-wide prediction and molecular cloning, twenty six flavonoid biosynthesis-related gene candidates were identified, of which twenty are novel. They belong to nine families potentially encoding chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavone synthase (FNS), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H), flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase (F3'5'H), flavonol synthase (FLS), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), respectively. Analysis of intron/exon structures, features of deduced proteins and phylogenetic relationships revealed the conservation and divergence of S.miltiorrhiza flavonoid biosynthesis-related proteins and their homologs from other plant species. These genes showed tissue-specific expression patterns and differentially responded to MeJA treatment. Through comprehensive and systematic analysis, fourteen genes most likely to encode flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes were identified. The results provide valuable information for understanding the biosynthetic pathway of flavonoids in medicinal plants.