Search

Secondary metabolites of medicinal plants are extremely important to human health because of their special pharmacological activities or efficacy. They are the main source of drugs, health care products, and cosmetics. As human beings continue to pursue health and longevity, the demand in the pharmaceutical market continues to grow. It becomes especially important to improve the production and quality of secondary metabolites of medicinal plants. Plant secondary metabolites are a kind of adaptation of plants to their environment and are the result of the interaction between plants and biotic and abiotic factors during the long-term evolution process. The production and accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants are mainly affected by plant genetic factors and environmental factors. Among them, light environment is extremely important for their synthesis. Therefore, light regulation has long been a research focus for many scholars in China and abroad. In this article, we the recent research progress on the effects of light regulation on the secondary metabolites of medicinal plants were reviewed, mainly focusing on the effects of light quality, light intensity and photoperiod, in order to provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for the efficient production of secondary metabolites with important pharmacological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the anti-tumor mechanism of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) by network pharmacology and reverse molecular docking techniques. Methods The main chemical components of saffron were obtained by searching published literature and TCMSP database. The potential targets of these components were predicted using PharmMapper server. The corresponding target genes were identified from UniProt database. The underlying anti-tumor targets of saffron were obtained by mapping the disease genes of cancer or tumor with GeneCards, OMIM and TTD databases. Cytoscape software was used to construct the action target network of saffron active components. The protein-protein interaction analysis was performed by String database, and the GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed by Metascape platform. Finally, molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding of main components with their potential targets. Results A total of 9 active ingredients in saffron including quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, picrocrocin and crocin I, were identified, which might act on 37 key targets including AKT1, CCND1, MMP9, EGFR, TP53, involved in P53, TNF and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking indicated modest binding potency through hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. Conclusion The anti-tumor effect of saffron was evaluated via the network of components-targets-pathways, which might provide a foundation for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the efficacy of the resolving depression and tranquilizing herbal sachets in alleviating sleep disorders of soldiers in naval vessels. Methods Fifty-nine soldiers with sleep disorders (PSQI scale score ≥8 and SAS scale score ≥50) were selected before training at sea, and were randomly divided into sachet treatment group, mindfulness meditation group and control group. During the training period, the sachet treatment group was given traditional Chinese medicine sachet treatment, the mindfulness meditation group was trained in mindfulness meditation, and the control group was not given any intervention. Results Compared with the control group, the PSQI and SAS scores of soldiers in both the experimental sachet treatment group and the positive meditation group were significantly improved; compared with the pre-intervention data, the PSQI and SAS scores of both the positive meditation group and the sachet treatment group were significantly decreased, and the degree of decrease was comparable. Conclusion The homemade improving depression and tranquilizing TCM sachets have the effect of alleviating the sleep disorders of naval troops served on vessels, which is equivalent to mindfulness meditation. It is easy to use and operate, which is suitable for promotion in the military. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]