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Three new sulphur glycosides, raphanuside B-D (1-3), together with a known sulphur glycoside, raphanuside (4) were isolated from the decoction of the seeds of Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl, and the compound 4 was reported for the first time from this plant. Their structures were identified by means of UV, IR, 1D, 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic data.

Twelve xanthones compounds were isolated from the ethanol extract of Gentianella acuta by means of reversed-phase preparative HPLC and various kinds of column chromatography including silica gel and ODS . Their structures were fully elucidated on the basis of MS, 1D and 2D-NMR data. The structures of xanthones were identified as 1, 7-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), swertiapuniside (2), 1, 3, 8- trihydroxy -4, 5-dimethoxyxanthone-1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(6→1)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), 1, 2, 8-trihydroxy-5, 6-dimethoxyxanthone-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), 1, 3, 7, 8-tetrahydroxyxanthone-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), 1, 3, 5, 8-tetrahydroxy-5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydroxanthone (6), 1, 3, 5-thihydroxyxanthone (7),1, 3, 5, 8-tetrahydroxyxanthone (8), 1, 2, 8-trihydroxy-5, 6-dimethoxyxanthone (9), bellidifolin (10), mangiferin (11), swertianolin (12). Compounds 1-9 were isolated from Gentianella genus for the first time., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

In this study, the chemical constituentsfrom Valeriana amurensis AD-effective fraction were investigated based on the effect of Valeriana amurensis on Alzheimer's disease (AD) in previous study. Valeriana amurensis was extracted with 75% ethanol and the obtained extract were extracted and subjected to AB-8 macroporous resin column to obtain the AD-effective fraction of Valeriana amurensis. 9 compounds (1-9) were isolated with silica gel, ODS column chromatography and preparative HPLC. The structures of these compounds were determined as 6-hydroxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-4-methylenehexahydrocyclopenta[c]-pyran-1(3H)-one (1), suspensolide F (2), loganin(3), α-morroniside(4), β-morronisid (5), partinovalerosidate (6), zansiumloside A (7), (-)-angelicoidenol-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), citroside A (9). Compounds 6-9 were isolated from the valerian genus for the first time and further investigated the anti-AD effect of compounds 1-9 in vitro found that compound 2 and 6 protected the PC12 cells from injury significantly., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

A rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method based on the Triple Quad system has been developed and validated for the determination and pharmacokinetics of taxifolin and its nanodispersion in rat plasma. Taxifolin plasma samples along with butylparaben (internal standard) were pre-treated by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, and then separated on a SB-C18 RRHD column (150 mm × 2.1 mm × 1.8 μm) using isocratic elution with a run time of 3.0 min. The mobile phase was acetonitrile-water (90:10, v/v) containing 5 mM ammonium acetate at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Quantification of taxifolin was performed by the electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with negative atmospheric ionization at m/z 303.0→285.0 for taxifolin and 193.1→92.0 for I.S., respectively. The calibration curve of taxifolin showed good linearity over a concentration range of 5.0-4280 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.9995. The limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 5.0 ng/mL. Intra-day, inter-day precision and accuracy (percent relative to standard deviation) were all within 8% at three concentration levels. A total recovery of taxifolin and I.S. was beyond 75%. The present LC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of taxifolin after intravenous administration of taxifolin, oral administration of its physical mixture and nanodispersion. The absolute bioavailability of taxifolin was calculated as 0.75% for taxifolin nanodispersion and 0.49% for taxifolin, respectively.

Dioscoreae Bulibferae Rhizoma (RDB) is commonly used in clinical Chinese medicine. It has been used in many kinds of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but the toxicity of RDB, easily leads to hepatotoxicity. The objective of the present study is to investigate the synergistic protective effect of Scutellariae Radix (SR) with Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (PCC) on RDB caused liver toxicity in rats. SD female rats were adopted to establish the hepatotoxicity models by RDB (9 g•kg⁻¹, ig) once daily for 28 consecutive days. After 28 days, liver histological changes were observed, and the activity of transaminase and antioxidant enzymes was evaluated. Morphological and biochemical indicators evaluation showed that, Dioscoreae Bulibferae Rhizoma-induced hepatotoxicity models were successful, and the liver cells were dissolved and swelling with fatty degeneration； inflammatory cells were present in gaps; local punctiformed or lamellar hydropic degeneration was found in liver tissues, with partial necrosis. Indexes of liver function (ALT, AST and ALP) were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The combination of SR and PCC has protective effect on RDB-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. SR+PCC exerted the strongest protective effects against RDB-induced hepatotoxicity. SR, PCC, and SB+CP were observed to exhibit hepatoprotective effect as demonstrated by significant decrease in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and MAD level in liver tissue (P<0.001), significant increase in GSH content in liver tissue (P<0.001), and significant improvement in his to pathologic changes of liver tissues in rats. SR, PCC and their combinations could achieve liver protection effect by reducing ALT, ALP and AST level in serum, increasing GSH level and anti-oxidantability of liver tissues, and reducing hepatic tissue cells injury., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

Coptidis Rhizoma is commonly used in clinical medicine. It has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the functions of clearing heat, drying dampness, purging intense heat relieve toxins. However, the herb contains complex ingredients, and CYP450 isoenzyme is the main metabolic enzyme of the drug, so it is of important clinical significance to study the effect of Coptidis Rhizoma on cytochrome P450 enzymes. In the experiment, liver tissues of rats were selected and liver microsomes were separated by differential centrifugation. Bicinchoninic acid (BCA) Protein quantitation was done by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification) was combined with the 2D-LC-MS/MS analysis method for identification of CYP450 proteins. With Coptidis Rhizoma, 30 CYP450 isoenzymes were identified, with 7 proteins significantly increased and 8 decreased in response to Coptidis Rhizoma, while the rest 15 had no change. iTRAQ technology combined with 2D-LC-MS/MS method could be used to comprehensively study CYP450 enzyme, but it is necessary to further evaluate in vitro levels of Coptidis Rhizoma and avoid any potential clinical drug-drug interaction., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

Four new cycloartane triterpenes, named huangqiyegenins V and VI and huangqiyenins K and L (1-4, resp.), together with nine known triterpenoids, 5-13, and eight flavonoids, 14-21, were isolated from a 70%-EtOH extract of Astragalus membranaceus leaves. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses, and the compounds were identified as (9β,11α,16β,20R,24S)-11,16,25-trihydroxy-20,24-epoxy-9,19-cyclolanostane-3,6-dione (1), (9β,16β,24S)-16,24,25-trihydroxy-9,19-cyclolanostane-3,6-dione (2), (3β,6α,9β,16β,20R,24R)-16,25-dihydroxy-3-(β-D-xylopyranosyloxy)-20,24-epoxy-9,19-cyclolanostan-6-yl acetate (3), and (3β,6α,9β,16β,24E)-26-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-16-hydroxy-3-(β-D-xylopyranosyloxy)-9,19-cyclolanost-24-en-6-yl acetate (4). All isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Compounds 1-3, 14, 15, and 18 exhibited strong inhibition on LPS-induced NO release by macrophages with IC50 values of 14.4-27.1 μM., (Copyright © 2015 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.)

Objective: To study the relationship between chemical subdivision and immune suppressive activity in order to find out the anti-inflammatory and immunomudulatory pharmacological activity material basic of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma., Method: C57 mice was induced by 2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene to build immune inflammation which was also called contact allergic dermatitis. The influence of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma decoction and chemical subdivisions on immune organ, ear edema and the Th1/Th2 immune balance was measured by analytical balance and Elisa method. The inflammatory factor TNF-α and NO level excreted by macrophage RAW264. 7 induced by LPS were also investigated., Result: AA decoction, timosaponin and polysaccharides significantly reduced the immune organ index and ear edema degree (P < 0.05), protein expression of IFN-γ was inhibited by AA timosaponin fraction and polysaccharides fraction. In vitro experiments showed that the proliferation of spleen cells was inhibited by timosaponin and polysaccharides after induced by ConA (P < 0.05). The release of NO and TNF-α induced by LPS significantly decreased by Anemarrhenae Rhizoma decoction and timosaponin (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The significant anti-inflammatory and immunomudu latory effects of AA are related to timosaponin and polysaccharides.

The saponins in Caulophyllum robustum have not yet been fully characterized. Furthermore these saponins are often present in trace amounts and are structurally complex. Here, a simple direct infusion electrospray ion trap multiple-stage tandem mass spectrometry (DI-ESI-IT-MS(n)) method was described for the characterization of trace C. robustum saponins. Eight reference saponins from the C. robustum hairy root were investigated by DI-ESI-IT-MS(n) in positive ion mode. Some fragmentation approaches were proposed through analysis of the [M+Na](+) ions: (1) preferential cleavage of the C-28 ester glycosidic bond to provide complementary [Y0α+Na](+) and [Bα+Na](+) ions for bidesmosidic saponins; (2) diagnostically neutral loss of CO2 from free carboxyl groups at C-28 for monodesmosidic saponins; and (3) the ion intensity ratio between [C2β+Na](+) and [B2β+Na](+), which is sensitive to the structural differences between the two isomeric β-sugar chains (Glc → (2)Ara and Glc → (3)Ara). The DI-ESI-IT-MS(n) method was successfully used for the analysis of trace C. robustum saponins with [M+Na](+) ions at m/z 1745.6, 1729.5, 1583.7, 1567.7, 1421.7 and 1405.7. This article highlights the discovery and identification of complex α- and β-oligosaccharide moieties in Caulophyllum saponins by glycosidic product ions along with cross ring cleavage product ions. Five oligosaccharide moieties were unambiguously or tentatively identified as Rha → (4)Glc → (6)Glc → (4)Rha → (4)Glc → (6)Glc, Glc → (4)Glc → (6)Glc → (4)Rha → (4)Glc → (6)Glc, Rha → Glc → Glc (Glc) → (2,3)Ara, Glc → Glc (Glc) → (2,3)Ara and Glc (Glc) → (2,3)Ara. Accuracy of the analytical procedure was demonstrated by structural identification of two saponins isolated using 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. The DI-ESI-IT-MS(n) method facilitates rapid discovery and analysis of trace Caulophyllum saponins and is a powerful and practical tool for structural characterization of complex oligosaccharide moieties in triterpene saponins., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Descurainia sophia is widely distributed in China and is one of the most troublesome annual weeds. It has diverse medicinal usage. D. sophia has abundant oil, making it an important oil plant in China. The main goal of this study was to obtain the maximum yield of the oil by an optimal selection of supercritical fluid extraction parameters. According to the central composite design and response surface methodology for supercritical fluid extraction method, a quadratic polynomial model was used to predict the yield of D. sophia seed oil. A series of runs was performed to assess the optimal extraction conditions. The results indicated that the extraction pressure had the greatest impact on oil yield within the range of the operating conditions studied. A total of approximately 67 compounds were separated in D. sophia seed oil by GC-MS, of which 51 compounds represented 98.21% of the total oils, for the first time. This study was also aimed at evaluating the anti-asthmatic, anti-tussive and expectorant activities in vivo of D. sophia seed oil which supplied for further research on bioactive constituents and pharmacological mechanisms.

In recent years, the discovery and studies on aquaporin have made us have a more in-depth understanding about the physiological and pathological processes of water metabolism. Over years, however, there has been no quantitative study on the target sites of diuretic traditional Chinese medicines at the molecular level. In that case, aquaporin was found to been a new target molecule to explain the efficacy exertion of diuretic traditional Chinese medicines. By studying aquaporin, researchers can understand the implicit meaning of the diuretic effect of traditional Chinese medicines and conduct quantitative studies on the diuretic effect. So far, many scholars have conducted a series of studies in the traditional Chinese medicine field by using the findings on aquaporin and made certain advances. This article provides a summary about the efficacy exertion of diuretic traditional Chinese medicines through target molecule aquaporin.

Plant arabinan has important biological activity. In this study, a water-soluble arabinan (Mw∼6.15kDa) isolated from the stems of Ephedra sinica was found to consist of (1→5)-Araƒ, (1→3,5)-Araƒ, T-Araƒ, (1→3)-Araƒ and (1→2,5)-Araƒ residues at proportions of 10:2:3:2:1. A tentative structure was proposed by methylation analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, DEPT-135, (1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, HMBC and ROESY) and literature. The structure proposed includes a branched (1→5)-α-Araf backbone where branching occurs at the O-2 and O-3 positions of the residues with 7.7% and 15.4% of the 1,5-linked α-Araf substituted at the O-2 and O-3 positions. The presence of a branched structure was further observed by atomic force microscopy. This polymer was characterized as having a much longer linear (1→5)-α-Araf backbone as a repeating unit. In particular, the presence of α-Araf→3)-α-Araf-(1→3)-α-Araf-(1→ attached at the O-2 is a new finding. This study may facilitate a deeper understanding of structure-activity relationships of biological polysaccharides from the stems of E. sinica., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To investigate whether the Chinese medicine Tong Xie Yao Fang (TXYF) improves dysfunction in an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) rat model., Methods: Thirty baby rats for IBS modeling were separated from mother rats (1 h per day) from days 8 to 21, and the rectum was expanded by angioplasty from days 8 to 12. Ten normal rats were used as normal controls. We examined the effects of TXYF on defection frequency, colonic transit function and smooth muscle contraction, and the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and substance P (SP) in colonic and hypothalamus tissues by Western blot and RT-PCT techniques in both normal rats and IBS model rats with characterized visceral hypersensitivity., Results: Defecation frequency was 1.8 ± 1.03 in normal rats and 4.5 ± 1.58 in IBS model rats (P < 0.001). However, the defecation frequency was significantly decreased (3.0 ± 1.25 vs 4.5 ± 1.58, P < 0.05), while the time (in seconds) of colon transit function was significantly increased (256.88 ± 20.32 vs 93.36 ± 17.28, P < 0.001) in IBS + TXYF group rats than in IBS group rats. Increased colonic smooth muscle tension and contract frequency in IBS model rats were significantly decreased by administration of TXYF. Exogenous agonist stimulants increased spontaneous activity and elicited contractions of colon smooth muscle in IBS model rats, and all of these actions were significantly reduced by TXYF involving 5-HT and SP down-regulation., Conclusion: TXYF can modulate the activity of the enteric nervous system and alter 5-HT and SP activities, which may contribute to the symptoms of IBS.

Anemarrhena asphodeloides processed by salt and raw product was compared including both chemical composition and laxative function in order to find the possible active substance to cure constipation. Processed and raw Anemarrhenae laxative effect on experimental constipation models was observed as well as chemical composition using UPLC-MS technology and the total sugar content was determined by phenol sulfuric acid method. Processed Anemarrhenae water extract improved excrement more than raw which has significant difference compared with the blank group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the total ion flow spectrum showed no significant difference in most substance, but the total sugar content was significantly higher than raw product. Anemarrhenae ancient be recognized benefitting for draining body water in traditional Chinese medicine which has been lost in modern books because it is manifested as excellent laxative effect not diuretic effect. Saccharides carbohydrate may have closely relationship with this magically effect.

The constituents of Cimicifuga plants have been extensively investigated, and the principal metabolites are 9,19-cyclolanostane triterpenoid glycosides, which are distributed widely in Cimicifuga plants, but not in other members of the Ranunculaceae family, and are considered to be characteristics of the Cimicifuga genus. This type of triterpenoid glycoside possesses several important biological activities. More than 120 cycloartane triterpene glycosides have been isolated from Cimicifuga simplex Wormsk. The aim of this review article is to summarize all the major findings based on the available scientific literatures on C. simplex, with a focus on the identified 9,19-cyclolanostane triterpenoid glycosides. Biological studies of cycloartane triterpene glycosides from Cimicifuga spp. are also discussed., (Copyright © 2015 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Two new ionone glycosides, named frehmaglutoside G (1) and frehmaglutoside H (2), together with six known compounds, rehmapicroside (3), sec-hydroxyaeginetic acid (4), dihydroxy-β-ionone (5), trihydroxy-β-ionone (6), rehmaionoside A (7) and rehmaionoside C (8), were isolated from the 95% EtOH extract of the dried roots of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses, including HR-ESI-MS, UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR ((1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) methods. The absolute configurations were confirmed via the circular dichroism spectra.

Polysaccharides from Baizhu were separated by preparative hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography on an XAmide column and its components were characterised as inulin-type polysaccharides with structures of α-D-glucopyranosyl-[-(1 → 2) -β-D-fructofuranosyl-](n -1)-(1 → 2) -β-D-fructofuranoside (n = 3-20) by a combinatory application of electrospray-ionisation mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and IR, as well as the chemical analysis of monosaccharide composition. In addition, the contents of nystose and 1F-fructofranosylnystose in the crude and purified Baizhu polysaccharides were determined to be 5.81%, 4.92% and 0.70%, 0.84% (w/w), respectively. In addition, MTT assay indicated that the Baizhu polysaccharides could effectively promote spleen lymphocyte transformation for the enhancement of organism immunity. It is for the first time that inulin-type polysaccharides were discovered in Baizhu and its immuno-enhancing activity was reported, which is a vigorous evidence to explain the efficacy of Baizhu.

Triterpene saponins are important bioactive constituents widely distributed in many plants. Saponins present in Caulophyllum (Berberidaceae) have not been fully characterized. In this study, we studied triterpene saponins from Caulophyllum robustum using liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-qTOF-MS). Rapid identification of Caulophyllum saponins was facilitated using low and high MS cone voltages to induce controlled fragmentation in positive mode. The full scan spectra at low cone voltage of 40V provided considerable structural information relating to aglycone skeletons, sugar types, and linked sequences for Caulophyllum saponins. Seven Caulophyllum aglycones were differentiated and identified by their diagnostic fragment ions combined with accurate mass measurements and characteristic fragmentation pathways. Peak intensity ratio of [aglycone+H-2H2O](+) to [aglycone+H-H2O](+) in full scan spectra acquired with low cone voltage is correlated with structural features of hederagenin and echinocystic acid and is useful for the discrimination of these positional isomers. However, at a high voltage of 200V, the saponin [M+H](+) ion and its fragmentation ions were not present; and the single saponin [M+Na](+) generated [Bα+Na](+) and [Y0α+Na](+) by in-source fragmentation, which provided structural information on the α- and β-sugar chains in the saponins. This approach enabled simultaneous acquisition of structural information on both aglycones and sugar chains from full scan spectra in one injection. Based on the developed strategy, 51 triterpene saponins of seven different classes were fully characterized or tentatively identified, of which 32 constituents were the first to be reported in genus Caulophyllum and 18 compounds were characterized as potentially new compounds., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nine new withanolides, named daturafolisides A-I (1-9), along with six known compounds (22R)-27-hydroxy-7α-methoxy-1-oxowitha-3,5,24-trienolide-27-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, daturataturin A, daturametelin J, daturataurin B, baimantuoluoside B, 12-deoxywithastramonolide (10-15), were isolated from the leaves of Datura metel L. The structures and absolute stereochemistry of these compounds were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR techniques, mass spectrometry and circular dichroism (CD) analyses. All isolates were evaluated for in vitro anti-inflammatory potential using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Among them, compounds 1, 2, 14, and 15 exhibited significant inhibition of nitrite production with values of IC50 at 20.9, 17.7, 17.8, and 18.4μM. Compounds 3, 4, 6, and 13 presented moderate inhibitory activities with values of IC50 at 59.0, 52.8, 71.2, and 53.1μM, while the rest compounds displayed weak suppressive effect., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The compounds (+)-pinoresinol-β-glucoside (1) forsythiaside, (2) phillyrin (3) and phillygenin (4) were elucidated to be the characteristic constituents for quality control of Forsythiae Fructus extract by chromatographic fingerprint in 2010 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia due to their numerous important pharmacological actions. It is of great interest to extract these medicinally active constituents from Forsythiae Fructus simultaneously., Materials and Methods: In this study, a new ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method was developed for the simultaneous extraction of biological components 1-4 in Forsythiae Fructus. The quantitative effects of extraction time, ratio of liquid to solid, extraction temperature, and methanol concentration on yield of these four important biological constituents from Forsythiae Fructus were investigated using response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design. The compounds 1-4 extracted by UAE were quantitative analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detect (HPLC-PAD), and overall desirability (OD), the geometric mean of the contents of four major biological components, was used as a marker to evaluate the extraction efficiency., Results: By solving the regression equation and analyzing 3-D plots, the optimum condition was at extraction temperature 70°C, time 60 min, ratio of liquid to solid 20, and methanol concentration 76.6%. Under these conditions, extraction yields of compounds 1-4 were 2.92 mg/g, 52.10 mg/g, 0.90 mg/g and 0.57 mg/g, respectively, which were in good agreement with the predicted OD values. In order to achieve a similar yield as UAE, soxhlet extraction required at least 6 h and maceration extraction required much longer time of 24 h. Established UAE method has been successfully applied to sample preparation for the quality control of Forsythiae Fructus. Additionally, a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was applied to the structural confirmation of analytes from the complex matrices acquired by UAE., Conclusion: The results indicated that UAE is an effective alternative method for extracting bioactive constituents, which may facilitate a deeper understanding of the extract of active constituents in Forsythiae Fructus from the raw material to its extract for providing the theoretical references.

Three polysaccharide fractions were obtained from Citrus aurantium L. (CAL) by sequential extraction with cold water, hot water, and 1.0M NaOH, respectively. The fractions were denoted CALA, CALB, and CALC. Structural characterization was conducted by physicochemical property, FTIR, and SEM analyses. Antioxidant activities in vivo and in vitro were also evaluated. CALB, which showed the highest activity, was further isolated to afford four purified polysaccharides (CALB-1-4) by various ion exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. Meanwhile, the purified polysaccharides were subjected to composition analysis and screened by antioxidant activity in vitro. Among the four purified polysaccharides, CALB-3 had the highest antioxidant activity and its structure was analyzed by FTIR, SEM and AFM microscopy. Overall, these results indicated that polysaccharides from CAL had potential therapeutic applications in the medical and food industries because of their antioxidant activities., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To study the lignans from the whole plant of Gentianella acuta., Methods: The compounds were isolated by various chromatographic techniques and indentified by spectroscopic methods., Results: Nine compounds were isolated and identified as (7R,8S) -dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol-4,9'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), alaschanisoside A (2), citrusin A (3), olivil-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), leptolepisol D (5), acanthoside D (6), (+) pinoresinol-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), (+) 8-hydroxypinoresinol-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8), and (+) pinoresinol-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (9)., Conclusion: Compounds 1 - 9 are isolated from this plant for the first time, compounds 1 and 9 are isolated from Gentianella genus for the first time,and compounds 2, 3 and 5 - 8 are isolated from Gentianaceae family for the first time.

Four new withanolides named dmetelins A-D (compounds 1-4), along with the known compound 7α,27-dihydroxy-1-oxo-witha-2,5,24-trienolide (5) were isolated from the leaves of Datura metel L. (Solanaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry data. All the compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells. Compounds 1, 4 and 5 showed significant inhibitory activities, and compounds 2 and 3 showed moderate inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 17.8, 11.6, 14.9, 33.3 and 28.6 μM, respectively.

Parenchyma vascular malformation (VM) is a common disease in modern society. Here, we investigated the clinical effects and safety of interventional therapy (IT) on the treatment of parenchyma VM. From January 1998 to December 2010, 31 patients with VM who elected IT were investigated, including 11 cases of venous VM and 20 cases of arteriovenous malformation. There were 19 males and 12 females, ranging from 12 to 51 years in age. VM often occurred in the four limbs and other areas, such as the trunk and reproductive organs. Under the guidance of digital subtraction angiography, vascular hardener was injected into the VM spot via percutaneous puncture. Then, embolotherapy was conducted via the transcatheter feeding artery. We found that, in all cases, the malformed vessels were completely or partially blocked. After treatment, the local swelling of vessels was alleviated and the diabrosis and bleeding ceased. The soft tissue lump shrank, then stiffened and became fixed. There was no occurrence of severe intraoperative or postoperative complications in any patient. In summary, IT is an effective method for treating parenchyma VM, causes only a minor operative wound, and should be viewed as the first choice intervention.

Objective: To clarify drug properties of components in Euodiae Fructus., Method: The rat cold syndrome model was induced by cold water stress method. The content of neurotransmitters sand hormones such as DA, 5-HT, NE, AChE and 17-OHCS in serum of model rats were taken as the indexes to evaluate drug properties of components in Euodiae Fructus., Result: Euodiae Fructus and its components could correct or relief the content of energy metabolism and substance metabolism-related neurotransmitters sand hormones in serum of model rats with water-stressed cold syndrome., Conclusion: Euodiae Fructus and its components are proved to show hot property.

This paper describes a simple, rapid, and effective quality assessment method for Fructus Schisandrae by gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GC-MS). The method was established by using specific lignan fingerprint profiles and quantitation of characteristic compounds in this herbal medicine. The GC-MS fingerprints of 15 batches of Schisandra samples from different regions of China showed similar lignan profiles. Five peaks were selected as characteristic peaks, and all of these were identified by using GC-MS techniques. The relative retention times of these characteristic peaks in the GC-MS fingerprint were established as an important parameter for identification of Schisandra samples. Meanwhile, relative peak areas may be a feasible approach to discriminate the S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera. Finally, these pharmacologically active constituents in the titled plant, schisandrins A-C and schizandrols A and B, were quantitatively determined using a validated GC-MS method.

Recently, some promising advances have been achieved in understanding the chemistry, pharmacology, and action mechanisms of constituents from genus Caulophyllum. Despite this, there is to date no systematic review of those of genus Caulophyllum. This review covers naturally occurring alkaloids and saponins and those resulting from synthetic novel taspine derivatives. The paper further discussed several aspects of this genus, including pharmacological properties, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and cell membrane chromatography for activity screening. The aim of this paper is to provide a point of reference for pharmaceutical researchers to develop new drugs from constituents of Caulophyllum plants.

Aim: To study the chemical constituents of the aerial parts of Cirsium setosum (Willd.) MB.., Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by various chromatographic techniques. Their structures were determined on the basis of physical properties and spectroscopic data., Results: A new megastigmane glycoside and six known compounds were obtained and identified as (7E, 9R)-9-hydroxy-5, 7-megastigmadien-4-one-9-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyanoside (1), (6R, 7E, 9R)-9-hydroxy-4, 7-megastigmadien-3-one-9-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), urolignoside (3), 4, 9, 9'-trihydroxy-3, 3'-dimethoxy-8-O-4$\prime $-neolignan-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), citroside A (5), salidrosidin (6), and adenosine (7)., Conclusion: Compound 1 is a new megastigmane glycoside, named as Xiaojiglycoside A., (Copyright © 2013 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Three new ursane-type triterpenes, glutinosalactone A-C (1-3), were isolated from the 50% aqueous acetone extract of the leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis (IR, NMR and MS spectroscopy). The cytotoxic effects of compounds 1-3 against three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MG63 and HepG2) were also evaluated. Compound 3 showed cytotoxic activities with IC50 values of 8.35-39.25 μM., (Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Three new triterpene glucosides, named congmuyenosides C-E (1-3, resp.), along with four known ones, were isolated from an EtOH extract of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. leaves. The structures of the new compounds were identified as 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl}caulophyllogenin (1), 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl}hederagenin 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl}echinocystic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3) on the basis of spectral analyses, including MS, (1) H-NMR, (13) C-NMR, DEPT, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, and HSQC-TOCSY experiments. All isolates obtained were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against three human tumor cell lines (HepG2, SKOV3, and A549). Compound 3 showed significant cytotoxicity against A549 cell line (IC50 9.9±1.5 μM)., (Copyright © 2013 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.)

Three new acyclic monoterpenoids named (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienoate-6-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (3Z,6E)-3,7-dimethyl-3,6-octadiene-1,2,8-triol (2) and (6E)-7-methyl-3-methylene-6-octene-1,2,8-triol (3) were isolated from Acanthopanax sessiliflorus fruits, along with three known monoterpenoid compounds. The structures of the new compounds were determined by means of extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS) and chemical methods.

Objective: To investigate chemical constituents from Chinese herbal medicine Hydrangea macrophylla., Method: The compounds were separated and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, ODS, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by spectral methods including 1H, 13C-NMR and MS., Result: Eleven compounds were isolated and identified as zeorin, hopane-6, 22-diol (1), botulin (2), betulinic acid (3), 2-ethyl-3-methyl-maleimide-N-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), uridine (5), thymidine (6), adenosine (7), nicotinamide (8), methyl pyroglutamate (9), hydrangenol (10) and hydrangenol-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (11), respectively., Conclusion: Compounds 14 and 7-9 were obtained from the genus Hydrangea for the first time.

Two new oleanane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the husks of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge and their structures were elucidated as 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 2) [β-D-glucopyranosyl (1 → 6)] β-D-glucopyranosyl-21β,22α-dihydroxyl-olean-12,15-diene and 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1 → 2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 2) [β-D-glucopyranosyl (1 → 6)] β-D-glucopyranosy-21β,22α-dihydroxyl-olean-12-ene. Meanwhile, the cytotoxic activities of these two compounds were tested on human gastric cancer cell (SGC-7901) and hepatoma carcinoma cell (HepG-2).

Fast and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with chemometric methods was utilized to assist in the quality assessment of Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma). By comparative analysis of chromatographic profiles, twelve common peaks were selected for multivariate analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) of the chromatographic data demonstrated that 16 batches of Cangzhu samples could be welldifferentiated and categorized into two groups, which were closely related to their species (Atractylodes chinensis and A. lancea). By loading plots of PCA and OPLS-DA, the "common peaks" 2, 10, and 12 were defined as "marker peaks," which were identified as atractylodinol, (4E,6E,12E)-tetradecatriene-8,10-diyne-1,3-diyl diacetate, and atractylodin, respectively. These three "marker peaks" were then simultaneously quantified for further controlling the quality of Cangzhu, which showed acceptable linearity, both intraday and interday precisions (RSD ≤ 2.30%), repeatability (RSD ≤ 2.82%), and the recoveries of the three analytes in the range of 96.57-100.16%, with RSDs less than 1.46%. Finally, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was successfully used to build predictive models of the group membership based on the contents of three marker peaks. Results of the present study demonstrated that HPLC-based metabolic profiling coupled with chemometric methods and quantificational determination was a very flexible, reliable, and effective way for homogeneity evaluation and quality assessment of traditional Chinese medicine.

Chemical investigation of 50% ethanol eluate fraction of macroporous resin for the flower of Datura metel L. collected in Jiangsu province of China resulted in the isolation of two novel naturally occurring norwithasteroids, baimantuoluoline I (1) and baimantuoluoside J (2). Their structures were elucidated as 5 α , 6 β , 12 β -trihydroxy-1-oxo-2-en-ergosta-21,24;22,29-diepoxy-26-carboxylic acid (1) and 5 α , 6 β , 12 β , 25-tetrahydroxy-1-oxo-2-en-ergosta-21,24;22,29-diepoxy-26-carboxylic acid (2) on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D-NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. According to the literatures, this study represents the first report of the norwithasteroids in the side chain with unusual six- and seven-membered ether rings instead of those with an unmodified skeleton (δ-lactone or δ-lactol side chain) and a modified skeleton ( γ -lactone or γ -lactol side chain) in the family of withanolides. Meanwhile, compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for their immunosuppressive activity against mice splenocyte proliferation in vitro.

Metabolomics is a new platform based on the comprehensive analysis of low molecular weight metabolites and provides a powerful approach to discover biomarkers in biological systems. Modified Sinisan (MSNS), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, displayed bright prospects in the prevention and therapy of liver injury. However, its molecular mechanism of hepatoprotective effects remains unclear. This paper was designed to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of MSNS against dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver injury. Global metabolic profiling was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS) in conjunction with multivariate data analysis and pathway analysis. Eleven serum biomarkers were identified and pathway analysis results showed that phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, retinol metabolism, tyrosine metabolism were perturbed by liver injury. More importantly, MSNS has showed satisfactory pharmacological effect on liver injury through partially regulating the perturbed pathways, correlates well to the biochemical and histopathological detection results. The present study proved that the robust metabolomics approach is promising for unraveling hepatoprotective effects of MSNS and these findings provide new insights into mechanisms of the liver injury, and its pathophysiologic processes.

Component analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is frequently required to probe the cause of disease, pathologic mechanisms and effective drugs in the experimental study of central nervous system. An ideal way of drawing CFS is very important for the successful analysis. However, pros and cons of types of CSF drawing have never been analyzed and compared. The purpose of this study was to choose an ideal method of obtaining CSF in rabbits by comparing the three usual ones: skull drilling, lumbar puncture and atlanto-occipital membrane puncture. In the study, the rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: skull drilling group, lumbar puncture group and atlanto-occipital membrane puncture group, and our modified puncture needles were used. The rates of success, operating time and repeatability, etc. of the three methods were compared. The results suggest that the atlanto-occipital membrane puncture method is the best. The method was the simplest, fastest, and most repeatable of the three, furthermore, with this method, the most CSF was drawn and achieved the highest success rate., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A new triterpene glycoside, 3-O-[(α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)(1→2)]-[β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-6-O-methyl ester]-olean-12-ene-28-olic acid (1) and a new indole alkaloid, 5-methoxy-2-oxoindolin-3-acetic acid methyl ester (5) were isolated from the leaves of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms along with six known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were determined by means of 2D-NMR experiments and chemical methods. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their glycosidase inhibition activities and compound 6 showed significant α-glucosidase inhibition activity.

Two new iridoid glycosides, named williamsoside C (1) and williamsoside D (2) were isolated from the root barks of Sambucus williamsii Hance. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS) and chemical studies as α-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-fructofuranosyl (4→6)-β-morroniside (1) and 7β-O-ethyl morroniside-(6'-O-7'')-β-morroniside (2), respectively.

The current study was performed to investigate mitochondrial protection and anti-aging activity of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) and the potential underlying mechanism. Lipid peroxidation of liver and brain mitochondria was induced by Fe(2+)-Vit C in vitro. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) colorimetry was used to measure the content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Mouse liver mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) was induced by calcium overload in vitro and spectrophotometry was used to measure it. The scavenging activities of APS on superoxide anion (O(2) (•-)) and hydroxyl radical (•OH), which were produced by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-N-Methylphenazonium methyl sulfate (PMS) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-Fe(2+) system respectively, were measured by 4-nitrobluetetrazolium chloride (NBT) reduction and Fenton reaction colorimetry respectively. The Na(2)S(2)O(3) titration method was used to measure the scavenging activities of APS on H(2)O(2). APS could inhibit TBARS production, protect mitochondria from PT, and scavenge O(2) (•-), •OH and H(2)O(2) significantly in a concentration-dependent manner respectively. The back of the neck of mice was injected subcutaneously with D-galactose to induce aging at a dose of 100 mg/kg/d for seven weeks. Moreover, the activities of catalase (CAT), surperoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and anti-hydroxyl radical which were assayed by using commercial monitoring kits were increased significantly in vivo by APS. According to this research, APS protects mitochondria by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting mitochondrial PT and increasing the activities of antioxidases. Therefore, APS has the effect of promoting health.

Aim: To study the chemical constituents of the roots of Achyranthes bidentata Bl., Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by macroporous adsorptive resin D101, silica gel, and ODS column chromatographies and preparetive HPLC. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR analyses., Results: Two feruloyl tyramine glycosides and seven triterpenoid saponins were obtained and identified as N-trans-feruloyl-3-methoxytyramine-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), N-trans-feruloyl-3-methoxytyra mine-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), PJS-1 (3), chikusetsusaponin IVa (4), oleanolic acid 3-O-[β-D-glucuronopy ranoside-6-O-methyl ester]-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), oleanolic acid 3-O-[β-D-glucuronopyran-oside-6-O-ethylester]-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), oleanolic acid 3-O-[β-D-glucuronopyranoside-6-O-butyl ester]-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), ginsenoside R(0) (8) and hederagenin-28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (9)., Conclusion: Compound 1 is a new feruloyl tyramine glycoside, while compounds 2 and 9 are reported from A. bidentata for the first time., (Copyright © 2012 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A new method using capillary zone electrophoresis was developed for the rapid quantification of two common uronic acids, galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid, based on utilization of an alkaline background electrolyte with reversed electroosmotic flow (EOF) within 16 min. The method relies on in-capillary reaction and direct UV detection at the wavelength 270 nm. The optimum electrolyte solution was prepared of 130 mm sodium hydroxide, 36 mm disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate and 0.5 mm cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. EOF was reversed to detect uronic acids and to improve the separation of neutral sugars. The established method was validated and the results showed good linearity, high precision and satisfactory sensitivity. The newly developed method was successfully applied to analyze galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid content in Forsythia suspensa polysaccharides. The method is fast since only sample hydrolysis and dilution are required in the sample preparation., (Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Three new phytoecdysteroid compounds, named niuxixinsterone A (1), B (2) and C (3) with acetal functions in the side-chain were isolated from Achyranthes bidentata Bl. The structures were established as (20R,22R,24S)-20-O,22-O-(5'-hydroxymethyl)-furfurylidene-2β,3β,14α,25-tetrahydroxy-5β-ergost-7-en-6-one (1), (20R,22R)-20-O,22-O-(5'-hydroxymethyl)-furfurylidene-2β,3β,25-trihydroxy-14β-methyl-18-nor-5β-cholesta-7,12-dien-6-one (2) and (20R,22R,25R)-20-O,22-O-(5'-hydroxymethyl)-furfurylidene-2β, 3β,5β,14α,26-pentahydroxycholest-7-en-6-one (3) by means of spectroscopic evidence.

Chemical investigation of the 50% ethanol eluate fraction from a macroporous resin of flowers of Datura metel L. collected in the Jiangsu Province of China resulted in the isolation of two new withanolides, baimantuoluoline G (1) and baimantuoluoside H (2). Their structures were elucidated as (12β,6β,22R)-1,10-seco-6,12,27-trihydroxy-26-oxo-witha-3,5,24-trienolide-1-oic acid-ε-lactone (1) and (5β,6α,12β,22R)-5,6,12,27-tetra-hydroxy-1,26-dioxo-witha-2,24-dienolide-27-O-β-glucopyranoside (2) on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D, 2D-NMR and HRESIMS) and chemical studies.

Chemical investigation of the 70% ethanol extract of the unripe fruits of Forsythia suspensa resulted in the isolation of a novel caffeoyl phenylethanoid glycoside, lianqiaoxinoside B, together with the known compound forsythoside H. The new compound was elucidated to be 1'',2''-[β-(3,4,-dihydroxylphenyl)-α,β-dioxoethanol]-3''-O-caffeoyl-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-glucopyranoside by extensive spectroscopic and chemical studies. Lianqiaoxinoside B and forsythoside H showed strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in vitro by the 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS) radical-scavenging assay and plate method. This study can be further extended to exploit for the possible application of caffeoyl phenylethanoid glycosides as the alternative antioxidants and antimicrobial agents of natural origin.

The ethyl acetate soluble fraction from the roots of Sanguisorba tenuifolia was found to have a hypoglucemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Two new triterpenoids, identified as 2-oxo-3β,19α-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid β-D-gluco-pyranosyl ester (1) and 2α,19α-dihydroxy-3-oxo-12-ursen-28-oic acid β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (4) were isolated from this fraction, along with thirteen known triterpenoids. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods. All these compounds demonstrated inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ values in the 0.62-3.62 mM range.

Chemical investigation of the ethanol extract of the root barks of Sambucus williamsii Hance collected in the Heilongjiang province of China resulted in the isolation of two new iridoid glycosides, williamsoside A (1) and williamsoside B (2). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D, 2D-NMR and HRESIMS) and chemical studies. Iridoid glycosides have for a long time been considered as characteristic ingredients of S. williamsii. However, the presence of iridoid glycosides with apiofuranosyl moieties in S. williamsii is reported for the first time in this study.

Introduction: Ephedrine alkaloids cannot account for all the effects of Ephedra sinica and the polysaccharides are also demonstrated to be one of the main bioactive constituents of E. sinica. However, no work has been reported on the analysis of monosaccharide composition of purified polysaccharides isolated from the stem of E. sinica., Objective: To develop a rapid and efficient capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method based on pre-column derivatisation with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone for the simultaneous determination of neutral and acidic sugars of purified polysaccharides from E. sinica., Methodology: Three polysaccharides (ESP-A3, ESP-A4 and ESP-B4) were isolated and purified by ion exchange and gel-filtration chromatography from the stem of E. sinica. The effects of background electrolyte pH and concentration, applied voltage and temperature on the separation were investigated. Meanwhile, factors affecting the hydrolysis of ESP-B4 with sulphuric acid were investigated by changing the hydrolysis time, acid concentration and hydrolytic temperature to achieve complete hydrolysis. The standard curves coupled with correction factors were used to calculate molar ratios., Results: The optimal CZE method coupled with correction factors was successfully applied to the determination of molar ratios of three purified polysaccharides and their corresponding partial acid hydrolysis products. ESP-A3, ESP-A4 and ESP-B4 were all typical acidic hetero-polysaccharides and consisted of xylose, arabinose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose, galactose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid, and their corresponding molar ratios were 6.8:7.5:1.0:14.0:13.7:22.3:10.2:3.8 for ESP-A3, 1.2:4.1:1.0:5.1:1.6:17.3:3.1:2.2 for ESP-A4, and 1.0:4.5:1.0:2.0:1.0:5.5:1.5:50.0 for ESP-B4., Conclusion: The results provided scientific evidence for the further study of the structure and bioactivity of complex acidic E. sinica polysaccharides., (Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Eight new sesquiterpene lactones (chlorajapolides A-E, 1-5, chlorajaposide, 6, chlorajaponol, 7, and chloraeudolide, 8) were isolated from an ethyl acetate-soluble partition of the ethanol extract of the whole plants of Chloranthus japonicus. The structures and relative configurations of 1-8 were established on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. All isolates obtained were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against a small panel of cancer cell lines.

Two new amide alkaloids were isolated from the alkaloidal fraction of Datura metel L. Their structures were elucidated as (E)-methyl 4-(3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N-methylacrylamido) butanoate and 6,7-dimethyl-1-D-ribityl-quinoxaline-2,3(1H,4H)-dione-5'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of spectroscopic methods including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR. Tropane alkaloids have for a long time been considered as characteristic ingredients of D. metel. However, the presence of amide alkaloids in D. metel was reported for the first time in this study., (Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)