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Eight new caffeoyl derivatives, elephantomentosides A–H (1 − 8), together with ten known ones (9 − 18), were isolated from the whole plant of Elephantopos tomentosus L. Their structures were elucidated using detailed spectroscopic analysis. Structurally, compounds 1 − 8 are composed of β-D-glucopyranose, and almost all of the substituent positions are at the C-1′ and C-4′ of glucopyranose. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of all isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro. Compounds 9–10, 13–15, and 17–18 exhibited significant DPPH scavenging capacity with IC50 values in the range of 10.01–25.07 μM, in comparison with Vc (IC50, 17.98 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The nanocrystalline material LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4/C was prepared by the solvothermal method using the toluene‐soluble component of pitch or sucrose as a carbon source. The effects of carbon source types and contents, and the carbonization‐heating rate between 350°C and 500°C on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the obtained materials were investigated. When the carbonization heating rate was between 350°C and 500°C is 0.5°C·min−1, cathode TS‐200‐0.5 coated by 200 mg toluene‐soluble component of pitch showed the optimum electrochemical performance with discharge specific capacity of 156.4, 149.2, and 116.4 mAh·g−1 at 0.1, 1, and 5 C, respectively. After 150 cycles at 1 C, the specific discharge capacity was still 135.1 mAh·g−1, and the capacity retention rate was 92.7%. Compared with sucrose, the toluene‐soluble component of pitch is an aromatic compound, and its pyrolytic carbon has streamlined structure with high graphitization. Moreover, small amounts of sulfur and nitrogen doped exist in pyrolysis carbon of the toluene‐soluble component of pitch. Cathode TS‐200‐0.5 exhibits high ionic and electronic conductivity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates transient and dynamic characteristics and proposes available fault protection solutions for ungrounded low-voltage (LV) AC microgrids. Transient characteristics of the ungrounded LVAC microgrid are surveyed through fault tests and transition tests of the microgrid operation between the grid-connected and the islanded operation modes. Additionally, dynamic behaviours of the ungrounded LVAC microgrid are surveyed through motor starting tests and different load conditions. Simulation results under transient and dynamic operation situations are used to evaluate available fault protection solutions proposed for the ungrounded low-voltage AC microgrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a general microgrid (MG), a step-up distribution transformer is used to facilitate integration of the low-voltage (LV) AC microgrid into a medium-voltage distribution system. On the other hand, isolation transformers are placed between distributed energy resources (DERs) (e.g. non-renewable/renewable energy resources and energy storage devices) and common AC buses/lines to eliminate DC-current components and to configure 3-phase & 4-wire, 3-phase & 3-wire, 1-phase & 2-wire, or 1-phase & 3-wire AC microgrids. When all neutral points of isolation transformers are grounded through a unique grounding system of the step-up distribution transformer, a uni-grounded AC microgrid structure is configured. This paper not only mentions advantages and shortcomings of the uni-grounded LVAC microgrid operation, but also investigates its transient operation characteristics. Transient simulation results of the uni-grounded LVAC MG are surveyed through various fault situations and operation transition tests between the grid-connected mode and the islanded mode of the microgrid. Available fault protection methods of a uni-grounded LVAC microgrid are considered. Transient simulation results from PSCAD software are used to validate the fault protection solutions developed for the uni-grounded LVAC microgrid. Last, a generalised fault protection system of uni-grounded LVAC microgrids is proposed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LiMn 0.8 Fe 0.2 PO 4 nanocrystal composite cathode material for lithium ion batteries was prepared via a simple solvothermal method. The quinoline soluble substance from coal pitch (QS) was used as the coated carbon source to prepare LiMn 0.8 Fe 0.2 PO 4 /C. The structural performance of QS and QS-C, and the effects of QS-C on the physical, chemical and electrochemical properties of LiMn 0.8 Fe 0.2 PO 4 /C were investigated. The research shows that QS is an aromatic compound containing C–N and C–S bonds, and the structure of QS-C is a streamlined structure with high graphitization degree. Hence, the N, S-dual doped carbon conductive network can be effectively established to enhance charge transfer and the diffusion and migration rate of lithium ion. The prepared LiMn 0.8 Fe 0.2 PO 4 /C delivery excellent specific discharge capacity of 159.2, 145.7, and 117.3 mAh·g-1 at 0.1, 1, and 5 C, respectively. After 150 cycles at 1 C, the specific discharge capacity was still 133.5 mAh·g-1, and the capacity retention is 93%. This work provides a new insight into the search for coated carbon sources. • High-performance LiMn 0.8 Fe 0.2 PO 4 /C is constructed by using quinoline soluble substance from coal pitch (QS) as carbon source. • QS contains C-S and C-N bonds, and its pyrolysis carbon has a streamlined structure with a high degree of graphitization. • Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon conductive network can be successfully prepared. • The capacity of QS-6.4–670 is 159.2 and 145.7 mAh·g-1 at 0.1 and 1 C, showing the retention of 93% after 150 cycles at 1 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleotides and their derivatives are vital biomarkers that play essential roles in biochemical reactions and influence processes of metabolism and anabolism. However, discriminating between various structurally similar nucleotides and their phosphate derivatives using convenient means still poses a challenge. Here, we designed a supramolecular fluorescence sensor array constructed with four different calixarenes loaded with dyes to discriminate between nucleotides and their phosphate derivatives. Based on the differences in the ability of calixarenes to recognise various nucleotides and nucleotide phosphates, a unique fluorescence response pattern is generated for each analyte. With the assistance of linear discriminant analysis, the discrimination of target analytes is effectively achieved. Subsequent assays involving various concentrations of nucleoside triphosphates and mixtures of nucleotide phosphates have also verified the potential of this sensor array based on calixarenes in the investigation of nucleotides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia sclarea is a traditional medicinal and aromatic plant that grows in Europe and produces various economically important compounds, including phenylpropanoid derivatives and terpenoids. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is commonly used to elicit plant stress responses. However, how MeJA enhances production of secondary metabolites in S. sclarea is not well understood. We performed a genome-wide analysis of temporal gene expression in S. sclarea leaves and roots. The transcriptome profiles 0, 10 and 26 h after MeJA treatment were analyzed by Illumina RNA-Seq. A total of 16,142 isogenes (average length 866 bp; N50 1035 bp) were obtained by de novo assembly of 35,757,567 raw sequencing reads. When these sequencing reads were mapped onto the assembled Unigenes, 3236, 2792 and 798 Unigenes were found to be expressed differentially between 0 and 10 h, 0 and 26 h, and 10 and 26 h, respectively. These included many secondary metabolite biosynthesis, stress and defense-related genes. A qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the expression profiles of selected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed by RNA-Seq data, and also extended our analysis of differential gene expression to 73 h. Our investigations revealed temporal differences in the responses of S. sclarea to MeJA treatment. MeJA treatment induced the expression of a large number of genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, especially between 0 and 10 h, and 0 and 26 h. Additionally, many genes encoding transcription factors, cytochrome P450s, glycosyltransferases, methyltransferases and transporters were shown to respond to MeJA elicitation. DEGs related to structural molecule activity and cell death showed a significant temporal variation. A chromatographic analysis of metabolites at 26 h, 73 h and six days after MeJA treatment indicated that these transcriptomic changes precede MeJA-induced changes in secondary metabolite content. This study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of MeJA elicitation and is helpful in understanding how exogenous MeJA treatment mediates extensive plant transcriptome reprogramming/remodeling. Our results can be utilized to characterize genes related to secondary metabolism and their regulation, and in breeding S. sclarea for desirable chemotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Variance components and further phenotypic and genetic parameters for reproduction traits including litter size at birth (LSB) and at weaning (LSW), gestation period (GP) and litter weight at birth (LWB) were estimated by use of the MTGSAM procedure fitting two-trait animal model (y = X b + Z a a + Z P P + e ) in Boer dams. The calculations were based on 1205 parities of 435 Boer dams at Boer Goat Breeding Station in Yidu, China, during 2002–2007. Influencing factors such as parity and age of dam, kidding year and season, litter size at birth, sex of kids and some significant interactions were investigated as the fixed effects by PROC GLM (SAS8.1). The results showed that kidding year, parity and age of dam significantly influenced all the reproduction traits. Kidding season only affected the traits of GP and LWB. Litter size at birth had significant effect on LWB. The mean values of LSB, LSW, LWB and GP were 1.76±0.67, 1.62±0.62, 6.54±2.51 kg and 151.7±4.43 days. The estimates of direct additive heritability for above traits were 0.12±0.01, 0.10±0.01, 0.14±0.02 and 0.09±0.01, respectively. The estimates of all the correlations among LSB, LSW and LWB were higher than 0.52, and the genetic correlations were the highest among all the correlations. The estimates of genetic correlations between GP and other traits were medium (0.33–0.48) and lower than the permanent environmental correlations (0.60–0.72). In conclusion, compared with other goat breeds, the Boer goat has good characteristic in prolificacy. The gestation period is not significantly different in dams with increase of litter size, which is similar to the multiple birth species such as pig. However, the heritability estimates for all these reproduction traits obtained in the Boer dams are lower than 0.14; both LSB and LWB are traits with the highest heritability among 4 reproduction traits estimated. High genetic and permanent environmental correlations indicate that these traits were mainly attributable to different genetic effects or influenced by the permanent environmental effect for the different parity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Labiatae) (“huang qin”), Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Umbelliferae) (“chuang xiong”), Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen (Araliaceae) (“san qi”), Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jackson. (Rubiaceae) (“gou teng”), Rhokiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) (“hong jing tian”) and Stephania tetrandra S. Moore (Menispermaceae) (“fang ji”) are commonly used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for hypertensive patients. The pharmacologically active compounds found in these TCMs are baicalin, ligustrazine, notoginsenoside R1, rhynchophylline, salidroside and tetrandrine, respectively, which possess antihypertensive properties with diverse cellular mechanisms. In this study, we attempted to evaluate a possible correlation of the antioxidative activities (using the DPPH assay) and the vaso-relaxation effects (using rat isolated thoracic aorta) of these compounds. In the antioxidative study, a relative order of free radical scavenging capacity (SR%) of baicalin ≥ tetradrine >> salidroside ≥ ligustrazine ≥ rhynchophylline ≈ notoginsenoside R1 was demonstrated. In the vaso-relaxing study, a relative order of the maximum relaxation response (at 3 mM) of tetradrine > baicalin >> ligustrazine > notoginsenoside R1 ≈ rhynchophylline > salidroside was recorded. A positive correlation (R2 = 0.7741) between the antioxidative activity and the vascular relaxation effect of the compounds evaluated was illustrated. In contrast, ascorbic acid only elicited a free radical scavenging activity with no apparent relaxation effect, whereas nifedipine (a Ca2+ channel blocker) caused a marked vascular relaxation with no obvious free radical scavenging activity. Hence, our results suggest, for the first time, that the therapeutic effect (e.g., antihypertensive) of these TCM-oriented drugs, unlike western medicine, are probably correlated with the unique antioxidative potential of these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The polymorphism of mutation Q249R in BMPR-IB gene (FecB) and loci FecX I , FecX H , FecX G , FecX B in BMP15 gene was analyzed by forced PCR-RFLP method in 550 individuals from 6 flocks or breeds of goats with litter size varied from 1.4 to 2.7 including Boer (209), Haimen (128), second generation of Boer goat crossed with Huanghuai goat (82), Huanghuai (71), Nubi (37) and Matou (23) goat. None of mutations was detected in these goat breeds and their crossbreed. These results suggest that fecundity of goat is not linked to the same loci in BMPR-IB and BMP15 as sheep. Therefore, it is necessary to seek for other genes or loci in order to develop marker assistance selection techniques and study the prolific mechanism of the goat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although it is generally accepted that a ‘multiple origins’ hypothesis could explain the origin of Chinese goats, little supportive evidence from mtDNA control region sequencing analysis has been collected. We assessed the phylogenetic relationships among 84 individuals representing 13 Chinese indigenous goat breeds and Boer, using a hypervariable segment of mtDNA control region. A total of 49 haplotypes defined by 85 polymorphic sites were found in the study. Combining with the published mtDNA control region sequences, the phylogenetic analysis classified these goats into four distinctive groups corresponding to lineage A–D, implying that Chinese goats have multiple maternal origins. Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is an important cradle of Chinese indigenous goats. As far as the major lineage A was concerned, it was possibly derived from Tibetan founders and was further subject to domestication in North China; some of them were dispersed to South China while the others remained. The hierarchical analysis indicated that a large percentage (73.9%) of total mtDNA variation existed within populations and a minority was due to differences among geographical types, suggesting that Chinese goats have relatively weak phylogeographic structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A facile method, based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detection (DAD), was developed for the simultaneous quantitative determination of nine xanthones in the root of Polygala caudata Rehd. et Wils., a Chinese folk medicinal herb. The HPLC fingerprint of xanthones was developed for the first time and applied to assess the quality of related Polygala medicinal plants. Ultrasonic extraction with chloroform‐methanol (98∶2) gave good yields of nine xanthone standards, the average recovery rates ranged from 94.1 to 113.4% (n=5). The relative standard deviation (RSD) values for reproducibility were between 2.21 and 9.21% (n=5). The fingerprint chromatograms of P. tenuifolia Wild. from six different planting regions were analyzed to set up a simulative mean chromatogram with 11 common peaks. The software of Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCM (2004A version), developed by Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, was applied for data processing. The correlation coefficients of each chromatogram to the simulative mean chromatogram of P. tenuifolia were within the range of 0.807∼⃒0.927, and the correlation coefficients between each chromatogram were 0.689∼⃒0.907. The method can be used for the quality evaluation and control of Radix Polygalae, and provide a possibility for identifying the Polygala species rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel methodology using a utility's existing software for the accurate prediction of total unbalance (UB) impact due to ac traction loads with emphasis on the estimation of negative sequence (N-Seq) current injection into utility generators. Traditionally, due to the requirement of complex 3Φ power-flow simulation, UB analysis has been limited to the evaluation of UB voltage at the point of common coupling (PC C) without addressing whether supply of this N-Seq current would exceed the remaining margin of each utility generator. By using the salient feature that a utility's N-Seq network is basically "sourceless" as such for any N-Seq current injection at a specific node, the "contribution ratio" of each utility generator for that N-Seq current injection is fixed irrespective of the magnitude of that injection, this paper provides a solution to this important problem by using a utility's existing fault analysis software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thalictrum (Ranunculaceae) is an extremely abundant medicinal plant source. Due to their marked ethnopharmacological usages in folk medicine of China and the large number of potentially active chemical constituents, they may be a rich source for new chemicals for drug R&D. Here, an investigation on traditional functions and folk therapeutic uses of Thalictrum plants from China, as well as their main chemical constituents, was undertaken. It showed that 43 Thalictrum plants have long been used as folk medicine to treat many diseases in different races of China. In addition, the correlation between folk therapeutic effects and chemical constituents, and the modern pharmacological activities, are discussed as well as the prospect of isolation and development of new drugs from this genus of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of sequencing technology, more and more rare thalassemia types have been found. In this article, we found a novel Hb H disease combined with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency through whole genome sequencing (WGS), which was verified by Sanger sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-reverse dot-blot hybridization, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which presented a novel and efficient algorithm to solve power flow problems characterized by constant moving loads. Analysis on Railway Power Supplies (RPS) structure of alternating current railways; Algorithm for train voltage analysis; Conclusions of the study.

Provides information on the construction of a distribution automation (DA) communication infrastructure. Information routing difficulty- A utility-related DA example; Network element (NE) accessibility difficulty; Details on DA communication problems.

The graphene sheets (GNs) and toluene-soluble component of pitch (TS) are used as the mixed carbon source in the synthesis of LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4@C@GNs through different carbon-coating methods. The results show that the ball–milling (BM) method is more favorable for the uniform dispersion of GNs and reduction of agglomeration compared to mechanical agitation (MA). The bridging effect of GNs and the pyrolytic carbon of TS with a high graphitization degree constructs an intact carbon skeleton on the surface of LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4 crystal, thus greatly improving the structural stability and electronic conductivity. Sample BM–1.5 containing 1.5 wt.% GNs prepared by ball–milling has a small (111) grain size, large specific surface area (48.32 m2·g−1), and mesoporous volume (0.099 cm3·g−1). Cathode BM–1.5 delivers the discharge-specific capacity of 150.9, 150.4, and 115.7 mAh·g−1 at the rate of 0.1 , 1, and 5 C, respectively, which are the optimal values of all samples. Moreover, the capacity in BM–1.5 at 1 C is well maintained at the retention of 95.7% after 100 cycles. And no obvious crack appears in the cathode film, showing excellent structural stability. LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4@C@GNs prepared by ball-milling with the toluene-soluble component of pitch and graphene sheet as the mixed carbon source has excellent electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents standards commonly used for microgrid technology and practical tests of these standards before developing an industry microgrid standard. Standards of communication networks, Internet security, data and communications security, installation and protection of distributed generators and energy storage devices, electronic power interfaces of distributed energy resources, and interconnection of microgrids to electric power system are analyzed. The practical tests for the above standards are planned to perform at a low-voltage (380-V) AC microgrid test bed built by the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taiwan. Microgrid configurations, installation of distributed generators and energy storage systems, operation conditions of the microgrid, microgrid energy management and control systems, and microgrid protection are mentioned in the proposed standard tests. The main contributions of this article are (i) to review and analyze common standards used for microgrids, (ii) to present research works from Taiwan to develop a microgrid standard for industry applications, and (iii) to propose practical tests of critical standards used for microgrids and how to perform these tests at a real-time low-voltage AC microgrid in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a novel fault protection system for AC microgrids having a multiple grounding system. Communication-supported digital relays which have different protection modules are used for this novel microgrid protection system. The protection modules in a digital relay have various functionalities to protect AC microgrids from various fault types, such as: low/high-impedance ground faults and short-circuits. To effectively use the developed novel microgrid protection system, the first step is to reconfigure different microgrid structures into a standard microgrid configuration having a multiple-grounding system through using delta/wye-grounded or wye-grounded/wye-grounded transformers. Then, a fast–dependable–adaptable (FDA) fault protection algorithm is developed to protect AC microgrids from faults occurring at trunk lines, common buses or branch lines. At an islanded operation mode of AC microgrids, by using digital relays, a new protection module is designed to detect, locate, and classify the faults occurring at trunk lines and common AC buses, while other protection modules can use the existing protection methodologies (e.g. directional/non-directional overcurrent protection principles, etc.) to detect and clear the faults at source branches or load branches of the microgrids. At a grid-connected operation mode, standard overcurrent protection modules are applied for the FDA fault protection system. Simulation and experiment results obtained from various fault cases at a real low-voltage AC microgrid have validated the effective operation of the FDA fault protection system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A microgrid (MG) system mainly consists of renewable energy sources, distributed generators, loads and energy storage devices. Development of the microgrid brings some emerging challenges. One of them is a microgrid fault protection system. In order to develop an optimal fault protection algorithm, this paper surveys dynamic and transient behaviours with respect to two operation modes of a microgrid, namely, islanded and grid-connected modes. Modelling and simulation of the MG's operation are performed by PSCAD/EMTDC software. A surveyed typical MG structure includes one dispatchable power source of microturbine (μT) system, another non-dispatchable power source of photovoltaic (PV) generation system and one battery power conditioning system (PCS). Whereas dynamic characteristics of the MG are investigated in cases of power change of loads or sources and motor starting, transient properties are surveyed through staged fault tests (e.g. single-phase and three-phase to ground faults) and the MG's operation transition between grid-connected and islanded modes. Simulation results are compared to actual experiment results performed at a 380 V microgrid at Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER), Taiwan. From achieved dynamic and transient properties, this paper proposes a fast-scalable-adaptable (FSA) computing algorithm for a fault protection system to improve MG's reliability and adaptability operation. This new algorithm uses parameters of current, voltage and angle phase along with a communication network to protect online the microgrid. The proposed algorithm can solve challenging problems of high penetration of inverter-based distributed generators, reduced fault current values and non-directional power flow. Moreover, the algorithm can get a critical fault clearing time within one fault cycle, high accuracy and reliability for fault detection, identification of different types of faults and optimal isolation of faulted zones. Simulation and experiment results validate the proposed fast-scalable-adaptable fault protection algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brazil is exceptionally abundant in medicinal plant resources and has a rich ethnopharmacological history. Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (BP) acts as a national standard that regulates drug quality and has six published editions. Recent genomic approaches have led to a resurgence of interest in herbal drugs. The genomic data of plants has been used for pharmaceutical applications, protecting natural resources, and efficiently regulating the market. However, there are few genomic databases specifically for medicinal plants, and the establishment of a database that focuses on the herbs contained in the BP is urgently required. Methods: The medicinal plant species included in each edition of the BP were analyzed to understand the evolution of the Brazilian herbal drugs. The data of 82 plants in the BP were collected and categorized into four sections: DNA barcodes, super-barcodes, genomes, and sequencing data. A typical web server architecture pattern was used to build the database and website. Furthermore, the cp-Gs of the Aloe genus in the database were analyzed as an illustration. Results: A new database, the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia Genomic Database (BPGD) was constructed and is now publicly accessible. A BLAST server for species identification and sequence searching with the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), the intergenic region (psbA-trnH), and the chloroplast genome (cp-G) of Brazilian medicinal plants was also embedded in the BPGD. The database has 753 ITS2 of 76 species, 553 psbA-trnH and 190 genomes (whole genome and chloroplast genome) of 57 species. In addition, it contains 37 genome sequence data sets of 24 species and 616 transcriptome sequence data sets of 34 species and also includes 187 cp-Gs representing 57 medicinal species in the BP. Analyses of the six cp-Gs of three Aloe species identified the variable regions in the cp-Gs. These can be used to identify species and understand the intraspecific relationships. Conclusions: This study presents the first genomic database of medicinal plants listed in the latest BP. It serves as an efficient platform to obtain and analyze genomic data, accelerate studies regarding Brazilian medicinal plants and facilitate the rational development on their market regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a new method for the production of puerarin phospholipids complex (PPC) microparticles. The advanced particle formation method, solution enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS), was used for the preparation of puerarin (Pur), phospholipids (PC) and their complex particles for the first time. Evaluation of the processing variables on PPC particle characteristics was also conducted. The processing variables included temperature, pressure, solution concentration, the flow rate of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and the relative flow rate of drug solution to CO2. The morphology, particle size and size distribution of the particles were determined. Meanwhile Pur and phospholipids were separately prepared by gas antisolvent precipitation (GAS) method and solid characterization of particles by the two supercritical methods was also compared. Pur formed by GAS was more orderly, purer crystal, whereas amorphous Pur particles between 0.5 and 1μm were formed by SEDS. The complex was successfully obtained by SEDS exhibiting amorphous, partially agglomerated spheres comprised of particles sized only about 1μm. SEDS method may be useful for the processing of other pharmaceutical preparations besides phospholipids complex particles. Furthermore adopting a GAS process to recrystallize pharmaceuticals will provide a highly versatile methodology to generate new polymorphs of drugs in addition to conventional techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Genetic variability of 18 microsatellites in five Chinese goat breeds was characterized and then individual-breed assignments were implemented on the basis of microsatellite multi-genotypes. Although the low Gst value of 5.7% occurred among these breeds, the accumulated non-parental exclusion probabilities of 99.99% and the correct assignment percentage of 82% demonstrated that microsatellites were feasible for paternity testing and individual-breed assignments in caprine populations. All of loci showed high polymorphism except that MAF35 had only two alleles, and INRA0132 had potential null allele in these breeds. The non-parental exclusion probability per locus varied from 0.081 to 0.534 under case I for paternity testing and ranged from 0.161 to 0.699 under case II, respectively. Both of Excl 1 and Excl 2 were significantly correlated to the genetic diversity measures including genetic heterozygosity, polymorphism information content (PIC) and gene differential coefficients, and that suggested genetic polymorphism of marker provide enough information for microsatellite selection. In addition, the Bayesian method was proven to have superiority of the correct assignment percentage in comparison to gene frequency method and genetic distance methods, with the assumptions of locus-population Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium and no linkage between loci. The correct assignment percentage were always higher in YC and Boer than other three goat breeds, implying assignment efficiency was positively relative to populations with greater uniformity and low population genetic variability. The correct assignment percentage rose with the increase of number of loci used, and it could reach 71.5% when nine microsatellites with the highest genetic polymorphism were combined together. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and applied to the simultaneous determination of puerarin and danshensu in a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation containing Pueraria lobata and Salvia miltiorrhiza as its major herbal constituents. Elution was performed on a C18 column at 27°C with acetonitrile-water (0.5% acetic acid) at different proportions according to a time scheduled programme, and pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Indomethacin was used as an internal standard. High resolution was obtained between the analytes and the internal standard. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were better than 1.9% and 2.2%, respectively. The coefficient of determination for each analyte was above 0.997. It is a simple and sensitive analytical method with good accuracy and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LiMn 0·8 Fe 0·2 PO 4 /C nanocrystal was synthesized by a facile solvothermal reaction. The pH and concentration of lithium ion are changing with the increase of LiOH. The deposition law of precursor ions is investigated, in which Li+ exceeds the necessary stoichiometric ratio even in the lowest amount of LiOH. Mn2+ and Fe2+ possess the similar fixation tendency, and 87.88% Mn2+ are deposited at the pH of 3.30. However, nearly all Fe2+ are precipitated in a wide pH range (2.96–3.85). The morphology changes from nanosheet to nanoellipsoid under the cooperation of pH and precursor ions. The components of LiMnPO 4 and LiFePO 4 in LiMn 0·8 Fe 0·2 PO 4 /C are predicted and their contributions to capacity are close to the actual results. Sample S-2.6 delivers the optimum electrochemical performance with a capacity of 150.9, 134.6 and 107.5 mA h·g−1 at 0.05, 1 and 5 C, respectively. It also exhibits high reversibility, low charge transfer resistance (41.2 Ω) and excellent diffusion coefficient (5.38 × 10−11 cm2·s−1). The capacity retention of sample S-2.6 reaches 96.03% after 200 cycles and it maintains original structure without obvious change according to the ex-situ XRD results. The morphology of the cycled cathode film also maintains its integrity without evident cracks. The low dissolution of Mn2+ and Fe2+ from LiMn 0·8 Fe 0·2 PO 4 /C shows the enhanced chemical stability. Image 1 • LiMn 0·8 Fe 0·2 PO 4 /C nanocrystal is synthesized by a facile solvothermal reaction. • The deposition law of precursor ions under the driving of pH is researched. • The transformation law of morphology from nanosheet to nanoellipsoid is studied. • The component of LiMnPO 4 and LiFePO 4 and contribution to capacity are predicted. • Nanoellipsoid S-2.6 delivers excellent cycling performance and chemical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An automated headspace solvent free microextraction (HS-SFME) based gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was developed for discrimination of Radix Angelica sinensis (RAS) from different cultivation regions. The MS data were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) to rapidly find the potential characteristic components of RAS from top-geoherb region and non top-geoherb region. Totally, fifty-one volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified, in which β -ocimene, α -pinene, 3-methylbutanal, heptanes, butanal were identified as potential markers for distinguishing RAS from top-geoherb region and non top-geoherb region. Sulphur dioxide was detected in some commercial RAS samples, which implied that sulphur-fumigation might be the main reason for the quality inconsistencies of commercial RAS samples. These results suggested that RAS from top-geoherb region and non-top geoherb region could be discriminated by the method. And characteristic chemical markers found in current study can be used for ensuring consistent quality of top-geoherb of RAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] HPLC fingerprints of CR herbs and dispensing granules compared to find markers. [•] Major characteristic components identified by LC-PDA-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. [•] Ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H quantified in CR dispensing granule. [•] Senkyunolide I as quantitative marker for quality control of CR dispensing granule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four novel diterpenes possessing rare five-membered peroxide ring, aphanaperoxides E–H (1–4), were isolated from stem bark of Aphanamixis polystachya. Their structures including the absolute configuration were elucidated by spectroscopic data and CD analysis. The cytotoxicities of the isolated compounds against a panel of human cancer cell lines were evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Numerous efforts have been conducted in searching for effective agents against cancer, in particular from herbal medicines. Justicia procumbens is a traditional herbal remedy which was produced in the south-western and southern provinces of China and Taiwan province used to treat fever, pain, and cancer. Here, we identified a new compound 6′-hydroxy justicidin A (JR6) from Justicia procumbens, which showed obvious anti-cancer effects. Materials and methods: The cytotoxicity activity was assayed using MTT and SRB. Intracellular ROS visualization and quantification were acquired by using a laser scanning confocal microscopy. Apoptosis was measured using a propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis detection kit by flow cytometry. Activation of caspases (caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9) was evaluated respectively using GloMax luminescence detector and Caspase-Glo 3,8,9 assay kits. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed by microscopy using JC-1 dye. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was employed to detect the expression of protein associated with cell death. Results: JR6 remarkably inhibited growth in human bladder cancer EJ cells by decreasing cell proliferation, reduced the SOD activity, increased the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and induced apoptosis. Activation of caspase-8, caspase-9, and the subsequent activation of caspase-3 indicated that JR6 may be inducing intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. Caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 inhibition rendered this extract ineffective, thus JR6-induced apoptosis is caspase-dependent. JR6 also disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and unregulated the Bax and p53 expressions in EJ cells. Conclusion: These observations suggest that JR6 induce apoptosis through caspase-dependent pathway in human bladder cancer EJ cells, emphasizing the importance of this traditional medicine and thus presents a potential novel alternative to bladder cancer therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A simple and reliable method of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector (UPLC-PAD) was developed for the quantitative analysis of 10 active nucleosides and nucleobases. The separation was performed on a reversed-phase C18 column with linear gradient elution. This method provided good reproducibility and sensitivity with excellent intra- and inter-day precision and the validated method was successfully used for the determination of the 10 components of interest of F. unibracteata samples. The quantitative data of the fingerprints were analyzed by similarity analysis (SA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). Results showed that samples from different regions could be successfully divided into two groups in accordance with their locations of origin. A rapid and convenient discriminatory function using UPLC fingerprint combined with HCA was then established to differentiate the F. unibracteata from different growing regions, which could be helpful for quality evaluation and control of F. unibracteata and related medicinal plants in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sulfur-fumigation may induce chemical transformation of medicinal herbs. Development of rapid method to reveal potential sulfur-fumigation induced chemical transformation of herbs is a very important issue for efficacy and safety of herb application. In present study, a new strategy was proposed to rapidly reveal chemical transformation of sulfur-fumigated herbs by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole/time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF-MS/MS) based chemical profiling approach. The non-fumigated herb was water-wetted and further treated with burning sulfur to get sulfur-fumigated herb. Then the chemical fingerprints of both non-fumigated and sulfur-fumigated samples were compared by UHPLC–QTOF-MS/MS analysis. The identities of all detected peaks, in particular those newly generated in sulfur-fumigated samples were confirmed by comparing the mass spectra and retention times of peaks with that of reference compounds, and/or tentatively assigned by matching empirical molecular formula with that of published compounds, and/or elucidating quasi-molecular ions and fragment ions referring to available literature information. The identification could be rationalized through deducing possible reactions involved in the generation of these newly detected compounds. The proposed strategy was extensively investigated in the case of white ginseng. Total 82 components were detected in non-fumigated and sulfur-fumigated white ginseng samples, among them 35 sulfur-containing compounds detected only in sulfur-fumigated white ginseng and its decoction were assigned to be sulfate or sulfite derivatives of original ginsenosides, and were deduced to be generated via reactions of esterification, addition, hydrolysis and dehydration during sulfur-fumigation and decocting of white ginseng. The established approach was applied to discriminate sulfur-fumigated white ginseng among commercial samples from America, Canada, and Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Mainland of China, which indicated that the proposed approach is rapid and specific, and should also be useful for investigation of potential chemical transformation of other sulfur-fumigated medicinal herbs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In traditional Chinese medicine practice, white ginseng (WG) and red ginseng (RG) have traditionally been used for different purposes. In the present study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS)-based metabolomics approach was developed to evaluate the holistic qualities and to explore characteristic chemical components of commercial WG and RG. Through unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised orthogonal partial least squared discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) of the data from UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, holistic quality inconsistencies of commercial WG and RG were identified, and the possible reasons involved were deduced by further elucidating the characteristic components of the groups. Heat treating and sulfur-fumigation were likely the main reasons for the quality differences in WG, and non-standardized processing procedures might have caused the inconsistent quality of RG. Together with ginsenoside Rg3, a nitrogen-containing component and ginsenoside 20(R)-Rh1 were detected as characteristic components of RG, whereas malonyl ginsenoside Rb1/isomer and malonyl ginsenoside Rg1/isomer were found to be characteristic components of WG. It was suggested that post-harvest handling procedures for WG and processing procedures for RG should be standardized using the identified characteristic components as chemical markers to ensure the consistent quality and consequently the efficacy of WG and RG. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The severe insulation breakdown on one medium-voltage (MV) switchgear led to a complete blackout of Taipower's 3rd nuclear power plant on March 18th, 2001. This has been one of the most serious incidents during the past 30 years of Taipower's nuclear generation and while the cause of the event was a combination of design, maintenance, and equipment aging issue, it is apparent that repeated switching operation on the extra-high-voltage (EHV) side eventually caused this severe insulation breakdown on MV switchgear. Very-fast transient overvoltage (VFTO) is the phenomenon of transient overvoltage generated during switching operation characterized by a very short rise time of 4 to 100 ns. Prior research on this topic focused on VFTO's impact on the EHV side of the transformer and this paper presents the field measurement result together with long-duration multiple-restrike simulation for the VFTO transferred from the EHV side to the MV system through the power transformers. It is shown that this VFTO can be as high as 7 times the rated line-to-ground peak voltage and the maximum VFTO often occusr neither at the first nor at the last strike due to the superposition of restriking voltage on top of oscillation voltage created by prior strikes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In a well-controlled experiment, outliers discriminated by robust principal component analysis (RPCA) represent contents in samples which are of particular quality distinguishable from the rest of the others, therefore chemical constituents in a natural product causing discrimination between outliers and the majority of samples could be considered as analytical markers for quality control. Based on this strategy, a novel approach for rapidly exploring characteristic analytical markers was proposed for the quality control of extract granules of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (EGRSM). In this study, large sizes of samples were analyzed via high-throughput ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–UV–Q-Tof MS). RPCA was first performed on the three groups of samples: RSM (the raw material), the in-house prepared aqueous extract of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (AERSM) and commercial product of EGRSM, to determine the variation of specific constituents between raw material and the final products as well as the effect of manufacturing process on the overall quality. Then RPCA was performed on the commercial products of EGRSM to explore the applicability of identified characteristic markers for the quality control of EGRSM. Candidate markers were extracted by RPCA, and their molecular formulae were determined by high resolution electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric (ESI-MS) analysis. The suitability of identified markers was then evaluated by determining the relationship between quantities of the identified markers with their antioxidant activities biologically, and further confirmed in a variety of samples. In conclusion, the combination of RPCA with UHPLC–UV–Q-Tof MS is a reliable means to identify chemical markers for evaluating quality of herbal medicines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four new compounds, paucinervins A–D (1–4), and 15 known ones were isolated from the leaves of Garcinia paucinervis. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic evidences. All of the 19 compounds were evaluated for their apoptosis-inducing effects using HeLa-C3 cells which have been genetically engineered to possess a fluorescent biosensor capable of detecting caspase-3 activation. Eight of them were found to activate caspase-3 in HeLa-C3 cells within 72h at the concentration of 25μM. Moreover, the values of IC50 were measured for all four new compounds on HeLa cells using the MTT assay. Among them, compound 2 (paucinervin B) had the lowest IC50 value of 9.5μM, while the other three new compounds had much higher IC50 values of 29.5, 52.5, and 95.6μM, respectively. This result shows that paucinervin B has the strongest inhibitory effect against HeLa cell growth among these four newly identified paucinervins and it may have the potential to be developed into a new anticancer candidate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We evaluated the vasorelaxation effects of formononetin, an isoflavone/phytoestrogen found abundantly in Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, on rat isolated aorta and the underlying mechanisms involved. Cumulative administration of formononetin, genistein, daidzein and biochanin A relaxed phenylephrine-preconstricted aorta. Formononetin and biochanin A caused a similar magnitude of relaxation whereas daidzein was least potent. Mechanical removal of endothelium, L-NAME (100 μM) and methylene blue (10 μM) suppressed formononetin-induced relaxation. Formononetin increased endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), but not inducible NO synthase, activity with an up-regulation of eNOS mRNA and p-eNOSSer1177 protein expression. In endothelium-denuded preparations, formononetin-induced vasorelaxation was significantly reduced by glibenclamide (3 μM) and iberiotoxin (100 nM), and a combination of glibenclamide (3 μM) plus iberiotoxin (100 nM) abolished the relaxation. In contrast, formononetin-elicited endothelium-independent relaxation was not altered by ICI 182,780 (10 μM, an estrogen receptor (ERα/ERβ) antagonist) or mifepristone (10 μM, a progesterone receptor antagonist). In single aortic smooth muscle cells, formononetin caused opening of iberiotoxin-sensitive Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels and glibenclamide-sensitive adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent K+ (KATP) channels. Thus, our results suggest that formononetin caused vascular relaxation via endothelium/NO-dependent mechanism and endothelium-independent mechanism which involves the activation of BKCa and KATP channels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To evaluate the intrinsic quality of licorice influenced by environmental factors, the spectral comparison of licorice from two typical ecological habitats was conducted by using FTIR and 2D-IR correlation spectroscopy. There were differences in the peak intensities of 1155, 1076 and 1048cm−1 of FTIR profiles. The difference was amplified by the second derivative spectrum for the peak intensities at 1370, 1365 and 1317cm−1 and the peak shape in 958–920cm−1 and 1050–988cm−1. The synchronous 2D-IR spectra within the range of 860–1300cm−1 were classified into type I and type II and their frequency in the two groups was noticeably different. Although the chemical compounds of licorice samples from two areas were generally similar, the contents of starch, calcium oxalate, and some chemical compounds containing alcohol hydroxyl group were different, indicating the influence of precipitation and temperature. This study demonstrates that the systematical analysis of FTIR, the second derivative spectrum and 2D-IR can effectively determine the differences in licorice samples from different ecological habitats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Eight prenylated xanthones, bannaxanthones A–H (1–8), together with seven known compounds, were isolated from the acetone extract of the twigs of Garcinia xipshuanbannaensis. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated using the MTT method. The results showed that xanthones with an unsaturated prenyl group had stronger cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, whereas those with hydroxylated prenyl groups had none. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two new xanthone O-glycosides, polyhongkongenosides A (1) and B (2), together with four known xanthone glycosides, were isolated from the herbs of Polygala hongkongensis Hemsl. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of UV, IR, NMR, and MS spectral data. The antioxidant in vitro activities of 1-6 were determined by the scavenging activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and hydroxyl radicals and their reductive activities to Fe3 + . Mangiferin, one of the four known xanthone glycosides, showed potential scavenging effect on DPPH and hydroxy radicals and reductive activity to Fe3 + with IC50 values of 4.7, 13.9, 23.7 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puerarin (1) is a major effective ingredient extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Ge-gen (Radix Puerariae, RP). Recently, puerarin has been used to treat patients with coronary artery diseases (CAD). However, the mechanisms of puerarin on CAD are still not very clear. In this study, we investigated the role of puerarin on serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration, myocardial endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression, the protein expression of eNOS and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as the level of protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) phosphorylation in rats with myocardial infarction. We found that puerarin (120 mg/kg/day, i.p.) could increase serum nitrite concentration in rat with myocardial ischemia (MI). It also induced the gene expression or activation of eNOS, protein expression of eNOS, and the Akt/PKB phosphorylation. From these results, we suggested that puerarin could increase serum nitric oxide level of rat with myocardial infarction, which should be one of the mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of puerarin on CAD. The increased expression of eNOS and the Akt/PKB pathway may be the underlying mechanism by which puerarin stimulates NO production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Brassicaceae), known as Maca, is a Peruvian hypocotyl growing exclusively between 4000 and 4500m altitude in the central Peruvian Andes, particularly in Junin plateau. Previously, Black variety of Maca showed to be more beneficial than other varieties of Maca on learning and memory in ovariectomized mice on the water finding test. The present study aimed to test two different doses of aqueous (0.50 and 2.00g/kg) and hydroalcoholic (0.25 and 1.00g/kg) extracts of Black Maca administered for 35 days on memory impairment induced by scopolamine (1mg/kg body weight i.p.) in male mice. Memory and learning were evaluated using the water Morris maze and the step-down avoidance test. Brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities in brain were also determined. Both extracts of Black Maca significantly ameliorated the scopolamine-induced memory impairment as measured in both the water Morris maze and the step-down avoidance tests. Black Maca extracts inhibited AChE activity, whereas MAO activity was not affected. These results indicate that Black Maca improves scopolamine-induced memory deficits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The roots of Pueraria lobata (Wild.) Ohwi and Pueraria thomsonii Benth have been officially recorded in all editions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia under the same monograph ‘Gegen’ (Radix Puerariae, RP). However, in its 2005 edition, the two species were separated into both individual monographs, namely ‘Gegen’ (Radix Puerariae Lobatae, RPL) and ‘Fenge’ (Radix Puerariae Thomsonii, RPT), respectively, due to their obvious content discrepancy of puerarin, the major active constituent. In present paper, the fingerprint of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) combining digital scanning profiling was developed to identify and distinguish the both species in detail. The unique properties of the HPTLC fingerprints were validated by analyzing ten batches of Pueraria lobata and P. thomsonii samples, respectively. The common pattern of the HPTLC images of the roots of Pueraria spp. and the respective different ratios of the chemical distribution can directly discern the two species. The corresponding digital scanning profiles provided an easy way for quantifiable comparison among the samples. Obvious difference in ingredient content and HPTLC patterns of the two species questioned their bio-equivalence and explained that recording both species separately in the current edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2005 edition) is reasonable due to not only the content of major constituent, puerarin, but also the peak-to-peak distribution in the fingerprint and integration value of the total components. Furthermore, the HPTLC fingerprint is also suitable for rapid and simple authentication and comparison of the subtle difference among samples with identical plant resource but different geographic locations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hypercholesterolemia is a dominant risk factor for the development and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Natural compounds have been proved to be useful in lowering serum cholesterol to slow down the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Pueraria lobata is employed clinically to treat cardiovascular diseases in China. In the present study, the atheroscleroprotective potential of the herb''s major active compound, puerarin, was investigated by monitoring serum lipid profile and major enzyme expressions on cholesterol homeostasis in Sprague–Dawley rats fed with control diet, hypercholesterolmic diet or hypercholesterolmic diet plus administration of puerarin (300 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 4 weeks. Puerarin markedly attenuated the increased total cholesterol induced by hypercholesterolmic diet in both serum and liver. It caused a significant reduction in the atherogenic index. Expression of mRNA for hepatic 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) was significantly enhanced but not for those of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51). To further explore the atheroscleroprotective potential of puerarin, acetylcholine induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression on isolated thoracic aortas were analyzed. Animals administered with puerarin suppressed the hypercholesterolemic diet induced impairment of eNOS expression, whereas there was no significant difference in the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation among various groups of animals. These data indicated that puerarin reduced the atherogenic properties of dietary cholesterol in rats. Its hypocholesterolemic function may be due to the promotion of cholesterol and bile acids excretion in liver. Whether puerarin targets directly on cholesterol homeostasis or both cholesterol homeostasis and endothelial function remains to be determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Rhizoma Paridis (Chonglou) is a commonly used and precious traditional Chinese medicine. Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand. -Mazz. and Paris polyphylla Smith var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara are the two main sources of Chonglou under the monograph of Rhizoma Paridis in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. In the local marketplace, however, this medicine is prone to be accidentally contaminated, deliberately substituted or admixed with other species that are similar to Rhizoma Paridis in shape and color. Consequently, these adulterations might compromise quality control and result in considerable health concerns for consumers. This study aims to develop a rapid and sensitive method for accurate identification of Rhizoma Paridis and its common adulterants. Methods: DNA barcoding coupled with high resolution melting analysis was applied in this research to distinguish Rhizoma Paridis from its adulteration. The internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) barcode was selected for HRM analysis to produce standard melting profile of the selected species. DNA of the tested herbal medicines was isolated and their melting profiles were generated and compared with the standard melting profile of P. polyphylla var. chinensis. Results: The results indicate that the ITS2 molecular regions coupled with HRM analysis can effectively differentiate nine herbal species, including two authentic origins of Chonglou and their seven common adulterants. Ten herbal medicines labeled “Chonglou” obtained from a local market were collected and identified with our methods, and their sequence information was analyzed to validate the accuracy of HRM analysis. Conclusions: DNA barcoding coupled with HRM analysis is a accurate, reliable, rapid, cost-effective and robust tool, which could contribute to the quality control of Rhizoma Paridis in the supply chain of the natural health product industry (NHP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]