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With the aim to discover novel lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus strains from fish as potential probiotics to replace antibiotics in aquaculture, the present study was conducted to isolate lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus from intestinal tract of healthy crucian carp (Carassiu auratus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and evaluate their resistance against Aeromonas veronii. Based on the evaluation of antibacterial activity and tolerance test, one strain of lactic acid bacteria (Weissella cibaria C-10) and one strain of Bacillus (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens T-5) with strong environmental stability were screened out. The safety evaluation showed that these two strains were non-toxic to crucian carp and were sensitive to most antibiotics. In vivo study, the crucian carps were fed a basal diet supplemented with W. cibaria C-10 (C-10), B. amyloliquefaciens T-5 (T-5) and W. cibaria C-10 + B. amyloliquefaciens T-5 (C-10+T-5), respectively, for 5 weeks. Then, various immune parameters were measured at 35 days of post-feeding. Results showed both probiotics could improve the activities of related immune enzymes, immune factors and non-specific immune antibodies in blood and organs (gill, gut, kidney, liver, and spleen) of crucian carp in varying degrees. Moreover, after 7 days of challenge experiment, the survival rates after challenged with A. veronii of W. cibaria C-10 (C-10), B. amyloliquefaciens T-5 (T-5) and W. cibaria C-10 + B. amyloliquefaciens T-5 (C-10+T-5) supplemented groups to the crucian carps were 20%, 33% and 22%, respectively. Overall, W. cibaria C-10 and B. amyloliquefaciens T-5 could be considered to be developed into microecological preparations for the alternatives of antibiotics in aquaculture.

Saponins of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen have been classified as a type of composition in functional foods for numerous diseases. However, its mild effects and other characteristics limited clinical applications in diseases. Inspired by "nine steaming and nine processing" of P. notoginseng in traditional Chinese medicine, we developed a "steaming"-mimic protocol, which significantly changed the composition of saponins of P. notoginseng from the original, R1, Rg1, Re, Rb1, and Rd (raw-PNS), to the products after steaming, 20S/R-Rh1, Rk3, Rh4, 20S/R-Rg3, Rk1, and Rg5 (N-PNS). Surprisingly, N-PNS demonstrated promising activities in improving hyperlipidemia and reducing body weight and weight of white adipose tissue and the inhibition of adipogenesis in obese mice. In accordance with the results in vivo, N-PNS remarkably blunted adipogenesis at the early stage of differentiation dose-dependently in vitro. Moreover, we demonstrated that the activity may involve the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway by promoting phosphorylation of AMPKT172 and downregulating its downstream factors: sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, and fatty acid synthase. Taken together, the steaming-induced eight compositions of saponins showed a very promising function in improving hyperlipidemia and obesity both in vivo and in vitro, providing fundamental evidence for future study and application in treatment of hyperlipidemia, obesity, and other lipid-related metabolic syndromes.

The ankle and heel are challenging regions to reconstruct functionally. Here, we explored the feasibility and clinical outcomes of a modified anterior tibial artery perforator-pedicled propeller flap for the repair of soft-tissue defects of the ankle and heel. Between January 2013 and December 2015, 12 patients with soft-tissue defects of the ankle and/or heel underwent reconstructive surgery that included our flap technique. The flaps measured 20 × 8 cm to 7 × 4 cm. A hand-held Doppler was used to identify a proper constant perforator in the distal ankle. In each case, the base of the flap was well preserved. The flap was transposed (180° rotation) to reach and cover the defect. The average follow-up time was 13 months (10–28 months). We observed good texture matches and contour in all of the flaps. All patients could walk and wear normal footwear. All but one flap survived completely without complications. Partial loss was observed in one patient, and the necrotic region was healed with secondary intention. Our modified anterior tibial artery free-style perforator-pedicled propeller flap provides a novel option for functional ankle and heel reconstruction. Level IV.

The chemical compositions of essential oils (EOs) prepared from six spices including cinnamon, amomum tsao-ko, cardamom, amomum, black pepper and white pepper were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which led to identify almost 200 volatile compounds. All EOs of spices showed cholinesterase inhibitory activity. Among them, pepper EO showed most potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity with IC 50 values of 8.54 μg/mL (black pepper EO) and 5.02 µg/mL (white pepper EO). Molecular docking and in vitro validation suggested that 3-carene, α -pinene and β -pinene with IC 50 value of 1.73, 2.66, and 14.75 μg/mL, respectively, might be active constituents of spices oil in inhibiting AChE. Furthermore, amomum tsao-ko EO and amomum EO can improve behavioral disorder in dementia zebrafish induced by aluminum trichloride (AlCl 3 ).

The chemical compositions of essential oils (EOs) prepared from six spices including cinnamon, amomum tsao-ko, cardamom, amomum, black pepper and white pepper were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), which led to identify almost 200 volatile compounds. All EOs of spices showed cholinesterase inhibitory activity. Among them, pepper EO showed most potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity with IC

The rapa whelk Rapana venosa, an economically important marine fishery resource in China but a major invader all over the world, changes from a phytophagous to a carnivorous form following settlement and metamorphosis. However, the low settlement and metamorphosis rates (1%) of larvae limit the abundance of R. venosa. This critical step (settlement and metamorphosis) remains poorly characterized but may be related to how larvae perceive the presence of shellfish, their new source of food. Here, we report that larvae may use olfactory perception to sense shellfish. Olfactory receptor (OR) genes are involved in odor sensing in animals. We identified a total of 463 OR genes, which could be grouped into nine clades based on phylogenetic analysis. When assessing the attraction of larvae at different developmental stages to oyster odor, R. venosa showed active settlement and metamorphosis behavior only at the J4 stage (competent larva, 1000-1500 μm shell length) and in the presence of shellfish odor at the same time. Expression of OR gene family members differed between stage 2 (four-spiral whorl stage) and stage 1 (single- to three-spiral whorl stage), indicating significant changes in the olfactory system during larval development. These findings broaden our understanding of olfactory perception, settlement, and metamorphosis in gastropods and can be used to improve R. venosa harvesting, as well as the sustainable development and utilization of this resource.

HBV infection is a major global health burden that needs novel immunotherapeutic approaches. Herein, we show that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1) is a novel drug target for HBV infection. We reveal the new target with highly selective probes of PAC5, a natural sesquiterpene derivative. PAC5 show potent anti-HBV activity in vivo and in vitro. Further studies on its mode of action indicate that PAC5 binds to the residue Asp49 and a deep groove in the RNA recognition motif1 (RRM1) region of hnRNPA2B1. PAC5-bound hnRNPA2B1 is activated, dimerized, and translocated to the cytoplasm where it activates the TBK1-IRF3 pathway, leading to the production of type I interferons (IFNs). Furthermore, PAC5 also suppresses other viral replications, such as SARS-CoV-2 and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Our results indicate that PAC5 is the first small molecule agonist of hnRNPA2B1, a drug target potentially valid for broad-spectrum viral infections, providing a novel strategy for viral immunotherapy.

A pair of stereoisomers of new 4,5-dihydroxypiperine was isolated from P. retrofractum and showed profound activity on AlCl

A preliminary chemical investigation on 70% MeOH extract of the roots of Asparagus cochinchinensis resulted in the isolation of nine steroids. These isolates comprised of four new C

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) was the hub component of the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and played an important role in the cellular response to environmental stress. In this study, we identified five MmMAPKK genes in hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria and found that all MmMAPKK genes contain a conserved protein kinase domain. The MmMAPKK genes derived from dispersed duplication were unevenly distributed in three chromosomes. Although the genome size was highly variable among different bivalve mollusks, the number of MAPKK genes was relatively stable. Phylogenetic analysis showed that bivalve MAPKK was divided into five clades, and amino acid sequences of MAPKK from the same clade consisted of similar conserved motifs. The syntenic analysis demonstrated that MmMAPKKs had the highest number of homologous gene pairs with Cyclina sinensis. MmMAPKKs were ubiquitously expressed in all examined tissues, and all MmMAPKK genes were highly expressed in the ovary. MmMAPKK genes showed stress-specific expression under envirionmental stress. MmMAPKK7 showed an upregulated in heat and heat plus hypoxia stress while MmMAPKK1 showed an upregulated in hypoxic stress groups. Dynamic changes of MmMAPKK7, MmMAPKK6 and MmMAPKK1 in hemocytes were observed in response to air exposure. MmMAPKK4 significantly downregulated after air exposure for five days. MmMAPKK7 and MmMAPKK6 might participate in adaptation to low salinity stress. Our results provided useful information about MAPKK and laid a foundation for further studies on MAPKK evolution in the bivalve.

Saponins of

A preliminary chemical investigation on 70% MeOH extract of the roots of Asparagus cochinchinensis resulted in the isolation of nine steroids. These isolates comprised of four new C21 (1–4) and one new pregnane (5) glycosides, and four known C27 (6–9) spirostanol steroids. Their structures were identified via analysis of the spectroscopic data and the results of hydrolytic cleavage. The cytotoxic activities of the compounds were tested toward the human tumor cell line Hela (cervical cancer), and compounds 7 and 8 displayed moderate activity with IC50 values of 35.5 and 39.6 μM, respectively.

A pair of stereoisomers of new 4,5-dihydroxypiperine was isolated from P. retrofractum and showed profound activity on AlCl3-induced dementia. In order to determine their absolute configurations and biological activities, all four possible stereoisomers of 4,5-dihydroxypiperine were synthesized from piperidine by Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation and Mitsunobu reaction. Their absolute configurations were established as (4R,5R) (1), (4S,5S) (2), (4S,5R) (3) and (4R,5S) (4) by NMR, optical rotation and CD spectra. It is note that only compound 4 improved behavioral disorder in AlCl3-induced dementia. Accordingly, the pair of stereoisomers isolated from P. retrofractum was determined to be (4S,5S) and (4R,5S)-isomers (2 and 4). The ratio of the epimers was present as 1:0.7 (4:2).

Twenty withanolides, including previously unknown nicanlodes A-M, were isolated from aerial parts of Nicandra physalodes. Their structural elucidations were unambiguously achieved through interpretation of extensive spectroscopic data (NMR and HRMS) and by comparison with literature data. Nicanlodes A and B have an unusual aromatic amine moiety. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines.

The essential oils (EOs) derived from aromatic plants such as Piper species are considered to play a role in alleviating neuronal ailments that are associated with inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The chemical compositions of 23 EOs prepared from 16 Piper spp. were analyzed by both gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 76 compounds were identified in the EOs from the leaves and stems of 19 samples, while 30 compounds were detected in the EOs from the fruits of four samples. Sesquiterpenes and phenylpropanoids were found to be rich in these EOs, of which asaricin, caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, isospathulenol, (+)-spathulenol, and β-bisabolene are the major constituents. The EOs from the leaves and stems of Piper austrosinense, P. puberulum, P. flaviflorum, P. betle, and P. hispidimervium showed strong AChE inhibitory activity with IC50 values in the range of 1.51 to 13.9 mg/mL. A thin-layer chromatography (T...

The genus Piper is one of the largest genera in the Piperaceae, with most species widely distributed globally, covering all continents. To date, many Piper species have been scientifically investigated for their chemical diversities and interesting broad spectrum of bioactivities, including central nervous system (CNS), pesticidal, antifungal and antibacterial effects. This review systematically summarizes the scaffolds of the alkaloids reported, the major chemicals isolated from Piper spp., and their biological activities. Besides the alkaloids, some neolignans with rearranged skeletons show structural diversities, while the chalcones, flavonoids and kava-pyrones have some potential activities. Herein, the sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds from Piper species and their bioactivities are also surveyed.

Pepper is one of the most popular spices over the world and is called the King of Spices. Its essential oils (EOs) could alleviate neuronal ailments due to the inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). In this study, the chemical compositions of 26 EOs prepared from white and black pepper collecting from 6 different cultivars were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 133 compounds were identified in the white and black pepper EOs. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were found to be riched in these EOs, of which α-pinene, β-pinene, sabinene, 3-carene, limonene, and ( E)- β-caryophyllene were the major constituents. Most of pepper EOs showed potential AChE inhibitory activity with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the range of 0.5-182.5 µg/mL. Comparison of chemical constitutes of pepper EOs from different cultivars suggested that α-pinene, β-pinene, and 3-carene with an IC50 value of 3.2, 53.3, and 2.9 µg/mL, respectively, might be used as Quality-marker (Q-marker) of pepper oil in inhibiting AChE.

Metamorphosis is a vital developmental event in the life cycle of molluscs and involves extensive morphological and physiological changes. Remodeling of the digestive system is suggested to occur anticipatorily to enable the larva to shift its diet (from filter feeding on microalgae to feeding on small bivalves) after metamorphosis. Changes in the profiles and activities of digestive enzymes, the main executors of digestion, can reflect substantial remodeling of the digestive system. Artificial aquaculture of Rapana venosa, an important commercial shellfish in China, has been hampered because the transition of its food habit during metamorphosis makes determining the timing and dose for bait regulation difficult. In the present study, full-length cDNA sequences encoding cellulase and trypsin were characterized, and cellulase and trypsin mRNA expression levels were analyzed. Additionally, patterns in the activities of six digestive enzymes, including trypsin and cellulase, were investigated throughout the early developmental stage of R. venosa. In the present study, the full-length cDNA of the cellulase gene, comprising 2,086 bp, was found to contain a 1,719-bp open reading frame encoding 572 amino acids, and the full-length cDNA of the trypsin gene was found to be 1,587 bp in length and contained an 855-bp open reading frame encoding 284 amino acids. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that the cellulase levels in R. venosa increased beginning at the early intramembrane veliger stage, whereas cellulase activity was significantly increased in the one-spiral whorl stage. The mRNA expression and activity of trypsin were greatly increased in the juvenile stage (postlarva), whereas those of cellulase were decreased during this stage, which indicated functional changes in the digestive system during larval food habit transition. Our results showed that remodeling of the digestive system occurs prior to metamorphosis and suggest that animal bait should be provided as early as possible to R. venosa in the four-spiral whorl stage to meet its nutritional requirements for the development of its digestive system and to ensure successful metamorphosis of competent larvae.

Six new cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, karavilagenin F (1), karavilosides XII and XIII (2, 3), momordicines VI, VII, and VIII (4, 5 and 6), along with four known ones, 5 beta,19-epoxy-25-methoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3 beta,19-diol (7), 5 beta,19-epoxycucurbita-6, 23-diene-3 beta,19,25-triol (8), kuguacin R (9), and (19R,23E)-5 beta,19-epoxy-19-methoxycucurbita-6,23,25-trien-3 beta-ol (10), were isolated from the stems and leaves of Momordica charantia L. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive 1D NMR and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC, COSY, and ROESY), MS experiments, and CD spectrum. Compound 6 showed weak cytotoxicity against five human cancer cells lines with IC50 values of 143-20.5 mol/L. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aim To study the chemical constituents of the roots of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Asparagaceae). Methods The compounds were isolated with Diaion HP20, silica gel, and ODS chromatography, and their structures were determined on the basis of chemical methods, HR-ESI-MS, and 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques. Results Seven compounds were isolated from the n -butanol fraction of the roots of A . cochinchinensis, and their structures were elucidated as (25 S )-26- O -β-D-glucopyranosyl-5β-furostan-3β, 22α, 26-triol-12-one-3- O -β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (25 S )-26- O -β-D-glucopyranosyl-22α-methoxy-5β-furostan-3β, 26-diol-12-one-3- O -β-D-glucopyranoside (2), (25 S )-26- O -β-D-glucopyranosyl-5β-furostan-3β, 22α, 26-triol (3), (25 S )-26- O -β-D-glucopyranosyl-5β-furstan-3β, 22α, 26-triol-3- O -β-D-glucopyranoside (4), (25 S )-26- O -β-D-glucopyranosyl-5β-furostan-3β, 22α, 26-triol-3- O -α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1, 4)-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), (25 S )-5β-spirostan-3β-ol-3- O -α-L-rhamnopyranoside (6), and (25 S )-5β-spirostan-3β-ol-3- O -β-D-glucopyranoside (7). Conclusion Compounds 1 and 2 were two new furostanol saponins.

The norbisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids bearing a spiroketal functionality have been found in Phyllanthus spp. and showed anti-HBV activities. As part of an ongoing effort to search for promising anti-HBV sesquiterpenes from Phyllanthus plants, we report four new norbisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids, phyacidusin A (1), phyacidusin B (2), phllanthacidoid A1 (3) and phllanthacidoid N1 (4), from stem of P. acidus collected in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, China. The absolute configuration of new compounds was established by coupling constants and ROESY correlations, as well as comparation of NMR data with those of known compounds. The absolute configuration of new compounds 1 and 2 was further confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Compound 2 showed effect to HBsAg with an IC50 value of 11.2 ± 0.01 μM, while compound 3 inhibited HBeAg secretion with an IC50 value of 57.1 ± 0.02 μM. The results enriched the diversity of anti-HBV norbisabolane sesquiterpenes.

The term ginseng refers to the dried roots of several plants belonging to the genus Panax of the Araliaceae family. The 3 major commercial ginsengs are Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen (Notoginseng), P. ginseng C.A. Meyer (Ginseng), and P. quinquefolius L. (American ginseng), which have been used as herbal medicines. Over 18,000 papers on ginsengs have been published on the basis of their structural diversity and biological activities. Many reviews have summarized the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical use of ginsengs, but the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of ginsenosides from ginsengs in autophagy is unavailable. Herein, we review the structural diversity of ginsenosides, especially the ones in notoginseng, and the SAR in autophagic activity is discussed in detail.

Objective To observe the effect of needle-retaining time in scalp acupuncture on therapeutic efficacy for post-stroke hemiplegia.

Three new iridoids, jatamanins N–P (1–3), along with the seven known iridiods 4–10, were isolated from the roots of Valeriana jatamansi. Compound 1 is an unusual iridoid bearing two epoxy bridges between C(3) and C(6) and between C(1) and C(10), forming a unique cage-like rigid skeleton. The structures of the new compounds were assigned on the basis of spectroscopic methods.

A new phenolic glycoside, 3'-keto rhododendrin and a new sesquilignan, alutaceuol, together with twelve known phenolic compounds, were isolated from the leaves of Rhododendron alutaceum. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis and comparison with literature values. In addition, the detailed analysis of 2D NMR data led us to conclude that the chemical shifts of dihydrobuddlenol B need to be revised.

A phytochemical investigation of the flowers of Rhododendron molle has yielded two new grayanane diterpenoids, rhodomolleins F and G (1, 2). Compounds 1 and 2 possessed an oxo-bridge between C-5 and C-9, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of interpretation of spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques.

A detailed chemical investigation of the red resins from Dracaena cochinchinensis (Chinese dragon’s blood) yielded five new flavonoid oligomers, named cochinchinenins D-H (1–5), together with a known biflavonoid, cinnabarone (6), and a mixture of two known biflavonoids, socotrin-4′-ol (7) and homoisosocotrin-4′-ol (8). Of these new compounds, 1–3 were biflavonoids and 4 and 5 were triflavonoids. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The isolated compounds were tested for cytotoxicity (Cdc25), antibacterial (PEPT) and antifungal (YNG) activities. Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at 10.1007/s13659-012-0020-5 and is accessible for authorized users.

Phytochemical studies on the fruits of Pieris formosa yielded two new grayanane diterpenoids, secopieristoxins A (1) and B (2), and their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive analysis of NMR spectra, including two-dimensional NMR techniques. Compounds 1 and 2 were new highly acylated grayanane diterpenoids, of which ring B has suffered an oxidative cleavage between C-9 and C-10.

Proper pretest planning is a vital component of any successful CNC machine tools’ vibration test. An extremely important part of the pretest exercise is the placement of sensors. In general, the placement of sensors of CNC is uniform distribution, which depends on test engineer’s experience. This paper considers the problem of locating sensors on the CNC machine tools with the aim of maximizing the data information so that structural dynamic behavior of CNC machine tools can be fully characterized. We present a new technique, based upon Effective Independence (EfI) and Shannon’s Sampling Theorem, that can meet test accuracy requirements and the visualization of the mode shapes. The technique is applied on XHK5140 CNC machine tool successfully

Machine thermal equilibrium seriously influences the machining accuracy,a significant amount of research has been dedicated to the task of achieving and reasonablely controlling the thermal equilibrium time.In this paper,based on the analysis of the trait of thermal equilibrium process of machine tool ,the affection of room temperature and spindle speed on this process and the temperature when each point reaches to the heat balance is investigated.A new method of estimating thermal equilibrium time of each measured points based on spindle thermal model theory and multivariate optimization is presented,the results are analysed,further research about the control of machine thermal equilibrium process can be made based on this paper.

Three new hydroquinone terpenoids with benzogeijerene skeletons, euchroquinols A-C (1- 3), and a new monoterpenylbenzenoid, 9,17-epoxyarnebinol (4), along with five known compounds were isolated from the stem bark of ARNEBIA EUCHROMA. Shikonin (6) exhibited potent anti-HCV activity with a selective index of 43.56, and compounds 1, 6, and des-O-methyllasiodiplodin (7) showed anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity with MICs of 0.5, 0.125, and 0.125 mg/mL, respectively.

From the fruits of Pieris formosa, four new highly acylated 3,4-secograyanane diterpenoids, secorhodomollolides E–H (1–4, resp.), along with two known ones, secorhodomollolides C and D (5 and 6, resp.), were obtained. Their structures were established mainly by spectroscopic methods, including 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.

Phytochemical studies on the branches and leaves of Lyonia ovalifolia yielded a new grayanane diterpenoid, lyonin A (1), together with two known compounds, secorhodomollolides A and D (2 and 3, resp.). The structure of 1 was elucidated by combination of 1D- and 2D-NMR, and MS analyses. Compound 1 turned out to be a new, highly O-acylated grayanane diterpenoid, of which ring B has undergone an oxidative cleavage between C(9) and C(10), yielding a system differing from the previously reported grayanane type with a 5/7/6/5 ring system. Results of the cAMP regulation activity assay showed that compounds 2 and 3 at 50 mu m induced a significantly decreased cAMP level in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells (p < 0.001), indicating neuropharmacological potential.

Investigation of the fruits of Schisandra sphenanthera led to the isolation of two new dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, methylgomisin O (1) and chloromethyl schisantherin B (2), together with twelve known lignans (3 - 14). Their structures were elucidated by using extensive spectroscopic techniques including 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Compound 2 was identified as a cyclooctadiene moiety substituted with a chloromethyl group, which is rarely found in natural products, especially in terrestrial higher plants. Among these isolates, compounds 1 and 7 exhibited considerable inhibitory activity against tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, and did not display any cellular toxicity against RAW264.7 cells.

A new grayanol diterpenoid, grayanotoxin XXII (1), and a new phenolic glucoside, benzyl 2-hydroxy-4-O-[beta-xylopyranosyl(1'' --> 6')-beta-glucopyranosyl]-benzoate (2), were isolated from the flowers of Pieris formosa. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods.

Three new dammarane monodesmosides, named notoginsenosides Ft(1) (1) Ft(2) (2), and Ft(3) (3) together with three known ginsenosides, were obtained from a mild acidic hydrolysis of the saponins from notoginseng (Panax notoginseng (BURK.) F. H. CHEN) leaves. Their structures were elucidated to be (3 beta,12 beta,20 beta)-12,20-dihydroxydammar-24-en-3-yl O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 2) 2)-O-beta-glucopyranoside (1), (3 beta,12 beta)-12,20,25-trihydroxydammaran-3-yl O-beta-D-Xylopyranosyl(1 -> 2 )-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-beta-glucopyranoside (2), and (3 beta,12 beta,24 xi)-12,20,24-trihydroxydammar-25-en-3-yl O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-beta-D-glueopyranoside (3), by means of spectroscopic evidences. The known ginsenosides Rh-2 and Rg(3) 4-6 were obtained as the major products from this acidic deglycosylation.

Six new polyhydroxylated steroidal saponins, tupistrosides A-F (1-6), together with nine known steroids, were isolated from the fresh rhizomes of Tupistra yunnanensis. Their structures were elucidated to be (25S)-1 beta,4 beta,5 beta-trihydroxy-spirostane-3 beta-yl-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (1), 1 beta,24 beta-dihydroxy-spirost-5,25(27)-dien-3 alpha-yl-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), (22S,25S)- 1 alpha,2 beta,3 alpha,5 alpha-tetrahydroxy-furo-spirostane-26-yl-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), 1 beta,3 alpha,22 xi-trihydroxy-furost-5,25(27)-dien-26-yl O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-1 beta,22-dihydroxy-furost-5-en-3 alpha-yl O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5) and 22-methoxy-1 beta,2 beta,3 beta,4 beta,5 beta,7 alpha-hexahydroxy-furost-25(27)-en-6-one-26-yl O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), respectively, by means of spectroscopic analysis and the results of acid hydrolysis. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Objective To observe the clinical effect of combined acupuncture with bloodletting on Chize (LU 5) and Weizhong (BL 9) for chronic eczema.

Four new steroidal saponins, polygonatosides A-D (1-4), were isolated from the rhizomes of Polygonatum zanlanscianense, together with six known spirostanols (5-10) and a known megastigmane glycoside (11). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and the results of acidic and enzymatic hydrolysis. The cytotoxic activities of 1-11 against HeLa cells are described.

Four new steroidal saponins, named disporosides A-D (1-4), corresponding to (3beta,25R)-3-[(beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyrnosyl)oxy]-5beta-spirostan (1), (3beta,25R)-3-[(beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[6-O-hexadecanoyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-5beta-spirostan (2), (3beta,22R,25R)-26-[(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3-[(beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-oxy]-5beta -furostan (3), and (3beta,22R,25R)-26-[(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3-[(beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-5beta-furostan (4), have been isolated from the fresh rhizomes of Disporopsis pernyi, together with the three known compounds Ys-I, agavoside B, and (3beta,25R)-3-[(beta-Dxylopyranosyl-(1 -->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1- 4)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)oxy]-5alpha-spirostan-12-one. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, chemical transformations (acid hydrolysis), and comparison with literature data.

Chemical investigation of the red herbal resin of Dracaena cochinchinensis resulted in the isolation of three new configurationally isomeric flavonoids: 6,4'-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-8-methylflavane (= 3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-8-methyl-2H-[1]benzopyran-6-ol; 1), 5,4'-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-6-methylflavane (=3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-6-methyl-2H-[1]benzopyran-5-ol; 2), and 7,4'-dihydroxy-5methoxyhomoisoflavane (-3,4-dihydro-3-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-5-methoxy-2H-[1]benzopyran-7-ol; 3). Their structures Were identified by means of detailed spectral analysis. In addition, thirteen known compounds were isolated from D. cochinchinensis: 7-hydroxy-4'-methoxyflavane (4), 2,4,6-trimethoxy-4'-hydroxydihydrochalcone (5), 2,4-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxydihydrochalcone (6), 7,8(methylenedioxy)-4'-hydroxyhomoisoflavane (7), 4',7-dihydroxy-8-methylflavane (8), 2,6-dimethoxy-4,4'-dihydroxydihydrochalcone (9), 2-methoxy-4,4'- dihydroxydihydrochalcone (10), 7-methoxy-6,4'-dihydroxyhomoisoflavane (11), 2-methoxy-4,4'-dihydroxychalcone (112), 4',7-dihydroxyflavane (13), 7,4'-dihydroxyhomoisoflavane (14), 7,4'-dihydroxyhomoisoflavone (15), and 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone (16). Compounds 7, 8, 9, 14, and 15 have been isolated for the first time from this type of herbal source.