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Grafting of vegetable crops is widely used in industrial vegetable growing in Asia and Western Europe. However, the influence of the genetic relationship of the scion and rootstock, the activity of peroxidase and the content of ascorbic acid in the components of the graft during inosculation period on graft survival has been poorly studied. The objects of the research are nine species of the pumpkin family (Cucurbitaceae). The polymorphism of 11 taxa was studied based on ISSR-PCR of genomic DNA. The record of survival rate of scion-rootstock combinations was conducted on the 10-th day. The activity of peroxidase was determined by the spectrophotometric method, the content of ascorbic acid was determined by Murri. Significant differences in survival rate were noted when grafting momordica into pumpkin rootstock variants: large-fruited (94.6 %) and nutmeg (67.1 %). In experiments with watermelon, melon and trichosanthes, the influence of the type of rootstock on the viability of the graft was not revealed. According to the ISSR spectra, the taxa were divided into two clusters; interspecific groupings of each clade were supported by average bootstrap values (from 26 to 100 %). A medium effect (r = 0.36) of the degree of genetic similarity of the scion with the rootstock on the survival rate of watermelon and a weak effect on the survival rate of melon, momordica and trichosanthes were revealed. The activity of peroxidase and the content of ascorbic acid in the grafting components in different scionrootstock combinations had a weak and moderate effect on plant survival, respectively. The survival rate of trichosanthes on various types of rootstocks strongly depended on the content of ascorbic acid (r = 0.7). Genetic relatedness, peroxidase activity, and ascorbic acid content had a weak or moderate effect on the survival rate of plants in scion-rootstock combinations.

The present experiment was conducted with 16 germplasms and two varieties of snake gourd. The yield contributing traits such as node order of first male flower, node order of first female flower, days to first male flowering, days to first female flowering, internodal length, days to first harvest, single fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, number of fruits per plant, were studied to assess the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance besides correlation and path coefficient analysis. The study of GCV and PCV in snake gourd germplasms exhibited variability for the traits viz., node order of first male flower, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, single fruit weight and fruit yield per plant including yield characteristics. Heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of mean indicated that the variation is due to a high degree of additive effect and hence the traits can be improved further through selection. Correlation and path analysis results showed that single fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and days to first harvest had a significant positive direct effect on number of fruits per plant. Hence these traits could be considered for yield improvement programmes in snake gourd.

The proliferation of keratinocytes is one of the important steps in the wound-healing process, which is regulated by various signals. Prior studies have shown that Trichosanthes kirilowii extract has the ability to promote angiogenesis. Therefore, in this study, we tested the wound-healing efficacy of Trichosanthes kirilowii extract with respect to promoting keratinocyte proliferation. A total of 100 μg/mL of Trichosanthes kirilowii extract treatment improved 145.38% of keratinocyte proliferation compared with DMSO-treated control in an MTT assay and increased 238.2% of wound closure by re-epithelialization in an in vitro wound-healing assay. Trichosanthes kirilowii extract promoted ERK1/2 phosphorylation in western blot analysis and induced the expression of the c-fos and c-jun (AP-1 transcription factors), cyclins (cell cycle regulator), and growth factors CTGF and VEGF (stimulator of angiogenesis) in qRT-PCR analysis. An in vivo wound-healing assay showed that Trichosanthes kirilowii extract improved wound healing, and the significant difference in wound closure compared with DMSO-treated control was shown on days 6 and 7 with a mouse model. Taken together, we demonstrate that Trichosanthes kirilowii extract promotes the proliferation of keratinocytes by activating ERK1/2 and increasing the mRNA expression of c-fos, c-jun, CTGF, and VEGF. Therefore, we suggest Trichosanthes kirilowii extract as a new component for skin care and as a wound-healing substance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the key bioactive compounds, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of Trichosanthes-Angelica sinensis-Frankincense-Myrrh (TAFM) in the treatment of breast cancer using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. The chemical constituents and related targets of TAFM were obtained using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Drugbank, and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD) databases were used to identify breast cancer-related targets. Cytoscape 3.9.1 software and the STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interaction Gene/Proteins) database were used to visualize the drug component-target-disease and protein interaction networks before screening the core components and key targets. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed using the DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery) database, and molecular docking was performed using AutoDock and PyMOL software. We found that the key active ingredients of TAFM in the treatment of breast cancer include ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol, ellagic acid, pelargonidin, and petunidin. A total of 38 key targets and hub genes, including ESR1, VEGFA, PTGS2, HSP90AA1, and CASP3, were identified. Molecular docking results confirmed that stigmasterol and Caspase 3 (CASP3) were the most closely related targets. GO enrichment analysis demonstrated that the biological processes involved mainly included drug response, positive apoptosis process regulation, and two-way gene expression regulation. KEGG pathway analysis revealed the involvement of pathways related to cancer, inflammation, and infection-related diseases. The study results provide supportive evidence that ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol, ellagic acid, pelargonidin, and petunidin represent the key bioactive ingredients of TAFM that exhibit anti-breast cancer activity through the regulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), heat shock protein 90 alpha (HSP90AA1), and CASP3 in the treatment of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the studies on potential medicinal uses of Trichosanthes, a screening on phytochemical compounds and antioxidants activity of Trichosanthes tricuspidata from Bangli, Baturiti, Bali, Indonesia, was conducted on its leaves, fruits, peels, and seeds. Qualitative phytochemical tests were conducted to find out the chemical constituents of T. tricuspidata, while its antioxidant activity was tested by applying DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) method. As a result, flavonoid, alkaloid, terpenoid, tannin, and saponin were present in all methanolic extracts of T. tricuspidata. Furthermore, the best antioxidant activity was exhibited by peel extract. After all, T. tricuspidata contains a prospective compound agent for medicinal use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichosanthes is a genus in Cucurbitaceae comprising 90–100 species. Trichosanthes species are valuable as herbaceous medicinal ingredients. The fruits, seeds, and roots of species such as T. kirilowii and T. rosthornii are used in Korean traditional herbal medicines. T. rosthornii is only found in China, whereas in South Korea two varieties, T. kirilowii var. kirilowii and T. kirilowii var. japonica, are distributed. T. kirilowii var. kirilowii and T. kirilowii var. japonica have different fruit and leaf shapes but are recognized as belonging to the same species. Furthermore, although its members have herbal medicine applications, genomic information of the genus is still limited. The broad goals of this study were (i) to evaluate the taxonomy of Trichosanthes using plastid phylogenomic data and (ii) provide molecular markers specific for T. kirilowii var. kirilowii and T. kirilowii var. japonica, as these have differences in their pharmacological effectiveness and thus should not be confused and adulterated. Comparison of five Trichosanthes plastid genomes revealed locally divergent regions, mainly within intergenic spacer regions (trnT-UGU–trnL-UAA: marker name Tri, rrn4.5–rrn5: TRr, trnE-UUC–trnT-GGU: TRtt). Using these three markers as DNA-barcodes for important herbal medicine species in Trichosanthes, the identity of Trichosanthes material in commercial medicinal products in South Korea could be successfully determined. Phylogenetic analysis of the five Trichosanthes species revealed that the species are clustered within tribe Sicyoeae. T. kirilowii var. kirilowii and T. rosthornii formed a clade with T. kirilowii var. japonica as their sister group. As T. kirilowii in its current circumscription is paraphyletic and as the two varieties can be readily distinguished morphologically (e.g., in leaf shape), T. kirilowii var. japonica should be treated (again) as an independent species, T. japonica.

Trichosanthes is a genus in Cucurbitaceae comprising 90–100 species. Trichosanthes species are valuable as herbaceous medicinal ingredients. The fruits, seeds, and roots of species such as T. kirilowii and T. rosthornii are used in Korean traditional herbal medicines. T. rosthornii is only found in China, whereas in South Korea two varieties, T. kirilowii var. kirilowii and T. kirilowii var. japonica , are distributed. T. kirilowii var. kirilowii and T. kirilowii var. japonica have different fruit and leaf shapes but are recognized as belonging to the same species. Furthermore, although its members have herbal medicine applications, genomic information of the genus is still limited. The broad goals of this study were (i) to evaluate the taxonomy of Trichosanthes using plastid phylogenomic data and (ii) provide molecular markers specific for T. kirilowii var. kirilowii and T. kirilowii var. japonica , as these have differences in their pharmacological effectiveness and thus should not be confused and adulterated. Comparison of five Trichosanthes plastid genomes revealed locally divergent regions, mainly within intergenic spacer regions (trnT-UGU–trnL-UAA : marker name Tri, rrn4.5–rrn5 : TRr, trnE-UUC–trnT-GGU : TRtt). Using these three markers as DNA-barcodes for important herbal medicine species in Trichosanthes , the identity of Trichosanthes material in commercial medicinal products in South Korea could be successfully determined. Phylogenetic analysis of the five Trichosanthes species revealed that the species are clustered within tribe Sicyoeae. T. kirilowii var. kirilowii and T. rosthornii formed a clade with T. kirilowii var. japonica as their sister group. As T. kirilowii in its current circumscription is paraphyletic and as the two varieties can be readily distinguished morphologically (e.g., in leaf shape), T. kirilowii var. japonica should be treated (again) as an independent species, T. japonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichosanthes is one of the largest genera in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is constantly used in traditional medications to cure diverse human diseases and is also utilized as ingredients in some food recipes. It is enriched with a diversity of phytochemicals and a wide range of biological activities. The major chemical constituents in this plant genus are steroids, triterpenoids and flavonoids. This review covers the different types of chemical constituents and their biological activities from the Trichosanthes plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To optimize the extraction process of total flavones in Trichosanthis Fructus (composed of Trichosanthis pericarpium and Trichosanthis semen in certain proportion). Methods: The effects of the mixture ratio of Trichosanthis pericarpium and Trichosanthis semen, ethanol concentration, ultrasonic extraction time and extraction temperature on the extraction rate of total flavonoids in Trichosanthis Fructus were investigated. The extraction process of total flavonoids in Trichosanthis Fructus was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method combined with differential spectrophotometry. Results: The optimum extraction conditions of total flavonoids in Trichosanthis Fructus were as follows: The mixture ratio of Trichosanthis pericarpium and Trichosanthis semen was 4:6, the ethanol concentration was 70%, the ultrasonic extraction time was 60min and the extraction temperature was 40°C. Conclusion: Box-Behnken response surface method combined with differential spectrophotometry can optimize the extraction process of total flavonoids from Trichosanthis Fructus, which can provide reference for the extraction and application of total flavonoids in Trichosanthis Fructus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explores the methodology for the synthesis of bio-oil from waste trichosanthes cucumerina seeds by the solvent extraction method. It investigates the yield percentage, concentration of free fatty acids and acid contents in the extracted bio-oil. Effects of size of the crushed seeds, moisture content, extraction time, solvent to seed ratio and extraction temperatures were examined. The non-polar hexane solvent resulted in a higher percentage of oil yield (28.4 ± 0.4%) for the crushed seed size of 0.21 mm, 6% moisture content, 270 min extraction time, 68 °C temperature and 6:1(ml/g) of solvent to seed ratio. The synthesized bio-oil was characterized using Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectrum and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy analysis. The properties of the bio-oil and biodiesel were assessed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists standards. The obtained methyl-ester by trans-esterification process results in the fuel properties closer to the conventional fuel. Thus, Trichosanthes cucumerina bio-diesel can be used as a potential substitute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genome sequence of a novel RNA virus, Trichosanthes associated rhabdovirus 1 (TrARV1), was identified in a transcriptome dataset isolated from a root sample of Trichosanthes kirilowii, which is a flowering plant belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The fruits, seeds, and root tubers of T. kirilowii have been used clinically in traditional Chinese medicine. The TrARV1 genome sequence was predicted to have six open reading frames (ORFs) encoding fi ve canonical structural proteins of the family Rhabdoviridae (N ORF for nucleocapsid, P ORF for phosphoprotein, M ORF for matrix protein, G ORF for glycoprotein, and L ORF for polymerase), and an accessory protein. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses based on L and N proteins confi rmed that TrARV1 is a novel member of the genus Cytorhabdovirus of the family Rhabdoviridae. TrARV1 is most closely related to Wuhan insect virus 5 and persimmon virus A. The putative cis-regulatory elements involved in transcription termination and polyadenylation, commonly found in the gene junction regions of rhabdoviruses, were also identifi ed in the TrARV1 genome having the consensus sequence 3'- ACUAAAUUAUUUUGAUCUUU-5'. The genome sequence of TrARV1 may be useful to study the evolution and molecular biology of cytorhabdoviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: SH003, a novel herbal medicine comprising Huang-Qi, Dang-Gui, and Gua-Lou-Gen, has historical roots in traditional medicine with reported anticancer properties. The need to explore safe and effective treatments in oncology underlines the importance of this study., Methods: This phase I trial, conducted at Ajou University Hospital and Gachon University Gil Medical Center in Korea, adopted a single-arm, open-label, dose-escalation design. It aimed to evaluate the safety of escalated doses of SH003 in patients with various solid cancers, focusing on determining its maximum tolerated dose. Participants with confirmed solid cancers, unresponsive to standard treatments, were enrolled. The dosage of SH003 was escalated from 4800 to 9600 mg per day, using a 3 + 3 design. Safety was assessed based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events ver. 5.0., Results: The study established that the maximum tolerated dose of SH003 is 9600 mg/day. Most adverse events were mild, primarily including dizziness and nausea, indicating the tolerability of SH003 at this dosage., Conclusions: SH003 demonstrates safety and promises as an anticancer treatment at doses up to 9600 mg/day. This research supports further investigation into its efficacy for cancer therapy, emphasizing the significance of natural products in oncology, particularly concerning patient safety and tolerance., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

In this paper, the advances in study on triterpenoids in Trichosanthes, Hemsleya, Gynostemma, Actinostemma and Siraitia Merr. plants were reviewed. Terpenoids are the main secondary metabolites of Cucurbitaceae and have obvious pharmacological activity. It is noteworthy that in these plants, there are a variety of triterpenoids, which are diverse in structure. Triterpenoid saponins have greater potential for development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction and analysis of free fatty acids (FFAs) in the whole natural plants are reported. The aminopropyl-functionalized SBA-15 was designed to increase the efficiency of the matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction method. MSPD extraction was performed using to extract FFAs via acid–base interactions. The optimum parameters for the MSPD extraction were N-SBA-15 30 mg, grinding time 120 s and elution solvent methanol–HCl (6:4, v / v). After extraction, the FFAs were analyzed by HPLC with fluorescent labeling. The reaction of the labeling agent, 2-(9-oxoacridin-10(9 H)-yl) acetohydrazide, with FFAs proceeded easily and quickly (within 20 min) in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride as the condensing agent. The derivatives had excellent fluorescence properties with excitation and emission wavelengths of 260 and 430 nm, respectively. Good linear correlations were observed for all FFAs, with correlation coefficients >0.996. When 20 mg of sample were used for the analysis, the detection limits at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 were in the range 0.21–1.20 μg g−1. The FFAs in the roots, stems, leaves and peel of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim were determined using the developed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To evaluate hepatoprotective activity along with hematological and defensive recital of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb against simvastatin induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rodents. Methods: In the present study, in- vivo hepatoprotective effect of 50% methanolic fruit extract of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb (TME 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) was evaluated using experimental model, simvastatin (20 mg/kg, p.o.), induced hepatotoxicity in experimental animals. The hepatoprotective activity was estimatedby interpreting using various biochemical parameters like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total bilirubin, total protein and albumin along with the haematological and histopathological studies. Results: The treatment with TME significantly (P<0.05-P<0.001) and dose-dependently reversed simvastatin induced elevation in serum level ofSGOT, SGPT, ALP, total bilirubin and restored the total protein and albumin level. Furthermore, TME also signify the blood parameters at dose of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg and restored the body defense mechanism. The histological examination revealed that TME at dose of 200 mg/kg showed regeneration of hepatocytes around central vein with near normal liver architecture. Conclusion: The results of this study exhibited liver protective effect of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb against simvastatin induced liver injury and there by scientifically support its traditional use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extensive survey was conducted in Coimbatore and Dharmapuri districts of Tamil Nadu from June, 2017 to May, 2018 to determine the species diversity and relative abundance of fruit flies in gourds viz., snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.), ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L.) and bitter gourd (Momardica charantia L.). The maximum species diversity of fruit flies was 0.15, recorded in Coimbatore in snake gourd. Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillet) (Diptera: Tephritidae) being predominant species (>95%) in both Dharmapuri and Coimbatore followed by Dacus ciliatus (Loew) (5%). The relative abundance of B. cucurbitae was high in all the three gourds at both locations. The diversity index, richness and evenness index were computed for both locations and it has concluded that fruit fly diversity was high in Coimbatore (0.06, 0.15 and 0.21, respectively) compared to Dharmapuri. Results of the present investigation may be utilized in developing a sustainable fruit fly management strategy in cucurbitaceous vegetable ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichosanthes pericarpium (TP) had been widely used to cure patients of cardiovascular disease for 2,000 years in China. This study aims to extend our previous work to explore themechanismunderlying the protective effect of TP on acutemyocardial ischemia (AMI). We hypothesized that TP may display its protective effect on AMI by promoting the mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) via up-regulating the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide syntheses (eNOS), nitric oxide (NO), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in AMI rats. To confirm this hypothesis, we treated AMI model rats with intragastrical administration of TP aqueous extract (TPAE), and examined both changes in the number of CEPC, and the expression levels of VEGF, eNOS, NO, and MMP-9 in myocardial tissue and their plasma content in these rats. Rats in each group were randomly divided into seven subgroups. From day 1 to 7 following AMI modeling, rats in these subgroups was sequentially phlebotomized from their celiac artery after being anesthetized by chloral hydrate. We found that, compared with the AMI model rats, in rats treated by TPAE, the CEPC counts, the expression of VEGF, eNOS, NO, and MMP-9 in myocardial tissue and their plasma content all increased more rapidly 7 days after AMI and remained at higher level (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Our results showed that, in AMI rats, the TPAE could significantly promote the mobilization of EPC and up-regulate the expression level of VEGF, eNOS, NO, and MMP-9 in myocardium and their plasma content. Therefore, our results suggest that TAPE may regulate EPC mobilization through up-regulating the expression level of VEGF, eNOS, NO and MMP-9 in the myocardium of AMI rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This research was carried out for describing, illustrating and treating a new medicinal plant variety in the genus Trichosanthes. Methods: This research was carried out by collecting plant specimens in the Northeastern Thailand. Morphological characters were studied and compared with the closely related taxon and taxonomic literatures. Results: T. tricuspidata subsp. rotundata var. longirachis, was found. This plant is described and illustrated here and treated as a new variety. It differs from the other of T. tricuspidata subsp. rotundata by having the following combination characters: Comparatively stout herbaceous climber up to 20 m long, tendril 3-5-brached, probract obovate with obvious glands, mature blade unlobed or 3-shallowly lobed with 1-2 short angles, blade not deeply lobed (unlobed blade found in juvenile plants), blade size 5-11 cm diameter and raceme rachis length 10-130 cm. Its fruits and seeds were used as medicinal parts. Conclusion: Totally, three subspecies and four variety of T. tricuspidata in Thailand have been recorded so far. Important comparative morphological characters with some closely related variety are discussed. The local people used it as medicinal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out at Vegetable Research Centre, Pantnagar to estimate the genetic divergence using Mahalanobis D2 statistics for twelve characters on 35 genotypes of pointed gourd. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to identify the most discerning trait responsible for greater variability in the lines and on the basis of mean performance, genotypes were classified into different groups. Five principal components (PC) have been extracted using the mean performance of the genotypes and 83.23 per cent variation is yielded by the first five principal components, among them high mean positive value or higher weight age was obtained was obtained for days to first female flower anthesis and days to first fruit harvest among all the vectors, indicates that these traits are important component of genetic divergence in pointed gourd. Non- hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into seven clusters and the highest number of genotypes were found in cluster number IV i.e. eleven whereas maximum inter-cluster distance was found between the cluster III and VI i.e. 74.250, it indicates that a wide range of genetic divergence is present between the genotypes present among these two clusters. And as per contribution toward total divergence, traits like fruit yield per hectare and number of fruit per plant contributed 92.64% toward total divergence. The high diversity found in the genotypes showed its great potential for improving qualitative as well as quantitative traits in pointed gourd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The APETALA 2/ ethylene-responsive element binding factors (AP2/ERF), are thought to be associated with plant abiotic stress response, and involved in some plant hormone signaling pathways. Trichosanthes kirilowii is an important edible and medicinal crop, so far no research has been conducted on the TkAP2/ERF genes., Result: In this study, a total of 135 TkERFs were identified, these genes were divided into 4 subfamilies and clustered into 13 groups. Moreover, 37 paralogous pairs were identified, with only two having Ka/Ks values greater than 1, proving that most TkERF genes underwent purifying selection during evolution. Co-expression networks constructed using transcriptome data at various flowering stages revealed that 50, 64, and 67 AP2/ERF genes correlated with members of the ethylene, gibberellin, and abscisic acid signaling pathways, respectively. When tissue cultured seedlings were treated with ETH, GA3 and ABA, 11, 12 and 17 genes were found to be up-regulated, respectively, suggesting that some members of the TkERF gene family may be involved in plant hormone signaling pathways. And under 4 ℃, PEG and NaCl treatment, 15, 20 and 19 genes were up-regulated, respectively, this suggested that these selected genes might be involved in plant abiotic stresses., Conclusions: Overall, we identified 135 AP2/ERF family members, a comprehensive analysis of AP2/ERF gene expression patterns by RNA-seq and qRT-PCR showed that they played important roles in flower development and abiotic stress. This study provided a theoretical basis for the functional study of TkAP2/ERF genes and the genetic improvement of T. kirilowii., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Two new species endemic to Vietnam are described: Trichosanthes conferta and Trichosanthes epibracteata. Trichosanthes laceribractea is a new record for Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichosanthes peel polysaccharide (TPP) was obtained from the aqueous extract of Trichosanthes peel by alcohol precipitation, deproteinization and decoloration. TPP was then separated and purified by Sephadex G-100 column to obtain the homogeneous component TPP-1 (1.2 × 10 5 Da). The compositions in monosaccharides were d -arabinose (Ara), d -mannose (Man), d -glucose (Glc) and d -galactose (Gal) with a molar ratio of 1.00:3.27:4.26:6.01. Its backbone was composed of 1,4,6-Gal p , 1,4-Gal p , 1,3,6-Man p and 1,4-Man p , while the branches comprised of 1,3-Ara f , 1-Ara f and 1-Glc p . Diabetic mice experiments showed that the blood glucose levels in hyperglycemia mice reduced by 22.47%, 15.38% and 12.72% after administration of high, medium and low doses of TPP-1, respectively. Compared with the negative control group, the contents of insulin and total superoxide dismutase of the hyperglycemia mice in groups treated with different doses of TPP-1 were increased significantly, while the contents of biochemical indexes including malondialdehyde, creatinine, triglyceride, total cholesterol low density lipoprotein cholesterin and blood urea nitrogen were decreased in different degrees. These results suggested that TPP-1 possessed strong hypoglycemic activity on streptozotocin-induced model mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitinases are a group of enzymes that show differences in their molecular structure, substrate specificity, and catalytic mechanism and widely found in organisms like bacteria, yeasts, fungi, arthropods actinomycetes, plants and humans. A novel chitinase enzyme (designated as TDSC) was purified from Trichosanthes dioica seed with a molecular mass of 39 ± 1 kDa in the presence and absence of β-mercaptoethanol. The enzyme was a glycoprotein in nature containing 8% neutral sugar. The N-terminal sequence was determined to be EINGGGA which did not match with other proteins. Amino acid analysis performed by LC-MS revealed that the protein was rich in leucine. The enzyme was stable at a wide range of pH (5.0–11.0) and temperature (30–90 °C). Chitinase activity was little bit inhibited in the presence of chelating agent EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid), urea and Ca 2+ . A strong fluorescence quenching effect was found when dithiothreitol and sodium dodecyl sulfate were added to the enzyme. TDSC showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma sp . as tested by MTT assay and disc diffusion method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]