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Aconitum episcopale Leveille is an important medicinal plant from the genus Aconitum L. of Ranunculaceae family and has been used as conventional medicine in Bai, Yi, and other ethnic groups of China. According to the available data and Ethno folk applications, A. episcopale is the only Aconitum species that has detoxifying and antialcoholic property. It can detoxify opium, especially the poisoning of Aconitum plants. Aconitum species have been widely used for their medicinal properties, and it is important to be noted that many of the species of this plant are reported to be toxic also. Distinguishing the species of this plant based on the morphology is a tough task and there are also no significant differences in the chemical composition. Therefore, before application of this plant for medicinal usage, it is very important to identify the species which could be life-threatening and exclude them. In this paper, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of A. episcopale was acquired by Illumina paired-end (PE) sequencing technology and compared with other species in the same family and genus. Herein, we report the complete cp genome of A. episcopale. The whole circular cp genome of A. episcopale has been found to be of 155,827 bp in size and contains a large single-copy region (LSC) of 86,452 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 16,939 bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 26,218 bp. The A. episcopale cp genome was found to be comprised of 132 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 37 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), eight ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and two pseudogenes. A total of 20 genes contained introns, of which 14 genes contained a single intron and two genes had two introns. The chloroplast genome of A. episcopale contained 64 codons encoding 20 amino acids, with the number of codons encoding corresponding amino acids ranging from 22 to 1068. The Met and Trp amino acids have only one codon, and other amino acids had 2–6 codons. A total of 64 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified, among which mononucleotide sequences accounted for the most. Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. episcopale is closely related with A. delavayi. Cumulatively the results of this study provided an essential theoretical basis for the molecular identification and phylogeny of A. episcopale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. and Veronica undulata Wall. are widely used ethnomedicinal plants in China. The two species have different clinical efficacies, while their extremely similar morphology and unclear interspecific relationship make it difficult to accurately identify them, leading to increased instances of mixed usage. This article reports on the complete chloroplast genomes sequence of these two species and their related Veronica species to conduct a comparative genomics analysis and phylogenetic construction. The results showed that the chloroplast (cp) genomes of Veronica exhibited typical circular quadripartite structures, with total lengths of 149,386 to 152,319 base pairs (bp), and GC content of 37.9 to 38.1%, and the number of genes was between 129–134. The total number of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in V. anagallis-aquatica and V. undulata is 37 and 36, while V. arvensis had the highest total number of 56, predominantly characterized by A/T single bases. The vast majority of long repeat sequence types are forward repeats and palindromic repeats. Selective Ka/Ks values showed that three genes were under positive selection. Sequence differences often occur in the non-coding regions of the large single-copy region (LSC) and small single-copy region (SSC), with the lowest sequence variation in the inverted repeat regions (IR). Seven highly variable regions (trnT-GGU-psbD, rps8-rpl16, trnQ-UUG, trnN-GUU-ndhF, petL, ycf3, and ycf1) were detected, which may be potential molecular markers for identifying V. anagallis-aquatica and V. undulata. The phylogenetic tree indicates that there is a close genetic relationship between the genera Veronica and Neopicrorhiza, and V. anagallis-aquatica and V. undulata are sister groups. The molecular clock analysis results indicate that the divergence time of Veronica may occur at ∼ 9.09 Ma, and the divergence time of these two species occurs at ∼ 0.48 Ma. It is speculated that climate change may be the cause of Veronica species diversity and promote the radiation of the genus. The chloroplast genome data of nine Veronica specie provides important insights into the characteristics and evolution of the chloroplast genome of this genus, as well as the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Veronica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirulina has been widely used worldwide as a food and medicinal ingredient for centuries. Polysaccharides are major bioactive constituents of Spirulina and are of interest because of their functional properties and unlimited application potential. However, the clinical translation and market industrialization of the polysaccharides from genus Spirulina (PGS) are retarded due to the lack of a further understanding of their isolation, bioactivities, structure-activity relationships (SARs), toxicity, and, most importantly, versatile applications. Herein, we provide an overview of the extraction, purification, and structural features of PGS; meanwhile, the advances in bioactivities, SARs, mechanisms of effects, and toxicity are discussed and summarized. Furthermore, the applications, potential developments, and future research directions are scrutinized and highlighted. This review may help fill the knowledge gap between theoretical insights and practical applications and guide future research and industrial application of PGS. • Extraction and purification methods of polysaccharides from the genus Spirulina (PGS) were introduced. • Structural features, bioactivities, and structure-activity relationships are summarized and discussed. • The findings on safety concerns and applications were scrutinized and highlighted. • The potential developments and future research directions were envisioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi has been extensively used as a medicinal herb in China for over 2000 years. They may be intentionally or inadvertently substituted or blended with comparable species in the local market, threatening clinical medication safety. Molecular markers are effective tools to prevent misidentification and eliminate doping and falsification among Scutellaria plants. This study screened four highly variable regions to identify Scutellaria and its adulterants. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis was performed using the complete cp genome combined with published Scutellaria species samples. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the cp genomes was conducted to investigate the cp genome evolution of S. baicalensis. Results: The complete cp genome of five species of Scutellaria was sequenced for the first time, and four previously published Scutellaria species were re-sequenced. They all exhibited a conserved quadripartite structure in their cp genomes, including two distinct regions, namely a small and large single copy region, respectively, and two inverted repeats encompassing the majority of ribosomal RNA genes. Furthermore, the nine species exhibited high conservation from aspects of the genome structure, codon usage, repeat sequences, and gene content. Four highly variable regions (matK-rps16, ndhC-trnV-UAC, psbE-petL, and rps16-trnQ-UUG) may function as potential molecular markers for differentiating S. baicalensis from its adulterants. Additionally, the monophyly of Scutellaria was ascertained and could be reclassified into two subgenera, subgenus Anaspis and subgenus Scutellaria, as evidenced by the phylogenetic analyses on sequences of cp genome and shared protein-coding sequences. According to the molecular clock analysis, it has been inferred that the divergence of Scutellaria occurred at approximately 4.0 Mya during the Pliocene Epoch. Conclusion: Our study provides an invaluable theoretical basis for further Scutellaria species identification, phylogenetics, and evolution analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Aconitum genus is a crucial member of the Ranunculaceae family. There are 350 Aconitum species worldwide, with about 170 species found in China. These species are known for their various pharmacological effects and are commonly used to treat joint pain, cold abdominal pain, and other ailments. Codon usage bias (CUB) analysis contributes to evolutionary relationships and phylogeny. Based on protein-coding sequences (PCGs), we selected 48 species of Aconitum for CUB analysis. Results: The results revealed that Aconitum species had less than 50% GC content. Furthermore, the distribution of GC content was irregular and followed a trend of GC1 > GC2 > GC3, indicating a bias towards A/T bases. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) heat map revealed the presence of conservative codons with slight variations within the genus. The effective number of codons (ENC)-Plot and the parity rule 2 (PR2)-bias plot analysis indicate that natural selection is the primary factor influencing the variation in codon usage. As a result, we screened various optimal codons and found that A/T bases were preferred as the last codon. Furthermore, our Maximum Likelihood (ML) analysis based on PCGs among 48 Aconitum species yielded results consistent with those obtained from complete chloroplast (cp.) genome data. This suggests that analyzing mutation in PCGs is an efficient method for demonstrating the phylogeny of species at the genus level. Conclusions: The CUB analysis of 48 species of Aconitum was mainly influenced by natural selection. This study reveals the CUB pattern of Aconitum and lays the foundation for future genetic modification and phylogenetic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Aconitum genus is a crucial member of the Ranunculaceae family. There are 350 Aconitum species worldwide, with about 170 species found in China. These species are known for their various pharmacological effects and are commonly used to treat joint pain, cold abdominal pain, and other ailments. Codon usage bias (CUB) analysis contributes to evolutionary relationships and phylogeny. Based on protein-coding sequences (PCGs), we selected 48 species of Aconitum for CUB analysis. Results: The results revealed that Aconitum species had less than 50% GC content. Furthermore, the distribution of GC content was irregular and followed a trend of GC1 > GC2 > GC3, indicating a bias towards A/T bases. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) heat map revealed the presence of conservative codons with slight variations within the genus. The effective number of codons (ENC)-Plot and the parity rule 2 (PR2)-bias plot analysis indicate that natural selection is the primary factor influencing the variation in codon usage. As a result, we screened various optimal codons and found that A/T bases were preferred as the last codon. Furthermore, our Maximum Likelihood (ML) analysis based on PCGs among 48 Aconitum species yielded results consistent with those obtained from complete chloroplast (cp.) genome data. This suggests that analyzing mutation in PCGs is an efficient method for demonstrating the phylogeny of species at the genus level. Conclusions: The CUB analysis of 48 species of Aconitum was mainly influenced by natural selection. This study reveals the CUB pattern of Aconitum and lays the foundation for future genetic modification and phylogenetic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-component determination and bioassays used for the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may have certain shortcomings. The effect-constituent index (ECI) is a quality evaluation index weighted by chemical composition analysis and effect detection. This index can be established by the dose-effect relationship of the active ingredients in TCM. In this study, Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PY) was selected as the representative drug. Chemical evaluation and bioactivity evaluation were combined to establish the ECI, to compensate for the deficiency of a single evaluation method to some extent, and can be related to the efficacy of PY, in order to improve its quality standard. The ECI not only reflects the contribution of component content to the quality of PY, but also relates to clinical efficacy and reflects the influence of different components on the biological activity. Moreover, this study provided a reference method for the quality control of other TCMs. [Display omitted] • The effect-constituent index was applied to Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. • The results of chemical analysis and biological evaluation were combined. • Reflect contribution of component content and impact of components on bioactivity. • Provide a reference method for the quality control of other TCMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to test the ability of DNA barcoding to identify the herbal raw trade of Tibetan medicine Dida in China. A reference database for plant-material DNA barcodes was successfully constructed and used to identify 36 commercially samples of Dida collected from Southwest China. The ITS sequence was amplified from these samples and the efficiency of the PCR amplification of ITS was 100%. The DNA sequencing results revealed that 3 samples (8.3%) were authenticated as Swertia chirayita, 2 sequences (5.6%) were authenticated as Swertia mussotii, 3 sequences (8.3%) were authenticated as Swertia ciliata, as recorded in the Tibetan Pharmacopeia. The other samples were authenticated as adulterants and all of them originated from common plants belonging to Saxifraga, Swertia and Halenia. This result indicates Dida pieces that are available in the market have complex origins and may indicate a potential safety issue and DNA barcoding is a convenient tool for market supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the geographical origin of plant products is critical for assessing their quality. Phyllanthi Fructus (PF) is considered one of the most specific foods with nutritional and medicinal value, but, to the best of our knowledge, scientific insights concerning its quality evaluation, elemental profile, and authentication of its geographical provenance are still lacking. In the present research, HPLC and ICP-MS were applied together to establish fingerprint profiles of PF samples. Then, an appropriate quantitative method was chosen to assess their qualities, and chemometric methods were used to excavate their intrinsic characteristics. The results showed that the concentrations and proportions of phenolic compounds observed in the samples varied significantly, and ultrasonic extraction is the preferred pretreatment method for evaluating the quality of PF. Besides, elemental composition analysis revealed that PF is a selenium-rich, high-potassium, and low-sodium food. Sn, Cd, Mg, and K (VIP >1.5) are the best potential markers for differentiating the PF from different producing areas. In the multivariate analysis, OPLS-DA was efficient and was used to discriminate the geographical origin of PF. Moreover, the origin of unknown samples was successfully predicted with 100% accuracy based on the OPLS-DA model. Overall, this study provides a novel and reliable strategy for the quality assessment of PF, and ICP-MS data was most useful in determining regionality. • The quality of Phyllanthi Fructus was evaluated based on multi-element and phenolic compounds. • The ICP-MS combined with OPLS-DA is an effective method for discriminating the geographical origin. • Phyllanthi Fructus is a selenium-rich, high-potassium, and low-sodium food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bletilla striata is a well-known medicinal plant with high pharmaceutical and ornamental values. Polysaccharide is the most important bioactive ingredient in B. striata and has various health benefits. Recently, B. striata polysaccharides (BSPs) have attracted much attention from industries and researchers due to their remarkable immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, gastroprotective, and liver protective effects. Despite the successful isolation and characterization of BSPs, there is still limited knowledge regarding their structure-activity relationships (SARs), safety concerns, and applications, which hinders their full utilization and development. Herein, we provided an overview of the extraction, purification, and structural features, as well as the effects of different influencing factors on the components and structures of BSPs. We also highlighted and summarized the diversity of chemistry and structure, specificity of biological activity, and SARs of BSP. The challenges and opportunities of BSPs in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical fields are discussed, and the potential development and future study direction are scrutinized. This article provides comprehensive knowledge and underpinnings for further research and application of BSPs as therapeutic agents and multifunctional biomaterials. • Extraction and purification methods of Bletilla striata polysaccharides (BSPs) were introduced. • Structural features, bioactive properties, and action mechanisms of BSPs are discussed. • The structure-activity relationships, and modification of BSPs are highlighted. • Latest findings on applications, and the safety of BSPs were summarized. • The challenges and opportunities in BSPs research were envisioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi is an important resource with dual functions in medicine and food since ancient times. Polysaccharides are the main bioactive component of P. lobata and have various bioactivities, such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, immunological activities, etc. Due to the distinctive bioactivity of P. lobata polysaccharides (PLPs), the research on PLPs is booming. Although a series of PLPs have been isolated and characterized, the chemical structure and mechanism are unclear and need further study. Here, we reviewed recent progress in isolation, identification, pharmacological properties, and possible therapeutic mechanisms of PLPs to update awareness of these value-added natural polysaccharides. Besides, the structure-activity relationships, application status, and toxic effects of PLPs are highlighted and discussed to afford a deeper understanding of PLPs. This article may provide theoretical insights and technical guidance for developing PLPs as novel functional foods. • Extraction and purification methods of Pueraria lobata polysaccharides (PLPs) were introduced. • Structural characteristics of different PLPs were summarized and compared. • Structure-activity relationships, bioactivities, and molecular mechanisms of PLPs were outlined. • Recent advances in industrial applications and safety assessment of PLPs were envisioned. • The problem faced and future challenges of PLPs were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chloroplast genome sequences of five endangered Paris species were de novo assembled. • Subgenera Paris sensu strict is sister to the Daiswa and Trillium. • Phylogeny of genus Paris was inferred using protein-coding genes sequences. • Divergence times of Paris were inferred based on molecular evolution. Paris L. genus has been a precious traditional herb for more than 2000 years in China. However, due to overexploitation and habitat destruction, Paris is threatened by extinction. Similar morphological features cause the classification of Paris species in dispute. The chloroplast (cp) genome approach has been used to investigate the evolution of Paris. However, some studies confirm that the cp genome may result in misleading relationships because of the length variation, gaps/indels deletion, and incorrect models of sequence evolution in concatenated datasets. Therefore, there is a high demand for a reconstructed phylogenetic relationship and developed genetic markers to conserve these species. Recent studies have demonstrated that the protein-coding genes could provide a better phylogenetic relationship in the phylogenetic investigation. In this study, the complete cp genomes of five species were characterized, and the length of five cp genomes ranges from 162,927 bp to 165,267 bp, covering 89 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA, and eight rRNA. The analysis of the repeat sequences, codon usage, RNA-editing sites, and comparison of cp genomes shared a high degree of conservation. Based on the protein-coding genes, the phylogenetic tree confirmed Paris 's position in the order Melanthiaceae, providing maximum support for a sister relationship of the subgenera Paris sensu strict (Paris s.s.) with the Daiswa and Trillium. In addition, the molecular clock showed that subgenus Paris was inferred to have occurred at about 52.81 Mya, whereas subgenus Daiswa has originated at 24.56 Mya, which was consistent with the phylogenetic investigation. This study provided a valuable insight into the evolutionary dynamics of cp genome structure in the family Melanthiaceae, and it also contributes to the bioprospecting and conservation of Paris species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel homogeneous polysaccharide (PKPs-1) was isolated from Polygonatum kingianum. • The physicochemical characterization of PKPs-1 was analyzed. • PKPs-1 shows high hypoglycemic properties in diabetic mice, and the underlying mechanisms were elucidated. The rhizome of Polygonatum kingianum has been used as a traditional medicine in China. In this study, a novel polysaccharides (PKPs-1) was isolated from P. kingianum and characterized by its molecular weight, primary structure. The hypoglycemic activity of PKPs-1was investigated by in vitro assay with the HepG2 cell line and in vivo test using STZ-induced diabetic mice. Results showed that the average molecular weight of PKPs-1 was 14.05 kDa and is composed mainly of glucose and mannose. Methylation analysis indicated that this polysaccharides fraction consisted mainly of β1,2-link glucose. Besides, PKPs-1 exhibited significant anti-hyperglycemic activity on STZ-induced mice, improved insulin tolerance, and affected the metabolism of serum lipids. Results of real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) showed that PKPs-1 significantly increased the expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT), indicating that PKPs-1 regulates glucose metabolism by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study provides new insights for investigating the hypoglycemic effects of PKPs-1 and suggests that PKPs-1 could be a promising functional food or medicine for treating T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a curcumin-based NIR fluorescent probe KSLP1 to assess lysosomal polarity based on studies of variations in lysosomal polarity during the aging process. Utilizing KSLP1 , we discovered that lysosomal polarity increases with aging, providing insight into the role of lysosomal polarity in different physiological and pathological processes, especially the aging process. • We developed a series of polarity fluorescent probes (KSLP1-6) and identified the optimal probe KSLP1. • KSLP1 displayed a high polarity specificity, ultra-sensitivity and an NIR fluorescence emission. • Utilizing KSLP1 , we discovered, for the first time, that lysosomal polarity would increase with aging. Cellular senescence, the major inducer of aging contributing to chronic diseases and age-related dysfunctions, is characterized by remarkable variations in the morphology and functionality of cellular organelles. Increases in lysosomal number, pH and size constitute the most characteristic variations observed with senescence, in which increased pH can further impact the microenvironment of lysosomes. These senescence-related alterations in lysosomes causally induce changes in lysosomal polarity. However, the relationship between lysosomal polarity and senescence remains a "grey area". To this end, we presented a series of curcumin-based polarity fluorescent probes, among which KSLP1 is a near-infrared lysosome-targeting probe that can monitor lysosomal polarity with high sensitivity without interference from other micro-environmental factors. Utilizing KSLP1 , we investigated variations in polarity in drug-induced senescent cells and senescent MRC5 cells, and we discovered, for the first time, that lysosomal polarity increased in senescent cells and proposed a mechanism for variations in lysosomal polarity. Moreover, the polarity of C. elegans was monitored from days 2 to 10 of adulthood, and the results indicated that the intrinsic polarity in C. elegans increased with aging. These results demonstrated that lysosomal polarity increases with senescence, providing insight into the relationship between lysosomal polarity and the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polarity is a crucial characteristic of indispensable organelles, which has been indicated to be closely related to many pathological and biological processes. Hence, a novel design strategy of curcumin-based polarity fluorescent probes was presented. Curcumin attracted much attention due to its environment-sensitivity and optical properties. We reformed the structure of curcumin by attaching a galactose moiety that was used to increase the water solubility and regulate the probe working mode. Furthermore, we also introduced a diethylamino group, which played a substantial role in adjusting the polarity specificity and sensitivity of the probes. We finally screened two polarity-specific fluorescent probes 0301 and 0302. Both probes exhibited remarkable changes in fluorescence from red to green upon increasing polarity of environment. Using 0301 in confocal imaging, we obtained a clear and exact view of lysosomal polarity in different cells, suggesting that the lysosomal polarity in normal cells is higher than that in cancer cells. Also, we use 0301 to monitor variations in lysosomal polarity in live cells induced by dimethylsulfoxide and sucrose, indicating that our probe could specifically monitor the changes of polarity in live cells to elucidate polarity-related biological processes. A novel design strategy of polarity-specific fluorescent probes based on curcumin was presented. Image 1 • Curcumin-based polarity fluorescent probes 0301 – 0304 were developed based on a novel dual-site design strategy. • 0301 displayed a desirable fluorescence response for polarity over other environmental factors. • 0301 can be successfully applied for monitoring variations of lysosomal polarity in different kinds of cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]