Active Ingredients In Medicinal Plants Research Articles

Multi-Omics Analyses Uncover the Mechanism Underlying Polyploidization-Enhanced Steviol Glycosides Biosynthesis in Stevia rebaudiana.

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) is a valuable sweetener plant whose sweetness primarily derives from steviol glycosides (SGs), especially rebaudioside A (RA). Polyploidization has the potential to enhance the content of active ingredients in medicinal plants, making this strategy a promising avenue for genetic improvement. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms that contribute to the fluctuating SGs content between autotetraploid and diploid stevia remain unclear. In this study, we employed metabolic analysis to identify 916 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), with the majority, specifically terpenoids, flavonoids, and lipids, exhibiting upregulation due to polyploidization. Notably, the content of stevia's signature metabolite SGs (including RA, steviolbioside, and rebaudioside C), along with their precursor steviol, increased significantly after polyploidization. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome revealed that the majority of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the SG-synthesis pathway (ent-KAH, ent-KS1, UGT73E1, UGT74G1, UGT76G1, UGT85C2, and UGT91D2) were upregulated in autotetraploid stevia, and these DEGs exhibited a positive correlation with the polyploidization-enhanced SGs. Additionally, multi-omics network analysis indicated that several transcription factor families (such as five NACs, four WRKYs, three MYBs, eight bHLHs, and three AP2/ERFs), various transporter genes (four ABC transporters, three triose-phosphate transporters, and two sugar efflux transporters for intercellular exchange), as well as microorganisms (including Ceratobasidium and Flavobacterium) were positively correlated with the accumulation of RA and steviol. Overall, our results indicate the presence of a regulatory circuit orchestrated by polyploidization, which recruits beneficial rhizosphere microbes and modulates the expression of genes associated with SG biosynthesis, ultimately enhancing the SG content in stevia. This finding will provide new insights for promoting the propagation and industrial development of stevia.

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of triterpenoid accumulation in the roots of Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta (Nannf.) L.T.Shen at different altitudes.

Codonopsis Radix is a beneficial traditional Chinese medicine, and triterpenoid are the major bioactive constituents. Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta (Nannf.) L.T.Shen (CPM) is a precious variety of Codonopsis Radix, which is distributed at high mountain areas. The environment plays an important role in the synthesis and metabolism of active ingredients in medicinal plants, but there is no report elaborating on the effect of altitude on terpenoid metabolites accumulation in CPM. This study aims to analyse the effects of altitude on triterpenoid biosynthetic pathways and secondary metabolite accumulation in CPM. The untargeted metabolomics based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and 10 triterpenoids based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) method were analysed at the low-altitude (1480 m) and high-altitude (2300 m) CPM fresh roots. The transcriptome based on high-throughput sequencing technology were combined to analyse the different altitude CPM triterpenoid biosynthetic pathways. A total of 17,351 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 55 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected from the different altitude CPM, and there are significant differences in the content of the 10 triterpenoids. The results of transcriptome study showed that CPM could significantly up-regulate the gene expression levels of seven key enzymes in the triterpenoid biosynthetic pathway. The CPM at high altitude is more likely to accumulate triterpenes than those at low altitude, which was related to the up-regulation of the gene expression levels of seven key enzymes. These results expand our understanding of how altitude affects plant metabolite biosynthesis.

In silico study of alkaloids with quercetin nucleus for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 protease and receptor cell protease.

Covid-19 disease caused by the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus is a serious and threatening global health issue declared by the WHO as an epidemic. Researchers are studying the design and discovery of drugs to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to its high mortality rate. The main Covid-19 virus protease (Mpro) and human transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) are attractive targets for the study of antiviral drugs against SARS-2 coronavirus. Increasing consumption of herbal medicines in the community and a serious approach to these drugs have increased the demand for effective herbal substances. Alkaloids are one of the most important active ingredients in medicinal plants that have wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, seven alkaloid ligands with Quercetin nucleus for the inhibition of Mpro and TMPRSS2 were studied using computational drug design including molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation (MD). Auto Dock software was used to evaluate molecular binding energy. Three ligands with the most negative docking score were selected to be entered into the MD simulation procedure. To evaluate the protein conformational changes induced by tested ligands and calculate the binding energy between the ligands and target proteins, GROMACS software based on AMBER03 force field was used. The MD results showed that Phyllospadine and Dracocephin-A form stable complexes with Mpro and TMPRSS2. Prolinalin-A indicated an acceptable inhibitory effect on Mpro, whereas it resulted in some structural instability of TMPRSS2. The total binding energies between three ligands, Prolinalin-A, Phyllospadine and Dracocephin-A and two proteins MPro and TMRPSS2 are (-111.235 ± 15.877, - 75.422 ± 11.140), (-107.033 ± 9.072, -84.939 ± 10.155) and (-102.941 ± 9.477, - 92.451 ± 10.539), respectively. Since the binding energies are at a minimum, this indicates confirmation of the proper binding of the ligands to the proteins. Regardless of some Prolinalin-A-induced TMPRSS2 conformational changes, it may properly bind to TMPRSS2 binding site due to its acceptable binding energy. Therefore, these three ligands can be promising candidates for the development of drugs to treat infections caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The AP2/ERF Transcription Factor PgERF120 Regulates Ginsenoside Biosynthesis in Ginseng.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is a perennial herb belonging to the family Araliaceae and has been used for thousands of years in East Asia as an essential traditional medicine with a wide range of pharmacological activities of its main active ingredient, ginsenosides. The AP2/ERF gene family, widely present in plants, is a class of transcription factors capable of responding to ethylene regulation that has an influential role in regulating the synthesis of major active ingredients in medicinal plants and in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, which have not been reported in Panax ginseng. In this study, the AP2/ERF gene was localized on the ginseng chromosome, and an AP2/ERF gene duplication event was also discovered in Panax ginseng. The expression of seven ERF genes and three key enzyme genes related to saponin synthesis was measured by fluorescence quantitative PCR using ethylene treatment of ginseng hairy roots, and it was observed that ethylene promoted the expression of genes related to the synthesis of ginsenosides, among which the PgERF120 gene was the most sensitive to ethylene. We analyzed the sequence features and expression patterns of the PgERF120 gene and found that the expression of the PgERF120 gene was specific in time and space. The PgERF120 gene was subsequently cloned, and plant overexpression and RNA interference vectors were constructed. Ginseng adventitious roots were transformed using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method to obtain transgenic ginseng hairy roots, and the gene expression, ginsenoside content and malondialdehyde content in overexpression-positive hairy roots were also analyzed. This study preliminarily verified that the PgERF120 gene can be involved in the regulation of ginsenoside synthesis, which provides a theoretical basis for the study of functional genes in ginseng and a genetic resource for the subsequent use of synthetic biology methods to improve the yield of ginsenosides.

Transcriptome-associated metabolomics reveals the molecular mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis in Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck.) Merr under abiotic stress.

The primary pharmacological components of Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck.) Merr. are flavonoids, which have a broad range of pharmacological effects and are important in many applications. However, there have been few reports on the molecular mechanisms underlying flavonoid biosynthesis in the pharmacodynamic constituents of D. styracifolium. Flavonoid biosynthesis in D. styracifolium pharmacodynamic constituents has, however, been rarely studied. In this study, we investigated how salt stress, 6-BA (6-Benzylaminopurine) treatment, and PEG 6000-simulated drought stress affect flavonoid accumulation in D. styracifolium leaves. We integrated metabolomics and transcriptomic analysis to map the secondary metabolism regulatory network of D. styracifolium and identify key transcription factors involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. We then constructed overexpression vectors for the transcription factors and used them to transiently infiltrate Nicotiana benthamiana for functional validation. This experiment confirmed that the transcription factor DsMYB60 promotes the production of total flavonoids in Nicotiana tabacum L. leaves. This study lays the foundation for studying flavonoid biosynthesis in D. styracifolium at the molecular level. Furthermore, this study contributes novel insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of active ingredients in medicinal plants.

Research Progress of Plant Active Ingredients in Pharmaceutical Cocrystal.

The disadvantages of active ingredients extracted from medicinal plants due to poor solubility in the body and low bioavailability limit their clinical application. Pharmaceutical cocrystal as a new type of drug in solid form has attracted the attention of researchers. This article reviews the effects of cocrystal in various poorly soluble herbal active ingredients of medicinal plants on their physicochemical properties and biological properties and provides references for the application of pharmaceutical cocrystal in poorly soluble active compounds of medicinal plants.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance active ingredients of medicinal plants: a quantitative analysis

Medicinal plants are invaluable resources for mankind and play a crucial role in combating diseases. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely recognized for enhancing the production of medicinal active ingredients in medicinal plants. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the quantitative effects of AMF on the accumulation of medicinal active ingredients. Here we conducted a comprehensive global analysis using 233 paired observations to investigate the impact of AMF inoculation on the accumulation of medicinal active ingredients. This study revealed that AMF inoculation significantly increased the contents of medicinal active ingredients by 27%, with a particularly notable enhancement observed in flavonoids (68%) and terpenoids (53%). Furthermore, the response of medicinal active ingredients in belowground organs (32%) to AMF was more pronounced than that in aboveground organs (18%). Notably, the AMF genus Rhizophagus exhibited the strongest effect in improving the contents of medicinal active ingredients, resulting in an increase of over 50% in both aboveground and belowground organs. Additionally, the promotion of medicinal active ingredients by AMF was attributed to improvements in physiological factors, such as chlorophyll, stomatal conductance and net photosynthetic rate. Collectively, this research substantially advanced our comprehension of the pivotal role of AMF in improving the medicinal active ingredients of plants and provided valuable insights into the potential mechanisms driving these enhancements.

Effects of Natural Substances on Lowering Uric Acid

Uric acid (UA) metabolism, which includes uric acid production controlled by purine metabolism and uric acid excretion controlled by the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, is the primary way to maintain the concentration of uric acid in the body. Abnormal functionalizing of the metabolism may cause hyperuricemia, gout, kidney injury, and other diseases. Over the last decade, numerous studies have been conducted on the effect of natural products, including active ingredients of medicinal plants, natural compounds, plant and fungal extracts, traditional herbal formulations, microbial products, alkaloids, etc., on the downward regulation of uric acid for treating uric acid related diseases. Based on the potential sources from 2018 to 2022, 16 studies were reviewed and considered relevant to the topic. This paper is a preliminary summary of the effects of active ingredients of plants, the extracts of plants, and traditional herbal formulations on regulating uric acid levels.

Physiological and metabolomic analyses reveal that Fe3O4 nanoparticles ameliorate cadmium and arsenic toxicity in Panax notoginseng

Heavy metal(loid)-contaminated available arable land seriously affects crop development and growth. Engineered nanomaterials have great potential in mitigating toxic metal(loid) stress in plants. However, there are few details of nanoparticles (NPs) involved in Panax notoginseng response to cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As). Herein, integrating physiological and metabolomic analyses, we investigated the effects of Fe3O4 NPs on plant growth and Cd/As responses in P. notoginseng. Cd/As treatment caused severe growth inhibition. However, foliar application of Fe3O4 NPs increased beneficial elements in the roots and/or leaves, decreased Cd/As content by 10.38% and 20.41% in the roots, reduced membrane damage and regulated antioxidant enzyme activity, thereby alleviating Cd/As-induced growth inhibition, as indicated by increased shoot fresh weight (FW), the rootlet length and root FW by 40.14%, 15.74%, and 46.70% under Cd stress and promoted the shoot FW by 27.00% under As toxicity. Metabolomic analysis showed that 227 and 295 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, and their accumulation patterns were classified into 8 and 6 clusters in the roots and leaves, respectively. Fe3O4 NPs altered metabolites significantly involved in key pathways, including amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism, thus mediating the trade-off between plant growth and defense under stress. Interestingly, Fe3O4 NPs recovered more Cd/As-induced DAMs to normal levels, further supporting that Fe3O4 NPs positively affected seedling growth under metal(loid)s stress. In addition, Fe3O4 NPs altered terpenoids when the seedlings were subjected to Cd/As stress, thus affecting their potential medicinal value. This study provides insights into using nanoparticles to improve potential active ingredients of medicinal plants in metal(loid)-contaminated areas.

Effects of Altitude and Continuous Cropping on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Community in Siraitia grosvenorii Rhizosphere

Siraitia grosvenorii, a medicinal plant with continuous cropping, is cultivated in southern China. Changes in the soil microbial community during continuous cropping can cause soil-borne diseases in S. grosvenorii. This experimental study aimed to determine the differences in the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community structure and root colonization in the rhizosphere soil of S. grosvenorii with different continuous cropping years and altitudes. We tested three altitude gradients (low, 200–300 m; middle, 500–600 m; and high, 700–800 m) and four continuous cropping years (1, 2, 3, and 5 years). AMF colonization, along with AMF spore density, and the soil physicochemical properties of S. grosvenorii roots at different altitudes and continuous cropping years were determined. Illumina high-throughput sequencing was used to determine the molecular diversity of AMF in the rhizosphere of S. grosvenorii as they exhibited a symbiotic relationship. The AMF species in the rhizosphere soil of S. grosvenorii included 28 species of nine genera, including Glomus, Claroideoglomus, Acaulospora, Paraglomus, Ambispora, and so on. With an increasing altitude, the AMF colonization of S. grosvenorii roots increased significantly (p < 0.01); available phosphorus (AP) content was negatively correlated with AMF colonization (p < 0.01). Glomus and Paraglomus were the common dominant genera in the rhizosphere soil of S. grosvenorii planted for 2–5 years at a low altitude and 1 year at middle and high altitudes. The average relative abundance of Glomus increased with increasing continuous cropping years and altitude in the low-altitude and 1-year S. grosvenorii areas, respectively. Slightly acidic rhizosphere soil contributed to AMF colonization and improved the richness and diversity of the AMF community. Our results showed that altitude, AP, and pH are essential factors for predicting AMF infection and community changes in the S. grosvenorii rhizosphere. Here, Illumina high-throughput sequencing was used to study the species resources and community composition of mycorrhizal fungi in S. grosvenorii in the hilly areas of Guangxi, China. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application and practice of mycorrhizal fungi including the isolation and screening of dominant strains, inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi, and exploration of the effects of mycorrhizal fungi on the growth and active ingredients of medicinal plants.

Transcriptional regulatory network of high-value active ingredients in medicinal plants

In Figure 2 in this Review article, the two end products, Artemisinin and Arteannuin B, of the pathways shown are reversed. The solid lines of ORA and NAC1 regulating the downstream genes are changed into dotted lines. The corrected figure is shown below. The authors apologize for the error. Transcriptional regulatory network of high-value active ingredients in medicinal plantsZheng et al.Trends in Plant ScienceJanuary 6, 2023In BriefMany active ingredients have been isolated and identified from medicinal plants, including terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic acids, which have crucial roles in the development of drugs and promotion of human health (Figure 1). Many environmental responses and specific accumulation of active ingredients in medicinal plants depend on transcriptional regulatory networks of hormone signals. Here, we review the transcriptional regulation of artemisinin, tanshinone, salvianolic acid, Taxol, vinblastine, and ginsenoside biosyntheses, which mainly involve jasmonic acid (JA) [1], abscisic acid (ABA) [2], salicylic acid (SA) [3], gibberellic acid (GA) [4], ethylene (Eth) [5], and indole acetic acid (IAA) [6] signaling. Full-Text PDF

A comparative study of the mineral elements in different medicinal plant parts of Daphne altaica Pall.

Daphne altaica Pall. is an important plant in traditional Chinese medicine. Mineral elements play an important role in the formation of active ingredients in medicinal plants. In this study, 14 mineral elements were quantitatively determined by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry using the roots, stems and leaves of D. altaica. The distribution variance of mineral elements between different organs were analyzed by statistical analysis methods such as single factor analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster heat map. The results show that the mineral element contents in corresponding parts of D. altaica exhibited significant variation, with the order from highest to lowest being K > Ca > Mg > Fe > Al > Mn > Na > Zn > Sr > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > Mo. Among them, the highest content of mineral elements are K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu and Mo in leaves, and the stems contains more Zn, Sr, Cr and Ni, while the content of mineral elements Fe, Al, Na and Pb in roots is much higher than the other two organs. The ANOVA revealed significant variations in the mineral element content across different regions of D. altaica (p < 0.05). Based on single factor analysis of variance, different parts of D. altaica had different fingerprint of mineral elements, and the concentration of the same mineral elements in different parts had significant difference (p < 0.05). The principal component analysis (PCA) model showed that the cumulative variance contribution rate of first two principal components was 99.10%, in which Mn, Mg and Ca have higher load values, which is consistent with the results of bi-plot and cluster analysis. These results indicated that there were great differences in absorption and utilization of mineral nutrient elements between roots, stems and leaves of D. altaica, and there was significant correlation among mineral elements, indicating that there was a complex synergistic and antagonistic effect among the elements. At the same time, the discriminant analysis of the characteristic elements provided a scientific basis for the quality control of D. altaica.

Transcriptional regulatory network of high-value active ingredients in medicinal plants.

High-value active ingredients in medicinal plants have attracted research attention because of their benefits for human health, such as the antimalarial artemisinin, anticardiovascular disease tanshinones, and anticancer Taxol and vinblastine. Here, we review how hormones and environmental factors promote the accumulation of active ingredients, thereby providing a strategy to produce high-value drugs at a low cost. Focusing on major hormone signaling events and environmental factors, we review the transcriptional regulatory network mediating biosynthesis of representative active ingredients. In this network, many transcription factors (TFs) simultaneously control multiple synthase genes; thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms affecting transcriptional regulation of active ingredients will be crucial to developing new breeding possibilities.

Structural characterization of chlorogenic acid-metal complexes derived from the aqueous extracts of medicinal plants and their DNA cleavage and antibacterial activities

The discovery of organic components with pharmacological activities in medicinal plants is crucial for new drug development. We examined chlorogenic acid (CGA) using high-performance liquid chromatography to analyze the aqueous and methanolic extracts of medicinal plants dissolved in methanol or methanol containing 15% formic acid. We found that for the aqueous extract, the peak areas of various components dissolved in 15% formic acid methanol were significantly larger than those dissolved in methanol. For the differences in the methanolic extract, the peak areas of all chromatographic peaks were relatively small between the samples dissolved in the two solvents. Electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry showed that CGA could react in hot water with the eight most common plant metal ions (Ca2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Sr2+, and Zn2+) to form complexes with different coordination forms. The bioactivity experiments showed that CGA-Cu complexes could cause DNA cleavage through oxidative damage. CGA-Ni, CGA-Mn, and CGA-Zn showed significantly stronger inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus than CGA and the corresponding metal ions. These results suggest that, during the decoction process of medicinal plants, CGA forms complexes with metal ions, which are likely to be one of the active ingredients in medicinal plants. Subsequently, further research is needed on the antibacterial mechanism of chlorogenic acid-metal complexes not mentioned in this article.

A Comparative Analysis of Choorna and Bhavitha Choorna of Flower Buds of Japa (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn.) through High-performance Thin-layer Chromatography

Introduction:High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) is nowadays adopted by the major pharmacopoeias of the world for analysis of herbal drugs and preparations. The current use is generally limited to the visual observation of the fingerprints for identification and detection of adulterations and falsifications. It makes sense to use HPTLC to expand chromatographic fingerprints to identify the main active ingredients in medicinal plants. Compared to thin layer chromatography, the separation and resolution are significantly superior, and the outcomes are far more consistent and repeatable. Materials and Methods: Japakusuma mukula (flower buds of Japa) which is botanically identified as Hibiscus rosasinensis Linn. contains various phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, amino acids, lipids, sesquiterpene, quinones, and naphthalene groups. HPTLC fingerprinting profile of choorna (powder) and bhavitha choorna (triturated powder) of flower buds of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. is demonstrated in methanolic extract in this study and bands are analyzed at 254 nm and 366 nm using CAMAG Linomat V Automatic Sample Spotter. The peaks and area are compared. Results and Conclusion: Similarity in the peak areas even in different Max Rf values, it could be inferred that the phytoconstituent obtained in both conditions will be having similarity. Since the bhavitha choorna possess, the greater number of large value peak areas in both the wavelength of visualization, it is clear that bhavitha choorna is more potent in comparison with choorna.

Network Pharmacology Approach for Medicinal Plants: Review and Assessment.

Natural products have played a critical role in medicine due to their ability to bind and modulate cellular targets involved in disease. Medicinal plants hold a variety of bioactive scaffolds for the treatment of multiple disorders. The less adverse effects, affordability, and easy accessibility highlight their potential in traditional remedies. Identifying pharmacological targets from active ingredients of medicinal plants has become a hot topic for biomedical research to generate innovative therapies. By developing an unprecedented opportunity for the systematic investigation of traditional medicines, network pharmacology is evolving as a systematic paradigm and becoming a frontier research field of drug discovery and development. The advancement of network pharmacology has opened up new avenues for understanding the complex bioactive components found in various medicinal plants. This study is attributed to a comprehensive summary of network pharmacology based on current research, highlighting various active ingredients, related techniques/tools/databases, and drug discovery and development applications. Moreover, this study would serve as a protocol for discovering novel compounds to explore the full range of biological potential of traditionally used plants. We have attempted to cover this vast topic in the review form. We hope it will serve as a significant pioneer for researchers working with medicinal plants by employing network pharmacology approaches.

Improving the Extraction of Active Ingredients from Medicinal Plants by XynA Modification

Active ingredients of medicinal plants have unique pharmacological and clinical effects. However, conventional extraction technology has many disadvantages, such as long-time and low-efficiency. XynA-assisted extraction may overcome such problems, since the plant cell wall is mainly composed of cellulose. Based on the three-dimensional protein structure, we found the C-terminal domain and N-terminal domain twisted together and resulted in more flexibility. We carried out a series of truncations, with XynA_ΔN36 getting more yields of active ingredients. As shown by HPLC analysis, the efficiencies for extraction of salvianic acid A and berberine from Salvia miltiorrhiza and Phellodendron chinense were increased by approximately 38.14% and 35.20%, respectively, compared with the conventional extraction protocol. The yields of the two compounds reached 2.84 ± 0.05 mg g−1 and 3.52 ± 0.14 mg g−1, respectively. Above all, XynA_ΔN36 can be applied to the extraction of salvianic acid A and berberine, and this study provides a novel enzyme for the extraction technology, which aids rational utilization and quality control of medicinal plants.

Natural substances and coronavirus: review and potential for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2

Coronaviruses are responsible for an increasing economic, social and mortality burden, as the causative agent of diseases such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and recently the COVID-19. Existing natural compounds, especially those known for their antiviral activity, may be useful as therapeutic agents against coronavirus infections. This study aims to review the currently available scientific literature on natural substances of plant origin with promising antiviral effects against coronaviruses. PubMed, Science Direct and Biomed Central databases were searched for articles including the keywords "Coronavirus", "SARS-CoV-2" as well as "AlKaloids", "Polyphenols", "Terpenes" and "Secondary metabolites". 145 research articles published between 2003 and 2020 were selected. The majority of the studies on natural substances acting against coronaviruses were performed in the last two years: 2020 (31,72%) and 2021 (60,69%) coinciding with the emergence of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Most studies were performed by in silico methods with a percentage of 66,67%, 25,45% by in vitro methods and only 7,88% by in vivo tests. Our research resulted in a list of 963 natural substances of plant origin tested against Coronavirus. Polyphenols represent the most tested secondary metabolites against Coronavirus, followed by terpenes and then alkaloids. Quercetin, Catechin, Glycyrrhizin, Kaempferol, Rutin, Curcumin, Myrecitin, Apigenin and Hesperidin were the most cited substances. In the future, we hope that the active ingredients of medicinal plants can be used to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans.

Flavonolignans of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L.) Seeds Affected by Fertilization Type and Plant Genotype

The fertilization method and plant genotype are two important factors affecting the active ingredients of medicinal plants. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) is one of the most widely distributed medicinal plants worldwide that its seeds have been used widely for treatment of toxic liver damage. In this research, effects of genotype and fertilization type on the quality of milk thistle seeds were investigated. Seeds of two genotypes of milk thistle (Hungarian (A1) and Iranian (A2) genotypes) were cultured and eight fertilization treatments (F1= control treatment (no fertilizer), F2= cow manure, F3= NPK fertilizer, F4= mycorrhizal (Glomus mosseae) inoculation, F5= combination of nitroxin, bio-sulfur and bio-superphosphate, F6= combination of NPK fertilizer and cow manure, F7= combination of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation and cow manure, F8= nano-iron chelate) were used. Traits such as seed yield, oil content and the amount of flavonolignans in the seeds were measured. The results showed that the maximum seed yield was obtained in A2*F4 treatment (1376.54 kg h-1) and the lowest was related to A1*F1 (508.99 kg h-1). The average oil content of the samples was about 2.4 mg g-1 and no significant difference was observed. The results of HPLC analysis showed that the mycorrhizal inoculation (F4) in both genotypes led to the achievement of the maximum amount of most important flavonolignans such as silymarin, taxifolin, silydianin, isosilybin B (18.79, 2.80, 5.02 and 4.73 mg g-1, respectively) and an acceptable amount of isosilybin A (2.72 mg g-1), but A1*F4 treatment yielded the best results. In conclusion, use of mycorrhizal inoculation is an effective practice for production of milk thistle seeds with high quality.

Selective separation of the homologues of baicalin and baicalein from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi using a recyclable ionic liquid-based liquid-liquid extraction system

To explore convenient and efficient techniques for the extraction and separation of the active ingredients in medicinal plants is still ongoing. As a new class of molten salt, ionic liquids (ILs) are widely used in the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant resources. In this work, the IL-based biphasic system was developed for the extraction and separation of the homologues of baicalin and baicalein from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The IL-water biphasic system is superior to the other organic solvents-water systems for the extraction and separation of baicalin and baicalein. The phase volume ratio of the IL-water biphasic system was studied, and the other influencing parameters of solid–liquid ratio, extraction temperature, extraction time, and ultrasonic time were optimized through the single factor experiments. The results revealed that the extraction yields were 43.3 mg/g and 14.3 mg/g for baicalin (aqueous phase) and baicalein (IL phase), respectively; and the distribution coefficients were 23.8 and 13.7 for baicalin and baicalein, respectively under the optimized conditions. Finally, the IL can be easily recycled and reused by means of its temperature-responsive characteristic. This study provides a green and efficient method for the selective separation of the homologues in natural plant resources.