Active Ingredients Research Articles

Identifying Herbal Candidates and Active Ingredients Against Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Using Biased Random Walk on a Multiscale Network.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a major global health concern, particularly affecting aging women, and necessitates innovative treatment options. Herbal medicine, with its multi-compound, multi-target characteristics, offers a promising approach for complex diseases. In this study, we applied multiscale network and random walk-based analyses to identify candidate herbs and their active ingredients for postmenopausal osteoporosis, focusing on their underlying mechanisms. A dataset of medicinal herbs, their active ingredients, and protein targets was compiled, and diffusion profiles were calculated to assess the propagation effects. Through correlation analysis, we prioritized herbs based on their relevance to osteoporosis, identifying the top candidates like Benincasae Semen, Glehniae Radix, Corydalis Tuber, and Houttuyniae Herba. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that the 49 core protein targets of these herbs were significantly associated with pathways related to inflammation, osteoclast differentiation, and estrogen metabolism. Notably, compounds such as falcarindiol from Glehniae Radix and tetrahydrocoptisine from Corydalis Tuber-previously unstudied for osteoporosis-were predicted to interact with inflammation-related proteins, including IL6, IL1B, and TNF, affecting key biological processes like apoptosis and cell proliferation. This study advances the understanding of herbal therapies for osteoporosis and offers a framework for discovering novel therapeutic agents.

Formulasi NLC-Stick Ekstrak Bunga Telang (Clitoria ternatea L.) Dengan Variasi Konsentrasi Shea Butter dan Asam Stearat

NLC of telang flower extract has an effect as a sunscreen to protect the skin from sunlight. Stick preparation in NLC formulation can facilitate the use of sunscreen. This study aims to determine and compare variations in the concentration of Shea Butter (as a Base) and stearic acid (as a Harding Agent) and obtain the results of physical evaluation of variations in the concentration of Shea butter and Stearic Acid. NLCs of telang flower extract were formulated into formulas with varying concentrations of shea butter and stearic acid in the ratio of 80:20; 50:50; 20:80. Furthermore, the physical properties of NLC-Stick of bay flower extract were evaluated, including organoleptic test, homogeneity test, pH test, melting time test, and spreadability test. The results showed that the optimal variation of shea butter and stearic acid concentration was 50:50. The optimum formula of NLC-Stick of telang flower extract has a colour like the active substance, solid shape, soft aroma, homogeneous, pH of 4.56 ± 0.3, melting time test of 21 minutes, and spreadability test of 3 cm. NLC-Stick with varying concentrations of shea butter:stearic acid (50:50) has a physical evaluation that meets the stick requirements.

Pathology of doxorubicin-induced organopathies under different intravenous nicotinamide riboside administration modes

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic drug, but its clinical use is hindered by significant side effects on vital organs like the heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, and intestines. Currently, there is a lack of effective drugs that can provide simultaneous cardioprotection and organ protection during chemotherapy. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) holds promise as a pharmacological agent capable of offering comprehensive protection against the systemic toxicity caused by DOX. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the morphological characteristics of vital organs (heart, lungs, liver, kidneys) in Wistar rats with chronic doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy using various intravenous administration modes of NR as a protective agent. Sixty male SPF Wistar rats weighing 283 ± 22 g were divided into four groups: intact, control (DOX administered intraperitoneally), combined mode (the simultaneous use of DOX and NR) and preventive mode (the preliminary use of NR to realize the cumulative effect in cells, and its further joint use together with DOX) intravenous NR administration. Animal observation spanned two months after drug administration, followed by the collection of hearts, lungs, liver, and kidneys for morphological analysis. Echocardiographic assessment confirmed DOX cardiotoxicity. The study revealed that the hearts, kidneys and lungs exhibited more pronounced toxic effects of DOX compared to the liver. Both NR administration modes demonstrated protective effects, with the preventive regime showing the greatest efficacy in safeguarding vital organs.

Integration of high-resolution mass spectrometry technology with molecular network analysis and systems biology techniques to elucidate the active ingredients and mechanisms of Shiduqing capsules.

Shiduqing Capsules, a well-known Chinese patent medicine, are widely used clinically for the treatment of pruritus. However, to date, there is a lack of research on its pharmacological substances and mechanisms of action. In the current study, the chemical components of Shiduqing Capsules were identified using UHPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS technology. Molecular network analysis was employed to identify structurally similar compounds to the known chemical components. The potential molecular targets of the active ingredients were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction website. The identified targets were further analyzed using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis through the DAVID database. Molecular docking was used to validate the network pharmacology results. Ultimately, A total of 51 chemical components of Shiduqing Capsules were identified. Molecular network analysis identified 21 flavonoids and 13 terpenoids. The core targets of these ingredients include TP53, AKT1, and STAT3. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed 1,371 different biological functions and 177 signaling pathways. Molecular docking confirmed the high affinity between multiple core active ingredients of Shiduqing Capsules and pruritus targets. In conclusion, the effective ingredients of Shiduqing Capsules exert a multifaceted therapeutic effect on pruritus through multiple targets and pathways.

Therapeutic deep eutectic solvent with saponin, optimized through response surface methodology, exert potent in vivo antimicrobial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Therapeutic deep eutectic solvents (THEDES) are a type of deep eutectics that can be used as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) by enhancing the drug bioavailability, by increasing the solubility of APIs in aqueous solutions or by increasing their permeability through biological barriers. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of designer THEDES, based on Quillaja Saponin (SAP), a triterpene natural product to unravel the antimicrobial potential of such THEDES. THEDES were prepared by gently mixing and heating five different α- hydroxy acids- malic, citric, tartaric, glycolic, lactic acids and SAP with water as a third component in the THEDES. The antimicrobial assays were performed with the as-prepared SAP-THEDES and among the panel of bacterial strains, saponin-malic acid THEDES [SMA-THEDES] displayed potent activity in disassembling PA biofilms, demonstrating that the SMA-THEDES can serve as therapeutic antibacterial biomaterials. To further optimize, a Box-Behnken- response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design was done and at the optimum conditions of SAP (1.014 m.mol), Malic acid (1.003 m.mol), Water (0.117 m.mol), SMA-THEDES exhibited maximum MIC of P. aeruginosa with the minimum absorbance at 590 nm of 0.105. The effectiveness of SMA-THEDES as antibiofilm agents on P. aeruginosa with the mechanism studies have been explored. The colony count from the in vivo infection zebrafish model in the treatment group showed a decline of > 2 fold for SMA-THEDES. Toxicity studies did not reveal any abnormality in liver and brain enzyme levels. Liver morphology images show no severe cytological alterations when treated with SMA-THEDES and were almost similar to the normal liver.

Development and Validation of a Stability Indicating Analytical Method for the Estimation of Gliclazide and Sitagliptin in Bulk Drugs and Tablet Dosage Forms by RP-UPLC: An Application of the Quality-by-Design Approach

Sitagliptin and gliclazide are the active ingredients in OpdualagTM. A highly selective DPP-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin is thought to work in type 2 diabetics by delaying the inactivation of incretin hormones, which increases their concentration and lengthens their duration of effect. Sulfonyl urea mostly enhances insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells by inhibiting ATP-sensitive K+ channels, leading to depolarisation and Ca2+ influx. Reduced serum glucagon levels and enhanced insulin binding to receptors and target tissues are the mechanisms by which it exerts its effects. Objective: This study aims to create and evaluate an RP-UPLC technique for the detection of sitagliptin and gliclazide in pharmaceutical products by applying AQbD principles. Method: Findings By utilising the Design-expert® programme, we were able to execute a central composite design (CCD) consisting of three components arranged in five distinct layers, which greatly improved the chromatographic conditions. One method that oversees the whole analytical procedure life cycle—from method design and optimisation to validation and continual improvement—is Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD). Results: The retention times for sitagliptin were 1.269 minutes and for gliclazide they were 1.572 minutes. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) for Sitagliptin and Gliclazide were 0.19 µg/mL, 0.56 µg/mL, 0.28 µg/mL, and 0.86 µg/mL respectively. The recovery percentages for sitagliptin and gliclazide were found to be 99.15% to 100.54% and 99.93% to 100.58%, respectively. Both drugs were found to be susceptible to oxidative and photolytic breakdown in the forced degradation studies. Conclusions A novel RP-UPLC method has been developed for the quantitative detection of sitagliptin and gliclazide in pharmaceutical formulations, utilising the AQbD-based methodology. This approach is straightforward, rapid, precise, particular, and stable-indicating.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes with Kombucha tea

Abstract. The number of people with type 2 diabetes is gradually increasing worldwide, which has serious harm to human body functions. The high cost of modern drugs and safety issues have prompted people to explore the treatment and help of diet therapy for diabetes. Kombucha, as a bio-fermented beverage rich in many nutrients and antioxidants, is favored by many experimenters for its potential ability to help diabetics. Many studies on Kombucha for humans have shown that it has benefits for the human body, such as lowering blood lipids, lowering blood sugar, adjusting the immune system, and helping to promote intestinal health. Therefore, this research investigates the relevant active ingredients in Kombucha, so as to further screen and analyze the active ingredients that are beneficial to diabetics. This research aims to discuss the existing Kombucha for helping type 2 diabetes and related experiments. The existing related studies include in vitro experiments, mouse experiments, and human experiments. The review of these articles forms a complete verification channel to study and summarize the relevant mechanisms and results of Kombucha in helping diabetics.

The anticoagulant ability of lumbrokinase and the advantages of different dosage forms

Abstract. As a traditional Chinese medicine, earthworms were found to have an effective thrombolytic effect in which lumbrokinase, an active ingredient, is now usually purified for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. As a highly safe and easy-to-obtain drug, lumbrokinase is often administered in the form of enteric-coated tablets. However, there is still a lack of relevant research on the detailed molecular mechanism of lumbrokinases anticoagulant mechanism, the effectiveness and safety of long-term use, the interaction with other drugs, and the expansion and optimization of clinical applications. This paper analyzes the mechanism of action of lumbrokinase, the influencing factors of external conditions, the method of administration and the research of new drug delivery systems. It provides a reference for future research on the role and application prospects of lumbrokinase in anticoagulation. However, the specific molecular mechanism of action and clinical application issues have not been resolved. Future research can focus on the molecular mechanism of action and the efficiency and safety of clinical use of new drug systems.

The common component of traditional Chinese medicine formulations has a role in the treatment of hypertension.

Abstract. Hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, but the control rate of hypertension is not high, only 16.8%, which a serious public health problem in our country. This article analyzes some commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formulations that effectively treat high blood pressure and lists the ingredients of these common drugs. Find common ingredients that includes: Rhizoma Gastrodiae, Uncaria, and Licorice. The study found that the active ingredients in the three herbs, such as gastrodin, gastrodia elata ethyl acetate extract routine and isoglycyrrhizin, have a significant effect on lowering blood pressure. This research can provide hypertensive patients with a better understanding of the reasons for taking these herbs and offer guidance on medication. It can also help patients recognize the necessity of combined Chinese medicine. However, the study only explore the blood pressure-lowering effects of the active ingredients but does not investigate the specific treatment of different types of hypertension using individual Chinese medicine preparations. In the future will refine the effects of these herbs in various types of hypertension.

Herbal Drug Use to Treat Urolithiasis: An Updated Review

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 12% of the world's population suffers from urolithiasis, a disorder that causes stones to develop in the kidney, bladder, and/or urethra (the urinary system). The illness increases the likelihood of developing chronic renal illnesses in addition to impairing kidney function. Three phases make up the mechanism for the production of stones: nucleation, growth, and aggregation of crystals. Because of their medicinal and antioxidant properties, as well as their active substances, medicinal plants have positive benefits on human health. The traditional medicinal herbs' diuretic qualities are increasingly being backed by scientific research. Urinary calculi patients complain of hematuria, discomfort, or infection. Individuals with tiny, non-obstructing stones or staghorn calculi have moderate, easily managed symptoms in addition to other symptoms. The illness increases the likelihood of developing chronic renal illnesses in addition to impairing kidney function. Therefore, a plant's or a herbal formulation's antiurolithiatic effect may be the result of a combination of its antioxidant, diuretic, and crystallization-inhibiting properties. Keywords: Urolithiasis, diuresis, herbal drug, calcium oxalate stone

Traditional Plants Based Treatment for Kidney Stones: Insight into Herbal Drugs

The deposition of hard crystals created by mineral or salt buildup in the urine canal leads to kidney stones, a frequent urinary tract issue. Urine flow obstruction and excruciating discomfort can be caused by kidney stones. Numerous processes can lead to oxidative stress, which raises the probability of kidney stones developing. The inflammatory response that results from kidney stones forming exacerbates oxidative stress further, creating a vicious cycle. This urological condition, which affects both male and female populations, is becoming more widespread worldwide. Planning the volume of urine produced is a crucial stage in the elimination of kidney stones. Surgery such as shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) is used to treat conditions when the stone has ceased passing through and is causing excruciating discomfort. Because of their medicinal and antioxidant properties, as well as their active substances, medicinal plants have positive benefits on human health. Regrettably, end-stage renal disease is frequently the consequence of side effects brought on the traditional medications used to treat nephrolithiasis. Kidney stones can be avoided by controlling nutrition intake, medication usage, and diet. Agents that are urolithotriptic are medicinal herbs. Examining the natural plants that are utilized to treat the illness is the goal of this review. Finding natural plants that can be used to cure kidney stones was made easier by this review. Keywords: Kidney stones, Urolithiasis, diuresis, herbal drug, calcium oxalate stone

Pharmacological screening of anti-inflammatory potential of polyherbal extract

Inflammation is the immune response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, toxic compounds, or irradiation and acts by removing injurious stimuli and initiating the healing process. Inflammation is therefore a defense mechanism that is vital to health. Usually, during acute inflammatory responses, cellular and molecular events and interactions efficiently minimize impending injury or infection. Current herbal medicine has been found effective with minimal or no side effect.Polyherbal extract of plants which contains curcumin, withanolides, withanoferins, linoleic acid are the active constituents responsible for Anti-inflammatory effect. Extraction of the plant material was done to obtain extract and further proceed for physical characterization and phytochemical analysis. TLC was done to confirm the active constituents present in polyherbal with reference to standard. The polyherbal extract was compared with standard to evaluate the anti-inflammatory by in-vitro assessment of Bovine albumin fraction and Protein denaturation assay. The percentage yield of extracts were found to 66.7, 74.2, 63.7.The R value of polyherbal extract was found to be 0.82 which matches with the standard and hence presence of curcumin, withanolides, withanoferins, linoleic acid was confirmed. The dose dependent study and statistical comparison with the help of graph pad prism, version 9.03 by one way ANOVA followed by dunnett’s multiple comparison test has revealed that moderate inhibition (p≤0.05) is observed in albumin and protein denaturation treated with Polyherbal extract when compared with standard Diclofenac sodium and hence the Anti-inflammatory effect of Polyherbal extract is justified.

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids protect CCl4-induced acute liver injury via upregulating LAMP1 expression and activating autophagy flux.

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids (DNLA) are considered important active ingredients of Dendrobium, which have a variety of pharmacological functions. Recent studies indicate that DNLA has beneficial activity in acute liver injury. However, the specific mechanism by which DNLA produces liver protective effects is stills unclear. This study was designed to determine whether regulation of autophagy is involved in the mode of action of DNLA in liver protection. Using CCl4-induced acute liver injury (ALI) and cell culture models, the molecular mechanism of DNLA-mediated autophagy regulation was studied. The results showed that DNLA significantly improved CCl4-induced liver damage and oxidative stress, which was confirmed in AML-12 cells. DNLA promoted autophagy in cells treated with CCl4, manifested by reduced protein expressions of p62 and LC3-II. Fluorescence imaging showed a decrease in the number of autophagosomes in AML-12 cells transfected with mCherry-GFP-LC3B. In addition, DNLA inhibited lysosomal membrane permeabilization by upregulating lysosomal associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP1), thereby promoting autophagy, preventing CCl4-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, and reducing the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). While pretreatment of cells with lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine weakened mitochondrial protection elicited by DNLA, overexpression of mitochondrial-targeted SOD2 in AML-12 cells significantly blocked CCl4 induced downregulation of LAMP1, thereby improving lysosome integrity and promoting lysosome dependent autophagy, suggesting that there may exist a bidirectional regulation between mitochondrial ROS and lysosome-autophagy activation. Collectively, these results demonstrated that DNLA can protect the liver injury mediated by dysregulation of lysosome-autophagy process through promoting ROS-lysosome-autophagy axis and improving mitochondrial damage.

Aloperine Attenuates UVB-induced Damage in Skin Fibroblasts Via Activating TFE3/Beclin-1-Mediated Autophagy.

Aloperine (ALO) is an important active ingredient in the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Sophora alopecuroides L and has a significant autophagy-stimulating effect. The effect of ALO on cytotoxicity caused by UVB radiation in skin fibroblasts and the potential mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to assess the effect of ALO on UVB-induced damage in skin fibroblasts and investigate its possible mechanism. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, caspase-Glo 3/7 activity, apoptosis, and protein expression were measured in UVB-treated skin fibroblasts in the presence or absence of ALO. Autophagy inhibitors (chloroquine and bafilomycin A1) and TFE3 siRNA transfection were used to elucidate the potential mechanisms further. These data demonstrate that ALO attenuated cell viability inhibition, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, and alterations in autophagy-related proteins caused by UVB exposure in skin fibroblasts. ALO stimulates autophagy activation and TFE3 nuclear localization in UVB-treated skin fibroblasts. Furthermore, treatment with autophagy inhibitors and TFE3 siRNA reversed the effects of ALO on UVB-treated skin fibroblasts. These results suggest that ALO protects skin fibroblasts against UVB-induced cytotoxicity by stimulating TFE3/Beclin-1-mediated autophagy.

Correlation between environmental DEET exposure and the mortality rate of cancer survivors: a large-sample cross-sectional investigation

BackgroundN, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) is the predominant active ingredient found in insect repellents utilized by consumers. Exposure to DEET has been associated with notable risks to human health. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of extensive cohort studies investigating the precise correlation between DEET exposure and mortality rates among cancer survivors. The objective of this study is to thoroughly evaluate the connection between DEET exposure and mortality rates in cancer survivors.MethodsThis study employed individual samples obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Utilizing data from NHANES spanning 2007 to 2016, this study incorporated a cohort of 5,859 cancer survivors for subsequent analysis, following the exclusion of incomplete datasets. Through subgroup analysis, the research examined the impact of quartile levels of 3-diethyl-carbamoyl benzoic acid (DCBA), the primary metabolite of DEET, on cancer survivors across various subgroups within the broader population. Furthermore, the research utilized a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves to investigate the relationship between 3-diethyl-carbamoyl benzoic acid (DCBA), a principal metabolite of DEET, and mortality rates in individuals who have survived cancer.ResultsThe study identified an association between specific quartiles of DCBA concentration and a decreased risk of all-cause mortality among cancer survivors, specifically in the second (Q2: 0.665–1.95) and third quartiles (Q3: 1.95–6.845). Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between the third quartile and cancer-specific mortality (Q3: 1.95–6.845), as well as between the second quartile and non-cancer mortality (Q2: 0.665–1.95). The quartiles of DCBA concentration exhibit a statistically significant correlation with total deaths (P < 0.001), cancer-specific deaths (P = 0.009), and non-cancer deaths (P < 0.001) among cancer survivors. The correlation between DCBA and reduced mortality risk in cancer survivors is particularly notable among females and individuals of non-Hispanic Black descent.ConclusionThe detection of DCBA in the urine of adult cancer survivors is strongly associated with increased mortality risks, particularly among females and non-Hispanic Black individuals, warranting further investigation and targeted interventions.

The research progress: Cuproptosis and copper metabolism in regulating cardiovascular diseases.

Studies have shown an association between cardiovascular disease and abnormal copper metabolism. Cuproptosis is caused by the accumulation of copper in vivo, and is a newly identified form of cell death. It regulates cardiovascular diseases by affecting vascular endothelial function and myocardial energy metabolism through pathways such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and gene expression. The treatment of copper accumulation in traditional Chinese medicine primarily involves heat-clearing and detoxification therapy, supplemented with diuretic therapy. In contrast, Western medicine mainly uses copper chelators. Flavonoids are common active ingredients used in the treatment of copper metabolism-related and cardiovascular diseases. In this article, we reviewed the relationship between copper metabolism, cuproptosis, and cardiovascular disease, providing novel strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease; our ultimate aim is to encourage inspiration and contemplation among readers.

Exploring the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Bai-Hu-Tang

Abstract. Bai-Hu-Tang (BHT), derived from the Treatise on Cold Damage, is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula mainly used to treat fever symptoms caused by excessive heat in the Qi component. Modern medical research has shown that BHT has significant antipyretic effects and can inhibit inflammatory reactions. However, the antipyretic substance basis and mechanism of action of BHT are not fully understood. Although studies have revealed its inhibitory effect on inflammatory factors, there is still a lack of in-depth understanding of its molecular level regulatory mechanisms. This article explores the effects of BHT on antipyretic and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways through modern pharmacological methods. This article specifically analyzes the specific effects of the active ingredients of the main drugs in BHT formula on the relevant signaling pathways of antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects, and systematically explains the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of BHT with multiple pathways and targets. This study not only provides scientific basis for the clinical application of BHT, but also provides reference for future research. However, further research is needed on the interaction between multiple components in BHT and their regulatory effects under different pathological conditions. Future research can focus on the efficacy evaluation of BHT in different inflammation models, as well as its impact on immune cell function, in order to provide more scientific support for the modernization and internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine.

Therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of geniposide in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease with persistent, symmetric and polyarthritis as the main clinical manifestations, which can improve the risk of cardiovascular disease and lymphoma. Untimely or inadequate treatment will result in a high rate of disability. In the context of the development of Chinese medicine modernisation, in order to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of the diseases, researchers have extracted the active ingredients of Chinese herbal medicine for experiments. Geniposide through modern research found that it has anti-inflammatory analgesic and other effects, and has therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis. But at present for geniposide's action mechanism and the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis are not completely clear. This paper analyses the geniposide anti-inflammatory effect and analgesic effect aspect research, finds that geniposide can have a therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis through anti-inflammatory analgesic effect. At present, the mechanism of action of geniposide against rheumatoid arthritis has not been fully defined, and geniposide has hepatotoxicity and many uncertainties in high concentrations, so it is of great significance to explore its action mechanism and provide theoretical reference for the new drugs development to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The future research can pay more attention to explore the geniposide anti-inflammatory effect on the cell signalling pathway mainly embodied in a specific target, as well as geniposide development as a new drug possible direction.

Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of the Contents of Three Tanshinone Components in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge.

Tanshinones are abietane diterpenoid quinone compounds with diverse biological activities and pharmacological effects found in Salvia miltiorrhiza. Leveraging the high-density genetic map established through our prior research endeavors, we conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis pertaining to the concentrations of three major tanshinone components, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I, and tanshinone IIA, in S. miltiorrhiza. This extensive investigation was conducted across three distinct planting environments, ultimately identifying a comprehensive repertoire of 27 discernible QTLs. These QTLs were mapped onto four distinct linkage groups (LG), namely LG1, LG5, LG6, and LG7, which explained 3.11%-37.85% phenotypic variation. Candidate genes were projected based on consistent QTLs detected for each active ingredient in three environments. Nineteen putative candidate genes involved in the regulation of tanshinone biosynthesis were identified. These genes participate in primary metabolic and multiple branching terpenoid biosynthesis pathways, forming a complex regulatory network. Our findings have the potential to offer novel insights into advancing the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing tanshinone biosynthesis. Furthermore, these results establish crucial groundwork for gene discovery, marker-assisted selection breeding, and map-based cloning of functional genes associated with tanshinone content in S. miltiorrhiza.

Dynamics of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Rhizosphere of Medicinal Plants and Their Promotion on the Performance of Astragalus mongholicus

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) act as intermediaries between the root systems of host plants and the surrounding soil, offering various benefits to medicinal plants, such as promoting growth and enhancing quality. However, the host range of AMF in medicinal plants and the characteristics of plant–AMF networks in farmland ecosystems remain insufficiently studied. In the present study, we measured AMF colonization, species diversity, and soil properties of 31 medicinal plants at the Anguo Medicine Planting Base in Northwest China. The medicinal plant–AMF network was subsequently analyzed, and the growth-promoting effects of AMF on Astragalus mongholicus were examined. Spore density, species richness, and total colonization exhibited significant variation across different medicinal plant species. Glomus melanosporum, G. claroideum, and Septoglomus constrictum were the dominant species among 61 AMF species. Soil organic matter, phosphatase, available nitrogen, and glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSPs) were the main factors affecting the AMF composition. Structural equation models and a variation partitioning analysis suggested a highly plant species-specific pattern of AMF distribution patterns, where the host identities explained 61.4% of changes in spore density and 48.2% of AMF colonization. The soil nutrient availability and phosphatase activity also influenced AMF colonization. Our results confirmed glomalin as an important contributor to the soil carbon in farmland for cultivating medicinal plants. The medicinal plant–AMF symbiotic network exhibited highly nested patterns, a low specialized structure, high connectance, and low modularity, which suggested saturated AMF colonization and symbiosis stability provided by redundant plant–AMF associations. Despite the wide host range among medicinal plants, AMF inoculation revealed species-specific effects on the growth performance and active ingredient content levels in A. mongholicus, G. claroideum and Sep. constrictum induced the highest biomass and active ingredient content accumulation in A. mongholicus. These findings advance our understanding of AMF community dynamics in the rhizosphere of medicinal plants and offer valuable insights for optimizing medicinal plant cultivation practices.