Cynanchum Auriculatum Research Articles

Isolation, Purification, and Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenols from Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight

Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight (CA) is a traditional medicinal and edible plant in China. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the phenolic compounds of C. auriculatum to identify its main antioxidant constituents. Polyphenols were extracted using an ultrasound-assisted ethanol extraction method, followed by partitioning with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was then purified through thin-layer chromatography, silica gel column chromatography, and reverse-phase silica gel column chromatography. Three monomeric compounds—cynandione A (I), 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone (II), and radix piperacanthone (III)—were identified through their physical and chemical properties, UV and IR spectra, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Vitamin C (VC) and 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone were used as controls to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the two most abundant monomers. Antioxidant assays demonstrated that 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone and cynandione A exhibited strong antioxidant activity at lower concentrations, whereas 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone showed significantly weaker activity. Furthermore, cynandione A displayed superior cellular antioxidant activity compared to 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone, indicating its potential as a promising bioactive compound. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the phenolic composition of C. auriculatum and highlights cynandione A as a key antioxidant, paving the way for future research on its therapeutic applications.

Electronic senses and UPLC-Q-TOF/MS combined with chemometrics analyses of Cynanchum species (Baishouwu).

Baishouwu, derived from Cynanchum auriculatum (CA) Royle ex Wight, Cynanchum bungei (CB) Decne., and Cynanchum wilfordii (CW) (Maxim.) Hemsl., is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine. CA is also recognized as a new food resource by China's National Health Commission. Given the considerable variations in flavor and chemical composition among these species and lack of their qualitative assessments, accurately differentiating between the species constituting Baishouwu is essential. To develop a method combining electronic tongue (E-tongue), electronic nose (E-nose), and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight/mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) to differentiate between Baishouwu samples. Fifteen batches of Baishouwu samples were analyzed using E-tongue, E-nose, and UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Flavor differences and key differential metabolites were determined through principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. E-tongue results revealed umami, sweetness, and richness as the predominant flavors of Baishouwu, with CA having the highest umami response, CW exhibiting the highest bitterness, and CB the highest sweetness. E-nose sensors showed consistent responses across species, with variations in signal strength; W1W and W2W sensors showed the highest response values. A total of 158 and 41 characteristic variables in the positive and negative ion modes, respectively, were selected as candidate differential metabolites, of which 29 and 14 were confirmed through database comparison. Eight critical differential metabolites, including C21 steroids and acetophenone compounds, were identified. This study presents a strategy for differentiating among the species constituting Baishouwu, providing a basis for broader application and establishing quality standards for these medicinal compounds.

Green surfactant and circulating ultrasound coupling extraction of total flavonoids from Cynanchum auriculatum leaves: Parameter optimization, extraction mechanism, and HPLC-MS analysis

This study aimed to devise an integrated green surfactant and circulating ultrasound coupling extraction (GSCUE) approach for extracting the total flavonoids from Cynanchum auriculatum leaves. Single-factor optimization combined with a Box–Behnken design was used to determine the optimal technological conditions, which included an APG0814/MES amount of 5 % (w/v), extraction temperature of 46 °C, ultrasound irradiation power of 509 W, liquid–solid ratio of 30 mL/g, mixing speed of 1000 r/min, and extraction time of 50 min. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of the total flavonoids reached 7.83 mg/g. The HPLC-MS was applied to identify the flavonoid compositions in Cynanchum auriculatum leaves extract. The results showed that flavonoid composition included Gardenin B, Luteolin, Kaempferol, Quercetin, 4′-Methoxy-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-8,3′-dihydroxyflavanone, Astragalin, Spiraeoside, Rutin, and Kaempferol 3-gentiobioside. Further, to investigate the GSCUE mechanism, plant samples before and after extraction were analyzed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle analysis. The results indicate that the functional groups, surface microstructure, and surface wettability of the plant samples all affect the yield of the target active ingredients. The hydrophilic group content on the plant sample surface after GSCUE treatment was higher compared to the case of the untreated samples. Additionally, there was evidence of surface structural collapse and shrinkage, increased surface roughness, and a decreased contact angle due to GSCUE treatment. These results highlight the greater surface wettability of the plant samples, faster solvent penetration, and an effective increase in the total flavonoid yield, indicating the synergistic effect of combining ultrasound with green surfactants for total flavonoid extraction. Overall, GSCUE technology provided a sustainable and efficient approach for extracting the total flavonoids from plant materials.

Leaf litter from Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight leads to root rot outbreaks by Fusarium solani, hindering continuous cropping.

Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight (CA) is experiencing challenges with continuous cropping obstacle (CCO) due to soil-borne fungal pathogens. The leaf litter from CA is regularly incorporated into the soil after root harvesting, but the impact of this practice on pathogen outbreaks remains uncertain. In this study, a fungal strain D1, identified as Fusarium solani, was isolated and confirmed as a potential factor in CCO. Both leave extract (LE) and root extract (RE) were found to inhibit seed germination and the activities of plant defense-related enzymes. The combinations of extracts and D1 exacerbated these negative effects. Beyond promoting the proliferation of D1 in soil, the extracts also enhanced the hypha weight, spore number, and spore germination rate of D1. Compared to RE, LE exhibited a greater degree of promotion in the activities of pathogenesis-related enzymes in D1. Additionally, caffeic acid and ferulic acid were identified as potential active compounds. LE, particularly in combination with D1, induced a shift in the composition of fungal communities rather than bacterial communities. These findings indicate that the water extract of leaf litter stimulated the growth and proliferation of fungal strain D1, thereby augmenting its pathogenicity toward CA and ultimately contributing to the CCO process.

The physicochemical and in vitro digestion characteristics of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight starch‐tea polyphenols non‐inclusive complex

SummaryThe effect of tea polyphenols (TP) on the physicochemical, structural and digestive properties of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight starch (C. auriculatum starch) was studied. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that a looser and more porous structure was observed in C. auriculatum starch‐TP. Rheological results revealed that G′ and G″ of C. auriculatum starch were decreased with TP addition. X‐ray diffraction pattern showed TP could inhibit the relative crystallinity structure of C. auriculatum starch, thereby delaying the retrogradation of starch. Fourier‐transform infrared analysis confirmed that TP and C. auriculatum starch molecules formed non‐inclusive complexes through hydrogen bonding interaction. Moreover, TP could reduce the digestibility of the gelatinised C. auriculatum starch. These findings provide a theoretical information on C. auriculatum starch as a functional ingredient for regulating the postprandial glycemic response of starchy foods.

Nitric Oxide Promoted the Seed Germination of Cynanchum auriculatum under Cadmium Stress

Cynanchum auriculatum, an early food-medicine homologous plant native to Asia, possesses significant nutritional and health benefits. However, the presence of cadmium (Cd) in the soil poses a hazard to the germination and growth of C. auriculatum. As nitric oxide (NO) plays a vital role in plant resistance to heavy metal stress, we used three different concentrations of SNP treatment during the germination phase, aiming to alleviate the inhibitory effects of Cd stress on the seed germination of C. auriculatum. The results indicated that when compared to seeds treated with SNP concentrations of 0.2 mM and 0.8 mM, C. auriculatum seeds treated with 0.4 mM SNP exhibited an improved germination rate and germination index, as well as longer hypocotyl. Furthermore, in comparison to NOS-like, the SNP application stimulated the production of endogenous NO through NR catalysis. Additional investigations showed that the ABA level decreased while the GA level increased under normal conditions, while the SNP application enhanced the accumulation of both ABA and GA in C. auriculatum seeds under Cd stress. Histochemical staining and biochemical indicators demonstrated that SNP treatment enhanced the enzymatic activity of SOD, POD, and CAT, while inhibiting the production of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion. Moreover, SNP treatment resulted in increased α-amylase activity, which facilitated starch hydrolysis and the generation of soluble sugar. Ultimately, the seed vitality of C. auriculatum under Cd stress was promoted. Our findings present a theoretical framework for the application of SNP in the seed germination mechanism of C. auriculatum and establish the groundwork for comprehending the physiological role of NO under Cd stress.

Four new pregnane C21 steroids isolated from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum

Four new steroids cynansteroid G-I (1-3) and cynansteroid K (4), a new natural product 5,6-deacidizingcaudatin (5), and a known compound glycocaudatin (6), were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum. The structures of new compounds were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including NMR, HRESI-MS, ECD, UV, and IR spectral data. The cytotoxic activities of all the isolates against two human tumour cell lines (COLO-205 and BGC-823) were screened, unfortunately, which were weaker than positive control.

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of four major bioactive components of Cynanchum auriculatum extract: a UPLC-MS/MS study in normal and functional dyspepsia rats.

Introduction: Cynanchum auriculatum (CA) is usually used to treat digestive disorders, such as anorexia, enteritis, dysentery, and indigestion. Functional dyspepsia (FD) is characterized by a group of symptoms associated with the gastroduodenal region. Recent pharmacological studies have demonstrated the efficacy of CA for treating FD. However, the pharmacokinetics (PK) and tissue distribution of CA in physiological and FD states is still unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the differences in PK parameters and tissue distribution of the four major active components of CA (baishouwu benzophenone, deacylmet-aplexigenin, qingyangshengenin, and syringic acid) under both physiological and FD states. Methods: For this, normal and FD rats were orally administered 10mg/kg CA extract. Then, plasma and tissue (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, stomach, and small intestine) samples were obtained. The four active components of CA in rat plasma and tissues were quantified by developing and validating a fast and reliable ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. Results: The area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time t (AUC0-t) of baishouwu benzophenone was significantly lower in the FD group than in the normal group (p < 0.01). The FD group had significantly lower (p < 0.001) apparent volume of distribution and plasma clearance of qing-yangshengenin and significantly higher (p < 0.05) AUC0-t of deacylmetaplexigenin and qingyangshengenin. The four active components were rapidly distributed into various tissues, and the main target organs of CA activity were the stomach and small intestine. In addition, baishouwu benzophenone, deacylmetaplexigenin, and qingyangshengenin could cross the blood-brain barrier, indicating that the brain may be another target organ in the treatment of FD. Discussion: These results indicate that the pathological state of FD alters the PK behavior and tissue distribution characteristics of baishouwu benzophenone, deacylmetaplexigenin, qingyangshengenin, and syringic acid in the CA extract, providing an experimental basis for the role of CA in FD treatment.

Inhibition of KIF11 ameliorates osteoclastogenesis via regulating mTORC1-mediated NF-κB signaling

Osteoporosis, characterized by over-production and activation of osteoclasts, has become a major health problem especially in elderly women. In our study, we first tested the effect of Caudatin (Cau) in osteoclastogenesis, which is separated from Cynanchum auriculatum as a species of C-21 steroidal glyosides. The results indicated that Cau suppressed osteoclastogenesis in a time- and dose-dependent manner in vitro. Mechanistically, Cau was identified to inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway via modulation of KIF11-mediated mTORC1 activity. In vivo, by establishing an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model to mimic osteoporosis, we confirmed that Cau treatment prevented OVX-induced bone loss in mice. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Cau inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway via modulation of KIF11-mediated mTORC1 activity to suppress osteoclast differentiation in vitro as well as OVX-induced bone loss in vivo. This provides the possibility of a novel prospective drug for osteoporosis remedies.

Screening of anti-functional dyspepsia compounds in Cynanchum auriculatum: A spectrum-effect relationship analysis, and ATP-binding cassette transporters inhibitor evaluation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is a disorder caused by abnormal gut–brain axis regulation and is highly prevalent in China. Cynanchum auriculatum (CA) is often used to treat FD in the ethnic minority areas of Guizhou. Although several CA-based products are currently available in the market, it is unclear which components of CA are efficacious and what their oral absorption mechanism is. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to screen anti-FD components of CA based on the spectrum-effect relationship. In addition, the study evaluated the intestinal absorption mechanism of these components using transporter inhibitors. Materials and methodsThe fingerprinting of compounds from CA extract and plasma after oral administration was conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The intestinal contractile parameters were then measured in vitro using the BL-420F Biofunctional Experiment System. Multivariate statistical analysis of the result of spectrum-effect relationship assessment was used to elucidate the correlation between prominent peaks of CA-containing plasma and intestinal contractile activity. The effect of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter inhibitors, such as the P-gp inhibitor verapamil, the MRR inhibitor indomethacin, and the BCRP inhibitor Ko143, on the directional transport of the predicted active ingredients was assessed in vivo. ResultsTwenty chromatographic peaks were identified in the CA extract. Of these, three were C21 steroids, four were organic acids, and one was a coumarin, and acetophenone by comparing with reference compounds. Additionally, it is discovered that there are totally 39 migratory components in CA-containing plasma, which was found to significantly promote the contractility of the isolated duodenum. Moreover, multivariate analysis of the spectrum-effect relationship demonstrated that 16 characteristic peaks (3, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18, 21, m1–m4, m7, m15, and m24) in CA-containing plasma were significantly associated with the anti-FD effect. These compounds included seven prototype compounds, i.e., cynanoneside A, syringic acid, deacylmetaplexigenin, ferulic acid, scopoletin, baishouwubenzophenone, and qingyangshengenin. The inhibition of ABC transporters demonstrated that the inhibitors verapamil and Ko143 significantly increased (P < 0.05) the uptake of scopoletin and qingyangshengenin. Thus, these compounds may be substrates for P-gp and BCRP. ConclusionsThe potential anti-FD components of CA and the effect of ABC transporter inhibitors on these active components were preliminarily clarified. These findings lay a foundation for subsequent in vivo studies.

Two new pregnane glycosides from the root of Cynanchum auriculatum

Two new pregnane glycosides (1 and 2), together with four known ones (3– 6), were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight (Asclepiadaceae). On the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis and chemical method, the structures of new compounds were characterized to be metaplexigenin 3-O-β-D-cymaropyranosyl- (1→4)-α-L-diginopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside (1), metaplexigenin 3-O-α-L-diginopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside (2). All the isolated compounds (1–6) were tested for their in vitro inhibitory activity against the growth of human colon cancer cell lines HCT-116. Compounds 5 and 6 showed significant cytoxicities with IC50 values of 43.58 µM and 52.21 µM.

Purification, structure identification and immune activity of a neutral polysaccharide from Cynanchum Auriculatum

The crude polysaccharides CAPS and CAP of Cynanchum Auriculatum, which were prepared by degrading starch by single-enzymatic method (α-amylase) and double-enzymatic method (α-amylase and glucoamylase) respectively, were compared. CAP had good water solubility and higher non-starch polysaccharide content. A homogeneous neutral polysaccharide CAP-W, with the degree of acetylation about 17 %, was obtained from CAP by anion exchange column chromatography. Its detailed structure was identified by various methods. CAP-W, with the weight average molecular weight of 8.4 kDa, was composed of mannose, glucose, galactose, xylose, and arabinose in a molar ratio of 1.27:1.00:0.25:0.10:1.16. The backbone included β-1,4-Manp, β-1,4,6-Manp, β-1,4-Glcp and β-1,4,6-Glcp residues, with branches at the O-6 position of β-1,4,6-Manp and β-1,4,6-Glcp residues, consisting of α-T-Araf, α-1,5-Araf, α-1,2,5-Araf, α-1,3,5-Araf, T-Xylp,1,4-Xylp, β-T-Manp and β-T-Galp residues. In vitro immunological experiments suggested that CAP-W improved the phagocytic ability of macrophages, stimulated the release of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 from RAW264.7 cells, promoted the expression of NF-κB and caused nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65.

Transcriptomic and physiological analysis reveal phytohormone and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in root of Cynanchum auriculatum

Baishouwu (Cynanchum auriculatum), a medicinal and food dual-use plant, has been cultivated for centuries and is favored by consumers. C. auriculatum tuberous roots contain enormous amounts of flavonoids, lignin, and other nutrients. However, the developmental characteristics and phenylpropanoid metabolic mechanism in C. auriculatum have not been clarified. Here, the phenotypes of C. auriculatum tuberous roots at three stages of developmental were observed, compared with root forming stage (S1), there were significant morphological differences at root expanding stage (S2) and harvest stage (S3). Through next-generation sequencing (NGS) on Illumina HiSeq2500 platform, nine transcriptomic libraries were constructed for transcriptomic analysis. A total of 28,926 DEGs were identified during the development of C. auriculatum tuberous root, and many DEGs were enriched in GO terms/ KEGG pathways of ‘phytohormone signal transduction’ and ‘phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’. The analysis of phytohormone content and gene expression revealed that auxin and cytokinin acted in concert to regulate C. auriculatum tuberous root development, while the biosynthesis and signaling of ethylene were inhibited. Phloroglucinol staining results showed that lignified cells were mainly distributed in the central xylem at S1, followed by ring-like structure formation at S2, and finally formed the connecting rays between the xylem and the phloem at S3. Lignin content increased at S2 and then decreased at S3, and the expression of lignin synthesis genes also presented a similar trend. Total flavonoids content showed a gradually increasing trend, and the expression of flavonoid synthesis genes was also gradually up-regulated. The flavonoid synthesis pathway was enhanced by reducing the activity of key enzymes in lignin synthesis in C. auriculatum. This study provided a basis for the developmental mechanism of C. auriculatum and the further utilization of C. auriculatum tuberous roots.

Phytochemical and chemotaxonomic investigations on the aerial parts of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight

A phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight (C. auriculatum) resulted in the isolation of sixteen compounds, including alkaloids (1–6), coumarins (7–9), lignans (10–12), phenolic acids (13 and 14), and flavonoids (15 and 16). Their chemical structures have been elucidated by NMR and MS analyses, as well as by comparison of the published data. Among them, four compounds (1, 3, 4, and 5) were first isolated from the family Apocynaceae; two compounds (8 and 12) were first separated from the genus Cynanchum; and six compounds (2, 6, 7, and 14–16) were first yielded from C. auriculatum. Furthermore, the chemotaxonomic significance of yielded compounds was also discussed.

Caudatin attenuates inflammatory reaction by suppressing JNK/AP-1/NF-κB/caspase-1 pathwaysin activatedHMC-1 cells.

One of the interfering factors in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the cytokine storm, which contributes to hyperinflammation. Mast cells cause COVID-19 hyperinflammation by increasing inflammatory cytokine levels. We investigated whether caudatin, an active compound of Cynanchum auriculatum, could suppress inflammatory response signaling in human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. Caudatin suppressed activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in HMC-1 cells. Caudatin suppressed nuclear translocation of catalytic subunit (p65) of nuclear factor (NF)-κB by blocking IκBα phosphorylation and degradation. Caudatin also reduced levels of activated-caspase-1 protein and activation of caspase-1. Non-toxic caudatin doses inhibited the mRNA expression and protein synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A significant finding was that caudatin inhibited JNK/AP-1/NF-κB/caspase-1 signaling molecules, reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Consequently, we propose that caudatin might be used as a material in health functional foods to alleviate mast cell-mediated inflammatory conditions like COVID-19.

Chemical constituents from the flowers of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight

The present work was undertaken to investigate chemical constituents and chemotaxonomic significance from the flowers of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight (C. auriculatum) by phytochemical methods. As a result, sixteen compounds including phenols (1–7), flavonoids (8–13), and others (14–16) were yielded, and their chemical structures were elucidated by NMR and MS analyses, together with the comparison with the published spectroscopic data. Notably, seven compounds (3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, and 16) were first isolated from the family Apocynaceae; while five compounds (7, 9, 11, 13, and 14) were reported from C. auriculatum for the first time. Additionally, the chemotaxonomic significance of isolated compounds was also discussed.

Differences in intestinal absorption characteristics of Cynanchum auriculatum extract based on in situ intestinal circulation perfusion model in two states

The present study aimed to investigate the intestinal absorption characteristics of six components(syringic acid, scopoletin, baishouwu benzophenone, caudatin, qingyangshengenin, and deacylmetaplexigenin) in Cynanchum auriculatum extract. In situ intestinal circulation perfusion model was employed to investigate the differences in intestinal absorption characteristics of C. auriculatum extract under the influence of different intestinal segments, different drug concentrations, and bile in the normal and functional dyspepsia(FD) states. The results showed that the absorption of baishouwu benzophenone decreased with the increase in the concentration of C. auriculatum extract(P&lt;0.01), while the absorption of syringic acid and other components increased in a dose-independent manner, suggesting that baishouwu benzophenone might follow active absorption, while other components might not be on a single absorption pattern. The main absorption sites of each component in the normal state were different from those in the FD state. The cumulative absorption conversion rates in the FD state were generally lower than those in the normal state, and bile inhibited the absorption of other components except for scopoletin in both states(P&lt;0.05). As revealed, the small intestine showed selectivity to the absorption of drugs, and the pathological state(such as FD) and bile both affected the absorption of the main components, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of new drugs and further development of C. auriculatum.

Excretion of Cynanchum auriculatum extract in urine and feces of normal and functional dyspepsia rats

In the present study, the excretion of four active components(qingyangshengenin, deacylmetaplexigenin, baishouwu benzophenone, and scopoletin) in Cynanchum auriculatum extract in the urine and feces of normal and functional dyspepsia(FD) rats was investigated. Rats were divided into a normal group and an FD model group. The FD model was induced by oral administration of ice hydrochloric acid combined with irregular feeding. The C. auriculatum extract was administered orally at a dose of 1 g·kg~(-1). The rat urine and feces were collected at 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 h for UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The differences in excretion of the four components were compared between normal and FD rats. The results showed that except for the baishouwu benzophenone in the feces, the components such as qingyangshengenin in the urine and feces did not reach the plateau value within 84 h. Qingyangshengenin was mainly excreted through defecation, and the cumulative excretion rates in the normal state and FD were 0.32% and 0.66%, respectively. Deacylmetaplexigenin was mainly excreted through urination, and the cumulative excretion rates in the normal state and FD were 6.70% and 7.56%, respectively. Baishouwu benzophenone was mainly excreted through defecation in the normal state, but mainly excreted through urination in the FD state, with cumulative excretion rates of 0.41% and 0.52%, respectively. Scopoletin was mainly excreted through urination, with cumulative excretion rates of 0.83% and 2.13% in the normal state and FD, respectively. In general, the components were mainly excreted in the urine in the FD state. Compared with the normal group, the FD group showed decreased cumulative excretion rates of qingyangshengenin, baishouwu benzophenone, and scopoletin in the urine(P&lt;0.05). Therefore, FD had a certain influence on the excretion of the main components of C. auriculatum extract, and the excretion of each component through urination and defecation was low, suggesting that there might be a wide range of metabolic pathways after oral administration and components were mainly excreted in the form of metabolites. This experiment provides a reference for the new drug development and clinical application of C. auriculatum.

A novelty pregnane C21-steroid from Cynanchum auriculatum

A novelty pregnane C21-steroid, cynansteroid F (1) and a new natural product 20-hydroxylatecaudatin (2), together with seven known compounds (3–9) were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum. The chemical structures were elucidated by analyses of physiochemical properties and 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, HRESI-MS, IR and ECD spectral data. Among them, eight compounds (1–4 and 6–9) were firstly isolated from the roots of C. auriculatum. The chemotaxonomic analysis of these compounds was discussed.

강원도 영월 산에서 발견된 거대 백수오 추정 식물자원의 형태 및 유전적 특성

Background: A giant root that resembled the root of Cynanchum species (Giant Cynanchum) was found on a mountain in Gangwon Province, Korea, in March 2021. The root was 10 m long and weighted 20 ㎏. Its morphological characteristics highly resembled those of Cynanchum wilfordii (Cw) and Cynanchum auriculatum (Ca).BRMethods and Results: The giant root collected in Gangwon Province has been permanently exhibited at the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Eumsung, Korea. The plants were clonally propagated for further research at the Seoul National University farm. Seven molecular markers were applied to the root for accurate species authentication. However, the species could not be clearly identified because the results of seven markers yielded contradicting results : one Cw-type, two Ca-types, and four unidentified types. The internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal RNA coding gene and four plastid DNA barcoding regions (matK, rbcL, trnL-trnF, and psbA-psbH) were analyzed for sequence comparison and phylogenetic tree construction. The results showed that the species was close to Ca. However, the results obtained form the phylogenetic tree are not definite because Cynanchum species were not monophyletic.BRConclusions: The species of the giant root is assumed to be close to Ca, but additional research is necessary to clarify the exact species and its origin. Moreover, this root might be a valuable plant resource for the bio-industry.