Gardenia Jasminoides Research Articles

Geniposide in Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makino modulates blood pressure via inhibiting WNK pathway mediated by the estrogen receptors.

To investigate the effects of geniposide in an iridoid found in Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makino (GJRM) in spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) and explore the possible mechanisms. In this study, we detected the content of geniposide in GJRM by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, we used acute diuretic experiments to determine whether geniposide has diuretic effect. Moreover, we carried out experiments on SHR to further study the mechanism of hypertension, while real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used for the experiments in vivo test. Hypotonic model was used for in vitro test. Our data showed that the content of geniposide in the extract of GJRM is 27.54%. Meanwhile, 50mg/kg geniposide showed the strongest effect on promoting urine volume. Further study indicated that the extract of GJRM and geniposide could significantly reduce blood pressure and promote the excretion of urine and Na+ in SHR. In addition, geniposide significantly inhibited the activation of the with-no-lysine kinase (WNK) signalling pathway and significantly increases the protein expressions of estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) in SHR. In hypotonic model, geniposide significantly inhibits the phosphorylation of NKCC and NCC and could be antagonistic to estrogen receptor antagonists. Collectively, we would suggest that geniposide may potentially be utilized as an adjunct to existing thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics to control hypertension, mainly through inhibiting the activation of the WNK signalling pathway mediated by the estrogen receptor.

Research progress on biosynthesis and synthetic biology of crocin

Natural products are important resources for drug discovery and have marvelous roles in the treatment of various diseases, such as malaria, cancers, and viral infections. Crocins are the colored apocarotenoids derived from the stigmas of Crocus sativus and often used as a spice/colorant in the food industry. Pharmacologically, crocins confer protection to the central nervous system (especially in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease) and prevent cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases. Unfortunately, the demand for crocins based on their pharmacological benefits combined with a complex harvesting process of C. sativus has driven the retail price of C. sativus stigmas up to 2000–7000 €/kg. Thus, their expense and limited supply greatly restrict the development and clinical application of crocin-based pharmaceuticals. It is therefore urgent to develop an alternative, sustainable way to bolster the supply of crocins. In recent years, synthetic biology has been widely used to overcome shortages of plant-based natural products, including artemisinic acid, etoposide aglycone, opioids, cannabinoids, breviscapine, and ginsenosides. As such, the genetic tools required for crocin biosynthesis have attracted a great deal of attention. The crocin biosynthetic pathway includes three stages: Stage (I), the precursor geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) is generated by the methylerythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) biosynthetic pathway; stage (II), C40-carotenoids are produced via the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway; stage (III), crocins are synthesized by three key catalytic steps, namely, carotenoid cleavage, aldehyde oxidation, and glucosyl group transfer. A series of studies have successfully decoded the crocin biosynthetic pathway and led to its reconstitution in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli . Hereby, we summarized the chemical characterization of crocins using spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and elucidated stage (III) of the crocin biosynthetic pathway. Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) degrade carotenoids. CsCCD2, CaCCD2 ( Crocus ancyrensis ), BdCCD4.1 ( Buddleja davidii ), BdCCD4.3 and GjCCD4a ( Gardenia jasminoides ) can cleave the 7,8 (7′,8′) double bond of zeaxanthin to yield crocetin dialdehyde. Subsequently, crocetin dialdehyde was oxidized to crocetin by the catalysis of aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs), including CsALDH54788, CsALDH3898, CsALDH20158, CsALDH11367, CsALDH3I1, CsALDH3, and GjALDH2C3. Finally, the biosynthesis of crocins from crocetin was catalyzed by UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), including CsUGT74AD1, GjUGT74F8, GjUGT75L6, GjUGT94E5, GjUGT94E13, Bs-GT ( Bacillus subtilis 168), and Bc-GTA ( Bacillus cereus WQ9-2). And then, we displayed the research progress on the synthetic biology of crocins. With the rapid updating of genetic tools, we have the potential to generate more types of crocins. The in vivo production of crocins is highlighted in this review. The engineered E. coli with GjUGT74F8 and GjUGT94E13 can catalyze crocetin into five types of crocins. Furthermore, we put forward some suggestions that might help to improve the bioproduction of crocins, such as the exploration of evolutionary mechanisms of the key enzymes and the optimization of reaction conditions, etc. Taken together, this review will facilitate the industrial production of crocins and the development of crocin-based pharmaceuticals, providing a theoretical basis and method guidance for the sustainable development of crocin-based traditional Chinese medicine.

Therapeutic Effectiveness of Gardenia jasminoides on Type 2 Diabetic Rats: Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics Approach.

Gardenia jasminoides fruits, a kind of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have shown prospects in the prevention of diabetes and its complications. However, due to their chemical diversity and multiple biological targets, the effective mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was applied to uncover the underlying therapeutic mechanism of G. jasminoides on type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its clinical complications. We established a T2D rat model using high-fat diet and identified 45 urinary endogenous metabolites as potential diagnostic biomarkers for T2D rats. After treatment with G. jasminoides, pathologic symptoms of T2D rats were significantly improved and some of the diagnostic biomarkers were significantly regulated. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that these therapeutic biomarkers were involved in bile acid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, vitamin B metabolism, taurine metabolism, etc., which indicated potential therapeutic mechanisms of G. jasminoides on T2D and its complications.

Development and Validation of a HPLC–PDA Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Berberine, Palmatine, Geniposide, and Paeoniflorin in Haedoksamul-tang

Haedoksamul-tang (HST) is a traditional medical prescription comprising eight medicinal herbs: Angelica gigas, Cnidium officinale, Coptis japonica, Gardenia jasminoides, Paeonia lactiflora, Phellodendron amurense, Rehmannia glutinosa, and Scutellaria baicalensis. HST is used to treat blood circulation disorders and has anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and anticonvulsant effects. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography/photodiode array detector (HPLC–PDA) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of four marker compounds in HST, namely, berberine, palmatine, geniposide, and paeoniflorin. Four standard solutions and HST sample solutions were analyzed using a reverse-phase SunFire®C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) using a 0.05% aqueous formic acid/methanol gradient. The column temperature, flow rate, injection volume, and wavelengths used were 28 ± 2 ℃, 1.0 mL/min, 10.0 μL, and 230 nm and 240 nm, respectively. Calibration curves of the four marker compounds showed good linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9994), and limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) were in the ranges 0.131–0.296 μg/mL and 0.398–0.898 μg/mL, respectively. Ranges of intra- and inter-day precisions and accuracies values were 96.74–102.53% and 97.95–100.83%, respectively, and relative standard deviation (RSD) values were all <4%. Recoveries averaged 92.33–116.72% with RSD values <5%. Quantitative analysis for the four marker compounds showed geniposide (10.77 mg/g) was most abundant in HST.

Chemical fingerprint analysis of Gardenia jasminoides fruit by high-performance liquid chromatography

A high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detector-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/UV/ESI/MSn) method was used for the chromatographic fingerprint analysis of Gardenia jasminoides fruit, Fructus Gardeniae (zhi-zi in Chinese). Thirteen batches of samples collected from 8 provinces were analyzed to standardize the fingerprint of zhi-zi. The thirteen peaks in the fingerprints of all the 13 batches of samples with reasonable height and good resolution were assigned as "characteristic peaks". Seven "characteristic peaks" were identified by comparing their retention time and MS (mass spectrum) with those of the reference substances for the first time. The Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine software was used to evaluate the similarities among the 13 batches of zhi-zi samples. The results indicated that samples from different origins had similar HPLC fingerprint and the method could be applied for the quality control of zhi-zi. In addition, the fingerprint can be used to analyze the differences of zhi-zi samples with different harvest time and different parts of Gardenia jasminoides including calyx, root, fruit (zhi-zi), leaf and stem. The results revealed that the chemical compounds in some samples picked in November varied significantly from samples in September and October. The content of geniposide in zhi-zi picked in September and October was much higher than that picked in November. Calyx, leaf, stem and root of Gardenia jasminoides had similar chemical components that were significantly different from those of zhi-zi.

Using orthogonal arrays to obtain efficient and reproducible extraction conditions of geniposide and genipin in gardenia fruit with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry determinations

The conditions to efficiently and reproducibly extract geniposide and genipin in Gardenia fruit powders were established using Taguchi experimental design approaches to improve extraction recovery. Geniposide, the major iridoid glycoside component of Gardenia fruits, which has been recognized to have choleretic effects, is transformed to Genipin in animals. In this study, the extraction conditions of geniposide and genipin such as solvent types, solvent acidities and boiling times were investigated under the guidance of experimental designs to obtain the highest content in extracts determined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods. Herbal powders ground from Gardenia fruits, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis and Gardenia jasminoides Ellis var. grandiflora Nakai, were used. This paper has successfully demonstrated the use of Taguchi orthogonal arrays to obtain proper extraction conditions of geniposide and genipin in the above fruits. These design methods are capable of obtaining the optimum extraction conditions in only nine trials in which three factors, namely solvent type, boiling time and solvent acidity are investigated. The results show that solvent acidity is the influencing factor in achieving adequate contents and the other factors only have minor influences. The highest content obtained is similar to the reported data. In addition, using Taguchi orthogonal arrays within four experimental trials has identified that the extraction of ground fine powders results in more reproducible recovery than that of coarse ones.

Extraction Methods for Obtaining Natural Blue Colorants

Background: Blue is a color not often present in food. Even so, it is especially attractive to children. Today, most blue coloring agents used by the food industry are synthetic. With increasing health issues concern by the scientific community and the general population, there is a trend to look for natural alternatives to most synthetic products. There only exist few natural blue colorants, which are presented in a literature survey, along with the methods currently used for their recovery from natural sources. The best extraction methods and process parameters for the extraction of blue anthocyanins, iridoids and phycocyanin are discussed. Methods: A literature survey was conducted to detect the main sources of blue colorants found in nature. The focus was on the extraction methods used to recover such molecules, with the objective of finding efficient and environmentally safe techniques for application at industrial level, and, thus, allowing the production of natural blue colorants at scale high enough for food industry consumption. Results: The main natural blue colorants found in literature are anthocyanins, phycocyanin, and genipin. While anthocyanins can be recovered from a variety of plants, the source of phycocyanin are algae, and genipin can be obtained specifically from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis and Genipa americana L. Several extraction techniques have been applied to recover blue colorants from such sources, from classical methods using organic solvents, to more sophisticated technologies as ultrasoundassisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, high-pressure extraction, and enzyme-assisted extraction. Conclusion: There is great potential for anthocyanins, phycocyanin and genipin use as natural food additives with health benefits, besides imparting color. However, the technologies for the colorants recovery and application are not mature enough. Therefore, this area is still developing, and it is necessary to evaluate the economic feasibility of the proposed extraction processes, along with the safety and acceptance of colored food using these additives.

Assessment of Cytocompatibility and Anti-Inflammatory (Inter)Actions of Genipin-Crosslinked Chitosan Powders.

Chitosan is a polysaccharide commonly used, together with its derivatives, in the preparation of hydrogel formulations, scaffolds and films for tissue engineering applications. Chitosan can be used as such, but it is commonly stabilized by means of chemical crosslinkers. Genipin is one of the crosslinkers that has been considered that is a crystalline powder extracted from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides and processed to obtain an aglycon compound. Genipin is gaining interest in biological applications because of its natural origin and anti-inflammatory actions. In this paper, the ability of chitosan-based materials crosslinked with genipin to exert anti-inflammation properties in applications such as bone regeneration was studied. Powders obtained from chitosan–genipin scaffolds have been tested in order to mimic the natural degradation processes occurring during biomaterials implantation in vivo. The results from osteoblast-like cells showed that specific combinations of chitosan and genipin stimulate high permissiveness towards cells, with higher performance than the pure chitosan. In parallel, evidences from monocyte-like cells showed that the crosslinker, genipin, seems to promote slowing of the monocyte-macrophage transition at morphological level. This suggests a sort of modularity of pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory behavior of our chitosan-based biomaterials. Being both the cell types exposed to microscale powders, as an added value our results bring information on the cell–material interactions in the degradative dynamics of chitosan scaffold structures during the physiological resorption processes.

Chijabyukpi-Tang Inhibits Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines via the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in TNF-α/IFN-γ-Stimulated HaCaT Cells and Ameliorates 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in Mice.

Chijabyukpi-tang (CBT) is an oriental herbal formula consisting of three herbs (Gardeniae Fructus (Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis.), Phellodendri Cortex (Phellodendron amurense Rupr.), Glycyrrhizae Radix (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC.) at the ratio of 2: 2: 1. CBT has traditionally been used to treat eczema with inflammation in Northeast Asia. The components of CBT have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, but the exact role and mechanism of CBT on atopic dermatitis (AD) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of CBT in the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line and investigated the anti-atopic effect in mice models of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions. In the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells, CBT inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and elevated the nuclear translocation of NF-E2 p45 related factors 2 (Nrf2) and subsequent production of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). CBT improved the symptoms of atopic dermatitis-like lesions in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-treated mice by suppressing the levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), and various pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The improvement effect of CBT on atopic dermatitis-like lesions can be predicted to be due to increased Nrf2 and HO-1 gene expression. These results suggest that CBT is an herbal medicine with the potential for use as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

Gardenia jasminoides extract and its constituent, genipin, inhibit activation of CD3/CD28 co-stimulated CD4+ T cells via ORAI1 channel.

Gardenia jasminoides (GJ) is a widely used herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory properties, but its effects on the ORAI1 channel, which is important in generating intracellular calcium signaling for T cell activation, remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether 70% ethanolic GJ extract (GJEtOH) and its subsequent fractions inhibit ORAI1 and determined which constituents contributed to this effect. Whole-cell patch clamp analysis revealed that GJEtOH (64.7% ± 3.83% inhibition at 0.1 mg/ml) and all its fractions showed inhibitory effects on the ORAI1 channel. Among the GJ fractions, the hexane fraction (GJHEX, 66.8% ± 9.95% at 0.1 mg/ml) had the most potent inhibitory effects in hORAI1-hSTIM1 co-transfected HEK293T cells. Chemical constituent analysis revealed that the strong ORAI1 inhibitory effect of GJHEX was due to linoleic acid, and in other fractions, we found that genipin inhibited ORAI1. Genipin significantly inhibited IORAI1 and interleukin-2 production in CD3/CD28-stimulated Jurkat T lymphocytes by 35.9% ± 3.02% and 54.7% ± 1.32% at 30 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the same genipin concentration inhibited the proliferation of human primary CD4+ T lymphocytes stimulated with CD3/CD28 antibodies by 54.9% ± 8.22%, as evaluated by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester assay. Our findings suggest that genipin may be one of the active components of GJ responsible for T cell suppression, which is partially mediated by activation of the ORAI1 channel. This study helps us understand the mechanisms of GJ in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Behavioral Responses of Thrips hawaiiensis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) to Volatile Compounds Identified from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Gentianales: Rubiaceae)

Thrips hawaiiensis is a common thrips pest of various plant flowers with host preference. Plant volatiles provide important information for host-searching in insects. We examined the behavioral responses of T. hawaiiensis adults to the floral volatiles of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, Gerbera jamesonii Bolus, Paeonia lactiflora Pallas, and Rosa chinensis Jacq. in a Y-tube olfactometer. T. hawaiiensis adults showed significantly different preferences to these four-flower plants, with the ranking of G. jasminoides > G. jamesonii > P. lactiflora ≥ R. chinensis. Further, 29 components were identified in the volatile profiles of G. jasminoides, and (Z)-3-hexenyl tiglate (14.38 %), linalool (27.45 %), and (E3,E7)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene (24.67 %) were the most abundant. Six-arm olfactometer bioassays showed that T. hawaiiensis had significant positive responses to (Z)-3-hexenyl tiglate, linalool, and (E3,E7)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene tested at various concentrations, with the most attractive ones being 10−3 μL/μL, 10−2 μL/μL and 100 μg/μL for each compound, respectively. In pairing of these three compounds at their optimal concentrations, T. hawaiiensis showed the preference ranking of (Z)-3-hexenyl tiglate > linalool > (E3,E7)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene. Large numbers of T. hawaiiensis have been observed on G. jasminoides flowers in the field, which might be caused by the high attraction of this pest to G. jasminoides floral volatiles shown in the present study. Our findings shed light on the olfactory cues routing host plant searching behavior in T. hawaiiensis, providing important information on how T. hawaiiensis targets particular host plants. The high attractiveness of the main compounds (e.g., linalool, (E3,E7)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene, particular (Z)-3-hexenyl tiglate) identified from volatiles of G. jasminoides flowers may be exploited further to develop novel monitoring and control tools (e.g., lure and kill strategies) against this flower-inhabiting thrips pest.

UJI FITOKIMIA DAN KAPASITAS ANTIOKSIDAN TEH RING CANG SEBAGAI TEH HERBAL KESEHATAN

Background: Diets that contain lots of antioxidants will reduce the risk caused by degenerative diseases. Based on this, many people develop food or health products that contain antioxidants. Jempiring leaves (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis) and Secang wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) contain bioactive and antioxidant compositions that are beneficial to health, so they are developed into herbal products.Purpose: To analyze phytochemical reserves, antioxidant capacity and conduct organoleptic tests for Ring Cang tea, describing the benefits of ring rings based on laboratory test results and literature studies on jempiring leaves and secang wood.Method: This research is a descriptive study by conducting phytochemical testing laboratory tests and DPPH antioxidant methods and conducting organoleptic tests with 15 panelists.Results: Ring tea can contain flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids and polyphenols. Ring Cang tea has an antioxidant capacity of 291.43 mg / L and IC50 1.53 μg / mL which shows the antioxidant activity of ring cang tea in the very strong category. Ring tea can be tested organoleptically accepted by panelists in terms of color, taste, and aroma, so that it can be developed into herbal teas for the community.Conclusion: Cang tea is an antioxidant tea that can be used in handling generative or degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and other diseases.

Two new iridoid glycosides from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides

Two new iridoid glycosides, 2′-O-cis-coumaroylgardoside (1), and 6′-O-caffeoylioxide (2), were isolated from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides. The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis (HR-ESI-MS, NMR) and chemical methods. The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolates were evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effects on PGE2 production in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, compounds 1 and 2 could reduce PGE2 levels in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 values of 121.4 and 83.38 μM, respectively.

Beneficial Effects of Crocin against Depression via Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide.

Depression is one of the foremost psychological illness, and the exact mechanism is unclear. Recent studies have reported that the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) signaling pathway is involved in the progression of depression. In the present study, we extracted crocin from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, to evaluate its antidepressant effect and clarify the underlying mechanism. Here, we established a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model to assess whether crocin can improve depression-like behavior in an open field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), and sucrose preference test (SPT). A corticosterone (CORT) model of PC12 was set up to explore the antidepressant mechanism of crocin. We pretreated PC12 cells with crocin for 1 hour and then stimulated the cells with CORT for 24 hours. Cell survival was detected by Hoechst staining and MTT assay. The expression of PACAP, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB), and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) were analyzed by western blotting. PACAP RNAi was used to interfere with PC12 cells to downregulate the content of PACAP. The results showed that crocin (30 mg/kg) significantly reversed the decrease of body weight and elevation of serum CORT, mitigated CUMS induced depression-like behaviors of mice, and crocin (12.5 μmol/L) protected PC12 cells against CORT (200 μmol/L)-induced injury. Furthermore, crocin greatly increased the protein expression of PACAP and phosphorylation of ERK and CREB in the CORT model. PACAP RNAi cancelled the neuroprotective effect of crocin. In conclusion, these results indicated that crocin exerted an antidepressant effect via upregulating PACAP and its downstream ERK and CREB signaling pathways.

Tandem gene duplications drive divergent evolution of caffeine and crocin biosynthetic pathways in plants

BackgroundPlants have evolved a panoply of specialized metabolites that increase their environmental fitness. Two examples are caffeine, a purine psychotropic alkaloid, and crocins, a group of glycosylated apocarotenoid pigments. Both classes of compounds are found in a handful of distantly related plant genera (Coffea, Camellia, Paullinia, and Ilex for caffeine; Crocus, Buddleja, and Gardenia for crocins) wherein they presumably evolved through convergent evolution. The closely related Coffea and Gardenia genera belong to the Rubiaceae family and synthesize, respectively, caffeine and crocins in their fruits.ResultsHere, we report a chromosomal-level genome assembly of Gardenia jasminoides, a crocin-producing species, obtained using Oxford Nanopore sequencing and Hi-C technology. Through genomic and functional assays, we completely deciphered for the first time in any plant the dedicated pathway of crocin biosynthesis. Through comparative analyses with Coffea canephora and other eudicot genomes, we show that Coffea caffeine synthases and the first dedicated gene in the Gardenia crocin pathway, GjCCD4a, evolved through recent tandem gene duplications in the two different genera, respectively. In contrast, genes encoding later steps of the Gardenia crocin pathway, ALDH and UGT, evolved through more ancient gene duplications and were presumably recruited into the crocin biosynthetic pathway only after the evolution of the GjCCD4a gene.ConclusionsThis study shows duplication-based divergent evolution within the coffee family (Rubiaceae) of two characteristic secondary metabolic pathways, caffeine and crocin biosynthesis, from a common ancestor that possessed neither complete pathway. These findings provide significant insights on the role of tandem duplications in the evolution of plant specialized metabolism.

Identification of Pathways and Genes Associated with Cold and Hot Properties of Chinese Materia Medica Based on Bioinformatics Analysis

Footnote：herb 1, Scutellaria baicalensis ；herb 2, Coptis chinensis ；herb 3, Gardenia jasminoides ；herb 4, Forsythia suspensa ；herb 5, Sophora affinis ；herb 6, Gentiana scabra ；herb 7, Aconitum napellus ；herb 8, Ephedra altissima ；herb 9, Cinnamomum cassia ；herb 10, Zingiber officinale ；herb 11, Epimedium brevicornu ；herb 12, Citrus reticulata . • The microarray data of six hot herbs and six cold herbs showed significant difference. • The difference between hot and cold herbs was mainly reflected in metabolism, the immune system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and hemorheology. • PRKACA, PRKACB, PRKCA, ADCY7, PIK3R1 and MAPK1 are the core genes related with cold and hot properties of Chinese Materia Medica. The Chinese Materia Medica can be divided into four classes: cold, cool, warm, and hot, which mainly exhibits two opposite properties: cold and hot. This study aimed to explore the scientific essence involved in the cold and hot features of Chinese Materia Medica. The microarray data of twelve cold/hot herbs with typical cold and hot properties (six for each group) were analyzed on the Gene-Cloud of Biotechnology Information. First, we compared the differences in total gene expression profiles and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two classes of herbs. Subsequently, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, pathway analysis, and gene signal network analysis were performed to screen out related pathways and core genes. This study reveals that the upregulated genes in cold herbs are downregulated in hot herbs, and the genes downregulated in cold herbs were upregulated in hot herbs. The gene expression of the two types of herbs has apparent differences, and the DEGs enrich in six systems, including metabolism, immune system, nervous system, endocrine system, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and hemorheology. PRKACA, PRKACB, PRKCA, ADCY7, PIK3R1, and MAPK1 are the core genes. These results elucidated the objectivity of the differences between cold and hot herbs at a genetic level, and identified related pathways and core genes, which may be a feasible approach for solving the qualitative and even quantitative problems of the cold and hot properties of herbs.

Effect of putrescine and type of light in callus of Gardenia Jasminoides L. content from some effective medical compounds

The experiment was carried out in the laboratory of tissue culture of Plant Production Techniques Department, at Musaib Technical College to study the effect of different concentrations of putrescine and the type of light on the content of the Gardenia from some effective medical compounds. The experiment included two factor the first consisted of two sources of light, namely light (fluorescent), LED light (18 red: 2 blue) and the second factor, the addition of Putrescine with three concentrations (0.5, 1 and 1.5) mg.l-1. Some effective medical substances (Coumaric, Ferulic, Caffeorylquanic, Sinapic acid and Tannic) acids was measured in Callus Of Gardenia using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The results were analyzed using the statistical program Genstat and the mean was measured according to the least significant difference of LSD at the probability level of 5%. The results showed superior treatment of LED lighting in the concentration of all measured active compounds, The highest concentration of compounds (Ferulic, Caffeorylquanic and Sinapic) acids was given with a concentration of 0.5 mg.l-1. The highest concentration of compounds (Coumaric and Tannic) acids. The interaction (LED + Putrescine at 0.5) gave the highest concentration of compounds (Ferulic, Caffeorylquanic and Sinapic) in Callus of Gardenia.

Effects of Gardenia Jasminoides on Serum and Tissue Aging Markers in D-galactose-Induced Aging Rat Model

Abstract Objectives Gardenia Jasminoides can decrease the aging markers and function as an anti-aging substance of D-galactose-induced aging rat model. Methods We randomly assigned the 9-week-old rats after 3 weeks of adaptation period into 4 groups (n = 8): Normal control diet group (C), D-galactose-induced aging group (A), D-galactose-induced aging with ethanol extracted Tomato group (T) (as a positive control), and D-galactose-induced aging with ethanol extracted Gardenia Jasminoides group (G). All groups except normal control group were injected with D-galactose (300 mg/kg) intra-peritoneally (i.p) for 12 weeks, and the C group was injected with 90% saline as a substitute. From the 4th week of galactose injection, the A, T, and G groups were orally administered with either distilled water, ethanol extracted tomato (as a positive control, 20 mg/kg) or ethanol extracted Gardenia Jasminoides (20 mg/kg) solution. We measured the aging markers of AGEs (Advanced glycation end products), MDA (Malondialdehyde), SOD2 (Superoxide Dismutase2) in serum, and MDA (Malondialdehyde) level in liver. Results After 12 weeks of treatment, the food intakes and body weight of all groups showed no significant differences. The serum AGEs level significantly increased in A group compare to C group, and the oral administration of ethanol extracted Gardenia Jasminoides significantly decreased the serum AGEs (P < 0.05). The D-galactose-induced aging caused the serum MDA concentration significantly elevated, however, Gardenia Jasminoides treatment did not decrease serum MDA significantly. No significant differences in SOD2 of serum and MDA of liver were observed in all groups. Conclusions From the results conclusively we suggest that Gardenia Jasminoides may improve aging markers by decreasing AGEs in serum. The liver oxidative such as SOD2, Catalase, and AKT are currently being investigated by western blot. Funding Sources No funding.

Documenting the heritage along the Silk Road: An ethnobotanical study of medicinal teas used in Southern Xinjiang, China

Ethnopharmacological relevancePeople in Southern Xinjiang, China have been consuming medicinal teas for healthcare since before the ancient Silk Road markets began. Several pharmaceutical studies have illustrated the potential healthcare benefits of medicinal teas used in Southern Xinjiang, China. However, little information is available from the literature about the diversity of the species used and related traditional knowledge of these medicinal teas. Aims of the study(i) create a comprehensive record of medicinal tea plant species (MTPS) and combinations used with related traditional knowledge for healthcare in Southern Xinjiang, China; (ii) assess safety of MTPS, and (iii) address conservation status for sustainable use of MTPS. Materials and methodsWe employed both field and market surveys from 2014 to 2019 in 10 counties/cities and four main medicinal tea markets by using semi-structured interviews. We interviewed 236 informants and 70 medicinal tea shop vendors. The commonly used MTPS were ranked by Frequency of Citation. Safety issues were assessed based on expert knowledge and with reference to the official list of Medicinal Plants Used as Food. Conservation implications of plant use were assessed as part of the interviews and this was cross referenced with official records. ResultsThe surveys revealed 145 different plants from 65 families used for making medicinal teas, expanding the list of known Chinese herbal tea species from 782 to 884. Leguminosae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae and Apiaceae were dominant families. Herbs (60.7%, 88 species) were the most commonly used plant types; fruits (23.1%, 50 species) and seeds (22.2%, 48 species) were commonly used parts. Nearly half (42.1%) of the plant species were introduced from abroad. Respondents reported more than 50 types of healthcare uses of medicinal teas. Tonic (13.7%, 71 species) and promoting digestion (9.6%, 50 species) were the most frequently mentioned healthcare uses. The majority of commonly used plant species were spices (20 species, 50%) and aromatic plants (10 species, 25%). Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl, Piper longum L. Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry and Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis were the most cited species. High doses of Piper longum L., Crocus sativus L., Curcuma longa L, and Senna alexandrina Mill. May have negative health implications. Assessments of conservation status and sustainable use of tea species indicate that wild harvesting of Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC. and Pterocarpus indicus Willd. Should be controlled and cultivation technologies should be improved. ConclusionsWe found high plant species diversity and rich traditional knowledge of medicinal teas used in Southern Xinjiang, China. The traditional healthcare uses of some of the medicinal teas are also supported by pharmaceutical evidence. Others should be investigated further. Conservation pressures exist for commonly used wild species. China's ‘Healthy China 2030’ policy should do more to take traditional cultural practices into account. In doing so, both local and national government agendas may seek to promote sustainable harvest and to protect traditional knowledge so that this cultural heritage continues to serve human well-being into the future.

Inhibition of autophagy by geniposide protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Geniposide (GP), extracted from a traditional Chinese herb Gardenia jasminoides, has extensive pharmacological effects. But the effects and the potential mechanisms of GP on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury are poorly understood. In present study, we investigated the effect of GP on myocardial I/R injury in vivo and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in vitro respectively, and its mechanism. The results showed that GP reduced myocardial infarct size, alleviated acute myocardial injury, improved cardiac function, regulated apoptosis-related proteins and inhibited apoptosis. In vitro experiments revealed that GP enhanced the cell viability, regulated apoptosis-related proteins and prevented cell apoptosis during H/R in H9c2 cells. GP inhibited the expression of autophagy-related proteins and autophagosome accumulation both in vivo and in vitro. The effects of GP were blocked by rapamycin (RAPA) administration. In summary, our results showed that GP protected against myocardial I/R injury and involved inhibition of autophagy, which might be through activating AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.