Genus Paris Research Articles

Phylotranscriptomic analyses reveal the evolutionary complexity of Paris L. (Melanthiaceae), a morphologically distinctive genus with significant pharmaceutical importance.

Previous phylogenetic studies on the pharmaceutically significant genus Paris (Melanthiaceae) have consistently revealed substantial cytonuclear discordance, yet the underlying mechanism responsible for this phenomenon remains elusive. This study aims to reconstruct a robust nuclear backbone phylogeny and elucidate the potential evolutionarily complex events contributing to previously observed cytonuclear discordance within Paris. Based on a comprehensive set of nuclear low-copy orthologous genes obtained from transcriptomic data, the intrageneric phylogeny of Paris, along with its phylogenetic relationships to allied genera were inferred, using coalescent and concatenated approaches. The analysis of gene tree discordance and reticulate evolution, in conjunction with an incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) simulation, was conducted to explore potential hybridization and ILS events in the evolutionary history of Paris and assess their contribution to the discordance of gene trees. The nuclear phylogeny unequivocally confirmed the monophyly of Paris and its sister relationship with Trillium, while widespread incongruences in gene trees were observed at the majority of internal nodes within Paris. The reticulate evolution analysis identified five instances of hybridization events in Paris, indicating that hybridization events might have recurrently occurred throughout the evolutionary history of Paris. In contrast, the ILS simulations revealed that only two internal nodes within sect. Euthyra experienced ILS events. Our data suggest that the previously observed cytonuclear discordance in the phylogeny of Paris can primarily be attributed to recurrent hybridization events, with secondary contributions from infrequent ILS events. The recurrent hybridization events in the evolutionary history of Paris not only drove lineage diversification and speciation but also facilitated morphological innovation, and enhanced ecological adaptability. Therefore, artificial hybridization has great potential for breeding medicinal Paris species. These findings significantly contribute to our comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary complexity of this pharmaceutically significant plant lineage, thereby facilitating effective exploration and conservation efforts.

Two new saponins from the rhizomes of Paris yunnanensis Franch

The phytochemical investigation on the rhizomes of Paris yunnanensis Franch. resulted in the discovery and characterisation of six compounds, including two new saponins named parisyunnanosides M-N (1–2), and four known ones (3–6). The structures of isolated compounds were determined by spectroscopic data analysis and chemical methods. Compound 2 is a pregnane-type saponin with a special α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid moiety at C-17, which is first discovered in genus Paris. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds was assessed in vitro. The results demonstrated that compounds 3 and 4 could significantly inhibit the production of NO which was induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 0.67 ± 0.17 μM and 0.85 ± 0.12 μM, respectively.

Colletotrichum paridis sp. nov., a novel endophytic species on Paris polyphylla var. chinensis

The genus Paris is a crucial medicinal herb, widely cultivated in East Asia and Europe. In 2017 a novel Colletotrichum species was isolated from leaf lesions with grey mould of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis in Sichuan Province of China. Through single-spore technique, four isolates were obtained for characterization. Phylogeny inferred from multi-locus sequences of ITS, gapdh, act, tub2, chs-1, and his3, showed that these isolates represented a novel sister species to C. jinshuiense within the C. dematium complex. Morphologically, this new species produces larger conidia than those of C. jinshuiense and cultures on PDA show a noticeable pink ring. Tests showed that this species had no pathogenicity to the host plants. Based on phylogenetic, morphological, and pathogenicity data, we propose the name C. paridis sp. nov. for this new endophyte from P. polyphylla in China.

Two previously undescribed cholestanol saponins from the rhizomes of Paris fargesii var. petiolata

Two previously undescribed cholestanol saponins, parpetiosides F − G (1–2), and six known analogs (3–8) were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris fargesii var. petiolata. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis and chemical methods. Compound 1 was a rare 6/6/6/5/5 fused-rings cholestanol saponin with disaccharide moiety linked at C-26 of aglycone which was hardly seen in genus Paris. All of these compounds were discovered in this plant for the first time. In addition, the cytotoxicities of saponins (1–8) against three human cancer cell lines (U87, HepG2 and SGC-7901) were evaluated by CCK-8 method, and saponins 5–8 displayed certain cytotoxicities. The strong interactions between saponins 5–8 and SCUBE3, an oncogene for glioma cells, were displayed by molecular docking.

Preliminary Study on Paris xuefengshanensis in Ethnobotany

The plants of the genus Paris L. in the family Melanthiaceae have high medicinal value. Paris xuefengshanensis H.Li, Z.Wang & G.W.Hu, sp. nov. ined., found in Ma'lin Yao Township, Xinning County, Hunan Province, China, is a new species with traditional uses and cultivation in the local area. The main goal of this study is to understand the traditional knowledge of the Yao ethnic villagers in Malin Township, Xinning County, regarding the use of Paris xuefengshanensis through ethnobotanical field surveys. This includes gathering information on local names, uses, and methods of utilization. Additionally, the research aims to review the current status of pharmacological studies on plants belonging to the Paris genus through literature research. Research on the pharmacological activities of the genus Paris mainly focuses on its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic activities. Additionally, it possesses sedative and analgesic properties, as well as antibacterial, anti-myocardial ischemia, antioxidant, and immune-regulating effects. The survey results found that Paris xuefengshanensis is effective in treating unidentified swellings, snake bites, contusions, and carbuncles. It also has certain effects in pain relief and tumor treatment.

New steroidal saponins from the aerial parts of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis and their effects on blood coagulation

Five new steroidal saponins, paripolins D-H (1–5), and 6 known compounds (6–11) were isolated from the aerial parts of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. The structures of 1–5 were determined using spectroscopic analyses in conjunction with acid hydrolysis. It is for the first time to report the 12-hydroxysteroidal saponins from the genus Paris. The effect of all isolated compounds on blood coagulation was determined in vitro using the plasma recalcification time method. Compounds 1 and 2 showed potent procoagulant activity, and 5–11 exhibited significant anticoagulant activity.

Steroid and triterpenoid saponins from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. stenophylla.

Five new saponins, including three steroid saponins, paristenoids A-C (1-3), and two triterpenoid saponins, paristenoids D-E (4-5), along with four known ones (6-9) were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. stenophylla. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified mainly by detailed spectroscopic analysis, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR, MS, as well as chemical methods. Compound 3 is a new cyclocholestanol-type steroidal saponin with a rare 6/6/6/5/5 fused-rings cholestanol skeleton, and this skeleton has been first found from the genus Paris. The cytotoxicities of the isolated compounds against three human three glioma cell lines (U87MG, U251MG and SHG44) were evaluated, and compound 7 displayed certain inhibitory effect with IC50 values of 15.22 ± 1.73, 18.87 ± 1.81 and 17.64 ± 1.69 μmol·L-1, respectively.

Discrimination and Evaluation of Wild Paris Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS and FT-IR Spectroscopy in Combination with Multivariable Analysis.

Genus Paris has numerous bioactive constituents such as steroid saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharose which are responsible for antitumor, hemostatic, and anthelmintic, etc. In this study, ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in combination with multivariable analysis were employed to discriminate the different species of Paris including P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PPY), P. polyphylla var. alba, P. mairei (PM), P. vietnamensis, and P. polyphylla var. stenophylla. Partial least square discriminate analysis based on UHPLC, FT-IR, and midlevel data fusion was used to distinguish 43 batches of Paris. Chemical constituents of different species Paris were determined by UHPLC-QTOF-MS. The result indicated that midlevel data fusion had a good performance in the classification compared to a single analytical technology. A total of 47 compounds were identified in different species Paris. The similar results indicated that PM could be treated as a proposal substitute of PPY.

Revision on the Genus Paris in Thailand, with a New Species Paris siamensis.

The genus Paris is an important and confusing taxon due to high variation within species, and differences between species are sometimes difficult to delimit. Thus, the status of some taxa has changed over time. To clarify the status of Paris species for plant conservation and effective management of this genus in Thailand, we performed an intensive survey in northern Thailand, studied morphological characteristics, and constructed a molecular phylogenic tree, which we compared to recently published results of this genus. Our results indicate that there are two species in Thailand: P. yunnanensis and a new species, P. siamensis. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and the phylogenetic position of these two species are provided here.

Cytotoxic steroidal glycosides from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis

Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz. (Melanthiaceae), an important specie of the genus Paris, has long been in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a long time. This study aimed to isolate and identify the structures of bioactive saponins from the rhizomes of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis and evaluate their cytotoxicity against BxPC-3, HepG2, U373 and SGC-7901 carcinoma cell lines. Seven previously undescribed and seven known saponins were identified, and Paris saponins VII (PSVII) showed significant cytotoxicity against the BxPC-3 cell line with IC50 values of 3.59 μM. Furthermore, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy and western-bolt analysis revealed that PSVII inhibited the proliferation of BxPC-3 cells and might be involved in inducing apoptosis and pyroptosis by activating caspase-3, -7 and caspase-1, respectively.

PPDP: A Data Portal of Paris polyphylla for Polyphyllin Biosynthesis and Germplasm Resource Exploration

Paris polyphylla Smith is a perennial medicinal herb with records from around 2000 years ago. Polyphyllins are the main bioactive compounds of this herb, which are found to have remarkable effects on bacteriostatic, antiphlogistic, sedative, and antitumor. However, the market demand for P. polyphylla is sharply increasing, and the wild resources are threatened by plundering exploitation. Integrating molecular data of P. polyphylla can benefit the sustainable resource exploitation. Here, we constructed PPDP (Paris polyphylla Data Portal) to provide a data platform for polyphyllin biosynthesis and germplasm resource research. PPDP integrates related molecular data resources, functional genomics analysis, and morphological identification. The database provides abundant data (transcriptome, CDS, lncRNA, alternative splicing, gene family, SSR, and chloroplast genome) and practical analytical tools (network construction, heatmap of expression profiles, enrichment, and pathway search) with a user-friendly interface. So far, PPDP is the first biomolecular database for the genus Paris plants. In the future, we will gradually add genomic data and other necessary molecular biological information to improve the database.

Cytotoxic steroidal saponins from the rhizomes of Paris fargesii var. Petiolata

Phytochemical investigation on the rhizomes of Paris fargesii var. petiolata (Baker ex C. H. Wright) Wang et Tang led to the isolation of five previously undescribed steroidal saponins, parpetiosides A–E (1–5), and six known analogs (6–11). Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic data analysis and chemical methods. Compound 5 was a rare steroidal saponin with disaccharide moiety linked at C-26 of dehydrokryptogenin that was hardly seen in the genus Paris. The cytotoxicities of the isolated compounds against three human cancer cell lines (U87, HepG2 and SGC-7901) were evaluated, and compound 1 displayed certain inhibitory effect with IC50 values of 8.02 ± 0.45, 8.24 ± 0.57 and 6.20 ± 0.79 μM, respectively. Moreover, the preliminary mechanism of 1 inhibiting the proliferation of the three cancer cell lines might be related to cell cycle distribution and the induction of S phase arrest.

New Steroidal Saponins Isolated from the Rhizomes of Paris mairei.

The genus Paris is an excellent source of steroidal saponins that exhibit various bioactivities. Paris mairei is a unique species and has been widely used as folk medicine in Southwest China for a long time. With the help of chemical methods and modern spectra analysis, five new steroidal saponins, pamaiosides A–E (1–5), along with five known steroidal saponins 6–10, were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris mairei. The cytotoxicity of all the new saponins was evaluated against human pancreatic adenocarcinoma PANC-1 and BxPC3 cell lines.

Cloning and Functional Characterization of a Squalene Synthase from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis.

Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand. - Mazz. is a precious traditional Chinese medicine, and steroidal saponins are its major bioactive constituents possessing extensive biological activities. Squalene synthase (SQS) catalyzes the first dedicated step converting two molecular of farnesyl diphosphate (FDP) into squalene, a key intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway of steroidal saponins. In this study, a squalene synthase gene (PpSQS1) was cloned and functionally characterized from P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, representing the first identified SQS from the genus Paris. The open reading frame of PpSQS1 is 1239 bp, which encodes a protein of 412 amino acids showing high similarity to those of other plant SQSs. Expression of PpSQS1 in Escherichia coli resulted in production of soluble recombinant proteins. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the purified recombinant PpSQS1 protein could produce squalene using FDP as a substrate in the in vitro enzymatic assay. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that PpSQS1 was highly expressed in rhizomes, consistent with the dominant accumulation of steroidal saponins there, suggesting that PpSQS1 is likely involved in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins in the plant. The findings lay a foundation for further investigation on the biosynthesis and regulation of steroidal saponins, and also provide an alternative gene for manipulation of steroid production using synthetic biology.

Chloroplast phylogenomic analysis provides insights into the evolution of Paris liiana sp. nov

Paris liiana sp. nov is a species of flowering herb of the genus Paris and widely distributed in the southwest of China. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of P. liiana sp. nov to investigate its phylogenetic relationship in genus Paris. The cp genome of P. liiana sp. nov was 163,860 bp in length, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,415 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 12,947 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) region of 33,249 bp. The overall GC content was 37.0%. The genome comprises of 135 genes, including 91 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic relationship analysis based on complete cp genome sequences exhibited that P. liiana sp. nov was most related to P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis.

Influence of drying process on furostanoside and spirostanoside profiles of Paridis Rhizoma by combination of HPLC, UPLC and UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analyses

Drying method is one of the important factors affecting quality of traditional Chinese medicine. To study the effect of shaded drying and hot air drying on steroidal saponins of Paridis Rhizoma (PR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to investigate the difference of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis (PPC) samples treated by different methods, and then, a rapid and reliable ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was established to quantitatively analyze the content change of ten steroidal saponins. Hot air drying at 50 ℃ could obviously improve the content of polyphyllin Ⅶ, 17-hydroxygracillin and polyphyllin H, which were major steroidal saponins in PPC. Based on that, the main component changes induced by different drying methods were further analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS), and the structural identification of varied components revealed that hot air drying could promote the transformation of proto-pennogenyl glycosides to pennogenyl glycosides. This phenomenon was also found in other plants of genus Paris rich in diosgenyl glycosides. The present study provided a useful method for improving quality of PR and valuable information for TCM containing steroidal saponins.

The first complete chloroplast genome sequence of Paris polyphylla var. emeiensis, a rare and endangered species

Paris polyphylla var. emeiensis H. X. Yin, H. Zhang & D. Xue is a member of the genus Paris endemic to southwest of China. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of P. polyphylla var. emeiensis was 164,854 bp in length with 36.96% overall GC content, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,438 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 12,892 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 33,762 bp. There were 135 genes in total, including 89 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated P. polyphylla var. emeiensis was closely related to P. fargesii and P. cronquistii.

Molecular networking uncovers steroidal saponins of Paris tengchongensis

Based on a method combining the LC-MS/MS molecular networking strategy with the conventional means of phytochemical research, the chemical constituents and the availability of Paris tengchongensis, a new species found in 2017 from Yunnan Province, were investigated for the first time. The molecular networking showed that this species contained the characteristic steroidal glycosides of the genus Paris by comparison of those of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. Furthermore, the detailed investigation on the 80% EtOH extract of its rhizomes resulted to the isolation of twenty steroidal glycosides including three new spirostane-type saponins, named paristengosides A-C (1–3). Their structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analyses (HRMS and NMR) and chemical methods. The new isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against two human cancer cell lines (HEL and MDA-MB-231), anti-inflammatory effects on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated NO production model in RAW264.7 macrophages, anti-AChE, and antimicrobial activities. The results from the molecular networking and the investigation on the chemical constituents suggested that P. tengchongensis can be used as a potential resource of Rhizoma Paridis.

Karyotypic and molecular cytogenetic characterization of diploid and polyploid accessions of medicinal herbs in the genus Paris from northern Thailand

Karyotypic and molecular cytogenetic characterization of diploid and polyploid accessions of medicinal herbs in the genus Paris from northern Thailand

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the medicinal plant Paris polyphylla (Melanthiaceae)

Paris polyphylla is a medicinal plant commonly used in southwest of China. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of P. polyphylla to investigate its phylogenetic relationship in the genus Paris. The chloroplast genome of P. polyphylla was 163,533 bp in length with 37.1% overall GC content, including a large single copy (LSC) region of 84,272 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 12,899 bp and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 33,181 bp. The cp genome contained 114 genes, including 79 protein coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis indicated P. polyphylla was closely related to P. marmorata.