Lobelia Chinensis Research Articles

Lobelia chinensis Lour inhibits the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the regulation of the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLobelia chinensis Lour. (LCL) is a common herb used for clearing heat and detoxifying, and it has antitumor activity. Quercetin is one of its important components, which may play an important role in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aim of the studyTo study the active ingredients of LCL, their mechanism of action on HCC, and lay the foundations for the development of new drugs for the treatment of HCC. Materials and methodsNetwork pharmacology was used to examine the probable active ingredients and mechanisms of action of LCL in HCC treatment. Based on an oral bioavailability of ≥30% and a drug-likeness index of ≥0.18, relevant compounds were selected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and TCM Database@Taiwan. HCC-related targets were identified using gene cards and the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database. A Venn diagram was created to assess the relationship between the intersection of disease and medication targets by creating a protein–protein interaction network, and the hub targets were selected by topology. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID tool. Finally, in vivo and in vitro experiments (qRT-PCR, western blotting, hematoxylin and eosin staining, transwell assays, scratch tests, and flow cytometry assays) verified that LCL demonstrated notable therapeutic effects on HCC. ResultsIn total, 16 bioactive LCL compounds met the screening criteria. The 30 most important LCL therapeutic target genes were identified. Of these, AKT1 and MAPK1 were the most important target genes, and the AKT signaling pathway was identified as the key pathway. Transwell and scratch assays showed that LCL prevented cell migration, and flow cytometry tests revealed that the LCL-treated group showed a considerably higher rate of apoptosis than the control group. LCL reduced tumor formation in mice in vivo, and Western blot analysis of tumor tissues treated with LCL indicated variations in PTEN, p-MAPK and p-AKT1 levels. The results show that LCL may inhibit the progression of HCC through the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway to achieve the goal of treating HCC. ConclusionLCL is a broad-spectrum anticancer agent. These findings reveal potential treatment targets and strategies for preventing the spread of cancer, which could aid in screening potential traditional Chinese medicine for anticancer and clarifying their mechanisms.

In silico evaluation of flavonoids as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main nonstructural proteins (Nsps)-amentoflavone as a multitarget candidate.

Despite the development of vaccines against COVID-19 disease and the multiple efforts to find efficient drugs as treatment for this virus, there are too many social, political, economic, and health inconveniences to incorporate a fully accessible plan of prevention and therapy against SARS-CoV-2. In this sense, it is necessary to find nutraceutical/pharmaceutical drugs as possible COVID-19 preventives/treatments. Based on their beneficial effects, flavonoids are one of the most promising compounds. Therefore, using virtual screening, 478 flavonoids obtained from the KEGG database were evaluated against non-structural proteins Nsp1, Nsp3, Nsp5, Nsp12, and Nsp15, which are essential for the virus-host cell infection, searching for possible multitarget flavonoids. Amentoflavone, a biflavonoid found mainly in Ginkgo biloba, Lobelia chinensis, and Byrsonima intermedia, can interact and bind with the five proteins, suggesting its potential as a multitarget inhibitor. Molecular docking calculations and structural analysis (RMSD, number of H bonds, and clustering) performed from molecular dynamics simulations of the amentoflavone-protein complex support this potential. The results shown here are theoretical evidence of the probable multitarget inhibition of non-structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 by amentoflavone, which has wide availability, low cost, no side effects, and long history of use. These results are solid evidence for future in vitro and in vivo experiments aiming to validate amentoflavone as an inhibitor of the Nsp1, 3, 5, 12, and 15 of SARS-CoV-2.

Lobelia chinensis Extract and Its Active Compound, Diosmetin, Improve Atopic Dermatitis by Reinforcing Skin Barrier Function through SPINK5/LEKTI Regulation.

The skin acts as a mechanical barrier that protects the body from the exterior environment, and skin barrier function is attributed to the stratum corneum (SC), which is composed of keratinocytes and skin lipids. Skin barrier homeostasis is maintained by a delicate balance between the differentiation and exfoliation of keratinocytes, and keratinocyte desquamation is regulated by members of the serine protease kalikrein (KLK) family and their endogenous inhibitor SPINK5/LEKTI (serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 5/lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor). Furthermore, SPINK5/LEKTI deficiency is involved in impaired skin barrier function caused by KLK over-activation. We sought to determine whether increased SPINK5/LEKTI expression ameliorates atopic dermatitis (AD) by strengthening skin barrier function using the ethanol extract of Lobelia chinensis (LCE) and its active compound, diosmetin, by treating human keratinocytes with UVB and using a DNCB-induced murine model of atopic dermatitis. LCE or diosmetin dose-dependently increased the transcriptional activation of SPINK5 promoter and prevented DNCB-induced skin barrier damage by modulating events downstream of SPINK5, that is, KLK, PAR2 (protease activated receptor 2), and TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin). LCE or diosmetin normalized immune response in DNCB treated SKH-1 hairless mice as determined by reductions in serum immunoglobulin E and interleukin-4 levels and numbers of lesion-infiltrating mast cells. Our results suggest that LCE and diosmetin are good candidates for the treatment of skin barrier-disrupting diseases such as Netherton syndrome or AD, and that they do so by regulating SPINK5/LEKTI.

Simultaneous Determination of Four Marker Compounds in Lobelia chinensis Lour. Extract by HPLC-PDA

Lobelia chinensis Lour. (L. chinensis) has traditionally been used as a treatment for snake bites, high fever, jaundice, edema, and diarrhea, and modern studies have reported its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral activities. L. chinensis contains various compounds, such as flavonoids and coumarins, and its flavonoid components have been identified in many studies. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatograph equipped with a photodiode array (PDA) detector and an Aegispak C18-L reverse-phase column (4.6 mm × 250 mm i.d., 5 μm) was used to simultaneously analyze four marker components in L. chinensis for standardization purposes. HPLC-PDA (detection at 340 nm), performed using a 0.1% formic acid-water/0.1% formic acid-acetonitrile gradient, separated the four marker compounds: luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl (1→2)-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside, clerodendrin, chrysoeriol-7-O-diglucuronide, and diosmin. The developed analytical method showed excellent linearity values (r2 > 0.9991), limits of detection (LODs: 0.376–2.152 μg/mL), limits of quantification (LOQs: 1.147–6.521 μg/mL), intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD < 1.96%), and analyte recoveries (96.83–127.07%; RSD < 1.73%); thus, it was found to be suitable for the simultaneous analysis of these four marker compounds in L. chinensis.

Predicting the effects of reservoir impoundment on phytoplankton and shoreline vegetation communities using the space-time substitution method

Abstract The prediction of the influence of reservoir impoundment on water quality and phytoplankton community is the basis of ecological compensation or restoration. The aim of the current study was to predict the effects of reservoir impoundment on phytoplankton and shoreline vegetation communities using the space-time substitution method. The Huangjinxia Reservoir under construction on the Han River was selected as the research object. The space-time substitution method indicated that the average values of the total phosphorus (TP) and ammonia (NH4+-N) increased from 0.049 and 0.279 mg L−1 to 0.139 and 1.132 mg L−1, respectively, after reservoir impoundment. The percentage of diatom biomass exceeded 95% before the reservoir impoundment. However, it was gradually decreased to 75% after the reservoir impoundment. Meanwhile, the biomass of Chlorophyta, Cryptophyta and Pyrrophyta increased significantly, accounting for 32, 20 and 13% of the total biomass, respectively, after reservoir impoundment. Cynodon dactylon (65.3%), Polygonum hydropiper (51.7%) and Aster subulatus (50.3%) were the dominant shoreline vegetation before the reservoir impoundment, whereas after the reservoir impoundment, the dominant species shifted to Alternanthera philoxeroides (62.3%), Lobelia chinensis (55.7%) and C. dactylon (53.9%). Our results suggested that the percentage of bloom-forming phytoplankton would gradually increase after the reservoir impoundment. In addition, A. philoxeroides, C. dactylon and L. chinensis would be the plants suitable for living in the shoreline of reservoirs in this area.

The use of lobetyolin and HPLC-UV fingerprints for quality assessment of radix codonopsis

In 2005 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, lobetyolin was used as a marker for TLC identification of Radix Codonopsis, whose source plants are Codonopsis pilosula, C. pilosula var. modesta and C. tangshen. Quantification of lobetyolin in 44 samples derived from eight species of Codonopsis and another four genera of the same family Campanulaceae revealed that lobetyolin is present in all Codonopsis species and in Campanumoea javanica, Platycodon grandiflorum and Lobelia chinensis. In fact, the other five Codonopsis species are commonly used as the substitutes of Radix Codonopsis, and the roots of Campanumoea javanica and Platycodon grandiflorum are sometimes found as the adulterants. Contents of lobetyolin were found variable among different samples, and some substitutes and adulterants actually had comparably high contents of lobetyolin. Therefore, lobetyolin should be taken only as a general but not a definitive marker for the identification of Radix Codonopsis. HPLC-UV fingerprints with seven characteristic peaks were established for discriminating Radix Codonopsis from its adulterants, but more specific and definitive markers remain to be identified for differentiating Radix Codonopsis from its substitutes.

Network Pharmacology-Based Dissection of the Anti-diabetic Mechanism of Lobelia chinensis.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic inflammatory disease, and the rapidly increasing DM is becoming a major problem of global public health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating diabetes. It has been developed and utilized because of its good efficacy and no toxic side effects. Lobelia chinensis is a traditional whole grass herbal. With the continuous deepening of pharmacological research on TCM, the active ingredients of L. chinensis are continuously revealed, which contained the alkaloids, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides and amino acids that have the good effects of anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-diabetic. In order to further explore the targets of active ingredients and its anti-diabetic mechanism, a feasible network pharmacology analysis model based on chemical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological data was developed by network construction method to clarify the anti-diabetic mechanism of L. chinensis. The present study conducted by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC/MS), which identified 208 metabolites of L. chinensis, of which 23 ingredients may have effective pharmacological effects after absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) screening. Network pharmacological analysis on the active ingredients revealed that 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in L. chinensis affects the insulin resistance signaling pathway by acting on GSK3B, TNF, and MAPK1, acacetin affects the diabetic pathway by acting on INSR, DPP4, and GSK3B, that regulate type 2 diabetes, non-insulin-dependent DM, and inflammatory diseases. These results successfully indicated the potential anti-diabetic mechanism of the active ingredients of L. chinensis.

The Evolution of Weed Population in Golf Turf of Southern China

Based on the investigation of weed in warm season turf of 46 Golf courses in southern China during 1998-2000 and 2013-2015 respectively. 159 kinds of weed were determined. Most of weed population or community contained 20 kinds of element weed including Digitaria sanguinalis, Paspalum conjugatum, Axonpus compressus, Panicum repens, Poa annua; Cyperus rotundus, Kyllinga brevifolia; Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Oxalis corniculata, Kummerowia striata, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Desmodium triflorum, Mimosa pudica, Centella asiatica, Securinega suffiruticosa, Viola japonica, Hedyotis corymbosa, Euphorbia humifusa, Lobelia chinensis and Alysicarpus vaginalis in 2000. While it changed to new 20 kinds of element weed including Digitaria ischaemum, Digitaria sanguinalis, Poa annua, Brachiaria villosa, Axonpus compressus, Cynodon dactylon, Paspalum distichum, Eragrostis pilosa, Panicum repens, Dactyloctenium aegyptium; Kyllinga brevifolia, Cyperus rotundus; Euphorbia humifusa, Hedyotis corymbosa, Desmodium triflorum, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Centella asiatica, Alysicarpus vaginalis, Kummerowia striata and Trifolium repens in 2015. The investigation showed that grasses were increasing rapidly, broadleaf weeds were decreasing comparing with the weeds 15 years ago in the same golf courses. The paper showed 24 pieces of picture related those population or community. Author also analyzed the possible factors to influence the evolution of weed population. It may due to hand weeding, competition, climate changing, improper maintain and improper herbicide application.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Multiple Pathways of <i>Lobelia chinensis</i> in Inhibiting <i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i>

Clinically, Lobelia chinensis has the potential to treat Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) infections. This study demonstrated that Lobelia chinensis and penicillin have comparative inhibitory effects when their concentration was 12 mg/mL. To uncover the possible pathways of inhibition of GAS by Lobelia chinensis, transcriptome analysis was used to explore significantly changed genes when GAS was cultured under Lobelia chinensi. Lobelia chinensis could induce alterations of 366 genes in expression level, mainly involving biosynthesis process, translation, cytoplasm, and lipid, carbohydrate metabolic process. In addition, penicillin only induced 17 genes alteration and no GO/KEGG pathway enrichment. Therefore, Lobelia chinensis showed more modes of regulating GAS than penicillin. The regulatory modes of Lobelia chinensis may be the inhibition of cell replication and growth of GAS. This study indicated that Lobelia chinens is a potential drug for the treatment of GAS infection due to its considerable inhibition effects and multiple inhibition modes.

Study of Commercially Available Lobelia chinensis Products Using Bar-HRM Technology.

There is an unmet need for herbal medicine identification using a fast, sensitive, and easy-to-use method that does not require complex infrastructure and well-trained technicians. For instance, the detection of adulterants in Lobelia chinensis herbal product has been challenging, since current detection technologies are not effective due to their own limits. High Resolution Melting (HRM) has emerged as a powerful new technology for clinical diagnosis, research in the food industry and in plant molecular biology, and this method has already highlighted the complexity of species identification. In this study, we developed a method of species specific detection of L. chinensis using HRM analysis combined with internal transcribed spacer 2. We then applied this method to commercial products purporting to contain L. chinensis. Our results demonstrated that HRM can differentiate L. chinensis from six common adulterants. HRM was proven to be a fast and accurate technique for testing the authenticity of L. chinensis in herbal products. Based on these results, a HRM approach for herbal authentication is provided.

The anti-tubercular activity of Melia azedarach L. and Lobelia chinensis Lour. and their potential as effective anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis candidate agents

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-mycobacterial activity of Melia azedarach L. (M. azedarach) and Lobelia chinensis Lour. (L. chinensis) extracts against the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). MethodsThe anti-M. tuberculosis activity of M. azedarach and L. chinensis extracts were evaluated using different indicator methods such as resazurin microtiter assay (REMA) and mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) 960 system assay. The M. tuberculosis was incubated with various concentrations (50–800 μg/mL) of the extracts for 5 days in the REMA, and for 4 weeks in MGIT 960 system assay. ResultsM. azedarach and L. chinensis extracts showed their anti-M. tuberculosis activity by strongly inhibiting the growth of M. tuberculosis in a concentration-dependent manner in the REMA and the MGIT 960 system assay. Particularly, the methanol extract of M. azedarach and n-hexane extract of L. chinensis consistently exhibited their effects by effectively inhibiting the growth of M. tuberculosis in MGIT 960 system for 4 weeks with a single-treatment, indicating higher anti-M. tuberculosis activity than other extracts, and their minimum inhibitory concentrations were measured as 400 μg/mL and 800 μg/mL, respectively. ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that M. azedarach and L. chinensis extracts not only have unique anti-M. tuberculosis activity, but also induce the selective anti-M. tuberculosis effects by consistently inhibiting or blocking the growth of M. tuberculosis through a new pharmacological action. Therefore, this study suggests the potential of them as effective candidate agents of next-generation for developing a new anti-tuberculosis drug, as well as the advantage for utilizing traditional medicinal plants as one of effective strategies against tuberculosis.

Current therapeutic role and medicinal potential of Scutellaria barbata in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western research

Ethnopharmacological relevanceScutellaria barbata is a common herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) most often used to treat cancer. S. barbata has been found to exhibit efficacy both in vitro and in vivo on a variety of cancer types. Similarly encouraging results have been shown in patients with metastatic breast cancer from Phase Ia and Ib clinical trials. This study aims to elucidate the current use of S. barbata by TCM practitioners and in current Western research. Materials and methodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen TCM practitioners in Beijing and Nanjing, China to understand their clinical use of S. barbata. Practitioners were also asked to comment on the future development of TCM using Western research methods and the potential for integration of the two types of medicine in clinical therapy. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare use of S. barbata by disease and in conjunction with other herbs. ResultsCurrent Western research related to S. barbata is focused on cancer treatment, which corresponds to the most common use of S. barbata by TCM practitioners. Other common uses that practitioners reported included infection and inflammation, for which Beijing practitioners reported use of S. barbata more often than Nanjing practitioners (p<0.05). Hedyotis diffusa was found to be the most commonly cited herb to pair with S. barbata for cancer treatment (p<0.05). When compared to Western clinical trials of BZL101, an S. barbata extract, TCM practitioners reported using smaller doses of S. barbata in shorter durations, in combination with numerous other herbs with the goal to potentiate therapeutic efficacy and mitigate side effects. In addition, TCM practitioners repeatedly emphasized symptom differentiating as the key to achieving maximum therapeutic potential of S. barbata, a factor typically overlooked in Western research. ConclusionSimilarities and differences in diagnosis and treatment regimens between TCM practitioners and Western research have the potential to shed light on possible new avenues of research. Additional research may prove beneficial on possible synergistic effects of herbs commonly used with S. barbata, such as Hedyotis diffusa and Lobelia chinensis.

An on-line high-performance liquid chromatography−diode-array detector−multi-stage mass spectrometry−deoxyribonucleic acid−4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole−fluorescence detector system for screening the DNA-binding active compounds in Fufang Banbianlian Injection

Fufang Banbianlian Injection (FBI), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been recently approved and extensively used as a newly anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor drug. This prescription comprises an equal ratio of three traditional Chinese herbs, Lobelia chinensis Lour, Scutellaria barbata D. Don and Hedyotis diffusa Willd. The relationships between its chemical compositions and activities have not been understood well yet. To investigate the ingredients and their DNA-binding activities in FBI, an on-line high-performance liquid chromatography−diode-array detector−multi-stage mass spectrometry−deoxyribonucleic acid−4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole−fluorescence detector (HPLC−DAD−MSn−DNA−DAPI−FLD) system was developed using a combination of chromatographic, mass spectrometric and fluorescent detection techniques. 4′,6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) specifically binds to three ATT base pairs on the DNA minor groove, and thus can be used as a fluorescent probe for screening active compounds that compete ATT sequences with DAPI. Using this system, 21 of 58 identified or tentatively characterized compounds in FBI showed DNA-binding activities, with most of the active compounds being flavone glycosides. In addition, the structure–activity relationships of these active compounds suggested that conjugated planar structures are favorable for DNA-binding activities, and adjacent hydroxyl groups in flavonoids can significantly improve their activities. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first application of DAPI as a fluorescent probe for the screening of DNA-binding active compounds in complex samples.

Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Lobelia chinensis in vitro and in vivo.

Lobelia chinensis Lour (LcL) is a popular herb that has been widely used as folk medicine in China for the treatment of fever, lung cancer, and inflammation for hundreds of years. Recently, several studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties were correlated with the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) from the NF-κB pathway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of L. chinensis. Both suppressive activities on LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro and the acute rat lung injury model in vivo were studied. The results showed that the methanol extract of LcL and its fractions within the range of 62.5-250 μg/mL did not induce cytotoxicity (p < 0.001). The ethyl acetate fraction of LcL showed better NO inhibition activity than other fractions. On the other hand, the Lc-EA (62.5, 125, 250 mg/kg) pretreated rats showed a decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-β, IL-6) and inhibited iNOS, COX-2 expression through the NF-κB pathway. These results suggested that L. chinensis exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect through the NF-κB pathways.

Lobelia chinensis: chemical constituents and anticancer activity perspective

Research has demonstrated that many chemical constituents dominated by piperidine alkaloids and flavonoids, such as lobelanidine, lobeline, and lobelanine, have been obtained from Lobelia chinensis Lour. Experimental studies and clinical applications have also indicated that L. chinensis possesses a number of pharmacological activities (e.g., diuretic, choleretic, breathing excitement, anti-venom, anti-bacterial, and anticancer). This paper focuses on the properties, chemical constituents, and anticancer activity of L. chinensis to clarify the connection among them, and identify the active anticancer compounds. This work serves as the foundation for further research and development of L. chinensis.

A study on the effect of aqueous extract of &lt;i&gt;Lobelia chinensis&lt;/i&gt; on colon precancerous lesions in rats

This paper studies the effects of Lobelia chinensis on colon precancerous lesions and on colonic epithelial proliferation and apoptosis in DMH-induced rats. After two weeks of feeding, 50 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, namely the normal group, model group, Lobelia chinensis low-dose group, medium-dose group and high-dose group. Lobelia chinensis was made into ACF model, and administered to experimental groups for 10 consecutive weeks. Control group was given equivalent amount of normal saline. After feeding for 10 weeks, the rats in each group were sacrificed and the changes in colonic ACF number of rats in experimental groups were observed, and the inhibition rates were calculated. The results showed that among the rats fed for 24 h and 48 h, the number of apoptotic cells in colonic crypts of rats in DMH group did not differ significantly from the control group, while the difference was obvious between the control group and Lobelia chinensis treatment groups. The medium and high doses, that is, 0.45 g/kg and 1.35 g/kg can significantly inhibit ACF formation (P<0.01). The inhibition rates of low, medium and high doses were 8.12%, 59.42% and 65.44%, respectively.

First Report of Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Glomerella magna on Lobelia chinensis in China.

Lobelia chinensis is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Campanulaceae that is native to China, where it grows well in moist to wet soils. It is commonly used as a Chinese herbal medicine. In May 2012, symptoms of leaf spot were observed on leaves of L. chinensis in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The leaf lesions began as small, water-soaked, pale greenish to grayish spots, which enlarged to gray to pale yellowish spots, 4 to 6 mm in diameter. At later stages, numerous acervuli appeared on the lesions. Acervuli were mostly epiphyllous, and 40 to 196 μm in diameter. On potato dextrose agar (PDA), a fungus was consistently recovered from symptomatic leaf samples, with a 93% isolation rate from 60 leaf pieces that were surface sterilized in 75% ethanol for 30 s and then in 0.1% mercuric chloride for 45 s. Three single-spore isolates were used to evaluate cultural and morphological characteristics of the pathogen. Setae were two to three septate, dark brown at the base, acicular, and up to 90 μm long. Conidia were long oblong-elliptical, guttulate, hyaline, and 11 to 20 × 4.1 to 6.3 μm (mean 15.2 × 5.1 μm). These morphological characteristics of the fungus were consistent with the description of Colletotrichum magna (teleomorph Glomerella magna Jenkins & Winstead) (1). The rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of one isolate, LC-1, was sequenced (GenBank Accession No. KC815123), and it showed 100% identity to G. magna, GenBank HM163187.1, an isolate from Brazil cultured from papaya (2). Although KC815123 was identified as G. magna, it shows 99% identity to GenBank sequences from isolates of C. magna, and more research is needed to elucidate the relationships between these taxa, especially with consideration to host specificity. Pathogenicity tests were performed with each of the three isolates by spraying conidial suspensions (1 × 106 conidia/ml) containing 0.1% Tween 20 onto the surfaces of leaves of 30-day-old and 6- to 8-cm-high plants. For each isolate, 30 leaves from five replicate plants were treated. Control plants were treated with sterilized water containing 0.1% Tween 20. All plants were incubated for 36 h at 25°C and 90% relative humidity in an artificial climate chamber, and then moved into a greenhouse. Seven days after inoculation, gray spots typical of field symptoms were observed on all inoculated leaves, but no symptoms were seen on water-treated control plants. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by reisolation of G. magna from diseased leaves. To our knowledge, this is the first report of G. magna infecting L. chinensis worldwide.

Development of the chromatographic fingerprint of Scutellaria barbata D. Don by GC–MS combined with Chemometrics methods

Gas chromatography fingerprint of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) from different origins was studied by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and related Chemometrics methods. The constituents of essential oil of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) and its two adulterants Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) and Lobelia chinensis Lour (LCL) were analyzed and compared, 50, 36 and 38 components were identified from SB, OD and LCL, respectively, there were 16 and 18 common components between SB and OD, SB and LCL. Nine different samples collected from different producing areas of SB were studied. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of retention time and peak area of each component were less than 0.2% and 6%, respectively. The number of common peaks was up to 52 and the un-common peak area was less than 10%. The similarity and difference among SB and its adulterants were also evaluated by correlation coefficient similarity analysis and principal component analysis, the result showed that developed fingerprint characterize the SB from different producing areas and it is useful and feasible for the discrimination of its adulterants.

Efficacy of orally administered Lobelia chinensis extracts on herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in BALB/c mice

By a plaque reduction assay, methanolic extracts from Lobelia chinensis (LC) significantly blocked herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication in HeLa cells without apparent cytotoxicity. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC 50) of LC on HSV-1 replication is 139.2 μg/ml. To elucidate LC anti-HSV-1 activity in vivo, BALB/c mice were injected subcutaneously with HSV-1 (2.5 × 10 6 PFU/50 μl), treated orally thrice a day with acyclovir (60 mg/kg/dose) or LC (20 and 50 mg/kg/dose) for 7 days, and inspected daily for signs of disease. Data from the scoring system indicated that animals infected with HSV-1, developed progressive zoster lesions starting 2 days postinfection (p.i.) and appeared the most serious syndromes at 4–5 days p.i. In marked contrast to the results with control mice, treatment with acyclovir or 50 mg/kg/dose LC resulted in a sustained protective effect. The HSV-1 titers and DNA levels in ground skin samples were significantly reduced by LC. No toxic effect of LC on liver and kidney functions was apparent. These results indicated that LC was a potent inhibitor of the in vitro and in vivo replication of HSV-1.

Two‐dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the analysis of Lobelia chinensis Lour. using an ESI/APCI multimode ion source

A comprehensive approach for the separation and identification of components in a traditional Chinese medicine Lobelia chinensis Lour. was developed using 2D-HPLC coupled with an online photodiode array (PDA) detector and a mass spectrometer. The extract of L. chinensis Lour. was separated on a CN column in the first-dimensional HPLC, and then each of the collected fractions was further separated on an ODS column followed by an online PDA detector. After separation in the two different chromatographic modes, the eluents were delivered to a quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with a multimode ion source of an ESI and an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (ESI/APCI). At least 536 components in L. chinensis Lour. extract were detected and 6 of them were identified as apigenin 7-O-rutinoside, luteolin, lobetyolinin, lobetyolin, diosmin, and linarin, respectively, according to their UV spectrum and mass spectrum. The results demonstrated the powerful resolution, high peak capacity, as well as the identification capability of the 2D-HPLC combined with PDA and ESI/APCI-MS for the analyses of complex samples.