Paeonia Veitchii Research Articles

Progress in the Study of Chemical Structure and Pharmacological Effects of Total Paeony Glycosides Isolated from Radix Paeoniae Rubra.

Radix paeoniae rubra, known as red peony root, is derived from the dried roots of Paeonia lactiflora pall or Paeonia veitchii lynch from the Ranunculaceae family. It is recognized for its properties of clearing heat, cooling blood, dispelling stasis, and alleviating pain, making it one of the most commonly used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Total paeony glycosides (TPGs) are identified as the principal active constituents of Radix paeoniae rubra, comprising monoterpenoid compounds with a cage-like pinane structure and monoterpenoids with a lactone structure. This review summarizes the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of TPGs, with the aim of elucidating their relationships.

Selection and validation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis in Paeonia veitchii

Paeonia veitchii and P. lactiflora are both original plants of the famous Chinese medicinal drug Paeoniae Radix Rubra in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. They have important medicinal value and great potential in the flower market. The selection of stable and reliable reference genes is a necessary prerequisite for molecular research on P. veitchii. In this study, two reference genes, Actin and GAPDH, were selected as candidate genes from the transcriptome data of P. veitchii. The expression levels of the two candidate genes in different tissues(phloem, xylem, stem, leaf, petiole, and ovary) and different growth stages(bud stage, flowering stage, and dormant stage) of P. veitchii were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative technology(qRT-PCR). Then, the stability of the expression of the two reference genes was comprehensively analyzed using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, ΔCT, and RefFinder. The results showed that the expression patterns of Actin and GAPDH were stable in different tissues and growth stages of P. veitchii. Furthermore, the expression levels of eight genes(Pv-TPS01, Pv-TPS02, Pv-CYP01, Pv-CYP02, Pv-CYP03, Pv-BAHD01, Pv-UGT01, and Pv-UGT02) in different tissues were further detected based on the transcriptome data of P. veitchii. The results showed that when Actin and GAPDH were used as reference genes, the expression trends of the eight genes in different tissues of P. veitchii were consistent, validating the reliability of Actin and GAPDH as reference genes for P. veitchii. In conclusion, this study finds that Actin and GAPDH can be used as reference genes for studying gene expression levels in different tissues and growth stages of P. veitchii.

Ling-Gui-Qi-Hua formula alleviates left ventricular myocardial fibrosis in rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction by blocking the transforming growth factor-β1 /Smads signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLing-Gui-Qi-Hua (LGQH) decoction, composed of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl, Paeonia veitchii Lynch, and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., is a compound formula derived from Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction recorded in the Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous. It has shown cardioprotective effects on patients or rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Nevertheless, the active ingredients of LGQH and its anti-fibrotic mechanism remain unknown. Aim of the studyTo determine the active ingredients in LGQH decoction and verify that LGQH decoction may inhibit left ventricular (LV) myocardial fibrosis in HFpEF rats by blocking the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signaling pathway from the perspective of animal experiments. Materials and methodsFirst, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology was used to identify active components in the LGQH decoction. Secondly, a rat model of the metabolic syndrome-associated HFpEF phenotype was established and subsequently received LGQH intervention. The mRNA and protein expression of targets in the TGF-β1/Smads pathway were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to examine the interactions between the active ingredients in the LGQH decoction and key proteins of the TGF-β1/Smads pathways. ResultsAccording to LC-MS analysis, the LGQH decoction contained 13 active ingredients. In animal experiments, LGQH attenuated LV hypertrophy, enlargement, and diastolic function in HEpEF rats. Mechanically, LGQH not only down-regulated TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, α-SMA, Coll I, and Coll III mRNA expressions and TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, P-Smad2/Smad3, Smad4, α-SMA, and Coll I protein expressions, but also up-regulated Smad7 mRNA and protein expressions, which ultimately led to myocardial fibrosis. Furthermore, molecular docking confirmed that 13 active ingredients in the LGQH decoction have excellent binding activities to the critical targets of the TGF-β1/Smads pathway. ConclusionLGQH is a modified herbal formulation with multiple active ingredients. It might alleviate LV remodeling and diastolic dysfunction and inhibit LV myocardial fibrosis by blocking TGF-β1/Smads pathways in HFpEF rats.

Paeoniflorin found in Paeonia lactiflora root extract inhibits melanogenesis by regulating melanin-related signal transduction in B16F10 cells.

Skin pigmentation is modulated by various processes, with melanogenesis playing a key role. Melanin is synthesized by the catalysis of melanogenesis-related enzymes, such as tyrosinase and tyrosine-related proteins TRP-1 and TRP-2. Paeoniflorin is the main bioactive component of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., Paeonia lactiflora., or Paeonia veitchii Lynch and has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties. In this study, melanin biosynthesis in mouse melanoma (B16F10) cells was induced using α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), and then cells were co-treated with paeoniflorin to evaluate its potential anti-melanogenic effect. α-MSH stimulation increased melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and melanogenesis-related markers in a dose-dependent manner. However, treatment with paeoniflorin reversed α-MSH-induced upregulation of melanin content and tyrosinase activity. Furthermore, paeoniflorin inhibited cAMP response element-binding protein activation and TRP-1, TRP-2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor protein expression in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells. Overall, these findings show the potential of paeoniflorin as a depigmenting agent for cosmetic products.

DUS evaluation of nine intersubgeneric hybrids of Paeonia lactiflora and fingerprint analysis of the chemical components in the roots.

Intersubgeneric hybrids of Paeonia lactiflora (Paeonia lactiflora pall., P. lactiflora.) cover a huge variety of systems in the genus Paeonia. In recent years, many studies have confirmed that the intersubgeneric hybrids of P. lactiflora. are rich in paeoniflorin and other medicinal ingredients, however, it has always proved difficult to clarify the medicinal value of the hybrids and whether they can be used for medicinal purposes. In this study, the consistency of the plant population was evaluated through DUS evaluation, in order to clarify whether the selected research materials had stability and consistency within the population and specificity between populations. The differences between the paeoniflorin contents in the roots of the nine intersubgeneric hybrids of the P. lactiflora. varieties and two medicinal varieties were critically compared. The differences in the chemical components of the roots of nine intersubgeneric hybrids of P. lactiflora. and reference medicine substances of P. lactiflora. and Paeonia anomala subsp. veitchii (Lynch) D. Y. Hong and K. Y. Pan (Paeonia veitchii Lynch., P. veitchii.) were explored via stoichiometric and chemical fingerprint high performance liquid chromatography analyses. The results showed that there were significant differences in the chemical compositions between the intersubgeneric hybrids of P. lactiflora. and the medicinal reference materials, and the contents of paeoniflorin were elevated such that the hybrids could be used as the raw material for extraction of paeoniflorin, thus providing an opportunity to explore the medicinal value of the hybrids. This study explored the key differential components among the varieties and provides a reference and basis for the study of the medicinal value and the identification of the intersubgeneric hybrids of the P. lactiflora. varieties.

Illuminating the biosynthesis pathway genes involved in bioactive specific monoterpene glycosides in Paeonia veitchii Lynch by a combination of sequencing platforms

BackgroundPaeonia veitchii Lynch, a well-known herb from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau south of the Himalayas, can synthesize specific monoterpene glycosides (PMGs) with multiple pharmacological activities, and its rhizome has become an indispensable ingredient in many clinical drugs. However, little is known about the molecular background of P. veitchii, especially the genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of PMGs.ResultsA corrective full-length transcriptome with 30,827 unigenes was generated by combining next-generation sequencing (NGS) and single-molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT) of six tissues (leaf, stem, petal, ovary, phloem and xylem). The enzymes terpene synthase (TPS), cytochrome P450 (CYP), UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT), and BAHD acyltransferase, which participate in the biosynthesis of PMGs, were systematically characterized, and their functions related to PMG biosynthesis were analysed. With further insight into TPSs, CYPs, UGTs and BAHDs involved in PMG biosynthesis, the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) method was used to identify the relationships between these genes and PMGs. Finally, 8 TPSs, 22 CYPs, 7 UGTs, and 2 BAHD genes were obtained, and these putative genes were very likely to be involved in the biosynthesis of PMGs. In addition, the expression patterns of the putative genes and the accumulation of PMGs in tissues suggested that all tissues are capable of biosynthesizing PMGs and that aerial plant parts could also be used to extract PMGs.ConclusionWe generated a large-scale transcriptome database across the major tissues in P. veitchii, providing valuable support for further research investigating P. veitchii and understanding the genetic information of plants from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. TPSs, CYPs, UGTs and BAHDs further contribute to a better understanding of the biology and complexity of PMGs in P. veitchii. Our study will help reveal the mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis pathway of these specific monoterpene glycosides and aid in the comprehensive utilization of this multifunctional plant.

Paeoniflorin alleviates 17α-ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis via the farnesoid X receptor-mediated bile acid homeostasis signaling pathway in rats.

Cholestasis, characterized by disturbance of bile formation, is a common pathological condition that can induce several serious liver diseases. As a kind of trigger, estrogen-induced cholestasis belongs to drug-induced cholestasis. Paeoniflorin is the most abundant bioactive constituent in Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., or Paeonia veitchii Lynch, a widely used herbal medicine for treating hepatic disease over centuries in China. However, the pharmacologic effect and mechanism of paeoniflorin on estrogen-induced cholestasis remain unclear. In this experiment, the pharmacological effect of paeoniflorin on EE-induced cholestasis in rats was evaluated comprehensively for the first time. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer was used to monitor the variation of bile acid levels and composition. It was demonstrated that paeoniflorin alleviated 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE)-induced cholestasis dose-dependently, characterized by a decrease of serum biochemical indexes, recovery of bile flow, amelioration of hepatic and ileal histopathology, and reduction of oxidative stress. In addition, paeoniflorin intervention restored EE-disrupted bile acid homeostasis in enterohepatic circulation. Further mechanism studies using western blot, quantitative Real-Time PCR, and immunohistochemical showed that paeoniflorin could upregulate hepatic efflux transporters expression but downregulate hepatic uptake transporter expression. Meanwhile, paeoniflorin reduced bile acids synthesis by repressing cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase in hepatocytes. Paeoniflorin affected the above transporters and enzyme via activation of a nuclear receptor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which was recognized as a vital regulator for maintaining bile acid homeostasis. In conclusion, paeoniflorin alleviated EE-induced cholestasis and maintained bile acid homeostasis via FXR-mediated regulation of bile acids transporters and synthesis enzyme. The findings indicated that paeoniflorin might exert a potential therapeutic medicine for estrogen-induced cholestasis.

Why does only one embryo sac develop in the Paeonia ovule with multiple archesporium?

Structure of the multiple archesporium in an ovule, time and place of archesporial cell differentiation and their developmental potential have not been studied in detail. In Paeonia species supernumerary archesporial cells are formed and differentiate as multiple megasporocytes, but only one embryo sac usually develops into an ovule. The reasons leading to development of one gametophyte and the death of most megasporocytes are unknown. The morphological structure of the multiple archesporium in Paeonia veitchii and P.caucasica was studied using cytoembryological methods. We used staining with aniline blue and fluorescence microscopy for visualization of callose on the megasporocyte walls. All cells of the ovule in investigated Paeonia species are uniform and meristematic at the earliest development stage. The onset of archesporium differentiation correlates with inner integument initiation. The sporogenous complex includes ten to 25 cells which develop asynchronously. The cell located in the central part of the sporogenous complex is differentiated into a megasporocyte earlier than in neighbouring cells. Only this megasporocyte is enveloped in callose; it develops further through to meiosis and forms a female gametophyte. The other megasporocytes degenerate during ovule development. We consider that callose participates in the mechanism of 'lateral inhibition' during megasporocyte maturation. The cell located in the central part of the Paeonia ovule is the first to receive signals that stimulate the onset of megasporogenesis and formation of the callose wall. It is possible that callose participates in blocking of development signals to neighbouring megasporocytes, leading to the arrest of their development.

New Insights into the Impact of Ecological Factor on Bioactivities and Phytochemical Composition of Paeonia veitchii.

Paeonia veitchii has been widely distributed in China under different ecological types. Its roots contain diverse phytochemical constituents, which possess very high bioactivities. However, the influence of ecological factors on activities and ingredients of P. veitchii roots still remains unknown. The purpose of this research was to analyze the variation in bioactivities and phytochemical composition of P. veitchii roots upon exposure to various ecological factors. Seven P. veitchii populations collected from different regions in China were evaluated. The results of correlation analysis suggested that four major ecological factors, including average annual temperature, elevation, total potassium, and organic matter, had a strong correlation with the bioactivities of P. veitchii roots. Further, the major ecological factors were also highly correlated with the contents of naringin, gallic acid, benzoylpaeoniflorin, and paeoniflorin. The principal component analysis results supported four major metabolites as the main contributing ingredients. All populations were classified into three groups, G1, G2, and G3, through hierarchical cluster analysis. G1 showed more significant advantages in the above-mentioned four ecological factors, four active ingredients, and bioactivities compared to the other two groups. P. veitchii roots growing at lower average annual temperature, high elevation, rich total potassium and organic matter in the soils were presumed to have relatively higher bioactivities. These data expand the study on the bioactivities and phytochemical composition of P. veitchii roots and have a guiding significance for the ecological factor selection during the cultivation process of this herbaceous peony species.

Shade effects on growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of three Paeonia species.

Insufficient light intensity inhibits the growth of cultivated herbaceous peony and decreases its economic value. Owing to the increased demand for shade-tolerant herbaceous peony, the selection of appropriate parents for hybridization is essential. Paeonia anomala, Paeonia intermedia and Paeonia veitchii can grow under shade conditions in their natural habitats; however, their photosynthetic capacities under shade have not been studied. In this study, we simulated low light intensity (30% sunlight) and evaluated the morphological, photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of these three species. Moreover, the shade tolerance of these species as well as two common cultivars (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Da Fugui’, which is suitable for solar greenhouse cultivation, and P. lactiflora ‘Qiao Ling’, which is not suitable for solar greenhouse cultivation) was evaluated. The results showed that under shade, the leaf area of P. anomala and P. intermedia increased, the single flowering period of P. intermedia and P. veitchii was prolonged, and the flower color of P. veitchii faded. With respect to P. anomala, P. intermedia and P. veitchii, shade eliminated the photosynthetic ‘lunch break’ phenomenon and decreased photoinhibition at midday. Furthermore, the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and maximum primary photochemical yield (Fv/Fo) of photosystem II (PSII) in the three species improved significantly, and their changes in light dissipation were different. The shade tolerance of the tested accessions was in the order P. veitchii > P. intermedia > P. anomala > ‘Da Fugui’ > ‘Qiao Ling’, showing that the three wild species were better adapted to low light intensity than the cultivars. Thus, P. anomala, P. intermedia and P. veitchii could potentially be used in the development of shade-tolerant herbaceous peony cultivars.

Paeoniflorin, a Natural Product With Multiple Targets in Liver Diseases-A Mini Review.

Paeoniflorin is derived from Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., Paeonia lactiflora Pall., or Paeonia veitchii Lynch and has been used in traditional medical applications for more than 2,000 years. Paeoniflorin is a monoterpenoid glycoside with various effects on liver diseases. Recent studies have revealed that paeoniflorin demonstrates a wide range of activities, including hepatic protection, cholestasis alleviation, liver fibrosis attenuation, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease prevention, and hepatocellular carcinoma inhibition involved in multiple pathways. Moreover, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and immune regulation with the regulation of TLR4-NF-κB, ROCK/NF-κB, HO-1, mitochondria-dependent as well as HMGB1‐TLR4 signaling pathways are correlated with hepatic protection in liver injury and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Antioxidative mechanisms, anti-inflammation, and hepatic transporter regulation involved in NOX4, PI3K/Akt/Nrf2, NF‐κB, NTCP, BSEP, as well as MRP2 signals are mainly relevant to the anticholestatic effect of paeoniflorin. The inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation and alleviation of extracellular matrix deposition via vast signals such as mTOR/HIF-1α, TGF-β1/Smads, and JAK2/STAT6 are primarily involved in the antifibrotic effect of paeoniflorin. The regulation of macrophages also contributes to the alleviation effect on liver fibrosis. In addition, the reduction of invasion, metastasis, and adhesion and the induction of apoptosis-related targets, including Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, are related to its effect on hepatocellular carcinoma. The literature indicates that paeoniflorin might have potent efficacy in complex liver diseases and demonstrates the profound medicinal value of paeoniflorin.

Predicting the Potential Distribution of Paeonia veitchii (Paeoniaceae) in China by Incorporating Climate Change into a Maxent Model

A detailed understanding of species distribution is usually a prerequisite for the rehabilitation and utilization of species in an ecosystem. Paeonia veitchii (Paeoniaceae), which is an endemic species of China, is an ornamental and medicinal plant that features high economic and ecological values. With the decrease of its population in recent decades, it has become a locally endangered species. In present study, we modeled the potential distribution of P. veitchii under current and future conditions, and evaluated the importance of the factors that shape its distribution. The results revealed a highly and moderately suitable habitat for P. veitchii that encompassed ca. 605,114 km2. The central area lies in northwest Sichuan Province. Elevation, temperature seasonality, annual mean precipitation, and precipitation seasonality were identified as the most important factors shaping the distribution of P. veitchii. Under the scenario with a low concentration of greenhouse gas emissions (RCP 2.6), we predicted an overall expansion of the potential distribution by 2050, followed by a slight contraction in 2070. However, with the scenario featuring intense greenhouse gas emissions (RCP 8.5), the range of suitable habitat should increase with the increasing intensity of global warming. The information that was obtained in the present study can provide background information related to the long-term conservation of this species.

Studies on the Separation of Monoterpene Glycosides from Paeonia Veitchii Lynch. Herbs

Traditional Chinese medicinal plant Paeonia veitchii Lynch. has a complicated chemical composition. For profound study of the medicinal value of Paeonia genus, systematic chromatographic investigations were carried out on n-butyl alcohol fractions of the ethanol extract for the separation of monoterpene glycoside compounds. Six compounds were isolated from the extract, which were identified on the basis of spectral analysis and physicochemical evidence. They are paeoniflorin (1), 4-O-methyloxypaeoniflorin (2), 4-O-methylpaeoniflorin (3), 4-O-ethylpaeoniflorin (4), paeonidanin (5), and 9-ethyl-neo-paeoniaflorin A (6). Compounds 2, 3, and 5 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

A Pharmacological Review of Bioactive Constituents of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas and Paeonia veitchii Lynch.

The roots of two peony species, Paeonia lactiflora Pallas and Paeonia veitchii Lynch are routinely referred to as either chishao () or baishao (). This paper reviews the botanical origins and traditional medicinal usage of each species, as well as pharmacological like activity of their constituents. A search of herbal pharmacological encyclopaedia, PubChem and PubMed databases identified their known constituents. The biological data for these constituents were evaluated and classified according to pharmacological-like activity, with emphasis on compounds of greatest concentration and bioavailability. It was found that P. lactiflora and P. veitchii have some common compounds; however, their phytochemical bioavailability varies. Furthermore, a larger number of compounds have been identified in P. lactiflora. These have greater potential for antiinflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant therapeutic activity compared with P. veitchii. However, evidence indicates both species are similarly indicated for antiviral and glycaemic activity. Major compounds of each are classified as flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins (polyphenols) and monoterpene glycosides. The evidence suggests both species, when administered in entire botanical form, have an excellent safety profile; however, constituent toxicity risk evidence is limited, requiring further investigation. Although experiments show many compounds have biological activity, further investigation of their therapeutic potential is needed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Monoterpene glycosides from Paeonia veitchii

The EtOH extract of the roots of Paeonia veitchii afforded two new monoterpene glycosides paeonidanin I (1) and paeonidanin J (2), and a new dimeric monoterpene glycoside paeonidanin K (3). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic means and hydrolysis products.

Paeoniflorin ameliorates ANIT-induced cholestasis by activating Nrf2 through an PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway in rats.

Cholestasis causes hepatic accumulation of bile acids leading to liver injury, fibrosis and liver failure. Paeoniflorin, the major active compound isolated from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora pall and Paeonia veitchii Lynch, is extensively used for liver diseases treatment in China. However, the mechanism of paeoniflorin's hepatoprotective effect on cholestasis has not been investigated yet. In this study, we administered paeoniflorin to rats for 3 days prior to alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) administration for once, then went on administering paeoniflorin to rats for 3 days. The data demonstrated that paeoniflorin significantly prevented ANIT-induced change in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphates (ALP), serum total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), total bile acid (TBA) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT). Histology examination revealed that paeoniflorin treatment rats relieved more liver injury and bile duct proliferation than ANIT-administered rats. Moreover, our data indicated that paeoniflorin could restore glutathione (GSH) and its related synthase glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLc) and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLm) in ANIT-treated group. In addition, the RNA and protein expression of Akt and nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) were also activated by paeoniflorin in ANIT-induced rats. These findings indicated that paeoniflorin protected ANIT-induced cholestasis and increased GSH synthesis by activating Nrf2 through PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway. Therefore, paeoniflorin might be a potential therapeutic agent for cholestasis.

PEONIES: Comparative Study by Anatomy and TLC of Three Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plants

Anatomical and TLC study of three Chinese peonies were conducted to make a comparative analysis. Peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa (tree peony), Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony) and Paeonia veitchii (Chinese peony)) are traditionally used on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China. Recent studies have shown that the peonies have different pharmacological activities and clinical applications. To distinguish these three species of peonies and ensure the safety and effectiveness in their use, the microscopic characteristics and chromatographic profile of their roots and the corresponding powder were studied. Plant materials sectioned and stained and the raw powder were studied with an optical microscope using standard techniques in microscopy. The results of microscopic features and TLC were described and illustrated. The three species have different microscopic characteristics and TLC profiles, which allow us to distinguish them. In fact, with the help of features semi-quantitative and qualitative, an identification key was developed in our work and illustrated with photos and a table. The aim of our work was to show that the optical microscopy and related techniques provide a achievable practicality, which can be applied without ambiguity to the authentication of species peonies.

Polyphenols and Neuroprotection against Ischemia and Neurodegeneration

Neuroprotection of polyphenols in medical plants is getting attention in the world. Scutellaria baicalensis, paeonia veitchii and paeonia suffruticosa have been extensively studied in the last 10 years and show multi-function. They are neuroprotectants, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antithrombic agents as well as vasoconstriction inhibitors and amyloid-peptide (Aβ) cleaners by means of their polyphenols: baicalin, baicalein, wogonin (in scutellaria), and paeonol, paeonoside, paeoniflorin (PF) and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6-Penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG) (in paeonia veitchii and paeonia suffruticosa). Other 4 medical plants: astragali, ligusticum wallichii, angelica sinensis and carthamus tinctorius (saffron) have been the major medicines to treat ischemia for hundreds of years in China, Korea and Japan. Our recent experimental studies demonstrated the neuroprotective efficacy of the combination of these phyotmedicines on mitigating brain infarction and global ischemia as well as preventing the neurodegeneration following ischemia. Owing to their multi-function, including improving cerebral blood circulation, they therefore have the potential to alleviate the symptoms of degenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Pharmacology of the 7 herbs and their major relative polyphenols is depicted in the article.

Polyphenols and Neuroprotection against Ischemia and Neurodegeneration

Neuroprotection of polyphenols in medical plants is getting attention in the world. Scutellaria baicalensis, paeonia veitchii and paeonia suffruticosa have been extensively studied in the last 10 years and show multi-function. They are neuroprotectants, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antithrombic agents as well as vasoconstriction inhibitors and amyloid-peptide (Aβ) cleaners by means of their polyphenols: baicalin, baicalein, wogonin (in scutellaria), and paeonol, paeonoside, paeoniflorin (PF) and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6-Penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG) (in paeonia veitchii and paeonia suffruticosa). Other 4 medical plants: astragali, ligusticum wallichii, angelica sinensis and carthamus tinctorius (saffron) have been the major medicines to treat ischemia for hundreds of years in China, Korea and Japan. Our recent experimental studies demonstrated the neuroprotective efficacy of the combination of these phyotmedicines on mitigating brain infarction and global ischemia as well as preventing the neurodegeneration following ischemia. Owing to their multi-function, including improving cerebral blood circulation, they therefore have the potential to alleviate the symptoms of degenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Pharmacology of the 7 herbs and their major relative polyphenols is depicted in the article.

A new phenolic glycoside from the roots of Paeonia veitchii

From the roots of Paeonia veitchii Lynch., a new phenolic glycoside, 2-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranoside]-benzaldehyd (1) was isolated together with seven known phenolic compounds. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic method.