Parasitic Loranthus Research Articles

A UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS method for simultaneous determination of three flavonoids from Parasitic loranthus and their pharmacokinetics in rat plasma

Purpose: To develop and validate a chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of plasma levels of rutin, avicularin and quercitrin using UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS.
 Methods: A sensitive, selective, and reliable UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of the three flavonoids, with puerarin as internal standard (IS). Plasma samples were first treated with methanol, and then acidified using hydrochloric acid (HCl) prior to liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. The flavonoids were separated on a Syncronis C18 column (100×2.1mm, 1.7 µm) using an elution gradient of acetonitrile and 0.1 % formic acid at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min.
 Results: A linear correlation was obtained for the three flavonoids over the investigated concentration range, with correlation coefficients > 0.9954. The values of validated lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were 0.68, 1.42 and 2.54 ng/mL for rutin, avicularin and quercitrin, respectively. Intra- and inter-day precision (RSD) were < 10 %, while accuracy (RE) ranged from −3.76 to 4.04 %.
 Conclusion: The proposed method has been successfully validated and is suitable for studying the pharmacokinetics of the three analytes in rats treated with parasitic loranthus extract (PLE).

Comparative proteomic analysis of parasitic loranthus seeds exposed to dehydration stress

Parasitic loranthus [Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser] is an important medicinal plant that produces recalcitrant seeds that are sensitive to dehydration. Desiccation tolerance is critical for the survival of recalcitrant seeds in low-moisture environments. Clarifying how these seeds respond to desiccation is important for long-term conservation. Thus, the viability, germination, microstructure, and antioxidant enzyme activities of dehydrated parasitic loranthus seeds were investigated. Diverse organelles were degraded or deformed during dehydration treatments. Additionally, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities gradually decreased in response to desiccation stress. A proteomic analysis involving TMT-labeling and LC–MS/MS were performed. A total of 1479 proteins were identified, of which 141 were differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) at 16 and 36 h after initiating the dehydration treatments. A functional annotation based on gene ontology revealed that the DEPs were mainly localized in chloroplasts and were related to energy metabolism, responses to stimuli, and the regulation of biological processes. A KEGG pathway enrichment analysis determined that several of the identified proteins were associated with signal transductions, photosynthesis, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. The results suggest that the efficient removal of excessive ROS amounts may be crucial for promoting parasitic loranthus seed germination under dehydration stress conditions. A series of candidate dehydration stress-related proteins were identified and may be relevant for enhancing the dehydration tolerance of the recalcitrant seeds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the sensitivity of recalcitrant parasitic loranthus seeds to dehydration via a proteomic analysis involving TMT-labeling.

Analysis and monitoring of traditional Chinese medicines for tumor based on data mining

The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces for treating tumors in China-Japan Friendship Hospital in both outpatient and inpatient departments from January 1 to December 31, 2018 were analyzed in this paper, and the statistical analysis on the frequency and proportion of TCM decoction pieces, as well as the average dosage and dosage range were conducted. Such data were then compared with Chinese Pharmacopoeia. At the same time, data mining association rules were used to study the compatibility of TCM in oncology, and finally, the drug use in TCM was discussed. The top 20(use frequency) TCM decoction pieces for tumors were mainly based on tonic medicines; the use frequency of toxic TCM decoction pieces was low, mainly of small poisonous pieces, with dosage exceeding pharmacopoeia. The drug combinations with higher frequency included Fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma-Poria Cocos(16.11%), and Astragali Radix-Poria Cocos(15.10%). Drug pairs with strong associations included Achyranthes Bidentata→Parasitic Loranthus, Coix Seed→Achyranthes Bidentata, Achyranthes Bidentata→Hairyvein Agrimony, Cuscutae Semen→Achyranthes Bidentata and so on. According to the use of drugs, the drug monitoring can be emphasized from the aspects of usage and dosage, selection of processed TCM, compatibility, decoction methods, and patient education. Pharmacists can analyze the characteristics and regularity of the use of TCM for tumors through data mining methods, and this can be a cutting point for drug monitoring.

Transcriptome Analysis of Taxillusi chinensis (DC.) Danser Seeds in Response to Water Loss.

BackgroundTaxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser, the official species of parasitic loranthus that grows by parasitizing other plants, is used in various traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. ABA-dependent and ABA-independent pathways are two major pathways in response to drought stress for plants and some genes have been reported to play a key role during the dehydration including dehydration-responsive protein RD22, late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, and various transcription factors (TFs) like MYB and WRKY. However, genes responding to dehydration are still unknown in loranthus.Methods and ResultsInitially, loranthus seeds were characterized as recalcitrant seeds. Then, biological replicates of fresh loranthus seeds (CK), and seeds after being dehydrated for 16 hours (Tac-16) and 36 hours (Tac-36) were sequenced by RNA-Seq, generating 386,542,846 high quality reads. A total of 164,546 transcripts corresponding to 114,971 genes were assembled by Trinity and annotated by mapping them to NCBI non-redundant (NR), UniProt, GO, KEGG pathway and COG databases. Transcriptome profiling identified 60,695, 56,027 and 66,389 transcripts (>1 FPKM) in CK, Tac-16 and Tac-36, respectively. Compared to CK, we obtained 2,102 up-regulated and 1,344 down-regulated transcripts in Tac-16 and 1,649 up-regulated and 2,135 down-regulated transcripts in Tac-36 by using edgeR. Among them some have been reported to function in dehydration process, such as RD22, heat shock proteins (HSP) and various TFs (MYB, WRKY and ethylene-responsive transcription factors). Interestingly, transcripts encoding ribosomal proteins peaked in Tac-16. It is indicated that HSPs and ribosomal proteins may function in early response to drought stress. Raw sequencing data can be accessed in NCBI SRA platform under the accession number SRA309567.ConclusionsThis is the first time to profile transcriptome globally in loranthus seeds. Our findings provide insights into the gene regulations of loranthus seeds in response to water loss and expand our current understanding of drought tolerance and germination of seeds.

Loranthus longiflorus protect central nervous system against oxidative damages of electromagnetic radiation on rat

Background: The interaction of mobile phone radio‑frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF‑EMR) with the brain is a serious concern of our society. In this study, we aimed to experiment on the anti‑oxidative property of a parasitic plant Loranthus longiflorus (Loranthaceae) to protect central nervous system against oxidative damages of mobile phone electromagnetic field (EMF). Materials and Methods: Healthy male albino wistar rats were exposed to RF‑EMR by giving 5 min calling/5 min interval for 1 hour per day for 2 months, keeping a GSM (0.9/1.8 GHz) mobile phone in silent mode (no ring tone) in the cage. After 15, 30, 45, 60 days exposure, three randomly picked animals from each group were tested with using behavioural model of CNS on rats. Results and Conclusion: Loranthus longiflorus bark extract could be effective in decreasing immobility (P < 0.05) and increased locomotor activity (P < 0.05). This result indicates the protective effect of Loranthus longiflorus bark against EMF induced oxidative damage of central nervous system. Key words: Depression, electromagnetic radiation, locomotor, Loranthus longiflorus bark, mobile phone

Analysis of 1-deoxynojirimycin component correlation between medicinal parasitic loranthus from loranthaceae and their mulberry host trees

To analyze the component correlation of 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) between medicinal parasitic loranthus from loranthaceae and its mulberry host trees as well as the effects of the host trees on the quality of parasitic loranthus. DNJ content of medicinal parasitic loranthus plants and their mulberry or non-mulberry host trees was determined byReversed-phase High performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). DNJ in samples were extracted with 0.05 mol·L-1 Hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution, derivatized with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformat, analyzed by HPLC equipped with fluorescence detector, and separated in an Agilent C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at 30°C. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile: 0.1% aqueous acetic acid (51:49, V/V) with a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min-1. The fluorescence detector was operated at λEX=254 nm and λEM=322 nm. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 0.0372 to 37.2 µg·mL-1, r=0.9999. The average recovery was 96.42%. DNJ contents were 0.76 to 3.58 mg·g-1 in the mulberry tree and 0.40 to 1.72 mg·g-1 in parasitic loranthus parasitized mulberry host trees, respectively. The relative DNJ content of parasitic loranthus plants parasitized on mulberry tree reached as high as 33.1 to 106.2% of that in their host trees. DNJ could not be determined in parasitic loranthus parasitized non-mulberry host trees. Characteristic components in host trees could be delivered to the phytoparasitic species. Host trees affect the quality of medicinal parasitic loranthus to a certain extent. Key words: Parasitic loranthus, mulberry, 1-deoxynojirimycin, reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), fluorescence detection.

Terminalia macroptera, its current medicinal use and future perspectives

The tree Terminalia macroptera (Combretaceae) is widespread in Western Africa, and in this area, different parts have been utilized in the treatment of various diseases. In this article, we report on the medicinal use of T. macroptera in three different districts in Mali (Siby, Dioïla and Dogonland), based on interviews with 78 healers in these districts. Roots, root bark, stem bark, leaves and fruits have all been employed by healers, as has parasitic Loranthus species growing on the tree. Major areas of use comprise treatment of wounds and sores, infections, pain, cough, tuberculosis and hepatitis. Some of the medicinal uses of T. macroptera appear to be rationally explained by its chemical constituents.

English

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the five candidate DNA barcodes of&nbsp;rbcL,matK,&nbsp;psbA-trnH, ITS and ITS2 in order to distinguish&nbsp;Taxillus chinensis&nbsp;from adulterants. Of the five barcodes, the amplification and sequencing efficiencies ofrbcL&nbsp;and&nbsp;trnH-psbA&nbsp;were&nbsp;100%. Meanwhile, the efficiency of&nbsp;matK, ITS and ITS2 regions was very low due to failure in PCR amplification or sequencing. The&nbsp;psbA-trnH&nbsp;exhibited high inter-specific divergence and distinguished&nbsp;T. chinensis&nbsp;from other parasitic loranthus. The&nbsp;rbcL&nbsp;gene demonstrated lower inter-specific divergence and identification efficiency. In conclusion,&nbsp;psbA-trnH&nbsp;is a suitable DNA barcode in authenticating&nbsp;T. chinensis&nbsp;and its related parasitic loranthus. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Taxillus chinensis, identification, DNA barcoding,&nbsp;psbA-trnH, Loranthaceae, parasitic loranthus.

Parasitic loranthus from Loranthaceae rather than Viscaceae potently inhibits fatty acid synthase and reduces body weight in mice

Aim of the study Our previous results have shown one species of parasitic loranthus ( Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Dancer) exhibits potent inhibition on fatty acid synthase (FAS) that is proposed to be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of obesity. However, the medicinal parasitic loranthus come from tens of plants of two families, the Loranthaceae and the Viscaceae. This study was carried out to figure out whether these parasitic loranthus from the two families have similar inhibitory ability on FAS, and whether the parasitic loranthus with potent inhibitory ability on FAS significantly reduce body weight of animal. Materials and methods CD-1 mice were used to test the effects of samples on their body weight and food intake in 20 days. The reversible and irreversible inhibition on FAS was assayed to study the inhibitory ability of sixteen different medicinal plants from these two families, which were collected in nature. Results The reversible inhibitory ability of the extracts from the Loranthaceae was nearly 400-fold stronger than that from the Viscaceae. The species from the genus Taxillus Tieghem showed the best effect on FAS in both reversible and irreversible inhibition. Moreover, the difference in host plants did not affect markedly on the inhibitory ability of parasitic loranthus. The medicinal herb with high inhibitory ability on FAS significantly reduced the body weight and food intake of mice by oral administration. Conclusions The medicinal herbs from the family Loranthaceae, rather than those from the family Viscaceae, should be suitable to apply as botanical sources of parasitic loranthus for weight control. The herbs from genus Taxillus Tieghem are the best.

Potent inhibition of fatty acid synthase by parasitic loranthus [Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser] and its constituent avicularin

The medicinal herb parasitic loranthus in a screen was found to inhibit fatty acid synthase (EC 2.3.1.85, FAS) and reduce body weight of rats in our previous study. Now we have determined the inhibitory characteristics and kinetic parameters of extracts of parasitic loranthus [Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser]. The parasitic loranthus extracts (PLE) inhibits FAS reversibly and irreversibly and with an IC50 value of 0.48 μg/ml, appears to be the most potent inhibitor reported to date. PLE contains various potent inhibitors and may react with different sites on FAS. The irreversible inhibition exhibits a time-dependent biphasic process including a speedy fast-phase during the initial several minutes. The fast-phase inhibition seems to be caused by some potent but low-concentration component(s) in the extracts. In addition, we have found that avicularin existing in this herb can potently inhibit FAS. This glycosylated flavonoid and quercetin play an effective role in inhibiting FAS by parasitic loranthus.

Weight reduction by Chinese medicinal herbs may be related to inhibition of fatty acid synthase

Fatty acid synthase (EC 2. 3. 1. 85, abbr. FAS) is reported as a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity. Thirty one Chinese medicinal herbs used in weight reducing prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) were investigated for FAS inhibition. It was found that 17 of these herbs exhibited FAS inhibitor activity, and 9 were highly potent FAS inhibitors. The inhibitory potencies of the active components of tuber fleeceflower root, parasitic loranthus, green tea leaf and ginkgo leaf were similar to or greater than cerulenin and C75. The first three of these four herbs significantly reduced body weight of rats upon their oral incubation. Moreover, tuber fleeceflower root and parasitic loranthus significantly reduced food intake in rats. These results indicate that many of weight reducing herbs used in TCM do so by inhibiting FAS. They also hold promise for the development of new nontoxic and low cost weight reducing substances from these herbs.

On analysis of sphygmogram.

In this paper, under the linear assumption, the analytical expressions describing the pressure sphygmogram of the radial artery are obtained in regard to the effect of the blood viscosity. Then the variations of the pulse wave form with some physiological parameters such as arterial elasticity, blood viscosity and resistance are discussed in detail too. We observed that venous injection of demethyladrenalin made a dog's vessels contract and increase in resistance while that of parasitic loranthus made the vessels relax and decrease in resistance, and variations of the pressure sphygmogram of the dog's radial artery conformed to theoretical results. Besides, taking the pressure sphygmogram of radial artery corresponding to smooth, normal and wiry pulses of the pulse conditions in traditional Chinese medicine as examples, we discussed the effect of related physiological parameters on these sphygmogram, which also conformed to the classical statement of the wiry, normal and smooth pulses in traditional Chinese medicine.