Pinellia Ternate Research Articles

Utilizing network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of raw Pinellia ternate in treating esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a grim prognosis and high mortality rates, primarily treated through surgery and radiotherapy. Herbal remedies are emerging as complementary approaches in cancer therapy. Here, we explore the potential therapeutic benefits of Chinese medicine raw Pinellia ternata (RP) in EC using web-based pharmacological methods and cellular experiments. The chemical components of RP were obtained by data mining via searches of the systematic pharmacology database, analysis platform, and literature on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The properties of the main components of RP were calculated using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). The potential targets of the components were mined and collected through multiple databases, and the relevant potential targets of efficacy were imported into Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database to obtain protein interactions. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway enrichment analysis of the potential targets were performed through Metascape. A target-pathway network was established using Cytoscape, and topological analysis was performed on the network so as to obtain the relevant targets and pathways of RP in the treatment of EC. The inhibitory effect of RP on human EC cells was verified by cell experiments. Thirteen bioactive components of RP were screened, 87 related targets were obtained by construction, and 68 co-targets were obtained after taking intersection with EC related genes. The results of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of the targets showed that the pharmacodynamic targets of hemicellulose might be closely related to the signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt, FOS/JUN, and HIF-1. Meanwhile, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that PI3K-Akt was also significantly enriched. The in vitro cellular experiments further indicated that raw hemicrania could inhibit EC through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The pharmacodynamic mechanism of RP in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma was preliminarily revealed, which provided ideas and the basis for further experimental study of RP in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma.

Stigmasterol and gastrodin, two major components of banxia-baizhu-tianma decoction, alleviated the excessive phlegm-dampness hypertension by reducing lipid accumulation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBanxia baizhu tianma decoction (BBTD) originated from the Qing Dynasty Chinese medicine book “Medical Xinwu”, which has a clinical application history of more than 300 years. It's a classic prescription for expelling phlegm, extinguishing wind, strengthening the spleen (traditional Chinese medicine, ie, TCM, refers to the spleen channel) and dissipating excessive fluid based on TCM theory. BBTD is particularly effective in the treatment of excessive phlegm-dampness hypertension. However, the precise pharmacological effect of each herb of BBTD on hypertension treatment is not yet fully understood. Aim of the studyTo investigate the pharmacological effects of each herb in BBTD on hypertension treatment and to explore the mechanisms behind them. Materials and methodsA high-fat-diet fed animal model was developed to evaluate the efficacy of different groups of drugs in BBTD for the treatment of hypertension. Untargeted metabolism was used to detect the metabolic changes after modeling and drug intervention. Then, Stigmasterol (STI) and gastrodin (GAS), major components of Pinellia Ternate Makino and Gastrodia elata Blume, were selected for treatment on HepG2 cell steatosis model. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect changes of corresponding gene and protein after drug intervention to explore the exam anti-hyperlipidemia mechanism of STI and GAS combination. ResultsThe weight gain, elevated blood pressure and increased blood lipids induced by high-fat-diet were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after each prescription medicine intervention in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, 28 differential metabolites (DMs) were detected after modeling and were regulated to normal at varying degrees after each drug group treatment. In addition, eight of the 28 DMs were significantly different from the model group after the full prescription drug intervention, primarily related to four metabolic pathways, while only two metabolites were significantly different from the model group after the unprincipled drug intervention, related to one metabolic pathway. In HepG2 hyperlipidemia cell model, STI, GAS and their combination significantly decreased TC, TG levels and lipid accumulation (p < 0.05), and decreased sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) and their protein expressions (p < 0.05), increased adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and it's protein expression (p < 0.05). The two drugs work better in combination than alone. ConclusionBBTD has been shown to be effective in reducing lipid accumulation in a high-fat rat model, as well as in restoring the model-induced abnormal metabolites to normal levels in a dose-dependent manner. Pinellia ternata Makino and Gastrodia elata Blume, the main components of BBTD, may regulate lipid metabolism through fatty acid biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism. Their main active agents, STI and GAS, effectively reduce lipid accumulation and lipid content in cells and regulate the expression levels of genes and proteins associated with lipid metabolism. These results suggest that BBTD may regulate lipid metabolism via AMPK/SREBP-1c pathway.

Inhibitory Activities of Extracts from Chinese Medicinal Herbs on α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase,and Pancreatic Lipase

Background Metabolic syndrome is an assortment of conditions that often happens together and upsurge your risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. One strategy for the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetes and obesity is to inhibit the enzymes activities, which include α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and pancreatic lipase. Objectives To screen the effect of 16 Chinese medicinal herbs on inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and pancreatic lipase. Materials and Methods The water extraction of 16 traditional Chinese herbal medicines was used to estimate activity in vitro from different families against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and pancreatic lipase by using spectrophotometry with p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (PNPG), starch derivatives, and 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MUO), respectively, as a substrate. Results The results showed that the water extraction yield of the 16 rhizomes ranged from 0.2% to 4.0%. Among the tested extracts, the extract from Gastrodia elata exhibited the strongest effect on α-amylase (The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50)) = 4.10 mg/mL). The extracts from Pinellia ternate and Arisaema heterophyllum exhibited noteworthy effects on α-glucosidase (IC50 = 29.21 and 41.13 µg/mL, respectively), and Corydalis turtschaninovii possessed the highest effect on pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 4.11 µg/mL) and a stronger effect than orlistat (IC50 = 4.52 µg/mL). Conclusion This study provides a basis for screenings and in-depth studies of anti-obesity and anti-diabetes drugs. Further isolation, identification, and characterization of active compounds should be carried out in the future.

Study on the Law of Traditional Chinese Medicine Use of Pancreatic Cancer Based on Data Mining

Based on the data mining technology, to mine and analyze the core prescriptions and compatibility rules of the treatment of pancreatic cancer in the journal literature, so as to provide the basis for the differentiation and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Methods: all traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for the treatment of "pancreatic cancer" and "pancreatic head cancer" were retrieved from the database of CNKI. The database was established by WPS excel 2019 for frequency analysis, and the high-frequency drug properties and meridian related analysis were carried out by SPSS Clementine 12.0 software. Results: 114 prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine were screened out, involving 162 prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, and 54 prescriptions of high frequency drugs (≥ 10 times) were obtained. It is mainly composed of heat clearing medicine and tonic medicine. Its sexual taste is mainly composed of warm, calm and cold. The most of them are liver and spleen meridians. The core drugs for pancreatic cancer were Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, dangshen, Pinellia ternate, tangerine peel, liquorice, Astragalus membranaceus and Hedyotis diffusa. And get pinellia, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria, temperature, Xin, spleen, Xin, Gan, bitter and other drugs, performance combination. Conclusion: through this study, it is reflected that the treatment of pancreatic cancer should be mild and gentle, and at the same time, it should take into account the spleen and stomach transportation, supporting Qi, emphasizing that TCM should pay attention to the combination of disease and syndrome differentiation in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, which can provide clinical basis for the prescription of pancreatic cancer.

English

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of drought stress on yield, physiological and biochemical indexes and changes of ecological parameters of artificially cultivated Pinellia ternata. Pinellia ternata were taken from four regions including Changde, Fuling, Ziyang and Bijie. A 75%, 65%, and 55% field water capacity processing were set under the same planting conditions and changes in morphology, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity and final yield of Pinellia ternata during the 80-day growth period was determined. Results of current study explored that when the field water capacity drops from 75% to 55%, the leaf area of Bijie Pinellia ternate decreased from 15.29 cm2 to 10.88 cm2 while Ziyang Pinellia ternate tuber fresh weight decreased from 2.58 g to 1.48 g. The content of chlorophyll a in Bijie Pinellia ternate decreased from 1.21 mg/g to 0.89 mg/g . Moderate and severe drought stress can significantly reduce the content of chlorophyll and soluble protein in leaves of Pinellia ternate, while CAT activity, SOD activity and POD activity showed different degrees of increase. Pinellia ternate of different regions showed certain interspecies differences in terms of changes in leaf area, fresh root yield, chlorophyll b content, MDA content, and CAT activity. Based on results, it is concluded that moderate drought stress can cause Pinellia ternate to produce significant ecological and physiological changes, and also affecting its tuber yield. 75% of field water holding capacity is a suitable soil moisture condition

Extraction and GC-MS analysis of phenolic acids in rhizosphere soil of Pinellia ternate

In this paper, five phenolic acids in the rhizosphere soil of Pinellia ternate were determined to have strong allelopathy to Pinellia ternate. The phenolic acids in rhizosphere soil and non continuous cropping soil of Pinellia ternate for two years were extracted and detected by GC-MS, 5 phenolic acids were found to have different content changes. By comparing the contents of phenolic acids in the rhizosphere soil before, during and after planting, and combining with the literatures, it was determined that protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, vanillin, syringate and syringaldehyde had strong allelopathy on the growth and development of Pinellia ternate. Furthermore, the effects of the above five phenolic acids on the growth of Pinellia ternate, the growth of seedlings and the comparison of tuber size were investigated. The results showed that the five phenolic acids had inhibitory effects on the growth of Pinellia ternate.

Yijin-Tang Attenuates Cigarette Smoke and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Mice.

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a lung disorder associated with symptoms of dyspnea, cough, and sputum production. Traditionally, Yijin-tang (YJT), a mixture of Pinellia ternate, Poria cocos, ginger, Chinese liquorice, and tangerine peel, has been prescribed for the treatment of respiratory system diseases caused by dampness phlegm. This experiment investigated the therapeutic effect of YJT in a mouse model of cigarette smoke (CS)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced COPD. Methods COPD was induced by exposing mice to CS for 1 hour per day for 8 weeks, with intranasal delivery of LPS on weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7. YJT was administered at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg 1 hour before CS exposure for the last 4 weeks. Results YJT significantly suppressed CS- and LPS-induced increases in inflammatory cell counts and reduced interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue. In addition, YJT not only decreased airway wall thickness, average alveolar intercept, and lung fibrosis, but it also suppressed the expression of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-7, MMP-9, and transforming growth factor-B (TGF-β) and collagen deposition. Moreover, YJT suppressed phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) as well as expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Conclusion Collectively, our findings show that YJT attenuates respiratory inflammation and airway remodeling caused by CS and LPS exposure; therefore, therapeutic applications in COPD can be considered.

Development of a Simultaneous Analysis Method for Quality Control of a Traditional Herbal Formula, Daeshiho-Tang, Using 10 Marker Components

Daeshiho-tang (DSHT) is a traditional herbal formula consisting of six herbal medicines: Bupleurum falcatum L., Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Paonia lactiflora Pall., Pheum palmatum L., Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., and Pinellia ternate (Thunb.) Makino. In this study, we developed a simultaneous analysis method based on high-performance liquid chromatography for the quality control of DSHT. Chromatographic separation of 10 marker components (gallic acid, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, naringin, benzoic acid, baicalin, poncirin, wogonoside, baicalein, and wogonin) was achieved using a water–acetonitrile system as the mobile phase with a SunFire C18 reversed-phase column. The developed analytical method was validated with respect to linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, recovery, and precision. Among the 10 markers of DSHT in the established assay, baicalin, the main compound of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, was present in the highest concentration (36.86–46.17 mg/g). The validated assay will be useful for the quality control of DSHT.

Preparation and characterization of native and autoclaving-cooling treated Pinellia ternate starch and its impact on gut microbiota

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the structural and physicochemical properties of native Banxia starch (BXS) and autoclaving-cooling treated Banxia starch (CTBXS) and its related impacts on production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and human gut microbiota by in vitro fecal fermentation. BXS had semicircle to spherical granules, whereas CTBXS exhibited block-shape. According to XRD and TGA, BXS had a C-type crystalline pattern, while CTBXS had a B-type crystalline pattern. CTBXS had better thermal stability than BXS. In addition, BXS exhibited significantly higher solubility and swelling power than CTBXS, and CTBXS had higher content of SDS than BXS. Moreover, BXS and CTBXS could change the composition and abundance of gut microbiota, could also promote the production of SCFAs. This study is beneficial to well understand the in vitro digestion and fecal fermentation behaviors of BXS and CTBXS, and can be developed as a potential functional food with the aim of improving colonic health.

Ardeemins and citrinin dimer derivatives from Aspergillus terreus harbored in Pinellia ternate

One new alkaloid, 15b-β-hydroxy-16α-hydroxy-5-N-acetylardeemin (1), and one new dimeric derivative of citrinin, penicitrinol Q (5), together with three known alkaloids (2–4) and two citrinin dimers (6–7), were isolated from the solid culture of an endophytic Aspergillus terreus resided in Pinellia ternata. Their structures were established by detailed spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations were determined by single crystal X‑ray diffraction and the comparison of ECD spectra. Penicitrinol Q (5) exhibited inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis with MIC50 values of 4.3 and 6.2 μg/mL, respectively. When using a concentration of 30 μM, compound 2 showed 2.1-fold enhancement of doxorubicin susceptibility in treating doxorubicin-resistant human breast cancer cell line.

Three alkaloids and one polyketide from Aspergillus cristatus harbored in Pinellia ternate tubers

Three new indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, aspergillines A-C (1–3), together with one new polyketide, aspergillone A (4), were isolated from the solid cultures of an endophytic fungus Aspergillus cristatus. Aspergilline A is the first bicyclo[2.2.2] diazaoctane indole alkaloid where the diketopiperazine structure is constructed from tryptophan and alanine. The structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and their absolute configurations were determined through single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. Aspergillone A exhibited moderate antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC50 values of 8.5 and 32.2 μg/mL, respectively.

Sojadodamgangki-tang attenuates allergic lung inflammation by inhibiting T helper 2 cells and Augmenting alveolar macrophages

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSojadodamgangki-tang (SDG) is a traditional East-Asian herbal medicine mainly composed of Pinellia ternate (Thunb.) Makino, Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt and 10 kinds of medicinal herbs. It has been used to treat asthma and mucus secretion including lung and bronchi. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Sojadodamgangki-tang (SDG) on allergic lung inflammation in vitro and in vivo as well as the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsWe used an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine allergic airway inflammation model. Five groups of 8-week-old female BALB/C mice were divided into the following groups: saline control group, the vehicle (allergic) group that received OVA only, groups that received OVA and SDG (200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg), and a positive control group that received OVA and Dexamethasone (5 mg/kg). In vitro experiments include T helper 2 (TH2) polarization system, murine macrophage cell culture, and human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) culture. ResultsSDG administration reduced allergic airway inflammatory cell infiltration, especially of eosinophils, mucus production, Th2 cell activation, OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), and total IgE production. Moreover, the activation of alveolar macrophages, which leads to immune tolerance in the steady state, was promoted by SDG treatment. Interestingly, SDG treatment also reduced the production of alarmin cytokines by the human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B stimulated with urban particulate matter. ConclusionOur findings indicate that SDG has potential as a therapeutic drug to inhibit Th2 cell activation and promote alveolar macrophage activation.

Cloning and expression analysis of calmodulin gene from Pinellia ternate

According to the data of Pinellia ternate transcriptome,two calmodulin genes were cloned and named as Pt Ca M1 and PtCa M2 respectively. The results of bioinformatics analysis showed that Pt Ca Ms genes contained a 450 bp open reading frame,encoding149 amino acids.The identity of the coding sequences was 80%,and the identity of amino acids sequence was 91%. Pt Ca Ms genes contained EF-hand structure domain,belonging to the Ca M families. The Real-time PCR analysed the expression patterns of Pt Ca Ms in different tissues and different treatments. RESULTS:: showed that Pt Ca M1 and Pt Ca M2 gene were the highest expression level in tuber. Under Ca Cl2 treatment,the expressions of Pt Ca Ms were significantly higher than the control. Under EGTA,La Cl3 and TFP treatments,the expression level of Pt Ca Ms decreased gradually. In this study,the Pt Ca Ms gene were successfully cloned from P. ternate,which laid a foundation for the functional characteristic of Pt Ca Ms gene and the synthesis of alkaloids from P. ternata for further study.

Lipid regulation mechanism and dosage form selection of Xixian Tongshuan Preparation based on molecular simulation methods

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of stroke, and dyslipidemia is the most important risk factor for atherosclerosis. In this paper, pharmacophore and molecular docking models of eight key lipid-lowering targets, namely NPC1 L1, HMG-CoA reductase, SQS, MTP, CETP, PPARα, LXRα and LXRβ, were used to screen out the small molecular database of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), which was made up of ingredients of thirteen Chinese herbal medicines contained in Xixian Tongshuan Preparation. The screening results indicated that the preparation could showed an effect in regulating lipid on target NPC1 L1, HMG-CoA reductase, LXRβ and SQS through four groups of potential active compounds, namely prupersin A in peach kernel and suffruticoside A in gastrodiaelata, limocitrin-β-D-glucoside in Ligusticum chuanxiong, 2'-(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)-sweroside in Pinellia ternate and quercitrin in Panax notoginseng, 4-tert-butyl-2-[(5-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-phenyl)methoxy-methyl]-6-(hydroxymethyl)phenol in Gastrodia elata. Moreover, the properties and extraction process of the most potentialactive compounds were consistent with the preparation process of Xixian Tongshuan Capsules, which indicated that the capsule had more advantages than the pill in the existing two dosage forms of Xixian Tongshuan Preparation. This study analyzed the pharmacodynamic basis and mechanism of Xixian Tongshuan Capsules in regulating lipid for treating stroke, and provided evidence for its further research and clinical application.

Alteration of crop rotation in continuous Pinellia ternate cropping soils profiled via fungal ITS amplicon sequencing.

Pinellia ternata is a traditional Chinese herb that has been shown to suffer from continuous cropping. Deterioration in continuous P. ternata cropping soils and the effect of alteration of crop rotation on the soil were evaluated by using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. Soil physicochemical properties and fungal diversity were significantly lower in continuous P. ternate cropping soil compared with those of uncultivated soil. In contrast, significant increases in soil factors and fungal diversity were detected after the continuous cropping soil was subjected to rotational cropping treatments, indicating a remediation effect of crop rotation on continuous cropping soil. Moreover, with the extension of wheat cropping in the rotations, fungal richness and most physicochemical properties exhibited a significantly increasing trend, suggesting that the remediation effect of crop rotation could be enhanced by extending the cropping of break crops. Furthermore, compared with those of continuous cropping soils, microbes that were potentially beneficial to P. ternate were enriched in the rhizosphere by rotational cropping, whereas micro-organisms that supposedly lead to soil deterioration were suppressed. Redundancy analysis indicated that Podospora and Alternaria were the major microbes that were responsible for increasing soil physicochemical properties; by contrast, the deterioration in soil fertility was mainly attributed to Fusarium micro-organisms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Knowledge of deterioration in continuous Pinellia ternate cropping soils and how crop rotations alter the deteriorated soil is still limited, especially regarding the presence of fungi and soil fertility. This research found remediation effects of crop rotation on continuous P. ternate cropping soils and indicates that these effects could be enhanced by extending the cropping of break crops. Community shifts between the continuous and rotational cropping soils and the associated changes in soil fertility will have a considerable impact on the diagnosis of obstacles to continuous P. ternate cropping and enhancement of the remediation effects of crop rotation.

Metabolomic analysis of raw Pinelliae Rhizoma and its alum-processed products via UPLC-MS and their cytotoxicity.

Alum-processing is a traditional method to attenuate the toxicity of Pinelliae Rhizoma (tubers of Pinellia ternate, PT). The present study aimed at investigating the chemical and cytotoxic changes during alum processing. Metabolomic profiles of raw and alum-processed PT were studied based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry. More than 80 chemicals in positive MS mode and 40 chemicals in negative MS mode, such as organic acids, amino acids, glucosides and nucleosides, were identified after multivariate statistical analysis, including principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least-square discriminant analysis. Almost all of the identified chemical markers were significantly decreased ~10- to 100-fold after alum processing. Meanwhile, the correlations between the chemical markers were assimilated to a positive coefficient from disorderly distribution during the processing. Raw PT extracts could inhibit the proliferation of human carcinoma cells (HCT-116, HepG2, and A549) at the rate of 40.5, 24.8 and 31.6% more strongly than processed PT. It was concluded that the alum processing of PT could decrease the number of actively water-soluble principles at the same time as decreasing toxicity. Given the water-insoluble property of toxic calcium oxalate raphides in PT, we suggest that a more scientific processing method should be sought.

Characterization of allelochemicals from the rhizosphere soil of Pinellia ternate (Thnub.) and their inhibition activity on protective enzymes

Autotoxicity has been considered as one of the critical factors resulting in replanting failure in agriculture. To clarify the chemical reasons for the replanting problems of Pinellia ternate, a widely used and cultivated Traditional Chinese Medicine, eight compounds were isolated and identified from its rhizosphere soil. Bioassays showed that chrysophanol (1), benzofuran (6) and protocatechuic aldehyde (8) obviously inhibited the seedling growth of P. ternate and Raphanus sativus in a concentration-dependent manner. The isolated compounds were further confirmed and quantified by HPLC in the rhizosphere soil and tissues of P. ternate, and the origins of the allelochemicals being released into the soil environment were also investigated. Physiological analyses demonstrated that the allelochemicals evidently affected the levels of protective enzymes in the tested plant seedlings and caused membrane damage, which resulted in the reduction of cell vitality. These findings provide allelopathic evidence for the replanting problems of P. ternate and would be helpful for assessing plant-soil interactions.

New phenalenone derivatives from Pinellia ternata tubers derived Aspergillus sp.

Nine new phenalenone derivatives (1–9), along with two known analogues (10−11) have been isolated from the solid cultures of an endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. which was obtained from Pinellia ternate. Their structures were established through interpretations of spectroscopic evidence, and some of their absolute configurations were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and Mo2(OCOCH3)4 induced ECD. All of the phenalenones are unusual acyclic diterpenoid adducts, which are diversely oxidized and partly epoxidized to form different heterocycles. In addition, compound 10 exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis with MIC50 values of 1.87, 2.77, and 4.80μg/mL, respectively.

Insecticidal activities and biochemical properties of Pinellia ternata extracts against the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a key pest of various agricultural crops in many countries throughout the world. The pest requires extensive use of pesticides and field-evolved resistances to conventional insecticides in China and other countries. Pinellia ternata Breit is native to the eastern part of Asia and found mainly in China, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for >1000years, but few studies have focused on the insecticidal activity of the P. ternate. In order to find natural products that could be used to control the pest in an safe, efficient and ecofriendly manner, we first time analyzed the components of the anhydrous ethanolic extracts from the tubers of Pinellia ternate by using GC–MS method, and then investigated the insecticidal activities and biochemical mechanisms of the extracts against S. exigua. The result of GC–MS showed that 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol may be an insecticidal active component, and we also found the extracts had notable insecticidal activity and disturbed the regular metabolism of S. exigua mainly through altering the activities of detoxification enzymes, digestive enzymes and protective enzymes. These properties suggest that the anhydrous ethanolic extracts from P. ternate can serve as a potential, efficient and ecofriendly S. exigua-control biopesticide.

Surface Controlled Electrochemical Sensing of Chlorpyrifos in Pinellia Ternate Based on a One Step Synthesis of Palladium-Reduced Graphene Nanocomposites

A novel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biosensor for the detection of chlorpyrifos has been developed based on the immobilization of AChE on palladium-reduced graphene nanocomposites (rGO@Pd) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The nanocomposites were synthesized by a one-step electrochemical co-deposition approach. Pd nanoparticles and rGO can be alternately attached onto the electrode surface, forming an interpenetrating network, which with excellent conductivity, catalysis, and biocompatibility offered an extremely hydrophilic surface for AChE adhesion. Under optimum conditions, the biosensor detects chlorpyrifos in two linear ranges, one is from 0.71 to 5.70 μM and the other is from 14.26 to 71.13 μM. The detection limit is 0.23 μM and the biosensor exhibits good performance such as reproducibility and stability, which makes it possible to provide a new and promising tool for the analysis of enzyme inhibitors.