Rhus Chinensis Mill Research Articles

Analysis of free amino acids and evaluation of the quality of gallnut honeys from different geographical areas

AbstractGallnut honey, a typical Chinese medicinal commodity, is produced from the nectar of Rhus chinensis Mill. Gallnut honey is very popular with consumers because of its health effects and nutritional value, but its specific nutritional composition and medicinal components are not clear. Free amino acids are important nutritional components of honey, and can provide relevant information about the honey, such as geographical and botanical origin, as well as adulterations. The aim of this paper was to explore the free amino acid characteristics of gallnut honeys in different areas. 18 free amino acids from 17 places in China were determined by automatic amino acid analyser analysis, and the geographical characteristics were studied by principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Results showed that gallnut honey is rich in free amino acids. A total of 12 types of free amino acids were detected in all honey-producing areas, and the total amino acid content was 0.132–0.292 g/100 g. Due to its free amino acid content gallnut honey has high nutritional supplement potential, and exhibits good pharmacodynamic activity and special taste characteristics. Flavour-related free amino acids were primarily aromatic free amino acids and umami free amino acids. Pharmacodynamic free amino acids accounted for 61.22–83.85%. Results also showed that free amino acids contribute to the geographical tracing of honey, and samples of gallnut honey at different altitudes can be distinguished by cluster analysis.

Chemical analysis and biological activities on solvent extracts from different parts of Rhus chinensis mill

The present research is focused on the preparation of a variety of solvent extracts using different parts of Rhus chinensis Mill. for the estimation of phytochemicals and to perform biological activities. The highest phenolic and flavonoid contents were recorded as 141.48 ± 0.67 mg GAE/g in methanol root extract and 54.34 ± 0.28 mg QE/g in ethyl acetate root extract. Ethyl acetate root extract displayed an IC50 of 7.83 ± 0.18 µg/mL in the DPPH assay. TPC and TFC were found moderately correlated with antioxidant activity. The root and leaf extracts showed antibacterial activities comparable to those of standard drugs against the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The MIC and MBC for root extract against Staphylococcus aureus were 7.8125 mg/mL and 15.625 mg/mL respectively. Similarly, the MIC and MBC for leaf extract against Escherichia coli were 15.625 mg/mL and 31.25 mg/mL respectively.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles assisted by aqueous root and leaf extracts of Rhus chinensis Mill and its antibacterial activity

In the present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous root and leaf extracts of Rhus chinensis Mill. This study aimed to undertake the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles utilizing plant extracts in an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and more efficient manner with its antibacterial application. The prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized by using different techniques. Such as ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The color changes from yellowish to reddish brown can be visualized and it indicates the formation of silver nanoparticles. The UV–Vis absorption peak shown by the synthesized AgNPs assisted by root and leaf extract was at 443 nm and 440 nm respectively. The functional group present in plants' secondary metabolites may act as capping and stabilizing agents, indicated by the shifting and disappearing of the peak in the plant extracts and the extracts-assisted synthetic nanoparticles. The crystallite size of synthesized AgNPs assisted by the root and leaf extracts of Rhus cinensis was found to be 11.01 nm and 13.39 nm respectively, while with the help of FE-SEM image the shape and particle size of synthesized AgNPs root and leaf extract was found spherical with particle diameter of 54.40 nm and 30.89 nm respectively. The presence of an intense silver component was confirmed by EDX analysis which showed an intense peak at around 3 Kev and other elements like Cl, O, C, and N were also reported in synthesized AgNPs. Both the plant extracts assisted synthesized AgNPs showed higher zones of inhibition (ZOI) against both the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results of the study indicate the potential benefit of synthesized silver nanoparticles using Rhus chinensis root and leaf extracts for biomedical purposes.

New phenols and one aminobenzoic acid derivative isolated from the roots of Rhus chinensis Mill.

Four new phenols and one new aminobenzoic acid derivative, with five known phenols were isolated from the roots of Rhus chinensis Mill. Their structures were elucidated by UV, IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra, as well as optical rotations. Compound 4 significantly inhibited mouse ear inflammation (inhibitory rate of 44.03%), and significantly extended the time of pain response (extension rate of 48.55%), showing significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in vivo.

Ingredients in Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits oil relieve fatigue by reducing oxidative damage and regulating energy metabolism and gut microbiota

Fatigue is an intricate physiological phenomenon, causing serious secondary concerns and bioregulation disorders. The objective of this research was to look into the anti-fatigue effect and potential mechanisms of natural ingredients in methanol extract of edible oil from Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits (PMRO). Results showed that a total of 18 fatty acids and 9 anacardic acids were identified by GC-MS and UHPLC-ESI-HCES/MS in PMRO. PMRO significantly increased the weight-bearing swimming time. Further investigations showed that PMRO significantly improved physiological indexes related to fatigue and regulated the oxidative stress (Keap1/Nrf2) and energy metabolism (AMPK/PGC-1α)-related proteins expression to exert anti-fatigue effects. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis indicated that a potential role of PMRO in modulating the abundance of gut bacteria and influencing the short-chain fatty acids content, thereby exerting an anti-fatigue effect. Therefore, the natural ingredients in PMRO may hold promise as a dietary supplement capable of delaying body fatigue.

Multi-parameter joint analysis of the quality of honey

The antioxidant activity of honey is mainly evaluated based on its phenolic acid and total flavonoid content, while other parameters are not considered important. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the impact of honey's physicochemical indicators and the altitude of the collection site on its quality. This study measured physical and chemical indicators in Dalbergia hainanensis Merr. et Chun honey (DH), blueberry honey (BH), Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. honey (EH), and Rhus chinensis Mill. honey (RH) and then combined them to comprehensively analyze the influencing factors of honey's antioxidant capacity using correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and regression analysis. The results showed that the 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS+) clearance ability of DH (17.60 ± 4.61 mg/ml) was significantly better than the other three varieties of honey (p <0.05). The results of the correlation analysis showed that the IC50 of the ABTS+ clearance rate was significantly negatively correlated with total flavonoid, Vitamin B1 (VB1), and Vitamin C (VC) content, as well as the a* and b * values, while positively correlated with elevation. The PCA results showed that the principal components (PCs) with eigenvalues exceeding 1 explained 86.28% of the variation. The IC50 of the ABTS+ clearance rate and altitude play an essential role in PC1, suggesting that two indicators are important in distinguishing different honeys. The regression analysis showed that total flavonoid and Vitamins B1 and C content, as well as elevation, are indispensable parameters affecting the antioxidant properties of honey. These results provide a reference method for evaluating the quality of honey from different places and altitudes.

Blood-Pressure-Lowering and Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxant Effects of Nutgall Tree in Rats.

Hypertension is the crucial modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and efforts to identify functional foods that are effective for hypertension control are increasing. The nutgall tree (NT, Rhus chinensis Mill.) is used in traditional medicine and food because of its medicinal value. However, the role of NT in hypertension has not been investigated. Therefore, the hypotensive effect of NT leaf ethanol extract (NTE) was investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). SHRs were allocated to three groups (control, 300, or 1000 mg/kg NTE), and blood pressure was measured before and after oral administration. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in the NTE 1000 mg/kg group and was the lowest at 2 h after administration (-26.4 ± 10.3, -33.5 ± 9.8%, respectively). Daily NTE administration for five days also resulted in a similar effect. Further, the vasorelaxant effects and related mechanisms were investigated in the aortas of Sprague Dawley rats. NTE showed the dose-dependent blood-vessel-relaxing effect, and its mechanism involves the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway, activation of K+ channels, and reduction in the vasoconstrictive action of angiotensin II. Therefore, our study provides basic data indicating the potential use of NTE as a functional food for high blood pressure.

Studying the Optimization, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activities of Phenolic Extracts Extracted from Rhus chinensis Mill. Leaf using Microwave-assisted Extraction System with Glycerol as a Green Solvent

Background: The leaves of Rhus chinensis Mill., a common deciduous tree found in the mild temperate zone of Asia, have many medicinal effects, including antioxidant properties. Objectives and Methods: This study aims to optimize the conditions for extracting phenols from Rhus chinensis Mill. (RCM) using a microwave-assisted extraction system with glycerol (MAEG) via response surface methodology (RSM). It also aims to compare the extraction efficacy of decoction and MAEG methods in terms of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of the extracts obtained through them, identify bioactive compounds in both extracts via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOFMS/ MS), and determine the cytotoxicity and cellular antioxidant activity of MAEG extract. Results: Temperature and glycerol concentration significantly affected the total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts. The validated value of TPC was 84.11 ± 4.28 mg GAE/g for the sample obtained under the optimal conditions of 12.76 min at 54.08°C and 34.48% glycerol concentration. MAEG extract exhibited higher antioxidant properties compared to the decoction extract. Different phenolic compounds in the extracts were tentatively identified by LC-QTOF. MAEG concentrations from 1 mg/mL to 7.5 mg/mL were considered non-cytotoxic to NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. Furthermore, the cell viability of NIH/3T3 fibroblasts increased after being treated with MAEG extract (from 2.5 mg/mL to 7.5 mg/mL) and subjected to H2O2- induced oxidative stress compared to H2O2 treatment alone. Conclusion: Finally, MAEG can be used as a novel green extraction method for obtaining bioactive compounds for cosmetic and medicinal applications.

Ethnobotanical study on ritual plants used by Hani people in Yunnan, China

BackgroundThe Hani people, who reside in Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, rely on rice terrace farming as their primary livelihood. They utilize plants in various traditional ritual practices. The Hani people have categorized the value of plants based on their natural attributes and have refined the ways of using different plants in specific rituals through practical observations and experiences derived from their agricultural culture. Although the plants used in these rituals hold significant cultural value, they have yet to be studied from the perspective of ethnobotany. This study aims to approach the ritual plants using ethnobotanical methods.MethodsEthnobotanical fieldwork was conducted in 10 villages in Yuanyang County between 2021 and 2023. Data were collected from the local Hani people through semi-structured interviews and participatory observations and 41 informants were interviewed during the field investigations. The frequency of citation (FC) and relative frequency of citation (RFC) were utilized to evaluate the relative importance of ritual plants among the local communities.ResultsA total of 36 plant species, belonging to 18 families and 34 genera, were recorded as being used in 11 ritual practices by the Hani people. Rosaceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae were found to have the highest number of species. Most of the ritual plants used by the Hani people were collected from the wild. FC and RFC analysis showed that the preferred plants for Hani rituals were Rhus chinensis Mill, Oryza sativa L., Phyllostachys sulphurea (Carr.) A. et C. Riv. and Musa basjoo Siebold & Zucc. ex Iinuma. The 11 rituals are all centered around the performance of people, crops and livestock. The Hani people use plants in different rituals mainly based on their biological attributes.ConclusionsMany rituals of the Hani people are closely related to their production and livelihood, and the plants used in these rituals are deeply rooted in Hani’s traditional ecological knowledge and beliefs. The Hani people’s reverence for nature, respect for life, gratitude towards ancestors, and seeking blessings and disaster prevention for their families, crops, and livestock are all reflected in these rituals and their utilization of ritual plants. The Hani people showcase their agricultural culture in the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces through plant-based ritual performances. Studying ritual plants in the core area of the Hani Rice Terraces is of great significance for protecting the Hani Terrace farming culture. In the future, it is essential to pay more attention to the role of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation.

Polyphenol-rich extract of Chinese sumac (Rhus chinensis Mill.) fruits and its main component decrease in vitro starch digestibility of bread: Exploring the potential mechanisms from the perspective of molecular interactions

This study intended to examine whether the polyphenol-rich extract of Chinese sumac fruits (PREF) and its main component quercitrin can delay the in vitro starch digestibility of bread and unravel the underlying mechanisms. The findings indicated that PREF or quercitrin fortification, especially a high dose of PREF (50 g/kg of flour), altered the texture and surface morphology of bread and reduced its digestibility. In vitro inhibiting starch digesting enzymes and in silico analyses were performed to unveil the underlying mechanisms. Both PREF and quercitrin significantly inhibited the activities of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, which could be attributed to the fact that quercitrin can effectively enter the active site of enzymes and form a stable complex. Moreover, the major polyphenols in PREF formed a stable complex with the starch chain, which reduced its digestibility. These encouraging results signify that PREF fortification may be used to develop new healthy bread products for patients with diabetes.

A chromosome-scale genome of Rhus chinensis Mill. provides new insights into plant-insect interaction and gallotannins biosynthesis.

Rhus chinensis Mill., an economically valuable Anacardiaceae species, is parasitized by the galling aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis, resulting in the formation of the Chinese gallnut (CG). Here, we report a chromosomal-level genome assembly of R. chinensis, with a total size of 389.40 Mb and scaffold N50 of 23.02 Mb. Comparative genomic and transcriptome analysis revealed that the enhanced structure of CG and nutritional metabolism contribute to improving the adaptability of R. chinensis to S. chinensis by supporting CG and galling aphid growth. CG was observed to be abundant in hydrolysable tannins (HT), particularly gallotannin and its isomers. Tandem repeat clusters of dehydroquinate dehydratase/shikimate dehydrogenase (DQD/SDH) and serine carboxypeptidase-like (SCPL) and their homologs involved in HT production were determined as specific to HT-rich species. The functional differentiation of DQD/SDH tandem duplicate genes and the significant contraction in the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene family contributed to the accumulation of gallic acid and HT while minimizing the production of shikimic acid, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in CG. Furthermore, we identified one UDP glucosyltransferase (UGT84A), three carboxylesterase (CXE), and six SCPL genes from conserved tandem repeat clusters that are involved in gallotannin biosynthesis and hydrolysis in CG. We then constructed a regulatory network of these genes based on co-expression and transcription factor motif analysis. Our findings provide a genomic resource for the exploration of the underlying mechanisms of plant-galling insect interaction and highlight the importance of the functional divergence of tandem duplicate genes in the accumulation of secondary metabolites.

Chinese Sumac (Rhus chinensis Mill.) Fruits Prevent Hyperuricemia and Uric Acid Nephropathy in Mice Fed a High-Purine Yeast Diet.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a prevalent chronic disease, characterized by excessive blood uric acid levels, that poses a significant health risk. In this study, the preventive effects and potential mechanisms of ethanol extracts from Chinese sumac (Rhus chinensis Mill.) fruits on HUA and uric acid nephropathy were comprehensively investigated. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in uric acid levels in hyperuricemia mice after treatment with Chinese sumac fruit extract, especially in the high-dose group, where the blood uric acid level decreased by 39.56%. Visual diagrams of the kidneys and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections showed the extract's effectiveness in protecting against kidney damage caused by excessive uric acid. Further investigation into its mechanism revealed that the extract prevents and treats hyperuricemia by decreasing uric acid production, enhancing uric acid excretion, and mitigating the oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions induced by excessive uric acid in the kidneys. Specifically, the extract markedly decreased xanthine oxidase (XOD) levels and expression in the liver, elevated the expression of uric acid transporters ABCG2, and lowered the expression of uric acid reabsorption proteins URAT1 and SLC2A9. Simultaneously, it significantly elevated the levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH) while reducing the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, the expression of uric-acid-related proteins NLRP3, ACS, and Caspase-3 and the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly reduced. The experimental results confirm that Chinese sumac fruit extract can improve HUA and uric acid nephropathy in mice fed a high-purine yeast diet. This finding establishes a theoretical foundation for developing Chinese sumac fruit as a functional food or medicine for preventing and treating HUA.

Processing of an underutilized fruit crop sumac berry from the north-eastern region of India: A Review

Sumac, a native wild fruit crop with over 250 varieties, grows 12-25 feet in sub-tropical to tropical climates with well-drained soil, creamy white blooms, and waxy-coated seeds. R. chinensis Mill. is a promising natural medicine with health benefits, anti-cancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antidiarrheal properties. Its methanolic extract has reduced kidney stone risk, suppresses bone resorption, and inhibits HIV-1 activity. Evidence suggests that R. chinensis contains flavonoids, phenolics, and triterpenoids because of its excellent nutritional profile, and distinctive tangy flavor, Rhus chinensis has enormous potential as a niche fruit crop. Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits are notably rich in carbohydrates(15.49 ± 1.60%), ascorbic acid (840.45 ± 86.44 μg/g), and minerals like potassium and phosphorus. While the fruit pulp is naturally acidic, processing it into tablets and candies reduces its acidity by 3.70% and 3.68%, enhancing its palatability and potential health benefits. Sumac processing typically adheres to traditional methods, with the berries sun-dried for approximately one week. Additionally, dried fruits, jams, juices, and tea can be made from Rhus chinensis. Some difficulties are raising customer awareness, conquering ignorance about cultivation, and adjusting its flavor to Western palates. Breeding programs, post-harvest technology, marketing, and sustainable farming methods are needed to overcome these obstacles.

Two new baccharane triterpenes isolated from Rhus chinensis

Two new baccharane triterpenes, 17,24-epoxy-23-en-baccharan-3-one (1) and 17,24(S)-epoxy-25-en-21-hydroxy-baccharan-3-one (2) were isolated from Rhus chinensis Mill. The structures were established on the basis of UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation exerts weak effects on species- and community-level growth traits for invading or native plants under nitrogen deposition

Nitrogen deposition and biological invasion are two major components of global environmental change. Nitrogen deposition has been considered to enhance the resource availability of recipient habitats, which influences the invasiveness of plant invader and the invasibility of recipient native communities. Nitrogen deposition has been shown to reduce the relative abundances of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) globally. AMF have been found to mutualistically symbiose with approximately 75% of plant species and act as a nutrient supplier. AMF may modify the structure of native plant communities, collaborate with alien plant invaders and thus promote their invasion. The alien woody invader, Rhus typhina L. has been introduced into North China as a horticultural species, invaded the native plant community and outperformed the native competitors in growth and in photosynthetic efficiency. Nevertheless, little is known about if nitrogen deposition and AMF inoculation synergistically alter the invasibility of native plant community. In this study, R. typhina was subjected to the artificial plant community assembled by four co-existing native species – Chenopodium album L., Vitex negundo var. heterophylla (Franch.) Rehd., Rhus chinensis Mill. and Acer truncatum Bunge in a mesocosm experiment. Nitrogen deposition and AMF inoculation were simulated as environmental and biotic filters respectively. Aboveground biomass and biomass proportion, reflecting plant growth and performance, and specific leaf area and chlorophyll concentration correlated with carbon use and photosynthetic capacity of both the alien invader and the native plants were measured and calculated after harvest. We found that AMF inoculation did not alter the trait variation of alien and native species to increasing nitrogen deposition level in general, although AMF inoculation impeded the increase of aboveground biomass for C. album, V. negundo and native community with increasing nitrogen deposition level. In the scenario of nitrogen deposition and AMF inoculation, a stable status of invasion dynamic may be maintained and needs to be checked with integration of traits at extended temporal scale.

Pentagalloyl Glucose: A Review of Anticancer Properties, Molecular Targets, Mechanisms of Action, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety Profile.

Pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) is a natural hydrolyzable gallotannin abundant in various plants and herbs. It has a broad range of biological activities, specifically anticancer activities, and numerous molecular targets. Despite multiple studies available on the pharmacological action of PGG, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of PGG are unclear. Here, we have critically reviewed the natural sources of PGG, its anticancer properties, and underlying mechanisms of action. We found that multiple natural sources of PGG are available, and the existing production technology is sufficient to produce large quantities of the required product. Three plants (or their parts) with maximum PGG content were Rhus chinensis Mill, Bouea macrophylla seed, and Mangifera indica kernel. PGG acts on multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways associated with the hallmarks of cancer to inhibit growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis of several cancers. Moreover, PGG can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy by modulating various cancer-associated pathways. Therefore, PGG can be used for treating different human cancers; nevertheless, the data on the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of PGG are limited, and further studies are essential to define the clinical use of PGG in cancer therapies.

Triterpenoids with diverse skeletons from the roots of Rhus chinensis and their protective effects on isoproterenol-induced heart failure in zebrafish

In the ongoing quest to discover previously unreported lead compounds that provide protection against heart failure (HF), ten formerly undescribed (1–10) and nine known (11–19) triterpenoids were obtained from the roots of Rhus chinensis Mill. The isolated triterpenoids exhibited distinct skeletal types, including rare 17-epi-dammarane (1, 6, 7, 11, and 12), conventional dammarane (2–5, 8, and 9), oleanane (10 and 13–17) and lupane (18 and 19). Their structures were elucidated via a comprehensive analysis of the HRESIMS, NMR, and ECD data, as well as quantum chemical calculations of NMR parameters. Notably, compounds 1–5, 10–15, and 19 possessed an unusual 3,19 (or 25)-hemiketal structure bridging over ring A, while the remaining compounds were classified as 3-oxotriterpenoids. The skeletal diversity observed in these compounds was further elaborated from a biosynthetic perspective. Subsequently, the protective effects of fourteen compounds (1, 3, 4, 6–9, 11–14, and 16–18) against HF were evaluated using zebrafish models of isoproterenol-induced HF at a concentration of 1 μg/mL. Remarkably, all fourteen compounds significantly ameliorated pericardial edema, with five compounds (3, 6, 11, 14, and 16) also attenuating impaired cardiac output (CO), and eight compounds (1, 3, 4, 7–9, 14, and 16) inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Notably, certain compounds even restored the impaired pericardium and CO to near-normal levels. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of triterpenoids derived from R. chinensis as promising agents for the treatment of HF.

Bioactivity and nutritional quality of nutgall (Rhus semialata Murray), an underutilized fruit of Manipur.

Underutilized fruits plays a significant role in socio economic, cultural, nutritional and ethnomedicinal status of tribal people. However, scientific studies on the nutritional and other pharmaceuticals/biological activities of these fruits are meagre. Hence, the present study dealt with the quantification of nutritional quality and deciphering the bioactivity of nutgall (Rhus semialata Murray syn. Rhus chinensis Mill.), an underutilized fruit crop mainly found in foothill tracks of Eastern Himalaya, India, China, Japan, Korea and other South East Asian countries. The Rhus semialata Murray fruits were collected from five different locations in Purul sub-division, Senapati district, Manipur, India. The nutritional composition of the fruit pulp was analysed. Further the fruit pulp was extracted in methanol and water. The methanol and water extracts were studied for bioactivity properties such as antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, antihyperuricemia, anti-tyrosinase, and antimicrobial activity. The fruit was rich in essential fatty acids. The presence of linoleic and oleic acids, along with traces of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapantaenoic acid, revealed the potential food value of the fruit. 59.18% of the total amino acid composition of the protein present was constituted by essential amino acids. The IC50 value of methanolic extract (MExt) and Water extract (WExt) of the fruit were recorded as 4.05 ± 0.22 and 4.45 ± 0.16 μg/mL, respectively, in the DPPH assay and 5.43 ± 0.37 and 11.36 ± 2.9 μg/mL, respectively, in the ABTS assay as compared to Ascorbic acid (3 and 5.4 μg/mL in DPPH and ABTS assay, respectively). The CUPRAC assay also showed a high antioxidant potential of MExt and WExt (1143.84 ± 88.34 and 456.53 ± 30.02 mg Ascorbic Acid Equivalent/g, respectively). MExt and WExt of the fruit were more active against α-glucosidase (IC50 of 1.61 ± 0.34 and 7.74 ± 0.54 μg/ mL, respectively) than α-amylase enzyme (IC50 14.15 ± 0.57 and 123.33 ± 14.7 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, the methanolic fruit extract showed low to moderate pharmacological potential in terms of antihypertensive (Angiotensin converting enzyme-I inhibition), antihyperuricemia (xanthine oxidase inhibition), anti-tyrosinase, and antimicrobial activity. The IC50 values of angiotensin-converting enzyme I inhibition, xanthine oxidase inhibition and tyrosinase inhibition were recorded as 13.35 ± 1.21 mg/mL, 93.16 ± 4.65 mg/mL, and 862.7 ± 12.62 μg/mL, respectively. The study evidently indicates that nutgall fruit is a potential source of phytonutrients, bestowed with commercially exploitable, multifaceted health benefits.

Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits alleviate liver injury induced by isoniazid and rifampicin through regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and bile acid transport.

Rhus chinensis Mill. is a species of the genus Rhus belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. Its fruits used to treat/prevent liver related diseases (e.g., jaundice and hepatitis) in folk medicine. Otherwise, the effects and underlying mechanisms of the fruits on the prevention of isoniazid and rifampicin-caused liver injury have not been investigated. To study the preventive effects and mechanisms of the Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits on isoniazid and rifampicin-caused liver injury. This experiment was based on rifampicin (75 mg/kg/day) and isoniazid (75 mg/kg/day)-induced liver damage model to explain the pharmacological effects of Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits. The prevention of the extract from Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits on isoniazid and rifampicin-caused liver injury were evaluated using biochemical parameters, histopathological analysis, and immunofluorescence technique. Apart from that, the potential molecular mechanisms were elucidated by analyzing the expression of such crucial proteins participated in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and bile acid transport. The extract from Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits significantly reduced the levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, ALP and MDA. Besides, the extract, especially 800 mg/kg b.w., was remarkably decreased the content of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β, restored the levels of GSH and SOD. The results of Western blot also presented that the extract could activate the Nrf2 protein pathway and inhibit the expression of CYP2E1 to reduce oxidative stress. Meanwhile, the extract significantly up-regulated the expressions of BSEP and Mrp2 to regulate the transport of bile acid, and alleviated the cellular apoptosis via adjusting the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits can prevent the liver injury induced by isoniazid and rifampicin in mice through adjusting the expressions of multiple proteins in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and bile acid transport pathways. This paper may provide scientific basis for the fruits as a Chinese medicine to prevent/cure liver injury.

Efficient plant regeneration mediated by root segment-derived juvenile shoots of Rhus chinensis Mill

Efficient plant regeneration mediated by root segment-derived juvenile shoots of Rhus chinensis Mill