Roots Of Polygonum Multiflorum Thunb Research Articles

Influence of sampling location and processing on the assembly and network of Polygoni Multiflori Radix surface microbiome

The raw and processed roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb is a popular traditional Chinese medicine. However, Polygoni Multiflori Radix is easily contaminated by toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins during harvesting, processing, and transportation, thereby posing a health risk for consumers. This study aims to investigate the presence of fungi on the surface of raw and processed Polygoni Multiflori Radix collected from four producing areas using high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, the genera Xeromyces, Cystofilobasidium, Eurotium, and Aspergillus were the dominant fungus, and significant differences are presented in four areas and two processed products. Three potential mycotoxin-producing fungi were detected, namely Trichosporon cutaneum, Aspergillus restrictus, and Fusarium oxysporum. The α-diversity and network complexity showed significant differences in four areas. Chao 1 and Shannon were highest in Yunnan (YN), then incrementally decreased from SC (Sichuan) to AH (Anhui) and GD (Guangdong) areas. Meanwhile, α-diversity was also strongly influenced by processing. Chao 1 and Shannon indices were higher in the raw group, however, the network complexity and connectivity were higher in the processed group. In conclusion, the assembly and network of the surface microbiome on Polygoni Multiflori Radix were influenced by sampling location and processing. This work provides details on the surface microbiome of Polygoni Multiflori Radix samples, which could ensure the drug and consumers' safety.

Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Antioxidant Compounds from Roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. at Vietnam using Response Surface Methodology

Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Antioxidant Compounds from Roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. at Vietnam using Response Surface Methodology

Anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant ability of HeShouWu (roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.) and its complex formula

Many studies have confirmed the effectiveness of herbal medicines or complex formulations in clinical therapy for metabolic diseases. This study investigated the effects of a HeShouWu decoction and its complex formula on blood lipids and antioxidant activity in hamsters with a high-cholesterol intake-induced hyperlipidemia model. The biological efficacy of HeShouWu and its complex formula were assessed by measuring body weight (BW), and fecal metabolites, conducting a blood biochemical analysis, and examining liver sections. Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) contents, and antioxidant activities in the liver and kidneys were measured. The results showed no inhibited growth after 10 weeks of treatment. However, significant decreases in blood and liver lipids (TC and TG) were detected in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the antioxidant activities [glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total thiols] improved, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased significantly, which significantly reduced intracellular oxidative stress (OS). However, no significantly improved treatment effect was detected on fat accumulation in the liver sections. The added cholesterol intake in this study was continued daily by diet and stimulation, suggesting that patients should strictly consume a low-cholesterol diet in clinical therapy to minimize the load on the liver. This study demonstrated that the HeShouWu complex reduced blood and liver TC and TG levels satisfactorily. Improvements in the clinical use of the HeShouWu complex are expected to uncover safer, more effective, and economical Chinese herbal formulations for reducing blood lipids.

A New Stilbene Glucoside from Biotransformation-Guided Purification of Chinese Herb Ha-Soo-Oh.

Ha-Soo-Oh is a traditional Chinese medicine prepared from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. The herb extract has been widely used in Asian countries as a tonic agent and nutritional supplement for centuries. To identify new bioactive compounds in Chinese herbs, the biotransformation-guided purification (BGP) process was applied to Ha-Soo-Oh with Bacillus megaterium tyrosinase (BmTYR) as a biocatalyst. The result showed that a major biotransformed compound could be purified using the BGP process with preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and it was confirmed as a new compound, 2,3,5,3′,4′-pentahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-glucoside (PSG) following mass and nucleic magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral analyses. PSG was further confirmed as a biotransformation product from 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-glucoside (TSG) by BmTYR. The new PSG exhibited 4.7-fold higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity than that of TSG. The present study highlights the potential usage of BGP in herbs to discover new bioactive compounds in the future.

Changes of Physicochemical Properties and Immunomodulatory Activity of Polysaccharides During Processing of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.

The roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (PM) have a long history of usage in traditional Chinese medicine and are still widely utilized today. PM in raw or processed form has different biological activities and is commonly used to treat different diseases. Polysaccharides are the main component of PM, and it is unclear whether their physicochemical properties and activities change after processing. In this study, the polysaccharides from thirty-one raw PM (RPMPs) and nine processed PM (PPMPs) were extracted, and the physicochemical properties and immunomodulatory activity in vitro of polysaccharide samples were evaluated. Results showed that RPMPs and PPMPs had significant differences in physicochemical properties. RPMPs and PPMPs were both composed of mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose. However, RPMPs and PPMPs had significant differences in their yields, molecular weight (Mw), and the molar ratio of Glc/GalA (p < 0.05), which can be used to distinguish raw and processed PM. The fingerprint of monosaccharide composition was analyzed by chemometrics, and it was further demonstrated that Glc and GalA could be used as differential markers. The immunomodulatory activity assays indicated that RPMPs and PPMPs could significantly enhance phagocytosis and mRNA expression of cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, the immunomodulatory activity of PPMPs with lower Mw was significantly better than that of RPMPs. This study furthers the understanding of the polysaccharides from raw and processed PM and provides a reference for improving the quality standard of PM.

UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS assay for the quantification of dianthrones as potential toxic markers of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb: applications for the standardization of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) with endogenous toxicity

BackgroundThe raw and processed roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (PM) are commonly used in clinical practice to treat diverse diseases; however, reports of hepatotoxicity induced by Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) and Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata (PMRP) have emerged worldwide. Thus, it is necessary for researchers to explore methods to improve quality standards to ensure their quality and treatment effects.MethodsIn the present study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) method was optimized and validated for the determination of dianthrones in PMR and PMRP using bianthronyl as the internal standard. Chromatographic separation with a gradient mobile phase [A: acetonitrile and B: water containing 0.1% formic acid (v/v)] at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min was achieved on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.8 μm). The triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (TQMS) was operated in negative ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring for the quantitative analysis of six dianthrones. Moreover, compounds 5 and 6 were further evaluated for their cytotoxicity in HepaRG cells by CCK-8 assay.ResultsThe UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS method was first developed to simultaneously determine six dianthrones in PMR and PMRP, namely, polygonumnolides C1–C4 (1–4), trans-emodin dianthrones (5), and cis-emodin dianthrones (6). The contents of 1–6 in 90 batches of PMR were in the ranges of 0.027–19.04, 0.022–13.86, 0.073–15.53, 0.034–23.35, 0.38–83.67 and 0.29–67.00 µg/g, respectively. The contents of 1–6 in 86 batches of commercial PMRP were in the ranges of 0.020–13.03, 0.051–8.94, 0.022–7.23, 0.030–12.75, 0.098–28.54 and 0.14–27.79 µg/g, respectively. Compounds 1–4 were almost completely eliminated after reasonable processing for 24 h and the contents of compounds 5 and 6 significantly decreased. Additionally, compounds 5 and 6 showed inhibitory activity in HepaRG cells with IC50 values of 10.98 and 15.45 μM, respectively. Furthermore, a systematic five-step strategy to standardize TCMs with endogenous toxicity was proposed for the first time, which involved the establishment of determination methods, the identification of potentially toxic markers, the standardization of processing methods, the development of limit standards and a risk–benefit assessment.ConclusionThe results of the cytotoxicity evaluation of the dianthrones indicated that trans-emodin dianthrones (5) and cis-emodin dianthrones (6) could be selected as toxic markers of PMRP. Taking PMR and PMRP as examples, we hope this study provides insight into the standardization and internationalization of endogenous toxic TCMs, with the main purpose of improving public health by scientifically using TCMs to treat diverse complex diseases in the future.

The Protective Effect of Tetrahydroxystilbene Glucoside on High Glucose-Induced Injury in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS Pathway and Regulation of Bcl-2/Bax

Endothelial dysfunction plays a central role in the patho­genesis of diabetic vascular complications. 2,3,5,4′-tetra­hydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG), an active component extracted from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb, has been shown to have strong antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of TSG on apoptosis induced by high glucose in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the possible mechanisms. Our data demonstrated that TSG significantly reversed the high glucose-induced decrease in cell viability, suppressed high glucose-induced generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activity of caspase-3, and decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we found that TSG not only increased the expression of Bcl-2, while decreasing Bax expression, but also activated phosphorylation of Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) with subsequent nitric oxide production and ultimately reduced high glucose-induced apoptosis. However, the antiapoptotic effects of TSG were abrogated by pretreatment of the cells with PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) or eNOS inhibitor NG-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester, respectively. These results suggest that TSG inhibits high glucose-induced apoptosis in HUVECs through inhibition of ROS production, activation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway, and upregulation of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and thus may demonstrate significant potential for preventing diabetic cardiovascular complications.

Interaction of polyphenols extract from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. roots with gelatin and toxicity of extract in mice

The roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Vietnamese name: Ha-thu-o-do, HTOD) are used in processed form or the raw state in traditional Vietnamese medicine for many diseases and in extract form in the food industry. Some studies pointed out that HTOD extract had toxicity in humans. However, the toxicity of this herb plant currently remains unclear. In addition, this material contained a large amount of bioactive compounds, especially phenolic compounds. They have a strong antioxidant capacity and they can also interact with many different substrates such as protein, enzyme, lipid and carbohydrate. In this study, the received extracts from HTOD had the polyphenols concentrations of 415, 277, 208 and 166 (mg GAE.L-1), respectively. Besides, we only evaluated the gelatin-polyphenols interaction and the toxicity of HTOD extract in Swiss mice. The results show a strong gelatin-polyphenols interaction and no acute or subacute toxicity in mice. The polyphenols extract of HTOD at the concentration tested in this study is safe to use in food.

Tissue-Specific Analysis of Secondary Metabolites Creates a Reliable Morphological Criterion for Quality Grading of Polygoni Multiflori Radix.

In commercial herbal markets, Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR, the tuberous roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.), a commonly-used Chinese medicinal material, is divided into different grades based on morphological features of size and weight. While more weight and larger size command a higher price, there is no scientific data confirming that the more expensive roots are in fact of better quality. To assess the inherent quality of various grades and of various tissues in PMR and to find reliable morphological indicators of quality, a method combining laser microdissection (LMD) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was applied. Twelve major chemical components were quantitatively determined in both whole material and different tissues of PMR. Determination of the whole material revealed that traditional commercial grades based on size and weight of PRM did not correspond to any significant differences in chemical content. Instead, tissue-specific analysis indicated that the morphological features could be linked with quality in a new way. That is, PMR with broader cork and phloem, as seen in a transverse section, were typically of better quality as these parts are where the bioactive components accumulate. The tissue-specific analysis of secondary metabolites creates a reliable morphological criterion for quality grading of PMR.

Polygonumnolides A1\u2013B3, minor dianthrone derivatives from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb

Seven new dianthrone glycosides, named polygonumnolides A1–B3 (1–7), were isolated from the 70 % EtOH extract of the dried roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. using column chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Their structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectroscopy. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against KB tumor cell lines and compounds 1–4 showed moderate cytotoxicity.

Cis-stilbene glucoside in Polygonum multiflorum induces immunological idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity in LPS-treated rats by suppressing PPAR-γ.

The root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (PM) has been used in China to treat a variety of diseases, such as constipation, early graying of the hair and hyperlipemia. Recent evidence shows that PM causes idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) in humans. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis of PM-induced liver injury in a rat model of IDILI based on a non-hepatotoxic dose of LPS. SD rats were orally administered 3 potentially hepatotoxic compounds of PM: cis-stilbene glucoside (cis-SG, 50 mg/kg), trans-SG (50 mg/kg) or emodin (5 mg/kg), followed by injection of LPS (2.8 mg/kg, iv). Serum and liver histology were evaluated 7 h after LPS injection. Among the 3 compounds tested, cis-SG, but not emodin or trans-SG, induced severe liver injury in rats when combined with LPS. The levels of AST and ALT in plasma and inflammatory cytokines in both plasma and liver tissues were markedly elevated. The liver tissues showed increased injury, hepatocyte apoptosis, and macrophage infiltration, and decreased cell proliferation. Microarray analysis revealed a negative correlation between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and LPS/cis-SG-induced liver injury. Immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR results further confirmed that cis-SG significantly inhibited activation of the PPAR-γ pathway in the liver tissues of LPS/cis-SG-treated rats. Pre-treatment with a PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone (500 g/kg, ig) reversed LPS/cis-SG-induced liver injury, which was associated with inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. These data demonstrate that cis-stilbene glucoside induces immunological idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity through suppressing PPAR-γ in a rat model of IDILI.

The assessment of the chronic hepatotoxicity induced by Polygoni Multiflori Radix in rats: A pilot study by using untargeted metabolomics method

Polygoni Multiflori Radix is the dried root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb officially recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as HeShouWu (HSW) in Chinese pinyin. The processed HSW are commonly used in TCM to treat liver disease and Chinese Pharmacopoeia has described the actions of it to tonify liver-kidney, replenish essence and blood, blacken beard and hair, strengthen sinew and bone, and resolve turbidity and lower lipid hence making it use not only as a herbal medicine in TCM but also as supplementary food in health care. Aim of the studyConcerns about the hepatotoxicity in association with Polygoni Multiflori Radix and its processed products have been reported in some countries. In the present study, we aim to investigate the potential hepatotoxicity of HSW in rats with oral administration of 95% ethanol-extracts of Polygoni Multiflori Radix by using metabolomics method. Materials and methodsHere, male rats with 150–180g body weight were received vehicle control or Polygoni Multiflori Radix extracts (HSW-Ex) orally at 19.2 (low dose), 192 (medium dose), or 1920mg/kg/day (high dose), respectively, for 28 consecutive days. Signs of HSW-induced toxicity were monitored by traditional toxicity assessments (e.g., clinical pathology and histopathology). Metabolomics investigation of serum was performed to identify potential endogenous metabolites which may be relevant to liver injury. ResultsRats received High and Medium dose of HSW-Ex showed greater sign of liver injury with increased levels of ASP, ALT, and AST, as well as reduced SOD activity when compared to vehicle control. In contrast, there are no significant changes relevant to liver injury observed in rats by receiving the low dose of HSW-Ex. Metabolomics analyses have identified ten potential endogenous metabolites varied significantly among the treatment groups with varying doses of HSW-Ex, of which might be related to liver injury. ConclusionOur data has further suggested that liver damage resulting from HSW-Ex consumption is dosage dependent in rats. It is possible that disruption in amino acid and energy metabolism might lead to subsequent oxidative damage in the liver of rats. Because the clinic practice often use low dose in a short time, therefore HSW usage in TCM still keep safe currently, but we present a warning to the clinical doctors and make them has some concern about high dose of HSW usage in a long term that has potential danger to damage liver.

A-Glucosidase inhibitors extracted from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb

A novel stilbene glucoside, polygonumnolide D (1), and a novel dianthrone glycoside, polygonumnolide E (2), were isolated from a 70% EtOH extract of the dried roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., together with six known compounds (3–8). Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR as well as mass spectroscopy data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their a-glucosidase inhibitory activities in vitro. Compounds 1, 2 and 5 showed the inhibitory activity against a-glucosidase with the IC50 values of 2.4, 2.7 and 0.3μM, respectively.

Polygonumnolides C1-C4; minor dianthrone glycosides from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb

Four new dianthrone glycosides, named polygonumnolides C1-C4 (1–4), were isolated from the dried roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb, together with two known emodin dianthrones (5–6). Their hepatotoxicities were evaluated against L-02 cell lines. Compounds 1–4 showed weak hepatotoxicity against L-02 cell lines with IC50 values of 313.05, 205.20, 294.20, and 207.35 μM, respectively.

Integrated chemometric fingerprints of antioxidant activities and HPLC–DAD–CL for assessing the quality of the processed roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Heshouwu)

BackgroundThe processed roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Heshouwu; processed HSW) are commonly used in anti-aging medicine. Few reports have combined chemical profiles with bioactivity to evaluate the quality of the processed HSW. This study aims to integrate chemometric fingerprints of antioxidant activities and high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection–chemiluminescence (HPLC–DAD–CL) to assess the quality of processed HSW.MethodsAn online HPLC–DAD–CL based on the three reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxynitriteanion, was developed to screen the potential anti-aging constituents for a comprehensive quality evaluation of processed HSW. Additionally, antioxidant-activity-integrated fingerprints were constructed and hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to evaluate the variations among 14 batches of processed HSW samples purchased from drug stores in different habitats.ResultsFourteen batches of processed HSW samples were highly similar and classified into two clusters using hierarchical cluster analysis. Twelve active compounds exhibited antioxidant activity on the ROS with different degrees of sensitivity that constituted specific fingerprints. Among them, protocatechuic acid, catechin, trans-2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside, 2,3,5, 4′-tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-β-d-(2′′-galloyl)-glucoside, torachrysone-8-O-glucoside, and emodin-8-O-β-d-glucoside exerted relatively large influences on the differences between processed HSW samples.ConclusionOur study established the antioxidative activity-integrated fingerprint for processed HSW and achieved a screening of the potential anti-aging constituents using the online HPLC–DAD–CL method with H2O2, O2•−, and ONOO−scavenging experiments.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13020-016-0087-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Role of complementary and alternative medicine in controlling dyslipidemia.

Role of complementary and alternative medicine in controlling dyslipidemia.

Germplasm preservation in vitro of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.

Background:The root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. is a common traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, the wild resources of P. multiflorum have been seriously broken, and the cultivated varieties have been degrading. The germplasm resources of P. multiflorum need protection and preservation. So far, no in vitro germplasm preservation of P. multiflorum has been reported.Objective:To explore a method for the in vitro germplasm preservation of P. multiflorum.Materials and Methods:A large number of buds from seed explants were induced by tissue culture. The single buds were used as experimental materials to study the effects of plant growth regulator, temperature, and osmotic pressure on the preservation time, growth recovery, and genetic stability.Results:When the buds were inoculated onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media containing 4% w/v sucrose, 2% w/v mannitol, and 1% w/v sorbitol, supplemented with paclobutrazol (PP333) 1.0 mg/l, abscisic acid (ABA) 5.0 mg/l, and daminozide (B9) 30.0 mg/l in an illuminated chamber under a 16 h photoperiod of 1500 lx light intensity at 15°C for 10 months, the survival rate was over 70% with good growth recovery and genetic stability.Conclusion:The results of this study can be used for medium-term in vitro germplasm preservation of P. multiflorum, and meeting actual needs of research and production.

Intestinal Transportations of Main Chemical Compositions of Polygoni Multiflori Radix in Caco-2 Cell Model

Context. Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) is originated from the root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. and used in oriental countries for centuries. However, little researches pay close attention to the absorption of its major constituents. Objective. Transepithelial transport of TSG, RL, PL, and four anthraquinones is carried out. Materials and Methods. Caco-2 cell monolayer, which represented a well-established model for the study of intestinal transport of nutrients and xenobiotics, was used in this paper. Results. The apparent permeability coefficients (P app) in the Caco-2 cell monolayers were TSG (2.372 × 10−9) < EG (2.391 × 10−9) < EN (2.483 × 10−9) < PL (4.917 × 10−9) < RN (1.707 × 10−8) < RL (1.778 × 10−8) < AE (1.952 × 10−8). Thus, RN, RL, and AE were considered partly absorbed, while other constituents were hardly absorbed. Discussion and Conclusion. Glycosides showed poor permeabilities than aglycones. In the meantime, TSG and EN gave out poor recovery rates in this assay, which indicated that TSG and EN may accumulate or metabolise in the Caco-2 cells. In silico prediction indicated that Gibbs energy (r = 0.751, p < 0.05) and heat of form (r = 0.701, p < 0.05) were strongly positively correlated with P app.

Anti-proliferative effect of an extract of the root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and the possible mechanisms

The root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) is utilized to treat many diseases associated with aging. Research also indicates that PM inhibits the proliferation of certain types of cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of PM extract (PME) on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Inhibition of the proliferation of MCF-7 cells was determined by the MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptotic rates were evaluated by flow cytometry, and cell cycle and apoptosis-related protein expression was assessed by Western blotting. Apoptotic characteristics of MCF-7 cells were detected by transmission electron microscopy. The present study showed that PME at doses of 100, 150, 200 and 250 µg/ml significantly inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry showed that the cell apoptotic rates were 9.1 ± 1.67 and 17.7 ± 2.93% after treatment with 100 and 200 µg/ml PME for 48 h, respectively. The proportions of cells in the G2/M phase were 37.9 ± 1.47 and 42.0 ± 1.71% after treatment with 100 and 200 µg/ml PME for 24 h, respectively. Western blot analysis showed that PME down-regulated the protein expression of Cdc25B and Cdc25C phosphatases accompanied by an increase in phospho-Cdk1, and PME promoted cytochrome c release from mitochondria into the cytosol to activate caspase-9. The present study demonstrated that PME inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and promoting cell apoptosis. The effects of PME on MCF-7 cells were associated with the modulation of the expression levels of proteins involved in the cell cycle and apoptosis. These data suggest that PME has promise as a treatment against breast cancer by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells.

Comparative Analyses of Chromatographic Fingerprints of the Roots ofPolygonum multiflorumThunb. and Their Processed Products Using RRLC/DAD/ESI-MSn

The dried roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Heshouwu) and their processed products (Zhi-heshouwu) are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, yet their therapeutic effects are different. Previous investigations focused mainly on the differences between Heshouwu and Zhi-heshouwu in the contents of several known compounds. In this study, a rapid resolution liquid chromatography-diode array detection/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC/DAD/ESI-MS(n)) method was developed for the comparative analysis of the components of Heshouwu and Zhi-heshouwu. A total of 23 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized. We found that 16 batches of Heshouwu and 15 batches of Zhi-heshouwu samples shared eight compounds, including gallic acid; 3,5,4'-tetrahydroxylstilbene-2,3-di-O-glucoside, CIS-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxylstilbene-2-O- β-D-glucoside, trans-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxylstilbene-2-O- β-D-glucoside, emodin-8-O- β-D-glucoside, physcion-8-O- β-D-glucoside, emodin, and physcion. Nevertheless, the relative amounts of gallic acid, emodin, and physcion were very high in Zhi-heshouwu samples compared to those in Heshouwu samples. Six compounds disappeared after processing and were unique for Heshouwu: catechin, flavanol gallate dimer, polygonimitin B, emodin-1-O-glucoside, emodin-8-O-(6'-O-malonyl)-glucoside, and physcion-8-O-(6'-O-malonyl)-glucoside. Three compounds were unique for Zhi-heshouwu: hydroxymaltol, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4(H)-pyran-4-one, and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural. These results suggest that the types and relative amounts of the chemical components of Heshouwu and Zhi-heshouwu are different.