Total Flavones Research Articles

Effects of Pigment Constituents and Their Distribution on Spathe Coloration of Zantedeschia hybrida

The plant Zantedeschia hybrida is colorful and suitable for cut flowers and potted plants. This study employed a colorimetric method for the determination of spathe color phenotypes in 27 Z. hybrida cultivars and classified them into six major color classes. To characterize the coloration mechanism of the Z. hybrida spathe, this study explored the main colorants and pigment distribution using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array detection (DAD) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), ultra-performance liquid chromatography/hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS), and tissue sections. The results showed that flavonoids were colorants in the spathes of different color groups and that cyanidin (Cy) was the main colorant, whereas carotenoids were not detected in the spathe. Total anthocyanin (TA) content was negatively correlated with lightness (L*) of coloration, such that a spathe with a higher TA and thicker pigmented cell layer showed a deeper color; however, there was no correlation between deep coloration in a spathe and flattened upper epidermal cells. The difference in TA was the main reason for the color variation among Z. hybrida of different color groups, whereas the total flavones and flavonols (TF) played a key role in the coloration of the orange and yellow group.

Preparation of Functional Enzyme by Traditional Chinese Medicine and Study the Effective Component Activity

In this article, add a variety of enzymes to raw materials, which is composed of angelica, astragalus, codonopsis and licorice, that used to make Chinese herbal function enzymes. In the same raw materials, temperature, time, liquid fermentation conditions, the article use single factor experiment and orthogonal experiment to research the influence of enzymes on the experiment, which include kinds, content and ratio. Protease activity, total flavones, total sugar decided the best fermentation technology. At the same time, the contents of protease, total flavones and total sugar in food enzymes were detected, and comparing the active ingredients of Chinese herbal function enzymes and food enzymes to determine the nutritional value of Chinese herbal function enzymes.The results show that laboratory fermentation broth not only enzyme activity and total sugar is higher than enzyme products, but also add flavones. Flavones is a strong antioxidant, can effectively remove the body of oxygen free radicals, can prevent cell degradation, aging. Polysaccharide can enhance immune anti-tumor.

The intestinal absorption properties of flavonoids in Hippophaë rhamnoides extracts by an in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion model

The purpose of this study was to investigate the absorption properties of isorhamnetin (IS), quercetin (QU), and kaempferol (KA) in total flavones of Hippophaë rhamnoides L. (TFH) by an in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion model. The results indicated that IS, QU, and KA in TFH were absorbed site-dependently, and both enterohepatic circulation and intestinal flora could participate in their absorption processes. The absorption mechanisms of IS, QU, and KA in TFH were involved in both passive diffusion and active transport, and the mediation of efflux transporter multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) should not be neglected.

Total flavone of Desmodium styracifolium relieved apoptosis and autophagy of COM-induced HK-2 cells by regulating KIM-1 via p38/MAPK pathway.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the mechanism of total flavone of Desmodium styracifolium (TFDS) in regulating the formation of urinary calculi. Protein levels of KIM-1, LC3-II, p-p38 were measured by Western blot. The effect of different COM concentrations, different TFDS concentrations, SB203580 (specific inhibitor of p38/MAPK), and overexpression of KIM-1 on cell viability were detected by WST-1 assay. The apoptotic cells and FITC positive cells were detected by flow cytometry. HK-2 cell viability decreased with the increase of COM concentration, and the protein levels of KIM-1, LC3-II, and p-p38 increased with the time. Blocking the p38/MAPK pathway or co-cultured with TFDS inhibited the effects of COM on apoptosis and autophagy of HK-2 cells. In addition, blocking the p38/MAPK pathway inhibited the expression of KIM-1. In COM-induced cells, after treated with SB203580, overexpression of KIM-1 could reverse the protection effect of SB203580 on COM-induced cell damage and the inhibition of SB203580 on COM-induced excessive autophagy, suggesting p38/MAPK regulated KIM-1 to regulate COM-induced cell apoptosis and autophagy. Finally, we proved that TFDS inhibited p38/MAPK pathway. And the protection effect of COM-induced cell injury increased with the increase of TFDS concentration, and the adhesion between COM and cells decreased with the increase of TFDS concentration. With the increase of the concentration of TFDS, p38/MAPK pathway was gradually inhibited, and KIM-1 and autophagy related proteins were decreased. TFDS inhibited HK-2 cell apoptosis and autophagy by regulating KIM-1 via p38/MAPK pathway.

Fabrication and Optimization of Self-Microemulsions to Improve the Oral Bioavailability of Total Flavones of Hippophaë rhamnoides L.

The lipid-based nanotechnology, namely self-microemulsion drug delivery system (SMEDDS) was used to improve the bioavailability and oral delivery of total flavones of Hippophaë rhamnoides L. (TFH). The relevant bioavailability of TFH could be remarkably 3-fold improved by the optimized SMEDDS. The SMEDDS produced via a simple one-step process for poorly soluble TFH to achieve a significant improvement in the bioavailability, may endorse the promising utilization of TFH in functional foods as well as pharmaceutical fields with an enhanced absorption in vivo.

NIR Rapid Assessments of Blumea balsamifera (Ai-na-xiang) in China.

Blumea balsamifera (Ai-na-xiang) is used as an important plant source of natural borneol, which is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this study was to establish the methods based on near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for determining the geographical origin of B. balsamifera, as well as developing a method for the quantitative rapid analysis of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). A total of 109 samples were collected from China in 2013 and arbitrarily divided into calibration and prediction sets using the Kennard–Stone algorithm. The l-borneol and total flavone contents of the samples were measured by gas chromatography and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, respectively. The NIR spectra were acquired using an integrating sphere and a partial least squares (PLS) model was built using the optimum wavelength regions, which were selected using a synergy interval partial least-squares (SiPLS) algorithm. The root mean square errors of prediction of the l-borneol and total flavone models were 0.0779 and 2.2694 mg/g, with R2 of 0.9069 and 0.8013, respectively. A discriminant model to determine the geographical origin of B. balsamifera (Guizhou and Hainan) was also established using a partial least squares discriminant analysis method with an optimum pretreatment method. The prediction accuracy rate of the model was 100%. NIR spectroscopy can be used as a reliable and environmentally friendly method to determine the API and the origin of different B. balsamifera samples.

Optimization of extraction method of total flavones in Lonicera japonica by orthogonal design

Objective To optimize and establish the extraction of total flavones in Lonicera japonica. Methods The ultraviolet spectrophotometry was used to determinate the total flavonoids. The effect of extraction time, the amount of solvent and extraction times,pH were tested by the orthogonal design. Results The total flavonoids showed a linear relationship,the optimal extraction condition of total flavones in Lonicera japonica was with 16 times volume of sample weight water for three times, each time was 2 h. Conclusions The method is simple and applicable to the extraction of total flavones in Lonicera japonica. Key words: Flos lonicerae japonicae; Flavones; Orthogonal test; Solvent extraction

Effects of Total Flavone of Cynomorium Songaricum on Perimenopausal Syndrome Model in Rats

Objective: To study the effect of total flavones of Cynomorium songaricum (CS)on perimenopausal syndrome(PS) rats. Results: The experimental dose of CS total flavonoids can improve the behavior index of PS rats in different degrees and significantly improve the uterus, thymus, spleen index and serum E2 levels, remarkably reduce serum FSH and LH levels; Induce the hypothalamus, pituitary, uterus, ovaries positive expression of ER. Conclusion: Various doses of CS total flavonoid scan improve the indexes of PS model in rats.

Effect and mechanism of total flavone of epimedium on primary callus formation in ovariectomized rats with fractures

To explore the effects and related mechanisms of total flavone of epimedium treatment(TFE)on primary callus for mation in ovariectomized rats. Forty male SD rats weighted from 209 to 246 g and aged 6 to 8 weeks were selected. Six weeks after ovariectomy a femur fracture model with middiaphyseal segment fracture was established, estimated and randomly divided into TFE group (150 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) and control group(received saline). HE staining was used to evaluate the morphologic difference of primary callus during the bone callus healing between these two groups. The relative expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2) mRNA in the callus was identified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical technique was used to observe the Casein kinase 2-interacting protein 1(CKIP-1) protein level in the callus of the two groups. Maximum fracture load was tested by three point bend test. The BMD, primary callus volume, trabecular member(Tb.N) and trabecular thickness(Tb.Th) were higher in TFE group than that in control group(P<0.001). The Tb.N and Tb.Th of primary callus were higher in TFE group than control group (P=0.001). The volume and bone volume/tissue volume of primary callus were in TFE group than control group(P<0.01). The trabecular separation(Tb.Sp) of primary callus were in control group higher than TFE group(P<0.01). The HE staining of the 6 week slices showed that the degree of cartilage ossification in callus of the TFE group was significantly higher than that in control group under high magnification. Real-time PCR revealed that the comparative expression of Runx2 mRNA in control group was higher than that in TFE group(P<0.001); the positive number of CKIP-1 was less in TFE group than that in control group (P<0.001). TFE could increase the maximum load of the primary callus (P<0.001). TFE can promote the cartiage ossification of callus in ovariectomized rats, enhancing the bone strength and bone quality in the process of fracture healing via the CKIP-1/Runx2 pathway.

Effect and mechanism of quercetin from total flavones of Bidens Bipinnata L on the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells induced by TGF-β1

Objective To observe the effect and mechanism of quercetin on the proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cell(HSC) induced by TGF-β1. Methods HSC was isolated by orthotopic hepatic perfusion with collagenase Ⅳ.MTT assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of quercetin on the proliferation of HSC.The expression of typeⅠcollagen in HSC was detected by ELISA.The effect of quercetin on the expression of typeⅠcollagen, Smad2 and Smad7 mRNA in HSC was detected by real-time quantitative PCR.The expression of type Ⅰ collagen, Smad2 and Smad7 protein in HSC was detected by Western blot. Results Quercetin could inhibit the proliferation of HSC, down-regulated the expression of type Ⅰ collagen, Smad2 mRNA and protein, and Smad7 mRNA and protein expression were significantly up-regulated (all P<0.05). Conclusion The anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of quercetin may be related to its blocking TGF-β1/Smad pathway of HSC and blocking the activation and proliferation of HSC. Key words: Quercetin; Fibrosis

Protective role of Pollen Typhae total flavone against the palmitic acid-induced impairment of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion involving GPR40 signaling in INS-1 cells.

Prolonged elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) contribute to the impairment of insulin secretion function of pancreatic βcells, a hallmark of type2 diabetes, which is partly attributed to the dysfunction of G-protein-coupled receptor40 (GPR40) signaling. Pollen Typhae total flavone(PTF), an extract from a Chinese herbal medicine named Pollen Typhae, has been reported to effectively treat type2 diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In the present study, palmitic acid(PA), a saturated fatty acid, severely impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in a time-dependent manner in INS-1 cells, and PTF treatment prevented the impairment in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, PTF improved insulin secretion function in rats presenting with type2 diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin. Furthermore, PA exposure for 24h decreased the protein expression of GPR40, phospholipaseC(PLC)β1, PLCβ3, and protein kinaseC(PKC), and inhibited the activity of PLC and PKC stimulated by GW9508, a GPR40 agonist. In addition, PTF enhanced the protein expression of GPR40 and to a certain extent strengthened the protein expression of PKC, increased cellular levels of triphosphoinositide (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG), and promoted GW9508-stimulated activity of PLC and PKC reduced by PA in INS-1 cells, which were blocked by PLC inhibitor U-73122 and PKC inhibitor staurosporine, respectively. Additionally, the improvement in PA-induced impairment of GSIS by PTF in INS-1 cells was restrained by U-73122, staurosporine, and calcium channel inhibitor nifedipine, respectively. The results indicate that PTF exerts a protective role against PA-induced impairment of GSIS involving GPR40 signaling in INS-1 cells.

Flavonoid and Antioxidant Capacity of Propolis Prediction Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy

The use of propolis as a dietary supplement or as an ingredient in different food products is increasing, due to its antioxidant and bactericidal properties. These nutritional properties directly depend on its phenolic composition. For this reason, this study analysed the total contents of flavones and flavonols, flavanones and dihydroflavonols, and the antioxidant capacity by using the methods of ABTS and linoleic acid/β-carotene in 99 samples of propolis from Spain and Chile. A rapid method was developed for quantifying these parameters in raw propolis using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with a remote reflectance fibre-optic probe applied directly to the ground-up sample. The models developed allow for the determination of the total flavones and flavonols (0–183 mg quercetin/g propolis and 0–72 mg rutin/g propolis), of the total flavanones and dihydroflavonols (9–109 mg pinocembrin/g propolis extract), and of its antioxidant capacity by the ABTS method based on the reduction of the 2.2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation(0–3212.6 nmol Trolox/mg of propolis) and of linoleic acid/β-carotene (22–86% inhibition). The NIR spectroscopy models were applied in external validation to different samples of the calibration group, which led to the conclusion that the methods developed provide significantly identical data to the initial chemical data of reference.

Total flavones of abelmoschus manihot enhances angiogenic ability both in vitro and in vivo.

Angiogenesis is a process of new blood vessel formation from pre-existing vessels. It is a normal and vital process in growth and development, as well as in wound healing and in the formation of granulation tissue. Total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot (TFA) are the major constituents of the traditional Chinese herb Abelmoschus manihot L. Medic. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of TFA on angiogenic ability using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in vivo. HUVECs were treated with TFA at different concentrations. Cell viability, cell cycle progression, cell apoptosis, cell migration and tubular formation were investigated. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and kinase insert domain receptor (KDR, VEGFR-2) was examined by immunohistochemistry to identify mechanism of action of TFA. CAM model was used to evaluate the effect of TFA on angiogenesis in vivo. Our results showed that TFA promoted HUVECs proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It increased HUVECs migratory ability and the number of tubular structure, promoted vessel formation in HUVECs culture and CAM model. Furthermore, TFA treatment resulted in a decrease in cell apoptosis and enhanced the expression of VEGF and KDR. Taken together, TFA, as the major active component isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Abelmoschus manihot L. Medic, could enhance angiogenic ability of HUVECs in vitro and CAM in vivo. TFA may be used in the treatment of wound healing and ischemic/reperfusion injuries.

Effect of Dracocephalum moldavica total flavones on expression of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and matrix metalloproteinase of atherosclerosis ApoE-/- mice

To investigate the effect and mechanism of Dracocephalum moldovica total flavones (TFDM) on the formation of atherosclerosis ApoE-/- mice induced by high fat diet. A total of 40 SPF 8-week-old male ApoE-/- mice were fed with high fat diet and randomly divided into 5 groups. TFDM high, medium, low-dose group were given 21, 42, 84 mg•kg⁻¹•d⁻¹ by gavage; Simvastatin group was fed with simvastatin 3.5 mg•kg⁻¹•d⁻¹; and model group was given the same dose of normal saline. The other eight male C57BL/6J mice of the same genetic background and age were set up as control group and fed with common diet. All of the groups were intragastrically intervened for 12 weeks. The aortic pathologic changes were observed with HE; qRT-PCR was adopted to detect TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene levels in tissues. Compared with model group, HE staining in TFDM group showed obvious relief of aortic atherosclerotic tissue injury; each TFDM group showed inhibition in mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, MMP-2 and MMP-9. This suggests that TFDM can inhibit atherosclerosis formation, which may be related to the intervention of TGF-β1/Smads signal transduction.

Effects of Prunus tomentosa total flavone on adjuvant-induced arthritis

ABSTRACTTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Prunus tomentosa total flavone (PTTF) treatment on adjuvant arthritis (AA), the rat AA model was induced by a single intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the left ankle. The degree of lateral ankle swelling was measured by the foot volume method. The rats were sacrificed, the thymus and spleen were taken out and the organ index was calculated. Paraffin sections of the left ankle specimens were fabricated and the organization forms of the articular cartilage and synovium were observed. Kits were used to measure the serum nitric oxide (NO), NO synthase (NOS) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) content. After 18 days, the swelling degree of ankle joints in the dexamethasone group, the PTTTF 7.0 and 14 mg/kg groups were significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.05). The organ index in the dexamethasone group and the PTTF group were not statistically significantly different from that in the normal group (P > 0.05). Compared to the CFA model control group, the dexamethasone group and the PTTF each group had significantly less synovial proliferation and congestion. In these groups, the joint surface was smooth, with no obvious structural damage; the serum NO, NOS and PGE2 were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.01). The results indicated that PTTF at 7 and 14 mg/kg can effectively alleviate the secondary inflammatory response to AA in rats’ lateral ankle. The mechanism may be related to inhibition of the secretion of NO, PGE2 and NOS.

Rapid identification of growth years and profiling of bioactive ingredients in Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Huangqi) roots from Hunyuan, Shanxi

BackgroundThe content of medicinal bioactive constituents in huangqi is affected by plant age. In this study, we devised a quick and convenient method for determining the age of huangqi, which was cultivated in Hunyuan County (Shanxi Province).Methods1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 growth years huangqi had 38 samples, all samples were collected separately. The growth rings in these samples were observed after making paraffin section and freehand-section. The relationship between growth rings and its growth years was analyzed by SPSS 19.0 software. Histochemical localization of total flavones and saponins in huangqi was determined by color reactions. The concentration of four flavonoids and two saponins in the roots of huangqi of different ages and different organizational structure (normal roots and rotten heart roots) were determined by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ELSD. The results were analyzed by SPSS 19.0 software.ResultsAll huangqi samples had clear growth rings, and the statistical result about growth rings (X) and growth years (Y) showed significant correlation (r = 1, P = 0.000). The calibration curves of these six ingredients showed good linearity respectively, with significant correlation. All relative standard deviations (RSDs) of precision, recovery, repeatability, and stability experiments were less than 2%. Roots of 5-year-old plants contained the highest concentrations of total flavonoids and saponins. Saponin concentrations increased toward the center of the roots, whereas the four flavonoids showed an opposite trend in tissue distribution.ConclusionThe growth year of huangqi (Hunyuan County, Shanxi Province) could be determined soon and conveniently by naked eyes after staining phloroglucinol-HCl solution on freehand section. The content of saponins and flavonoids in rotten heart root and the surrounding normal tissues were affected by the formation and the extent of rotten heart.

Effect of blanching and drying temperatures on starch-related physicochemical properties, bioactive components and antioxidant activities of yam flours

The effects of blanching (in boiling water for 1min) and different hot air drying temperatures (40 °C, 60 °C and 80 °C) on the polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and antioxidant activities, main bioactive components, as well as the starch-related physicochemical properties of yam flours were studied. The results of PPO and POD activities, and total flavone and total soluble polyphenol contents showed that blanching was effective to inhibiting enzymatic browning of yams, and the substrate of enzymatic browning reaction may be mainly flavonoid ingredients. The sample of H-40 had higher allantoin and total soluble polyphenol content, stronger DPPH scavenging activity and reducing power. From the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), the blanching yams was found contain partly gelatinized starch granules, and had lower crystallinity. The H-40 and H-80 samples had higher RS contents and lower GI values. Furthermore, the protein and soluble amylose contents, solubility and swelling power at 90 °C of the blanching yams were lower than those of the yams without blanching. We can effectively apply these flours in various products based on their characteristics.

Investigation of Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemical Compositions of Celtis Tournefortii

Context: Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. Because they have antioxidant property and protect our cells against oxidative damage. Aim: This work aimed to determination of phytochemical composition which total phenol content(TPC), total flavonoid content(TFC), total flavones content, alkaloid, acidity, pH, total carotenoid content, amount of carotene, β-carotene concentration, anthocyanin, amount of saponin and tannin, ascorbic acid levels, mineral profile and antioxidant activity of fresh Celtis tournefortii due to the importance of secondary metabolites. Material and method: Celtis tournefortii was used for this study Phytochemical compositions were determined by spectrometric methods excluding phenolic acid and mineral profile. Antioxidant activity were determined by different antioxidant method. Consequently: Celtis tournefortii may be an antioxidant source.

The cardioprotective effect of total flavonoids on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rats.

The flowers of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of ischemic diseases. The present study is to investigate whether total flavones (TA) of extracted from Abelmoschus manihot L. Medic has the potential cardioprotective effect on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage in rats. The index of myocardial injury, inflammatory biomarkers and NLRP3-related parameters were measured, respectively. The results demonstrated that compared to I/R group, TA reduced myocardial infarction area, declined serum creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, attenuated serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) production. Moreover, TA markedly enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced the amounts of malondialdehyde (MDA) in I/R rats. In addition, TA reduced myocardial I/R induced injury in rats by inhibiting NLRPR3 inflammasome. Thus, it is assumed that TA could significantly improve myocardial I/R injury in rats partially through suppressing NLRP3 activtion.

Effects of Total Flavone from Rhododendron simsii Planch. Flower on Postischemic Cardiac Dysfunction and Cardiac Remodeling in Rats.

This study investigated the effect of total flavone from Rhododendron simsii Planch. flower (TFR) on postischemic cardiac dysfunction and ventricular remodeling and was to test the hypothesis that TFR has an antiventricular remodeling effect through inhibition of urotensin-II receptor- (UTR-) mediated activation of RhoA-ROCK pathways. Twenty-four hours after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive 4-week treatment with saline (model group) or TFR. Compared to the model group, TFR treatment restored cardiac function, attenuated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and reduced interstitial fibrosis. Expression levels of several fibrosis-related factors, including alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-beta 1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and collagen type I, were increased after MI. TFR treatment attenuated the upregulation of these factors, downregulated UTR expression, and markedly diminished the expression of RhoA and ROCK1/2. These results suggested that TFR could improve cardiac function and ameliorate ventricular remodeling through blocking UTR-mediated activation of RhoA-ROCK pathways in myocardial infarction rats.