Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plant Research Articles

Exploring cutting-edge approaches in diabetes care: from nanotechnology to personalized therapeutics.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a persistent condition characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood due to irregularities in the secretion of insulin, its action, or both. The disease was believed to be incurable until insulin was extracted, refined, and produced for sale. In DM, insulin delivery devices and insulin analogs have improved glycemic management even further. Sulfonylureas, biguanides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and thiazolidinediones are examples of newer-generation medications having high efficacy in decreasing hyperglycemia as a result of scientific and technological advancements. Incretin mimetics, dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, GLP-1 agonists, PPARs, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, anti-CD3 mAbs, glucokinase activators, and glimins as targets have all performed well in recent clinical studies. Considerable focus was placed on free FA receptor 1 agonist, protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B inhibitors, and Sparc-related modular calcium-binding protein 1 which are still being studied. Theranostics, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, siRNA, and nanotechnology are some of the new therapeutic techniques. Traditional Chinese medicinal plants will also be discussed. This study seeks to present a comprehensive analysis of the latest research advancements, the emerging trends in medication therapy, and the utilization of delivery systems in treating DM. The objective is to provide valuable insights into the application of different pharmaceuticals in the field of diabetes mellitus treatment. Also, the therapeutic approach for diabetic patients infected with COVID-19 will be highlighted. Recent clinical and experimental studies evidence the Egyptian experience. Finally, as per the knowledge of the state of the art, our conclusion and future perspective will be declared.

Behavioral responses of Araecerus fasciculatus (Coleoptera: Anthribidae) to volatiles of selected stored Chinese medicinal plant products.

The olfactory responses of Araecerus fasciculatus Degeer to the volatiles of 5 traditional Chinese medicine plant products (CMPPs; i.e., Codonopsis pilosula Franch., Ophiopogon japonicus Linn. f., Astragalus membranaceus Fisch., Dendrobium nobile Lindl., and Angelica dahurica Fisch.) were studied using Y-tube, 4-arm, and 6-arm olfactometers. The volatile components of these CMPPs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A. fasciculatus significantly preferred the CMPPs volatiles in the order of O. japonicus > C. pilosula > A. membranaceus ≥ D. nobile = A. dahurica. In the volatile profiles of O. japonicus, C. pilosula, A. membranaceus, D. nobile, and A. dahurica, GC-MS identified 27, 61, 63, 52, and 71 components, respectively, and β-elemene (30.58%), hexanal (12.69%), selina-3,7(11)-diene (12.31%), d-limonene (18.59%), and α-curcumene (8.88%) were the most abundant volatile components. A. fasciculatus were attracted to β-elemene, α-selinene, and β-selinene (main components of the volatile profiles of the most preferred CMPPs of O. japonicus) at different concentrations, with 1, 50, and 25 µg/µl being the most attractive, respectively. The olfactory preferences of A. fasciculatus were β-elemene > α-selinene = β-selinene based on the 4-arm olfactometer bioassays for comparisons at their most attractive concentrations. Therefore, differences in the volatile profiles among CMPPs significantly influenced the olfactory responses of A. fasciculatus, offering insight into the mechanisms of host preferences in stored-product pests based on chemical ecology. β-elemene showed the greatest potential to be developed as an attractant for the monitoring and control of this pest.

Adaptation of rhizobacterial and endophytic communities in Citrus Grandis Exocarpium to long-term organic and chemical fertilization

IntroductionOrganic fertilizers (OF) are crucial for enhancing soil quality and fostering plant growth, offering a more eco-friendly and enduring solution compared to chemical fertilizers (CF). However, few studies have systematically analyzed the effects of OF/CF on root microbiome of medicinal plants, especially in combination with active ingredients.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the composition and function of bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere or within the root of traditional Chinese medicinal plants, Citri Grandis Exocarpium (Huajuhong), which were treated with OF or CF over 1, 3, and 5 years (starting from 2018). Additionally, we conducted metabolome analysis to evaluate the effects of different fertilizers on the medicinal properties of Huajuhong.ResultsThe results indicated that extended fertilization could enhance the microbial population and function in plant roots. Notably, OF demonstrated a stronger influence on bacteria, whereas CF enhanced the cohesion of fungal networks and the number of fungal functional enzymes, and even potentially reduced the proliferation of harmful rhizosphere pathogens. By adopting distancebased redundancy analysis, we identified the key physicochemical characteristics that significantly influence the distribution of endophytes, particularly in the case of OF. In contrast, CF was found to exert a more pronounced impact on the composition of the rhizosphere microbiome. Although the application of OF resulted in a broader spectrum of compounds in Huajuhong peel, CF proved to be more efficacious in elevating the concentrations of flavonoids and polysaccharides in the fruit.DiscussionConsequently, the effects of long-term application of OF or CF on medicinal plants is different in many ways. This research provides a guide for OF/CF selection from the perspective of soil microecology and aids us to critically assess and understand the effects of both fertilizers on the soil environment, and promotes sustainable development of organic agriculture.

T2T genome assemblies of Fallopia multiflora (Heshouwu) and F. multiflora var. angulata

The traditional Chinese medicinal plant Fallopia multiflora (hereafter AYY) is well known for its anti-hyperlipidaemia, immunomodulating, and hepatoprotective effects, attributed to its abundance of anthraquinones and stilbene glycosides, which are distinct to its variety F. multiflora var. angulata (hereafter CYY) in proportion and composition. In this study, telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genomes were assembled for AYY and CYY using PacBio HiFi reads and Hi-C data. The genome sizes, percentages of repetitive sequences, and numbers of protein-coding genes of AYY and CYY assemblies were 1,458.37 Mb/70.48%/84,768 and 1,174.38 Mb/67.36%/69,100, respectively. Comprehensive assessments confirmed high continuity (contig N50: 112.58 Mb and 94.83 Mb; number of gaps: 9 and 5), completeness (BUSCOs: 97.30% and 97.60%; LAI: 16.93 and 16.77), and correctness (QV: 51.42 and 52.60) of AYY and CYY assemblies. These T2T genomes of F. multiflora provide valuable resources for studying the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites and facilitating precise genetic improvement.

Potential mechanisms underlying podophyllotoxin-induced cardiotoxicity in male rats: toxicological evidence chain (TEC) concept.

Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is a high-content and high-activity compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Dysosma versipellis (DV) which exhibits various biological activities. However, its severe toxicity limits its use. In clinical settings, patients with DV poisoning often experience adverse reactions when taking large doses in a short period. The heart is an important toxic target organ, so it is necessary to conduct 24-h acute cardiac toxicity studies on PPT to understand its underlying toxicity mechanism. Based on the concept of the toxicological evidence chain (TEC), we utilized targeted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to reveal the mechanism of the acute cardiotoxicity of PPT. The manifestation of toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats, including changes in weight and behavior, served as Injury Phenotype Evidence (IPE). To determine Adverse Outcomes Evidence (AOE), the hearts of the rats were evaluated through histopathological examination and by measuring myocardial enzyme and cardiac injury markers levels. Additionally, transcriptome analysis, metabolome analysis, myocardial enzymes, and cardiac injury markers were integrated to obtain Toxic Event Evidence (TEE) using correlation analysis. The experiment showed significant epistaxis, hypokinesia, and hunched posture in PPT group rats within 24h after exposure to 120mg/kg PPT. It is found that PPT induced cardiac injury in rats within 24h, as evidenced by increased serum myocardial enzyme levels, elevated concentrations of cardiac injury biomarkers, and altered cardiac cell morphology, all indicating some degree of cardiac toxicity. Transcriptome analysis revealed that primary altered metabolic pathway was arachidonic acid metabolism after PPT exposure. Cyp2e1, Aldob were positively correlated with differential metabolites, while DHA showed positive correlation with differential genes Fmo2 and Timd2, as well as with heart injury markers BNP and Mb. This study comprehensively evaluated cardiac toxicity of PPT and initially revealed the mechanism of PPT-induced acute cardiotoxicity, which involved oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammatory response, and energy metabolism disorder.

Efficient biosynthesis of β-caryophyllene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by β-caryophyllene synthase from Artemisia argyi

Artemisia argyi H. Lév. & Vaniot is an important traditional Chinese medicinal plant known for its volatile oils, which are the main active components of A. argyi, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and their derivatives. Despite its medicinal significance, the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenoids in A. argyi remains underexplored. In this study, we identified four β-caryophyllene synthases from A. argyi. A high-yield β-caryophyllene engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell factory has been built in this study. By fusing ERG20 and AarTPS88 with a flexible linker (GGGS)2 and enhancing metabolic flux in the MVA pathway (HIF-1, tHMGR, and UPC2-1), we achieved a titer of β-caryophyllene reached 15.6 g/L by fed-batch fermentation in a 5 L bioreactor. To our knowledge, this represents the highest reported titer of β-caryophyllene in yeast to date. This study provides a valuable tool for the industrial-scale production of β-caryophyllene.

Effect of climate change on Clinopodium polycephalum (Vaniot) C. Y. Wu & S. J. Hsuan distribution adopting temporal data, ArcGIS, and the MaxEnt model.

Clinopodium polycephalum (Vaniot) C. Y. Wu & S. J. Hsuan, a vital plant in traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for its hemostatic properties since 1220 AD. Despite its recognized medicinal benefits including anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular applications and increasing market demands, research on this plant remains limited, particularly from the perspective of plant ecology. Due to global warming and the resultant climate change, studies on the distribution and conservation of C. polycephalum are of great importance, especially when a clear trend that its habitat shifts to the north was observed. To predict the potential distribution of C. polycephalum under distinct climate situations, the MaxEnt model was used along with the ArcGIS software. As a result, an AUC value of 0.931 was achieved, indicating high predictive accuracy of the model. By analyzing 135 occurrence points and their corresponding bioclimatic factors (including precipitation), soil data, and other environmental variables (49 in total), 16 key factors including pH value and basic saturation were selected for downstream analysis. It was found that solar radiation in May, precipitation in May and April, and the lowest temperature in the coldest month are important factors influencing the growth and distribution of C. polycephalum. Compared to the current climate scenario, the future suitable habitat for C. polycephalum is expected to shift northwest, and under the SSP245-2061-2080 climate scenario, its highly suitable habitat area is projected to increase by 886,000 km2. These findings provide crucial insights into the environmental drivers of C. polycephalum distribution and aid in its preservation and sustainable use in traditional medicine. Based on the findings of this study, future research should focus on factors such as solar radiation in May and the lowest temperature in the coldest month within the suitable habitat to ensure its effective conservation.

Metabolomics analysis of bioactive compositions of Michelia macclurei Dany and its antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities.

Michelia macclurei Dandy is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, but little is understood about the bioactive compositions and biological potential of its different parts, limiting their applications. This study aims to identify the bioactive compositions and analyze differences in accumulation patterns from different parts of Michelia macclurei (heartwood, sapwood, bark, root, leaf, and fruit) using metabolomics. It also seeks to explore their biological potential and analyze the relationship between the bioactive compositions and biological potential. A total of 63 volatile metabolites (VMs) were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in six parts, and the VMs in each part were dominated by sesquiterpenes and their derivatives (71.40-88.32%). Six parts of Michelia macclurei contained structurally diverse non-volatile metabolites (NVMs) with a total of 207 bioactive compounds, including 92 alkaloids, 30 flavonoids, 19 lignans, and 18 organic acids, utilizing ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) analysis. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that the accumulation patterns of bioactive compositions differed significantly among the different parts, and the 25 VMs and 72 NVMs could be considered potential markers for distinguishing the different parts of Michelia macclurei. The excellent antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory capacity of extracts of all six parts was indicated by in vitro bioactivity assays. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that the bioactive compositions in the six parts were significantly correlated with antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. This study offers helpful information on the distribution of bioactive compositions in different parts of Michelia macclurei and confirms the excellent antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory potential of its extracts, which could provide scientific evidence for its potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetics, and functional foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Elucidation of AsANS controlling pigment biosynthesis in Angelica sinensis through hormonal and transcriptomic analysis.

Angelica sinensis, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, has been primarily reported due to its nutritional value. Pigmentation in this plant is an important appearance trait that directly affects its commercial value. To understand the mechanism controlling purpleness in A. sinensis, hormonal and transcriptomic analyses were performed in three different tissues (leave, root and stem), using two cultivars with contrasting colors. The two-dimensional data set provides dynamic hormonal and gene expression networks underpinning purpleness in A. sinensis. We found abscisic acid as a crucial hormone modulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in A. sinensis. We further identified and validated 7 key genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway and found a specific module containing ANS as a hub gene in WGCNA. Overexpression of a candidate pigment regulatory gene, AsANS (AS08G02092), in transgenic calli of A. sinensis resulted in increased anthocyanin production and caused purpleness. Together, these analyses provide an important understanding of the molecular networks underlying A. sinensis anthocyanin production and its correlation with plant hormones, which can provide an important source for breeding.

First Report of Root Rot Caused by Fusarium avenaceum and Fusarium flocciferum on Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus in China

ABSTRACTAstragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Mongolian milkvetch) is one of the most important traditional Chinese medicinal plants. In July 2021, root rot of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus was found in a field in Tongren City, Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. The aboveground part of the plants exhibited yellowing, wilting and defoliation in severe cases. Seven fungal isolates were obtained, and their pathogenicity, morphology and phylogeny were analysed. A pathogenicity test was performed using the scratch and root irrigation methods, and the results showed that all seven isolates caused root rot on inoculated plants. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of multi‐locus sequences (ITS, translation elongation factor [TEF‐1α], and RNA polymerase II beta subunit [RPB2] genes), two isolates were identified as Fusarium avenaceum, and five isolates were identified as F. flocciferum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of F. avenaceum and F. flocciferum causing root rot of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus in China.

Comprehensive exploration of a traditional Chinese medicinal plant of Magnolia officinalis based on high-coverage mass spectrometry and multidimensional chemical-biological analysis

Magnolia bark is a traditional Chinese medicine used for hypoglycaemia. With the widespread use of Magnolia bark, its resources are facing a serious shortage. To address this issue, a strategy based on high-coverage mass spectrometry (HCMS) and multidimensional chemical-biological analysis (MCBA) was proposed for the comprehensive exploration of Magnolia officinalis which is the main source of Magnolia bark. The strategy is divided into three main steps. In the first step, the stem bark, stem xylem, root bark, root xylem, leaf and rootlet of Magnolia officinalis were comprehensively analyzed using high-coverage mass spectrometry. In the second step, multivariate statistical analysis was used to explore the heterogeneity of the six parts and detect differential chemical components. In the third step, a combination of experimental screening and molecular docking was used to explore α-glucosidase inhibitors from Magnolia officinalis. Multidimensional chemical-biological analysis (MCBA) of Magnolia officinalis was achieved by combining the last two steps. Finally, a total of 103 compounds were identified from the whole plant of Magnolia officinalis. Differential components of stem bark, stem xylem, leaf, root bark, root xylem and rootlet were systematically revealed. A pair of positional isomers, namely magnolol and honokiol, were found to be α-glucosidase inhibitors. The activity of their combination is superior to that of each single compound, indicating that magnolol and honokiol are in a synergistic relationship. This strategy contributes to comprehensive exploitation of functional plants and effective alleviation of resource shortage. This study also provides a research paradigm for other similar traditional Chinese medicinal plants.

Modulating butyric acid-producing bacterial community abundance and structure in the intestine of immunocompromised mice with neutral polysaccharides extracted from Codonopsis pilosula

Codonopsis pilosula, an important medicinal and edible plant in traditional Chinese medicine, is used widely as a tonifying herb for various immunodeficiency diseases. A neutral polysaccharide (CPPs-D1N1) was purified from C. pilosula, composed of fructose and glucose in a molar ratio of 97.28:2.72, with an average molecular weight of 5.985 kDa. Structural analysis revealed a backbone composed of →1)-β-D-Fruf-(2 → units with some β-D-Fruf-(2 → linkages. In a murine immunosuppression model induced by cyclophosphamide injection, oral treatment with C. pilosula polysaccharide was administered, investigating changes in gut microbiota during therapy. The polysaccharide modulated serum immunoglobulins (Ig-G, Ig-M), cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNFα), and spleen and thymus indices in immunodeficient mice. Additionally, functional gene primer sequencing enrichment methods revealed alterations in abundance, diversity, and structure of butyrate-producing bacterial populations in the gut, with primary differential genera identified as Butyribacter, Rumanococcus, Dysosmobacter, and Ruseburia. This study provides in vivo evidence supporting the beneficial effects of C. pilosula polysaccharide oral therapy in improving gut microbiota, particularly butyrate-producing bacteria, during treatment of immunosuppressive diseases.

Targeting non-classical autophagy-dependent ferroptosis and the subsequent HMGB1/TfR1 feedback loop accounts for alleviating solar dermatitis by senkyunolide I

Given the substantial risks associated with ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced solar dermatitis, enhancing current strategies to combat UVB regarding skin diseases is imperative. The cross-talk between ferroptosis and inflammation has been proven to be an essential factor in UVB-induced solar dermatitis, whereas detailed process of how their interaction contributes to this remains unclear. Therefore, further investigation of ferroptosis-mediated processes and identification of corresponding inhibitory approaches hold promise for repairing skin damage. Senkyunolide I (Sen I), a bioactive component mainly extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal plants, Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. and Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, has demonstrated efficacy in combating oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we utilized UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells as an in vitro model and C57BL/6J mice as an in vivo model of solar dermatitis. Our findings revealed the pivotal roles of autophagy and ferroptosis in inducing skin inflammation, particularly emphasizing the activation of ferroptosis through macroautophagy. Surprisingly, this mechanism operated independently of ferritinophagy, a classical autophagy-driven ferroptosis pathway. Instead, our results highlighted Transferrin Receptor 1 (TfR1), tightly controlled by autophagy, as a crucial mediator of ferroptosis execution and amplifier of subsequent lethal signals. Furthermore, extracellular High Mobility Group Box 1 protein (HMGB1), released following UVB-induced ferroptotic cells from activated autophagic flux, initiated a feedback loop with TfR1, propagating ferroptosis to neighboring cells and exacerbating damage. Remarkably, Sen I administration showed a significant protective effect against UVB damage in both in vitro and in vivo models by interrupting this cascade. Consequently, we have illuminated a novel therapeutic pathway post-UVB exposure and identified Sen I as a potent natural molecule that safeguarded against UVB-induced solar dermatitis by suppressing the autophagy-ferroptosis-HMGB1-TfR1 axis, highlighting a new frontier in photoprotection.

Podosphaera xanthii Causing Powdery Mildew on Salvia farinacea in Central China.

Salvia farinacea, commonly referred as mealycup sage, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Salvia genus of the Lamiaceae family. It originates from the Mediterranean region, North America, and Europe and is globally cultivated due to its appealing and captivating flowers. Moreover, mealycup sage is utilized as traditional Chinese medicinal plant for treatment of cardiovascular diseases (Li et al. 2018). In October 2023, powdery mildew-like symptoms were observed on Salvia farinacea plants cultivated in a garden located in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China (113.93, 35.29). The leaves were covered with white and thin masses of mycelia, conidiophores and conidia of the fungus. About 100 plants were checked and 90 % were infected. There were a large number of white colonies with irregular or continuous round lesions on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaves, covering approximately 80% of the leaf area. The slightly or straight curved conidiophores (n = 30) were 46 to 145× 8 to 11 μm in size and consisted of foot cells, shorter cells and conidia. The ellipsoidal to oval conidia (n = 30), containing fibrosin bodies, were 24 to 35 × 12 to 19 μm in size and had a length/width ratio of 1.8 to 2.1. No chasmothecia were observed on leaves. These morphological features were consistent with those of Podosphaera xanthii (Braun and Cook 2012). Following the previously described method (White et al. 1990; Bradshaw et al. 2022; Zhu et al. 2022a), the sequences of ITS and Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) regions were amplified with specific primers ITS1/ITS4 (ITS1 5'-TCCGTAGGTGAACCTGCGG-3' ; ITS4 5'-TCCTCCGCTTATTGATATGC-3') and PMGAPDH1/PMGAPDH3R (PMGAPDH1 5'-GGAATGGCTATGCGTGTACC-3'; PMGAPDH3R 5'-CCCCATTCGTTGTCGTACCATG-3'), and the resulting sequences were uploaded in GenBank (Accession No. OR761885 and PP236082, respectively). BLASTn analysis showed that the sequence shared 560/565 (99%) and 272/272 (100%) homology with P. xanthii (MW301281) on Impatiens balsamina (Zhu et al. 2022b) and with P. xanthii (ON075658) on Cucumis melo (Bradshaw et al. 2022), respectively. The phylogenetic analysis clearly illustrated that the collected isolate of P. xanthii clustered in the same clade. The pathogenicity was tested according to the method previously described (Zhu et al. 2021). The fungus was inoculated onto the leaf surfaces of three healthy plants by blowing conidia from infected leaves with pressurized air. Non-inoculated plants were treated as control. Both the control and inoculated plants were separately placed in growth chambers under 60% humidity; light/dark, 16 h/8 h; and a temperature of 18°C. After a period of 12-15 days, the leaves of the inoculated plants exhibited signs of powdery mildew, whereas the control group remained unaffected. Therefore, the fungal pathogen was identified and confirmed as P. xanthii (isolate PXSF202310). Previously, P. xanthii was reported on Impatiens balsamina and S. farinacea from China and Korea (Zhu et al. 2021; Choi et al. 2022). As far as we know, this is the first documentation of P. xanthii on S. farinacea in central China. The presence of P. xanthii can lead to a deterioration in plant health and stunted growth, thereby negatively impacting both the decorative and medicinal value of S. farinacea. The recognition of P. xanthii on S. farinacea enhances our comprehension of this pathogen hosts and provides fundamental information for forthcoming disease control studies.

First report of Fusarium verticillioides causing leaf rot on Artemisia argyi in China.

Artemisia argyi is a perennial herb native to East Asia. It is an important traditional Chinese medicinal plant known for its strong flavor and medicinal effects. It is rich in active ingredients and has a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulation properties. From May to July in 2023, a serious leaf rot outbreak occurred on A. argyi in several farms (approximately 200 acres) in Tanghe county (32°46'44" N, 112°43'13" E), Henan Province, China. The incidence rate reached 65% (n=200). Pale yellow spots (1-2 cm in diameter) first appeared on the leaves, then expanded to form irregular yellowish-brown lesions, eventually causing the entire leaves to wither. Diseased leaves (30) were collected and cut into 5 x 5 mm2 pieces in the areas between infected and healthy tissues. The excised plant tissues were sterilized in 75% ethanol and 1% sodium hypochlorite solution for 30 seconds and one minute, respectively. The tissues were then rinsed with sterile water and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) followed by incubating at 25 °C for 3 days. The isolated strains belonged to the genera Fusarium and Alternaria. After pathogenicity verification, 25 purified Fusarium strains were obtained. Three representative strains (AC-Q, AC-X, AC-Y) from different regions were used for further studies. Each strain formed abundant aerial mycelium that was initially white and later developed into purple pigments. Aerial conidiophores were sparsely branched, terminating with verticillate phialides. Macroconidia were slender, straight, and measured 21.8 to 47.5 × 3.1 to 4.4 μm, with two to four septa. Microconidia were clavate and measured 8.31 to 11.6 × 2.1 to 3.5 μm. Morphological characteristics were consistent with the species description of Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg 1976 (Leslie and Summerell, 2006). The rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin gene (tub2), translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef1), calmodulin (cmdA), RNA polymerase II largest subunit (rpb1) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) were amplified for molecular identification (O'Donnell et al., 2022). The sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession Nos. OR960548, OR960552, OR960555 (ITS), OR972413, OR972414, OR972415 (tub2), OR797685, OR797686, OR797687 (tef1), OR972410, OR972411, OR972412 (cmdA), PP035106, PP035107, PP035108 (rpb1), and PP035109, PP035110, PP035111 (rpb2). BLASTn analysis of AC-Q sequences exhibited 99 to 100% similarity with F. verticillioides sequences (strains CBS 576.78) MT010888 of cmdA, MT0109566 of rpb1, and MT010972 of rpb2. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with concatenated sequences (tub2, tef1, cmdA, rpb1, rpb2), alongside the sequences of the type strains using the neighbor-joining method. The three strains formed a clade with the type strain CBS 576.78 of F. verticillioides, and were separated from other Fusarium spp. These morphological and molecular identifications indicated that the pathogen was F. verticillioides. Pathogenicity was tested on 10 healthy 2-month-old potted seedlings by spraying them with a conidial suspension (106 conidia ml-1), and 5 seedlings were sprayed with sterilized water as a control. The plants were placed in a climate incubator at 28°C and a relative humidity of approximately 90%. Ten days after seedling inoculation, typical lesions were observed on the treated plants, except in the control group. The reisolated strains were identified as F. verticillioides by morphological and molecular characterization, fulfilling Koch's postulates. F. verticillioides is known to cause Fusarium ear rot on maize, as well as diseases on other plants in China such as Brassica rapa (Akram et al., 2020) and Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Li et al., 2024). This is the first report of F. verticillioides causing leaf rot on A. argyi worldwide. Identification of the pathogen is crucial for implementing management approaches to reduce yield losses.

Study on the Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of Coumarins in Peucedanum decursivum Based on Spatial Metabolomics Combined with Network Pharmacology.

Peucedanum decursivum (Miq.) Maxim (P. decursivum) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, the root of which is widely used as medicine. Determining the spatial distribution and pharmacological mechanisms of metabolites is necessary when studying the effective substances of medicinal plants. As a means of obtaining spatial distribution information of metabolites, mass spectrometry imaging has high sensitivity and allows for molecule visualization. In this study, matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MSI) and network pharmacology were used for the first time to visually study the spatial distribution and anti-inflammatory mechanism of coumarins, which are metabolites of P. decursivum, to determine their tissue localization and mechanism of action. A total of 27 coumarins were identified by MALDI-TOF-MSI, which mainly concentrated in the cortex, periderm, and phloem of the root of P. decursivum. Network pharmacology studies have identified key targets for the anti-inflammatory effect of P. decursivum, such as TNF, PTGS2, and PRAKA. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that coumarins in P. decursivum mainly participated in biological processes such as inflammatory response, positive regulation of protein kinase B signaling, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, pathways in cancer, and other biological pathways. The molecular docking results indicated that there was good binding between components and targets. This study provides a basis for understanding the spatial distribution and anti-inflammatory mechanism of coumarins in P. decursivum.

A novel anti-inflammatory flavonoid from flowers of Hibiscus mutabilis L

Hibiscus mutabilis L. is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal plant of significant value. However, there has been limited research focusing specifically on its flowers. In this study, we report the isolation of one novel and nine known flavonoids from the flowers of H. mutabilis L. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using chemical and comprehensive spectral analysis, involving 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS. The novel compound was further evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities using in vitro assays on RAW264.7 cells. Compound 1 at the concentration of 6.25 μM significantly inhibited the production of NO and TNF-α induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells, exhibiting superior efficacy compared to the positive control dexamethasone, thus indicating its potential as an anti-inflammatory drug candidate.

The complete plastid genome of Abrus pulchellus subsp. mollis (Leguminosae): a medicinal plant in Southern China

The subspecies Abrus pulchellus subsp. mollis exhibits pharmacological properties akin to the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Abri Herba (A. pulchellus subsp. cantoniensis (Hance) Verdc.). In this report, we unveil the plastid genome of A. pulchellus subsp. mollis. The genome spans 156,322 base pairs (bp), comprising a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,633 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,219 bp, and two distinct inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 25,735 bp each. Annotation process cataloged a total of 111 genes within this genome, including 77 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and four ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The overall guanine-cytosine (GC) content of the plastome is 35.5%. Phylogenetic analysis utilizing maximum-likelihood (ML) based on 16 complete plastid genomes reveals a close clustering of three Abrus taxa, namely A. pulchellus subsp. mollis, A. pulchellus subsp. cantoniensis, and A. precatorius. Notably, A. pulchellus subsp. cantoniensis clusters with A. precatorius as a sister group, distinct from A. pulchellus subsp. mollis. These findings highlight significant differences between the plastid genomes of the two subspecies, laying the foundation for future research on the identification of medicinal herbs and germplasm resources related to these subspecies.

Mechanistic insights into xanthomicrol as the active anti-HCC ingredient of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb.: A network pharmacology analysis and transcriptomics integrated experimental verification

Ethnopharmacological relevancePhytolacca acinosa Roxb. (PAR) is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) plant with a broad global distribution encompassing 35 species, four of which are found in the People's Republic of China. It occupies a significant role in both Oriental and American traditional medicine, employed in treating a range of conditions such as edema, inflammation, dermatitis, and rheumatism. PAR is also used as a molluscicide and for addressing tumors and bronchitis. The plant is documented in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and has a longstanding history in TCM, particularly for its diuretic properties and in treating ailments such as edema, swelling, and ulcers. Notably, PAR has demonstrated potent inhibitory effects against the A549 human lung cancer cell line, underscoring its potential in contributing to the development of novel cancer therapeutics. Aim of the studyThe research aims to elucidate the active components of PAR and their mechanisms in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and methodsEmploying network pharmacology, this study predicted the principal active compounds and key targets of PAR. A holistic methodology incorporating biological network analysis, transcriptomics sequencing, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was utilized to forecast the effects of PAR on HCC, with empirical evidence supporting these findings. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified xanthomicrol as the foremost active compound in PAR. The tumor-suppressive functions of PAR, as indicated by KEGG pathway analysis and transcriptomics sequencing, predominantly occur via the PI3K/AKT pathway. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations demonstrated the high affinity of xanthomicrol towards TNF, MMP9, PPARG, KDR, and MMP2. In vivo experiments verified the efficacy of xanthomicrol in curtailing HCC tumor growth, while in vitro assessments revealed its substantial impact on the proliferation and apoptosis of HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells. Moreover, the study indicates that xanthomicrol may modulate the expression of TNF, MMP9, PPARG, KDR, and MMP2 in HCC cells and inhibit the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. ConclusionsXanthomicrol, a principal active component of PAR, has been identified to impede the growth of HCC by targeting the PI3K/Akt/MMP9 pathway. This insight could enhance therapeutic approaches for HCC.

Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analysis identify potential therapeutic effects of Berberine on Colon Cancer complicated with Radiation Enteritis

Background: Patients with colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) who undergo radiation therapy develop radiation enteritis (RE). The predictive value of RE in COAD is yet to be established. Berberine, an active compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant, Coptis chinensis, has notable anti-inflammatory properties and offers protection to the intestinal mucosa. This study aimed to evaluate the possible therapeutic effect and mechanism of berberine as a treatment for COAD complicated with RE (COAD&RE). Methods: Relevant genetic features of diverse COAD&RE populations were analyzed using bioinformatics and the Cox proportional hazards regression model. The therapeutic targets of berberine were predicted using network pharmacology and molecular docking. In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to validate the core genes identified using molecular docking. Results: RE has a certain impact on the prognosis of COAD and berberine may play an important role in the treatment of COAD&RE. In addition, we identified five core therapeutic targets of berberine by network pharmacology and molecular docking: CCND1, MYC, AR, LEP, and CYP19A1. In vivo experiments showed that berberine increased short-term survival rate, body weight, and intestinal epithelial cell recovery in mice after radiation. In an in vitro study, berberine promoted the proliferation of human intestinal epithelial cells and enhanced the radiosensitivity of HT29 cells after radiation, and the relative mRNA expression levels of CCND1 and MYC closely correlated with these effects. Conclusions: This study predicted the potential therapeutic effects of berberine on COAD&RE and verified the relevant mechanisms, which may provide insights and suggestions for the clinical treatment of COAD&RE.