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Amadori compounds (ACs) are stable compounds produced in the early stage of the Maillard reaction (MR) with health benefits such as immunomodulatory, antithrombosis, and tumor‐preventive effects. Jujube is a medicinal and edible fruit in China. It is rich in free amino acids and reducing sugar, but traditionally, little attention was paid to the formation of ACs when jujube was processed, neither the influence of ACs on health effects. In this paper, we aimed to increase ACs through controlling the MR during different heating processes of jujube powder with adjusted water content and find the most effective AC that contributed to the antioxidant effects of jujube powder. The optimal dry‐heating conditions to produce ACs were as follows: The water activity was 0.294, the heating temperature was 90°C, and the time was 120 min. After processing, the ACs content of jujube powder was 18.55 ± 0.19 mg/g dry weight (DW), which was more than 100 times of those in the unheated jujube powder (0.153 ± 0.003 mg/g DW). Besides, the antioxidant activity of jujube powder after dry‐heating process was higher than that of unheated one. As the most abundant AC in the dry‐heated jujube powder (12.90 ± 0.75 mg/g DW), N‐(1‐deoxy‐d‐fructose‐1‐yl) proline (Fru‐Pro) showed the highest antioxidant activity (62% of equivalent l‐ascorbic acid) among 12 ACs in ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. This result provided a method to produce jujube product with high content of ACs and confirmed the positive contribution of Fru‐Pro to the antioxidant activity of the jujube powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 1980s, Shandong Province took the lead in establishing breakthrough industrialized seedling raising and breeding technologies for Apostichopus japonicus and successfully led the 'fifth wave of mariculture' in China. In 2008, the experiment of 'raising sea cucumber from north to south' proved successful, and sea cucumber culture gradually radiated and extended to Fujian, Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Zhejiang Provinces in southern China. The total output of sea cucumber culture in Shandong Province accounts for more than 70% of the market in China, and the sea cucumber industry is now a pillar of the fishery economy in Shandong Province. This paper systematically introduces the development status of the sea cucumber breeding industry in Shandong Province in recent ten years, summarizes the current problems and challenges, and puts forwards development suggestions; this guidance has significance for the healthy and sustainable development of the sea cucumber breeding industry in both Shandong Province and the whole country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, a single species of Eucommia genus belonging to the Eucommiaceae family, is an endemic in China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for nearly two thousand years. Records from different historical periods highlight E. ulmoides and its officinal botanical parts, usefulness in adaptation to disease and its central role in Chinese medicine theory. There are also historical collection documents for minorities in China. Tearing the leaves, bark and fruit produces strands of latex; a description of E. ulmoides's morphological features is recorded in this paper. This review summarizes 204 natural compounds isolated from this plant, which are divided into seven categories: lignans, iridoids, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, terpenes and others. These components possess wide-ranging pharmacological efficacies, such as antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemia, anti-oxidative, anti-osteoporosis, antitumor, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective activities. This review aims to provide a reference for extensive researches of E. ulmoides crude drugs, especially for quality control, biosynthesis and structure modification of active ingredients and pharmacological mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr is a common traditional Chinese herbal medicine in central and southern regions of China. It has high medicinal and edible value and mainly contains flavonoids, polysaccharides, saponins and volatile components. Its active extracts have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and analgesic effects. From the biological characteristics, effective chemical components, extraction methods, cultivation techniques, pharmacological effects, toxicological activities, and product development status, this paper reviewed in detail the research status of A. trifoliatus in China and abroad, to provide a scientific basis for in-depth research and development, and utilization of A. trifoliatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More and more saffron has been cultivated in China because of the increasing saffron demand, but no paper has studied the influence of drying methods on the quality of Chinese saffron. In this paper, three different dehydration treatments applied in actual production were evaluated: dehydration with electric oven, vacuum oven, and microwave. We determined that the highest quality of saffron will be obtained when fresh saffron is treated at higher temperatures (no more than 70°C) for a long time by electric oven drying and vacuum oven drying. In microwave drying, treatments at lower microwave power and longer time benefit the quality of saffron. In addition, the influence of the drying method on antioxidants in saffron is discussed. The correlation between individual saffron profiles and the antioxidant value was estimated by spectrum-effect relationships analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible flowers are referred to the non-toxic flowers that can be consumed by human beings for their additional nutritional or medical properties. These flowers are rich source of natural antioxidants, thus exert specific positive health effects on chronic diseases and act as a potential function food. This research paper is focused on the determination of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), and antioxidant capacities of different kinds of edible flowers in China and compared systematically. Sixty-five flower samples were collected from parks in Guangzhou and also purchased from Qingping Market. TPC, TFC, and three anti-oxidative assays (DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and Ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP) assay) were conducted. Different flowers presented diverse range of antioxidant capacities, phenolic contents, and flavonoid contents. A high correlation between TPC and antioxidant activity (as accessed using three different methods) was reported. However, a low relationship was observed between TFC value and antioxidant capacities. This study revealed that five Rosa species exhibited strong antioxidant capacities among other samples, and these can be used as potential functional foods to counterbalance the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, 15 batches of volatile oil fromSchizonepeta tenuifolia herbs (STVO) originating from different areas of China were used to identify and quantify eight main components by GC-MS and to evaluate the antioxidant activity with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity by the HPLC method. The results indicated that with respect to the antioxidant activity and the contents of the main compounds, there were notable differences among the STVOs. IC50 values of the STVOs ranged from 0.016 to 1.518 mg/mL. To determine the correlation of the chemical components and the antioxidant activities, multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) and partial least square analysis (PLSA) were performed. As a result, (+)-pulegone and (-)-menthone showed much closer relationships than the other components in each analysis. Hence, it was concluded that (+)-pulegone and (-)-menthone were the characteristic components that may exhibit potent antioxidant activities in STVO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H.T. Chang, known in Chinese as ‘Qianghuo’ is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with the rhizome and roots associated with meridians of the kidney and urinary bladder. It is pungent, bitter and warm in nature. It has been used over the years to disperse cold, prevent painful obstructions from wind, damp and warm pain. It has also been used with other herbs to treat wind-cold exterior syndrome and wind-cold-damp bi-syndromes and has been known to grow well in regions of high altitude such as Gansu, Tibet etc. The aim of the review This systematic review focuses on the ethnopharmacological uses of this herb, including recent advances on the phytochemical and pharmacological study of N. incisum . Recent analytical methods developed for the quantitative and qualitative determination of constituents in this herb have also been reviewed. Additionally, future trends and prospects in the study of this herb have been proposed. Materials and method Various literature and electronic databases such as Pubmed, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley etc were searched and data obtained. Other online academic libraries such as Google Scholar and ethnopharmacological literature were searched systematically for more information on the herb. Results This review focuses on the ethnopharmacological uses of N. incisum and also the various chemical constituents present in the herb and their various therapeutic effects such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidants effects. Analytical methods developed for the quantitative and qualitative determination of various compounds in this herb were further reviewed. Conclusion In this paper, we have reviewed various researches conducted on N. incisum especially in areas of its ethnopharmacological use, phytochemicals, pharmacology and developed analytical methods. This herb has been used over the years in treating headache, rheumatoid arthritis, cold, diaphoretic etc, prompting many types of research into identifying which compounds are responsible for these activities and their mechanism of action. More research is needed in the area of pharmacokinetics and toxicology to give further information on the clinical use and control the quality of the herb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, known as Dang Gui (in Chinese), is a traditional medicinal and edible plant that has long been used for tonifying, replenishing, and invigorating blood as well as relieving pain, lubricating the intestines, and treating female irregular menstruation and amenorrhea. A. sinensis has also been used as a health product and become increasingly popular in China, Japan, and Korea. Aim of the review This paper aims to provide a systemic review of traditional uses of A. sinensis and its recent advances in the fields of phytochemistry, analytical methods and toxicology. In addition, possible trends, therapeutic potentials, and perspectives for future research of this plant are also briefly discussed. Materials and methods An extensive review of the literature was conducted, and electronic databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Reaxys were used to assemble the data. Ethnopharmacological literature and digitalised sources of academic libraries were also systematically searched. In addition, information was obtained from local books and The Plant List (TPL, www.theplantlist.org). Result This study reviews the progress in chemical analysis of A. sinensis and its preparations. Previously and newly established methods, including spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis (NMR), are summarized. Moreover, identified bioactive components such as polysaccharides, ligustilide and ferulic acid were reviewed, along with analytical methods for quantitative and qualitative determination of target analytes, and fingerprinting authentication, quality evaluation of A. sinensis , and toxicology and pharmacodynamic studies. Scientific reports on crude extracts and pure compounds and formulations revealed a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory activity, antifibrotic action, antispasmodic activity, antioxidant activities, and neuroprotective action, as well as cardio- and cerebrovascular effects. Conclusions Within the published scientific literature are numerous reports regarding analytical methods that use various chromatographic and spectrophotometric technologies to monitor various types of components with different physicochemical properties simultaneously. This review discusses the reasonable selection of marker compounds based on high concentrations, analytical methods, and commercial availabilities with the goal of developing quick, accurate, and applicable analytical approaches for quality evaluation and establishing harmonised criteria for the analysis of A. sinensis and its finished products. Compounds isolated from A. sinensis are abundant sources of chemical diversity, from which we can discover active molecules. Thus, more studies on the pharmacological mechanisms of the predominant active compounds of A. sinensis are needed. In addition, given that A. sinensis is one of the most popular traditional herbal medicines, its main therapeutic aspects, toxicity, and adverse effects warrant further investigation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Meconopsis plants (Chinese: 绿绒篙), belonging to the family Papaveraceae, have been used as traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) for thousands of years. Meconopsis has the effects of clearing heat, reducing swelling, and easing pain, and is mainly prescribed for heat syndromes, hepatitis, pneumonia, and pain in joints. Phytochemical studies have revealed the presence of major isoquinoline alkaloids and flavonoids. Modern pharmacological research has demonstrated its antitumor, hepatoprotective, analgestic, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, antitussive, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, resource availability, in-depth in vivo pharmacological study and qualitative and quantitative analysis are still insufficient and deserve further efforts. This paper provides a comprehensive advance on the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies of the genus, in hopes of promoting a better understanding of their medicinal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Carthamus tinctorius L. (Compositae), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, was known as Hong hua (Chinese: ▪), safflower. Safflower with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects has been used to treat dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain and mass, trauma and pain of joints, etc. The present paper reviews the advancements in investigation of botany and ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of safflower. Finally, the possible tendency and perspective for future investigation of this plant are discussed, too. Materials and methods: The information on safflower was collected via piles of resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific databases including Pubmed, Google Scholar, ACS, Web of science, CNKI and others. Results: Over 104 compounds from this plant have been isolated and identified, and quinochalcones and flavonoids are considered as the characteristic and active constituents of safflower. Safflower with its active compounds possesses wide-reaching biological activities, including dilating coronary artery, improving myocardial ischemia, modulating immune system, anticoagulation and antithrombosis, antioxidation, antiaging, antihypoxia, antifatigue, antiinflammation, anti-hepatic fibrosis, antitumor, analgesia, etc. Conclusions: As an important traditional Chinese medicine, it is important to investigate the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of this plant based on modern realization of diseases' pathophysiology. More bioactive components should be identified using bioactivity-guided isolation strategies, and the possible mechanism of action as well as potential synergistic or antagonistic effects of multi-component mixtures derived from safflower need to be evaluated integrating pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, bioavailability-centered and physiological approaches. Further studies on safflower can lead to the development of new drugs and therapeutics for various diseases, and how to utilize it better should be paid more attention to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fermented mushroom of Cordyceps sinensis (CS), rich in selenium (Se- CS), on uterine cervical cancer in mice. The methylcholanthrene- (MCA-) induced tumor model was used in this paper. After the mice were administered Se-CS, the animals showed 40% tumor incidence (P < 0.05). Se-CS also enhanced the immune functions. Se-CS treatment showed significant (P < 0.05-0.01) restoration in the level of glutathione content, lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione reductase activity, catalase activity, Na+/K+-ATPase activity, and glutathione S transferase activity. This finding suggested that the concomitant use of Se and CS could be a potential therapeutic approach to improve the efficacy of therapy for uterine cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Selenium (Se), an essential element for animals and humans, has also been found to be beneficial to plants. In some countries around the world, such as China and Egypt, Se deficiency in the diet is a common problem. To counteract this problem, Se compounds have been used to increase the Se content in the edible parts of crops, through foliar sprays or base application of fertilizers. Se has also been shown to counteract various abiotic stresses induced in plants by cold, drought, high light, water, salinity and heavy metals (metalloids) (HMs), but the associated mechanisms are rather complicated and still remain to be fully elucidated. In this paper, we have focused on reviewing the effects of Se on HM-induced stress in plants, with an emphasis on the potential roles of Se compounds (e.g., selenite and selenate) in conferring tolerance against abiotic stresses. Numerous studies have implicated Se in the following mechanisms: the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, the inhibition of uptake and translocation of HM, changes in the speciation of HM and finally, rebuilding of the cell membrane and chloroplast structures and recovery of the photosynthetic system. In addition, two other mechanisms may be involved along with the established ones described above. Firstly, it may affect by regulating the uptake and redistribution of elements essential in the antioxidative systems or in maintaining the ion balance and structural integrity of the cell. Secondly, it may interfere with electron transport by affecting the assembly of the photosynthesis complexes. Future relevant studies should be increasingly focused on the changes in the cellular distribution of HM, the formation of Se–HM complexes, the substitution of S by the incorporation of Se into Se-Fe clusters and the relationships between Se, Fe, S and lipid peroxidation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Swertia chirayita, a medicinal herb endemic to the Tibetan region, is used as a special remedy for liver disorders. The hepatoprotective activity of its plant extracts has been associated with its antioxidant activity. This paper aims to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of Swertia chirayita extracts (SCE). Materials and methods: Antioxidant ability of Swertia chirayita was investigated by employing several established in vitro methods. In vivo antioxidant activity was tested against CCl4-induced toxicity in mice. The levels and activities of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), were then assayed using standard procedures. Results: SCE exhibited strong antioxidant ability in vitro. The liver and kidney of CCl4-intoxicated animals exhibited a significant (p <0.001) decrease in SOD, CAT, and GSH levels. Additionally, these organs exhibited a significant (p <0.001) increase in MDA level. CCl4 did not exhibit toxicity on mice treated with SCE and Vitamin E. The effects of Swertia chirayita (three dosages) were comparable to those of Vitamin E, except in MDA level in the liver and GSH level in the kidney (p <0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that the ethanolic extract of Swertia chirayita possesses in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects. This supports the traditional use of Swertia chirayita in Tibetan medicine to cure liver diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Epimedium (Berberidaceae), is a genus of about 52 species in the family Berberidaceae, which also known as Rowdy Lamb Herb, Xianlinpi, Barrenwort, Bishop''s Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, and Yangheye or Yin Yang Huo (Chinese: ▪). Many plants have been proven to possess efficacy on sexual dysfunction and osteoporosis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The paper reviews the ethnopharmacology, the biological activities and the correlated chemical compounds of Epimedium species. More than 260 compounds have been isolated; among them prenyl-flavonoids are the major constituents and also important chemotaxonomic markers. Modern pharmacology studies and clinical practice demonstrated that Epimedium and its active compounds possess wide pharmacological actions, especially in strengthening yang, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immunological function modulation, anti-oxidation and anti-tumor, anti-aging, anti-atherosclerosis and anti-depressant activities. Currently, effective monomeric compounds or active parts have been screened for pharmacological activity from Epimedium in vivo and in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The first industrial-scale CO2 capture plant in China has been demonstrated at Huaneng Beijing power plant has shown that this technology is a good option for the capture of CO2 produced by commercial coal-fired power plants. The commissioning and industrial tests are introduced in this paper. The tests show that in the early stages of the passivation phase, the concentration variations of amine, anti-oxidant and Fe3+ are in the normal range, and the main parameters achieve the design value. The efficiency of the CO2 capture was about 80–85%, and by the end of January 2009 about 900tons of CO2 (99.7%) have been captured. The equipment investment and consumptive costs, including steam, power, solution and others, have been analyzed. The results show: the cost of the absorber and the stripper account for about 50% of main equipment; the consumptive cost is about 25.3US$ per metric tons of CO2, of which the steam requirement accounts for about 55%; the COE increased by 0.02US$/kWh and the electricity purchase price increased by 29%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited studies focus on the occurrence, removal rate and seasonal variation of substituted diphenylamine antioxidants (SDPAs) in surface water and wastewater in China. In this paper, the detection method of SDPAs was established by the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Daily variations suggested that significant variations were found for the concentrations of some SDPAs in the influent. It was found that the SDPAs could be detected in all the effluent samples and C8/C8-DPA was the predominant compound in two WWTPs. The levels of most SDPAs in the effluent were much lower than that of influent, with the removal efficiencies of total SDPAs ranged from 57.9% to 84.2%. There were significant differences with the SDPA concentrations in the influent between different seasons. Higher concentrations of SDPAs were found at downstream than those of upstream. The results of this study provide more environmental occurrence data and new insights into the research on the environmental fate of these compounds. Image 1 • Antioxidants SDPAs were frequently detected in two full-scale WWTPs and receiving river water. • Concentrations of SDPAs in the influent were significantly different among 24 h. • Removal efficiencies of SDPAs ranged from 57.9% to 84.2% for the two WWTPs. • Greater concentrations of SDPAs were found at downstream than that of upstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the antioxidant and biological activities of chemical constituents on the fresh pericarps of Juglans sigillata (Juglandaceae). It states that fresh pericarps from J. sigillata were collected from Santai of Sichuan province in China and were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. It concludes that J. sigillata have an antioxidant potential.