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Ethnopharmacological relevance Isatidis Radix, the sun-dried roots of Isatis indigotica Fortune ex Lindl., is one of the most usually used traditional Chinese medicines. For centuries, the herb has been employed in clinical practice for treatment of virus infection and inflammation. However, its active ingredients remain unclear. Aim of the study In the present study, the anti-influenza virus activity of epiprogoitrin, progoitrin, epigoitrin and goitrin, the Isatidis Radix derived glucosinolate isomers and their breakdown products, was firstly evaluated in vitro and in ovo and their mechanism of action was investigated. Materials and methods Epiprogoitrin, progoitrin, epigoitrin and goitrin were isolated from Isatidis Radix by chiral separation. In vitro and in ovo evaluations were performed on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and embryonated eggs respectively, both using protocols including prevention, treatment and virus neutralization. Hemagglutination (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) inhibition assays were performed for further understanding of the antiviral mechanism. Results Isatidis Radix derived glucosinolate isomers and their breakdown products all exhibited dose-dependent inhibition effect against influenza A virus (H1N1) without toxicity. The antiviral potency of the components was in the order of progoitrin > goitrin > epigoitrin > epiprogoitrin. The attachment of the constituents to the viral envelope conduced to the mechanism of their antiviral action without disturbing viral adsorption or budding. Conclusion Taken together, these results are promising for further development of Isatidis Radix and may contribute an adjunct to pharmacotherapy for influenza virus infection., Graphical abstract Image 1

Al 2 O 3 /Al–Zn–Mg–Cu metal matrix composites containing 2.22∼3.08 wt.% Mg in the matrix alloys have been fabricated by squeeze casting. The aim of the present study is to investigate the deformation and fracture behavior of the composites at RT (room temperature) and elevated temperature. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and image analysis were used to examine and to analyze the details of the microstructure and the fracture surface. Tensile tests were utilized to evaluate the mechanical properties from 25 to 400°C. The yield stress (YS) values and UTS values for all the composites were larger than those of monolithic alloys. The UTS values for composites and monolithic alloys increased with increasing Mg content. Elevated temperature tests indicated a good strength retention for the composites; especially, UTS values of the composites showed an improvement of 18% exceeds that of the monolithic alloys from 200 to 300°C. Significant dynamic strain aging occurred for composites; however, recovery and softening remained the dominant process for monolithic alloys in the range 25–300°C.