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A rapid and accurate identification of necrotic tissues is of great importance to define disease severity, predict prognosis, and monitor responses to therapies. To seek necrosis-avid agents with clinically translational potential, we first evaluated the necrosis avidity of flavonoids in rodent models of muscular, myocardial, and tumoral necrosis. In this study, the necrosis avidity of eight radioiodinated 5,7-dihydroxyflavones was tested by ex vivo gamma counting, histochemical staining, and autoradiography in mouse models of ethanol-induced muscular necrosis. The necrosis avidity of a lead tracer, 131I-5, was further assessed in rat models of myocardial infarction and reperfusion. Therapy response was evaluated by 131I-5 single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging 24 h after combretastatin A-4 disodium phosphate (CA4P) therapy on rats bearing W256 breast carcinomas. The necrosis avidity mechanism for the tracers was studied by in vitro DNA binding experiments of 12 5,7-dihydro...

Cyclocarya paliurus is an edible and medicinal plant containing various bioactive components with significant health benefits. A combinative method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint and quantitative analysis was developed and successfully applied for characterization and quality evaluation of C. paliurus leaves collected from 18 geographical locations of China. For the fingerprint analysis, 21 common peaks were observed among the 18 samples, and these peaks were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC–Q–TOF–MS), while a simultaneous quantification of 16 markers was conducted to interpret the variations of contents of these bioactive compounds among the C. paliurus leaves from different geographical locations. Quantification results showed that the contents of these sixteen investigated compounds varied greatly among the leaves from different locations. The developed new method would be a valuable reference for further study and development of this bioactive plant.

Five previously undescribed compounds including two triterpenoid aglycones, 3β,23-dihydroxy-1,12-dioxo-olean-28-oic acid and 3β,23,27-trihydroxy-1-oxo-olean-12-ene-28-oic acid, and three triterpenoid glucosides cyclocarioside L-N, along with 17 known compounds were isolated from a CH3Cl-soluble extract of the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus. Two 27-nor-triterpenoid glycosides were isolated from the genus for the first time. Furthermore, the characterized compounds were tested for the inhibitory effects on apoliprotein B48 secretion in Caco-2 cells. Seven triterpenoid aglycones together with four triterpenoid saponins significantly decreased the apoliprotein B48 oversecretion induced by oleic acid in Caco-2 cells.

Injuries and diseases that occur in the nervous system are common and have few effective treatments. Previous studies have shown that quercetin has a therapeutic effect on nervous system injuries, but its potential effects on and mechanisms of action related to behavioral recovery and axonal regrowth have not been investigated. Here, we showed that quercetin administration promotes behavioral recovery following sciatic nerve-crush injury in mice. Long-term evaluation showed that mice administered 20 mg·kg-1·day-1 quercetin for 35 days had a greater sensorimotor recovery compared with all other treatment groups. The mechanisms behind these effects were further investigated, and quercetin was found to regulate the expression of genes involved in regeneration and trophic support. Moreover, quercetin increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate expression and downstream pathway activation, which directly leads to neuronal growth activation in peripheral axon regeneration. In addition, quercetin enhanced axon remyelination, motor nerve conduction velocity and plantar muscle function, indicating that the degree of distal portion hypotrophy during the peripheral axon regeneration process was reduced. These results suggest that quercetin accelerates functional recovery by up-regulating neuronal intrinsic growth capacity and postponing distal atrophy. Overall, quercetin triggered multiple effects to promote behavioral recovery following sciatic nerve-crush injury in mice.

To investigate the chemical and bioactive constituents from the stems and leaves of Micromelum integerrimum.The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and HPLC. Their structures were mainly elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities were tested by the SRB and turbidimetric methods, respectively.Two new phenylpropanoids and two known coumarins were obtained, and their structures were identified as microintegerrin A (1), microintegerrin B (2), scopoletin (3), and scopolin (4). All of the compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549, and BGC-823) and for antimicrobial activity against the fungus Candida albicans and the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.Two new phenylpropanoids 1 and 2 were isolated and identified from the stems and leaves of M. intgerrimum. None of the compounds showed cytotoxic or antimicrobial activity at the tested concentration of 20 μg·mL(-1).

Ethnopharmacological relevance Cyclocarya paliurus Batal., a Chinese native plant, is the sole species in its genus and its leaves have been widely used as a remedy for diabetes in traditional folk medicine. The study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of Cyclocarya paliurus leaves extracts (CPE) on adipokine expression and insulin sensitivity in mice. Materials and methods Mice were stimulated with conditioned medium (prepared from activated macrophages, Mac-CM) to induce adipose dysfunction and insulin resistance. Then mice were treated with CPE (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg, ig.) or metformin (200 mg/kg, ig.), followed by glucose and insulin intolerance, adipokine expression, phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1) and glucose consumption measurement. Results CPE, as well as metformin effectively promoted glucose disposal in oral glucose tolerance test in normal mice. Mac-CM challenge induced glucose and insulin intolerance, but CPE reversed these alternations with increased glycogen content in muscle and liver, well demonstrating its beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis. RT-qPCR analysis showed that CPE inhibited TNF-a, IL-6, MCP-1 and resistin overexpression and effectively enhanced adiponectin expression in adipose tissue when mice were exposed to Mac-CM stimulation. Inflammation impaired insulin signaling in muscle, whereas CPE inhibited inflammation-induced serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and effectively restored the phosphorylation of both IRS-1 at tyrosine residues and downstream Akt phosphorylation in response to insulin. Moreover, independently of insulin, CPE promoted glucose consumption in adipocytes under normal and inflammatory conditions. Conclusion Above-mentioned results demonstrated that CPE beneficially regulated adipokines expression and ameliorated insulin resistance through inhibition of inflammation in mice.

A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of nine major components including volatile and nonvolatile ingredients in Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. The analysis was performed on a Cosmosil 5 C18-AR-II column (4.6 mm − 250 mm, 5 mm) with 0.2% formic acid in water–acetonitrile gradient elution. The method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, stability, and accuracy. It was found that the calibration curves for all analytes showed good linearity (R2 > 0.9991) within the test ranges. The overall limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ere less than 36.32 and 122.09 ng. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for intra-day and inter-day repeatability were no more than 3.23% and 4.85%, respectively. The sample was stable for at least 48 hr. The spike recoveries of nine components were 96–106%. The established method was successfully applied to determine nine components in thirteen samples from ...

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among females, and novel chemotherapeutic drugs for treating breast cancer are needed urgently. Saxifragifolin D (SD) was isolated by our group from Androsace umbellata which is commonly used to treat solid tumor. In this study, we evaluated its growth inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that SD inhibited the growth of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells significantly. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that SD induced apoptosis through mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Evidence of SD-induced autophagy included the occurrence of autophagic vacuoles, up-regulation of LC3-II, Beclin1 and Vps34. Inhibition of autophagy by bafilomycin A1 or Beclin1 siRNA pretreatment decreased the ratio of apoptosis, indicating that autophagy induction contributes to apoptosis and is required for the latter. SD was also found to induce endoplasmic reticulum stress, accompanied by ROS production, increase of intracellular calcium and up-regulation of Bip, IRE1α and XBP-1s. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress by N-acetyl-l-cysteine, tauroursodeoxycholic acid or IRE1α siRNA pretreatment could suppress both apoptosis and autophagy. Besides, increases in CHOP, calnexin, calpain, p-JNK and p-Bcl-2 were followed by subsequent dissociation of Beclin1 from Bcl-2, further suggesting endoplasmic reticulum stress to be the common signaling pathway shared by SD-induced apoptosis and autophagy. In conclusion, SD inhibits breast cancer cell growth and induces interplay between apoptosis and autophagy through ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress. It will provide molecular bases for developing SD into a drug candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.

Rapid detection and precise evaluation of myocardial viability is necessary to aid in clinical decision making whether to recommend revascularization for patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Three novel 18F-labeled 1-hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as potential necrosis avid imaging agents for assessment of myocardial viability. Among these tracers, [18F]FA3OP emerged as the most promising compound with best stability and highest targetability. Clear PET images of [18F]FA3OP were obtained in rat model of myocardial infarction and reperfusion at 1 h after injection. In addition, the possible mechanisms of [18F]FA3OP for necrotic myocardium were discussed. The results showed [19F]FA3OP may bind DNA to achieve targetability to necrotic myocardium by intercalation. In summary, [18F]FA3OP was a more promising “hot spot imaging” tracer for rapid visualization of necrotic myocardium.

A rapid and accurate identification of necrotic myocardium is of great importance for diagnosis, risk stratification, clinical decision-making, and prognosis evaluation of myocardial infarction. Here, we explored technetium-99m labeled rhein derivatives for rapid imaging of the necrotic myocardium. Three hydrazinonicotinic acid-linker-rhein (HYNIC-linker-rhein) derivatives were synthesized, and then, these synthetic compounds were labeled with technetium-99m using ethylenediaminediacetic acid (EDDA) and tricine as coligands [99mTc(EDDA)-HYNIC-linker-rhein]. The necrosis avidity of the three 99mTc-labeled rhein derivatives was tested in a mouse model of ethanol-induced muscular necrosis by gamma counting, histochemical staining, and autoradiography. A lead tracer for visualization of necrotic myocardium was assessed by single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging in a rat model with reperfused myocardial infarction. The necrosis avidity mechanism of the tracer was explo...

Two new (1-2) and two known C

Sennidins are necrosis-avid agents for noninvasive assessment of myocardial viability which is important for patients with myocardial infarction (MI). However, high accumulation of radioactivity in the liver interferes with the assessment of myocardial viability. In this study, we compared sennidins with sennosides to investigate the effects of glycosylation on biodistribution and imaging quality of sennidins. Sennidin A (SA), sennidin B (SB), sennoside A (SSA), and sennoside B (SSB) were labeled with I-131. In vitro binding to necrotic cells and hepatic cells and in vivo biodistribution in rats with muscular necrosis were evaluated by gamma counting, autoradiography, and histopathology. Single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) images were acquired in rats with acute MI. The uptake of [131I]SA, [131I]SSA, [131I]SB, and [131I]SSB in necrotic cells was significantly higher than that in viable cells (p

Assessment of myocardial viability is deemed necessary to aid in clinical decision making whether to recommend revascularization therapy for patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Dianthraquinones such as hypericin (Hyp) selectively accumulate in necrotic myocardium, but were unsuitable for early imaging after administration to assess myocardial viability. Since dianthraquinones can be composed by coupling two molecules of monomeric anthraquinone and the active center can be found by splitting chemical structure, we propose that monomeric anthraquinones may be effective functional groups for necrosis targetability. In this study, eight radioiodinated monomeric anthraquinones were evaluated as novel necrosis avid agents (NAAs) for imaging of necrotic myocardium. All 131I-anthraquinones showed high affinity to necrotic tissues and 131I-rhein emerged as the most promising compound. Infarcts were visualized on SPECT/CT images at 6 h after injection of 131I-rhein, which was earlier than that with 131I-Hyp. Moreover, 131I-rhein showed satisfactory heart-to-blood, heart-to-liver and heart-to-lung ratios for obtaining images of good diagnostic quality. 131I-rhein was a more promising “hot spot imaging” tracer for earlier visualization of necrotic myocardium than 131I-Hyp, which supported further development of radiopharmaceuticals based on rhein for SPECT/CT (123I and 99mTc) or PET/CT imaging (18F and 124I) of myocardial necrosis.

Four new prenylated anthranols, harunganols C–F (1–4), along with kenganthranol A (5), harunganin (6), and ferruginin A (7), were identified from the leaves of Harungana madagascariensis. The structures of compounds 2, 5, and 7 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 is a unique symmetrical anthranol dimer connected via a CH2 group. Compound 4 possesses a unique C-10 hemiketal group. All anthranols were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. They displayed a higher potency compared to acarbose except for 3 and 4. In particular, harunganol C (1) showed an IC50 value of 1.2 μM.

A high-performance centrifugal partition chromatography (HPCPC) method was developed for the preparative separation of patchouli alcohol. The separation was performed with a nonaqueous two-phase solvent system consisting of petroleum ether (bp.30–60°C)-acetonitrile (1:1, v/v) in descending separation mode. A total of more than 2 g of patchouli alcohol was isolated from the essential oil (12.5 g) in 300 min. This component was separated and identified by comparing its retention time and MS data with the standard substance analyzed by GC/MS. The purity was more than 98%. About 450 mL petroleum ether and 550 mL acetonitrile were used for a single run, and 60% and 80% of petroleum ether and acetonitrile could be recovered for next run, respectively.

Five new C 21 steroidal glycosides, named periseosides A–E ( 1 – 5 ), along with six known analogues, were isolated from the root barks of Periploca sepium . Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence. All compounds were evaluated for their immunosuppressive activities.

Two new secoiridoid glycosides, ligusides A and B (1 and 2), as well as seven known compounds (3-9), were isolated from the fruits of Ligustrum lucidum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical analysis.

Five new oligosaccharides, named perisesaccharides A-E (1- 5), were isolated from the root barks of Periploca sepium. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configurations of these compounds were determined by a combination of X-ray diffraction analysis, modified Mosher's method, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and acid hydrolysis. The boat conformation of oleandronic acid delta-lactone was reported for the first time.

A new polyoxygenated pregnane genin and a new diphenylmethane, along with five known pregnane derivatives, were isolated from the root barks of Periploca sepium. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as (3β,14β)-3,14-dihydroxy-21-methoxypregn-5-en-20-one (1) and 2-hydroxy-5-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (2) on the basis of spectroscopic methods, especially 2D-NMR and MS analyses. The known compounds were identified by comparing their physical and spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature.

A new benzene derivative microintegerrin C (1) and a new norsesquiterpenoid microintegerrin D (2), along with six known compounds (3-8), were isolated and identified from stems and leaves of Micromelum integerrimum by various chromatographies such as silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, RP-18 column chromatography and HPLC. Their structures were mainly identified based on the spectral data analysis such as 1D-, 2D-NMR and HR-EI-MS. All known compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Cyclocarya paliurus (CP; qing qian liu), which is used as an herbal tea in China, has been confirmed to have therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia and obesity, and therefore it is widely consumed to prevent metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of CP on obesity and hyperlipidemia, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved in intestinal secretion of apolipoprotein (apo) B48. Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and with or without various concentrations of an ethanol extract of CP (CPE; 2, 4, or 8 g·(kg body mass)–1) administered by gavage for 8 weeks. From the results we see that CPE dose-dependently blocked increases in body mass, and decreased food utilization as well as visceral fat mass. Decreased serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as lowered levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver were also noticed in CPE-treated rats. Magnetic resonance images indicated that the abnormal fat storage induced by the HFD was obviously suppressed by CPE. In addition, ELISA analysis showed reduced fasting serum apoB48 in the CPE treatment groups. Based on the above results, CPE shows a promising preventive effect on obesity and hyperlipidemia, partially through suppressing intestinal apoB48 overproduction.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Cyclocarya paliurus Batal., native only to China, is widely consumed as a Chinese traditional folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. The aim of the study is to investigate the cholesterol-lowering effect and potential mechanisms of different polar extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus leaves in mice fed with high-fat-diet. Materials and methods Cyclocarya paliurus leaves extracts were orally administered to diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice for 4 weeks. Simvastatin was used as a positive control. Body weight, food intake, histopathology of liver and adipose tissues, hepatic and renal function indices, lipid profiles in the serum and liver were evaluated. Total bile acid concentrations of the liver and feces were also measured. Furthermore, the activities and mRNA expression of cholesterol metabolism-related enzymes including 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase 2 (ACAT2) in the livers of the mice were analyzed. LC–MS detection was performed to identify the components in the active fraction of Cyclocarya paliurus extracts. Results Different Cyclocarya paliurus polar extracts, especially ChE reduced the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and hepatic TC and TG, enhanced the level of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), restored hepatic and renal function indices and histomorphology. HMG-CoA reductase activity and mRNA expression were decreased, while CYP7A1 activity and mRNA expression as well as the level of fecal and hepatic bile acid were increased by ChE. LC–MS analysis of ChE revealed the presence of six main triterpenoids, which might be responsible for its antihyperlipidemic bioactivity. Conclusions Evidently ChE possesses the best antihyperlipidemic activity, and the cholesterol-lowering effect is at least partly attributed to its role in promoting the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids by upgrading the activity and mRNA expression of CYP7A1 and inhibiting those of HMG-CoA reductase to lower the cholesterol biosynthesis.

Four new cycloartane glycosides were isolated from the aerial parts of Thalictrum fortunei (Ranunculaceae). The chemical structures of these new glycosides were elucidated as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl (22S,24Z)-cycloart-24-en-3beta,22,26-triol 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl (22S,24Z)-cycloart-24-en-3beta,22,26-triol 26-O-beta-D-quinovopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl (22S,24Z)-cycloart-24-en-3beta,22,26-triol 26-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl (22S,24Z)-cycloart-24-en-3beta,22,26-triol 26-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside by extensive NMR methods, HR-ESI-MS, and hydrolysis. This is the first report of (22S,24Z)-3beta,22,26-trihydroxycycloartan-24-ene (thelictogenin A, 5) being glycosylated at C-26.

Trans-cinnamic acid (CA) can be isomerized to cis-CA in Arabidopsis thaliana extract under sunlight. Piperonylic acid treatment of Arabidopsis under ultraviolet (UV) light increased the level of cis-CA in these treated tissues. Similarly, cis-CA was also detected from Oryza sativa seedlings grown under sunlight. These results suggest that cis-CA may occur in planta. Application of cis-CA to seedlings of both wild type Arabidopsis and auxin-insensitive mutants, aux1 and axr2, resulted in nearly identical dose response curves in root growth, indicating that the mode of action by which cis-CA affects plant growth is different from that of auxins. According to root growth inhibition assay, cis-CA is nearly 10 times more active than trans-CA. These results suggest that cis-CA is a unique plant growth regulator but its in vivo function remains to be elucidated.

Purpose The current study investigated the efficacy of Cyclocarya paliurus chloroform extract (CPEC) and its two specific triterpenoids (cyclocaric acid B and cyclocarioside H) on the regulation of glucose disposal and the underlying mechanisms in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Methods Mice and adipocytes were stimulated by macrophages-derived conditioned medium (Mac-CM) to induce insulin resistance. CPEC was evaluated in mice for its ability by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). To investigate the hypoglycemic mechanisms of CPEC and its two triterpenoids, glucose uptake, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, inhibitor of NF-κB kinase β (IKKβ) phosphorylation and insulin signaling transduction were detected in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using 2-NBDG uptake assay and Western blot analysis. Results Mac-CM, an inflammatory stimulus which induced the glucose and insulin intolerance, increased phosphorylation of IKKβ, reduced glucose uptake and impaired insulin sensitivity. CPEC and two triterpenoids improved glucose consumption and increased AMPK phosphorylation under basal and inflammatory conditions. Moreover, CPEC and its two triterpenoids not only enhanced glucose uptake in an insulin-independent manner, but also restored insulin-mediated protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation by reducing the activation of IKKβ and regulating insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) serine/tyrosine phosphorylation. These beneficial effects were attenuated by AMPK inhibitor compound C, implying that the effects may be associated with AMPK activation. Conclusions CPEC and its two triterpenoids promoted glucose uptake in the absence of insulin, as well as ameliorated IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway by inhibiting inflammation. These effects were related to the regulation of AMPK activity.

Eleven compounds were isolated and purified from the barks extract of Nothopanax delavayi and their structures were identified as serratagenic acid-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), serratagenic acid-3-0-alpha-L-arabi-nopyranosyl-28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1--4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (2), serratagenic acid (3), serratagenic acid-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (4), serratagenic acid-beta-O-beta-(2', 4'-O-diacetyl) -D-xylopyranosyl-28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopy-ranosyl-(1--4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--46)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (5), serratagenic acid-3-O-alpha-(4'-O-acetyl)-L-arabino pyrano-syl-28-0- [-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1--4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester(6), serratagenic acid-3-O-alpha-(2'-O-acetyl)-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-[-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1--4) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester(7), serratagenic acid-3-0-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-28-O-[-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1--4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (8), protocatechuic acid (9), ethyl caffeate (10) and caffeic anhydride (11) by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data analysis. Among them, compounds 3-4 and 9-11 were firstly isolated from the genus Nothopanax, and compounds 5-8 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

The present study was designed to investigate the role of quercetin on neurite growth in N1E-115 cells and the underlying mechanisms. Quercetin was evaluated for its effects on cell numbers of neurites, neurite length, intracellular cAMP content, and Gap-43 expression in N1E-115 cells in vitro by use of microscopy, LANCE(tm) cAMP 384 kit, and Western blot analysis, respectively. Our results showed that quercetin could increase the neurite length in a concentration-dependent manner, but had no effect on the numbers of cells. Quercetin significantly increased the expression of cellular cAMP in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The Gap-43 expression was up-regulated in a time-dependent manner. In conclusion, quercetin could promote neurite growth through increasing the intracellular cAMP level and Gap-43 expression.

Two new phenolic glycosides, 2-hydroxy-4-O-β-d-glucopyranosylphenylacetic acid methyl acetate (1) and 2-hydroxy-4-O-β-d-glucopyranosylphenylacetic acid (2) were isolated from the aerial parts of Androsace umbellata. Their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques.

A new flavonol derivative 3, 8-dihydroxy-10-methoxy-5-H-isochromeno[4, 3-b]chromen-7-one (1) together with four known compounds, glutinone (2), luteolin (3), acacetin 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), and rutin (5) were isolated from the dried roots of Fagopyrum dibotrys. Their structures were determined by UV, IR, MS, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis, including 2D NMR.

Ten Amaryllidaceae alkaloids were isolated from the bulbs of Lycoris radiata. Their structures were identified as oxovittatine (1), apohaemanthamine (2), 9-O-demethylhomolycorine N-oxide (3), incartine (4), ismine (5), 6-O-methylpretazettine (6), tazettine (7), ungeremine (8), homolycorine (9), and O-methyllycorenine (10) by spectroscopic data analyses. Compound 1 was a new natural product. Compounds 2 and 3 were reported form the genus Lycoris for the first time and compounds 4-6 were isolated form the title plant for the first time.

To study the chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Trachelospermum jasminoides.Compounds were isolated by various chromatographic methods and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral techniques. In addition, the inhibitory activity against HepG2 and HL-60 of compound 1 was evaluated.Five compounds were isolated and identified as 3', 7-dimethoxyisoflavanone-4', 5-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), tracheloside (2), nortrachelogenin 5'-C-β-glucopyranoside (3), luteolin-4'-O-β-D-rutinoside (4), and luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5).Compound 1 is a new isoflavonoid glycoside. It showed weak inhibitory activity against HepG2 and HL-60 cancer cells with IC50 values of 131.5 and 58.2 μmol·L(-1), respectively.

A high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method was developed for simultaneous quantification of eleven major bioactive components including six coumarins, three flavonoids and two limonoids in Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis. The analysis was performed on a Cosmosil 5 C(18)-MS-II column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) with water-acetonitrile gradient elution. The method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, stability and accuracy. It was found that the calibration curves for all analytes showed good linearity (R(2)>0.9993) within the test ranges. The overall limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were less than 3.0 and 10.2 ng. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for intra- and inter-day repeatability were not more than 4.99% and 4.92%, respectively. The sample was stable for at least 48 h. The spike recoveries of eleven components were 95.1-104.9%. The established method was successfully applied to determine eleven components in three samples from different locations. The results showed that the newly developed HPLC-DAD method was linear, sensitive, precise and accurate, and could be used for quality control of Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis.

Objective To investigate the nonvolatile chemical constituents from the ethanol extract of the stems of Pogostemon cablin. Method The constituents were isolated and purified by repeated column chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20. Their structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analysis. Result Twelve compounds were isolated and identified as tilianin (1), diosmetin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), 3"-O-methylcrenatoside (3), uracil (4), soya-cerebroside I and II (5), agastachoside (6), apigenin-7-O-(3", 6"-di-(E) -p-coumaroyl) -beta-D-galactopyranoside (7), 5-hydroxy-3, 3', 4', 7- tetramethoxy flavone (8), 4', 5-dihydroxy-3, 3', 7-trimethoxyflavone (9), acacetin (10), crenatoside (11), isocrenatoside (12). Conclusion Compounds 1, 2, 4-7, 10 were isolated from the genus Pogostemon for the first time.

Objective To study the chemical constituents from the fruits of Ligustrum lucidum. Method The chemical constituents from the ethanol extract of L. lucidum were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatographic methods. Their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic data and physico-chemical properties. Result Twenty compounds were isolated and identified as oleanolic acid (1), crategolic acid (2), acetyl oleanolic acid (3), lupeol (4), betulin (5), dammarenediol-II (6), 3beta-acetyl-20, 25-epoxydammarane-24alpha-ol (7), 25-epoxydammarane-3beta, 24alpha-diol (8), dammar-24-ene-3beta-acetyl-20S-ol) (9), 20S, 24R-dammarane-25-ene-24-hydroperoxy-3beta, 20-diol (10), fouquierol (11), oliganthas A (12), dammarenediol II 3-O-palmitate (13), ocotillol II 3-O-palmitate (14), (E) -25-hydroperoxydammar-23-ene-3beta,20-diol (15), verbascoside (16), cimidahurinine (17), 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethyl-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (18), osmanthuside H (19), 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) ethanol (20). Conclusion Compounds 4, 16,17, 19 were isolated from this plant for the first time, andcompounds 12-15 were isolated from this genus for the first time.

Two new Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, named lycoranines A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the bulbs of Lycoris radiata. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compound 2 was a new-type alkaloid, which provided a new insight into the biosynthesis of alkaloids in Amaryllidaceae plants.

Two new Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, named lycoranines A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the bulbs of Lycoris radiata. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compound 2 was a new-type alkaloid, which provided a new insight into the biosynthesis of alkaloids in Amaryllidaceae plants.

To investigate the chemical constituents of the leaves of Adinandra nitida, several column chromatography methods were used to isolate the chemical constituents of this plant. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data. Six compounds were isolated and identified as 2alpha, 3alpha, 19alpha-trihydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), arjunetin (2), sericoside (3), glucosyl tormentate (4), nigaichigoside F1 (5) and arjunglucoside I (6), separately. Compound 1 is a new compound, and compounds 2 -6 were isolated from A. nitida for the first time.

Two new triterpenoid saponins, along with five known ones, were isolated from the EtOH extract of the whole plants of Androsace umbellata. The structures of the new triterpenoid saponins were identified as 3- O-[ beta- D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)- beta- D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[ beta- D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]- alpha- L-arabinopyranosyl]-3 beta-hydroxy-13 beta,28-epoxy-16-oxo-oleanan-30-al ( 1) and 3- O- beta- D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)- beta- D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha- L-arabinopyranosyl-3 beta-hydroxy-13 beta,28-epoxy-16-oxo-oleanan-30-al ( 2) on the basis of their spectral and chemical properties. All these compounds showed significant cytotoxic activities in human hepatoma cells.

To investigate the chemical constituents of the root barks of Periploca sepium.Column chromatographic techniques were used to isolate the chemical constituents. NMR and MS methods were employed for their structural elucidation.Eight compounds were isolated and identified as isovanillin (1), vanillin (2), 4-methoxysalicylic acid (3), (24R)-9, 19-cycloart-25-ene-3beta, 24-diol (4), (24S)-9, 19-cycloart-25-ene-3beta, 24-diol (5), cycloeucalenol (6), beta-amyrin acetate (7) and alpha-amyrin (8).Compounds 1-6 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

To study the chemical constituents of Pseudostellaria heterophylla.The compounds were isolated by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and purified by recrystallization. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectral analysis.Seven compounds were identified as 2-minalin (1) , 3-furfuryl pyrrole-2-carboxylate (2), ursolic acid (3), acacetin (4), luteolin (5), acacetin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (6--1)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (6).Among them, compounds 3-6 were isolated from the plant for the first time.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L. ) belongs to Pedaliaceae, and its dry flowers have been used to cure alopecia, frostbite and constipation as a Traditional Chinese Medicine. Interestingly, the Flos Sesamum indicum L. was usually used to cure verruca vulgaris and verruca plana in folk of China, and showed a pleasant result. Previous chemical investigations of this plant mainly concentrate on its seeds, showed the presence of proteins and fat oils, herein we make a systematic chemical research on the dry flowers of this plant. Column chromatography including silica gel, C18 and Sephadex LH-20 were used to separate the chemical constituents and the structures were determined by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Ten compounds were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the plant and elucidated as latifonin (1), momor-cerebroside (2), soya-cerebroside II (3), 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(2S, 3S, 4R, 5E,9Z)-2-N-(2'-hydroxytetracosanoyl) 1,3,4-trihydroxy-5,9-octadienine (4), 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(2S, 3S, 4R, 8Z)-2-N-(2' R) 2'-hydroxytetracosanoyl) 3,4-dihydroxy-8-octadene (5), (2S, 1" S) -aurantiamide acetate (6), benzyl alcohol-O-(2'-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl, 3'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), beta-sitosterol (8), daucosterol (9) and D-galacititol (10). Among them, 4 is a new compound, and others were isolated from the flowers of the plant for the first time. Compounds 2 to 4 belong to cerebroside, which is rare to be found in land plants and was proved to possess many bioactivities.

Two new eremophilanolides, sibiriolides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Xanthium sibiricum. The structures of the new compounds were identified as 4S,5R,7R,8R, 11R-2-oxo-1(10)-eremophilen-12,8-olide (1) and 4S,5R,7R,8R,11S-2-oxo-1(10)-eremophilen-12,8-olide (2) by HREIMS and NMR spectroscopic techniques in combination with X-ray crystallographic analysis and CD measurements.

To study the chemical constituents of Lygodium japonicum.Column chromatographic techniques were used for isolation and purification of chemical constituents of this plant and their structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis.Eight compounds were isolated and identified as tilianin (I), kaempferol-7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (II), kaempferol (III), p-coumaric acid (IV), hexadecanoic acid 2, 3-dihydroxy-propyl ester (V), daucosterol (VI), beta-sitosterol (VII, and 1-hentriacontanol (VIII) respectively.Compounds I, II, V, VI, VII, VIII were isolated from L. japonicum for the first time, compounds I, II, V were isolated from genus Lygodium for the first time.

A new phenolic glycoside, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid 4-O-(4′-O-methyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), was isolated from the roots of Lygodium japonicum. The structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods.