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Imported medicinal materials are an important part of Chinese medicinal resources. To be specific, about 10% of the around 600 commonly used Chinese medicinal materials are from abroad, and the introduction of foreign medicinal materials has promoted the development of Chinese medicine. Amid the advancement of reform and opening up and the "Belt and Road" Initiative, major headway has been made in the cross-border trade in China, bringing opportunities for the import of medicinal materials from border ports. However, for a long time, there is a lack of systematic investigation on the types of exotic medicinal materials at border ports. In the fourth national census of traditional Chinese medicine resources, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, together with several organizations, investigated the nearly 40 border ports, Chinese medicinal material markets, and border trade markets in 6 provinces/autonomous regions in China for the first time and recorded the types, sources, circulation, and the transaction characteristics of imported medicinal materials. Moreover, they invited experts to identify the origins of the collected 237 medicinal materials. In addition, the status quo and the problems of the medicinal materials were summarized. This study is expected to lay a basis for clarifying the market and origins of imported medicinal materials as well as the scientific research on and supervision of them.

Root size is a key trait in plant cultivation and can be influenced by the cultivation environment. However, physical evidence of root size change in a secular context is scarce due to the difficulty in preserving ancient root samples, and how they were modified during the domestication and cultivation stays unclear. About 100 ancient root samples of

Two squalene synthase genes AlSQS1 and AlSQS2 were isolated from Atractylodes lancea and functionally characterized using in vitro enzymatic reactions. Atractylodes lancea is a traditional herb used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, gastric disorders, and influenza. Its major active ingredients include sesquiterpenoids and triterpenes. Squalene synthase (SQS; EC 2.5.1.21) catalyzes the first enzymatic step in the central isoprenoid pathway towards sterol and triterpenoid biosynthesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate two SQSs from A. lancea using cloning and in vitro enzymatic characterization. Bioinformatics and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the AlSQSs exhibited high homology with other plant SQSs. Furthermore, AlSQS1 was observed to be localized in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, whereas AlSQS2 was localized in the cytoplasm and endoplasmic reticulum. To obtain soluble recombinant enzymes, AlSQS1 and AlSQS2 were successfully expressed as glutathione S-transferase (GST)-tagged fusion proteins in Escherichia coli Transetta (DE3). Approximately 68 kDa recombinant proteins were obtained using GST-tag affinity chromatography and Western blot analysis. Results of the in vitro enzymatic reactions established that both AlSQS1 and AlSQS2 were functional, which verifies their catalytic ability in converting two farnesyl pyrophosphates to squalene. The expression patterns of AlSQS and selected terpenoid genes were also investigated in two A. lancea chemotypes using available RNA sequencing data. AlSQS1 and AlSQS2, which showed relatively similar expression in the three tissues, were more highly expressed in the stems than in the leaves and rhizomes. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was used as an elicitor to analyze the expression profiles of AlSQSs. The results of qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the gene expression of AlSQS1 and AlSQS2 plummeted at lowest value at 12 h and reached its peak at 24 h. This study is the first report on the cloning, characterization, and expression of SQSs in A. lancea. Therefore, our findings contribute novel insights that may be useful for future studies regarding terpenoid biosynthesis in A. lancea.

Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf is a saprophytic fungus that grows around the roots of old, dead pine trees. Fushen, derived from the sclerotium of P. cocos but also containing a young host pine root, has been widely used as a medicine and food in China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asian countries, and some European countries. However, the compound variations at the different growth periods and in the different parts of Fushen have not previously been investigated. In this study, an untargeted metabolomics approach based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) and targeted quantitative analysis was utilized to characterize the temporal and spatial variations in the accumulation of specialized metabolites in Fushen. There were 119 specialized metabolites tentatively identified using the UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The nine growth periods of Fushen were divided into four groups using partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA). Four different parts of the Fushen [fulingpi (FP), the outside of baifuling (BO), the inside of baifuling (BI), and fushenmu (FM)] were clearly discriminated using a PLS-DA and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA). Markers for the different growth periods and parts of Fushen were also screened. In addition, the quantitative method was successfully applied to simultaneously determine 13 major triterpenoid acids in the nine growth periods and four parts. The quantitative results indicated that the samples in January, March, and April, i.e., the late growth period, had the highest content levels for the 13 triterpenoid acids. The pachymic acid, dehydropachymic acid, and dehydrotumulosic acid contents in the FM were higher than those in other three parts in March, whereas the poricoic acid B, poricoic acid A, polyporenic acid C, dehydrotratrametenolic acid, dehydroeburicoic acid, and eburicoic acid in FP were higher beginning in October. These findings reveal characteristics in temporal and spatial distribution of specialized metabolites in Fushen and provide guidance for the identification of harvesting times and for further quality evaluations.

The basic features of glandular and non-glandular trichomes on leaves of Artemisia argyi( germplasms from Qichun,Ningbo,Tangyin,and Anguo,respectively) and related species A. stolonifera were observed by scanning electron microscopy( SEM)and compared. There were significant differences in trichome characteristics of leaves at all parts of A. argyi and A. stolonifera,which were closely related to the difference in chemical components. The length of non-glandular trichomes and size of glandular trichomes on middle leaves were the stablest. A. argyi and A. stolonifera can be distinguished by the density of glandular trichome. Additionally,the four germplasms of A. argyi can be discriminated via the density and curvature of non-glandular trichome. The density of non-glandular trichomes was the highest in A. stolonifera. For A. argyi,the germplasm from Qichun had the highest density of non-glandular trichomes on the abaxial surfaces of upper leaves and that from Ningbo had the largest non-glandular trichome curvature. With regard to the germplasm from Anguo,the T-shaped non-glandular trichomes of long stalks on the adaxial surfaces of the middle leaves were lodging-susceptible,and those with slender heads were wave-like. Statistics results of A. argyi and A. stolonifera are as follows: largest glandular trichomes on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces and highest glandular trichome density on the abaxial surfaces of the lower leaves in A. argyi germplasm from Ningbo,highest density of non-glandular trichomes on the abaxial surfaces of upper leaves in A. stolonifera,and highest density of glandular trichomes and non-glandular trichomes on the adaxial surfaces of the upper leaves in A. argyi germplasm from Qichun. According to the observation result under fluorescence microscope( FM),flavonoids were closely related to the size and density of non-glandular trichomes and size of glandular trichomes. The fluorescence intensity was the strongest and fluorescence area was the largest for flavonoids in A. argyi germplasms from Qichun and Tangyin,while the fluorescence for flavonoids was the weakest in A. stolonifera. It was the first time to observe and analyze the trichome ultrastructure of A. argyi leaves at different positions by SEM and FM. This study clarifies the differences between A. stolonifera and four famous A. argyi germplasms,which provides new evidence for the microscopic identification of A. argyi and its related species and serves as a reference for the study of the relationship of A. argyi structure with its components and functions.

Peucedanum huangshanense, a new species discovered in Anhui, China, is illustrated and described. Detailed morphological comparisons have showed that it is similar to P. praeruptorum but differs from the latter by having larger compound umbels (5–14 cm across), rays up to 25, and long-ovoid mericarps with lateral ribs narrowly winged. To explore the phylogenetic position of this species, nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was sequenced for P. huangshanense and P. praeruptorum collected in different places. The morphological and molecular evidences support the hypothesis that P. huangshanense is a new distinct species.

Background: Huangqi is a famous Chinese medicinal material whose Dao-di producing area is Hunyuan, Shanxi. Huangqi produced in Hunyuan, Shanxi, were divided into several different specifications and grades according to the diameters and different positions of root system. Objective: This article investigates the quantitative characteristics of chemical compositions in different specifications and grades of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus roots, aiming to elucidate the correlation between specifications and/or grades and chemical compositions in Huangqi. Methods: Based on the field investigation, samples of Huangqi collected from Hunyuan, Shanxi, were divided into different specifications and grades. The content of seven flavonoids and five saponins in Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus roots of different specifications and grades were determined simultaneously by HPLC–diode–array detection–evaporative light-scattering detection (HPLC–DAD–ELSD). Results: Huangqi was processed by traditional methods, and its commercial specification was classified by different parts of the root system, such as ge-da-tou, hong-lan-qi, zheng-bai-qi, fu-bai-qi, mao-wei-zi, and qi-jian. The total content of seven flavonoids and five saponins in ge-da-tou, qi-jian were lower. The total content of seven flavonoids in hong-lan-qi was much higher, while that of five saponins was much lower. The total content of seven flavonoids in lateral roots or fibrous roots were higher, and that of five saponins was lower, such as zheng-bai-qi, fu-bai-qi, and mao-wei-zi. According to the root diameters, Huangqi was classified to special grade, grade I, grade II, grade III, grade IV, or grade V. Among six grades of Huangqi, the total content of seven flavonoids in grade III, grade IV, and grade V were lower, while the total content of five saponins in them were much higher. Conclusions: There is an obvious difference on the distribution pattern of contents of seven flavonoids and five saponins in Huangqi of different specifications and grades, which provide a certain scientific basis for the quality evaluation of Huangqi. Highlights: The content of seven flavonoids and five saponins in Huangqi were determined by HPLC-DAD-ELSD. The relationship between the commercial specification grades and chemical components of Dao-di herbs Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Huangqi ) from Hunyuan, Shanxi were revealed, which provided a chemical basis for the classification of commercial specification grades of dao-herbs Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Huangqi ) from Hunyuan, Shanxi.

The processing of traditional Chinese medicine is an integral part of Chinese medical heritage. The recent discovery of the earliest processed drugs may provide strong evidence for the origins of traditional Chinese medicine processing. The remains were found in wooden lacquer boxes, unearthed from Haihunhou tomb in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. By analyzing the appearance of the unearthed samples, it was found that the outer layers of the samples were composed of an auxiliary material and the inside was composed of plant material. As can be seen from the three-dimensional image taken using nuclear magnetic resonance screening, the sample had a hollow irregular rod structure. The outer layers were composed of a substance with weak signal strength, and the inside was similar to the fiber structure of plants with high water contents. Microscopic analysis showed that periderm, secondary xylem, and broad wood rays could be seen in the transverse section of the plants inside the samples. It can be further speculated that the plants inside the samples were derived from the roots or stems of dicotyledonous herbs. Additionally, the putative roots or stems of the dicotyledonous herbs had secondary structures and contained one to three clustered, red-brown cells. No starch granules, calcium oxalate crystals, or stone cells were observed in the transverse section. According to the microscopic database of the National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, it is speculated that the plants inside the samples were derived from the roots of Rehmannia species. A comparative study of the microscopic characteristics of wild Rehmannia chingii roots and the unearthed samples was carried out. It was found that both displayed periderm, broad secondary phloem, wood rays, similar vessel morphologies, and red-brown cells. The unearthed samples and R. chingii roots were analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in negative ion mode. The results showed that the mass spectrum peak of m / z 623 in the unearthed samples agreed with that in the roots of R. chingii , and was putatively identified as acteoside or forsythiaside. Moreover, the peak at m / z 179 in the unearthed samples was identified as caffeic acid based on the molecular weight using high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data, and was usually identified as a hydrolysate of acteoside or forsythiaside. There were about two to three outer layers of excipient on the samples. They were distributed unevenly, thicker at the top and thinner at the bottom. The plants and excipient layers were observed by microscope, and starch grains were found in the cross section and powder of the excipient layers, while no starch grains were found in the cross section or powder of the plant material inside. However, the reaction between the plant tissues and iodine-potassium iodide test solution produced the characteristic blue color. This phenomenon was related to the gelatinization of starch granules. Under a polarized light microscope, a large number of crystals were seen in the excipient layers. An aqueous extract of the excipient layers was analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS), and an ion fragment peak at m / z 341.11 was detected, indicating a disaccharide. When compared to the reference substances glucose, sucrose, fructose, and maltose, the retention times and mass spectra were very similar to that of sucrose. According to ancient literary and historical records, the tomb owner suffered from severe rheumatism before his death, which is consistent with the efficacy of R. chingii . It is further speculated that the samples in the wooden lacquer boxes are the remains of processed ancient traditional Chinese medicine products. The origin of the excipients in the processed medicines might be related to improving the taste, which could provide a scientific basis for further understanding the processing and application of ancient traditional Chinese medicines.

Relationships among Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) Haraldson., F. multiflora var. angulata (S. Y. Liu) H. J. Yan, Z. J. Fang & Shi Xiao Yu., and F. multiflora var. ciliinervis (Nakai) Yonekura & H. Ohashi. were determined based on macroscopic and microscopic morphology, molecular phylogeny, and chemical analysis. The macroscopic and microscopic morphologies of root tubers or rhizomes, stems, and leaves were compared among the three taxa. The content of 11 chemical components (catechin, polydatin, stilbene glucoside, emodin, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, rhein, chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, quercetin, physcion, and resveratrol) in the three taxa was determined by HPLC, and the chemical diversity was further evaluated by principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses. Molecular phylogenies were mapped using two chloroplast markers (matK and the psbA-trnH intergenic region) and a nuclear ribosomal marker [internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region]. Analyses of macroscopic and microscopic morphological characteristics revealed that the subterranean organs of F. multiflora and F. multiflora var. angulata are root tubers, whereas those of F. multiflora var. ciliinervis are rhizomes. In the phylogenetic trees, F. multiflora and F. multiflora var. angulata were clustered into a clade based on the combine matK + psbA-trnH sequence, with neighbour-joining, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference bootstrap support values of 99, 85, and 0.99, respectively. In addition, there were obvious differences in the chemical compositions of F. multiflora, F. multiflora var. angulata and F. multiflora var. ciliinervis. The root tubers of F. multiflora contain higher levels of stilbene glucoside and catechin, but lower levels of polydatin and anthraquinone compounds. In contrast to F. multiflora, the rhizomes of F. multiflora var. ciliinervis contain higher levels of polydatin and anthraquinone compounds, but lack stilbene glucoside. The content of all 11 assessed components was lower in F. multiflora var. angulata than in F. multiflora and F. multiflora var. cillinervis. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses revealed that F. multiflora and F. multiflora var. angulata individuals were clustered into a single clade, whereas F. multiflora var. ciliinervis individuals were clustered into a single clade separate from that containing F. multiflora and F. multiflora var. angulata individuals. On the basis of the results of our morphological, molecular phylogeny, and chemical analyses, we tentatively conclude that F. multiflora var. ciliinervis is an independent species, whereas F. multiflora var. angulata should be considered as a variety of F. multiflora.

Comprehensive transcriptome analysis of different Platycodon grandiflorus tissues discovered genes related to triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis. Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. (P. grandiflorus), a traditional Chinese medicine, contains considerable triterpenoid saponins with broad pharmacological activities. Triterpenoid saponins are the major components of P. grandiflorus. Here, single-molecule real-time and next-generation sequencing technologies were combined to comprehensively analyse the transcriptome and identify genes involved in triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis in P. grandiflorus. We quantified four saponins in P. grandiflorus and found that their total content was highest in the roots and lowest in the stems and leaves. A total of 173,354 non-redundant transcripts were generated from the PacBio platform, and three full-length transcripts of β-amyrin synthase, the key synthase of β-amyrin, were identified. A total of 132,610 clean reads obtained from the DNBSEQ platform were utilised to explore key genes related to the triterpenoid saponin biosynthetic pathway in P. grandiflorus, and 96 differentially expressed genes were selected as candidates. The expression levels of these genes were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. Our reliable transcriptome data provide valuable information on the related biosynthesis pathway and may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis in P. grandiflorus.

Background Astragalus mongholicus Bunge is an important medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is rich in isoflavonoids and triterpenoid saponins. Although these active constituents of A. mongholicus have been discovered for a long time, the genetic basis of isoflavonoid and triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis in this plant is virtually unknown because of the lack of a reference genome. Here, we used a combination of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing to identify genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of secondary metabolites in A. mongholicus. Results In this study, NGS, SMRT sequencing, and targeted compound analysis were combined to investigate the association between isoflavonoid and triterpenoid saponin content, and specific gene expression in the root, stem, and leaves of A. mongholicus. Overall, 643,812 CCS reads were generated, yielding 121,107 non-redundant transcript isoforms with an N50 value of 2124 bp. Based on these highly accurate transcripts, 104,756 (86.50%) transcripts were successfully annotated by any of the seven databases (NR, NT, Swissprot, KEGG, KOG, Pfam and GO). Levels of four isoflavonoids and four astragalosides (triterpenoid saponins) were determined. Forty-four differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in isoflavonoid biosynthesis and 44 DEGs from 16 gene families that encode enzymes involved in triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis were identified. Transcription factors (TFs) associated with isoflavonoid and triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis, including 72 MYBs, 53 bHLHs, 64 AP2-EREBPs, and 11 bZIPs, were also identified. The above transcripts showed different expression trends in different plant organs. Conclusions This study provides important genetic information on the A. mongholicus genes that are essential for isoflavonoid and triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis, and provides a basis for developing the medicinal value of this plant.

The research on the historical production areas of Dao-di herbs is of great value to the quality evaluation, production base and protection for geographic indications of Dao-di herbs. Current studies mostly focused on the sorting of written sources, but neglected the excavation of image records such as historical maps and topographic maps. This paper aims at exploreing the geographical scope and evolution mode of historical production area of the Dao-di herbs by combining the method of historical map labelling with the traditional literature and historical research methods. It can be divided into three steps: production area name extraction, historical map labelling and textual research on the historical production area of Dao-di herbs. This method may provide a better way to show the geographical scope and topographic features of the historical production areas of Dao-di herbs through historical maps labelling, which is essential to further explore the evolution of production areas of Dao-di herbs from ancient times to the present by comparing historical maps of different periods, and may be helpful to discover the reasons for the formation and evolution of historical producing areas of Dao-di herbs from different perspectives such as environment, climate, humanities, economy, policy, etc. In addition, the historical map database can be used for map labelling to help establish the relationship between the dynasties, historical names, and change cha-racteristics of the scope of the historical production areas of Dao-di herbs in the following research.

Based on the investigation of wild medicinal plant resources in Dexing city, Jiangxi province, and the collected plant specimens, which were identified by taxonomy, two new record species of geographical distribution were found, which are Meehania zheminensis A. Takano, Pan Liamp; G.-H. Xia and Corydalis huangshanensis L.Q.Huangamp; H.S.Peng. The voucher specimens are kept in Dexing museum of traditional Chinese medicine. In this paper, the new distribution species were reported, which provides valuable information for further enriching and supplementing the species diversity of medicinal plant resources in Jiangxi province.

Orchidaceae, well known for its fascinating flowers, is one of the largest and most diverse families of flowering plants. There are many kinds of plants in this family; these are distributed practically globally and have high ornamental and medicinal values. Gastrodia elata Blume, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is a rootless and leafless achlorophyllous orchid. Phenolic compounds are considered to be the major bioactive constituents in G. elata, with antioxidant, antiangiogenic, neuroprotective, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and sedative activities. In this study, we determined the contents of six main phenolic components in tubers, stems and flowers from G. elata. Meanwhile, the transcriptomes of the tuber, stem and flower tissues of G. elata were obtained using the BGISEQ-500 platform. A total of 58.29 Gb of data and 113,067 unigenes were obtained, of which 74,820 unigenes were functionally annotated against seven public databases. Differentially expressed genes between tuber, stem and flower tissues were identified. A total of 76 DEGs encoding eight key enzymes were identified as candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of phenolics in G. elata. For further validation, the expression levels of unigenes were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Our results greatly enrich the transcriptomic data of G. elata and provide valuable information for the identification of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites.

Polygonatum cyrtonema is a famous bulk medicinal material which is the medicinal and edible homologous. With the implementation of the traditional Chinese medicine industry to promote precise poverty alleviation, the planting area of P. cyrtonema in Jinzhai is becoming larger and larger in recent years. Jinzhai is located in the Dabie Mountainous area, which is the largest mountain area and county in Anhui Province. The cultivation of P. cyrtonema is scattered, and the traditional Chinese medicine resources investigation is not only inefficient and accurate. In this study,thequot;Resource 3quot;(ZY-3) remote sensing image was used as the best observation phase,and the method of support vector machine classification was used. The method of parallelepiped, minimum distance, mahalanob is distance, maximum likelihood classification and neural net were used to classify and recognize the P. cyrtonema in the whole region. In order to determine the accuracy and reliability of classification results, the accuracy of six supervised classification results was evaluated by confusion matrix method, and the advantages and disadvantages of six supervised classification methods for extracting P. cyrtonema field planting area were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the method of support vector machine classification was more appropriate than that using other classification methods. It provides a scientific basis for monitoring the planting area of P. cyrtonemain field.

Dabie Mountains, a unique transition area of subtropical and warm temperate zone, span Anhui, Hubei and Henan pro-vinces with a humid and suitable climate. It is rich in traditional Chinese medicine resources including many Dao-di herbs, and has a profound culture of traditional Chinese medicine with many herbalists in the past. This paper combed the historical geography of Dabie Mountains and development vein of medicinal materials recorded in history, and a textual research on the historical evolution of Dao-di herbs and special herbs in Dabie Mountains was carried out. The administrative region of Dabie Mountains has been changing constantly in history, which includes 25 counties and districts of six cities in Anhui, Henan and Hubei provinces at present. Dabie Mountains abound in a variety of Chinese herbal medicines, which have been recorded in herbal works in the past dynasties and local chronicles in detail. The recorded Dao-di herbs Dendrobium huoshanense, Artemisia argyi, and Poria cocos are well-known in China, and the output of Gastrodia elata, Ganoderma lucidum, and P. cocos is in the forefront of the country. Additionally, there are still many local special herbs emerging in modern times. In a word, this paper reviewed development of historical geography and ancient records of medicinal materials in Dabie Mountains, and made a textual research on the Dao-di herbs and special herbs, will provide a reference for the mo-dern research and intellectual property protection of Dao-di herbs in Dabie Mountains.

Dabie Mountain in Anhui province is a genuine producing area of Poria cocos, commonly known as Anling. Jinzhai county in Anhui province is a traditional producing area of P. cocos, and it is also a key county for poverty alleviation in Dabie Mountains. Poverty alleviation of traditional Chinese medicine producing area is an important measure to implement the major strategic deployment of the central government. The planting of P. cocos is helpful to promote the development of traditional Chinese medicine industry in Dabie Mountains and help poverty alleviation. P. cocos is a saprophytic fungus with special demands on soil and ecological environment, and its planting appears a scattered and irregular distribution. Traditional investigation methods are time-consuming and laborious, and the results are greatly influenced by subjective factors. In order to obtain the suitable planting area of P. cocos in Jinzhai county, according to the field survey, the research team has explored the regional, biological characteristics and cultivation methods of P. cocos in the county, and obtained the altitude distribution area suitable for the growth of P. cocos. Then, the MaxEnt niche model was used to analyze the relationship between ecological factors and distribution areas, and the potential distribution zoning of P. cocos in Jinzhai county was studied. Combined with the characteristics of P. cocos planting pattern, taking ZY-3 remote sensing image as the data source, the maximum likelihood method was used to extract the area that could be used for P. cocos cultivation in Jinzhai county, and the reason why artificial planting P. cocos was mainly distributed in the west of Jinzhai county was analyzed. The suitable regional classification of P. cocos in Jinzhai county was obtained by superposition of suitable altitude distribution area, MaxEnt analysis and area extracted from remote sensing image, which provided data support for the planting planning of P. cocos in Jinzhai county.

Ben Cao Tu Jing is the earliest version of block-printed edition for herbals so far, with 933 medicinal paintings. In this paper, it analyzed the medicine paintings in the Fruit, Vegetable and Rice Sections of Ben Cao Tu Jing, as well as discussed the types of medicine paintings and relevant information when they were drawn. There are a total of 76 paintings in the fruits, vegetables and rice sections of Ben Cao Tu Jing, which can be divided into four types: broken branch paintings, ground paintings, rootless plant paintings and the whole plant with root paintings. The first three paintings were similar to the paintings of Tang and Song, and the paintings of the whole plant with root can be called the type of medicine paintings with Chinese characteristics created by Ben Cao Tu Jing. These four types of paintings had a profound impact on the later illustrations of medicinal materials, such as Lv Chan Yan Ben Cao, Jiu Huang Ben Cao, Ben Cao Pin Hui Jing Yao, Zhi Wen Ben Cao, Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao. The two types that had the greatest impact on later generations are the broken branch paintings and the whole plant with roots paintings, which had been inherited and developed in contemporary Chinese pharmacy books such as Zhong Yao Cai Pin Zhong Lun Shu and Zhong Hua Ben Cao. The paintings of the fruits, vegetables and rice sections are highly realistic and artistic, not only carrying the role of conveying medicinal knowledge, but also having unique aesthetic value. It can be inferred that the fruits, vegetables and rice sections had the participation of professional painters at least. In addition, through the highly consistent drawing styles of several sets of paintings, it is concluded that the paintings without place names were likely to be drawn uniformly by the editing team, and the local paintings may have been revised and improved by the editing team lately.

Platycosides, the generally recognized main active constituents of Platycodi radix, have been studied extensively for their wide pharmacological activities. Herein, we have successfully developed an efficient method for the enrichment and comprehensive isolation of platycosides from Platycodi radix by MCI resin column chromatography (CC) and two different modes of high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). MCI resin CC was the preferable enrichment operation for platycosides from the 70%-ethanol extract of Platycodi radix and rendered target platycosides when eluted by 60% aqueous methanol solution. As for the separation, two different modes, including isocratic HSCCC and linear-gradient HSCCC, were applied together to separate the platycosides using a mixture of ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water coupled with evaporative light scattering detection, for the first time. Isocratic HSCCC was applied to separate crude platycosides from Platycodi radix using ethyl acetate–n-butanol–water (1 : 1 : 2, v/v), yielding seven pure platycosides (compounds 1–6, 8) and two fractions of enriched mixtures of compounds 7, 9, 10, and 11. Linear-gradient HSCCC was employed to rapidly separate compounds 7, 9, 10, and 11 by constantly changing the proportions of ethyl acetate and n-butanol in the ethyl acetate–n-butanol–water solvent system. Finally, platycoside E (1), deapio-platycodin D3 (2), platycodin D3 (3), deapio-platycodin D2 (4), platycodin D2 (5), platycodin D (6), polygalacin D2 (7), polygalacin D (8), and three tautomers, namely 2′′-O-acetylplatycodin D (9) and 3′′-O-acetylplatycodin D (9′), 2′′-O-acetylpolygalacin D2 (10) and 3′′-O-acetylpolygalacin D2 (10′), and 2′′-O-acetylpolygalacin D (11) and 3′′-O-acetylpolygalacin D (11′), were obtained from 300 mg of crude platycosides from Platycodi radix.

The authors would like to correct an error in the title paper [...]

Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a critical role throughout the lives of plants, it is regarded as a highly regulated and active process of plant cell death during the times of biotic or abiotic stress. This study aims to provide developmental anatomical characteristics of the interxylary cork formation in the roots of Astragalus. membranaceus var. mongholicus, and to subsequently show cytomorphological evidence that PCD is involved in the development of rhytidome and interxylary cork. The developmental anatomy of rhytidome and interxylary cork of the perennial fresh main root of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus was studied using light microscopy, whereas the PCD in the development of rhytidome and interxylary cork was studied using fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Histologically, it was observed that the parenchyma cells of secondary phloem and xylem in roots recovered their meristematic ability, and later developed into rhytidome and interxylary cork. Cytologically, ultrastructural characteristics such as nucleus malformation, vacuole disappearance, mitochondrial degeneration, and vesicle filling were observed. In roots, the nucleus of the phloem parenchyma cells were terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive from the pre-rhytidome stage to the formation of rhytidome stage and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI)-negative during the mature rhytidome stage. The TUNEL assay of the xylem parenchyma cells showed positive characteristics from the early stage of interxylary cork formation to the interxylary cork formation stage, whereas DAPI-negative characteristics were observed in the mature interxylary cork. Gel electrophoresis showed that DNA cleavage was random. Our results indicated that the formation of the rhytidome and interxylary cork involved the PCD process.

Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. is a traditional Chinese medicine rich in sesquiterpenes that has been widely used in China and Japan for the treatment of viral infections. Despite its important pharmacological value, genomic information regarding A. lancea is currently unavailable. In the present study, the whole genome sequence of A. lancea was obtained using an Illumina sequencing platform. The results revealed an estimated genome size for A. lancea of 4,159.24 Mb, with 2.28% heterozygosity, and a repeat rate of 89.2%, all of which indicate a highly heterozygous genome. Based on the genomic data of A. lancea, 27,582 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were identified. The differences in representation among nucleotide repeat types were large, e.g., the mononucleotide repeat type was the most abundant (54.74%) while the pentanucleotide repeats were the least abundant (0.10%), and sequence motifs GA/TC (31.17%) and TTC/GAA (7.23%) were the most abundant among the dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeat motifs, respectively. A total of 93,434 genes matched known genes in common databases including 48,493 genes in the Gene Ontology (GO) database and 34,929 genes in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. This is the first report to sequence and characterize the whole genome of A. lancea and will provide a theoretical basis and reference for further genome-wide deep sequencing and SSR molecular marker development of A. lancea.

Gastrodia Rhizoma, as a precious Chinese materia medica, has attracted the attention of Chinese materia medica experts in the past dynasties for the commercial specification and experimental identification, and has gradually formed a wealth of terms concerning commercial specification and experimental identification. Through combing the literatures of successive dynasties, this paper discussed the change of the commercial specification of the Gastrodiae Rhizoma and formation of its identifying terms. It has found that the Gastrodiae Rhizoma mainly came from the dried rhizomes of the Gastrodia elata f.elata before the Qing Dynasty. Since the Qing Dynasty, G. elata in Yunnan and Guizhou gradually arose and become one of sources of mainstream commodities. After that, G. elata f. glauca and G. elata f. elata were becoming the main sources of Gastrodiae Rhizoma. Before the large-scale cultivation of G. elata in the 1970 s, there is only wild G. elata over the country. In terms of commercial specification, they were often classified into Chunma and Dongma according to their harvest time. With the successful promotion of cultivation technology and the endangered wild resources of G. elata, the Dongma became the mainstream in the market. The adulterants of G. elata increased significantly in the 1960 s and 1970 s, in this period, the terms of experimental identification for G. elata also increased obviously. Experimental identification is distinctive in different times, therefore, studying experimental identification of medicinal materials helps to promote the development of the Chinese materia medica.

As a medicine, Heshouwu was first appeared in Kaibao Bencao in Song Dynasty, which was a traditional tonic medicine. In recent years, the hepatotoxicity of Heshouwu has attracted great attention of domestic and foreign scholars. This paper has carried out textual research on illustration, quality evaluation, toxic and side effects of the Heshouwu in the historical Bencao(materia medica) literature. Illustrations of Heshouwu in the historical Bencao literatures are basically Polygonum multiflorum. Only in Taiyixian Zhibencao Yaoxing Daquan and Tujie Bencao, illustrations of Heshouwu may be Pteroxygonum giraldii and Dioscorea bulbifera, respectively. Illustrations of Heshouwu in the historical Bencao literatures are quite different from those of the genus Cynanchum in Asclepiadaceae. In the biography of Heshouwu, the author has noticed the abnormal vascular bundle in the root tuber of Heshouwu, which was inherited by the historical Bencao literatures. This is also one of the evidences to infer that Heshouwu is from Polygonaceae plant P. multiflorum. The description of abnormal vascular bundle in the historical Bencao literatures has been developed and evolved into the term "brocaded patterns", and it is considered that "five petals are good". Furthermore, ancient medical scientists have noticed that there are toxic differences in different characters of Heshouwu, that is, "Heshouwu with abundant parenchyma cells, low fibrous and large is superior in quality", "the hard and fibrous root tuber of P. multiflorum has toxic side effects". In this paper, the germplasm and the theory of assessing the quality by distinguishing features of traditional Chinese medicinal materials of Heshouwu in the historical Bencao literatures are reviewed, which provides the basis of materia medica for the quality evaluation of Heshowu.

Based on the prescription books of herbs and medical books of all dynasties,this article makes a textual research on the name,origin,position,quality,collection,processing and concocting of Acorus tatarinowii used in the classical prescription,and clarifies the relationship between ancient and modern,so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of the classical famous prescription.According to research,A. tatarinowii has many aliases and is often remembered asquot; Chang puquot; when use as medicine; It has a wide distribution of resources in our country,all over the country have produced and mostly wild,its producing areas there is a trend of migration to the southeast; It is recorded in the ancient books of Chinese herbs that most of its medicinal parts are roots,and to root thin,solid quality,dense,aromatic smell,full taste,chewing less slag of high quality; It is harvested in February,May,August and December,and dried in the shade after harvesting; Its concocting methods are more than 20 species have been recorded; Before the Tang Dynasty,the basis of the medicinal A. tatarinowii was relatively chaotic,through textual research,it is concluded that A. tatarinowii should be the mainstream in all dynasties,and that its quality is superior to that of other species in the same genus.It is recommended to be used inquot; Kaixin sanquot; andquot; rehmannia drinkquot;.

In this paper,the name,origin,producing area,harvesting and processing changes of Paeonia lactiflora used in classical prescriptions were studied by textual research of herbal medicine and field investigation. Chinese herbaceous peony wasnapos; t distinguished before the Northern and Southern Dynasties; Tao Hongjing proposed that there were two kinds of P. lactiflora in the Northern and Southern Dynasties,but they were not clearly defined; since the Song and Yuan Dynasties,the method of distinguishing P. lactiflora by flower color and root color was proposed. In the Ming Dynasty,people put forward the criteria similar to modern ones,that is,to divide red peony and white peony by means of harvesting and processing,and to continue for future generations. Since modern times,different growth patterns and processing methods have been used to classify red peony and white peony. Paeoniae Radix Alba has gradually formed three major cultivation genuine producing areas: Hangzhou,Sichuan and Bozhou,while Paeoniae Radix Rubra in modern times has praised the wild medicinal materials produced in Inner Mongolia,Toronto and other places. According to textual research,Paeoniae Radix Alba was highly praised in Song Dynasty. When people in Song Dynasty revised the previous literature,they changedquot; Shaoyaoquot; intoquot; Baishaoquot; and continued to use Paeoniae Radix Alba for future generations. Therefore,the origin of P. lactiflora in classical prescriptions before the Song Dynasty should be determined by the combination of prescription function and prescription meaning evolution; After the Song Dynasty,the origins ofquot; Red Paeonia Rootquot; andquot; White Paeonia Rootquot; in prescriptions are basically the same as those in todayapos;s prescriptions,which should be recorded in ancient prescriptions. For the medicinal flavor ofquot; Paeonia Rootquot; recorded in prescriptions after the Song Dynasty,the origins can be determined by functional domination and the evolution of prescriptions.

To clarify the change and development of original plants ofquot; Manjingziquot;( Viticis Fructus),a traditional Chinese medicine,we investigated Vitex species on the ancient Chinese herbal texts. The study concluded that the Vitex trifolia and V. trifolia var.simplicifolia included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia( 2015 edition) are only two sources of ancient medicinal Viticis Fructus. There are many sources of vines used in ancient times,which are not fixed and unified. The early use of Viticis Fructus is likely to be the V. quinate var. quinata,V. negundo var. cannabifolia and V. negundo var. negundo. From the Tang Dynasty,the use of V. trifolia var. simplicifolia has been appeared. Until Li Shizhen of the Ming Dynasty,the V. trifolia has been used as a source of medicine for the Viticis Fructus,but even so,the source of medicinal plants of Viticis Fructus has not been unified. We suggested V. trifolia var. simplicifolia be used as mainly species forquot; Manjingziquot; due to its widely used in ancient China.

Through consulting the herbs and medical books of past dynasties, combining with modern literature and field investigation, this paper made textual research on the name, origin, producing area, harvesting and processing of Bupleuri Radix used in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Prescriptions(the first batch).From Han to the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the source of Bupleuri Radix was a mixture of Bupleurum and Peucedanum, it's hard to define the origin of authentic products.In Tang Dynasty, Caryophyllaceae had been used as Bupleuri Radix. In Song Dynasty, it was clear that the genuine production area of Bupleuri Radix was Yinzhou, its origin was B. corzonerifolium and B. yinchowense.After the Ming Dynasty, B. chinense gradually became the mainstream. It has been confirmed that there were differences in the efficacy between Stellaria dichotoma in Caryophyllaceae and Bupleurum in Umbelliferae, however, the use of S. dichotoma is still attributed to Bupleuri Radix. In the Qing Dynasty, S. dichotoma was distinguished from Bupleuri Radix as another medicine. Among the prescriptions containing Bupleuri Radix included in the Catalogue of Classical Prescriptions in Ancient China(the first batch), the mainstream of genuine Bupleuri Radix should be B. scorzonerifolium and B. chinense. It is suggested that the genuine base of Bupleuri Radix should be selected according to the current resources and industrial development of Bupleuri Radix, and it should conform to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Peucedani Radix, derived from roots of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn, is a well-known herb used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, which is rich in various coumarins. Four different forms including "earthworm head", "bamboo-like", taproots and multi-branched roots have occurred in current producing areas, but the differences in their external features and chemistry have not been concerned till now. In this study, the morphological and microscopic characters of "earthworm head" and "bamboo-like" roots were compared in detail, and qualitative and quantitative characterization of main active coumarins in different forms of Peucedani Radix have been developed by UPCL-Q/TOF-MS and HPLC-DAD, respectively. The results showed that both "earthworm head" and "bamboo-like" consisted of rhizome and root, exhibiting distinct features from normal taproots. Moreover, 53 coumarins including simple coumarins, furanocoumarins and pyranocoumarins were identified or putatively characterized from the four forms samples under the established UPLC-Q/TOF-MS conditions. In addition, the developed quantitative method was successfully applied to simultaneously determine eight main coumarins in 24 batches of four forms Peucedani Radix and 12 batches of dissected "earthworm head" and "bamboo-like" samples. The quantitative results proved that wild "earthworm head" showed higher content of active coumarins and the "bamboo-like" was a rich source of coumarins in cultivated samples, especially for furanocoumarins. These findings would provide reasonable basis for further quality evaluation, grades classification and comprehensive utilization of P. praeruptorum resources.

Shihu is a famous Chinese Materia Medica derived from species of the Dendrobium. In order to differentiate 24 Dendrobium species, microscopic features of the 24 Dendrobium species were systemically observed, including the trend of vascular bundle number with different internodes and the transverse section characteristics of stem. The results indicate that the thickness of cuticle, the level of thickening of epidermal cells and cell types, the number of vascular bundles, the shape of vascular bundle sheath, the type and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals, the presence or absence of silica masses can be used to authenticate the 24 Dendrobium species. In addition, the number of vascular bundles in stems of 24 Dendrobium species also have changed at different internodes, and showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. For some specific species, the vascular bundle numbers had typical differences, which can provide some support for the identification of Dendrobium plants. Thus, using the multiple microscopic characteristics of stems can identify the Dendrobium plants effectively and quickly.

“Qidian”, “Qiai”, “Qishe”, and “Qigui” were regarded as the “Four Treasures of Kichow” in Li Shizhen’s hometown. From the Tang Dynasty onwards, “Qidian” had been a tribute for the central authority. “Qidian” has been highly praised in the poetry and prose of the Tang and Song dynasties. The Qi Chun county annals records that the craftsman Ye Caihua’s bamboo weaving skill was exceptional in Qichun, and his classic “Shuangfeng Chaoyang” Zhudian won the Golden award in the Panama world fair in 1915. However, “Qidian” had disappeared and the manufacturing process had also been lost. In 1974, a valuable “Qidian” sample was unearthed in Liu Jiaju’s tomb, Wangyao Village, Qizhou town, Qichun County, Hubei Province. The tomb dated back to 1516–1558 (the Ming dynasty). The front of the “Qidian” sample is yellow brown, and its back is yellowish white; it is about 183 cm long and 65 cm wide. Features of “Qidian” as light as cotton and soft like cloth, it can be folded at will, which indicates that its toughness is very good. Based on the existing research of the flexibility and uses of bamboos in Flora Hubeiensisi , we speculate that “Qidian” originated from Phyllostachys , Neosinocalamus or Bambusa . The “Qidian” sample and many bamboo species from Qichun were used to manufacture bamboo charcoal and were examined by means of scanning the ultrastructure with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A total of 12 genera were recorded in Flora Hubeiensisi , these include Bambusa , Brachystachyum , Chimonobambusa , Fargesia , Indocalamus , Lingnania , Phyllostachys , Pleioblastus , Pseudosasa , Qiongzhuea , Sinarundinaria , and Sinocalamus . Based on its description of bamboos in Bamboo culm anatomy of China , pits of different genera showed significant differences. Pits were arranged alternately in Bambusa, Lingnania , and Sinocalamus , while pits were arranged stepwise in Brachystachyum and Qiongzhuea . However, the pits were arranged alternately, took on a ladder shape, or faced in the opposite direction in Chimonobambusa , Indocalamus , Phyllostachys , Pleioblastus , Pseudosasa , and Sinarundinaria . “Qidian” has been hypothesised to originate from Phyllostachys or Pleioblastus according to arrangement of pits. The experimental results showed that some pits were longitudinally extended in “Qidian” and Phyllostachys heteroclada Oliver, pits of other bamboo samples were ladder-shaped or alternately arranged in patterns. Therefore, we speculate that “Qidian” originates from Phyllostachys heteroclada Oliver. and its related species. The investigation of ancient poetry indicated the characteristics of the unearthed “Qidian” relics were in accordance with this description. The processing technology of “Qidian” has been discussed on the basis of section analysis. Based on the comparison of the ultrastructural features of “Qidian” and Phyllostachys heteroclada Oliver, which were observed through the scanning electron microscope, it can be concluded that “Qidian” can be extracted from the ground tissues in the outer side of Phyllostachys heteroclada Oliver. As one of the four treasures of Qizhou, “Qidian” is a typical part of China’s material and cultural heritage. It has obvious cultural characteristics and profound academic value. The archaeological research on the origin and production technology of “Qidian” in the Ming dynasty provides a basis for the cultural restoration of the cultural relic of “Qidian” in Qichun.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a characteristic of ancient China. It is also an important feature of Chinese medicine and archaeology. Traditional Chinese pharmacology is called “ Bencao ”. Therefore, research on archaeologically unearthed drugs or medicine-related sites and relics is called Bencao archaeology. Bencao archaeology is a field of research on medicine-related archaeological sites and relics. The common goals of Bencao archaeology and archaeology in general are to understand the history of ancient human beings and how they prevented and treated diseases. The culture of Traditional Chinese Medicine is extensive and profound, and it has a long history. With the growth and development of archaeology in the twentieth century, many drugs or drug-related ruins (remains) have been unearthed, laying a solid foundation for carrying out Bencao archaeological research. Bencao archaeology applies modern archaeological theories and research methods and explores the relationship between humans and drugs based on unearthed drugs or medicine-related sites and relics. The findings of such research help reconstruct the temporal and spatial framework of the cultural remains and the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine, uncovering the historical process of the development of Chinese medicine. Bencao archaeology reveals the origin and development of drugs, their formation and transformation, and their production process. The main part of Traditional Chinese Medicine is plant medicine. There is a close correspondence between Bencao archaeology and plant archaeology. Both conform with archaeology in general. They discuss ancient human culture, reconstruct ancient human lifestyle, and explain the development and process of human culture. However, there are several differences in research objects, research methods, and problems between the two. Unearthed drugs or medicine-related sites and relics are the research objects of bencao archaeology; for example, health equipment, medicine tools, drug measurement tools, medical documents, herbs, and other medicine-related sites and relics. On the other hand, the research objects of plant archaeology are plant remains unearthed from archaeological sites. With regard to several aspects mentioned in this paper, Bencao archaeology and plant archaeology have an interactive relationship; their characteristics intersect, and they promote and supplement each other. Bencao archaeology is a new field that integrates archaeology with herbalism. Its nature and foundation lie in both herbalism and archaeology. At present, this research field is still in its infancy, but it has broad prospects for development. We need solid archaeological evidence to actively promote the progress and development of this field. This paper expounds the new interdisciplinary field of Bencao archaeology from many aspects, such as its foundation, definition and subject orientation, objects of study, research direction, and relationship with other branches of archaeology, thus providing a novel research path to extensively study herbal medicines.

We present the 1.06 Gb sequenced genome of Gastrodia elata, an obligate mycoheterotrophic plant, which contains 18,969 protein-coding genes. Many genes conserved in other plant species have been deleted from the G. elata genome, including most of those for photosynthesis. Additional evidence of the influence of genome plasticity in the adaptation of this mycoheterotrophic lifestyle is evident in the large number of gene families that are expanded in G. elata, including glycoside hydrolases and urease that likely facilitate the digestion of hyphae are expanded, as are genes associated with strigolactone signaling, and ATPases that may contribute to the atypical energy metabolism. We also find that the plastid genome of G. elata is markedly smaller than that of green plant species while its mitochondrial genome is one of the largest observed to date. Our report establishes a foundation for studying adaptation to a mycoheterotrophic lifestyle., Gastrodia elata is an obligate mycoheterotrophic plant with highly reduced leaves and bracts in scape. Here, Yuan et al sequence and analyze its 1.06 Gb genome which provides insights in adaptation to a lifestyle of heterotrophy.

This study aimed to distinguish the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (Franch) Hand Mazz (PPY) and Paris veitnamensis (Takht.) H. Li (PV) using metabolomics-based ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-fligh mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF MS). First, the UHPLC/Q-TOF MS approach was optimized for metabolite profiling. Then, the MS data were processed using UNIFI™ combined with an in-house library to automatically characterize the metabolites. Based on the exact mass information, the fragmentation characteristics, and the retention time of compounds, and the fragmentation mechanism and retention behavior of steroidal glycosides in the references, the structures identified by UNIFI were further verified. Overall, 146 metabolites, including 42 potential new compounds, were identified or tentatively identified. Pattern recognition analysis of the PPY and PV MS data revealed that they were clearly separated, and 15 potential biomarkers for differentiating between them were selected. These biomarkers were subsequently used to successfully predict the genus of PPY and PV samples. These results indicated that metabolite profiling by UHPLC/Q-TOF MS is an effective, robust approach for determining the characteristic biomarkers that differentiate between TCM species with multiple botanical origins.

Modern clinical studies have found that Pulsatilla radix contains a variety of active ingredients; however, its medicinal parts and microstructure have been controversial. Based on morphological observation and microscopic identification of different structures, we chose Anhui, Henan, Jilin, and Shanxi Province to study Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel populations. We specifically addressed different diameters and anatomical structures of different parts of underground organs. We also found that P. chinensis (Bunge) Regel had a "joint point" structure in its underground organ. Above the "joint point" is the rhizome, below the "joint point" is the root. The main medicinal organ is the rhizome. The protective tissues of the endothelial layer of P. chinensis (Bunge) Regel changed in the process of its development. The protective tissues were replaced by epidermis, cortex, endodermis, and phloem. With the secondary growth, the endothelial cells have been radial division. This study showed that morphology and microscopic identification was an important mean of medicinal material identifications, and it had the characteristics of a convenient, fast, and intuitive method to identify the composition and structural characteristics of P. chinensis (Bunge) Regel medicinal parts.

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

"Huangbo" is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in clinic,which is mainly divided into " Chuanhuangbo" and " Guanhuangbo" in the market today. It's better to use thick and dark stem bark as medicine. This study combed the germplasms of " Huangbo" in Chinese herbal medicines and ancient medical books,which showed that the name,origin and processing of " Huangbo" had undergone evolution and changes since the ancient times. The results showed that " Huangbo" was first known as " Bomu" from " Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic". There was an attached name " Tanhuan" and the alias " Huangbo" besides " Bomu" in herbal books in Tang and Song Dynasty. Before Tang Dynasty, " Bomu" was mainly originated from stems or roots of Berberis species in Berberiaceae,and then it was mainly derived from the dry bark of Phellodendron chinense in Rutaceae since Song Dynasty. In Ming Dynasty,some herbal books recorded it name as " Huangbo",whose origin and medicinal parts remained unchanged,taking Sichuan as the best producing area. During the Republic of China era,the name " Huangbo" has evolved to " Huangbo",and the variety differentiation of " Chuanhuangbo", " Guanhuangbo" and " Yanghuangbo" appeared,in which " Guanhuangbo" was mainly derived from Ph. amurense Rupr.. In modern times,although species differentiation still exists in " Huangbo",the market is still dominated by " Chuanhuangbo".

In order to comprehensively monitor the dynamic change of Paeonia lactiflora planting area,the investigation of P. lactiflora planting area in Dangshan was carried out. It can provide reference for the planting detection of P. lactiflora in Huaibei Plain.Based on remote sensing technology,this paper extracts the planting area of P. lactiflora in Dangshan in 2018 by using the minimum distance method,maximum likelihood method,parallel hexahedron method and Mahalanobis distance method,using the remote sensing image of ZY-3 Satellite as the data source,and makes a comparative analysis with the results. The results show that the maximum likelihood method is better than the other three methods. This method can provide reference for remote sensing monitoring of P. lactiflora planting area in China.

Moutan Cortex is one kind of famous medicinal materials. The dry root bark of Paeonia ostii which is a genuine medicinal material produced in Tongling,Anhui province,and later was introduced to Heze,Shandong province and Bozhou,Anhui province.Dangshan county is located at the northern end of Anhui province and adjacent to Shandong province. Its medicinal seedlings were came from Heze,Shandong province. At present,there is a lack of scientific investigation on the planting area of P. ostii in north China plain. On the basis of field investigation and remote sensing technology,through the data source provided by the remote sensing image of " Resources 3"( ZY-3),combined with the biological characteristics of P. ostii,the planting area of P. ostii in Dangshan county was extracted by field investigation and supervisory classification. The supervise classification method with the highest interpretation accuracy so far,the overall accuracy was 97. 81%,Kappa coefficient 0. 96. The results showed that the remote sensing classification method based on the maximum likelihood classification could extract P. ostii plots in the study area effectively. This study provides a scientific basis for the protection and rational utilization of traditional Chinese medicine resources,the development policy of traditional Chinese medicine industry and the long-term development plan in Dangshan county,and provides technical support for the poverty alleviation of traditional Chinese medicine industry in Dangshan county. It provides scientific reference for the application of remote sensing technology to investigate the planting area of P. ostii in in north China plain.

To clarify the species and preparation of " Baihe"( Lilii Bulbus),a traditional Chinese medicine,we investigated the relative ancient Chinese literature on this medicine. The study concluded that Lilium brownii var. viridulum is the authentic lily for medical use. In the Ben Cao Yan Yi and some medical books in the Ming and Qing Dynasties,L. lancifolium( Juandan) was also mistakenly used as genuine lily,but most doctors believe that this variety should not be used for medicinal purposes; L. pumilum( Shandan)began to be used as a medicine from Ri Hua Zi Ben Cao,but mainly for surgery,the effect is also different from L. brownii var. viridulum. We suggested Shandan be used as the species for another medicine as " Hong Bai He( red lily) " due to its red flower. All above three species recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia are not corresponded to the condition of ancient doctors' uses. Therefore,as for developing of traditional classical formula,L. brownii var. viridulum should be chosen and used as Baihe. The birth places for Baihe include Gansu,Hubei,Anhui and Shandong province. The drug preparations of Baihe include crude medicine,roasting and steaming,which preparation should be chosen depends on the formula which contains Baihe.

The accumulation of chemical constituents of some medicinal plants, such as Paeonia ostii T. Hong et J. X. Zhang, Houpo&euml, a officinalis (Rehder and E. H. Wilson) N. H. Xia and C. Y. Wu. and Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC, can precipitate on the surface and form frosts after natural or artificial intervention. The characteristics of these three medicinal plants and their frosts were analyzed by light microscope, polarizing microscope, stereomicroscope, and metalloscope. The results of ordinary Raman of P. ostii and H. officinalis showed that the frosts of P. ostii matched paeonol, while that of H. officinalis matched magnolol and honokiol. In P. ostii and its frost, 19 peaks were identified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, and the main component was paeonol. Eleven components were identified in H. officinalis and its frosts, and the main components were magnolol and honokiol. A. lancea and its frosts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 21 were identified, and its main components were hinesol and &beta, eudesmol. These three medicinal plants accumulate compounds and precipitate frosts on the surface. The results show that the components of the frosts provide a basis for quality evaluation and research on similar medicinal plants, and reveals the scientific connotation of &ldquo, taking the medicinal materials&rsquo, precipitated frosts as the best&rdquo, of P. ostii, H. officinalis, and A. lancea, to some extent.

To establish a DNA molecular markers method for identification of Corydalis yanhusuo,C. turtschaninovii and C. decumbens,the mat K,trn G and psb A-trn H sequences of 56 samples from 14 species of C. yanhusuo,C. turtschaninovii,C. decumbens and their related species were obtained by sequencing. The SNP loci were obtained by Bio Edit 7. 2. 2 software. The primers for AS-PCR identification were designed based on the mutation sites,and the conditions of PCR were optimized to identify C. yanhusuo,C. turtschaninovii,and C. decumbens according to the specific bands. The results showed that the amount of template( 0. 6-1 200 ng)and annealing temperature( 42-60 ℃) had little influence on the amplification results,and the number of cycles had much influence on the amplification results. When the number of cycles was 20,the specific bands of 297 bp( mat K),353 bp( trn G) and 544 bp( mat K) were amplified from C. yanhusuo,C. turtschaninovii and C. decumbens,respectively. The method established in this study had a minimum detection limit of 6 ng for C. yanhusuo,60 ng for C. decumbens and less than 0. 6 ng for C. turtschaninovii. Thus,the allelespecific PCR method established in the research can specifically identify C. yanhusuo,C. turtschaninovii,and C. decumbens.

Background and AimsCompensatory base changes (CBCs) that occur in stems of ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) can have important phylogenetic implications because they are not expected to occur within a single species and also affect selection of appropriate DNA substitution models. These effects have been demonstrated when studying ancient lineages. Here we examine these effects to quantify their importance within a more recent lineage by using both DNA- and RNA-specific models.MethodsWe examined the phylogenetic implications of the CBC process by using a comprehensive sampling of ITS2 from ten closely related species of Corydalis. We predicted ITS2 secondary structures by using homology modelling, which was then used for a structure-based alignment. Paired and unpaired regions were analysed separately and in combination by using both RNA-specific substitution models and conventional DNA models. We mapped all base-pair states of CBCs on the phylogenetic tree to infer their evolution and relative timing.Key ResultsOur results indicate that selection acted to increase the thermodynamic stability of the secondary structure. Thus, the unpaired and paired regions did not evolve under a common substitution model. Only two CBCs occurred within the lineage sampled and no striking differences in topology or support for the shared clades were found between trees constructed using DNA- or RNA-specific substitution models.ConclusionsAlthough application of RNA-specific substitution models remains preferred over more conventional DNA models, we infer that application of conventional DNA models is unlikely to be problematic when conducting phylogenetic analyses of ITS2 within closely related lineages wherein few CBCs are observed. Each of the two CBCs was found within the same lineages but was not observed within a given species, which supports application of the CBC species concept.

Heshouwu, derived from root tubers of Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) Harald., is a well-known herb used for millennia in traditional Chinese medicine. However, different forms of root tubers of Heshouwu have occurred in current Chinese herbal market and used in clinic, although it is still unknown whether their quality is consistent. In the present study, a mass spectrometry imaging and laser microdissection combined with UPLC-Q/TOF-MS were therefore used for the metabolite profiling on the whole and different parts of root tubers of F. multiflora and F. multiflora var. angulata. Our results suggested that the character of "woody heart" root tubers of F. multiflora was similar to that of F. multiflora var. angulata, but the latter had more phloem fibers and larger diameter vessel in the normal vascular bundle. Moreover, 140 compounds including stilbenes, anthraquinones, phenolic acids, naphthalenes, and other compounds were identified or putatively characterized from F. multiflora and F. multiflora var. angulata. Both unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discrimination Analysis (OPLS-DA) multivariate statistics allowed discriminating F. multiflora and F. multiflora var. angulata. And a total of 32 potential markers were identified. The tissue-specific study indicated that the compounds in the phelloderm of F. multiflora and F. multiflora var. angulata were the most abundant. This is the first study on metabolite profiling and comparison of root tubers between F. multiflora and F. multiflora var. angulata, which would provide reasonable basis for further quality evaluation and safe medication of F. multiflora.