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The genus Kadsura Kaempf. ex Juss., which belongs to the important medicine food homology family Schisandraceae, is mainly produced in East and Southeast Asia. Most of their roots, stems, leaves, and seeds contain natural bioactive compounds such as lignans and can be used as herbal medicine in Chinese ancient medical works like “Compendium of Materia Medica”. Its fruit is widely used as an antioxidant, tonic, and hepatoprotective. On the basis of literature research, about 12 species of the genus Kadsura have been reported. The most often mentioned species are K. coccinea and K. heteroclita which are widely used in rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, liver injury and other diseases. In addition, more than 230 lignans in genus Kadsura plants were summarized. The mechanism and effect of biological activities such as anti-oxidation, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer were studied. Finally, the development and utilization of genus Kadsura lignans in the areas of preservation, enhancement of drug absorption, potential functional food raw materials, and cosmetics have also been mentioned, indicating that lignans have the potential for a wide range of applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

The genus Kadsura is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, it has the functions of promoting wind, eliminating dampness, activating blood circulation. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that lignans are one of the main components to possess these medicinal effects. This review aimed to provide a systematic summary on the traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and other aspects of lignans in genus Kadsura. In this paper, we collected the relevant literature on Kadsura lignans from 1973 to the present, and isolated more than 337 lignans from this genus, including dibenzocyclooctadienes, aryltetralins, tetrahydrofurans, diarylbutanes, 7,8-secolignans, bisepoxylignans, neolignans, seco-dibenzocyclooctadienes, sesquilignan and coumarin-containing lignan. Previous pharmacological studies have shown that lignans of the genus Kadsura have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-HIV, anti-platelet aggregation, immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. In clinical practice, it is commonly used to treat Alzheimer's disease, inflammation and insomnia. Kadsura is an important part of the field of Chinese medicine and is widely used in traditional medicine. However, further clarification of its active ingredients and mechanism of action and the establishment of a complete quality standard system are needed in order to provide a scientific basis for in-depth studies of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Kadsura is a commonly used herb in Chinese folklore, with sedative, hypnotic and beneficial effects, mainly for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, insomnia and other conditions. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that triterpenoids are one of the main components to possess these medicinal effects. In addition, triterpenoids in genus Kadsura also exhibited anti-tumor, cholesterol synthesis inhibition, anti-HIV, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. At present, there are few literatures reported on the triterpenoids in this genus. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review the triterpenoids in the genus Kadsura and their pharmacological activities, introduce the research progress on their germplasm resources, clinical applications and developmental applications, and provide references for further research and development of the plant resources of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • More than 230 lignans sourced from 12 species of the genus Kadsura were summarized. • 8 kinds of bioactivities of lignans in the genus kadsura were reviewed. • Mechanisms of action and pathway maps for lignan bioactivities were constructed. • Potential utilization and prospects of lignans from genus Kadsura were deliberated. The genus Kadsura Kaempf. ex Juss., which belongs to the important medicine food homology family Schisandraceae , is mainly produced in East and Southeast Asia. Most of their roots, stems, leaves, and seeds contain natural bioactive compounds such as lignans and can be used as herbal medicine in Chinese ancient medical works like "Compendium of Materia Medica". Its fruit is widely used as an antioxidant, tonic, and hepatoprotective. On the basis of literature research, about 12 species of the genus Kadsura have been reported. The most often mentioned species are K. coccinea and K. heteroclita which are widely used in rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, liver injury and other diseases. In addition, more than 230 lignans in genus Kadsura plants were summarized. The mechanism and effect of biological activities such as anti-oxidation, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer were studied. Finally, the development and utilization of genus Kadsura lignans in the areas of preservation, enhancement of drug absorption, potential functional food raw materials, and cosmetics have also been mentioned, indicating that lignans have the potential for a wide range of applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kadsura coccinea is a medicinal plant from the Schisandraceae family that is native to China and has great pharmacological potential due to its lignans. However, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of lignans. We used transcriptome sequencing technology to analyze root, stem, and leaf samples, focusing on the identification and phylogenetic analysis of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes. High-quality data containing 158,385 transcripts and 68,978 unigenes were obtained. In addition, 36,293 unigenes in at least one database, and 23,335 across five databases (Nr, KEGG, KOG, TrEMBL, and SwissProt) were successfully annotated. The KEGG pathway classification and annotation of these unigenes identified 10,825 categorized into major metabolic pathways, notably phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, which is essential for lignan synthesis. A key focus was the identification and phylogenetic analysis of 233 Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes, revealing their distribution across 38 families in eight clans, with roots showing specific CYP gene expression patterns indicative of their role in lignan biosynthesis. Sequence alignment identified 22 homologous single genes of these CYPs, with 6 homologous genes of CYP719As and 1 of CYP81Qs highly expressed in roots. Our study significantly advances the understanding of the biosynthesis of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, offering valuable insights for future pharmacological research and development.

Four new rearranged 6/6/5/6-fused lanostane-type triterpenoids, kadcoccitanes A–D (1–4), were isolated from the roots of Kadsura coccinea, and their structures were mainly elucidated by comprehensive analysis of their spectroscopic data. Additionally, the structure of 1 was ambiguously verified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, while the structure of 2, which features a novel 8,16-epoxy motif, was validated by quantum chemical calculation of NMR parameters and ECD spectrum. Moreover, 1 and 4 were found to exhibited anticoagulant activity, while 3 and 4 were found to possess anti-platelet aggregation activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stems and roots of Kadsura species have been used as the folk medicine in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and have good traditional efficacy and medicinal application with a long history. Among these species, K. coccinea, K. heteroclita and K. longipedunculata are the most widely distributed species in the regions of south and southwest China. Owing to their similar appearance, the crude drugs are often confusedly used by some folk doctors, even some pharmaceutical factories. To discriminate the crude drugs, haplotype analysis based on cpDNA markers and ITS was firstly employed in this study. Generic delimitation, interspecific interrelationships, and the identification of medicinal materials between K. longipedunculata and K. heteroclita remained unresolved by the existing molecular fragments. The original plant could be identified through the morphological character of flower, fruit and leaf. However, in most situation collectors have no chance to find out these characters due to lack of reproductive organs, and have no experience with the minor difference and transitional variation of leaf morphology. The chemical characterization show that the chemometric of chemical composition owned higher resolution to discriminate three herbs of Kadsura species. In conclusion, this integrative approach involving molecular phylogeny, morphology and chemical characterization could be applied for authentication of the Kadusra. Our study suggests the use of this comprehensive approach for accurate characterization of this closely related taxa as well as identifying the source plant and confused herbs of TCM.

The 29 plant species in the Kadsura genus of the Schisandraceae family are mainly distributed in eastern and southeas-tern Asia. Ten species of plants in this genus are distributed in China, some of which are folk medicinal plants with activating blood circulation, relieving pain, dispelling wind, and dehumidifying effects. Their main constituents are lignans and triterpenes. The current pharmacology and clinical studies have shown that their extracts and constituents have anti-rheumatoid arthritis, liver protection, antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, and other biological activities. The rheumatologic and liver diseases can also be treated with the plants in the clinic. The new chemical constituents reported in the last decade(2012 to date) from the plants of Kadsura genus in China, as well as their pharmacological effects and clinical applications in recent years were reviewed, so as to provide a theoretical basis for further research on the genus.

The stems and roots of Kadsura species have been used as the folk medicine in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and have good traditional efficacy and medicinal application with a long history. Among these species, K. coccinea , K. heteroclita and K. longipedunculata are the most widely distributed species in the regions of south and southwest China. Owing to their similar appearance, the crude drugs are often confusedly used by some folk doctors, even some pharmaceutical factories. To discriminate the crude drugs, haplotype analysis based on cpDNA markers and ITS was firstly employed in this study. Generic delimitation, interspecific interrelationships, and the identification of medicinal materials between K. longipedunculata and K. heteroclita remained unresolved by the existing molecular fragments. The original plant could be identified through the morphological character of flower, fruit and leaf. However, in most situation collectors have no chance to find out these characters due to lack of reproductive organs, and have no experience with the minor difference and transitional variation of leaf morphology. The chemical characterization show that the chemometric of chemical composition owned higher resolution to discriminate three herbs of Kadsura species. In conclusion, this integrative approach involving molecular phylogeny, morphology and chemical characterization could be applied for authentication of the Kadusra. Our study suggests the use of this comprehensive approach for accurate characterization of this closely related taxa as well as identifying the source plant and confused herbs of TCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan, longipedunin E (1), and a new natural product, benzoyl oxokadsuranol (2), together with seven known compounds 3-9, were isolated from the methanol extract of the stems of Kadsura longipedunculata. The structure elucidation of the new compound was primarily based on spectroscopic analyses including HR-ESI-MS, IR, UV, 1D and 2D NMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] To investigate the therapeutic effect of Kadsura coccinea on adjuvat arthritis (AA) rats ad its mechanism from cytokine levels. [Methods] The complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced AA model of rats was used. The therapeutic effect of K coccinea on AA rats was evaluated by the articular swelling, arthritis score, immune organ index and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The content of inflammatory factor TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-lβ in the serum of AA rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. [Results] Compared with the model group, the total extract of K coccinea (KCTE) could significantly inhibit the primary and secondary articular swelling of AA rats, lower the arthritis score and immune organ index, and improve the pathologic state of ankles of AA rats. In the groups with a high and middle dosage of KCTE (KCTE-H and KCTE-M), KCTE could significantly reduce the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum of rate, exhibiting a certain dose-effect relationship. [Conclusions] KCTE had significant therapeutic effect on the AA of rats, and the mechanism might be associated with the modulation of immune function ad the decrease in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α ad IL-6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kadsura (Schisandraceae) comprises ca. 16 species and widely distributes in eastern Asia. Many species in the genus were used as important medicinal plants in China and other Asian countries. In present study, we described the first Kadsura chloroplast genome, Kadsura longipedunculata, based on illumine pair-end sequencing data. The complete plastome length is 145,346 bp long with a large single copy, a small single copy, and two inverted repeat regions of length 94,947, 17,752, and 16,323 bp, respectively. A total of 118 genes were identified, including 75 protein-coding gens, 8 rRNA genes, and 34 tRNA genes. Eighteen plastome accessions from Austrobaileyales, Nymphaeales, and Magnoliales were selected to assess the phylogenetic placement of genus.

Background The plants of the genus Kadsura are widely distributed in China, South Korea, and Japan. Their roots and stems are traditionally used to treat blood diseases and pain. The main bioactive constituents of Kadsura longipedunculata comprise highly oxygenated triterpenoids. Schiartane-type nortriterpenoids showed anti-HIV, anti-HBV, and cytotoxic bioactivities. For such compounds, the absolute configuration influences the bioactivities, and hence its unambiguous determination is essential. In this work, the absolute configurations of three highly oxygenated schiartane-type nortriterpenoids were unequivocally assigned using X-ray, ECD, and J -based configuration analysis and HSQC overlay data. Methods The ethanol extract of Kadsura longipedunculata Finet et Gagnep was purified by column chromatography using silica, Sephadex LH-20, and ODS as substrates. To help assign the absolute configuration of schiartane-type nortriterpenoids, X-ray diffraction analysis, ECD experiment compared to ab initio computed data, DP4+ analysis, HSQC overlay, NOESY, and J -based configuration analysis were carried out. Hetero- and homo-nuclear coupling constants were extracted from HETLOC experiments. Results Three new highly oxygenated triterpenoids, micrandilactone I ( 1 ), micrandilactone J ( 2 ), and 22,23-di-epi-micrandilactone J ( 3 ) were isolated. Their 2D structures were solved using NMR and HRESIMS data and their absolute configurations were elucidated using X-ray diffraction analysis, ECD experimental results compared to ab initio computed spectra, HSQC overlay, DP4+, NOESY, and J -based configuration analysis. Micrandilactone I ( 1 ) and 22,23-di-epi-micrandilactone J ( 3 ) showed moderate hepatoprotective activity against APAP-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells with cell survival rates of 53.0 and 50.2%, respectively, at 10 μM (bicyclol, 49.0%), while micrandilactone J ( 2 ) was inactive. General significance This is the first comprehensive stereochemical assignment of a non-crystalline schiartane-type nortriterpenoid like 3 . This general protocol may contribute towards solving the problems hampering the assignment of the absolute configurations of other members of this class of nortriterpenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Resin is a defence against herbivores and a floral reward in a few African and South American species whose bee pollinators collect it for nest construction. Here we describe a new role for floral resin from the Asian genus Kadsura (Schisandraceae). Kadsura tepals tightly cover a globe formed by carpels (in females) or near-fused stamens with fleshy connectives (in male flowers of most, but not all species). Methods We carried out field observations at four sites in China and used pollinator behavioural assays, chemical analyses and time-calibrated insect and plant phylogenies to investigate the specificity of the interactions and their relationship to floral structure. Key Results Nocturnal resin midges (Resseliella, Cecidomyiidae) walk around on the flowers' sexual organs to oviposit, thereby transferring pollen and wounding tissues. The larvae then develop in resin-filled chambers. Male and female floral scents are dominated by α-pinene, while the resinous exudate is dominated by caryophyllene. As revealed by barcoding of multiple midge larvae per flower species, the mutualisms are species specific and appear to have evolved over the past 6-9 million years. Conclusions Resin feeding, not pollen or ovule feeding, by midge larvae explains the abundant Kadsura exudates, highlighting the poorly known world of nocturnal flower-fly interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) separation method target guided by centrifugal ultrafiltration with high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (CU-LC-MS) was proposed. This method was used to analyze α-amylase inhibitors from Kadsura longipedunculata extract. According to previous screening with CU-LC-MS, two screened potential α-amylase inhibitors was successfully isolated from Kadsura longipedunculata extract using HSCCC under the optimized experimental conditions. The isolated two target compounds (with purities of 92.3% and 94.6%) were, respectively, identified as quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (1) and protocatechuic acid (2) based on the MS, UV, and 1H-NMR spectrometry data. To verify the inhibition of screened compounds, the inhibitory activities of quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (1) and protocatechuic acid (2) on α-amylase were tested, and it demonstrated that the experimental IC50 values of quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (1) and protocatechuic acid (2) were 28.8 and 12.5 μmol/L. These results proved that the hyphenated technique using CU-LC-MS and HSCCC was a rapid, competent, and reproductive method to screen and separate potential active compounds, like enzyme inhibitors from the extract of herbal medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kadcoccinin A (1), a cage-like sesquiterpenoid possessing a tricyclo[4.4.0.03,10]decane scaffold, and the biosynthetically related kadcoccinin B (2) were isolated from the stems of Kadsura coccinea. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined from extensive spectroscopic analysis and quantum chemical calculations. Additionally, their cytotoxic and antifungal effects were initially evaluated, and a plausible biosynthetic pathway was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kadsurae Caulis and Spatholobi Caulis have very similar Chinese names. Their commodities were hard to distinguish because their stems were very alike after dried and processed. These two herbal drugs were often mixed in clinical use. Objective: Authenticity assurance is crucial for quality control of herbal drugs. Therefore, it is essential to establish a method for identifying the two herbs. Materials and Methods: In this paper, we used the DNA barcoding technology, based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) regions, to differentiate Kadsurae Caulis and Spatholobi Caulis. Results: The ITS2 of these two herbs were very different. They were successfully differentiated using the DNA barcoding technique. Conclusions: DNA barcoding was a promising and reliable tool for the identification of medicinal plants. It can be a powerful complementary method for traditional authentication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aim was to study the growth and quality characteristics of sun-cured tobacco Kadsura Coccinea in Guangchang County and give full play to its advantages. [Method] The research took tobacco varieties including Tiechi in Yiqian, Mushao in Yangxi Tiechi in Chishui, and Liuye in Toupo as test materials to explore development process, quality characteristics and economic traits of different varieties. [Result] The variety of Tiechi in Yiqian had medium growht, moderate growth periods, and the best economic benefits. Total content of aroma matter was the highest in the varieties of Tiechi in Yiqian. Also it had more content of products of browning reaction and products degraded by cembranoids. Besides, volume and quality of aroma were higher, as well as the score of sensory quality. [Conclusion] Comprehensive comparisons suggested that the variety of Tiechi in Yiqian was superior to others at tobacco-growing, economic benefits and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new lanostane-related triterpenoids,kadcoccinones A–F(1–6), were isolated from Kadsura coccinea. Compound 3possesses a novel6/6/9-fused carbocyclic core containing a rare oxabicyclo[4.3.1]decanesystem. Compounds 4and 5are isomers representingthe first example of the 18(13 → 12)-abeo-26-norlanostanetriterpenoid. The absolute configurations of 1and 4–6were defined by X-ray diffractionand experimental ECD spectra, and that of 3was elucidatedby quantum chemical calculations. The plausible biogenetic pathwayof 1–6is postulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of volatiles from the stem barks of three different Kadsura species has been studied. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The components were identified by MS libraries and their LRIs. The essential oils content varied between 0.15% and 0.20% (v/w), calculated on a dry weight basis. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (25.2% - 57.9%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (27.1%- 64.4%) are the main oil fractions. Kadsura coccinea (Lemaire) A. C. Smith., afforded oil whose major compounds were β-caryophylene (23.6%), δ-cadinene (8.6%), caryophyllene oxide (7.8%), epi-α-bisabolol (7.5%) and α-copaene (6.6%). On the other hand, α-muurolol (43.5%) was the most singly abundant constituent of Kadsura longipeduculata Finet & Gagnepain., with minor amounts of α-cadinol (5.4%), β-caryophylene (5.4%) and δ-cadinene (5.0%). However, we have identified α-acorenol (10.1%), δ-cadinene (9.6%), γ-cadinene (8.1%) and δ-elemene (6.8%) as the major constituents of Kadsura induta A. C. Smith. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Kadsura longipedunculata (KL) has been widely used for the treatment of insomnia in traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of the sedative and hypnotic effects of KL. Materials and Methods: The content of KL was evaluated by HPLC-TOF-MS, and a potential target was found and used to construct its 3D structure to screen for potential ligands among the compounds in KL by using bioinformatics analysis, including similarity ensemble approach (SEA) docking, homology modeling, molecular docking and ligand-based pharmacophore. The PCPA-induced insomnia rat model was then applied to confirm the potential targets related to the sedative effects of KL by performing the forced swimming test (FST), the tail suspension test (TST) and the measurement of target-related proteins using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results: Bioinformatics analysis showed that most of lignan compounds in KL were optimal ligands for the 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR), and they were found to be potential targets related to sedative effects; the main lignan content of KL extracts was characterized by HPLC-TOF-MS, with 7 proposed lignans detected. Administration of KL could significantly reduce FST and TST immobility time in the PCPA-induced 5HT-depleted insomnia rat model. The expressions of proteins related to the 5-HT1AR pathway were regulated by extracts of KL in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that extracts of KL had 5-HT1AR agonist-like effects. Conclusion: In silico analysis and experimental validation together demonstrated that lignan extracts from KL can target 5-HT1AR in insomniac rats, which could shed light on its use as a potential 5-HT1AR agonist drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes 221 new triterpenoids especially schinortriterpenoids, published from February 2008 through July 2013 as constituents of the family Schisandraceae. The article discusses their source, biological activity, synthetical studies, stereochemistry aspects and chemotaxonomy significance. Applications of hyphenated techniques to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of schinortriterpenoids are also reviewed, together with advances in microbial transformation and synthetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants of the Schisandraceae family have a rich and medicinal history dating back to ancient times. Many of them are used as folk medicine in the treatment of chronic coughs, asthma, nocturnal emission, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, palpitation, insomnia and thirst. The current review is carried out on triterpenoids from the Schisandraceae family, aiming to comprehensively summarize their phytochemistry, pharmacology and synthesis and provide new insights to the chemical and pharmacological study and rational utilization on medicinal plants of the Schisandarceae family. The information was searched from the scientific literature published from June 2014 to November 2021 on the online databases (including PubMed, CNKI, Elsevier, SciFinder and Web of Science) and other bibliography (e.g. the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2020 edition, Chinese herbal books). The scientific literature related to phytochemistry, pharmacology, biological activites and synthesis of triterpenoids from the Schisandraceae family was gathered. From June 2014 to November 2021, there were approximately 211 novel triterpenoids isolated and identified from 18 species of the Schisandraceae family. These compounds exhibit tremendous diversity in their structures, and some of them possess promising pharmacological activities, including anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, immunosuppressive activities and neuroprotective effects. In the attempt to synthesize active compounds, the total synthesis of 13 schinortriterpenoids belonging to five structural types was successfully completed. Studies of triterpenoids from the Schisandraceae family are well documented in this review (from June 2014 to November 2021), and it is also well acknowledged that they are valuable resources with medicinal efficacy. However, relevant pharmacological studies are limited to in vitro tests, and data from in vivo studies and toxicology are lacking or unavailable. Fortunately, there is growing interest in the synthesis of active compounds, which should serve as an approach for accessing active compounds to develop in vivo or toxicity studies, with a view of clarifying their in vitro and vivo mechanisms for more effective and safe natural drugs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five 3,4- seco -cycloartane triterpenoids were isolated from the stems of Kadsura ananosma , two of which had rearranged 5/6 consecutive carbocycle rings C/D (trivially named ananosins A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 )), one had a migrated CH 3 -18 (named ananosins C ( 3 )), and two were analogs, ananosins D ( 4 ) and E ( 5 ). Their structures were characterized by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, especially using 2D NMR spectra. A biogenetic pathway to 1 was proposed. These 5 compounds, together with 5 known analogs isolated from the same origin, were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, PANC-1, and SK-BR-3 human cancer cells, but were inactive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the diversity and host component-transforming activity of endophytic fungi in medicinal plant Kadsura angustifolia . A total of 426 isolates obtained were grouped into 42 taxa belonging to Fungi Imperfecti (65.96%), Ascomycota (27.00%), Zygomycota (1.64%), Basidiomycota (0.47%) and Mycelia Sterilia (4.93%). The abundance, richness, and species composition of endophytic assemblages were significantly dependent on the tissue and the sampling site. Many phytopathogenic species associated with healthy K. angustifolia were found prevalent. Among them, Verticillium dahliae was dominant with 16.43% abundance. From 134 morphospecies selected, 39 showed remarkable biocatalytic activity and were further identified as species belonging to the genera Colletotrichum , Eupenicillium , Fusarium , Hypoxylon , Penicillium , Phomopsis , Trametes , Trichoderma , Umbelopsis , Verticillium and Xylaria on the basis of the sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). The results obtained in this work show that K. angustifolia is an interesting reservoir of pathogenic fungal species, and could be a community model for further ecological and evolutionary studies. Additionally, the converting potency screening of some endophytic fungi from this specific medicinal plant may provide an interesting niche on the search for novel biocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schisanlactone E ( SE ) is a major triterpene obtained from the plants of genus Kadsura. The aim of this research was to investigate the transformed metabolites of SE by fungi and evaluate the bioactivities of these products. After screening 10 strains of filamentous fungi, Cunninghamella blakesleana AS 3.970 was chosen as a potent organism to be used for the biotransformation of SE . 13 metabolites were obtained and determined to be new compounds through the use of spectroscopic data, including UV, 1D-, 2D-NMR, and HR-ESIMS. Furthermore, in an in vitro bioassay, metabolites 7 and 9 showed moderate inhibitory effects on the nitric oxide production in LPS-induced macrophages with IC 50 values of 16.73, 5.91 μM, respectively; 9 could inhibit the proliferation of acetaldehyde-induced HSC-T6 cells, with the IC 50 value of 21.4 μM. Preliminary findings on the structure–activity relationships for these metabolites were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the isolation, structural elucidation, and evaluation of cytotoxic activities of one new dibenzocyclooctane lignan and six known compounds from the leaves of the medicinal plant Kadsura induta. Topics covered include the heteronuclear multiple-bond correlations (HMBC) between methylene protons, the effects of compounds 3-6 on the growth of human cancer cell lines, and structures of isolated compounds 1-7 from the leaves of the plant.

Four undescribed neolignans and three undescribed amide alkaloids, along with twelve known compounds, were isolated from the stems of Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis, quantum-chemical calculations, and Mo 2 (OAc) 4 -induced ECD analysis. The neuroprotective effects of these compounds against Aβ 25-35 -induced cell damage in PC12 cells were investigated, and eight compounds exhibited significant neuroprotective effects against Aβ 25-35 -induced PC12 cell damage, with the EC 50 values of 3.06-29.3 μM. Three of these compounds were selected for further experiments, and they appear to reduce apoptosis and enhance autophagy against Aβ 25-35 -induced PC12 cell damage., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Highlights: [•] A major polysaccharide composition was purified and named as KPSIII. [•] We evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of KPSIII in vitro. [•] KPSIII regulated cytokines expression. [•] Molecular weight of KPSIII was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel C19 homolignans, taiwankadsurins D (1), E (2) and F (4), and two new C18 lignans kadsuphilins N (3) and O (5) were isolated from the aerial parts of Taiwanese medicinal plant Kadsura philippinensis. The structures of compounds 1-5 were determined by spectroscopic analyses, especially 2D NMR techniques. The structure of compound 5 was further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 have a 3,4-{1'-[(Z)-2''-methoxy-2''-oxoethylidene]}-pentano(2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]furano)- 3-(2'''-methoxycarbonyl-2'''-hydroxy-2''',3'-epoxide) skeleton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, response surface methodology and central composite design based on single-factor experiments were applied to the optimization of the extraction parameters (extraction time, extraction temperature, and solid-liquid ratio) of polysaccharides from Kadsura marmorata fruits. The extraction temperature and solid–liquid ratio affected the extraction yield significantly. The optimal conditions included a solid–liquid ratio of 1:27 (mass/volume), an extraction time of 3h and an extraction temperature of 98°C. Under these conditions, the maximal yield of crude Kadsura polysaccharide (KPS) was 2.7735±0.068%, which agreed with model predictions. Five major fractions, KPS I, KPS II, KPS III, KPS IV and KPS V, were obtained by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose-52 column chromatography. The main fraction, KPS III-1, was isolated from KPS III by Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. Preliminary characterization of KPS III-1 by gas chromatography indicated that it was composed mainly of xylose and galacturonic acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]