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[Objective]To investigate the effect of electron beam and ultraviolet irradiation on the degradation rate and active components of aflatoxin in Polygala tenuifolia. [Method] High performance liquid chromatography was used to study the effects of different irradiation doses of electron beams, different water contents and different durations of ultraviolet radiation on the degradation rate and active components of aflatoxin in Polygala. [Result]The higher the electron beam irradiation dose, the higher the degradation rate of aflatoxin in Polygala. After 10 kGy electron beam irradiation, the degradation rates of aflatoxins AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 in Polygala tenuifolia were 19. 27%, 19. 64%, 15. 62%, and 15. 14%, respectively. The degradation rates of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 were the highest in polygala with 28% water content treated with 6 kGy irradiation. The longer the UV irradiation time, the higher the degradation rate of aflatoxin in polygala. The degradation rate of aflatoxins decreased with the increase of irradiation distance. There was no significant change in the contents of tenuifolin, polygaltrione and 3,6′-sinaloyl sucrose after different irradiation treatments. [Conclusion] Electron beam irradiation combined with water content treated and ultraviolet irradiation can effectively degrade aflatoxins in polygala, and has little effect on active components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen morphology of Polygala taxa from the family Polygalaceae in Turkey is presented in this study. Pollen features of 18 species along with one undescribed species in the section Polygala were examined with light and scanning electron microscopy, 11 of which were studied and defined for the first time. Cluster analysis and principal components analysis were conducted to determine informative palynological characters and to discover similarities among the studied taxa. Based on qualitative and quantitative variables in the phenogram, the studied taxa were divided into three major clusters. Multivariate analyses revealed that apocolpium characters, including a psilate apocolpium, the presence of apocolpial lumens with granules and small depressions with psilate or rugulate walls are the most distinct features for discriminating Polygala taxa. Intraspecific variations in some pollen characters, such as the exine pattern and aperture membrane features, are reported for several taxa. Pollen morphological data obtained in the present study are compared with those from previous studies for a number of species, and the results are evaluated. In addition, the aperture number and its probable significance in the Turkish Polygala are considered for some taxa, with emphasis on their known pollination strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Asemeia (Polygalaceae) is a neotropical genus recently re-segregated from Polygala that comprises 32 species. This study is part of an ongoing project to revise the genus Asemeia. We conducted morphological analyses on newly collected herbarium specimens from field expeditions to Minas Gerais and Goiás states, Brazil. Our results reveal three new species: Asemeia coracoralinae, A. minensis and A. nana, all occurring in cerrado vegetation. We provide a detailed morphological description for each species, including a comparative analysis of floral morphology, photographic plates and a distribution map. This study increases knowledge of Asemeia and of the biodiversity of the cerrado. Two of the three new species described have very restricted distributional ranges, here treated as endangered, following the IUCN criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygala paniculata is a medicinal plant that harbors a remaining unknown microbiome. Those plants are known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and are widely found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Herein, we report the isolation of the endophyte Bacillus velezensis GPP30 with a draft genome estimated at 4.0 Mpb., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Polygalaqii , a new species, is described and illustrated from limestone landform in southern Hunan, China. The new species resembles P.fallax and P.arillata in flower structure of the plants, but readily differs from the latter two in having erect and shorter inflorescences (0.2-1cm VS 10-15cm VS 7-10cm), and fewer flowers (1-5 flowers VS 10-30 flowers VS 10-20 flowers), and the latter two have a later flowering period (late March to mid-April VS May to August VS May to October). And it is an extremely unique new species that will hibernate in the hot summer of July and August. Following the IUCN Red List Criteria, P.qii is assessed as 'Data Deficient (DD)'., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Ang Liu, Jian-jun Zhou, Xiong Li, Xun-lin Yu, Lei Wu.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Polygala fallax Hemsl. is a traditional folk medicine commonly used by ethnic minorities in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and has a traditional application in the treatment of liver disease. Polygala fallax Hemsl. polysaccharides (PFPs) are of interest for their potential health benefits., Aim of This Study: This study explored the impact of PFPs on a mouse model of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) induced by alpha-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT), as well as the potential mechanisms., Materials and Methods: A mouse CLI model was constructed using ANIT (80 mg/kg) and intervened with different doses of PFPs or ursodeoxycholic acid. Their serum biochemical indices, hepatic oxidative stress indices, and hepatic pathological characteristics were investigated. Then RNA sequencing was performed on liver tissues to identify differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways and to elucidate the mechanism of liver protection by PFPs. Finally, Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to verify the differentially expressed genes., Results: Data analyses showed that PFPs reduced the levels of liver function-related biochemical indices, such as ALT, AST, AKP, TBA, DBIL, and TBIL. PFPs up-regulated the activities of SOD and GSH, down-regulated the contents of MDA, inhibited the release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, or promoted IL-10. Pathologic characterization of the liver revealed that PFPs reduced hepatocyte apoptosis or necrosis. The RNA sequencing indicated that the genes with differential expression were primarily enriched for the biosynthesis of primary bile acids, secretion or transportation of bile, the reactive oxygen species in chemical carcinogenesis, and the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. In addition, the results of qRT-PCR and Western blotting analysis were consistent with those of RNA sequencing analysis., Conclusions: In summary, this study showed that PFPs improved intrahepatic cholestasis and alleviated liver damage through the modulation of primary bile acid production, Control of protein expression related to bile secretion or transportation, decrease in inflammatory reactions, and inhibition of oxidative pressure. As a result, PFPs might offer a hopeful ethnic dietary approach for managing intrahepatic cholestasis., 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 © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Polygala tenuifolia Willd. has been widely used in the treatment of cancer, forgetfulness, depression and other diseases., Aim of Review: The purpose of this study was to investigate the sleep-enhancing effect and mechanism of P. tenuifolia saponins (PTS)., Materials and Methods: The total saponin (YZ-I) and purified saponin (YZ-II) fractions were extracted and ICR mice model of insomnia was established by p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) induction to observe anxiety and depression behaviors. Effects of YZ-I and YZ-II on the levels of neurotransmitters, hormones, and inflammation cytokines were detected by ELISA, RT-qPCR and western blotting., Results: The results showed that YZ-I and YZ-II reduced the immobility time of mice and prolonged the sleep time of mice and significantly increased the concentrations of 5-HT, NE, PGD 2 , IL-1β and TNF-α. YZ-I and YZ-II regulated GABA A Rα2, GABA A Rα3, GAD65/67, 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 2A , while regulated the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as DPR, PGD 2 , iNOS and TNF-α to exert sedative and hypnotic effects., Conclusion: PTS are mainly achieved sedative and hypnotic effects by altering serotonergic, GABAergic and immune systems, but the effects and mechanisms of action of YZ-I were different from YZ-II., 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 © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Polygala mazandaranica is a new species collected from the Mirzakoochak forest in Amol, Mazandaran Province, North Iran. Non-anastomotic nerves of inner sepals, two-lobed stigma, subsessile capsule and threelobed caruncle of the seed identify the newly collected species. It is similar to P. anatolica and P. platyptera but differs by its habitat and some macro and micro morphological characters. A detailed morphological description of the new species, photographs and a comparison of the diagnostic characters with those of two other Hyrcanian species are provided. Furthermore, style and stigma are highlighted micromorphologically. An identification key for the Iranian taxa is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, capsule and seed features were compared to determine diagnostic traits useful for differentiating taxonomy among 14 Polygala species native to Turkey. Capsule and seed morphology of the genus was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Principal component analysis, ANOVA, and Tukey tests were used to facilitate the elucidation of relationship between Polygala taxa based on quantitative characters. Capsule length, wing width, and elaiosome shape are taxonomically important morphological features differentiating species. Moreover, wing symmetry is sufficient to separate two groups in through examination of capsules. As per the results, the recently described the species, P. turcica, as morphologically distinct from other Polygala species. The elaiosome shape was most distinct in P. monspeliaca and P. vulgaris. Based on micromorphology, P. supina can be differentiated from other species by distinctive surface ornamentation. In contrast, seed shape and color are of low taxonomic value for distinguishing taxa studied herein. An identification key for the studied taxa is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five species of angiosperms collected in the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul was evaluated due to their pharmacological properties. The objective of this study was to extract and characterize the triterpenic content of angiosperm species. The extracts were obtained by ultrasonic extraction using chloroform as solvent. Identification and quantification were performed using high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV). The presence of arjunic acid, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid, erythrodiol, uvaol, lupeol, ß-amirin, a-amirin, stigmasterol, and ß-sitosterol was observed. All species presented ß-sitosterol. Polygala pulchella presented the greatest diversity of triterpenic compounds, while Ruellia angustiflora and Moquiniastrum mollissimum the least. Paspalum rawitscheri and Hesperozygis ringens presented the same constituents, differing from each other only quantitatively. Therefore, an overview of the triterpene constitution in species of the central region of the state of RS is presented, along with a review on the pharmacological properties of the investigated compounds. The results obtained in this work are relevant since they stablish an overview of the chemical constitution of the extracts whose biology is still little known. The pharmacological potential of the species can be attributed the identified triterpenic constituents thus supporting the use for medicinal purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Modern medicine is not the choice of patients with "shimetere" in the Gurage community owing to their perception of 'parenteral medication use severely aggravates the disease'. For this reason, the root part of Polygala sadebeckiana Gürke is commonly utilized as traditional medicine in the management of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Polygala sadebeckiana Gürke extract on bacterial isolates from wound samples of patients with "Shimetere"., Methods: The agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate antibacterial activity, and the agar dilution method was utilized to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MICs). The crude extract was tested against isolated bacteria at concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/mL in triplicate (3x). The positive controls were azithromycin (15 µg) and cloxacillin disk (5 µg), and the negative control was dimethylsulfoxide (5%). The group mean comparisons were made using one-way ANOVA at a significance level of p < 0.05, and the results are presented as the mean ± standard deviation. The presence of secondary metabolites from crude extract was checked by standard testing procedures., Results: S. aureus and S. pyrogen were the two identified bacteria from 9 (60%) and 3 (20%) wound samples, respectively. All identified bacterial strains were susceptible to the reference antibiotics. Tannins and saponins were the most abundant secondary metabolites found in the crude extracts. The average inhibition zones of the plant extracts with 100, 75, 50 and 25 mg/mL concentrations were 27, 20.33, 15.25, and 11.96 mm (p < 0.000) for S. aureus and 30.02, 24.50, 19.07, and 15.77 mm (p < 0.000) for S. pyrogen bacteria, respectively. The MIC and MBC of the crude extract were 1.67 and 10 mg/mL for S. aureus and 0.98 and 4 mg/mL for S. pyrogen., Conclusion: Polygala sadebeckiana Gürke contained significant tannins and saponins as secondary metabolites and had antibacterial activities against isolated bacteria (S. aureus and S. pyrogen) from "Shimetere". The potential mechanism of antibacterial action of the plant extract was cell wall synthesis inhibition., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

A new compound, named arillatanoside E, which was elucidated as 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 ⟶ 3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 ⟶ 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 ⟶ 2)-(4-O-acetyl)-β-D-fucopyranosyl ester, along with 11 known compounds was isolated from the ethanolic extract of the roots of Polygala arillata. The 11 known compounds were identified as oleanolic acid (2), 3′-E-3,4,5-trimethoxy cinnamoyl-6-benzoyl sucrose (3), trans-ferulic acid (4), trans-feruloyl-glucoside (5), feruloyl-glucoside (6), 2,4,6-trimethoxy-1-O-β-D-glycoside (7), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (8), monopentadecanoin (9), sinapic acid (10), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (11), and palmitic acid (12). Among them, seven isolated compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10 exhibited little cytotoxic activity on macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Then, the inhibitory effects of 7 isolates on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages were evaluated. As a result, 3 compounds have significant anti-inflammatory activity, and they were arillatanoside E (1), oleanolic acid (2), and 2,4,6-trimethoxy-1-O-β-D-glycoside (7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of Polygala sibirica L. var megalopha Fr. (EEP) on RAW264.7 mouse macrophages., Methods: RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with 0-200 µg/mL EEP or vehicle for 2 h prior to exposure to 1 µg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h. Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PGE 2 ) production were determined by Griess reagent and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Western blot assay was used to determine the protein expressions of iNOS, COX-2, phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), inhibitory subunit of nuclear factor Kappa B alpha (Iκ B-α) and p38. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the nuclear expression of nuclear factor-κ B p65 (NF-κ B p65). Additionally, the anti-oxidant potential of EEP was evaluated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (OH), superoxide anion (O 2 - ) radical and nitrite scavenging activity were also measured., Results: The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of EEP were 23.50±2.16 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g and 43.78±3.81 mg rutin equivalent/100 g. With EEP treatment (100 and 150 µg/mL), there was a notable decrease in NO and PGE 2 production induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells by downregulation of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, with EEP treatment (150 µg/mL), there was a decrease in the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as in the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK, P<0.01 or P<0.05), by blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-κ B p65 in LPS-stimulated cells. In addition, EEP (100 and 150 µg/mL) led to an increase in the anti-oxidant enzymes activity of SOD and CAT, with a concomitant decrease in ROS production (P<0.01 or P<0.05). EEP also indicated the DPPH, OH, O 2 - radical and nitrite scavenging activity., Conclusion: EEP inhibited inflammatory responses in activated macrophages through blocking MAPK/NF-κ B pathway and protected against oxidative stress., (© 2023. The Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

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Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that has been shown to be closely related to the over expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Polygalacic acid is a triterpene isolated from the root of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effect of polygalacic acid in OA was investigated as well as its in vitro and in vivo mechanism. In vitro, rat chondrocytes were induced with interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and treated with different concentrations of polygalacic acid; real-time PCR and Western blotting were performed to evaluate the expressions of MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, and COX-2. In addition, the MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways were analyzed via Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. In vivo, a rat OA model was treated with polygalacic acid. Gross morphological and histological assessments were performed to evaluate the resulting cartilage damage. Polygalacic acid significantly reduced the expression of MMPs and COX-2, which could be induced by IL-1β in rat chondrocytes. Furthermore, polygalacic acid treatment prevented the degeneration of cartilage in the rat OA model. To investigate the underlying mechanism, we found that polygalacic acid suppressed both the IL-1β-induced activation of Wnt/β-catenin and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway in chondrocytes. These results suggest that polygalacic acid may have a therapeutic effect in OA treatment. Highlights • Polygalacic acid inhibits matrix-degrading genes expression in chondrocytes. • Polygalacic acid has protective effects in OA model. • Protective mechanism includes Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK signal pathways suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has the potential to enhance or disrupt biological systems, but currently, little is known about how organism plasticity may facilitate adaptation to localised climate variation. The bee-flower relationship is an exemplar signal-receiver system that may provide important insights into the complexity of ecological interactions in situations like this. For example, several studies on bee temperature preferences show that bees prefer to collect warm nectar from flowers at low ambient temperatures, but switch their preferences to cooler flowers at ambient temperatures above about 30° C. We used temperature sensor thermal probes to measure the temperature of outdoor flowers of 30 plant species in the Southern regions of the Australian mainland, to understand how different species could modulate petal temperature in response to changes in ambient temperature and, potentially, influence the decision-making of bees in the flowering plant’s favour. We found that flower petal temperatures respond in different ways to changing ambient temperature: linearly increasing or decreasing relative to the ambient temperature, dynamically changing in a non-linear manner, or varying their temperature along with the ambient conditions. For example, our investigation of the difference between ambient temperature and petal temperature (ΔT), and ambient temperature, revealed a non-linear relationship for Erysimum linifolium and Polygala grandiflora that seems suited to bee temperature preferences. The temperature profiles of species like Hibertia vestita and H. obtusifolia appear to indicate that they do not have a cooling mechanism. These species may therefore be less attractive to bee pollinators in changing climatic conditions with ambient temperatures increasingly above 30° C. This may be to the species’ detriment when insect-pollinator mediated selection is considered. However, we found no evidence that flower visual characteristics used by bees to identify flowers at close range, such as colour or shape, were straightforward modulators of floral temperature. We could not identify any clear link to phylogenetic history and temperature modulation either. Mapping our test flower distribution on the Australian continent however, indicates a potential clustering that suggests different flower responses may constitute adaptations to local conditions. Our study proposes a framework for modelling the potential effects of climate change and floral temperature on flower pollination dynamics at local and global scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed oils containing unusual triacylglycerol (TAG) molecules, where one fatty acid of a TAG is substituted by an acetate group (Ac), are uncommon but of considerable interest as potential low‐viscosity biofuels and lubricants or reduced calorie food ingredients. Although the properties and pathway of biosynthesis of 3‐acetyl‐1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycerols (sn‐3‐acTAGs) have been described, little is known about the occurrence of 2‐acetyl‐1,3‐diacyl‐sn‐glycerols (sn‐2‐acTAGs). Prompted by a report of sn‐2‐acTAGs in the seeds of Polygala virgata, a study of the seed oil of seven members of this genus, and two related species is conducted. The presence of sn‐2‐acTAG and lesser amounts of conventional TAG is conclusively demonstrated in Polygala seed oil by Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) and high resolution C13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (C13 NMR). Analysis of seed fatty acids reveals a diversity of composition with oils from P. myrtifolia and P. fruticosa dominated by the medium‐chain fatty acid (MCFA) myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid) at an average of 79.8 and 74.1% of total seed fatty acids, respectively. In contrast, MCFAs are absent from oils from P. tenuifolia and P. virgata, with the very‐long‐chain fatty acid (VLCFA) gondoic acid (cis‐11‐eicosenoic acid) being most abundant. Polygala species therefore represent a rich source of sn‐2‐acTAGs and uncommon fatty acids. Practical applications: The seed oils of Polygala species contain a highly unusual combination of sn‐2‐acTAGs and uncommon fatty acids. These plants can serve as a unique genetic resource for the elucidation of the pathways of biosynthesis of these lipids and the identification of genes for the engineering of novel oils in transgenic plants. As Polygala is morphologically diverse genus ranging from annual herbs to small trees, identification of species with suitable seed production and agronomic characteristics may allow the commercial production of novel oils for specific higher value uses. Plant seed oils are generally composed primarily of triacylglycerol (TAG). In this article, the authors examine the seed oils of seven species in the genus Polygala and report the occurrence of an unusual lipid, 2‐acetyl‐1,3‐diacyl–sn‐glycerol (sn‐2 acTAG). These plants also produce unusual fatty acids in their seed oil, with Polygala tenuifolia being enriched in gondoic acid (cis‐11‐eicosenoic acid, 20:1Δ11) and Polygala myrtifolia containing myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid, 14:0). The genus Polygala represents a potential source of novel oil and a resource for the characterization of sn‐2 acTAG biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies and thus the development of novel therapeutic agents for managing ovarian cancer is imperative. Euxanthone, a xanthone derived from Polygala caudata, has been found to exert cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells. This study was designed to assess the role of euxanthone in ovarian cancer. Methods and materials Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was utilized to assess the viability of human ovarian cancer SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cell lines. The population of apoptotic cells was measured by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. Cell cycle analysis was carried out by flow cytometry. Autophagy was determined by western blotting to detect LC3-II, p62 degradation, and Beclin1 expression, by transfection with GFP-LC3B expressing plasmid and by flow cytometry. To examine the role of STAT3 in the induction of autophagy and apoptosis by euxanthone, STAT3 expression was suppressed using siRNA. Moreover, xenograft model was established to evaluate the therapeutic effect of euxanthone in vivo . Results Euxanthone decreased cell viability and blocked cell cycle progression at G2/M phase. Euxanthone induced apoptotic cell death in a caspase-dependent manner in ovarian cancer cells. Euxanthone treatment also led to the accumulation of autophagosomes. We also found that inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA or Beclin1 siRNA enhanced the pro-apoptotic effect of euxanthonein ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, our results revealed that euxanthone induced apoptosis and autophagy by modulating pSTAT3/Bcl-2 signaling. In vivo data also demonstrated that euxanthone exerted anti-tumor activities without harming healthy tissues. Conclusion Euxanthone induced cytoprotective autophagy in ovarian cancer cells, which negatively contributed to its anti-tumor activities. Our findings provide preliminary experimental data that support further investigation on the therapeutic efficacy of euxanthone in ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygala tenuifolia Willd. is an important protected species used in traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were employed to characterize the genetic diversity in wild and cultivated P. tenuifolia populations. Twelve primer combinations of AFLP produced 310 unambiguous and repetitious bands. Among these bands, 261 (84.2%) were polymorphic. The genetic diversity was high at the species level: percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) = 84.2%, Nei's gene diversity ( h ) = 0.3296 and Shannon's information index ( I ) = 0.4822. Between the two populations, the genetic differentiation of 0.1250 was low and the gene flow was relatively high, at 3.4989. The wild population (PPL = 81.9%, h = 0.3154, I = 0.4635) showed a higher genetic diversity level than the cultivated population (PPL = 63.9%, h = 0.2507, I = 0.3688). The results suggest that the major factors threatening the persistence of P. tenuifolia resources are ecological and human factors rather than genetic. These results will assist with the design of conservation and management programs, such as in natural habitat conservation, setting the excavation time interval for resource regeneration and the substitution of cultivated for wild plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygala plants contain a large number of xanthones with good physiological activities. In our previous work, 18 xanthones were isolated from Polygala crotalarioides. Extented study of the chemical composition of the other species Polygala sibirica led to the separation of two new xanthones—3-hydroxy-1,2,6,7,8-pentamethoxy xanthone (A) and 6-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-1,7-dimethoxy xanthone (C)—together with 14 known xanthones. Among them, some xanthones have a certain xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. Furthemore, 14 xanthones as XO inhibitors were selected to develop three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) models. The CoMFA model predicted a q2 value of 0.613 and an r2 value of 0.997. The best CoMSIA model predicted a q2 value of 0.608 and an r2 value of 0.997 based on a combination of steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic effects. The analysis of the contour maps from each model provided insight into the structural requirements for the development of more active XO inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygala Radix (PR) is one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), but its effective materials are still not very clear. In order to solve the existing problems, the chemical and intestinal metabolic profiles of PR were analyzed via intestinal bacteria incubation model. An integrated analysis method combined ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF MS) method and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with ion-trap multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-IT-MS n ) method was established. As a result, a total of 115 polygala compounds were identified from the PR extract. Moreover, 44 metabolites via intestinal microflora were characterized, of which three compounds were formed from xanthone C-glycosides, 25 compounds were formed from polygala saponins and 16 compounds were formed from oligosaccharide multi-esters. To our knowledge, the metabolites of the PR via intestinal microflora metabolism, especially polygala saponins, are the first reported in vitro. The obtained results would provide the methodological support for further studying the effective materials of the PR in vivo . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality control of Polygala tenuifolia Wild. is a major challenge in its clinical application. In this paper, a new strategy for the quality evaluation of P. tenuifolia extracts was verified through reverse-phase ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single marker (QAMS) was conducted with 3,60-disinapoyl sucrose as an internal reference substance. Eight components (i.e., sibiricose A5, sibiricose A6, glomeratose A, tenuifoliside A, tenuifoliside B, tenuifoliside C, sibiricaxanthone B, and polygalaxanthone III) were determined based on the relative correction factors. The concentrations of these components were also determined by applying a conventional external standard method. The cosine value confirmed the consistency of the two methods (cosine ratio value >0.999920). Hierarchical cluster analysis, radar plots, and discriminant analysis were performed to classify 23 batches of P. tenuifolia extracts from Shanxi, Hebei, and Shaanxi in China. Results revealed that QAMS combined with radar plots and multivariate data analysis could accuratelymeasure and clearly distinguish the different quality samples of P. tenuifolia. Hence, QAMS is a feasible and promising method for the quality control of P. tenuifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depressive disorder is a kind of affective disturbance disease. Emerging evidence has suggested that inflammation may contribute to the pathologic process of depressive disorder. Senegenin (SEN), a major bioactive constituent in Polygala tenuifolia Willd , has much bioactivity including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotection effects. However, the mechanism of its anti-depressant effect in mice remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the anti-depressant effects of SEN on behavioral changes and inflammatory responses in mice induced by chronic un-predictable mild stress (CUMS). SEN treatment remarkably ameliorated CUMS-induced behavioral abnormalities, such as improving locomotor activity, decreasing immobility time in Tail suspension test (TST) and Forced swimming test (FST), and increasing sucrose intake in Sucrose preference test (SPT). Additionally, SEN improve protein levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) expression. In response to stress, p65 was activated to promote production of pro-IL-1β, and then cleaved to mature IL-1β by NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway in hippocampus of CUMS mice. After SEN treatment, protein activation related to NLRP3 inflammasome pathway was down-regulated, which inhibited IL-1β secretion. These results demonstrate that SEN plays an important role in treatment CUMS-induced depression in mice, possibly via suppression of pathway activation associated with NLRP3 inflammasome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygala tenuifolia ( Yuanzhi in Chinese) has gastrointestinal toxicity which can be significantly alleviated by Magnolia officinalis ( Houpo in Chinese) due to the heat production of mitochondria based on our previous study. In this paper, we have compared the different effects of M. officinalis, P. tenuifolia and their compatibility group on the mitochondrial metabolism in rats liver based on bio-thermodynamics. According to the growth thermogenic curves, we could obtain the exponential growth parameters to reflect the effect of reduced toxicity affected by M. officinalis. We also compared the further functional characteristics of M. officinalis, P. tenuifolia and their compatibility by means of statistical methods. The different experiment concentrations on mitochondrial metabolism were analyzed by principle component analysis (PCA). By analyzing the effect of different experiment concentrations on mitochondrial growth rate, we found that the metabolism rate K of mitochondria in P. tenuifolia group reduced in doses dependently. We obtained the exponential growth constant K and depicted the metabolism thermal power-time curve information of mitochondria at the same time. Our results showed that with the increased concentration of P. tenuifolia extracts, there was significant promotion of heat production by mitochondria while inhibition of M. officinalis extracts and their compatibility extracts. Analyzed by PCA, M. officinalis group distributed more scattered and had far influence on mitochondrial metabolism when compared to M. officinalis group and their compatibility group. It showed that P. tenuifolia's gastrointestinal side effect was related to the change of mitochondrial energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) are enzymes that play a key role in control of the biosynthesis of phytosterols and triterpene saponins. In order to uncover OSC genes from Polygala tenuifolia seedlings induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), RNA-sequencing analysis was performed using the Illumina sequencing platform. A total of 148,488,632 high-quality reads from two samples (control and the MeJA treated) were generated. We screened genes related to phytosterol and triterpene saponin biosynthesis and analyzed the transcriptional changes of differentially expressed unigene (DEUG) values calculated by fragments per kilobase million (FPKM). In our datasets, two full-length cDNAs of putative OSC genes, PtCAS1, and PtCAS2, were found, in addition to the PtBS (β-amyrin synthase) gene reported in our previous studies and the two cycloartenol synthase genes of P. tenuifolia. All genes were isolated and characterized in yeast cells. The functional expression of the two PtCAS genes in yeast cells showed that the genes all produce a cycloartenol as the sole product. When qRT-PCR analysis from different tissues was performed, the expressions of PtCAS1 and PtCAS2 were highest in flowers and roots, respectively. After MeJA treatment, the transcripts of PtCAS1 and PtCAS2 genes increased by 1.5- and 2-fold, respectively. Given these results, we discuss the potential roles of the two PtCAS genes in relation to triterpenoid biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in infants and young children. Staphylococcus aureus ( S.aureus ) is one of the most important bacteria that leads to pneumonia. Tenuigenin (TGN), a major active component isolated from the root of the Chinese herb Polygala tenuifolia , has been known to have anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of TGN on S.aureus -induced pneumonia in mice. The results showed that TGN significantly attenuated S.aureus -induced lung histopathological changes. TGN also inhibited lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β production. Furthermore, S.aureus -induced NF-κB activation was significantly inhibited by the treatment of TGN. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that TGN protected against S.aureus -induced pneumonia by inhibiting NF-κB activation. TGN might be a potential agent in the treatment of pneumonia induced by S.aureus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylella fastidiosa is a plant pathogenic bacterium emerging in Europe. In France its emergence has been demonstrated through interceptions of contaminated coffee plants and, in 2015, by a survey of natural settings. The first French focus of contamination was detected in 2015 in Corsica; since then, almost 300 foci have been found and nearly 30 plant species have been declared contaminated, with Polygala myrtifolia remaining the principal host, suffering from severe leaf scorch. This study reports on the diversity of X. fastidiosa identified in France in 2015. Multilocus sequence analysis/typing revealed the presence of mainly X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex sequence types ( STs) ST6 and ST7. A focus of X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca ST53 was identified in mainland France; one sample contaminated by X. fastidiosa subsp. sandyi ST76, one novel recombinant, and coinfections of different isolates in individual samples were also identified, but could not be confirmed by successive samplings, indicating limited or transient contamination. Koch's postulates were fulfilled for two isolates of X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex on P. myrtifolia, one being ST6 and the other ST7. Comparative genomics of the genome sequences of three French isolates (one ST6 and two ST7) with available sequences revealed that, unlike the American Dixon strain, the French ST6 and ST7 strains are devoid of a plasmid encoding a complete type IV secretion system. Other differences regarding phage sequences were highlighted. Altogether, the results suggest that the emergence of X. fastidiosa in France is linked to several introduction events of diverse strains from different subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Polygala (Polygalaceae) contains ca. 600 species that are distributed worldwide. A recent taxonomic evaluation of Polygala in Madagascar recognized 19 species in the island, as well as two new species from Toliara Province. The first new species from the area around Saint Augustin, Polygala labatii, is only known from two collections and belongs to the endemic P. sect. Madecassa. The second new species, Polygala mandrarensis, is distributed in the region of the Mandrare River basin and belongs to P. sect. Tetrasepalae. In this work, we describe and illustrate these two new species of Polygala. We also provide a key to the infrageneric taxa of Polygala in Madagascar, as well as keys to P. sect. Madecassa and the Malagasy species of P. sect. Tetrasepalae, and present a distribution map and make preliminary conservation assessments using IUCN Red List categories and criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study small intestinal absorption of schisadrol A, schisandrol B, schizandrin A and schisandrin B in JingNing particles using in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP). Methods: Absorption rate constant (Ka) and apparent permeability (Papp) of the drugs at different concentrations in various parts of rat small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) were determined using SPIP. JingNing particles were also perfused in situ at different pH in the entire rat intestine. Ethanol extract of Schisandra chinensis (standard) at low concentration was perfused in the duodenum for comparison with extract of JingNing particles. Results: The order of apparent permeability of the four lignans was schisandrol A < schisandrol B < schizandrin A < schisandrin B. Ka and Papp values of the four lignans in JingNing particles were concentration-dependent. Absorption increased in the rank order: ileum > duodenum > jejunum. Optimum absorption pH was 6.50. Polygala tenuifolia extract and volatile oil of Rhizoma acori tatarinowii significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the absorption of the four lignans. Conclusion: The four lignans were well absorbed in the intestinal tract, particularly the ileum, probably through carrier-mediated transport. The alcohol extract of Polygala tenuifolia and volatile oil of Rhizoma acori graminei enhanced the absorption of the four lignans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors are currently widely used in the treatment of ischemic stroke, and natural products are considered promising sources of lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors. In this study, ultrafiltration liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used for the screening and identification of lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors from Polygala tenuifolia. Furthermore, five lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors, sibiricose A5, 3,6′-di- O-sinapoyl-sucrose, glomeratose A, tenuifoliside B, and tenuifoliside C, were selected as target lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors. In addition, the five target compounds with purities of 96.45, 97.65, 96.38, 94.34, and 93.29% were extracted and isolated using a new hyphenated strategy of microwave-assisted extraction coupled with countercurrent chromatography with a two-phase solvent system of n-hexane/ n-butanol/ethanol/water (5.321:1.00:1.664:6.647). The bioactivities of the isolated compounds were analyzed using PC12 cells and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The results also demonstrated that microwave-assisted extraction coupled with countercurrent chromatography is an efficient method of isolating chemical constituents from medicinal herbs. Moreover, the research route consisting of activity screening, extraction, separation, and activity verification of the compounds has the advantages of being efficient, orientated, and objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Costa Rican vascular flora is well known and studied, but there are gaps of floristic knowledge in some areas and ecosystems that are poorly explored. The Costa Rican savannas, cover a small geographic extent and are almost unexplored floristically. The Sabanas Miravalles are located in the western flank of the Volcán Miravalles in the Cordillera de Guanacaste. As a result of a broad floristic inventory of this site, four species have been documented as new records for the Costa Rican vascular flora: Eriocaulon fuliginosum, Polygala pseudocoelosioides, Trimezia martinicensis, and Utricularia subulata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]