The interventional effect of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharide on atherosclerosis in mice of different sexes

In the present study,we investigated the intervention effects of a purified Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide(PCP)on high-fat diet(HFD)-induced atherosclerosis in male and female LDLr-/-mice.Results showed that HFD caused severe dyslipidemia,atherosclerotic lesions,oxidative damages and inflammation in male and female mice,and these effects seemed to be more pronounced in males than in females.However,the above variations could be dose-dependently reversed by PCP treatment,and the intervention effects on males were greater than those on females.Nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB),mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPKs)and protein kinase B(Akt)are 3 pivotal signaling pathways mediating the development of atherosclerosis.Consistently,PCP was also found to significantly decrease the phosphorylation of p65,p38,extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)and Akt,and increase the protein expression of inhibitor of NF-κB(IκB)in the aortas of male and female mice induced by HFD.Taken together,these findings indicated that PCP could be effective for the prevention of atherosclerosis,and the intervention effect of PCP on male mice was more obvious than that of female mice.

Effects of different processing methods on the quality of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua

Background:In this study,we explored the effects of different processing methods on the quality of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua(PC),and the role of Huangjiu in the processing procedure.Methods:The sensory characteristics of the crude product,steamed product,and wine-processed product of PC were described.The colorimeter was used to analyze the chromatic values of three different processed products on PC.At the same time,the contents of the water extract and alcohol extract were measured separately.The content of three different processing Polygonatum Polysaccharide(PCP)was determined using 0.2%anthrone-sulfuric acid.The correlation difference between the chromatic values and chemical composition of different PC products was analyzed using various analytical methods.Results:The surface colors gradually deepened,the sweetness increased,the viscosity strengthened,and the tongue-numbing sensation disappeared after PC processing.The contents of extract and L^(*) gradually decreased from the crude to the steamed to the wine-processed product,consistent with the pattern of surface color alteration.While,E^(*)ab gradually increased.The content of PCP was crude product>wine-processed product>steamed product.The results of multivariate statistical analysis showed that the samples processed for crude,steamed,and wine-processed product were clustered into three classes.The correlation analysis showed that L^(*)and E^(*)ab were highly significant positively correlated with the content of PCP,and a*was significantly negatively correlated with the content of PCP.Conclusion:The results showed that the wine-processed product had the best quality.The internal quality of the PC was correlated with its characteristics and chromatic value.In this study,we investigated the internal and external quality of three different products of PC in order to provide a reference for further research on the impact of different processing methods on PC quality,the standardization of PC processing,and the role of Huangjiu in the processing of PC.

Study on the processing technology of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua decoction pieces based on softening method and drying method

Background:To optimize the steaming processing technology of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua(PC)decoction pieces.Methods:The softening method and drying method of PC decoction pieces were studied with Polygonatum Polysaccharide(PCP),diosgenin combined extract as quantitative indexes.The process parameters such as softening time,drying temperature and drying time were determined,and the best processing technology of PC decoction pieces was optimized.Results:Among the three softening methods of PC,the infiltration method had the highest ranking,with an average comprehensive index of 0.9496,and the softening effect was the best.Among the three drying methods,the drying effect of the hot air drying method was the best,and the average comprehensive index was 0.8233.Conclusion:The infiltration method is the best softening method for PC decoction pieces,and the hot air drying method is the best drying method for PC decoction pieces.

Comparison of polysaccharides from 10 species of genera Paris,Trillium,Aspidistra,and Polygonatum

Background:The genera Paris,Trillium,Aspidistra,and Polygonatum originally belonged to the family Liliaceae;however,recently,in the APG system,the genera Polygonatum and Aspidistra were placed in the family Asparagaceae and the genera Paris and Trillium were placed in the family Melanthiaceae.Methods:To study the application of polysaccharide chemotaxonomy in Asparagaceae and Melanthiaceae,we extracted polysaccharides from the rhizomes of plants,including Paris polyphylla var.yunnanensis,Paris daliensis,Paris polyphylla var.chinensis,Trillium tschonoskii,Aspidistra elatior,Aspidistra sichuanensis,Aspidistra caespitosa,Polygonatum sibiricum,Polygonatum cyrtonema,and Polygonatum kingianum.Physicochemical and structural characterization of these polysaccharides was performed using molecular weight,monosaccharide composition,Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy,nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy,and scanning electron microscopy.The immunomodulatory activities were evaluated using the macrophage cell line,RAW264.7.Results:In this study,we found that the polysaccharides from the genus Polygonatum and Aspidistra were mainly comprised of fructose and glucose;the molecular weights were mostly concentrated between 4.6-6.2 kDa.The polysaccharides from species of genus Polygonatum differed in that they contained acetyl groups,while polysaccharides from species of genus Aspidistra did not.Paris and Trillium species polysaccharides mainly consisted of glucose and mannose;the molecular weights of the two major peaks were 6.3-13 kDa and 1-1.5 kDa,respectively;the main differences between polysaccharides were the ratio of glucose and mannose and the degree of branching.These results suggest that fructans might be the main feature of the family Asparagaceae and fructans with acetyl groups might be the main feature of the genus Polygonatum which is consistent with the results of previous studies.Additionally,all polysaccharides from the 10 plants promoted phagocytic activity.Some of them exhibited strong activity,including nitrogen monoxide release and TNF-αsecretion by RAW264.7 macrophages,indicating that they could be used as potential immunomodulatory agents.Conclusion:The molecular weight distribution,monosaccharide composition,and surface morphology of the polysaccharides of the Polygonatum and Aspidistra plants were similar,while those of Paris and Trillium plants were similar.These results support the APG classification system,which placed the genera Polygonatum and Aspidistra in the Asparagaceae family and placed the genera Paris and Trillium in the Melanthiaceae family.

Effects of Polygonatum odoratum Polysaccharide on Reproductive Hormones in Male Rats Fed a High-fat Diet

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Polygonatum odoratum polysaccharide(POP)on organ relative weights and reproductive hormone levels in male rats fed a high-fat diet.[Methods]Thirty healthy male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into two groups according to their body weight:10 in normal control group(Group NC,n=10)and 20 in experimental group(n=20).The rats in experimental group were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks before they were further randomly divided into two groups:high fat group(Group HF)and high fat+400 mg/(kg·d)POP group(Group HF+POP).In Group HF+POP,the rats were administered with POP for another six weeks,before their blood plasma was collected,and the relative weights of their testis and epididymis were calculated.The plasma levels of testosterone(T),estrogen(E2),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),cortisol(C)and luteinizing hormone(LH)were measured by radioimmunoassay,and the plasma levels of sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG)and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.[Results]Compared with Group HF,POP could effectively inhibit rat obesity caused by high-fat diets,increase the relative weights of their testis and epididymis,plasma levels of LH,E2,FSH,T,SHBG and IGF-1,and reduce the plasma level of E2.[Conclusions]Polygonatum odoratum polysaccharide(POP)is able to effectively regulate the level of reproductive hormones in high-fat diet fed rats,and helps to protect their reproductive function.

Effects of Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharide on Antioxidant Capacity of the Liver in High-fat Diet Rats

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide(PSP)on antioxidant function in high-fat diet obese rats.[Methods]Thirty five healthy male SD rats were selected to establish an obesity model after feeding a high-fat for 8 weeks.They were then randomly divided into a normal group(NC),a high-fat diet group(HF),and an HF+P.sibiricum polysaccharide group[HF+PSP,300 mg/(kg·d)].After 6 weeks of PSP intervention,the serum and liver of rats were collected,and the activity of aspartate transaminase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)in serum,the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in liver tissue were measured.The pathological changes of liver tissue were observed by HE staining.[Results]Compared with the HF group,PSP could effectively inhibit obesity caused by high-fat diet.It reduced body weight and serum AST and ALT levels,increased the contents of T-SOD,CAT and GSH-Px in the liver,and inhibited the accumulation of MDA content,thereby reducing damage to liver cells caused by a high-fat diet.It indicated that PSP could effectively inhibit obesity in high-fat diet rats and enhance their antioxidant capacity.[Conclusions]This study provides a reference for the study of the antioxidant capacity of PSP.

Compatibility Rules of Prescriptions of Tibetan Medicine Polygonatum cirrhifolium Based on Data Mining

[Objectives]To study the prescription compatibility rules of the Tibetan medicine Polygonatum cirrhifolium(Polygonati Rhizoma,Huangjing)based on data mining,so as to provide data support for clinical application and new drug development.[Methods]Prescriptions containing Tibetan medicine Huangjing were collected from Tibetan Medicine Prescriptions Encyclopedia and Tibetan Medicine Classic Literature Collection.The Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Computing System(TCMICS 3.0)and R version 4.1.3 were used to mine and analyze the compatibility rules of prescriptions containing Tibetan medicinal material Huangjing,the rules of medication for high-frequency diseases,and the association rules of various medicinal materials.[Results]A total of 124 prescriptions were collected from the classic literature of Tibetan medicine,and the frequency statistical analysis showed that drugs compatible with Huangjing(≥15)included Tianmendong(Root of Cochinchinese Asparagus)(80),Mirabilis himalaica(Edgew.)Heimerl(Himalayan purple jasmine)(72),Jili(Tribuli Fructus)(70),Tibetan Aoruqin(Vicatia coniifolia)(58),Baidoukou(Round Cardamom Fruit)(47),Hezi(Chebulae Fructus)(45),Shouzhangshen(Rhizome of Conic Gymnadenia)(28),Yuganzi(Phyllanthi Fructus)(26),Pomegranate(25),Maohezi(Terminaliae Belliricae Fructus)(24),Zicaorong(Lacca)(23),Rougui(Cinnamomi Cortex)(15).The main diseases were yellow water disease(20),gynecological diseases(19),kidney cold disease(17),and other Tibetan medicine diseases.Association rule analysis showed that the drug combinations with the highest frequency were Huangjing—Tianmendong,Huangjing—Himalayan purple jasmine,and Huangjing—Jili.[Conclusions]The frequency of combined use of Tibetan medicine Huangjing with dry yellow water,tonifying kidney and diuresis,nourishing health,and treating gynecological diseases is relatively high.

Effects of Polygonatum odoratum Polysaccharides on the Quality of White Chili Peppers in Jars

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Polygonatum odoratum polysaccharides on the quality of white chili peppers in jars.[Methods]White chili peppers were pickled by adding different concentrations of P.odoratum polysaccharides with traditional pickling technology,and its nitrite content,pH and sensory quality were analyzed and detected.[Results]The results showed that,compared with the control group without adding P.odoratum polysaccharides,the nitrite content in white chili peppers in jars decreased after adding P.odoratum polysaccharides.When the addition amount of P.odoratum polysaccharides was 0.002%,the inhibition rate of nitrite reached the maximum.Under the same fermentation time,P.odoratum polysaccharides could significantly reduce the pH value of pickles.When the addition amount of P.odoratum polysaccharide was 0.002%and the pickling time was 3 months,the sensory quality of white chili peppers in jars was the best.At this point,white chili peppers in jars had rich aroma and tasted soft and sour,and the sour and salinity were suitable.As the fermentation time continued to increase,the chili aroma of white chili peppers in jars gradually decreased,and the sour taste became more pronounced.[Conclusions]This study can provide reference for the safety and quality control of white chili peppers in jars.

安徽黄精属(Polygonatum)植物的分支分析

以形态学为依据 ,结合细胞分类学、叶表皮和花粉形态的研究成果 ,用分支分析的方法探讨了安徽产黄精属 11种植物的种间演化关系。在分支分析中 ,选择万寿竹属、舞鹤草属和竹根七属作为复合外类群。根据复合外类群比较原则和一般演化规律 ,确定性状极性。结果表明 :( 1)琅琊黄精与长苞黄精为姊妹群 ,并与其余 9种黄精明显分为 2大支 ;( 2 )另一支 9种黄精中 ,玉竹、长梗黄精和金塞黄精亲缘关系密切并与其余 6种再分为 2支 ;( 3)剩下 6种黄精中 ,距药黄精和多花黄精 2种互生叶黄精极为密切并与 4种轮生叶黄精分为 2组 ;( 4 ) 4种轮生叶黄精中 ,黄精。

安徽黄精属(Polygonatum)植物叶表皮研究

利用光学显微镜及扫描电子显微镜观察了安徽省黄精属９种植物的叶表皮；统计并测量了气孔类型、气孔大小、气孔密度及气孔指数等；描述了表皮角质膜、蜡质纹饰、气孔的形状及气孔外拱盖等有关特征。结果表明：黄精属植物叶表皮气孔器类型属只有２个保卫细胞而无任何副卫细胞的单子叶植物气孔器类型。气孔的某些特征，如气孔器类型、气孔器分布特征、表皮细胞形状及垂周壁式样、角质层及蜡质纹饰等在种间差异不大，可作种间区别的次级特征用。

玉竹(Polygonatum odoratum(Mill.) Druce)凝集素的荧光淬灭研究

百合科植物玉竹(Polygonatum odoratum(Mill.)Druce)的根状茎经生理盐水浸取、硫酸铵分级沉淀、CM-Sepharose柱离子交换层析和Sephacryl S-200凝胶过滤,得到经SDS-PAGE检测为14.2kD的单一蛋白条带的玉竹凝集素(Polygonatum odoratumlectin,简称POL).荧光淬灭剂丙烯酰胺、KI和CsCl对POL的内源荧光淬灭研究表明它们对凝集素分子荧光的淬灭过程属动态淬灭机制.其中玉竹凝集素中Trp残基对中性淬灭剂丙烯酰胺的可接近程度达到81%,而阴离子淬灭剂I-、阳离子淬灭剂Cs+仅淬灭POL 50%和45%的荧光.表明玉竹凝集素产生荧光的氨基酸残基大部分是位于分子表面和近表面带电荷的沟槽内,并且Trp残基周围有大约等量的正、负电荷分布.

Integrated metabolomic profiling for analysis of antilipidemic effects of Polygonatum kingianum extract on dyslipidemia in rats

AIM To identify the effects and mechanism of action of Polygonatum kingianum(P. kingianum) on dyslipidemia in rats using an integrated untargeted metabolomic method.METHODS A rat model of dyslipidemia was induced with a high-fat diet(HFD) and rats were given P. kingianum [4 g/(kg·d)] intragastrically for 14 wk. Changes in serum and hepatic lipid parameters were evaluated. Metabolites in serum, urine and liver samples were profiled using ultra-highperformance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry followed by multivariate statistical analysis to identify potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways.RESULTS P. kingianum significantly inhibited the HFD-induced increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride in the liver and serum. P. kingianum also significantly regulated metabolites in the analyzed samples toward normal status. Nineteen, twenty-four and thirty-eight potential biomarkers were identified in serum, urine and liver samples, respectively. These biomarkers involved biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, leucine and isoleucine, along with metabolism of tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, starch, sucrose, glycerophospholipid, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, nicotinate, nicotinamide and sphingolipid.CONCLUSION P. kingianum alleviates HFD-induced dyslipidemia by regulating many endogenous metabolites in serum, urine and liver samples. Collectively, our findings suggest that P. kingianum may be a promising lipid regulator to treat dyslipidemia and associated diseases.

Mitochondrial metabolomic profiling for elucidating the alleviating potential of Polygonatum kingianum against high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND Developing mitochondrial regulators/nutrients from natural products to remedy mitochondrial dysfunction represent attractive strategies for therapy of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Polygonatum kingianum(PK)has been traditionally used in China as a medicinal and nutritional ingredient for centuries and can alleviate high-fat diet(HFD)-induced NAFLD by promoting mitochondrial functions.To date,the underlying molecular mechanism of PK for treating mitochondrial dysfunctions and thus alleviating NAFLD remains unclear.AIM To identify the molecular mechanism behind the mitochondrial regulatory action of PK against HFD-induced NAFLD in rats.METHODS NAFLD model was induced in rats with HFD.The rats were intragastrically administered PK(4 g/kg per day)for 14 wk.Metabolites in hepatic mitochondrial samples were profiled through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry followed by multivariate statistical analysis to find the potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways.RESULTS PK significantly restored the metabolites’levels in the mitochondrial samples.Ten potential biomarkers were identified in the analyzed samples.These biomarkers are involved in riboflavin metabolism.CONCLUSION PK can alleviate HFD-induced NAFLD by regulating the riboflavin metabolism and further improving the mitochondrial functions.Thus,PK is a promising mitochondrial regulator/nutrient for alleviating NAFLD-associated diseases.

Two new homoisoflavanones from Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce

Two new homoisoflavanones were isolated from the rhizomes of Polygonatum odoratum(Mill.) Druce and their structures were elucidated as(3R)-5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-3-(4-methoxybenzyl)-6-methylchrom-an-4-one(1) and(3R)-5,7,8-trihydroxy-3-(4- hydroxybenzyl)-6-methylchroman-4-one(2),on the basis of spectral analysis.

Effects of polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide on learning and memory in a scopolamine-induced mouse model of dementia

BACKGROUND： Learning and memory processes are accompanied by complex neuropathological and biochemical changes. Free radicals play an important role in learning and memory damage. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide （PSP） in comparison with vitamin 12 on inhibiting free radical damage, as well as improving the degree of cerebral ischemia and learning and memory in a scopolamine-induced mouse model of dementia. DESIGN： Randomized controlled animal study. SETTINGS： Department of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical College; Shandong Jewim Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. MATERIALS： A total of 105 healthy Kunming mice, comprising 90 males and 15 females that were clean grade, were provided by the Animal Center of Taishan Medical College. PSP （extracted and purified by Huangjing, Taishan） was provided by the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taishan Medical College （purity of 79.6% by using a phenol-concentrated sulphate acid method）, and hydrogen bromine acid scopolamine injection solution （SCO） by Shanghai Hefeng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. METHODS： This study was performed at the Pharmacological Laboratory of Taishan Medical College from March to June 2007. （1） A total of 75 healthy Kunming male mice of clean grade were randomly divided into a normal control group, positive control group, and low-dosage and high-dosage PSP groups, with 15 mice in each group. Mice in both the low-dosage and high-dosage PSP groups were intragastrically administered 0.5 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg PSP, respectively. Mice in the positive control group were intragastrically administered 0.5 g/kg vitamin 12. In addition, mice in both the normal control group and model group were intragastrically administered the same volume of saline, respectively, once a day for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration on day 6, mice in the positive control group, model group, low-dosage and high-dosage PSP groups were subcutaneously injected with 3.0 mg/kg SCO, while mice in the normal control group were subcutaneously injected with the same volume of distilled water. Ten minutes later, the step test was employed to measure memory. The training was performed 5 times, with 30-minute intervals between 2 sets. If the mice remained on the platform （latent period） for 30 minutes, they were determined to have learned the task. An eligible percentage was then recorded. Twenty-four hours later, the number of error responses from each mouse was recorded in a 5-minute period, based on the above-mentioned parameters. Mice were sacrificed under anesthesia. The activities of glutathione hyperoxide enzyme （GSH-Px）, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, and the content of malondialdehyde （MDA） were assayed using an UV spectrophotometer. （2） The remaining 30 healthy Kunming mice of both genders were randomly divided into 3 groups, including control group, low-dosage PSP group, and high-dosage PSP group, with 10 mice in each group. Mice in both the low-dosage and high-dosage PSP groups were intragastrically administered 0.5 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg PSP, respectively, while the mice in the control group were perfused with the same volume of saline. Forty minutes later, the mice under superficial anesthesia were decapitated, and the number and duration of mouth-opening breaths of the isolated mouse head were immediately recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE： （1） Numbers of error responses within 5 minutes on the platform. （2） GSH-Px and SOD activity, as well as MDA content in mouse brain tissue. （3） Numbers and duration of mouth-opening breaths of the isolated mouse head. RESULTS： Of the 105 Kunming experimental mice, two mice died due to electric shock during the step-down test, therefore, a total of 103 mice were involved in the final analysis. （1） Effects of PSP on learning in mice： The eligible percentage in the high-dosage PSP group was higher than the control group at the 3rd and 5th training sessions （P 〈 0.05）. （2） Effects of PSP on memory in mice： The number of errors in the step-down test in the model group was higher than in the normal control group （P 〈 0.01）. Compared to the model group, the number of errors in the step-down test was lower in both the low-dosage and high-dosage PSP groups （P 〈 0.01）. （3） Effects of PSP on amount of GSH-Px, SOD, and MDA in mouse brain tissue： SOD and GSH-Px activity was higher in both the low-dosage and high-dosage PSP groups than in the model group. MDA content was lower in the high-dosage PSP group, compared to the model group. GSH-Px activity in the brain tissue of the high-dosage PSP group was similar to the positive control group （P 〉 0.05）. （4） Effects of PSP on acute cerebral ischemia in mice： The low-dosage PSP, and in particular the high-dosage PSP, prolonged the number and duration of mouth-opening breaths of the isolated mouse head （P 〈 0.05, 0.01）. CONCLUSION： PSP can improve learning and memory in a scopolamine-induced mouse model of dementia by reducing the damaging effects of cerebral ischemia and anti-oxidation. In addition, the effects are dose-dependent and are similar to those provided by vitamin E.

A New Furostanol Glycoside from Polygonatum odoratum

A new furostanol component glycosylated only at C-26 was isolated from the rhizomes of Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce, and its structure was characterized as 22-hydroxy-25(R and S) furost-5-en-12-on-3b, 22, 26-triol 26-O-b-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of spectroscopic techniques and chemical methods.

In vitro Inhibitory Activity of Shisandra chinensis and Polygonatum sibiricum against Vibrio harveyi and Its Biofilms

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the in vitro inhibitory activity of Shisandra chinensis and Polygonatum sibiricum against Vibrio harveyi and its biofilms. [Result] By agar diffusion test, in vitro inhibitory activity of 5. chinensis and P. sibiricum against V. harveyi was investigated. The minimal inhibitory concentration （ MIC） and minimal bactericidal concentration （MBC） of 5. chinensis and P. sibiricum against V. harveyi were determined by doubling dilution meth-od. The inhibitory activity of 5. chinensis and P. sibiricum on the formation of V. harveyi biofilms was evaluated by modified MTT assay. [ Result ] Both 5. chinen-sis and P. sibiricum had inhibitory activity against V. harveyi. The inhibition zone diameter of 5. chinensis against V. harveyi was 17. 95 mm; MIC and MBC of 5. chinensis were both 3.125 mg/ml. The inhibition zone diameter of P. sibiricum against V. harveyi was 12. 22 mm; MIC and MBC of P. sibiricum were 3.125 and 6.250 mg/ml, respectively. When the concentration was higher than 6. 25 mg/ml, 5. chinensis decoction had extremely significant inhibitory activity against V. harveyi （P 〈 0. 01） ; when the concentration was higher than 3. 125 mg/ml, P. sibiricum had extremely significant inhibitory activity against V. harveyi （P 〈0. 01）. [ Conclusion] 5. chinensis and P. sibiricum could significantly inhibit V. harveyi and its biofilms.

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides protect against obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats fed a high-fat diet

Polygonatum sibiricum is a traditional medicinal and dietary plant of the family Liliaceae. The main functional macromolecules of P. sibiricum are polysaccharides, which function in antioxidation and regulating immunity. Previous studies have shown that insulin resistance(IR), oxidative stress, and inflammation are important factors in the induction of lipid metabolic diseases such as obesity. Therefore, in this study, we established a high-fat diet-induced rat model of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) to explore the potential protective effect of P. sibiricum polysaccharides(PSPs) and the mechanisms behind it. After 4 weeks of high-fat diet feeding to induce obesity, the rats were treated with different doses of PSP solution or distilled water for 6 weeks. Compared with untreated obese rats, PSP-treated obese rats showed a decrease in body weight, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, hepatic aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity, hepatic malondialdehyde content, and hepatic levels of the pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6, as well as increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Pathological analysis and immunoblotting of the liver tissues indicated that mechanistically, PSPs reduced obesity and NAFLD in rats by upregulating insulin receptor expression, increasing adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and downregulating sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 and low-density lipoprotein receptor expression, thus promoting lipid metabolism, decreasing body weight, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by lipid accumulation. Based on these results, PSPs may have the potential to reduce obesity and NAFLD associated with a high-fat diet.

Cultivation Techniques for Polygonatum Cyrtonema Hua in Hunan

This study works on setting a scientific standard for Polygonatum Cyrtonema Hua regarding its growth site condition,seed-stem choice,cultivation technique,field management,harvest,processing and storage.It aims at standardizing the cultivation of Polygonatum Cyrtonema Hua and providing technical support for the sustainable development of Polygonatum Cyrtonema Hua in Hunan Province.

Comparative Analysis of Bioactive Components of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from Different Areas

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from five different areas was used as experimental material,total saponins and total flavonoids.Colorimetric analysis method was used to compare those contents.The results showed that the contents of Polygonatum polysaccharides from different areas were in the range of 8.09%~11.78%,whereas the content of total saponins and total flavonoids was quite different,which were 2.73%~5.01%and 0.21%~0.71%,respectively.In general,these Polygonatum samples had higher polysaccharide content with obvious differences for the contents of total saponins and a low contents of flavones.