Research progress on the anti-tumor effect of Codonopsis pilosula

Currently,the mortality rate of malignant tumors ranks second globally,surpassed only by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.The treatment of malignant tumors poses a formidable challenge to both modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).To date,TCM has developed a substantial foundational theoretical understanding and accumulated significant clinical experience in combating tumors.According to TCM foundational theories,"Qi deficiency"is a critical symptom associated with cancer,and"fortifying the body's vitality while expelling pathogens"is the cornerstone of TCM's approach to tumor treatment and bodily balance.Codonopsis pilosula(CP),a Qi-invigorating herb,is known to invigorat the spleen,benefit the lungs,nourish the blood,and promote bodily fluids.It is often employed as a substitute for ginseng in clinical settings.Prolonged clinical observations have identified key active constituents of CP,such as Codonopsis polysaccharides,isoimperatorin,saponins,lobetyolin,sesquiterpene lactones,and muscone.These ingredients exhibit various therapeutic properties,including anti-tumor,immunomodulatory,anti-infective,antioxidant,and hematopoiesis-enhancing effects.Additionally,when CP is combined with other TCM herbs like Astragalus and Atractylodes macrocephala,it bolsters the body's vital energy and rejuvenates both Qi and blood.CP can be used in combination with chemotherapy agents to mitigate the adverse effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Moreover,CP demonstrates potential in preventing precancerous lesions.This review summarizes recent research findings on the anti-tumor properties of CP,elucidates the anti-tumor effects and molecular mechanisms of its active components,provides a basis for promoting the utilization of CP resources and its active constituents,and offers insights for the research and development of new anti-tumor drugs.

Multi-layered effects of Codonopsis Radix on the immune system

Recent research has highlighted the potential of Codonopsis Radix to modulate the immune system,making it a promising candidate for treating chronic inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases,tumors,and aging.However,because of the complex immune activities of its various components,a comprehensive understanding of Codonopsis Radix immune-regulating properties is still lacking.This knowledge gap hinders its widespread utilization in clinical practice.Therefore,this review aimed to assess the impact of Codonopsis Radix on the immune system and elucidate its underlying mechanisms.Additionally,we compared the immunomodulatory effects of different active ingredients derived from Codonopsis Radix to provide a theoretical basis for future investigations on immunomodulation.

Resource Characteristics and Sustainable Utilization of Codonopsis convolve, a Tibetan Medicinal Plant

In this paper, the resources of Codonopsis convolvulacea subsp. Vinciflora in 13 counties of Tibet were investigated and analyzed by field investigation, sample point-sample set-sample survey, market investigation and expert visit. The results showed that among the 13 counties, the distribution area of C. convolvulacea ranked as Gongbujiangda County 〉 Zuogong County 〉 Milin County 〉 Mozhugongka County 〉 Lang County 〉 Duilongdeqing County 〉 Chayu County=Jiali County= Mangkang County=Dingqing County=Baqing County=Suo County=Nimu County. The Gongbujiangda County showed the largest distribution, while Zuogong County and Milin County showed relatively small distribution. Chayu County, Jiali County, Mangkang County, Dingqing County, Baqing County, Suo County and Nimu County showed no distribution. The average plant dry weight C. convolvulacea ranked as Duilongdeqing County 〉 Lang County, Gongbujiangda County 〉Milin County 〉Chayu County =Jiali County =Zuogong County =Mangkang County =Dingqing County =Baqing County=Suo County=Mozhugongka County=Nimu County. Among them, Duilongdeqing County showed the largest average plant dry weight. The average plant dry weight of C. convolvulacea in Chayu County, Jiali County, Zuogong County, Mangkang County, Dingqing County, Baqing County, Suo County, Mozhugongka County and Nimu County was all 0 g. The order of biomass of C. convolvulacea in the 13 counties was Mozhugongka County 〉Duilongdeqing County 〉 Lang County 〉 Gongbujiangda County 〉Milin County 〉Zuogong County 〉Dingqing County =Jiali County=Mangkang County=Chayu County=Nimu County=Suo County=Baqing County. Mozhugongka County showed the largest biomass, while the biomass of C. convolvulacea in Dingqing County, Jiali County, Mangkang County, Chayu County, Nimu County, Suo County and Baqing County was all 0 t. The reserve of C. convolvulacea is determined by distribution area habitat and its own growth. In the 13 counties, the reserve of C. convolvulacea ranked as Gongbujiangda County 〉Mozhugongka County 〉 Lang County 〉Zuogong County 〉Milin County 〉Duilongdeqing County 〉Dingqing County=Jiali County=Mangkang County=Chayu County=Nimu County=Suo County=Baqing County. The reserve of C. convolvulacea was biggest in Gongbujiangda County and was relatively small in Dingqing County, Jiali County, Mangkang County, Chayu County, Nimu County, Suo County and Baqing County. Targeting at the problems existing in the utilization of C. convolvulacea, some suggestions are put forward, such as establishment of reserve for medicinal plant ecological industry, artificial cultivation, renewing concept and rational exploitation and utilization. In this paper, the resource characteristics and sustainable utilization of Tibetan medicinal plants were studied so as to provide a theoretical basis for the rational development and utilization of C. convolvulacea in the region.

Flavones Isolated from Codonopsis xundianensis

Genus Codonopsis comprises more than 40 species in China. The roots of these plants have been used as traditional Chinese medicines or folk love herbs. Codonopsis xundianensis Wang ZT et Xu GJ grows in Yunnan Province and its roots are often used as a tonic. In this paper, we report the isolation and structural elucidation of chrysoeriol (1), tricin (2), wogonin (3) and luteolin (4) from the roots of Codonopsis xundianensis. Compounds 1-3 were found in Codonopsis for the first time.

A New Triterpenoid Saponin from Codonopsis lanceolata

A new triterpenoid saponin, named codonolaside （1） was isolated from the root of Codonopsis lanceolata. Its structure was determined by analysis of its spectral and chemical data.

Industrial Poverty Alleviation Model in Southwestern High-altitude Mountainous Areas of China——A Case Study of Industrial Poverty Alleviation of Xueshan Township in Luquan County of Yunnan Province through Planting Codonopsis pilosula

Due to the severe restrictions of natural conditions and ecological environment,high-altitude mountainous areas usually become the " hard bones" in the battle against poverty. Xueshan Township,Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County of Yunnan Province,located in the alpine valley of Jinsha River,is a major township with wide and deep poverty,and the incidence of poverty is up to 45. 00%. In recent years,Xueshan Township has insisted on the battle against poverty,made effort to develop the Codonopsis pilosula industry,and successfully developed a road to poverty alleviation through C. pilosula industry,and formed a unique industrial poverty alleviation model by the end of 2018,the incidence of poverty dropped to 0. 74%. Based on field survey and interview,this paper analyzes and summarizes the specific practices,main results,practical experience and promotion and application measures of the poverty alleviation model of C. pilosula planting industry in Xueshan Township,in the hope of providing certain reference for the targeted poverty alleviation in similar areas in Yunnan Province and other provinces of China.

Effects of Different Processed Products of Radix Codonopsis on Intestinal Flora of Rats with Spleen Deficiency

[Objectives]This study aimed to observe the effects of different processed products of Radix Codonopsis on intestinal flora in rats with spleen deficiency.[Methods]Rat models with spleen deficiency were established by bitter-cold purgation method with Radix et Rhizoma Rhei.Normal group,model group,Radix Codonopsis group,fried Radix Codonopsis group,rice-fried Radix Codonopsis group,honey-fried Radix Codonopsis group and bran-fired Radix Codonopsis group were designed.After subjecting to corresponding treatments,the changes in the quantity of intestinal microorganisms of the rats were detected.[Results]There was no significant change in the quantity of intestinal microorganisms of the rats in the normal group and model group.The rats in the rice-fried Radix Codonopsis group were administered after successful modeling,and the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the intestines of the rats increased,and the quantity of Escherichia coli and Staphylococci reduced.The rats in the Radix Codonopsis group,fried Radix Codonopsis groups,honey-fried Radix Codonopsis group and bran-fried Radix Codonopsis group were administered after successful modeling,and the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the intestines of the rats increased(the increases were smaller than those in the rice-fried Radix Codonopsis group),and the abundance of E.coli and Staphylococci reduced,close to normal levels.[Conclusions]Different processed products of Radix Codonopsis have obvious regulation effect on intestinal flora of rats with spleen deficiency,and the regulation effect of rice-fried Radix Codonopsis on rats with spleen deficiency is better than that of Radix Codonopsis,fried Radix Codonopsis,honey-fried Radix Codonopsis and bran-fried Radix Codonopsis.

Geographical origin discrimination and polysaccharides quantitative analysis of Radia codonopsis with micro near-infrared spectrometer engine

At present,Tradition Chinese Medicine(TCM)industry in China is in the stage from the empirical development to industrial production.Near infrared(NIR)spectroscopy has been widely used in the quality control of TCM's modernization with its characteristics incuding rapidness,nondestruction,simplicity,economy,and so on.In this study,as one type of a portable micro NIR spectrometer,Micro NIR 1700 was used to establish the qualitative models for identification of geographical region and authenticity of Radix codonopsis based on discriminant analysis(DA)method.Both of the DA models had better predictive ability with 100%accuracy.In addition,a method for rapid quantitative analysis of polysaccharide in Radix codonopsis was also developed based on Micro NIR 1700 spectrometer with partial last-squares(PLS)algo-rithm.In the PLS calibration model,the NIR.spectra of samples were pretreated with different preprocessing methods and the spectral region was selected with different variable selection methods as well.The performance of the final PLS model was evaluated according to correlation cofficient of calibration(Rc),correlation coefficient of prediction(Rp),root mean squared error of cross validation(RMSECV),and root mean squared of prediction(RMSEP).The values of Re,Rp,RMSECV,and RMSEP were 0.9775,0.9602,2.496,and 2.734 g/mL,respectively.This work demonstrated that micro infrared spectrometer could be more convenient and rapid for quality control of Radix codonopsis,and the presented models would be a u1seful reference for quality control of other simi lar raw materials of TCM.

Inspection Methods and Quality Grading Standards for Codonopsis pilosula Seeds

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the inspection methods and quality grading standards for Codonopsis pilosula seeds. [Method] A total of 27 shares of C. pilosula seeds were collected and surveyed from six counties in Shanxi, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. The inspection methods of various indicators, such as purity, 1 000-grain weight, germination rate, vitality and moisture content, were investigated in accordance with Rules for Agricultural Seed Testing （GB/T 3543.1-7, 1995）, to develop the appropriate quality inspection method for C. pilosula seeds. Based on the developed inspection method and procedures, the quality of 27 shares of C. pilosula seed samples from different regions was inspected, thus es- tablishing quality grading standards for C. pilosula seeds with K-center clustering method. [Result] C. pilosula seeds are suitable to be cultivated in cool regions. The optimal germination temperature was 25 ~C; the optimal germination bed was gauze bed; the optimal staining conditions were： staining temperature 40 ~, TTC concen- tration 0.5%, staining time 4 h. On the basis of cluster analysis, the quality of C. pilosula seeds could be divided into three grades according to five indicators, includ- ing the purity, 1 000-grain weight, moisture content, vitality, and germination rate. Specifically, vitality and germination rate were important factors of grading standards due to the significant differences, followed by purity, 1 000-grain weight and mois- ture content. [Conclusion] This study provided an important basis for standardized cultivation and industrial development of C. pilosula.

Effects of Panax ginseng,Codonopsis pilosula and Pseudostellaria heterophylla on Sexual Maturity of SD Female Rats

[Objectives] To study the effects of Panax ginseng,Codonopsis pilosula and Pseudostellaria heterophylla on the growth and development of SD female rats. [Methods] The rats were randomly divided into control group,P. ginseng group,C. pilosula group,and P. heterophylla group,intragastrically administered with physiological saline,P. ginseng,C. pilosula,and P. heterophylla for 2 weeks,daily vaginal smear inspection was performed,estradiol( E_2) level before and after intervention was detected,rats were dissected,took out ovary and uterus,and calculated the ovarian index and uterus index. [Results]In 4 groups of rats,there was no significant difference in the time of sexual maturity and ovarian index; compared with the control group,E_2 level of C. pilosula group and P. ginseng group were higher( P < 0. 05);compared with the control group and P. heterophylla group,the ovarian index of P. ginseng group was higher( P < 0. 05); compared with the control group,the body weight of three administration groups increased much more( P < 0. 05). [Conclusions] P. ginseng and C. pilosula may lead to sexual maturity of SD female rats,while P. ginseng,C. pilosula and P. heterophylla can promote increase of body weight of SD female rats.

Protective effect and its mechanism of codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide on memory consolidation disorder induced by cycloheximide in mice

OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of Codonopsis Pilosula Polysaccharide(CPPS)on improving of the memory consolidation disorder induced by Cycloheximide and its possible mechanisms in mice.METHODS The mice was divided into five groups,as normal control group,cycloheximid model group,piracetam positive control group,CPPS 300 mg·kg^(-1) group,and CPPS150 mg·kg^(-1) group.The mice respectively were given saline,piracetam,and CPPS for 15 d.The memory consolidation disorder model in mice was established by ip.Cyclohexylamine,and orally administered CPPS(300 mg·kg^(-1) or 150 mg·kg^(-1))every day.Then experimental groups were subjected Morris Water Maze test.Western blotting analysis were used to analysis the expression of Ca MKⅡ/CREB signaling pathways.RESULTS Morris water maze experiment showed that cyclohexylamine can cause memory consolidation disorder(P<0.01),and giving piracetam and CPPS(300 mg·kg-1)can improve spatial memory impairment in mice(P<0.05,P<0.01).Western blotting experiment results show that compared with normal control group,Ca MKⅡand CREB contents of brain in model group mice had significant decreased(P<0.001);Compared with model group,Ca MKⅡand CREB contents of brain tissue in piracetam and CPPS groups increased significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Cycloheximide can induce the memory consolidation disorder,and its effect in mice related to Ca MK/CREB signaling pathways.CPPS can improved this memory disorder by influence Ca MKⅡ/CREB signaling pathways.

Effects of Different Storage Methods and Storage Time on the Quality of Codonopsis pilosula

[Objectives]To study the effects of different storage methods and storage time on the quality of Codonopsis pilosula.[Methods]Experiment was performed by setting three different storage methods and times.[Results]When stored for 12 months,the extract content in the natural storage,conventional sealing,and controlled atmosphere storage was slightly lower than 77.32%before storage,and decreased by 2.82%,3.62%,and 1.71%,respectively.When stored for 18 months,the extract content was 74.14%,73.21%,and 72.08%,decreased by 4.11%,5.31%,and 6.78%,respectively compared with that before storage,all of which met the specified content in Chinese Pharmacopoeia.[Conclusions]The three storage times had significant effects on moisture and extract content of C.pilosula,but had no significant effects on atractylenolide III.With the extension of storage time,the moisture,extract,and content declined,so the storage time theoretically should not exceed 12 months.

Research on anti-pancreatic cancer mechanism of Codonopsis codonopsis based on network pharmacology

Objective:The mechanism of Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula)in treating pancreatic cancer(PC)was explored by network pharmacology technology and platform.Methods:The traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform(TCMSP)was used to collect the effective compounds and potential targets of C.pilosula,and the genes associated with PC were obtained through the GeneCards database,the interaction genes between the effective compound targets of C.pilosula and PC targets were explored by the Venny method.The following mapping the interaction genes into a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network,and the key targets were screened.Finally,the interactive genes were imported into the DAVID database for gene ontology(GO)annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)signal enrichment.Results:Twenty-one effective compounds and 98 downstream target genes of C.pilosula were screened through the TCMSP database.A total of 1,278 PC target genes were obtained through the GeneCards database,and the number of overlap genes between C.pilosula targets and PC related genes was 54,of which 10 were key node genes,namely CASP3,TP53,MDM2,AKT1,ESR1,BCL2L1,MCL1,HSP90AA1,CASP9,and CCND.These interactive genes involved a total of 30 typical GO terms and 20 KEGG signals.Conclusion:C.pilosula may play a role in treating PC through multi-component,multi-target,and multi-signal pathways.

In vitro Propagation of Codonopsis pilosula"Fengdang"

[Objectives]The paper was to establish in vitro propagation of an excellent germplasm of Codonopsis pilosula"Fengdang".[Methods]The effects of different plant growth regulators on callus induction and redifferentiation were tested by using sterile stem explants in vitro that germinated from seeds of superior"Fengdang"plant.[Results]The optimum medium for callus induction was MS+0.5 mg/L NAA+1.0 mg/L 16-BA.The optimal medium for bud differentiation was MS+0.1 mg/L NAA+0.5 mg/L 6-BA,and that for rooting was 1/2 MS+0.2 mg/L NAA+0.2 mg/L IBA.By using the media mentioned above,the rates of callus induction,bud differentiation and rooting reached 91%,100%and 97%,respectively.[Conclusions]The rapid propagation system of regenerated plants in vitro established in this study lays a foundation for the popularization and industrialized seedling of excellent germplasm of"Fengdang".

Effects of Different Seedling Grades on Yield and Commercial Quality of Codonopsis pilosula

[Objectives] This study was conducted to further explore the yield increasing potential of Codonopsis pilosula, and to seek seedlings suitable for efficient production of C. pilosula. [Methods] The effects of C. pilosula seedlings of different sizes on root yield and commercial quality under different cultivation densities were studied. [Results] The fourth-grade seedlings had the least input, the highest yield of 6 948 kg/hm^2, the largest output-to-input ratio at 18.3, the highest root weight proportion of the second-grade product at 58.1%, and the lowest root weight proportion of the first-grade product at 17.6%. Considering the yield, quality and economic benefits comprehensively, the treatment of the fourth-grade seedlings(seedling diameter≤4 mm) is the best choice, and the suitable plant spacing is 8 cm×22 cm. [Conclusions] The study provided a reference basis for the cost saving and efficiency improvement of C. pilosula production.

An inulin-type fructan CP-A from Codonopsis pilosula attenuates experimental colitis in mice by promoting autophagy-mediated inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome

Inulin-type fructan CP-A,a predominant polysaccharide in Codonopsis pilosula,demonstrates regulatory effects on immune activity and anti-inflammation.The efficacy of CP-A in treating ulcerative colitis(UC)is,however,not well-established.This study employed an in vitro lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced colonic epithelial cell model(NCM460)and an in vivo dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis mouse model to explore CP-A’s protective effects against experimental colitis and its underlying mechanisms.We monitored the clinical symptoms in mice using various parameters:body weight,disease activity index(DAI),colon length,spleen weight,and histopathological scores.Additionally,molecular markers were assessed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),immunofluorescence(IF),immunohistochemistry(IHC),and Western blotting assays.Results showed that CP-A significantly reduced reactive oxygen species(ROS),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),and interleukins(IL-6,IL-1β,IL-18)in LPS-induced cells while increasing IL-4 and IL-10 levels and enhancing the expression of Claudin-1,ZO-1,and occludin proteins in NCM460 cells.Correspondingly,in vivo findings revealed that CPA administration markedly improved DAI,reduced colon shortening,and decreased the production of myeloperoxidase(MPO),malondialdehyde(MDA),ROS,IL-1β,IL-18,and NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome-associated genes/proteins in UC mice.CP-A treatment also elevated glutathione(GSH)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels,stimulated autophagy(LC3B,P62,Beclin-1,and ATG5),and reinforced Claudin-1 and ZO-1 expression,thereby aiding in intestinal epithelial barrier repair in colitis mice.Notably,the inhibition of autophagy via chloroquine(CQ)diminished CP-A’s protective impact against colitis in vivo.These findings elucidate that CP-A’s therapeutic effect on experimental colitis possibly involves mitigating intestinal inflammation through autophagymediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation.Consequently,inulin-type fructan CP-A emerges as a promising drug candidate for UC treatment.

Therapeutic potential of alkaloid extract from Codonopsis Radix in alleviating hepatic lipid accumulation: insights into mitochondrial energy metabolism and endoplasmic reticulum stress regulation in NAFLD mice

Alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring bioactive compounds that are widely distributed in various food sources and Traditional Chinese Medicine.This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of alkaloid extract from Codonopsis Radix(ACR)in ameliorating hepatic lipid accumulation in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)induced by a high-fat diet(HFD).The results revealed that ACR treatment effectively mitigated the abnormal weight gain and hepatic injury associated with HFD.Furthermore,ACR ameliorated the dysregulated lipid metabolism in NAFLD mice,as evidenced by reductions in serum triglyceride,total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein levels,accompanied by a concomitant increase in the high-density lipoprotein level.ACR treatment also demonstrated a profound anti-oxidative effect,effectively alleviating HFD-induced oxidative stress and promoting ATP production.These effects were achieved through the up-regulation of the activities of mitochondrial electron transfer chain complexes Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅳ,and Ⅴ,in addition to the activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway,suggesting that ACR exhibits therapeutic potential in alleviating the HFD-induced dysregulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism.Moreover,ACR administration mitigated HFD-induced endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress and suppressed the overexpression of ubiquitin-specific protease 14(USP14)in NAFLD mice.In summary,the present study provides compelling evidence supporting the hepatoprotective role of ACR in alleviating lipid deposition in NAFLD by improving energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress and ER stress.These findings warrant further investigation and merit the development of ACR as a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD.

Quantitative and HPLC fingerprint analysis combined with chemometrics for quality evaluation of Codonopsis Radix processed with different methods

Objective: To observe the effect of different processing methods on the quality of Codonopsis Radix and provide data reference for the reasonable processing in the producing areas.Methods: An analytical strategy that combined quantitative and HPLC fingerprint analysis with chemometrics was developed for the quality evaluation of Codonopsis Radix. Lobetyolin, polysaccharide, sucrose,glucose, and fructose were detected simultaneously in Codonopsis Radix samples treated with different processing methods including dryer-drying, sun-drying, shade-drying, sulfur fumigation, and kneading,etc.Results: The results showed that different processing methods had an obvious impact on the quality of Codonopsis Radix. Sun-drying or shade-drying was recommended, and sulfur fumigation should be avoided. And dryer-drying at 40 °C-50 °C was suggested to meet the requirement for large scale processing. In addition, based on the content of polysaccharide, glucose, and fructose, it was advised to knead for three times. As for lobetyolin and sucrose, kneading should be avoided.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that processing method had a big impact on the quality of Codonopsis Radix. Based on the results, the appropriate processing methods directed at different requirements were recommended. The study could lay a foundation for the reasonable processing of Codonopsis Radix in producing areas.

Sesquiterpene glycosides from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula

Three new sesquiterpene glycosides,named codonopsesquilosides A C(1 3),were isolated from an aqueous extract of the dried roots of Codonopsis pilosula.Their structures including absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods.These glycosides are categorized as C_(15) carotenoid(1),gymnomitrane(2),and eudesmane(3)types of sesquiterpenoids,respectively.Compound 1 is the first diglycoside of C_(15) carotenoids to be reported.Compound 2 represents the second reported example of gymnomitrane-type sesquiterpenoids from higher plants.The absolute configurations were supported by comparison of the experimental circular dichroism(CD)spectra with the calculated electronic CD(ECD)spectra of 13,their aglycones,and model compounds based on quantummechanical time-dependent density functional theory.The influences of the glycosyls on the calculated ECD spectra of the glycosidic sesquiterpenoids,as well as some nomenclature and descriptive problems with gymnomitrane-type sesquiterpenoids are discussed.

Acetylenes and fatty acids from Codonopsis pilosula

Four new acetylenes (1-4) and one new unsaturated to-hydroxy fatty acid (5), together with known analogues, were isolated from an aqueous extract of Codonopsis pilosula roots. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. The new acetylenes are categorized as an unusual cyclotetradecatrienynone (1), tetradocenynetriol (2), and rare octenynoic acids (3 and 4), respectively, and 3 and 4 are possibly derived from oxidative metabolic degradation of 1 and/or 2. The absolute configuration of I. was assigned by comparison of the experimental circular dichroism (Cl)) spectrum with the calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of stereoisomers based on the quantum-mechanical time-dependent density functional theory, while the configuration of 2 was assigned by using modified Mosher's method based on the MPA determination rule of AoRs values for diols. (C) 2015 Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier By.