基于Radix-4 Booth编码的并行乘法器设计

速度和面积是评价乘法器单元性能优劣的两个基本指标。针对当前乘法器设计难以平衡版图面积和传输延时的问题,采用Radix-4 Booth算法,设计了一种新型的16位有符号定点乘法器。在部分积生成过程中,首先改进对乘数的取补码电路,然后优化基数为4的改进Booth编码器和解码器,此结构采用较少的逻辑门资源,并且易对输入比特进行并行化处理。在Wallace压缩电路中,对符号扩展位进行预处理并设计新的压缩器结构,优化整个Wallace压缩模块。在第二级压缩过程中提前对高位使用纹波进位加法器结构计算,减小了多bit伪和的求和位数。在求和电路中,使用两级超前进位加法器结构,在缩短关键路径传输延时的同时避免增大芯片面积,提高了乘法器的运行速度。新型定点乘法器与已有的乘法器结构相比,减少了12.0%的面积,降低了20.5%的延时。

Analysis of principal isoflavone glycosides and aglycones in Radix astragali

Two major isoflavone glycosides [calycosin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside （1） and ononin （2）] and their aglycones [calycosin （3） and formononetin （4）] were simultaneously quantified with HPLC/DAD method. Two unknown compounds were identified as calycosin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-6＇＂-O-malonate （U1） and formononetin 7-O-β-D-glucopymnoside-6＇＂-O-malonate （U2）, respectively, with LC/MS^n. Raw Radix astragli were shown to have higher contents of isoflavone glycosides （1, 2）, but lower contents of aglycones （3, 4） than the processed herbal materials. After being moistened with water and stored up for 24 h at 35 ℃, the glycosides and their m_alonates were almost completely transformed to their corresponding aglycones. The different contents of the isoflavone glycosides and their aglycones in raw and processed Radix astragali materials might be due to enzymolysis of the glycosides during processing.

Molecular mechanism of Radix astragali on improvement of insulin sensitivity of SD rats treated with low dose dexamethasone

Aim To reveal the main active components and the action mechanisms of Radix astragali on insulin sensitivity improvement, we have investigated the effects of polysaccharide portion and saponin portion of Radix astragali extracts on blood biochemical indices and related gene expression of dexamethasone-induced SD rats. Methods SD rats （6 per group） received 2 μg/day subcutaneous dexamethasone for 4 weeks plus same dose （10 g material/kg） of polysaccharide or saponin extracts of Radix astragali. Blood samples, kidney tissues and epididymal fat pads were taken at the end of the experiment. Serum triglyceride （TG）, total cholesterol （TC）, low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDLC）, high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDLC）, glucose （GLU） and insulin （INS） levels were measured, respectively, mRNA levels of angiotensinogen in kidney, adiponectin and leptin as well as TNF-α in epididymal fats were determined by RT-PCR assay using GAPDH gene as an internal control. Results Both of polysaccharide and saponin extracts of Radix astragali exhibited positive effects in reducing serum triglycerides, glucose, and insulin levels of dexamethasone-induced SD rats. The saponin group showed more improvements on quantitive insulin sensitivity check index （QUICKI） than the polysaccharide group did. Both of the extracts down-regulated kidney angiotensinogen and fat TNF-α mRNA levels while they were simultaneously up-regulating fat adiponectin and leptin mRNA levels. No significant difference was found between actions of the two extracts. Conclusion Both of polysaccharide and saponin extracts of Radix astragali can improve insulin sensitivity. This action might be closely related to down-regulation of angiotensinogen, TNF-α and up-regulation of adiponectin and leptin expression. The results partly explained the improvement of type Ⅱ diabetes and diabetic nephropathy by Radix astragali. The similar actions of the two crude extracts suggest that unknown key active compounds might exist in both and remain to be discovered.

Protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs of rats with obstructive jaundice and its mechanism

AIM: To observe the protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs (lymph nodes, spleen and thymus) of rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ) and its mechanism. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model control group and Radix Astragali treatment group. On days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after operation, mortality rate of rats, pathological changes in immune organs, expression levels of Bax and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 proteins, apoptosis indexes and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level in spleen and thymus were observed, respectively.RESULTS: Compared to model control group, the number of dead OJ rats in Radix Astragali treatment group decreased (P > 0.05). The TNF-α level (27.62 ± 12.61 vs 29.55 ± 18.02, 24.61 ± 9.09 vs 31.52 ± 10.95) on days 7 and 21, the pathological severity score for spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (2.0) on days 7 and 14 and for lymph nodes [0.0 (1.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 1.0 (0.0) vs 2.0 (1.0)] on days 21 and 28, the product staining intensity and positive rate of Bax protein in spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5) and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5)] on days 14 and 28, the apoptotic indexes [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01)] in spleen and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01) on days 14 and 21 were significantly lower in Radix Astragali treatment group than in model control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radix Astragali has protective effects on immune organs of OJ rats by relieving the pathological changes in immune organs, reducing TNF-α level and inhibiting Bax expression and apoptosis in spleen and thymus.

Protective Effects of Radix Astragali against Anoxic Damages to in vitro Cultured Neurons

To study the protective effects of radix astragali against anoxic damages to in vitro cultured neurons in rats, NaCN was used to develop a hypoxic model of in vitro cultured neurons from newborn rat cerebral cortex. The cellular morphology, A value (cell survival number) and effluxes of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and K+ from cells were measured in the radix astragali group and the control group respectively. After 48 h of anoxia, A value was decreased from 0. 325± 0. 031 before anoxia to 0. 145± 0. 011, the effluxes of LDH and K+ were increased from 65. 80± 2. 90 U/L and 5. 23 ± 0. 11mmol/L before anoxia to 148. 80± 8. 40 U/L and 7. 31 ± 0. 18 mmol/L, respectively. It was found that in the anoxic circumstance in the Radix astragali group, the mophological changes were mild, the effluxes of LDH and K+ were decreased and A value increased as compared with those in the control group. It was suggested that Radix astragali could protect the cultured rat neurons against anoxic damages in the anoxic circumstance.

Radix Astragali-induced differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND： Chemical induction has been shown to be effective at promoting the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs）. However, these inductors have cytotoxicity side effects that may damage cells over time. Traditional Chinese medicines avoid this disadvantage while still producing effective induction. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the influence of RadixAstragafi （Huangql） on the differentiation of MSCs. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： In vitro study of traditional Chinese medicine in neural stem cell differentiation. The experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of Hebei North University between April and June 2007. MATERIALS： Radix Astragafi solution （lot No. 060105; license No. Z53021585） was purchased from Dali Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., China; rabbit anti-rat nestin, rabbit anti-rat neuron-specific enolase （NSE）, mouse anti-rat microtubule-associated protein 2, and rabbit anti-rat glial fibrillary acidic protein were purchased from Wuhan Boster, China. METHODS： Whole bone marrow was isolated from the femur and tibia of 6-week-old male Wistar rats and subcultured. The fourth passage of MSCs were harvested and induced by different concentrations （50, 100, 200, 400 g/L） of Radix Astragali. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe MSC morphology after 24 hours of induction. Immunocytochemistry was employed to observe the expression of NSE （specific neuronal marker）, nestin （marker of neural stem cell）, glial fibrillary acidic protein and microtubule-associated protein 2 （markers of astrocytes）. RESULTS： Following Radix Astragali treatment, changes occurred in cell morphology including： cell body pyknosis; thin and long processes formed in some cells, with growth corresponding to drug concentration and induction time; and the formation of network-like connections between some cells. With increasing drug concentration and induction time, nestin expression was upregulated, and the number of positive cells increased; cells produced NSE, glial fibrillary acidic protein and microtubule-associated protein 2; nestin was expressed earlier than glial fibrillary acidic protein and microtubule-associated protein 2 expression. In addition, the number of NSE-positive cells was increased significantly more than glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells. CONCLUSION： Radix Astragafi promoted process formation in stem cells. It may induce the differentiation of MSCs into neural stem cells, and subsequently into neuronal- and glial-like cells. Radix Astragafi exhibits stronger inductive effect on neuronal differentiation than glial differentiation of MSCs.

Predicting the grades of Astragali radix using mass spectrometrybased metabolomics and machine learning

Astragali radix(AR,the dried root of Astragalus)is a popular herbal remedy in both China and the United States.The commercially available AR is commonly classified into premium graded(PG)and ungraded(UG)ones only according to the appearance.To uncover novel sensitive and specific markers for AR grading,we took the integrated mass spectrometry-based untargeted and targeted metabolomics approaches to characterize chemical features of PG and UG samples in a discovery set(n=16 batches).A series of five differential compounds were screened out by univariate statistical analysis,including arginine,calycosin,ononin,formononetin,and astragalosideⅣ,most of which were observed to be accumulated in PG samples except for astragalosideⅣ.Then,we performed machine learning on the quantification data of five compounds and constructed a logistic regression prediction model.Finally,the external validation in an independent validation set of AR(n=20 batches)verified that the five compounds,as well as the model,had strong capability to distinguish the two grades of AR,with the prediction accuracy>90%.Our findings present a panel of meaningful candidate markers that would significantly catalyze the innovation in AR grading.

Simultaneous separation and determination of four main isoflavonoids in Astragali Radix by an isocratic LC/ESI-MS method

A simple, reliable and rapid isocratic liquid chromatography(LC)-mass spectrometric detection(MS) coupled with electrospray ionization(ESI) method for simultaneous separation and determination of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, ononin, calycosin and formonometin in Astragali Radix was developed. After the samples were extracted with ethanol, the optimum separation conditions for these analytes were achieved using water and acetonitrile(70:30, v/v) containing 0.2%(v/v) acetic acid as a mobile phase and a 2.0 mm×150 mm Hypersil-Keystone C18 column. Selective ion monitoring(SIM) mode and [M+H]+ ions at m/z 447, 431, 285 and 269 were used for quantitative analysis of four main active components above mentioned. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.4-175.0 μg/mL for calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, 0.2-146.0 μg/m L for ononin, 0.4-210.0 μg/mL for calycosin and 0.5-217.0 μg/mL for formonetion, respectively. The limits of quantification(LOQ) and detection(LOD) were 0.4 μg/mL and 0.08 μg/m L for calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, 0.2 μg/mL and 0.06 μg/m L for ononin, 0.4 μg/mL and 0.1 μg/mL for calycosin, 0.5 μg/m L and 0.1 μg/m L formonetion, respectively. The standard recoveries were in the range of 96.5%-104.7%. The developed method has successfully been used for the determination of four main flavonoids in Astragali Radix from various sources and can be used for identification, differentiation and quality evaluation of Astragali Radix.

Analysis on Genetic Diversity of Radix Astragali by ISSR Markers

Radix Astragali has been an important traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over 2000 years. It is derived from two plant species, namely, Astragalus mongholicus [Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao] and Astragalus membranaceus [Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.] (Leguminosae ), according to the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. In this study, the genetic diversity and genetic relationships of Radix Astragali in China were analyzed by Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 25 highly polymorphic ISSR primers were selected to amplify 95 Radix Astragali samples. Among 273 DNA bands amplified, 213 are polymorphic (percentage of polymorphic bands: 78%). The average value of the amplified bands was 10.9 for each primer, and the number varied from 4 to 20. The genetic diversity of the 95 Radix Astragali samples was analyzed by using POPGENE 1.32 software. The Nei’s genetic diversity index (h) and Shannon’s information index (I ) were 0.3590 and 0.5308, respectively, which indicated the abundant genetic diversity of Radix Astragali . The level of genetic diversity in A. membranaceus (h: 0.3109, I : 0.4657) was slightly lower than that in A. mongholicus (h: 0.3364, I : 0.4969). Considering the average genetic similarity coefficient by NTSYS analysis to cluster the A. membranaceus of nine habitats and A. mongholicus of five habitats, Radix Astragali samples were clustered into two groups according to place of origin. This clustering is different from traditional clustering, which divides groups according to species. Results obtained from this study will provide a theoretical basis for the molecular study on germplasm resources of Radix Astragali .

Transcriptome Analysis of Gene in Mouse M-1 Cells Revealing the Functional Mechanism of Astragali Radix Extract

Astragali Radix (AR), the dried root of legumes, belongs to the Qi-invigorating herbs in traditional Chinese medicine and plays an important role in the treatment of many diseases. In order to understand the mechanism of action of AR extract. We used AR extract to treat M-1, mouse kidney cells, and used transcriptome sequencing technology to detect the genomic transcription level of the cells under the action of AR at different concentrations and times. The results showed that after a low concentration of AR treatments on the cells, the expression of genes related to cell growth and cellular immune response changed significantly, among which multiple genes are related to mitochondrial function, while high concentrations of AR affected the expression of histones and disease-related genes. It showed that the low concentration of AR extract can achieve the effect of invigorating Qi by regulating the function of mitochondria. In addition, several important genes and pathways were identified as potential targets of AR activation. The research not only clarified the main molecular biological mechanism of AR invigorating Qi, but also provided experimental basis and cellular physiology reference for the further clinical application of AR.

A Preliminary Study in the Effect of <i>Astragali radix</i>, a Qi-Invigorating Herb, on Mitochondria: Insights at Cellular Level and Mouse Tissues Level

Objectives: To explore the effects of Qi-invigorating herbs on mitochondrial function using cultured cells and animal organs. Methods: Using water extracts of Astragali radix, we investigated the effect of “Qi-invigoration” on M-1 renal cells and mouse organs in-vitro including total adenylate production (TAP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). We also examined the effect on antioxidant capacity by conducting an analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Results: 1) Astragali radix increased mitochondrial TAP generation and decreased ROS levels in both mouse kidney tissues and M-1 renal cells. 2) Astragali radix also significantly increased MMP and GSH levels in M-1 cells, but in the kidney tissue, there was no significant change in MMP levels and a decrease in GSH levels. 3) Astragali radix stimulated TAP levels in the heart, spleen, lung, kidney and skeletal muscle tissue, which was accompanied by the reduction of ROS. 4) For the meridian organs that Astragali radix belongs to, the energy production and antioxidant capacity were boosted simultaneously. Conclusions: These results provide new insights for the biochemical basis of Qi-invigoration and the meridian tropism theory for this Qi-invigorating herb.

Study on mechanism of Radix astragali-Lithospermum erythrorhizon in treatment of diabetic ulcer based on network pharmacology

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Radix Astragali-Lithospermum Erythrorhizon on the treatment of diabetic ulcer through the method of network pharmacology.Methods:This study included 32 compounds and 81 key targets.100 GO functional items and 116 KEGG signal pathways were obtained by enrichment analysis.Quercetin,kaempferol,isorhamnetin,mononetin,sitosterol,ivy sapogenin and other components of astragalus-purple herb play a key role in the targets of interleukin-6,cystatin 3,vascular endothelial growth factor,epidermal growth factor receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 in diabetic ulcer,and are mainly concentrated in AGE-RAGE,TNF and other signal pathways.Results:There were 32 compounds and 81 key targets.100 GO functional items and 116 KEGG signal pathways were obtained by enrichment analysis.Quercetin,kaempferol,isorhamnetin,mononetin,sitosterol,ivy sapogenin and other components of astragalus-purple herb play a key role in the targets of interleukin-6,cystatin 3,vascular endothelial growth factor,epidermal growth factor receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 in diabetic ulcer,and are mainly concentrated in AGE-RAGE,TNF and other signal pathways.Conclusion:Radix Astragali-Lithospermum Erythrorhizon may play the role of inhibiting inflammation,anti-apoptosis,promoting cell proliferation,angiogenesis and immune regulation through multi-components and multitargets,and play a role in the treatment of diabetic ulcer.

Analysis of the mechanism of Radix Astragali-Radix Pseudostellariae in the treatment of chronic heart failure based on network pharmacology

Objective:To explore and analyze the effective component,target and mechanism of action of Radix Astragali-Radix Pseudostellariae in the treatment of chronic heart failure(CHF)by network pharmacological research methods.Methods:With the help of TCMSP database,the effective chemical constituents and targets of Radix Astragali-Radix Pseudostellariae were screened out,and CHF-related proteins were obtained by Gene Cards and OMIM database.The target protein interaction network(PPI)was constructed on the String database platform,and using DAVID database to conduct the GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on the target of the obtained astragalus-pseudostellariae for the treatment of CHF.Results:Radix Astragali-Radix Pseudostellariae were selected as 28 effective chemical components and 104 therapeutic targets for CHF.There were obtained 49 GO functional annotations and 86 KEGG signaling pathways.Conclusion:Radix Astragali-Radix Pseudostellariae can treat CHF through multi-target and multi-pathway.

Study on mechanism and molecular docking verification of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix in treating ischemic stroke

Background:Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been shown to be effective in treating ischemic stroke(IS),and the combination of Angelicae Sinensis Radix(ASR)and Astragali Radix(AR)is a core TCM prescription that is widely acknowledged for its efficacy in IS treatment.This study utilized network pharmacology methods to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix in IS treatment,with preliminary validation conducted through molecular docking.Methods:Information on the structure,targets,main biological functions,and pathways of the active components in Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix was collected using databases such as PubChem,PharmMapper,UniProt,and GeneCards.The results were visualized using software such as Cytoscape 3.6.1,Ledock,and pymol.Results:We retrieved 20 active components and 149 targets associated with the compatibility of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix from various databases,and GeneCards database was used to search 3350 IS-related gene targets,including 78 key targets of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix for the treatment of IS.Enrichment analysis of these 78 targets using gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)revealed the involvement of 48 GO terms in the treatment of IS,mainly in biological processes such as metabolism,biological regulation,and stress response.The composition of biological devices such as supercavitary membrane,cell fluid,and extracellular space was also involved.The biological functions mainly included protein binding,ion binding,hydrolytic enzyme activity,and others.The identified pathways were estrogen signaling pathway,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway,PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,RAP1 signaling pathway,P53 signaling pathway,PPAR signaling pathway,FOXO signaling pathway,RAS signaling pathway,prolactin signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,and TNF signaling pathway.Molecular docking analysis showed that the 17 key active components of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix had strong binding activity with 13 IS key targets.Conclusion:Through the application of network pharmacology methods,it was found that the use of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix for treating ischemic stroke mainly targets the MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways,involving several crucial compounds and genes.Nevertheless,additional in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to verify these findings.

Potential mechanism of Astragali radix-Angelicae sinensis radix in the treatment of spinal cord injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Objective:Using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to explore the possible mechanism of Huangqi(Astragali radix)-Danggui(Angelicae sinensis radix)on the treatment of spinal cord injury.Methods:The active components and the targets related to Astragali radix-Angelicae sinensis radix were screened out on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database.Genes of spinal cord injury were searched by Genecards and the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases.The intersection targets between herbs and diseases were obtained through online Venn diagrams.A components-targets-pathways network was established on Cytoscape 3.8.1 software.The STRING database was used to construct the intersection protein interaction network and screen out core targets.Gene Ontology biological processes and enrichment analysis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genes of intersection proteins were performed via DAVID database.Finally,the molecular docking with key components and core targets were performed in AutoDock software.Results:The 22 chemical components including quercetin,kaempferol were collected from Astragali radix-Angelicae sinensis radix.It acts on 110 targets,and interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor,mitogen-activated protein kinase,tumor antigen p53 were considered as the major targets.50 pathways like Interleukin-17 signaling pathway,tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway participate in biological processes such as positive transcription regulation and lipopolysacchanide response.The molecular docking revealed that the core targets had stronger binding activity with its corresponding active components.Conclusion:Astragali radix-Angelicae sinensis radix has the characteristics of multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway effects in treating spinal cord injury.Its potential mechanism may be related to preventing inflammation,improving microcirculation,inhibiting neuronal apoptosis,protecting damaged nerve cells and promoting nerve repair and regeneration.

Therapeutic effects of Astragali Radix on diabetic foot:a clinical randomized controlled trial

Objective:This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Astragalus on diabetic foot,as well as the effects on the levels of serum VEGF,bFGF,MMP-2,and inflammatory factors in patients,and to provide a scientific basis for the treatment of diabetic foot with the traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus.Methods:By taking 100 cases of diabetic foot patients who were admitted to the metabolic internal medicine division of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and met the criteria of natriuresis during April 2021-April 2023 as the study subjects,and according to the random number method,all patients were divided into the control group and the observation group,with 50 cases in each group.In the control group,only basic treatment was carried out,while in the observation group,Astragalus injection was added based on the control group.After 8 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy,serum VEGF,bFGF,MMP-2,and inflammatory factor levels of the patients in the two groups were compared,respectively.Results:The total clinical efficiency of patients in the observation group was significantly better than that in the control group(χ^(2)=5.01,P<0.05).The inflammatory factor indexes decreased substantially in both groups.However,the decrease in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,serum VEGF and bFGF were considerably higher in the observation group,while MMP-2 was significantly lower(P<0.05).Conclusion:Astragali Radix is clinically effective in the diabetic foot,which can induce vascular endothelial repair and reduce the level of inflammatory factors,to improve the inflammatory state of patients and promote the restoration of ulcerated wound tissue,which is worth promoting in clinical practice.

Understanding the Use of Radix Astragali Seu Hedysari in the Treatment of Edema Due to Renal Diseases

Radix Astragali seu Hedysari is warm in nature and slightly sweet in taste.It belongs to the lung,spleen,and kidney meridians.It passes through a waterway,dredges the triple energizer,and has a significant effect on edema due to renal diseases.Ancient doctors believed that Radix Astragali seu Hedysari is excellent in tonifying the middle,supplementing Qi,and dredging through the triple energizer.In modem times,many doctors have found that whether it is used as a single drug or in combination with other drugs,it is widely used in clinical practice and has a good effect in inducing diuresis.

Enhanced identification and localization of metabolites in Scutellariae Radix using ion mobility enabled MALDI-Q-TOF/MS imaging

Unraveling the distribution of metabolites in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)provides direct indications for understanding their regulatory and functional basis,which is of paramount significance for better utilization and quality control of medicinal plants[1].Recently,imaging techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy,Raman spectroscopy,and mass spectrometry(MS)were explored to reveal the spatial context of component accumulation and localization[2,3].

Effects of Radix Puerariae, Radix Rehmanniae and Their Compatibility on Blood Glucose and Blood Lipids in Mice

[Objectives]To explore the effects of the compatibility of Radix Puerariae and Radix Rehmanniae on blood glucose and blood lipids in diabetic mouses.[Methods]Diabetic mouse model was established.The body weight and fasting blood glucose of mice were measured after 7 and 14 d of administration,and the biochemical indicators of blood lipids(TC,HDL-C,and LDL-C)were detected after 14 d of administration.[Results]Compared with the Radix Puerariae group and Radix Rehmanniae group,the compatibility group(1:2)had the best hypoglycemic effect(P<0.05),and TC and LDL-C in the compatibility group(2:1)significantly decreased(P<0.05),while HDL-C in the compatibility group(1:1)significantly increased(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Radix Puerariae,Radix Rehmanniae and their combination can reduce the blood glucose of diabetic mice.The compatibility group(1:2)had a significant hypoglycemic effect(P<0.05),and LDL-C in the compatibility group(2:1)significantly declined,while HDL-C in the compatibility group(1:1)rose significantly.

Puerariae Radix protects against ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a common inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has long been used in Asia as a treatment for UC and Puerariae Radix(PR)is a reliable anti-diarrheal therapy.The aims of this study were to investigate the protective effect of PR using the dextran sulfate sodium salt(DSS)-induced UC model in mice and identify molecular mechanisms of PR action.The chemical constituents of PR via ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and identified potential PR and UC targets using a network pharmacology(NP)approach were obtained to guide mouse experiments.A total of 180 peaks were identified from PR including 48 flavonoids,46 organic acids,14 amino acids,8 phenols,8 carbohydrates,7 alkaloids,6 coumarins and 43 other constituents.NP results showed that caspase-1 was the most dysregulated of the core genes associated with UC.A PR dose of 0.136 mg/g administered to DSS treated mice reversed weight loss and decreased colon lengths found in UC mice.PR also alleviated intestinal mucosal shedding,inflammatory cell infiltration and mucin loss.PR treatment suppressed upregulation of NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteases-1(caspase-1),apoptosis-associated speck-like(ASC)and gasdermin D(GSDMD)at both the protein and m RNA expression levels.The addition of a small molecule dual-specificity phosphatase inhibitor NSC 95397 inhibited the positive effects of PR.These results indicated that PR exerts a protective effect on DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mice.