A Brief Analysis of Ranunculaceae Family Resources Based on Yu Tuo Ben Cao

[Objectives]To facilitate the rational use and timely protection of the Tibetan medicinal plant resources to count and reorganize Tibetan medicines recorded in Yu Tuo Ben Cao.[Methods]Based on literature research and data analysis,this paper analyzed the plant genera,and their habitat characteristics and the main types of diseases.[Results]Yu Tuo Ben Cao contains 191 kinds of botanicals,of which Ranunculaceae has the largest number of 11 genera and 25 species,with a wide distribution of habitats and 5 categories,and the main therapeutic efficacy covers 16 fields.[Conclusions]As a part of Yu Tuo Ben Cao,Tibetan medicines of Ranunculaceae have great research value because of their variety,large number,wide distribution,and diverse uses.

Leaf Epidermal Feature in Clematis (Ranunculaceae) with Reference to Its Systematic Significance

For finding valuable systematic characters, leaf epidermis of 77 taxa, representing 12 sections of the genus Clematis and three related genera in the Ranunculaceae, were examined mainly by means of light microscopy (LM), and partially by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was shown that the leaf epidermal cells were usually irregular or polygonal in shape. The patterns of anticlinal walls were straight, arched or undulate. The stomatal apparatus is anomocytic and exists in abaxial epidermis of all species, and in the adaxial epidermis of some species. Under SEM observation, the leaf epidermis was often striated, seldom nearly smooth, and often with flakes attached. Evidence from leaf epidermis serves as a criterion for distinguishing the subsections in sect. Meclatis (Spach) Tamura and in sect. Fruticella Tamura. The results also support that there are several separate evolutionary processes in the genus Clematis .

Norditerpenoid Alkaloids from Delphinium orthocentrum (Ranunculaceae)

Two new norditerpenoid alkaloids, orthocentrine (1) and deacetylswinanine A (2), together with a known alkaloid, swinanine A (3), were isolated from the whole plants of Delphinium orthocentrum Franch. The structures of the new alkaloids (1 and 2) were elucidated as 7,10_dihydroxy_8,14,16_trimethoxy_19,20_didehydro_aconitane (7β,8β,14α,16β) (1) and 20_ethyl_2,3_didehydro_6,10_dihydroxy_7,8_methylenedioxy_1,14,16_trimethoxy_aconitane (1α,6β,14α,16β) (2) by spectroscopic evidence and chemical transformation.

A revision of Clematis sect.Atragene(Ranunculaceae)

Clematis sect. Atragene is revised in this paper based on the examination of a large number of herbarium specimens, extensive field observations, and morphometric analyses. Brief taxonomic history and geographical distribution of the section are given, the relationships among the species are discussed, and the evolutionary trends of some characters in the section are evaluated. The staminodes of the plants in this section may have evolved from the outer stamens with petaloid filaments and gradually disappearing anthers. Subsequently, they may have evolved in two different ways. One possibility is that the staminodes elongate and become lanceolate, as long as sepals, and their apices turn into attenuate. The other is that the staminodes are spathulate, but not elongating, as long as stamens, and their apices turn into retuse from obtuse and rounded. The evolutionary trend of sepals may be from thin to thick in texture, and the veins from non-prominent to prominent. As a result, five new series are established and nine species, two subspecies and nine varieties （including three new ranks） are recognized in this section. An identification key is provided, and each taxon is described and illustrated. Clematis sibirica and Clematis ochotensis are treated as subspecies of Clematis alpina due to their subtle differences and lack of, or few, overlapping distributions. Clematis fusijamana and Clematisfauriei are recognized as varieties of C. alpina ssp. ochotensis for the continuous variation of the velutinous strips on the sepal margins. Clematis iliensis is treated as variety of C. alpina ssp. sibirica for the continuous variation of leaf division types. Extensive variations in sepal color and basal caruncle size support degrading Clematis chiisanensis as a variety of Clematis koreana. The North American ser. Occientales may be primitive, whereas ser. Macropetalae may be the most advanced taxon in this section. Ser. Alpinae and ser. Koreanae are closely related to each other. However, the systematic position of ser. Tomentosae cannot be determined based on morphological characters alone in the present study.

New Spirostanol Sulfonate from the Rhizomes of Helleborus thibetanus(Ranunculaceae)

A new spirostanol sulfonate, spirost-5,25（27）-dien-1β,3β-diol 1-sulfonate（1）, was isolated from the rhizomes of Helleborus thibetanus（Ranunculaceae）, and the structure was identified on the basis of a detailed spectroscopic analyses, including 2D NMR spectrometry, IR and HRESI-MS.

Mining chemodiversity from biodiversity:pharmacophylogeny of medicinal plants of Ranunculaceae

This paper reports a pharmacophylogenetic study of a medicinal plant family,Ranunculaceae,investigating the correlations between their phylogeny,chemical constituents,and pharmaceutical properties.Phytochemical,ethnopharmacological,and pharmacological data were integrated in the context of the systematics and molecular phylogeny of the Ranunculaceae.The chemical components of this family included several representative metabolic groups:benzylisoquinoline alkaloids,ranunculin,triterpenoid saponin,and diterpene alkaloids,among others.Ranunculin and magnoflorine were found to coexist in some genera.The pharmacophylogenetic analysis,integrated with therapeutic information,agreed with the taxonomy proposed previously,in which the family Ranunculaceae was divided into five sub-families:Ranunculoideae,Thalictroideae,Coptidoideae,Hydrastidoideae,and Glaucidioideae.It was plausible to organize the sub-family Ranunculoideae into ten tribes.The chemical constituents and therapeutic efficacy of each taxonomic group were reviewed,revealing the underlying connections between phylogeny,chemical diversity,and clinical use,which should facilitate the conservation and sustainable utilization of the pharmaceutical resources derived from the Ranunculaceae.

Cycloartenol triterpenoid saponins from Cimicifuga simplex(Ranunculaceae) and their biological effects

The constituents of Cimicifuga plants have been extensively investigated, and the principal metabolites are 9,19-cyclolanostane triterpenoid glycosides, which are distributed widely in Cimicifuga plants, but not in other members of the Ranunculaceae family, and are considered to be characteristics of the Cimicifuga genus. This type of triterpenoid glycoside possesses several important biological activities. More than 120 cycloartane triterpene glycosides have been isolated from Cimicifuga simplex Wormsk. The aim of this review article is to summarize all the major findings based on the available scientific literatures on C. simplex, with a focus on the identified 9,19-cyclolanostane triterpenoid glycosides. Biological studies of cycloartane triterpene glycosides from Cimicifuga spp. are also discussed.

Covariance of Floral and Vegetative Traits in Four Species of Ranunculaceae:A Comparison between Specialized and Generalized Pollination Systems

Theory predicts that tighter correlation between floral traits and weaker relationship between floral and vegetative traits more likely occur in specialized flowers than generalized flowers, favoring by precise fit with pollinators. However, traits and trait correlations frequently vary under different environments. Through detecting spatiotemporal variation in phenotypic traits （floral organ size and vegetative size） and trait correlations in four Ranunculaceae species, we examined four predictions. Overall, our results supported these predictions to a certain degree. The mean coefficient of variation （CV） of floral traits in two specialized species （Delphinium kamaonense and Aconitum gymnandrum） was marginally significantly lower than that of another two generalized species （Trollius ranunculoides and Anemone obtusiloba）. The two specialized species also showed marginally significantly smaller CV in floral traits than vegetative size across the two species. The absolute mean correlation between floral and vegetative traits, or that between floral traits in species with specialized flowers was not significantly lower, or higher than that in generalized plants, weakly supporting the predictions. Furthermore, we documented a large variation in trait correlations of four species among different seasons and populations. Study of covariance of floral and vegetative traits will benefit from the contrast of results obtained from generalized and specialized pollination systems.

New Triterpenic Glucoside from Beesia calthaefolia (Maxim.) Ulbr. Native to China

Five compounds (1 - 5) were isolated from the rhizome of Beesia calthaefolia (Maxim.) Ulbr. Based on chemical and spectral evidence, their structures were determined as beesic acid (9-phenyl-2E, 4E, 6E, 8E-nontetraenoic acid, 1), vanillic acid (2), oleanolic acid-3-O-alpha.-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-alpha -L-rhanmopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta -D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta -D-glucopyranosyl ester (3), hederasaponin B (oleanolic acid-3-O-alpha -L-rhanmopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha -L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-alpha -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)beta -D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta -D-glucopyranosyl ester, 4) and beesioside Q (oleanolic acid-3-O-beta -D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha -L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-alpha -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1--> 4)-beta -D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta -D-glucopyranosyl ester, 5), respectively. Compound 1 was isolated from natural sources for the first time and compound 5 was a new compound.

Kiridine, A C18-Diterpene Alkaloid from Aconitum kirinense

Kiridine, a new C18-diterpenoid alkaloid, was isolated from the roots of Aconitum kirinense. Its structure was elucidated by MS, 1D- and 2D- NMR, and mono-crystal X-ray analysis. It is the first norditerpene alkaloid containing a 9,14-methylenedioxy group and the substituent at C-14 is (-configuration.

新疆野生乌头药材生存土壤环境的理化分析

[目的]对野生乌头药材生存土壤环境进行理化分析和元素检测。[方法]利用实地考察采样和物理化学方法、光谱技术检测乌头生存土壤的容重、孔隙度、水分、pH值,以及有机质、碱解氮、速效磷和营养元素的含量。[结果]不同地区乌头生长土壤环境的理化性质差异较小,但是有机质与营养元素含量的差别较大。[结论]乌头类药材对生存环境要求较低,适应能力较强,呈现一定的规律性,试验指标和参数可为该类药材道地适应性、区域区划提供核心数据,并为将来建立乌头药材GAP基地提供科学依据。

Pharmacognostic Research of Thalictrum foeniculaceum

[Objective] The aim was to make pharmacognostic research of Thalictrum foeniculaceum to lay foundation for development of the plant and formulation of re- lated medicinal quality standard. [Method] Based on Thalictrum foeniculaceum plants, morphological characters of the plants, and the paraffin sections and powders of dif- ferent organs were observed with an optical microscope. [Result] Cross-section of roots of Thalictrum foeniculaceum is typical secondary structure of dicotyledon and anticlinal wall of endodermis is curve. What＇s more, vessel type is diversified, in- cluding reticulate vessel, spiral vessel, and bordered pit vessel. In addition, the leaf can be classified into basal leaf and stem leaf, of which the former is ternate vein and bifacial leaf, and the latter is isolateral leaf. The cells in palisade tissue are 2-3 lists and small granules can be found in surface of leaf epidermal cells; pollen grain is round and scattered. [Conclusion] The research laid foundation for development of plant resources and formulation of quality standard for Thalictrum foeniculaceum.

A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa:A miracle herb

Nigella sativa(N.sativa)(Family Ranunculaceae)is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world.It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Tibb,Ayurveda and Siddha.Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food.The seeds of N.saliva have been widely used in the treatment of different diseases and ailments.In Islamic literature,it is considered as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine.It has been recommended for using on regular basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi(Prophetic Medicine).It has been widely used as antihypertensive,liver tonics,diuretics,digestive,anti-diarrheal,appetite stimulant,analgesics,anti-bacterial and in skin disorders.Extensive studies on N.sativa have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which may include antidiabetic,anticancer,immunomodulator,analgesic,antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory,spasmolytic,bronchodilator,hepato-protective,renal protective,gaslro-prolective,antioxidant properties,etc.Due to its miraculous power of healing,N.sativa has got the place among the top ranked evidence based herbal medicines.This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic,properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil.The present review is an effort to provide a detailed survey of the literature on scientific researches of pharmacognostical characteristics,chemical composition and pharmacological activities of the seeds of this plant.

Norditerpenoid Alkaloids from the Roots of Aconitum hemsleyanum Pritz. var. Pengzhouense

In continuation of our studies on Aconitum hemsleyanum Pritz. var. pengzhouense, two new norditerpenoid alkaloids, pengshenines A (1) and B (2), have been isolated from the roots of the plants and their structures were elucidated by 1D- and 2D-NMR.

Two new C18-norditerpenoid alkaloids from Aconitum delavayi

Further phytochemical investigation of the unique C 18-norditerpenoid alkaloids from the roots ofAconitum delavayi Franch led to the isolation of two new norditerpenoid alkaloids, delavaconitine F 1 and delavaconitine G 2. Their structures were determined from spectroscopic evidence.

Diterpenoid alkaloids from a Tibetan medicinal plant Aconitum richardsonianum var. pseudosessiliflorum and their cytotoxic activity

The chemical constituents from Aconitum richardsonianum var.pseudosessiliflorum were investigated.The roots of this plant were extracted three times with 90% EtOH at the room temperature.The ethanol extracts were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield residue,which was suspended in water and successively partitioned with chloroform.The chloroform extraction was isolated and purified by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography.Six compounds were isolated and elucidated as delelatine（1）,isodelpheline（2）,3-acetylaconitine（3）,isoatisine（4）,nordhagenine A（5）and yunaconitine（6）.Compounds 1-5 were obtained from Aconitum Brunneum for the first time.Compound（1）showed significant cytotoxic activities（IC50=4.36 μM）against the human tumor cell line P388.

Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum racemulosum Franch var. pengzhouense

A new diterpenoid alkaloid, racemulodine (1), was isolated from the whole plants of Aconitum racemulosum Franch var. pengzhounense.

New Alkaloids from Aconitum stapfianum

Nineteen alkaloids,including a new C19-diterpenoid alkaloid stapfianine A(1)and a new benzamide derivative stapfianine B(2)were isolated from the roots of Aconitum stapfianum.Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses(IR,HRESIMS,1D and 2D NMR).

Triterpenoid Saponins from Clematis tangutica

Two new triterpenoid saponins, tanguticoside A and B were isolated from aerial part of Clematis tangutica. Their structures were elucidated as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl hederagenin 28 O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosidel and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ranosyl- (1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside2, respectively.

Two New Oleanane Saponins from Anemone anhuiensis

Two new oleanane triterpene saponins, named as anhuienside C (1) and D (2), were isolated from the rhizomes of Anemone anhuiensis (Ranunculaceae). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), respectively.