以4-叔丁基环己醇为内标物定量分析茶叶的香气成分

以4-叔丁基环己醇为内标物,采用顶空固相微萃取结合气相色谱—质谱(GC-MS)技术对武夷岩茶‘肉桂’的香气物质进行定性和定量分析.结果表明,内标物的色谱峰未干扰样品色谱峰,内标物重复试验的相对标准偏差为6.50%,方法稳定性良好.对‘肉桂’的主要香气成分2-戊基呋喃、对伞花烃、糠醛、芳樟醇、水杨酸甲酯和戊酸进行的定量分析表明,这些成分标准曲线的相关系数R~2均接近1.0,回收率为91.8%~109.5%,所建立的方法具有良好的准确度.与归一化法相比,以4-叔丁基环己醇为内标物能更准确地反映茶叶香气物质的含量,可作为评价茶叶香气质量的方法.

Determination of Plasma Concentration of Cinnamic Acid by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Its Pharmacokinetics in Rats after Oral Administration of Zi-Shen Pill

Aim To develop a simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographicmethod for determination of plasma concentration of cinnamic acid and pharmacokinetic study in ratsafter a single oral dose of traditional Chinese medicinal preparation Zi-Shen pill. Method Plasmasamples were acidified with hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate . Cinnamic acid wasdetermined by HPLC using a G_(18) column. A mobile phase ofmethanbl-acetonitrile-water-triethyl-amine (7:22:73 = 0.2, V/V), with the pH adjusted to 4.0 withphosphoric acid, and with a UV detector set at 340 nm. Results The standard curve was linear overthe range of 1.92- 192.0 μg·mL^(-1). The LLOQ was 1.92 μg·mL^(-1) . The RSDs of within-day andbetween-day precision were < 8%. The mean recovery was 82.0% . Conclusion After validation, themethpd has been used to investigate the pharmacokinetic profiles of the traditional Chinesemedicinal preparation Zi-Shen pill.

Comparison and Quality Assessment of Cassia Bark (Cortex Cinnamomi) by Thin Layer Chromatography

Aim To differentiate the genuine cassia bark from its substitutes and adulterants. Methods Six components, phenylpropyl acetate, cinnamyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, coumarin, and cinnamic acid were used as characteristic markers, and an optimized TLC method was developed. Results The TLC profile of cassia bark is similar to its closely related variety Cinnamomum cassia Presl var. macrophyllum Chu but significantly different from other six Cinnamomum species. High content of phenylpropyl acet...

HPLC Determination of Harpagoside and Cinnamic Acid in Radix Scrophulariae

A gradient HPLC method was established for the determination of harpagoside and cinnamic acid in Radix Scrophulariae (Xuanshen) and a proposition was put forward for the lowest content of the characteristic and active constituent (harpagoside) for qualified Radix Scrophulariae. The experimental conditions were as follows: Ultrasphere ODS column (250 mm 4.6 mm, 5 mm), mobile phase: acetonitrile-water (containing 1.0% acetic acid) (20:8050:50) (20 min), flow-rate 1 mLmin-1, room temperature, detection wavelength 278 nm. Twenty-eight samples of Xuan-shen (Radix Scrophulariae) from different districts of China were analyzed and the contents of harpagoside and cinnamic acid in Xuan-shen were 0.041~0.244% and 0.012~0.068% respectively. The recoveries (RSD)% were 97.13(0.80)% for harpagoside and 99.38(0.51)% for cinnamic acid. The method is simple and accurate. It can be used for the quality control of Radix Scrophulariae. We propose that the content of harpagoside in qualified Radix Scrophularia should be no less than 0.05%.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of Two Wheat cDNAs Encoding Cinnamoyl-CoA Reductase

Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR) is responsible for the first committed reaction in monolignol biosynthesis, which diverts phenylpropanoid-derived metabolites into the biosynthesis of lignin. To gain a better understanding of the lion biosynthesis in wheat development, two cDNAs encoding CCR were identified from wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. H4564). DNA sequence analyses indicated that the two cDNAs represent two classes of CCR. RT-PCR and Northern blot hybridization demonstrated that one of them, W-cr6, was expressed actively in stem and leaf tissue, the other one, W-cr19, was expressed in root and stem tissue. The results suggested that there are at least two genes encoded for CCR existing in wheat genome.

Cloning and Bioinformatic Analysis of Cinnamoyl-CoA Reductase Gene (CCR) from Pennisetum purpureum

[Objective] The aim was to clone the cDNA and DNA sequences of the CCR （Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase） gene which involves in lignin biosynthesis, from Pennisetum purpureum, and to make comprehensive analysis on these sequences. [Method] CCR sequences were cloned from P. purpureum by using conventional RT-PCR and RACE （Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends） methods; and the bioinformatic analyses of the CCR were conducted by means of NCBI, ProtParam ProtScale, TMHMM, TargetP, SignalP, Pfam20.0, Prosite, Swiss-Model, ClustalW2, DNAman, DNAstar and MEGA5. [Result] The cloned PpCCR （P. purpureum CCR） cDNA sequence was 1 316 bp, including a 1 110 bp ORF and 206 bp 3’-UTR. The cloned DNA sequence from PpCCR was 6 133 bp in full-length, containing five exons and four introns. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PpCCR encoded a polypeptide of 369 amino acids, the secondary structure of which was primarily composed of random coil and α-helix, belonging to NAD-dependent epimerase/dehydratase family, and its co-factor binding sites and substrate binding sites were highly conserved. [Conclusion] DNA and cDNA sequences of CCR gene were obtained from P. purpureum, which had the typical characteristics of other homologous genes. The obtained bioinformatic data provided theoretical references for the further analysis of CCR and better application of P. purpureum in the future.

Chemoselective Transfer Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde over Activated Charcoal Supported Pt/Fe3O4 Catalyst

A variety of spherical and structured activated charcoal supported Pt/Fe3O4 composites with an average particle size of ~100 nm have been synthesized by a self-assembly method using the difference of reduction potential between Pt （Ⅳ） and Fe （Ⅱ） precursors as driving force. The formed Fe3O4 nanoparticles （NPs） effectively prevent the aggregation of Pt nanocrystallites and promote the dispersion of Pt NPs on the surface of catalyst, which will be favorable for the exposure of Pt active sites for high-efficient adsorption and contact of substrate and hydrogen donor. The electron-enrichment state of Pt NPs donated by Fe304 nanocrystallites is corroborated by XPS measurement, which is responsible for promoting and activating the terminal C=O bond of adsorbed substrate via a vertical configuration. The experimental results show that the activated charcoal supported Pt/Fe3O4 catalyst exhibits 94.8% selectivity towards cinnamyl alcohol by the transfer hydrogenation of einnamaldehyde with Pt loading of 2.46% under the optimum conditions of 120 ℃ for 6 h, and 2-propanol as a hydrogen donor. Additionally, the present study demonstrates that a high-efficient and recyclable catalyst can be rapidly separated from the mixture due to its natural magnetism upon the application of magnetic field.

Efficient oxidation of cinnamon oil to natural benzaldehyde over β-cyclodextrin-functionalized MWCNTs

We have designed and prepared β-cyclodextrin （β-CD）-functionalized multi-walled nanotubes （MWCNTs-g-CD） for the oxidation of cinnamon oil to natural benzaldehyde under aqueous condi- tions. The synergistic effect of combining MWCNTs with β-CD led to a remarkable increase in the performance of the MWCNTs-g-CD for the catalytic oxidation of cinnamaldehyde, which exhibited 95% cinnamaldehyde conversion and 85% selectivity to natural benzaldehyde with a short reaction time of 10 rain. The MWCNTs-g-CD also exhibited outstanding recyclability with good stability, showing no discernible decrease in their catalytic activity over five reaction cycles.

Germination Characteristics and Secondary Metabolism Regulation of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Seeds under Different Light Intensities

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the primary and secondary metabolisms during the germination of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi seeds under different light intensities. [Method] The activities of CHL, soluble sugar, PAL, C4H and CHS were determined with ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The secondary metabolites were detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography （HPLC）. [Result] The results indicate that the germination of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi seeds is not sensitive to light and the seedlings were very sensitive to light. The CHL, soluble sugar, PAL, C4H and CHS continuously increased with light intensity. The content of secondary metabolites also increased. [Conclusion] Light increased the formation of leaf photosynthetic pigment, thereby affecting the primary metabolites. The activities of PAL, C4H and CHS significantly increased with the development of light intensity. Finally the secondary metabolites of medicinal plants increased sharply. Therefore, the quality of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi materials can be improved by increasing the light intensity moderately.

Germination Characteristics and Secondary Metabolism Regulation of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Seeds under Different Temperatures

[Objective] To study the germination characteristics and secondary metabolism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi seeds under different temperatures.[Method]The activities of superoxide dismutase（SOD）and peroxidase（POD）were determined with lactoflavine-NBT method and guaiacol-colorimetry assay,respectively.The catalase（CAT）,ascorbate peroxidase（APX）,phenylalanine ammonia-lyase（PAL）and cinnamic acid 4-Hydroxylase（C4H）were determined with ultraviolet spectrophotometry.The secondary metabolites were detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography（HPLC）.[Result]The germination percentage,germination potentiality and germination index were seriously affected by low or high temperature.The proper germination temperature was 20-25 ℃.The activities of SOD,POD and CAT were significantly decreased as comparison to suitable temperature.The activities of PAL and C4H were also significantly decreased as comparision to suitable temperature which was accordance to the secondary metabolites.There was a positive correlation between the flavonoids content and the PAL and C4H activity（r=0.956,r=0.951,P0.05）.[Conclusion]The quality of the skullcaps could be improved by improving the activity of PAL and C4H.The proper temperature for the seed germination and the formation of secondary metabolites was 20 ℃.

Changes of Primary and Secondary Metabolism during the Seed Germination of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

[Objective] To investigate the primary and secondary metabolism during the seed germination of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. [Method] The activities of SOD and POD were determined with lactoflavine-NBT method and guaiacol-colorimetry as- say, respectively. The activities of CAT, APX,PAL and C4H were determined with ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The contents of secondary metabolites were detected by High-performance Liquid Chromatography （HPLC）. [Result] The results indicate that the soluble sugar content decreased during the first 5 days and then increased when the cotyledons formed. The contents of PAL, C4H and CHS continuously in- creased at different stages during the seed germination process. The secondary metabolites also showed the consistent variation trend. In addition, the contents of secondary metabolites had significant positive correlation with the key enzyme activi- ty. [Conclusion] The formation of secondary metabolites is significantly positively cor- related with the key enzyme during the seed germination process. Therefore, the key enzyme activity can be enhanced by adopting appropriate measures to improve the secondary metabolites, thereby obtaining high-quality medicinal materials.

Effects of N-(3',4',5'-Trimethoxycinnamoyl) ortho-Aminobenzoic Acid on Antigen-induced Contraction of Guinea-pig Ileum and the Degranulation of and Histamine Release from Mast Cells

N-(3′,4′,5′-Trimethoxycinnamoyl)ortho-aminobenzoic acid(TOA),at the concentration of 80μg/ml,significantly inhibited the antigen-induced contraction of ileum isolated from the actively sensitized guinea-pig.At the concentrations of 25 and 50μg/ml, TOA inhibited homocytotropic antibody-mediated degranulation of mast cells in the rat mesentery,and also inhibited anaphylactic histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells.

Germination Characteristics and Secondary Metabolism Regulation of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi under Different Illumination Time

This study aimed to investigate the primary and secondary metabolism of Scutel aria baicalensis Georgi during seed germination process under different il umination time. [Method] Chlorophyl （CHL） content, soluble sugar content, phenylalanine ammonia lyase （PAL） activity and cinnamate-4-hydroxylase （C4H） ac-tivity were determined with ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The secondary metabolites were detected by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. [Result] The re-sults indicated that the germination of S. baicalensis seeds was not sensitive to light and the seedlings were very sensitive to light. CHL content, soluble sugar content, PAL activity and C4H activity increased continuously with the il umination time. The secondary metabolites showed a similar trend. [Conclusion] Il umination time promoted the formation of leaf photosynthetic pigments, thereby affecting the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites and the activities of PAL and C4H. Therefore, the quality of S. baicalensis can be improved by regulating the il umina-tion time appropriately.

Photoreaction Behaviors of Two Liquid Crystalline Cinnamoyl Compounds with Different Phase in Solution and Mesomorphic States

A novel nelnatic liquid crystal compound containing a cinnamoyl moiety （PCPC） and a typically cholesteric liquid crystal cholesteryl cinnamate （CC） were synthesized to explore the mechanism ofcinnamoyl compounds, and the chemical structures of photodimerization were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectral analysis. The photoreaction behaviors of these two cinnamoyl compounds in mesomorphic state and solution were investigated, UV-Vis spectral analysis was used to analyze the photoproduct. The results show that the photochemistry of PCPC in nematic state involves both photodimerization and photoisomerization, while CC shows a complex reaction which can be divided into three parts, and this has enabled us to present new data and interpretations regarding the [2＋2] photocycloaddition reaction. Additionally, the results of UV-Vis spectral analysis in solutions strongly suggest that UV-Vis spectral analysis can be used to study the kinetic behaviors of cinnamoyl moiety photoreaction.

Lewis base-assisted Lewis acid-catalyzed selective alkene formation via alcohol dehydration and synthesis of 2-cinnamyl-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds from 2-aryl-3,4-dihydropyrans

Acid-catalyzed dehydration of alcohols has been widely employed for the synthesis of alkenes. However, activated alcohols when employed as substrates in dehydration reactions are often pla-gued by the lack of alkene selectivity. In this work, the reaction system can be significantly improved through enhancing the performance of Lewis acid catalysts in the dehydration of activated alcohols by combining with a Lewis base. Observations of the reaction mechanism revealed that the Lewis base component might have changed the reaction rate order. Although both the principal and side reaction rates decreased, the effect was markedly more observed on the latter reaction. Therefore, the selectivity of the dehydration reaction was improved. On the basis of this observation, a new route to synthesize 2-cinnamyl-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds was developed by using 2-aryl-3,4- di-hydropyran as a starting substrate in the presence of a Lewis acid/Lewis base combined catalyst system.

Confinement effect of carbon nanotubes on the product distribution of selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde

The catalytic activity of metal catalysts can be modulated by confinement within the channels of carbon nanotubes(CNTs).Here,we show that the product distribution of cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation can be modified by confinement of Ru nanoparticles in CNTs.A catalyst composed of Ru nanoparticles dispersed on the exterior walls of CNTs gave hydrocinnamaldehyde as product.In contrast,confinement of the Ru nanoparticles within CNT channels facilitated hydrogenation of C=O bonds and complete hydrogenation,and both cinnamyl alcohol and hydrocinnamyl alcohol formed in addition to hydrocinnamaldehyde.High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy,Raman spectroscopy,hydrogen temperature‐programmed reduction,and hydrogen temperature‐programmed desorption were used to investigate the characteristics of the catalysts.The results indicate that the different interactions between the confined Ru nanoparticles and the exterior and interior walls of the CNTs,as well as spatial restriction and enrichment within the narrow channels likely play important roles in modulation of the product distribution.

Cinnamon extract suppresses experimental colitis through modulation of antigen-presenting cells

AIM:To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon extract and elucidate its mechanisms for targeting the function of antigen presenting cells.METHODS:Cinnamon extract was used to treat murine macrophage cell line(Raw 264.7),mouse primary antigen-presenting cells(APCs,MHCII+) and CD11c+dendritic cells to analyze the effects of cinnamon extract on APC function.The mechanisms of action of cinnamon extract on APCs were investigated by analyzing cytokine production,and expression of MHC antigens and co-stimulatory molecules by quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometry.In addition,the effect of cinnamon extract on antigen presentation capacity and APC-dependent T-cell differentiation were analyzed by [H3]-thymidine incorporation and cytokine analysis,respectively.To confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon extract in vivo,cinnamon or PBS was orally administered to mice for 20 d followed by induction of experimental colitis with 2,4,6 trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid.The protective effects of cinnamon extract against experimental colitis were measured by checking clinical symptoms,histological analysis and cytokine expression prof iles in inflamed tissue.RESULTS:Treatment with cinnamon extract inhibited maturation of MHCII+ APCs or CD11c+ dendritic cells(DCs) by suppressing expression of co-stimulatory molecules(B7.1,B7.2,ICOS-L),MHCII and cyclooxygenase(COX)-2.Cinnamon extract induced regulatory DCs(rDCs) that produce low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,IL-12,interferon(IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α] while expressing high levels of immunoregulatory cytokines(IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β).In addition,rDCs generated by cinnamon extract inhibited APC-dependent T-cell proliferation,and converted CD4+ T cells into IL-10high CD4+ T cells.Furthermore,oral administration of cinnamon extract inhibited development and progression of intestinal colitis by inhibiting expression of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-1β,IFN-γ and TNF-α),while enhancing IL-10 levels.CONCLUSION:Our study suggests the potential of cinnamon extract as an anti-inflammatory agent by targeting the generation of regulatory APCs and IL-10+ regulatory T cells.

Layered double hydroxide-like Mg_3Al_(1–x)Fe_x materials as supports for Ir catalysts: Promotional effects of Fe doping in selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde

Supported Ir catalysts were prepared using layered double hydrotalcite‐like materials,such as Mg3Al1-xFex,containing Fe and Al species in varying amounts as supports.These Ir catalysts were applied for the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde(CAL).When x was changed from 0(Ir/Mg3Al)to 1(Ir/Mg3Fe),the rate of CAL hydrogenation reached a maximum at approximately x=0.25,while the selectivity to unsaturated alcohol,i.e.,cinnamyl alcohol,monotonously increased from 44.9%to 80.3%.Meanwhile,the size of the supported Ir particles did not change significantly with x,remaining at 1.7-0.2 nm,as determined by transmission electron microscopy.The chemical state of Ir and Fe species in the Ir/Mg3Al1-xFex catalysts was examined by temperature programmed reduction by H2 and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.The surface of the supported Ir particles was also examined through the in‐situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier‐transform of a probe molecule of CO.On the basis of these characterization results,the effects of Fe doping to Mg3Al on the structural and catalytic properties of Ir particles in selective CAL hydrogenation were discussed.The significant factors are the electron transfer from Fe2+in the Mg3Al1–xFex support to the dispersed Ir particles and the surface geometry.

Surface titanium oxide loaded on a special alumina as high-performance catalyst for reduction of cinnamaldehyde by isopropanol

A nanocomposite catalyst with a nonstoichiometric titanium oxide loaded on a special nanotubular alumina(γ‐Al2O3‐nt)was developed and used to reduce cinnamaldehyde to cinnamyl alcohol with sacrificial isopropanol,i.e.,a Meerwein‐Ponndorf‐Verley type reaction.The deposition process produced a highly disperse layer of titanium oxide on the surface of aγ‐Al2O3‐nt support.After a reduction treatment,the as‐prepared TiOx/γ‐Al2O3‐nt was a highly efficient catalyst for the hydrogen transfer reaction between isopropanol and cinnamaldehyde.Selectivity for cinnamic alcohol was higher than99%and the conversion of cinnamaldehyde was higher than95%.The regular morphology of theγ‐Al2O3‐nt support with homogeneous surface sites and the uniformly dispersed titanium oxide featured a high concentration surface Ti(III)species.These factors contributed to the high performance of the TiOx/γ‐Al2O3‐nt catalyst.

Dietary copper triggers onset of fulminant hepatitis in the Long-Evans cinnamon rat model

AIM： To investigate the impact of dietary copper given at different time points on the onset of fulminant hepatitis. METHODS： The Long-Evans cinnamon （LEC） rat mod- el of Wilson＇s disease （WD） was used to study the im- pact of high dietary copper （hCu） on the induction of fulminant hepatitis at early or late time points of life. High Cu diet was started in rat pups or in adults （month 5） for three months. Animals that received reduced di- etary copper （rCu） throughout their lifetime served as a control. Hepatitis-associated serum markers （alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, bilirubin） were analyzed in animal groups receiving hCu or rCu. Liver copper content and liver histology were revealed at sacrifice. A set of 5 marker genes previously found to be affected in injured liver and which are related to angiogenesis （Vegfa）, fat metabolism （Srebf1）, ex- tracellular matrix （Timp1）, oxidative stress （Hmox1）, and the cell cycle （Cdknla） were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS： Regardless of the time point when hCu was started, LEC rats （35/36） developed fulminant hepati- tis and died. Animals receiving rCu （36/36） remained healthy, did not develop hepatitis, and survived long term without symptoms of overt disease, although liver copper accumulated in adult animals （477 ± 75 μg/g）. With regard to start of hCu, onset of fulminant hepatitis was significantly （P 〈 0.001） earlier in adults （35±9 d） that showed pre-accumulation of liver copper as com- pared to the pup group （77±15 d）. Hepatitis-associ- ated serum markers, liver copper and liver histology, as well as gene expression, were affected in LEC rats re- ceiving hCu. However, except for early and rapid onset of hepatitis, biochemical and molecular markers were similar at the early and late time points of disease. CONCLUSION： Rapid onset of fulminant hepatitis in asymptomatic LEC rats with elevated liver copper sug- gests that there is a critical threshold of liver copper which is important to trigger the course of WD.