Research Progress on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effect of Semen Cuscutae

In this paper,by summarizing the literature in recent years,it is considered that the chemical constituents of S.cuscutae are mainly flavonoids.The main pharmacological effects include improving osteoporosis,improving ovarian function,improving drug-induced reproductive toxicity,regulating spermatogenic cell apoptosis,resisting liver fibrosis,resisting inflammation,improving cardiovascular function,protecting fetus,protecting synapses and so on.By summarizing the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of S.cuscutae,this study aims to better study the mechanism of anti-osteoporosis based on the fact that S.cuscutae has the function of tonifying liver and kidney.

Identification and determination of (+)-sesamin in Semen Cuscutae by capillary GC and GC-MS

(+)-Sesamin was found in Semen Cuscutae for the first time. A rapid and simple approach for the analysis of(+)-sesamin in different sources of Semen Cuscutae is proposed, which used GC-FID for the determination of(+)-sesamin and CC-MS for its identification. The result suggested that this approach could be used to identify Semen Cuscutae from various sources based on the different content of(+)-sesamin in them.

A Textual Research on Materia Medica of Origin of Orthonym and Synonym of Cuscutae Semen

A textual research on materia medica of origin of orthonym and synonym of Cuscutae Semen and synonym of Nu Luo was conducted in this study,and the trade name,regional synonym and nickname of Cuscutae Semen were reviewed.The records of orthonym and synonym of Cuscutae Semen in the past dynasties,and the first published literature and writing date of orthodox and synonym were summarized.The textual research showed that Nu Luo and Cuscutae Semen were not the same plant,which had positive significance for the identification of the origin and modern application of Cuscutae Semen.

Effects of flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae on the reproductive system in male rats

Aim: To evaluate the effects of the flavonoids extracted from the Semen Cuscutae (FSC) on the reproductive and en-docrine functions in male rats. Methods: (1) FSC were obtained from the semen of Cuscuta sinensis Lam throughsolvent extraction and polyamide columnar chromatography; (2) Effect of FSC on the reproductive organs was assessedin immature rats. Rats were administered FSC through gastric gavage at a dose of 300 mg/kg per day for 7 days and theweights of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and pituitary gland were then observed; (3) To observe the effect of FSCon the reproductive endocrine function: same dose level of FSC was given to male rats of different age groups for 7days; on day 8, the plasma testosterone (T), estradiol (E_2) and LH were determined by RIA, the specific binding ofLH was estimated and the testes were weighed. (4) Effect of FSC on LH secretion was assessed in vitro on culturedadenohypophysis. (5) Effect of FSC on T secretion was assessed in vitro on Leydig cell culture. Results: FSC in-creased the weights of testis, epididymis and pituitary gland, and stimulated T and LH secretion both in vitro and inimmature rats. Conclusion: FSC invigorates the reproductive system and reproductive endocrine function in male rats.

Authenticity Survey of Cuscutae Semen on Markets Using DNA Barcoding

Objective Using authentic raw herbal materials is fundamental to herbal medicine quality. Cuscuta chinensis and C. australis are two important species of Cuscutae Semen recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Due to having tiny bodies of seeds, it is extremely difficult to differentiate them from adulterants and closely related species by morphologic characteristics, leading to serious safety problems. Methods In this study, we developed a fast and efficient method to identify Cuscutae Semen on the market. First, a total of 207 ITS2 sequences representing 45 related species of Cuscutae Semen were collected to construct a standard DNA barcode database, then 33 commercial samples purchased from markets were analyzed by BLAST, and Neighbor-joining tree was used to verify the efficacy of the database. Results The percentage of counterfeits and adulterants in the 33 commercial samples were up to 69.7%, and only 10 commercial products were found to be genuine. The adulterated species included 11 species （Amaranthus hybridus, Brassica carinata, Brassica juncea var. megarrhiza, Chenopodium album, Corispermum heptapotamicum, Cuscuta alata, Cuscuta japonica, Cuscuta monogyna, Foeniculum vulgare, Glycine max, and Medicago sativa）. Conclusion DNA barcoding is a fast and efficient method to identify Cuscutae Semen on the market.

Large-scale interplant exchange of macromolecules between soybean and dodder under nutrient stresses

Parasitic plants and their hosts communicate through haustorial connections.Nutrient deficiency is a common stress for plants,yet little is known about whether and how host plants and parasites communicate during adaptation to such nutrient stresses.In this study,we used transcriptomics and proteomics to analyze how soybean(Glycine max)and its parasitizing dodder(Cuscuta australis)respond to nitrate and phosphate deficiency(-N and-P).After-N and-P treatment,the soybean and dodder plants exhibited substantial changes of transcriptome and proteome,although soybean plants showed very few transcriptional responses to-P and dodder did not show any transcriptional changes to either-N or-P.Importantly,large-scale interplant transport of mRNAs and proteins was detected.Although the mobile mRNAs only comprised at most 0.2%of the transcriptomes,the foreign mobile proteins could reach 6.8%of the total proteins,suggesting that proteins may be the major forms of interplant communications.Furthermore,the interplant mobility of macromolecules was specifically affected by the nutrient regimes and the transport of these macromolecules was very likely independently regulated.This study provides new insight into the communication between host plants and parasites under stress conditions.

Research progress on the application of the main components of Cuscuta sinensis in the urogenital system

Cuscuta sinensis is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in traditional medicine,known for its liver and kidney tonifying effects,sperm fixing and urine reduction properties,fetus calming abilities,eye brightening qualities,and diarrhea stopping capabilities.Modern pharmacological studies have focused on its chemical components such as flavonoids,polysaccharides,alkaloids,steroids,and other bioactive compounds.These studies have revealed its various pharmacological effects,including hormone secretion regulation,ovulation promotion,sperm protection,testicular development promotion,and sperm formation.It is extensively utilized in the treatment of urological and reproductive system diseases,such as male sexual dysfunction,polycystic ovary syndrome,premature ovarian failure,weak spermatozoa,and infertility.This article provides a review of recent advancements in the application of Cuscuta sinensis in the genitourinary system,aiming to enhance the clinical application of Cuscuta sinensis preparations.

苦楝树皮提取物和菟丝特混合处理对菟丝子生长及其主要生理指标的影响

研究苦楝树(Melia azedarach)皮乙醇提取物和菟丝特的混合药剂对日本菟丝子(Cuscuta japonica)生长及其主要生理指标的影响。结果表明,低浓度的混合药剂对菟丝子无明显伤害作用,但高浓度的混合药剂处理30 d后菟丝子藤茎大面积萎蔫枯死。高浓度混合药剂处理下日本菟丝子可溶性糖和丙二醛含量升高,可溶性蛋白含量降低。在高浓度(40 g/L)苦楝树皮乙醇提取物处理下,日本菟丝子超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性随着菟丝特浓度的升高呈现出先升高后降低的趋势。在高浓度(14 mg/L)菟丝特处理下,日本菟丝子POD和CAT活性也随着苦楝树皮乙醇提取物浓度的升高呈现出先升高后降低的趋势。表明高浓度混合药剂通过影响菟丝子体内蛋白质等生物大分子的代谢、破坏菟丝子体内保护酶系统的平衡对菟丝子发挥防治作用。

寄生杂草的适应性

寄生杂草是指一类部分失去或完全失去自养能力的杂草。它们必须依靠寄主才能生长、发育。这类杂草主要隶属于旋花科、玄参科、列当科、檞寄生科、樟科和檀香科等的某些种类。全世界有数百种、我国也有几十种。最常见的寄生杂草有菟丝子(Cuscuta sp.)、列当(Orobanche sp.)、无根藤(Gassytha sp.)、独脚金(Striga sp.)等。它们分布广泛,分别严重危害大豆、向日葵、高粱、甘蔗、水稻、葱、杞柳、洋槐等经济植物,是一类特殊类型的恶性杂草。寄生杂草是在自然界生物进化过程中,自然选择的产物。

五角菟丝子

五角菟丝子 Cuscuta pentagonaEngelmann 是我国3种对外检疫杂草之一,英文名称为 field dodder,属旋花科Convolvulaceae,菟丝子属 Cuscuta,线茎亚属 Grammica Engelmann,闭果线茎组(拟)Cleistogrammica Engelmann。形态特征一年生寄生草本。茎缠绕,淡黄至橙黄色。

兰州发现为害菊花的南方菟丝子

我院60年代前以繁育小麦、蔬菜、果树为主,兼种些豆类。50年代末发现菟丝子(Cuscuta sp.)为害豌豆。60年代以来豌豆地改种果树后再未发现其为害过任何作物。1988年我们在兼管全院植物检疫中,发现从外地移栽到我院的白菊花上有南方菟丝子 Cuscuta australis R.Br.的为害,虽为初发,也使10余株菊花生长低矮,不能开花,其中3株早死。

南方菟丝子寄生对加拿大一枝黄花生长及其黄酮含量的影响

为探讨南方菟丝子(Cuscuta australis)寄生对野外加拿大一枝黄花(Solidago canadensis)的影响及响应,以野外加拿大一枝黄花为研究对象,研究南方菟丝子寄生对加拿大一枝黄花生长、生物量分配及黄酮含量的影响。结果表明,寄生极显著降低加拿大一枝黄花株高、基茎、主根长度和直径、各器官的生物量以及总生物量(P<0.01);寄生使加拿大一枝黄花将更多的资源投入到根和叶,可以获取更多的水分和养分以及积累更多的有机物质;极显著提高茎、叶的黄酮含量(P<0.01),极显著降低根的黄酮含量(P<0.01)。南方菟丝子寄生对加拿大一枝黄花的生长有极显著的抑制作用,是一种防治加拿大一枝黄花的有效生物方法。

Ex vivo relaxation effect of Cuscuta chinensis extract on rabbit corpus cavernosum

The effect of Cuscuta chinensis extract on the rabbit penile corpus cavernosum （PCC） was evaluated in the present study. Penises obtained from healthy male New Zealand white rabbits （2.5-3.0 kg） were precontracted with phenylephrine （Phe, 10 pmol I^-1） and then treated with various concentrations of Cuscuta chinensis extract （1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg ml^-1）. The change in penile tension was recorded, and cyclic nucleotides in the PCC were measured by radioimmunoassay （RIA）. The interaction between Cuscuta chinensis and sildenafil was also evaluated. The result indicated that the PCC relaxation induced by Cuscuta chinensis extract was concentration-dependent. Pre-treatment with an nitric oxide synthase （NOS） inhibitor （No〉 nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester, L-NAME）, a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor （1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-l-one, ODQ）, or a protein kinase A inhibitor （KT 5720） did not completely inhibit the relaxation. Incubation of penile cavernous tissue with the Cuscuta chinensis extract significantly increased cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP） and cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP） in the PCC. Moreover, the Cuscuta chinensis extract significantly enhanced sildenafil-induced PCC relaxation. In conclusion, the Cuscuta chinensis extract exerts a relaxing effect on penile cavernous tissue in part by activating the NO-cGMP pathway, and it may improve erectile dysfunction （ED）, which does not completely respond to sildenafil citrate.

Finger Printing and Quantitative Analysis of <i>Cuscuta chinensis</i>Flavonoid Contents from Different Hosts by RP-HPLC

Background: Cuscuta spp. known as dodders, have been used as traditional medicines in eastern and southern Asian countries for many disorders such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrine, skin and neurological diseases (Drug of mania). Flavonoids are the main biologically active constituents in Cuscuta genus especially in C. chinensis. Our aim in this study was to identify and discriminate between C. chinensis samples which were collected from different hosts, by using the pattern recognition aided fingerprint analysis and comparison of the content of four major flavonoids (hyperoside, rutin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol). Material and methods: Samples were collected from nine different plants in the same time and place, dried, grinded and extracted with methanol (80%) by repeated maceration. Extractions were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography analysis and fingerprinting. Results: Beside chromatographic fingerprint using similarity index, we compared the content of 4 major flavonoids (hyperoside, rutin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol) of C. chinensis samples on different hosts. Coclusion: The results showed that there were significant differences between the content of four major flavonoids of nine C. chinensis samples, but chromatographic fingerprint by similarity index of more than 0.88, showed that the sample consistency was similar. So, it was suggested that combination of chromatographic fingerprint and the content determination of major flavonoids could be used to evaluate the quality control of C. chinensis from different hosts.

Inter-species mRNA transfer among green peach aphids,dodder parasites,and cucumber host plants

mRNAs are transported within a plant through phloem.Aphids are phloem feeders and dodders(Cuscuta spp.)are parasites which establish phloem connections with host plants.When aphids feed on dodders,whether there is trafficking of mRNAs among aphids,dodders,and host plants and if aphid feeding a匚fects the mRNA transfer between dodders and hosts are unclear.We constructed a green peach aphid(GPA,Myzus persicae)-dodder(Cuscuta austra/is)-cucumber(Cucumis sativus)tritrophic system by infesting GPAs on C.australis,which parasitized cucumber hosts.We found that GPA feeding activated defense-related phytohormonal and transcriptomic responses in both C.australis and cucumbers and large numbers of mRNAs were found to be transferred between C.australis and cucumbers and between C.australis and GPAs;importantly,GPA feeding on C.australis greatly altered inter-species mobile mRNA profiles.Furthermore,three cucumber mRNAs and three GPA mRNAs could be respectively detected in GPAs and cucumbers.Moreover,our statistical analysis indicated that mRNAs with high abundances and long transcript lengths are likely to be mobile.This study reveals the existence of inter-species and even inter-kingdom mRNA movement among insects,parasitic plants,and parasite hosts,and suggests complex regulation of mRNA trafficking.

Study of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. in Nuhuang Fuzheng Oral Liquid by Thin Layer Chromatography

[Objectives] To better control the quality of Nuhuang Fuzheng Oral Liquid and study the main component Cuscuta chinensis Lam.by Thin Layer Chromatography. [Methods] Through changing the treatment methods of the test sample solution,proportion of the developing solvent and sample application volume,taking the spot resolution,definition,and Rf value,optimal Thin Layer Chromatography conditions were screened for Cuscuta chinensis Lam. [Results] After the test sample solution passing the neutral alumina column,it was extracted two times using the ethyl acetate. Methanol was added to dissolve. Benzene-ethyl acetate-formic acid( 5∶5∶2.5) was used as developing solvent.And ammonia fumigation was carried out to develop color. In the thin layer chromatograph obtained through these conditions,Nuhuang Fuzheng Oral Liquid test sample solution showed the same stripe in the same position of the control drug chromatogram and there was no obvious tailing phenomenon and the spot was clear. [Conclusions] The thin layer chromatography identification conditions can be used as the method for quality control of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. in Nuhuang Fuzheng Oral Liquid.

Chemical Constituents from the Whole Plant of Cuscuta reflexa

Two new 2H-pyran-2-one glucosides,cuscutarosides A(1)and B(2),and one new steroidal glucoside,7β-methoxy-β-sitosterol 3-O-β-glucopyranoside(3),together with 12 known compounds(4-15)were isolated from the whole plant of Cuscuta reflexa(Convolvulaceae)collected from Myanmar.The chemical structures of these new compounds were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analysis.The antiobesity activity of these isolates was evaluated using porcine pancreatic lipase(PPL),and the antiplatelet aggregation activity was screened using rabbit platelets induced by thrombin,platelet-activating factor(PAF),arachidonate(AA),or collagen.7β-Methoxy-β-sitosterol 3-O-β-glucopyranoside(3)showed weak PPL inhibitory activity.Cuscutaroside A(1),its acetylated derivative(1a),and scrophenoside B(8)showed weak inhibitory activity against rabbit platelet aggregation induced by collagen.Compound 1a also showed inhibitory activity against rabbit platelet aggregation induced by AA.

田野菟丝子的形态观察及其寄主范围的初步测定

一、引言田野菟丝子 Cuscuta campestris Yunck-er.属旋花科 Convolvulaceae,菟丝子亚科Cuscutoideas Peter,菟丝子属 Cuscutalinn。在世界五大洲均有分布,如日本、英国、美国、南斯拉夫、苏联等。据1981年植物检疫研究报告中报道“1932年Yuncker 记载福州有产;新疆名录也有记载,但是现在国内无标本。”

Effect of Mechanical and Chemical Scarification on Germination of Dodder (Cuscuta campestris Yunck.) Seed

Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of seed treatment on germination of Cuscuta campestris. This may provide the possible ways to overcome the problem of dormancy in Cuscuta campestris. The experiments were conducted in the Laboratory of Crop Production and Horticulture, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria, using mechanical scarification and tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid (H2SO4). For the mechanical scarification the treatments were unscarified, scarified using sandpaper and scarified using gravel arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated four times. For the tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid (H2SO4) scarification, the treatment of control, 9:1, 7:3, 1:1, 4:6, 3:7, 2:8 and 1:9 H2SO4 were laid out in a Split plot design and replicated three times. The mechanical scarification was not significant (P ≤ 0.05), a rapid increase of germination from day 3 to day 9 was observed, and the highest rate of germination percentage (14% - 22%) obtained on day 9. Tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid treatment of 4:6 concentrations significantly gave the highest C. campestris seeds germination percentage (40.07%) compared with the rest of the treatments, while the time of soaking the seeds in the tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid showed that soaking the seeds for 1 minute significantly gave the highest percentage germination (39.98%) of C. campestris compared with the 3 and 5 minutes soaking treatments. It can be concluded that sulphuric acid of 4:6 concentrations treatments has the potentiality to break dormancy of C. campestris seeds.

Effect of the semen extract of Cuscuta chinensis on inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia

AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of the semen extract of Cuscuta chinensis Lam.(Cuscutae Semen; CS) on the production of inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin 2(PGE2), and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglia. METHOD: BV-2 cells were treated with CS extract for 30 min, and then stimulated with LPS or without for 24 h. The levels of NO, PGE2 and proinflammatory cytokines were measured by Griess assay and ELISA. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), and cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 mRNA and protein was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2), Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), and the nuclear expression of nuclear factor(NF)-κB p65 were investigated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: CS extract significantly decreased the production of NO and PGE2 by suppressing the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in activated microglia. CS extract decreased the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by down-regulating their transcription levels. In addition, CS extract suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK, and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in activated microglia. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that CS extract is capable of suppressing the inflammatory response by microglia activation, suggesting that CS extract has potential in the treatment of brain inflammation.