New diterpenoid glucosides from Siegesbeckia pubescens

Five new diterpenoids isolated from Siegesbeckia pubescens, pubesides A similar toE, were established as ent-2 alpha ,15,16-trihydroxypimar-8(14)-en-2-O-beta -D-glucopyranoside (1), ent-15,16,19-trihydroxypimar-8(14)-en-19-O-beta -D-glucopyranoside (2), beta -D-glucopyranosyl-ent-15,16-dihydroxypimar-8(14)-en-19-oiclate (3), ent-2-oxo-15,16,19-trihydroxypimar-8(14)-en-19-O-beta -D-gluco-pyranoside (4), ent-2-oxo-15,16,19-trihydroxypimar-8(14)-en-19-O-beta -D-glucopyranoside-15,16-acetonide (5) by 1D and 2D NMR techniques.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of hexane extract of Morinda pubescens leaves in human liver cancer cell line

Objective:To evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of hexane extract of Morinda pubescens leaves and to find the primary bioactive compound responsible for antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.Methods:The individual compounds were isolated using column chromatography and were characterized by spectroscopic techniques.The antioxidant activity was evaluated for all individual isolated compounds by DPPH method using L-Ascorbic acid as standard and cytotoxicity was assessed for the extract and the hyoscyamine by MTT assay, caspase test and RT-PCR study.Results:The antioxidant activity of the isolated compounds and the extract increased as the concentration increased.One of the isolated compound hyoscyamine showed the high antioxidant activity.The extract and the hyoscyamine dose-dependently decreased the cell viability in HepG2 cells.Hyoscyamine induced caspase-3 mediated apoptosis. Up regulation of p53 gene expression provides cue for apoptotic activity of hyoscyamine. Conclusions:The results indicate that hexane extract possessed potent antioxidant and cytotoxic activity and hyoscyamine is the principal bioactive compound in hexane extract.

A new lignan derivative from the root of Ilex pubescens

One new compound, ilexlignan A （1）, was isolated from the root of llex pubescens. Its structure was elucidated by the combination of one- and two-dimensional NMR analysis, mass spectrometry, CD spectrum measurement and chemical evidence.

Culm form analysis for bamboo, Phyllostachys pubescens

We investigated the culm form for one of the largest bamboo species, Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel ex Houz. in relation to the me- chanical constraint principles, i.e., elastic, stress and geometric similarity. The fine-resolution analysis of the culm taper indicated that the culm for P. pubescens consisted of three or four segments with various forms, except for the butt swell. This implied that the taper of the whole culm for P. pubescens could be expressed by neither of these principles. The regression slope between culm height and diameter at breast height on the double logarithmic coordinates was 0.629, which was significantly different from the values predicted from these principles. In conclusion, none of these mechanical constraint principles can express the culm taper and height-diameter relationship, and there may be a need for a more complicated model to express the culm form for P. pubescens.

A new angelol-type coumarin glucoside from Angelica pubescens

A new angelol-type coumarin glucoside, 6-[（1R,2R）-1, 2-dihydroxy-3-β-D-glucosyloxy-3-methylbutyl]-7-methoxycoumarin, was isolated from the roots of Angelica pubescens. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis.

Essential Oil from Siegesbeckia pubescens Induces Apoptosis through the Mitochondrial Pathway in Human HepG2 Cells

Siegesbeckia pubescens（SP） has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of and inflammatory diseases. However, the activities of SP against hepatocellular carcinoma and the related mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to examine the effects of the essential oil of SP（SPEO） on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the possible mechanisms. The growth inhibition of Hep G2 cells was analyzed by MTT assay. Hoechst 33258 and fluorescence microscopy were utilized to observe the nuclear morphological changes of apoptotic cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and cell cycle. The expressions of the target proteins were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that SPEO obviously inhibited the proliferation of Hep G2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. SPEO activated a series of apoptotic proteins in Hep G2 cells, increasing expression levels of Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9, and decreasing the bcl-2 expression level. SPEO displayed promising anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activities in vitro, partly by inducing apoptosis in Hep G2 cells through activating the mitochondrial pathway.

Determination of Chlorogenic Acid in Stems of Mussaenda pubescens Ait.f.by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

[Objectives] This study was conducted to establish a method for determination of chlorogenic acid in Mussaenda pubescens Ait.f.[Methods]HPLC used SHISEIDO C_(18) MG Ⅱ column( 5 μm,4.6 mml.D.× 250 mm) as chromatographic column and acetonitrile-0.4% phosphoric acid solution( 9∶91) as mobile phase.The separation was performed at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min and a column temperature of 30 ℃,and the detection wavelength was set at 327 nm.[Results]Chlorogenic acid had a good linear relation in the range of 0.254 7-2.547 5 μg( R2= 0.999 9).The recovery rate was 97.8%,RSD = 1.82%( n = 9).[Conclusions]The content of chlorogenic acid in M.pubescens was determined by ultrasonic extraction and HPLC.The method was simple,stable and reliable and could be used for the quality control of M.pubescens.

TWO NEW COUMARINS FROM ANGELICA PUBESCENS F.BISERRTA

Two new coumarins,4'-hydroxycolumbianetin named angelidiol(A)and 6- [(?)(R),2(S)-3-trihydroxy-3-methylbutyl]-7-methoxycoumarin named angelitriol(B),were isolated from the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the 80% EtOH extract and structurally eluciated on the basis of spectral analyses.

Room temperature pretreatment of pubescens by AlCl_3 aqueous solution

Room temperature(about 16°C)pretreatment of pubescens by Al Cl_3aqueous solution with different concentrations was studied.In the presence of 20 wt%Al Cl_3for pretreatment within 24 h,the degradation of hemicellulose reached 19.5 wt%without obvious degradation of cellulose and lignin(2.7 wt%and2.4 wt%,respectively).The extracted hemicellulose from pubescens could be divided into two parts,i.e.,small molecular weight products(saccharides and carboxylic acid,which occupy approximately 28.2%)and oligomers(approximately 71.8%).Low concentration of AlCl_3(<10 wt%)slightly promoted the formation of oligomers with molecular weight in the range of 200–1000 Da,while high concentration of Al Cl_3(10–20 wt%)promoted the formation of oligomers in the molecular weight range above 20,000 Da.The conversion of hemicellulose with acceptable selectivity resulted in the cleavage of bond between hemicellulose and lignin yielding three classical Lignin-Carbohydrate complexes.

Repression of Polyol Pathway Activity by Hemidesmus indicus var.pubescens R.Br.Linn Root Extract,an Aldose Reductase Inhibitor:An In Silico and Ex Vivo Study

Development of diabetic cataract is mainly associated with the accumulation of sorbitol via the polyol pathway through the action of Aldose reductase(AR).Hence,AR inhibitors are considered as potential agents in the management of diabetic cataract.This study explored the AR inhibition potential of Hemidesmus indicus var.pubescens root extract by in silico and ex vivo methods.Molecular docking studies(Auto Dock tool)betweenβ-sitosterol,hemidesminine,hemidesmin-1,hemidesmin-2,and AR showed thatβ-sitosterol(−10.2 kcal/mol)and hemidesmin-2(−8.07 kcal/mol)had the strongest affinity to AR enzyme.Ex vivo studies were performed by incubating isolated goat lenses in artificial aqueous humor using galactose(55 mM)as cataract inducing agent at room temperature(pH 7.8)for 72 h.After treatment with Vitamin E acetate−100μg/mL(standard)and test extract(500 and 1000μg/mL)separately,the estimation of biochemical markers showed inhibition of lens AR activity and decreased sorbitol levels.Additionally,extract also normalized the levels of antioxidant markers like SOD,CAT,GSH.Our results showed evidence that H.indicus var.pubescens root was able to prevent cataract by prevention of opacification and formation of polyols that underlines its potential as a possible therapeutic agent against diabetic complications.

Construction of Biomass Model of Phylloctachys pubescens Forest in Hunan

To accurately calculate carbon fixation capacity of P.pubescens forest in Hunan Province and promote the balanced and stable development of P.pubescens forestry in Hunan Province,standard sample plot was set in major producing area of P.pubescens in Hunan Province,and biomass of 258 P.pubescens was measured according to DBH and age class.Multivariate regression method was used to establish univariate (DBH as independent variable) and bivariate (DBH and age class as independent variables) models of total aboveground biomass and organ biomass of P.pubescens .Model evaluation and test showed that each model accorded with the applicable precision and had the appropriate prediction level.

A review of the ethnobotanical value,phytochemistry,and pharmacology of Physalis pubescens L.

Physalis pubescens L.(P.pubescens)was widely used for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases,such as sore throat,aphonia,phlegm,heat,and cough in folk medicine.The fruits of P.pubescens are commonly consumed as fruit in many areas of the world.In the past few decades,the phytochemistry and pharmacology of P.pubescens were extensively investigated.About 170 chemical constituents were purified from P.pubescens.The extract and chemical constituents of P.pubescens demonstrate diverse pharmacological effects,including anti-oxidation,anti-inflammation,anticancer,antimicrobial activity,immunomodulation,diuretic effect,hypoglycemic,and hypolipidemic in vitro and in vivo.Herein,we systematically summarized the ethnomedicinal uses,botanical characterization,distribution,phytochemistry,and pharmacology of P.pubescens,and establish the correlation between chemical constituents and pharmacological effects.

Effects of Canopy Closure on Photosynthetic Characteristics of Ilex latifolia Thunb.in Phyllostachys pubescens Forests

Plantation under the forest is a good way of agroforestry,but the canopy closure has a great influence on understory herbs’growth.In the study,different canopy closures of Phyllostachys pubescens forests were set up to explore its influence on the growth of Ilex latifolia Thunb.The photosynthetic characteristics of Ilex latifolia leaves under different canopy closures were determined by Li-6400 portable photosynthetic system.The results showed that the net photosynthetic rate curve of Ilex latifolia leaves of T1(canopy closure of 0.56)was bimodal with an obvious"midday depression"phenomenon,while the net photosynthetic rate curves of T2(canopy closure of 0.72)and T3(canopy closure of 0.86)were unimodal.The results of light response curve showed that the photosynthetically active radiation and transpiration rate reduced with the increasing of canopy closures.The photosynthetically active radiation,transpiration rate,stomatal conductance,and net photosynthetic rate of Ilex latifolia leaves of T2 were higher than those of T3.Although the net photosynthetic rate of T2 was lower than that of T1,it had no obvious photo-inhibition which affected plant growth.Overall,the canopy closure of 0.72 was more suitable for the growth of Ilex latifolia.The herb plantation in the bamboo forest should be considered with the canopy closure for a better growth.

Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil of <i>Aeollanthus pubescens</i>on Multidrug Resistant Strains of <i>Salmonella</i>and <i>Escherichia coli</i>Isolated from Laying Hens Farming in Benin

Infections due to Escherichia coli and Salmonella are of the major constraints for the laying hen’s industry as they cause mortality and serious economic losses. The use of conventional antibiotics to control bacterial has shown limits because it allows multidrug-resistance. The main objective of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of essential oil from Aeollanthus pubescens on multidrug resistant strains of Salmonella and Escherichia coli isolated from laying hens faming in the department of Atlantique in Benin. Altogether, 11 strains of Salmonella and 16 strains of Escherichia coli have been isolated from 101 samples of different organs including liver, spleen, lung, feces and yolk according to standardized methods and their biochemical profile using API 20E gallery. Test of sensitivity was carried out on 11 antibiotics of six different families on identified strains in order to determine their resistance profile. A sensitivity test was carried out on multi-drug resistant strains with Aeollanthus pubescens essential oil to determine their sensitivity with regard to this essential oil. The results showed that the majority of Salmonella strains presented resistance to Tetracyclines (72.7%) and Sulfonamides (63.6%) and all Escherichia coli strains are resistant to Sulfonamides (100%) followed by Tetracycline (93.75%) and Ampicillin (75%). Aeollanthus pubescens essential oil was active on all the multi-drug resistant strains investigated with Minimal inhibitory concentration varying from 0.41 ± 0 mg/ml to 0.83 ± 0 mg/ml for Salmonella and from 0.41 ± 0 mg/ml to 1.66 ± 0 mg/ml for Escherichia coli (P Salmonella and the multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli investigated. Those results provide alternatives to control poultry bacterial pathologies in Republic of Benin. However, disease due to Escherichia coli and Salmonella must be taken more seriously and study on their resistance to antibiotic must be deepened as well.

Nutraceutical Properties and Toxicity Studies of Flour Obtained from Capsicum pubescens Fruits and Its Comparison with“Locoto”Commercial Powder

The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytochemical profiles of flour from red, yellow and green fruits of Capsicum pubescens (commun name: locoto) and compare with “locoto” commercial powder (Lcp). Soluble protein (SP), total sugar (TS), free phenolic compounds (FPC), ascorbic acid (AA), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), condensed and hydrolizable tannin (CT, HT) and carotenoids (C) were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Multielemental composition by ICP-MS was also done. The flour showed low amounts of calories and high potassium and low sodium levels. Flour from “locoto” fruits contained mainly carotenoids (0.82 to 20 g Eβ-C/100g DW), polyphenolic compounds (681 - 822 mg GAE/100g DW) and ascorbic acid (100 - 199 mg AA/100g DW). The polyphenolic profile of Lcp was similar to flour obtained in our laboratory but the level of carotenoid was lower than that of flour. The fiber content of flour was around 3% in all cases. All preparations obtained from flour and Lcp showed antioxidant activity with SC50 values between 1.4 and 3 μg GAE/mL. Inhibitory capacity on Lipo-oxygenase enzyme was also demonstrated. Non mutagenic effect was detected. The “locoto” flour showed nutraceutical characteristics that are demanded by functional food and could be used as a dietary supplement.

Catalytic pyrolysis of Pubescens to phenols over Ni/C catalyst

The pyrolysis of Pubescens over Ni/C catalyst was studied at 350°C in H2 flow.The presence of Ni/C catalyst efficiently improved the degradation of raw materials,and produced bio-oil with high content of phenols but low contents of acetic acid,furfural and water.In the reaction,Ni/C catalyst plays the role of catalytic decomposition and catalytic hydrogenation.The existence of the carbon carrier favors the formation of active Ni in small sizes with more defects,which results in high catalytic activity of Ni in biomass decomposition and selective production of phenols.

Study on Therapeutic Mechanism of Anti-Rheumatism Effect of Siegesbeckia Pubescens

Objective: To explore the mechanism of anti-rheumatic effect of the active fraction of Siegesbeckia pubescens (AFSP). Methods: Adjuvant arthritis (AA) model of rat was produced to observe the effect of AFSP on lymphocyte proliferation, interleukin-1 and -2 (IL-1,-2) activity, pathologic section of ankle joint, and analgesic effect, in model rat. Results: AFSP could reduce the inflammatory pathologic response of ankle joint. It has good analgesic effect, the analgesic rate being 65%. AFSP could also strengthen T-lymphocyte proliferation, promote IL-2 activity and inhibit IL-1 activity. Compared with the control group, the difference was significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: By means of regulating the immune function of organism, AFSP could improve the local pathologic response to antagonize against rheumatism, therefore, it is an effective anti-rheumatism herbal medicine.

Metabolomics Analysis of Health Functions of Physalis Pubescens L. using by Ultra-performance Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization Quadruple Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Herbal medicines may benefit from metabolomics studies, and applying metabolomics may provide answers about which herbal interventions may be effective for individuals, which metabolic processes are triggered, and the subsequent chemical pathways of activity. Physalis pubescens L(PPL) is an herbal fruit for one year living plant and has been developed into healthy function's food. However, the mechanisms of health functions are still unclear. To comprehensively and holistically assess its anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects, a novel integrative metabolomics approach was applied. In this study, we present metabolomics analysis applying ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole with time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) to determine metabolite alterations after oral administration PPL to rats. Fifteen metabolites in urine were identified as potential biomarkers. Pattern analysis of the UPLC-Q/TOF-MS data disclosed that PPL could relieve fatigue rats by ameliorating the disturbance in amino acids metabolism and energy metabolism, alleviating the oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species and the inflammatory damage, and recovering the destructed regulation. Based on these results, we demonstrated that PPL is a promising source of natural anti-fatigue and antioxidants material for use in functional foods and medicines.

Do different measures of maternal fitness affect estimation of natural selection on floral traits? A lesson from Linum pubescens (Linaceae)

Aims Floral traits in animal-pollinated plants are proposed to be selected by the behavior of pollinators,which create differential fitness.However,fitness estimation is not trivial and there is no agreed or universal measure of fitness.in plants,fitness can be measured in various ways,including the number of fruits or seeds,probability of survival,or growth rate.Methods Because each fitness measure can be associated with different pol-linator behavior,estimating pollinator-mediated selection on floral traits can differ among various fitness measures.We used the annual Mediterranean plant,Linum pubescens,as a model to assess the relative role of various fitness measures in estimating pollinator-mediated selection on floral traits.We compared four maternal fit-ness measures and estimated their relative advantage in assessing natural selection on floral traits of L.pubescens.To identify whether each trait is under pollinator-mediated selection,we used media-tional analysis.Important Findings We found that each floral trait was under natural selection assessed by a different fitness measure.The color combination of floral tube throat and stamen color was under selection when using seed mass as a fitness measure,and floral diameter was under positive direc-tional selection when the number of seeds or number of fruits was used as a fitness measure.Selection on floral color was not mediated by pollinators’visitation rates,while flower diameter showed par-tial pollinator-mediated selection.We conclude that using several fitness measures gives an insight into the mechanisms underlying phenotypic selection on a floral trait,and facilitates the understand-ing of pollinator-mediated selection.

Genome-wide analysis of UGT gene family identified key gene for the biosynthesis of bioactive flavonol glycosides in Epimedium pubescens Maxim

Epimedium pubescens Maxim.is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb with flavonol glycosides as the major pharmaceutically active compounds.UDP-glycosyltransferases(UGTs)are a group of enzymes responsible for the glycosylation of flavonoid glycosides.In this study,a genome-wide analysis was performed to identify UGT family genes in E.pubescens.As a result,a total of 339 putative UGT genes were identified,which represents the largest UGT gene family known thus far,implying a significant expansion of the UGT gene family in E.pubescens.All EpUGTs were unevenly distributed across six chromosomes,and they were classified into 17 major groups.The expression profiles showed that UGT genes were differentially expressed in roots,leaves,flowers,shoots and fruits.In particular,several EpUGTs were highly induced by high light intensity,which was consistent with the accumulation level of bioactive flavonoids in E.pubescens.Six UGT79 genes that were preferentially expressed in roots or leaves were successfully expressed in E.coli,and only the recombinant EpGT60 protein was found to be active toward 8-prenylkaempferol and icaritin to produce the key bioactive compounds baohuoside II and baohuoside I.The optimal temperature,pH,k_(m) and V_(max) were determined for the recombinant EpGT60 protein.In addition,expression of recombinant EpGT60 in E.coli cell culture led to successful production of baohuoside II when fed 8-prenylkaempferol.Our study provides a foundation for further functional characterization of UGT genes in E.pubescens and provides key candidate genes for bioengineering bioactive flavonoids in E.pubescens.