Lignans are the main active components of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus for liver disease treatment:a review

As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine,Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus(SC)has been used in medicine and food industry due to its health care and therapeutic effects.Over the past 20 years,the use of SC and its active ingredient lignans in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases has been increasing,and their hepatoprotective effects has increased the interest of the public and academia.Therefore,in the present work,we first determined the effectiveness of SC in the treatment of liver diseases such as metabolic associated fatty liver disease,alcoholic liver disease,cholestatic liver disease and acute liver injury.Subsequently,the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of lignans,the active components of SC,for liver disease treatment were comprehensively summarized for the first time.The results showed that the lignans in SC could achieve hepatoprotective effects by regulating lipid metabolism,anti-fibrosis,anti-inflammation,anti-oxidation,anti-tumor and regulating bile acid metabolism.The mechanism mainly involved adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase,endoplasmic reticulum stress,sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c,autophagy,transforming growth factor-β,mitogen-activated protein kinase,microRNA,nuclear factor kappa-B,nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2,heat shock proteins and pregnane X receptor signaling pathways.These results can lay a scientific foundation for the development of hepatoprotective drugs or functional foods from SC/lignans.

How Schisandrae Fructus Benefits the Body: Mechanisms in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Medicine

Schisandrae chinensis Fructus (SF) is a commonly used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to TCM theory, SF can invigorate Qi in the liver and other visceral organs through the meridian system. Furthermore, the liver’s pivotal role in regulating the functions of various visceral organs helps explain how SF can promote holistic health benefits. The main active ingredient of SF, schisandrin B (Sch B), has been found to improve mitochondrial ATP production and enhance glutathione redox status in multiple organs. This could account for the overall protective effects of Sch B on organs. Due to its stronger impact on liver function, the positive influence of Sch B on different organs may be facilitated by signal molecules originating from the liver.

Inhibition mechanism of compound ethanol extracts from Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) on renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy model mice

OBJECTIVE：To evaluate inhibition effect and mech- anism of compound ethanol extracts from Wuweizi （Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis）, Chuanxiong （Rhi- zoma Chuanxiong） and Muli （Cocha Ostreae） （FRC） on glomerular and tubular interstitial fibrosis in streptozocin （STZ）-induced diabetic nephropathy （ND） model mice. METHODS： Twenty-seven male C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into 3 groups： nondibetic （ND）, STZ-induced diabetic （D）, and STZ-induced diabetic that were treated with .5 g. kg1. daylof FRC by oral gavage （DFRc）, with 9 in each group. The protein ex- pressions of E-cadherin, a-smooth muscle actin （a-SMA）, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 （PAl-l） in renal tissues were investigated by Western blot- ting. The expressions of fibronectin （FN） and o-SMA were detected by immunohistochemical method. The morphological changes of renal tissues were observed under a microscope. RESULTS： Renal tissues in the DFRC group showed a lessened degree of fibrosis. Meanwhile, the expres- sions of FN, o-SMA and PAl-lwere significantly lower in the DrRc group than those in the D group （all P〈0.05）.CONCLUSION： FRC can ameliorate the DN in the C57BL/6 mice, and its mechanism may relate to in- hibition on the epithelial to mesenchymal transdif- ferentiation, endothelial-myofibroblast transition and PAl-1 expression.

Effects of Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica) and Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) medicated serum on chemotactic migration of alveolar macrophages and inters regions macrophages in rats

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of serum containing Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica) or Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) on the migration of alveolar macrophages(AM) and interstitial macrophages(IM) from normal rats, and to analyze and compare the mechanisms leading to cell migration differences.METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into three groups: Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica), Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis), and blank serum. After treatment with the herbs, serum was extracted from the rats. AM and IM were isolated from normal rats and cultured. The effects of Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica) and Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) medicated serum on normal rat AM and IM chemotactic migration were determined by transwell assays. The CC chemokine receptor(CCR) 2, CCR5, voltage-gated Kvl. 3 K^+channel(Kv1. 3), and voltage-gated Kvl. 5 K^+channel(Kv1. 5) protein levels were analyzed by western blotting.RESULTS: The migration quantities of AM and IM in the Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica) and Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) medicated serum groups were significantly higher than those in the blank serum group(P < 0.01). Compared with the Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) medicated serum group, the migration quantity of cultured rat AM in the Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica) medicated serum group was significantly increased(P <0.01). Meanwhile, compared with the Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica) medicated serum group, the migration quantity of cultured rat IM in the Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) medicated serum group was significantly increased(P < 0.01).CCR2, CCR5, Kv1. 3, and Kv1. 5 proteins were expressed on the AM cell surface, and showed significantly higher expression in the Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica) medicated serum group compared with the Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis)medicated serum group. In contrast, CCR5, Kv1.3,and Kv1.5 proteins were expressed on the IM cell surface, and showed significantly higher expression in the Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis)medicated serum group compared with the Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica) medicated serum group.CONCLUSION: Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica)and Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) can promote AM and IM migration ability, with Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica) targeting AM more apparently and Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) targeting IM more apparently. The mechanism may be that, by stimulating cells, Mahuang(Herba Ephedra Sinica) and Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) promote expression of CCR2 and CCR5 receptors on the AM and IM cell surface,which pass signals to Kvl.3 and Kvl.5 ion channels,leading to changes in the cytoskeleton, and ultimately promoting chemotactic cell migration.

基于生态位模型的南、北五味子潜在适生区预测及其影响因子研究

基于184条南五味子(Schisandra sphenanthera)地理分布记录、129条北五味子(Schisandra chinensis)地理分布记录以及23个环境因子数据,采用MaxEnt生态位模型预测南、北五味子潜在适宜分布区,评估了制约其地理分布的主要环境因子。结果表明,北五味子和南五味子MaxEnt模型训练集和验证集曲线下面积(AUC)均大于0.90,建立的模型预测结果准确。北五味子最佳生境主要分布在辽宁省和吉林省的长白山区域以及北京市;南五味子的最佳生境主要分布在秦巴山区内,以及湖南省武陵山脉,郴州市、株洲市和衡阳市,浙江省金华市等地区。限制北五味子生长的重要环境因子变量分别是最湿月份降水量、最热月份最高温度、土壤酸碱度、最暖季平均降水量、最冷季平均降水量和昼夜温差月均值;限制南五味子分布的环境因子变量分别是最冷月份最低温温度、年平均降水量、温度变化方差和降水量变化方差。南、北五味子的潜在适生区呈区域化分布。

Effects of Different Decolorants on Retention Rate of Total Triterpenes in Fruit and Rattan Stems of Schisandra chinensis(Turcz.) Baill

This study was to investigate the decoloration effects of activated clay, activated carbon, diatomite, Ca group bentonite, kaolin, activated aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide and attapulgite. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopywas adopted to de- tect the absorbanees of the extracts of Schisandra chinensis fruit and rattan stems, the contents of total triterpenoids in S. chinensis fruit and rattan stems were deter- mined, and the decoloration rate and the retention rate of total triterpenoids of S. chi- nensis fruit and rattan stems were calculated. The results indicated that, attapulgite exhibited the best decoloration effect on the extract of S. chinensis fruit, with a de- coloration rate up to 60.47%, activated carbon exhibited a better decoloration effect on the extract of S. chinensis rattan stems, with a decoloration rate up to 69.24%, and they had relatively higher retention rates of total triterpenoids. In the eight de- colorants, attapulgite showed the best decoloration effect on the extract of S. chi- nensis fruit, and activated carbon exhibited the best decoloration effect on the ex- tract of S. chinensisrattan stems.

Effect of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide on intracerebral acetylcholinesterase and monoamine neurotransmitters in a D-galactose-induced aging brain mouse model

BACKGROUND： The most prominent characteristic of brain aging is decreased learning and memory ability. The functions of learning and memory are closely related to intracerebral acetylcholinesterase （ACHE） and monoamine neurotransmitter activity. Previous studies have shown that Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide has an anti-aging effect. OBJECTIVE： To explore the effects of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide on AChE activity and monoamine neurotransmitter content, as well as learning and memory ability in a D-galactose-induced aging mouse brain model compared with the positive control drug Kangnaoling. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Completely randomized, controlled experiment based on neurobiochemistry was performed at the Pharmacological Laboratory, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September to December 2003. MATERIALS： Schisandra chinensis was purchased from Henan Provincial Medicinal Company. Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide was obtained by water extraction and alcohol precipitation. Kangnaoling pellets were provided by Liaoning Tianlong Pharmaceutical （batch No. 20030804; state drug permit No. H21023095）. A total of 50 six-week-old Kunming mice were randomly divided into five groups： blank control, model, Kangnaoling, high and low dosage Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide groups, with 10 mice per group. METHODS： Mice in the blank control group were subcutaneously injected with 0.5 mL/20 g normal saline into the nape of the neck each day, while the remaining mice were subcutaneously injected with 5% D-galactose saline solution （0.5 mL/20 g） in the nape for 40 days to induce a brain aging model. On day 11, mice in the high and low dosage Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide groups were intragastrically infused with 20 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide solution （0.2 mL/10 g）, respectively. Mice from the Kangnaoling group were intragastrically infused with 35 mg/mL Kangnaoling suspension （0.2 mL/10 g）, and the mice in the model group were intragastrically infused with the same volume of normal saline （0.2 mL/10 g） once per day for 30 consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Two hours after the final administration, pathohistological changes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were observed using hematoxylin ＆ eosin staining. AChE activity was detected using chromatometry. Monoamine neurotransmitter content was measured using fluorimetry. Learning and memory was measured using the step down test and darkness avoidance test. RESULTS： Both Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide and Kangnaoling improved pathological injury to the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in a mouse model of brain aging. Compared with the blank control group, AChE activity and content of norepinephrine （NA）, dopamine （DA）, and 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） were significantly decreased in the model group （P 〈 0.01 ）. In contrast, AChE activity and NA, DA, and 5-HT levels significantly increased in the Kangnaoling and high dosage Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide groups （P 〈 0.01）, while NA levels significantly increased in the low dosage Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide group （P 〈 0.01）. Drug treatment improved learning and memory abilities （P 〈 0.01 or P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide significantly increased levels of central neurotransmitters and improved learning and memory in a mouse model of brain aging. The effects of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide were equal to that of Kangnaoling pellets.

Analysis of Essential Oil from Stems of Schisandra Chinensis(Turc z.) Baill

The essential oil of Schisandra Chinensis(Turc z.) Baill was extracted and analyzed. The essential oil was obtained in a 1.8%(mL/100 g material) yield. Forty eight compounds were isolated and characterized from the oil. The results show that the content(20.42%) of β -pinene of naturally essential oil is the highest among the components of the oil,which has laid a foundation for the futher development and application of the stems of Schisandra Chinensis(Turc z.) Baill .

Nortriterpenoids from the fruit stalk of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.

Objective:The fruit stalk of Schisandra chinensis(Turcz.)Baill.(S.chinensis)has been found to contain bioactive components similar to the fruit of S.chinensis.Here,we report a recent discovery about new nortriterpenoids with a novel skeleton and anti-gastric cancer activity,which were isolated from the fruit stalk of S.chinensis.Methods:The chemical components of ethyl acetate extract from 70%ethanol extract from S.chinensis fruit stalk were separated,purified,and identified by liquid chromatography methods(silica gel,ODS,HPLC)and extensive spectroscopic analyses(NMR,IR,UV,MS,CD).Results:Two new nortriterpenoids,schilancitrilactone M and 25-hydroxyl schindilactone D(1 and 2),along with ten known nortriterpenoids(3-12)were isolated from the fruit stalk of S.chinensis.The isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activities against MGC-803 cells,and the results showed that compounds 6-8 possessed significant activities with IC50 of 9.01,11.77,and 2.74μmol/L,respectively.Conclusion:Twelve nortriterpenoids including two new compounds were isolated from the fruit stalk of S.chinensis for the first time.Among them,compounds 6-8 showed significant anti-gastric cancer activities.We postulated that the fruit stalk of S.chinensis could be used as an anti-gastric cancer drug.

Pharmacological effects of Schisandra Chinensis Fructus polysaccharide on intestinal protection

Schisandra Chinensis Fructus(SCF)is the fruit of Schisandra chinensis(Turcz.)Baill.,a perennial vine.It was first recorded in Shen Nong′s herbal classic and has a long application history.Studies have shown that SCF has anti-inflammatory,protective liver,antioxidant,antibacterial and other pharmacological effects.Ancient prescriptions are commonly used in the treatment of chronic diarrhea and other intestinal diseases and diabetes.Modern clinical pharmacology features of SCF polysaccharide(SCFP)in diabetes,liver diseases,enteritis and other aspects have achieved excellent results.Gut is an important digestive organ of human body,but intestinal diseases are varied,including Crohn′s disease,ulcerative colitis,intestinal flora imbalance,etc..It is a chronic and non-specific inflammatory disease.The disease is persisted for a long time and the incidence rate is expected to rise.Most of the symptoms are recurrent diarrhea,bloody stool and abdominal pain.It is considered by the World Health Organization as a refractory disease.At present,there is little possibility of complete cure,which is closely related to complex environmental factors,eating habits and heredity.In recent years,clinical studies have found that SCFP has a variety of pharmacological effects on intestinal protection.①Reduce inflammatory factors:intestinal mucositis is a common adverse reaction in patients with chemotherapy.The development of mucositis is related to pro-inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),IL^(-1)β,Interferon-γ(IFN-γ).SCFP can significantly reduce IL-6 TNF-α,IL^(-1)β,and IL-8,as well as the accumulation of T cells in the process of resisting apoptosis,reduce the inflammatory reaction and protect the damage to villi and crypts,improve the symptoms of small intestinal mucositis caused by weight loss and diarrhea.②Promote immunoglobulin A secretion:intestinal mucosal immunity is the first line of defense of the body′s immune system.Its main antibody is secretory immunoglobulin A,which can destroy and phagocytize microorganisms,bacteria and viruses.SCFP can improve intestinal immunity by increasing the number and activity of T lymphocytes,promoting the secretion of secretory immunoglobulin A,and affecting the activity of a variety of cytokines.③Regulation of intestinal flora:the flora in the intestine has the functions of auxiliary nutrient absorption,biological antagonism and immune regulation,and can form a natural barrier for the host's intestine.When the human intestinal flora is disordered,probiotics will be greatly reduced,harmful bacteria will proliferate and destroy the intestinal environment.Under these conditions,the intake of SCFP significantly increased the number of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacillus,and significantly decreased the number of conditional pathogens such as enterococcus and escherichia coli,indicating that SCFP can indeed regulate the intestinal disorder caused by lincomycin hydrochloride to a certain extent. This may be because beneficial bacteria in the intestine metabolize polysaccharides produce short chain fatty acids such as lactic acid and acetic acid, which reduces the pH value in the intestine and inhibits the growth of enterococcus and Escherichia coli. In conclusion, SCFP can treat and protect intestinal diseases to a certain extent, which provides a favorable basis for the treatment of intestinal diseases.

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. is a deciduous woody vine, and belongs to the Schisandraceae family. This species is a horticultural plant with edible fruit. It is used medicinally and for making rope. It is distributed in Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, Shanxi

Study on HPLC method to determine contents of Schisandrin A and Schisandrin B in Schisandra chinensis extraction

The determination method of Schisandrin A and Schisandrin B in Schisandra chinensis was improved with the high performance liquid chromagraphy （HPLC）. The sample was extracted exceedingly in the critical limit of CO2. The retention time of Schisandrin A and Schisandrin B was reduced, with methano/water （75 ： 25） as mobile phase. The wavelength for detection was 254 nm. The R^2 of standard curve was 0.9998 and the relative standard deviation was 2.31% and 3.17% with the recovery of 96.45% and 97.37%, respectively. The result shows that the rate of veracity of this method is higher and it proves that the determination method of Sehisandrin A and Schisandrin B in Schisandra chinensis is a feasible method.

五味子药用成分在鼠类生理生化及病理中的应用研究进展

主要综述了五味子(Schisandra chinensis)对鼠类肿瘤、内脏损伤和行为的影响,并结合五味子有效成分在鼠类体内的作用机理,阐述了五味子在鼠类中应用的重要性,可为后续药品开发、鼠类饲养及疾病防治提供基础性依据。

Transcriptome-wide analysis of PIP reductase gene family identified a phenylpropene synthase crucial for the biosynthesis of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans in Schisandra chinensis

Phenylpropenes,such as isoeugenol and eugenol,are produced as defend compounds,floral attractants,and flavor constituents by phenylpropene synthases belonging to the PIP reductase family.Moreover,isoeugenol is proposed to be involved in the biosynthesis of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans,the main active compounds of Schisandra chinensis(Turcz.)Baill.fruits(SCF).S.chinensis,a woody vine plant,is widely used for its medicinal,horticultural,edible,and economic values.In this study,nine ScPIP genes were identified and characterized from the transcriptome datasets of SCF.The expression profiles revealed that ScPIP genes were differentially expressed during different developmental stages of SCF.Three ScPIPs were selected and cloned as candidate genes encoding phenylpropene synthases according to phylogenetic analysis.ScPIP1 was proved to function as isoeugenol synthase(IGS)and designated as ScIGS1 through in vivo functional characterization in Escherichia coli.Subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that ScIGS1 was localized in both the cytoplasm and nucleus.The three-dimensional(3D)model of ScIGS1 was obtained using homology modeling.Site-directed mutagenesis experiments revealed that the substitution of residues at positions 110 and 113 impacted the product specificity of ScIGS1 and the mutation of Lys157 to Ala abolishing catalytic function.Moreover,the kcat values of mutants were lower than that of ScIGS1 using a deep learning approach.In conclusion,this study provides a basis for further research on PIP reductases and the biosynthetic pathway of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans.

Determination of Two Synthetic Pigments in Lifei Tablets by HPLC and LC-MS/MS Spectrometry

[Objectives]To identify stained Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in Lifei Tablets with carmine and acid red 73 as target substances.[Methods]High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)was used to analyze the 70%methanol extract of the drug.The HPLC was equipped with an Inertstain-C_(18)(250 mm×4.6 mm,5μm)chromatographic column.The mobile phase was acetonitrile-5 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution,gradient elution:volume flow rate of 1.0 mL/min,column temperature of 30℃,detection wavelength of 509 nm.LC-MS/MS was equipped with a Waters-C_(18)(2.1 mm×150 mm,1.7μm)chromatographic column,the mobile phase was methanol-0.1%formic acid solution(containing 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate),gradient elution;the volume flow rate was 0.3 mL/min;ESI ion source,positive ion mode,full scan of primary and secondary mass spectrometry.[Results]Carmine and acid red 73 showed good linear relationship in HPLC and LC-MS/MS,with r greater than 0.995.The sample recovery and RSD values of HPLC and LC-MS/MS met the requirements.The RSD of the results determined by HPLC and LC-MS/MS was not greater than 5.0%.Both methods had good compatibility and could be used for the examination of carmine and acid red 73 in Lifei Tablets.[Conclusions]The method is reliable and reproducible and can be used to identify stained Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in Lifei Tablets.

响应面法优化超声乙醇提取南五味子藤茎中木脂素工艺

采用超声-乙醇法提取南五味子[Schisandra chinensis(Turcz.)Baill.]藤茎中的木脂素,并以超声功率、超声时间、超声温度和料液比作为考察因素,将南五味子藤茎木脂素的提取率作为响应值,在单因素试验的基础上,采用响应面Box-Behnken设计并优化试验方案。结果表明,响应面法优化试验的最优条件为超声功率160 W,超声时间50 min,超声温度55℃,料液比1∶27(g/mL),在此条件下提取率为0.371%。说明响应面法可以较好地优化超声-乙醇提取南五味子藤茎中木脂素的工艺条件,同时为工业化开发利用五味子藤茎以及中药材废弃部位的应用提供理论依据。

Chinese herbal medicines with beneficial effects

Among the vast resources of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)herbal species,only a handful of Chinese herbs are growing in frigid regions or extreme environment but they have a unique property.The most recognizable TCM herb falling in this category is Panax ginseng,which is widely considered the representative tonic herb with oceans of beneficial effects on human health.In this article,we will introduce several typical Chinese herbal medicines with beneficial effects aiming to arouse broader attention from the scientific community to expand the exploration and exploitation on this for their potential applications to meet the increasingly demanding medical needs.

GSZ Formula Enhances Sleep Quality:Exploring Its Active Ingredients and Mechanism Using a Network Medicine Approach

Background:Sleep is essential for maintaining human health,and insomnia is a widespread problem.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been used for centuries to treat sleep disorders,with fewer reported side effects compared to conventional treatments.Objective:This study seeks to investigate the sleep-promoting effects of the GSZ formula,which comprisesγ-aminobutyric acid(GABA),Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus(Wuweizi in Chinese),and Ziziphi Spinosae Semen(Suanzaoren in Chinese).In addition,this study aims to explore the active ingredients and potential mechanisms underlying the sleep-enhancing effects of the formula.Methods:The impact of GSZ on sleep was evaluated using two models,the complete sleep model and the sub-threshold sleep model.Mice were randomly divided into five groups and orally administered GSZ solution(0.33 g/kg/day or 0.99 g/kg/day),positive drug diazepam(2.50 mg/kg)or a control solution for 30 days.Hypno-sis model was established in mice using pentobarbital sodium.Sleep duration and incidence were measured by recording when the righting reflex of mice disappeared for more than 1 min.GABA and dopamine(DA)levels in mouse brain tissue were measured using ELISA kits.The ingredients of the GSZ formula were identified using mass spectrometry,and the targets of these ingredients and disease-related genes were retrieved from public databases.A network medicine approach was used to calculate the shortest path between ingredient targets and disease-related proteins.The expression levels of potential proteins,such as Akt,p-Akt,GSK-3β,and p-GSK-3β,were analyzed using Western blotting based on the predicted results.Results:GSZ significantly prolonged sleep duration and enhanced the sleep rate in mice(P<0.05).Furthermore,it elevated GABA levels and reduced DA levels in the mouse brain(P<0.05).Network medicine analysis suggested that GABA,stearic acid,genistin,and coumestrol may be the most crucial active ingredients for sleep improve-ment.Western blotting analysis demonstrated that GSZ modulated the protein expression levels of p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β(P<0.05).Conclusion:Our study demonstrated that the GSZ formula could improve sleep,with key ingredients likely being GABA,stearic acid,genistin,and coumestrol.The mechanism might involve the regulation of the Akt/GSK-3βpathway,as revealed by the network medicine analysis and experimental validation.Our current new findings shed light on the potential mechanisms underlying the sleep-enhancing effects of the GSZ formula,which could provide experimental evidence to develop innovative treatments for insomnia.

Chemical constituents from the fruit of Schisandra Chinensis

A new 18-norschiartane bisnortriterpenoid,12-angeloyl wuweizidilactone I(1)and nine known compounds,wuweizidilactone I(2),wuweizidilactone G(3),deoxychizandrin(4),sasanquin(5),orcinol-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(6),okanin-4-methyl ether-3’-O-β-Dglucopyranoside(7),evemic acid(8),juglansol A(9)and 2-acetoxybenzyl benzoate(10),were isolated from the fruits of Schisandra Chinensis.Their structures were established by a combination of spectroscopic data analysis in addition to comparison with literature data.Compound 1 was new,and compounds 6–10 were isolated from Schisandrae Chinensis for the first time.

Anti-diabetic Effects of Polysaccharides from Ethanol-insoluble Residue of Schisandra chinensis（Turcz.） Baill on Alloxan-induced Diabetic Mice

The ethanol-insoluble residue of Schisandra generated during lignans industrial production is usually treated as solid waste. However, there is active polysaccharide which could be used in it. In this work, the water-soluble polysaccharides from the ethanol-insoluble residue of Schisandra（ESCP） were obtained and their anti-diabetic effect was evaluated. The results indicate that ESCP could significantly reduce the blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Moreover, the ESCP could significantly improve the lipid metabolism and increase the content of liver glycogen in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The results indicate that ESCP could be developed into a potential natural hypoglycemic agent.