Network pharmacology and subsequent experimental validation reveal the synergistic myocardial protection mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.and Carthamus tinctorius L.

Objective:To reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the compatibility of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge(S.miltiorrhiza,Dan Shen)and C.tinctorius L.(C.tinctorius,Hong Hua)as an herb pair through network pharmacology and subsequent experimental validation.Methods:Network pharmacology was applied to construct an active ingredient-efficacy target-disease protein network to reveal the unique regulation pattern of s.miltiorrhiza and C.tinctorius as herb pair.Molecular docking was used to verify the binding of the components of these herbs and their potential targets.An H9c2 glucose hypoxia model was used to evaluate the efficacy of the components and their synergistic effects,which were evaluated using the combination index.Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of these targets.Results:Network pharmacology analysis revealed 5 pathways and 8 core targets of s.miltiorrhiza and C.tinctorius in myocardial protection.Five of the core targets were enriched in the hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1)signaling pathway.S.miltiorrhiza-C.tinctorius achieved vascular tone mainly by regulating the target genes of the HIF-1 pathway.As an upstream gene of the HIF-1 pathway,STAT3 can be activated by the active ingredients cryptotanshinone(Ctan),salvianolic acid B(Sal.B),and myricetin(Myric).Cell experiments revealed that Myric,Sal.B,and Ctan also exhibited synergistic myocardial protective activity.Molecular docking verified the strong binding of Myric,Sal.B,and Ctan to STAT3.Western blot further showed that the active ingredients synergistically upregulated the protein expressionof STAT3.Conclusion:The pharmacodynamic transmission analysis revealed that the active ingredients of S.miltiorrhiza and C.tinctorius can synergistically resist ischemia through various targets and pathways.This study provides a methodological reference for interpreting traditional Chinese medicine compatibility.

SRAP Analysis on Genetic Relationship of Carthamus tinctorius L Varieties in Xinjiang

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the genetic relationship of the Carthamus tinctorius L（safflower） varieties in Xinjiang, and thus to provide a scientific basis for its protection and development. [Method] The genomic DNA of five safflower varieties from Xinjiang and one from Yunnan were analyzed and compared by SRAP molecular marker. [Result] Twelve pairs of SRAP primers were selected to amplify the genomic DNA of the six materials. Among the 171 clear DNA bands finally obtained, 93 were polymorphic, accounting for 54.4% of total. Genetic similarity coefficient of the six safflower varieties ranged from 0.60 to 0.92. [Conclusion]SRAP molecular marker is suitable for safflower varieties research and to guide the molecular breeding.

Protective effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Carthamus tinctorius extract against lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury

AIM:To investigate the hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of an extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Carthamus tinctorius in vivo.METHODS:C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups and intraperitoneally administered 0.9% saline,Salvia miltiorrhiza and Carthamus tinctorius extract [Danhong injection(DHI),0.75 and 3 g/kg mixed extract] or reduced glutathione for injection(RGI,300 mg/kg) for 30 min before exposure to lipopolysaccharide(LPS,16 mg/kg). After intraperitoneal LPS stimulation for 90 min or 6 h,the mice were sacrificed by ether anaesthesia,and serum and liver samples were collected. Histological analysis(H&E) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP nick end-labelling(TUNEL) staining were performed. Alanine transferase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),total bilirubin(TBil),glutathione-S-transferase(GST),malondialdehyde(MDA),tumour necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-6,and caspase-3 levels were measured. Bax,Bcl-2,P-IκBα,IκBα,P-NF-κB p65,and NF-κB p65 protein levels were determined by Western blot. TNF-α,IL-6,caspase-3,Bax and Bcl-2 m RNA expression was measured by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).RESULTS:Hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL results suggested that DHI(3 g/kg) treatment alleviated inflammatory and apoptotic(P < 0.01) injury in the liver of mice. DHI treatment dose-dependently blunted the abnormal changes in biochemical parameters such as ALT(72.53 ± 2.83 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),AST(76.97 ± 5.00 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),TBil(1.17 ± 0.10 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),MDA(0.81 ± 0.36 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),and GST(358.86 ± 12.09 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01). Moreover,DHI(3 g/kg) remarkably decreased LPS-induced protein expression of TNF-α(340.55 ± 10.18 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),IL-6(261.34 ± 10.18 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01),and enzyme activity of caspase-3(0.93 ± 0.029 for 3 g/kg,P < 0.01). The LPS-induced m RNA expression of TNF-α,IL-6 and caspase-3 was also decreased by DHI. Western blot analysis revealed that DHI antagonised LPS-stimulated decrease of Bcl-2 and increase of Bax protein expression. Furthermore,DHI inhibited LPS-induced IκBα and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation.CONCLUSION:DHI may be a multi-function protectant against acute hepatic injury in mice through its antiinflammatory,anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activities.

Progress of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) regeneration through tissue culture

Background: Safflower regeneration through tissue culture has long been limited to low frequency and lack of an efficient protocol that suitable for most safflower cultivars. In past decades, researches had been carried out to investigate safflower regeneration through tissue culture and great progress had been made. Objective: To investigate factors that affect safflower regeneration through tissue culture principally. Methods: This article summarized available literatures about advancements in safflower regeneration, especially discussed factors affecting safflower tissue culture in detail. Results: Safflower regeneration was fairly hard than other congeneric plants, such as chrysanthemum. The genotype, seedling age, type of explants, medium components, plant growth regulators and other additives all had specific influences on safflower tissue culture. More deepgoing researches need to be undertaken to establish an effective safflower regeneration system.

Color spaces of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) for quality assessment

Objective:In this study,safflower(Carthamus tinctorius L.)was taken as a representative example to examine the application of color characteristics to evaluate quality.Methods:A computer vision system was established for the objective and nondestructive assessment of color using image processing algorithms.Color parameters were investigated based on the RGB,L*a*b and HSV color spaces.The content of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA),a major bioactive constituent of safflower,was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.The relationship between HSYA content and color values was investigated by Pearson correlation analysis.A multiple linear regression model was established to predict the HSYA content from color values.Results:The red color and lightness of safflower were found to be significantly related to HSYA content.The prediction equation obtained by multiple regression was reliable with an R2 value of 0.805(P<.01).Conclusion:The results suggest that the computer vision technique could be used as a promising and non-destructive technology for color measurement and quality evaluation of CHM.

Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) a Potential Source of Drugs against Cryptococcal Infections, Malaria and Leishmaniasis

In this research we present that Carthamus Tinctorius L.(gen.Asteraceae,otherwise known as Safflower)(Fig.1)may contain agents active in Cryptococcal infections,malaria and Leishmaniasis,as treatment options are becoming scarce due to drug resistance development.Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities(antimicrobial,antimalarial,antileishmanial)of C.tinctorius L.were analyzed.The composition of volatile oil of safflower dried flowers was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry with flame ionization detector(GC-FID)and in vitro sensitivity assays were performed to assess biological activity.8 known and 3 unknown compounds were detected in the extract(Fig.1).Then the Safflower ointment was manufactured and its acute toxicity study on rats was tested.The volatile oil of C.tinctorius L exhibited activity against Cryptococcus neoformans,Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania donovani.Safflower volatile oil has anticryptococcal,antimalarial and antileishmanial effects.The prepared ointment had an excellent acute toxicity safety profile.

Assay for the developmental toxicity of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) to zebrafish embryos/larvae

Objective:To explore the developmental toxicity and the potential toxicological mechanism of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) on zebrafish embryos/larvae.Methods:Mortality,malformations and increased apoptosis induced by safflower were assessed in zebraflsh embryos from 6 to 96 hours post-fertilization.Enzymes and genes in the anti-oxidative and apoptotic pathways were also assayed.Results:The lethal concentration 50 of safflower to zebrafish embryos was 345.6 mg/L.Hatching inhibition,abnormal spontaneous movement,depressed heart rate,pericardial edema,yolk sac edema,abnormal head-trunk angle,inhibition of melanin release,enlarged yolk,and short body length were observed in safflower-treated zebrafish.Additional apoptotic cells mainly appeared around the heart.Safflower exposure changed the activities of defense enzymes (SOD T,CAT↑,MDA↑,GPX without trend),increased MDA content,decreased caspase-3 activity,and altered mRNA levels of related genes (ogg1 ↓,p53↓,Cu/Zn-sod↑,Mn-sod↓,cat↓,gpx↑).Conclusion:Safflower exhibits developmental toxicity for zebrafish embryos/larvae.The developing heart was speculated as the target organ of toxicity.Oxidative stress and increased apoptosis have roles in the developmental toxicity of safflower.This article provides a novel method to research the teratogenicity and possible mechanisms of toxicity of traditional Chinese medicines that are prohibited or contraindicated in pregnant women.

Influence of Meta-Topolin on Efficient Plant Regeneration via Micropropagation and Organogenesis of Safflower (<i>Carthamus tinctorius</i>L.) cv. NARI-H-15

The effect of meta-Topolin (mT) was assessed to develop a reliable protocol for efficient plant regeneration of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cv. NARI-H-15. For micropropagation, 7 - 9 days old shoot-tip explants cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/L meta-Topolin (mT) + 0.5 mg/L CPPU showed 97.7% adventitious shoot formation (42.4 shootlets) than node after 45 days of culture. For organogenesis, the seedling explants of immature leaf cultured on 1.5 mg/L CPPU or 1.5 mg/L NAA fortified medium produced high amount of callus than cotyledon and stem calli after 60 days of culture. However, MS basal medium fortified with 4.0 mg/L mT + 1.5 mg/L CPPU was found beneficial to stimulate 100% organogenic response (74.7 shootlets) from immature leaf calli than cotyledon and stem derived calli after 45 days of culture. The healthy plantlets obtained from micropropagation and organogenesis process cultured on 1/4 MS basal salts, 1.5% sucrose (w/v) and 0.8% agar (w/v) medium supplemented with NAA (1.5 mg/L) and mT (0.1 mg/L) produced maximum of 96% (12.8 rootlets) and 84% (7.3 rootlets) adventitious rooting, respectively than mT and CPPU tested medium. However, maximum of 67% and 42% survival rate was noticed when in vitro raised plants from micropropagation and organogenesis were hardened in pots containing soil mix and maintained under green house condition. This optimized regeneration protocol might be helpful in regeneration of new genotypes and cultivars of safflower to improve agronomic traits through in vitro selection process and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation system.

Phosphorus Use Efficiency of Safflower （Carthamus tinctorius L.） and Sunflower （Helianthus annuus L.） Studied in Nutrient Solution

Safflower represents an important oil crop internationally and may have a production potential under low input conditions, but its putatively high phosphorous use efficiency is not sustained. This study aims to directly compare safflower with sunflower in terms of phosphorus use efficiency in nutrient solution under controlled conditions. Growth of both species responded strongly to increasing P supply. Safflower recovers less proportion of added P than sunflower. External P requirement （（g P supply （100 g dry matter （DM） produced）~） was higher in safflower than sunflower. The efficiency of the crops for DM production based on accumulated P （mg P potl, efficiency ratio）, and P concentration in DM （（mg P （g DM）＇I）, utilization index） were interpreted using Michaelis-Menten kinetics as growth response curves. Accordingly, Km constant was lower in sunflower compared to safflower in terms of utilization index, but both were similar in terms of efficiency ratio. High Km constant in safflower in terms of utilization index indicates the high P concentration in tissues to produce 50% of potential maximum DM, consequently less efficient crop. Utilization efficiency contributed more than uptake efficiency in overall PUE in the efficient cultivar and could be the cause of its superiority in PUE. It can be concluded that safflower has a high requirement for P with respect to growth, sunflower is more efficient in terms of uptake and utilization of P at optimal and sub-optimal P supplies indicating that safflower can not be considered a low nutrient input crop compared to sunflower with respect to phosphorus.

Molecular mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Carthamus tinctorius L. in the treatment of myocardial ischemia based on network pharmacology: a comparative study

Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,the similarities and differences of anti-myocardial ischemia mechanism between Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge(SM)and Carthamus tinctorius L.(CT)were studied.Firstly,based on the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology(TCMSP),the related compounds of SM and CT were obtained,and the potential targets of these compounds were collected by the target fishing method.Genecards database was used to obtain targets related to myocardial ischemia.The cross targets of CT,SM,and myocardial ischemia were then selected,and the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed based on the STRING database.The cross targets were imported into the Metascape database for Gene Oncology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis.Cytoscape software was used to build the topological network diagram of the drug-compound-target path.Finally,the binding ability of the active ingredient and the key target was verified by molecular docking.65 active ingredients and 38 potential targets were screened from SM,and 22 active ingredients and 58 potential targets were excavated from CT.Important targets common to SM and CT were TNF,IL6,VEGFA,AKT1,etc.The common enrichment pathways involved are fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis,IL-17 signaling pathway,pathways in cancer,and toxoplasmosis.The findings suggested that the two traditional Chinese medicines exerted the effect of myocardial ischemia through the characteristics of multiple targets,multiple pathways,and multiple compounds.

Cloning,expression and activity analysises of chalcone synthase genes in Carthamus tinctorius

Objective:Flavonoids are the bioactive compounds in safflower(Carthamus tinctorius),in which chalcone synthase(CHS)is the first limiting enzyme.However,it is unclear that which chalcone synthase genes(CHSs)are participated in flavonoids biosynthesis in C.tinctorius.In this study,the CHSs in the molecular characterization and enzyme activities were investigated.Methods:Putative chalcone biosynthase genes were screened by the full-length transcriptome sequences data in C.tinctorius.Chalcone biosynthase genes in C.tinctorius(CtCHSs)were cloned from cDNA of flowers of C.tinctorius.The cloned gene sequences were analyzed by bioinformatics,and their expression patterns were analyzed by real-time PCR(RT-PCR).The protein of CtCHS in the development of flowers was detected by polyclonal antibody Western blot.A recombinant vector of CtCHS was constructed.The CtCHS recombinant protein was induced and purified to detect the enzyme reaction(catalyzing the reaction of p-coumaryl-CoA and malonyl-CoA to produce naringin chalcone).The reaction product was detected by HPLC and LC-MS.Results:Two full-length CtCHS genes were successfully cloned from the flowers of safflower(CtCHS1 and CtCHS3),with gene lengths of 1525 bp and 1358 bp,respectively.RT-PCR analysis showed that both genes were highly expressed in the flowers,but the expression of CtCHS1 was higher than that of CtCHS3 at each developmental stage of the flowers.WB analysis showed that only CtCHS1 protein could be detected at each developmental stage of the flowers.HPLC and LC-MS analyses showed that CtCHS1 could catalyze the conversion of p-coumaryl-CoA and malonyl-CoA substrates to naringin chalcone.Conclusion:CtCHS1 is involved in the biosynthesis of naringin chalcone in safflower.

新疆红花的产量等级划分及增产措施

采用文献整合分析的方式,利用联合国粮食及农业组织官网下载的世界及中国的红花子粒产量数据,调查了新疆红花生长指标、产量及增产措施效果。结果表明,新疆红花株高、茎粗、分枝高、果球直径的均值分别为88.97、1.58、36.45、2.50 cm,单株平均果球数为15.71个,平均千粒重为43.61 g,花丝产量为152.00~1 350.00 kg/hm^(2),平均为421.06 kg/hm^(2),子粒产量为540.00~2 913.00 kg/hm^(2),平均为1 699.35 kg/hm^(2)。相关分析表明,红花花丝产量与各生长指标间存在不同程度的相关性,子粒产量未呈显著相关性。2016—2021年全球与中国红花子粒产量均值分别为949.4 kg/hm^(2)和1 458.5 kg/hm^(2),将子粒产量1 800 kg/hm^(2)及以上作为高产田,1 350~1 800 kg/hm^(2)作为中高产田,900~1 350 kg/hm^(2)作为中产田,900 kg/hm^(2)以下作为低产田。合理密植、灌溉、施肥等措施均能提高红花产量。适当提高种植密度可提高产量31%~54%,合理灌溉可增加产量33%~92%,而合理施肥可提高产量约1倍。新疆红花产量变异较大,有必要进一步探索红花高产稳产栽培技术体系。

Simultaneous determination of four nucleosides in Carthamus tinctorius L.and Safflower injection using high-performance liquid chromatography

We quantitatively determined four nucleosides, including cytidine, uridine, guanosine, and adenosine, in Carthamus tinctorius L. and Safflower injection. Separation was performed on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB-18 column using a gradient elution with mobile phases of 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid （TFA） aqueous solution （A） and methanol （B）. The assay was carried out at a flow rate of 1 mL/min at 25 ℃ with detection at 260 nm. Cytidine, uridine, adenosine and guanosine showed good linearity in the ranges of4.02-503μg/mL （r2= 0.9998）, 9.38-1407 μg/mL （rz = 0.9999）, 80.6-8060μg/mL （r2 = 0.9999） and 2.10---630μg/mL （r2 = 0.9987） with average recoveries of 97.2%, 94.5%, 98.6% and 108.6%, respectively. The contents of cytidine, uridine, adenosine and guanosine in different Carthamus tinctorius L. and Safflower injection were significantly different. This is the first report on the quantitative determination of nucleosides in Carthamus tinctorius L. and Safflower injection.

红花(Carthamus tinctorius)热激转录因子CtHSFA9的克隆及表达分析

根据课题组前期转录组文库信息获得的红花热胁迫相关转录因子Unigene的全长序列,设计引物并克隆该基因,采用生物信息学方法对其氨基酸序列的理化性质、系统发育、蛋白质亚细胞定位、结构域及跨膜区域等进行预测和分析。此外,试验还采用RT-qPCR方法分析该基因在红花各组织包括根、茎、叶、花及4个不同发育时期的种子中的表达情况。结果发现,所获序列全长1326 bp,可编码441个氨基酸,相对分子质量50.41 kD。其中,最丰富的氨基酸为亮氨酸(Leu),带正电残基64个,带负电残基75个。信号肽及亚细胞定位揭示该基因不存在明显信号肽且该基因属细胞核定位。SMART分析表明该基因具有典型HSF结构域。进化树分析表明,该序列与热激转录因子HSFA9基因相似度较高,与刺菜蓟的亲缘关系最近,因此可将其命名为CtHSFA9。荧光定量PCR分析表明CtHSFA9基因在红花根组织中相对表达量最高,叶次之,花中最低。在不同发育时期种子中,以花后18 DAF(Day after flower)中表达量最高,22 DAF次之,在14 DAF表达量最低。本研究初步明确了红花CtHSFA9基因的结构特点和进化关系,其属于HSF热激转录因子家族,可为后续开展红花逆境相关转录因子的机理研究做铺垫,同时也为植物抗逆性状的改良提供研究基础。

Phytochemistry,Pharmacology and Medicinal Properties of Carthamus tinctorius L.

Carthamus tinctorius L. is commonly known as Safflower. C. tinctorius extracts and oil are important in drug development with numerous pharmacological activities in the world. This plant is cultivated mainly for its seed, which is used as edible oil. For a long time C. tinctorius has been used in traditional medicines as a purgative, analgesic, antipyretic and an antidote to poisoning. It is a useful plant in painful menstrual problems, post-partum hemorrhage and osteoporosis. C. tinctorius has recently been shown to have antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities. Carthamin, safflower yellow are the main constituents in the flower of C. tinctorius. Carthamidin, isocarthamidin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, safflor yellow A, safflamin C and luteolin are the main constituents which are reported from this plant. Caryophyllene, p-allyltoluene, 1-acetoxytetralin and heneicosane were identified as the major components for C. tinctorius flowers essential oil. Due to the easy collection of the plant and being widespread and also remarkable biological activities, this plant has become both food and medicine in many parts of the world. This review presents comprehensive analyzed information on the botanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of C. tinctorius.

Flavonoids from Carthamus tinctorius

Two new flavonoids, (2S)-4′ ,5-dihydroxyl-6,7-di-O-β-D-glu-copyranosylflavanone (1) and 6-hydroxykaempferol 6,7-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), were isolated fromCarthamus tinctorius . Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic means including 2D NMR,ESIMS and CD.

Isocartormin, a novel quinochalcone C-glycoside from Carthamus tinctorius

A new semi-quinonechalcone C-glycoside isocartormin along with cartormin and saf fl omin C were isolated from the water extract of Carthamus tinctorius L. The structure of isocartormin was determined by extensive analysis of HR-MS, 1D-and 2D NMR data, and by comparison with those of cartormin reported previously by our group. Isocartormin was identified as a diastereoisomer of cartormin with a reverse configuration at C-18.

Enzymatic biosynthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid glycosides via promiscuous glycosyltransferases from Carthamus tinctorius

Enzymatic glycosylation catalyzed by glycosyltransferases (GTs) has great potential in creating diverse novel and bioactive glycosides. Herein, three new GTs (UGT84 A33, UGT71 AE1 and UGT90 A14) from Carthamus tinctorius exhibited robust catalytic promiscuity to benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, and were used as enzymatic tools in glycosylation of bioactive benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Seven novel benzylisoquinoline alkaloids O-glycosides were synthesized with high efficiency. These studies indicate the significant potential of promiscuous GTs in synthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids glycosides for drug discovery.

UGT88B2: A promiscuous O-glycosyltransferase from Carthamus tinctorius

Objective:In order to obtain new glycosyltransferases with highly efficient catalysis,the glycosyltransferases from Carthamus tinctorius which contains diverse types of glycosides were mined.Methods:A new glycosyltransferase gene(UGT88B2)with full length was obtained by PCR and further transformed into Escherichia coli for heterologous expression.The catalytic activity of recombinant UGT88B2 was determined by HPLC-MSn.The structures of representative catalytic products were elucidated by MS and NMR.Results:UGT88B2 exhibited catalytic promiscuity and various patterns in glycosylation of flavonoids with high efficiency.Conclusion:A new glycosyltransferase named UGT88B2 was successfully mined and can be employed as enzymatic tools in glycosylation of flavonoids.

Catharmus tinctorius volatile oil promote the migration of mesenchymal stem cells via ROCK2/Myosin light chain signaling

MSC transplantation has been explored as a new clinical approach to stem cell-based therapies for bone diseases in regenerative medicine due to their osteogenic capability. However, only a small population of implanted MSC could successfully reach the injured areas. Therefore, enhancing MSC migration could be a beneficial strategy to improve the therapeutic potential of cell transplantation. Catharmus tinctorius volatile oil(CTVO) was found to facilitate MSC migration. Further exploration of the underlying molecular mechanism participating in the pro-migratory ability may provide a novel strategy to improve MSC transplantation efficacy. This study indicated that CTVO promotes MSC migration through enhancing ROCK2 mRNA and protein expressions. MSC migration induced by CTVO was blunted by ROCK2 inhibitor, which also decreased myosin light chain(MLC) phosphorylation.Meanwhile, the si RNA for ROCK2 inhibited the effect of CTVO on MSC migration ability and attenuated MLC phosphorylation,suggesting that CTVO may promote BMSC migration via the ROCK2/MLC signaling. Taken together, this study indicates that C.tinctorius volatile oil could enhance MSC migration via ROCK2/MLC signaling in vitro. C. tinctorius volatile oil-targeted therapy could be a beneficial strategy to improve the therapeutic potential of cell transplantation for bone diseases in regenerative medicine.