The updated weeping forsythia genome reveals the genomic basis for the evolution and the forsythin and forsythoside A biosynthesis

Weeping forsythia (Forsythia suspensa,Oleaceae) is a deciduous broad-leaved tree species distributed in the warm temperate zone of China.However,the species still lacks a chromosome-level genome.In this study,the former draft genome (Accession No.WIPI00000000) of weeping forsythia was assembled into 14 chromosomes with a 712.9 Mb genome size.Weeping forsythia underwent a and b whole-genome duplication events.After the divergence between weeping forsythia and Olea europaea,1 453 gene families had a significant expansion,and 1 146 gene families had a significant contraction.The enrichment pathways and ontologies of expanded genes suggested that the tillering,photosynthesis and growth capacity of weeping forsythia were enhanced after the divergence of weeping forsythia and O.europaea.The contracted genes suggested that the resistance of weeping forsythia to cold and drought was weakened.The last glacial period led to a significant decline in the effective population size of weeping forsythia.Forty-six candidate genes were identified for the synthesis of the forsythin and forsythoside A by genomic and transcriptomic data.In this study,we improved the previous draft genome of weeping forsythia.Our genome will provide genomic resources for the subsequent evolution and breeding research of weeping forsythia.

Effects of forsythin extract in Forsythia leaves on intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in rats fed a high-fat diet

Forsythia suspensa,belonging to the deciduous shrubs of the Luteaceae family,a traditional Chinese medicine,has effects of alleviating swelling,clearing heat,detoxification and promoting blood circulation.The leaves of F.suspensa contain multiple chemical components and have a long history of use in folk medicines and health foods.The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of forsythin extract from F.suspensa leaves on intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acid(SCFA)content in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet.Forsythin extract in F.suspensa leaves increased the abundance of the intestinal microbiota,ameliorated intestinal microbiota disorders and inhibited the increase in total SCFA content in the intestinal tract in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet.These results suggested that forsythin extract in F.suspensa leaves may slow the development of obesity induced by a high-fat diet;thus,its active components and efficacy are worthy of further study.

Evaluating the safety of forsythin from Forsythia suspensa leaves by acute and sub-chronic oral administration in rodent models

Objective: To access the toxicity of forsythin from Forsythia suspensa leaves and evaluate its safety,Methods: Acute toxicity was determined by oral administration of a single dose of 18 100 mg/kg forsythin in NIH mice,Sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated by oral administration of several doses of forsythin for 30 days at does of 0,540,1 620,and 6 480 mg/kg in SD rats.Results: In the acute toxicity study,mortality was not observed after 14 days,In addition,clinically relevant adverse effects,or variations in body weight or food consumption were not observed,Similarly,after 30 days in the sub-chronic toxicity study,no mortality or significant toxicological effects such as decreased food consumption,body weight,biochemical parameters and vital organs etc,were noticed,Conclusion: The results revealed that the forsythin from Forsythia suspensa leaves has low or no toxicity via oral administration,and therefore is suitable for further development and applications.

Screening of TLC Identification of Forsythin in Jin Weng Zhi Li Granule

[Objectives] To screen TLC conditions of forsythin contained in Jin Weng Zhi Li Granule. [Methods] According to the method described in Chinese Veterinary Pharmacopoeia,thin layer chromatography was used for qualitative identification of forsythin contained in Jin Weng Zhi Li Granule by improving the developing conditions. [Results]After optimizing TLC conditions of Jin Weng Zhi Li Granule,that is,the thin layer plate was pre-equilibrated in the expansion cylinder for 5 min after spotting,the separation effect of TLC of test samples was favorable. The spot color was clear,reproducibility was good,precision was high,specificity was better. [Conclusions]The method is of good feasibility,reproducibility and specificity,and could be used for qualitative detection of forsythin contained in Jin Weng Zhi Li Granule.