Publication Statement of Chinese Medicine and Natural Products

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is a treasure of the Chinese nation.It contains rich philosophical thoughts and humanistic spirit,which is an important manifestation of our country's cultural soft power and also an advantageous discipline for our country's foreign exchanges.With the development of the times,TCM journals are becoming more"specialized"and"characterized"and the need to"go abroad"is becoming more and more urgent.Scientific and technological journals in English may lead the direction of scientific research,gather scientific and technological strength and innovative results in the world,which plays an important role in enhancing the country's cultural strength and innovation motivation.In order to expand the academic influence of TCM journals in the world and guide the vast number of scientific and technological workers to write papers on motherland,the establishment and publication of TCM English journal is imperative.With the strong support from relevant higher-level departments and the great help from peers of scientific and technological journals,Chinese Medicine and Natural Products(CMNP)has been successfully founded.

Publication Statement of Chinese Medicine and Natural Products

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is a treasure of the Chinese nation.It contains rich philosophical thoughts and humanistic spirit,which is an important manifestation of our country's cultural soft power and also an advantageous discipline for our country's foreign exchanges.

Publication Statement of Chinese Medicine and Natural Products

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is a treasure of the Chinese nation.It contains rich philosophical thoughts and humanistic spirit,which is an important manifestation of our country's cultural soft power and also an advantageous discipline for our country,s foreign exchanges.With the development of the times,TCM journals are becoming more"specialized"and Hcharacterizedn and the need to ngo abroad"is becoming more and more urgent.

Publication Statement of Chinese Medicine and Natural Products

Traditional Chpnese medicine(TCM)is a treasure of the Chinese nation.It contains rich philosophical thoughts and humanistic spirit,which is an important manifestation of our country's cultural soft power and also an advanta-geous discipline for our country's foreign exchanges.With the development of the times,TCM journals are becoming more"specialized"and"characterized"and the need to"go abroad"is becoming more and more urgent.English scientific and technological journals may lead the direction of scientifie research,gather scientifie and technological strength and innovative results in the world,which plays an important role in enhaneing the country's cultural strength and innovation motivation.In order to expand the academic influence of TCM joumals in the world and guide the vast number of scientifie and technological workers to write papers on motherland,the establishment and publication of TCM English journal is imperative.w ith the strong support from relevant higher-level departments and the great help from peers of seientifie and technological journals,Chinese Medicine and Natural Products(CMNP)has been scessfully founded.

Publication Statement of Chinese Medicine and Natural Products

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is a treasure of the Chinese nation.It contains rich philosophical thoughts and humanistic spirit,which is an important manifestation of our country′s cultural soft power and also an advantageous discipline for our country′s foreign exchanges.With the development of the times,TCM journals are becoming more"specialized"and"characterized"and the need to"go abroad"is becoming more and more urgent.English scientific and technological journals may lead the direction of scientific research,gather scientific and technological strength and innovative results in the world,which plays an important role in enhancing the country′s cultural strength and innovation motivation.In order to expand the academic influence of TCM journals in the world and guide the vast number of scientific and technological workers to write papers on motherland,the establishment and publication of TCM English journal is imperative.With the strong support from relevant higherlevel departments and the great help from peers of scientific and technological journals,Chinese Medicine and Natural Products(CMNP)has been successfully founded.

Structural Modification Based on Natural Products Leads to More Drug-like Candidates

Natural products are characterized with diverse structures and biological activities. They show a certain degree of adaptability to human beings. However, they need to be modified to increase their druggability. Several strategies including pharmacophore similarity, physicochemical property optimization, and bioactivity focus may help to make them more drug-like candidates.

Association of serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and major depressive disorder in Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND： Serotonin transporter （5-HTT） polymorphisms comprise 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphism region （5-HTTLPR） and variable number of tandem repeats （VNTR）. Studies have revealed an association between 5-HTT polymorphism and major depressive disorder, which suggests that the ＂S＂ allele of 5-HTTLPR and Stin2.9 of 5-HTTVNTR are associated with major depressive disorder. However, there are a number of studies that do not support the 5-HTT polymorphism effect in major depressive disorder. OBJECTIVE： To study the relationship between 5-HTT gene polymorphism and major depressive disorder in Chinese Han population. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Case-controlled study of 5-HTT gene polymorphism. The experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China from March 2005 to January 2006. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 99 depressive patients of Chinese Han nationality were recruited for this study. All patients met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder and had a total score of Hamilton Depression Scale （24 items） ≥21 points. In addition, 101 healthy subjects, matched for age and gender, served as the control group. METHODS： Venous blood was collected from all subjects. 5-HTT genotypes and alleles were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the association between 5-HTT gene polymorphism and major depressive disorder were analyzed by Chi-square test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： 5-HTTLPR and 5-HTTVNTR genotypes and allele frequencies were measured. RESULTS： No significant differences in 5-HTTLPR genotypes and allele frequencies were determined between patients and controls （P 〉 0.05）. However, significant differences in 5-HTTVNTR genotypes and allele frequencies were detected （P 〈 0.01 ）. The Stin2.10 allele and 10/10 genotype associated with major depressive disorder （OR = 2.61,7.7, P 〈 0.05; analysis of dose-response relationships Х^2 = 12.35, P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Results from the present study revealed no association between 5-HTTLPR and major depressive disorder. However, a significant association between 5-HTTVNTR and major depressive disorder existed in a population of Chinese Han. The presence of Stin2.10 and 10/10 genotypes increased the risk for major depressive disorder in a dose-dependent manner.

Antifeedant and Antiviral Diterpenoids from the Fresh Roots of Euphorbia jolkinii

The perennial herbaceous plant Euphorbia jolkinii(Euphorbiaceae)is a noxious weed widely distributed in the grasslands of northwestern Yunnan and has greatly threatened the local biodiversity.Phytochemical investigation on the fresh roots of E.jolkinii afforded six new diterpenoids 1,2,4–6,and 8,together with fifteen known diterpenoids.Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and other spectroscopic methods.Casbane,lathyrane,abietane,and ent-kaurane diterpenoids were reported from this plant for the first time.Selected compounds were evaluated for their antifeedant and anti-RSV(respiratory syncytial virus)activities.Compound 2 and ingenol(3)exhibited moderate antifeedant activity against a generalist insect herbivore,Spodoptera exigua,with EC50 values of 17.88 and 17.71 lg/cm2 respectively.Compound 19 showed significant anti-RSV activity,with 50%inhibition(IC50)value of 10.0 lM and selective index of 8.0.Compounds 1 and 2 were less active against RSV virus,both with IC50 value of 25 lM,and with selective indices of 1.0 and 3.2 respectively.These findings provided new evidence for the biological functions and utilization of the diversified diterpenoid metabolites in the roots of this rich but harmful plant.

Two new phenolic glycosides from the aerial parts of Androsace umbellata

Two new phenolic glycosides, 2-hydroxy-4-O-β-D-glucopyranosylphenylacetic acid methyl acetate （1） and 2-hydroxy-4-O-β-D- glucopyranosylphenylacetic acid （2） were isolated from the aerial parts ofAndrosace umbellata. Their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. C 2009 Wen Cai Ye. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Correlation between changes of central neurotransmitter expression and stress response in mice A restraint time-course analysis

BACKGROUND： Changes in central neurotransmitter expression play an important role in stress response and forms the basis for stress-induced psychological and behavior changes. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of different restraint stress intervals on brain monoamine neurotransmitter expression, and to investigate the correlation between stress response and neurotransmitter levels. DESIGN： Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING： Chinese Herb and Natural Medicine Institute, Pharmacological College of Jinan University. MATERIALS： Sixty 7-week-old male Kunming mice of clean grade, weighing 18-22 g, were provided by the Guangdong Medical Experimental Animal Center. The experiment was in accordance with animal ethics standards. METHODS： This study was performed at the Chinese Herb and Natural Medicine Institute, Pharmacological College of Jinan University from June 2006 to May 2007. A restraint device for mice was constructed according to published reports. Experimental mice were adaptively fed for 1 week and randomly divided into a control group （n = 10） and an experimental group （n = 50）. The experimental group was sub-divided into five restraint intervals： 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 hours （n = 10 mice per time point）. Animals in the experimental group were not allowed to eat or drink during the restraint period. Mice in the control group did not undergo restraint, but had identical food and water restrictions. Cerebral cortex and hypothalamus were separated based on observational times and protein was extracted using perchloric acid. Central monoamine neurotransmitter levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Levels of norepinephrine （NE）, dopamine hydrochloride （DA）, 3,4-dihydroxyphen-ylanetic acid （DOPAC）, homovanillic acid （HVA）, 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）, and 5-hydroxyindoleac-etic acid （5-HIAA） in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus of mice. RESULTS： Sixty mice were included in the final analysis. ① NE levels in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, and plasma： four hours after restraint, NE levels in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus ere significantly lower than control levels （P 〈 0.05）. After 12 hours of restraint, NE levels in the experimental group were significantly higher than in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. At 18 hours of restraint, there was no significant difference in NE levels in the cerebral cortex between the experimental group and the control group （P 〉 0.05）. In addition, NE levels in the plasma gradually increased with longer restraint time, which was significant between experimental groups and the control group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. ② Levels of DA, DOPAC, and HVA in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus： there were significant differences in DA levels in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus after 18 and 24 hours of restraint compared to control animals （P 〈 0.05）. DOPAC and HVA levels in the cerebral cortex were enhanced with longer restraint time, and there was significant difference in all restraint groups compared to control levels （P 〈 0.01）, except for DOPAC levels after 4 hours of restraint. Moreover, DOPAC and HVA levels in the hypothalamus were enhanced with increasing restraint time. Levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus： after short restraint periods and in the control group, 5-HT was not detectable. However, it was quantitatively detected at 12 hours after restraint. The 5-HT levels in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus reached peak levels at 12 and 18 hours of restraint. 5-HIAA levels in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus showed a similar tendency to increase with restraint time- 5-HIAA levels at 4-8 hours after restraint were significantly higher than control levels （P 〈 0.01）. The 5-HIAA levels decreased at 12 hours after restraint, but remained significantly higher than the control group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Restraint stress affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal （HPA） axis and causes changes in monoamine neurotransmitters in brain tissues, which suggests stress status could be improved by adjusting HPA axis and neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

Crystal Structure and Anticancer Properties of Cinobufagin 3-Hemisuberate Methyl Ester

The title compound cinobufagin 3-hemisuberate methyl ester（1） was isolated from the venom of Bufo bufo gargarizans CANTOR. The crystal structure of 1, C35H48O9, was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It belongs to orthorhombic, space group P212121 with a = 8.9338（3）, b = 16.2970（4）, c = 22.4019（6） , V = 3261.59（16） 3, Mr = 612.73, Z = 4, Dc = 1.248 g/cm3, μ = 0.725 mm-1, F（000） = 1320, S = 1.040, the final R = 0.0374 and wR = 0.0412 for 4458 unique reflections, of which 4088 were observed（I 〉 2σ（I））. In the solid state, short intermolecular C-H...O interactions involving a methine and the ester carbonyl group in cinobufagin moiety and a methyl in the suberate moiety linked adjacent molecules into a three-dimensional network. Detailed analysis of the 1H-NMR data showed that X-ray structure of 1 would be expected to closely resemble the solution conformation in chloroform. Compound 1 was inactive for the inhibition of PC3 and HepG2 cancer cells, but the parent compound cinobufagin showed potent inhibition with IC50 values of 0.145 and 5.48 μM, respectively, indicating that esterification at C（3） decreased the cytotoxic effect of 1.

6-(N,N-Dimethylamino)-2-naphthoylacryl Acid:a Highly Selective and Sensitive Fluorescent Sensor of Copper(Ⅱ)

A novel fluorescent probe,6-（N,N-dimethylamino）-2-naphthoylacryl acid（ACADAN） was designed and synthesized as a fluorescent sensor for Cu^2＋ in aqueous media.Significant amplification of fluorescence signals without causing any discernible change of maximum fluorescence emission wavelength（λ max） was observed upon the addition of Cu^2＋.Importantly,ACADAN is capable of recognizing Cu^2＋ selectively in aqueous media in the presence of various biologically relevant metal ions and the prevalent toxic metal ions in the environment with high sensitivity（detection limit was 0.1 μmol/L）.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Na^+/K^+-ATPase Inhibitory Activity of △^(14,15)-anhydro-24-thiocarbonylbufalin

The title compound △14,15-anhydro-24-thiocarbonylbufalin （1） was prepared by the reaction of natural product bufalin with Lawesson reagent. The crystal structure of 1, C24H3002S＇C24H3002S, was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It belongs to monoclinic, space group C2, with a = 30.9845（2）, b = 6.8036（3）, c = 22.5791（15）/k, V= 4241.7（4） A3, Mr = 384.21, Z = 4, Dc= 1.204 g/cm3,μ = 1.463 mm4, F（000） = 1664, S = 1.064, R = 0.0487 and wR = 0.0645 for 4683 unique reflections, of which 3757 were observed （I 〉 2σ（/））. The asymmetric unit contains two independent molecules （ⅠandⅡ）, which are closely similar to each other except for the orientation of the lactone ring. Both conformations of I and II are in good agreement with the solution structure in methanol as indicated by 1H-NMR analysis. Due to the presence of heavy atom sulfur in the molecules, the final refinement resulted in a small Flack parameter 0.02（3）, permitting the assignments of the absolute configuration. In the solid state, intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving thiocarbonyl group in the lactone moiety and the hydroxyl groups in the steroid moiety ester linked adjacent molecules into a three-dimensional network. Compound 1 showed weak inhibition on Na＋/K＋-ATPase in contrast to the strong inhibitory activity of the parent compound bufalin, suggesting that the carbonyl group in lactone moiety and the hydroxyl group atC-14 play important roles for the inhibition of Na＋/K＊-ATPase.

Evaluating the quality consistency of compound Liangmianzhen buccal tablets during accessories replacement by HPLC/UV related with its active profiling and UV dissolution profiles

Compound Liangmianzhen buccal tablet is a drug that exhibits notable effect on cough and diphtheria.Since the accessory has been changed,along with the difficulties in traditional Chinese drug-evaluation,it is imperative to set up a reliable method to evaluate the drug and ensure the quality consistency.First,the content of the Compound Liangmianzhen buccal tablets reflected by fingerprints were evaluated by the comprehensive linearly quantified fingerprint method and systematic quantified fingerprint method,in which thirteen fingerprint peaks was selected and gallic acid was chosen as the reference peak.The results of the two methods showed all batches in grades 1–3 of above good level with the qualitative similarities of Sl and Sm above 0.90,and the quantitative ones of Pl%and Pm%from 80%–120%,indicating all samples far qualified.Second,the measurement of antioxidant effect based on DPPH free radical clearance test has demonstrated the consistency between the old prescription group and the new ones and further dug up the major antioxidant compositions.Third,dissolution profiles at 190 to 400 nm that evaluate the curative effect consistency were evaluated by f2 and the correlation of the dissolution curve.In conclusion,the combination of 3 kinds of analysis methods can comprehensively assess the quality of the traditional Chinese drug and be served as a routine procedure to evaluate the herbal medicine consistency.

Enhancing the Structural Diversity and Bioactivity of Natural Products by Combinatorial Modification Exemplified by Total Tanshinones

To enhance the structural diversity of tanshinones and provide more derivatives for the biological studies, a one-pot combinatorial modification strategy was performed on total tanshinones. Six new quinoxlinetanshinones 1 --6 were subsequently isolated from the combinatorial modified semi-synthetic mixture. The structures were elu- cidated by spectroscopic analysis in combination with single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These quinoxlinetanshinones demonstrated strong DNA binding properties. Rapid synthesis of new quinoxlinetanshinones with significant bio- logical activity highlights the great potential of one-pot combinatorial modification for the diversification of natural products.

A new flavonoid with a benzoic acid substituent from Selaginella uncinata

6-（5-Carboxyl-2-methoxyphenyl）-apigenin （1）, a new flavonoid, was isolated from the 60% ethanol extract of Selaginella uncinata （Desv.） Spring. Its structure was established by spectroscopic methods. Compound 1 represents the first example of the flavonoids possessing a benzoic acid substituent at C-6.

Genetic control of compound leaf development in the mungbean(Vigna radiata L.)

Many studies suggest that there are distinct regulatory processes controlling compound leaf development in different clades of legumes.Loss of function of the LEAFY(LFY)orthologs results in a reduction of leaf complexity to different degrees in inverted repeat-lacking clade(IRLC)and non-IRLC species.To further understand the role of LFY orthologs and the molecular mechanism in compound leaf development in non-IRLC plants,we studied leaf development in unifoliate leaf(un)mutant,a classical mutant of mungbean(Vigna radiata L.),which showed a complete conversion of compound leaves into simple leaves.Our analysis revealed that UN encoded the mungbean LFY ortholog(VrLFY)and played a significant role in leaf development.In situ RNA hybridization results showed that STM-like KNOXI genes were expressed in compound leaf primordia in mungbean.Furthermore,increased leaflet number in heptafoliate leaflets1(hel1)mutants was demonstrated to depend on the function of VrLFY and KNOXI genes in mungbean.Our results suggested that HEL1 is a key factor coordinating distinct processes in the control of compound leaf development in mungbean and its related non-IRLC legumes.

Ganoderma lucidum spore oil(GLSO),a novel antioxidant,extends the average life span in Drosophila melanogaster

In ancient China,Ganoderma lucidum was believed to be a medical fungus that could increase lifespan.Recently,pharmacologic studies have found that polysaccharide peptides and triterpenoids extracted from Ganoderma lucidum have various physiological effects as active compounds.However,the effects of spore oil isolated from Ganoderma lucidum remains unknown.In this study,the biological effects of Ganoderma lucidum spore oil(GLSO)were evaluated using a Drosophila melanogaster model.Compared with untreated groups,groups treated with GLSO had significantly longer average and maximum lifespan in both normal conditions and under oxidative stress.The activities of various antioxidant enzymes were measured to determine the antioxidant effect of GLSO.GLSO treatment markedly enhanced total superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)activity and decreased levels of malondialdehyde(MDA).Further,we found dose-dependent increases in the mRNA expression of Cu,Zn-SOD,Mn-SOD,and CAT in GLSO-treated groups.These results suggest that GLSO may effectively eliminate free radicals and extend lifespan in Drosophila.Future work should investigate the value of GLSO as a functional food for the prevention of aging in larger animal models.

Alkaloids from the root barks of Goniothalamus cheliensis

（3S）-2-Oxo-5,12-dimethoxy-3-hydroxy-3-methylbenz[f]indoline （1）, a new benzoxindole alkaloid, along with two known alkaloids, was isolated from the root barks of Goniothalamus cheliensis Hu. The structure was elucidated by spectroscopic evidences, and the absolute configuration was determined by CD spectrum.

Total Synthesis of Three New Dihydrostilbenes from Bulbophllum odoratissimum

A total synthesis of three new dihydrostilbenes, 1, 2 and 3, which were isolated from Bulbophyllum odoratissimum Lindl. with significant cytotoxicity toward human cancer cell lines, was developed via Homer reaction etc. The natural products 1, 2 and 3 were obtained in 5.8%, 6.6% and 5.9%, respectively.