Simultaneous analysis of bioactive metabolites from Ziziphus jujuba by HPLC–DAD–ELSD–MS/MS

Establishment of fingerprint of phenolic compounds in Semen Ziziphi Spinosae and study on the spectrum-effect relationship based on different preceding cropping areas

As an agricultural planting practice, preceding cropping can not only enhance soil fertility and reduce pests and diseases but also boost crop yield and quality. In this study, SZS samples from different preceding cropping areas were selected as research subjects. Phenolic compounds were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and antioxidant activities were assessed based on free radical scavenging effects. Variety differences were explored through chemical pattern recognition, and the spectrum-effect relationship between the fingerprint spectra of SZS and antioxidant activity was investigated using Pearson correlation analysis, grey relational analysis, and other methods. A total of 17 peaks were observed, among which 4 peaks were identified. They are gallic acid, catechin, spinosin, and scutellarin. The 22 SZS samples could be categorized into 3 groups, with cluster analysis and principal component analysis results being largely consistent. Spinosin, a marker compound of SZS, is a crucial contributor to the total antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the spectrum-effect relationship between phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of SZS was established, and the main characteristic components affecting antioxidant activity were identified, providing a reference for the quality evaluation of SZS and the development of its products.

An aqueous macerate of Ziziphus jujuba reduces long-term spatial memory impairment in D-galactose treated rats: role of anti-inflammatory pathways

Pharmacological treatments against Alzheimer disease provide only symptomatic relief and are associated with numerous side effects. Previous studies showed that a concoction of Ziziphus jujuba leaves possesses anti-amnesic effects in scopolamine-treated rats. More recently, an aqueous macerate of Z. jujuba leaves has been shown to reduce short-term memory impairment in D-galactose-treated rats. However, no study on the effect of an aqueous macerate of Z. jujuba on long-term memory impairment was performed. Therefore, this study evaluates the effect of an aqueous macerate of Z. jujuba on long-term spatial memory impairment in D-galactose-treated rats. Long-term spatial memory impairment was induced in rats by administering D-galactose (350 mg/kg/day, s.c.), once dailyfor 21 days. On the 22nd day, the integrity of this memory was assessed using the Morris water maze task. Rats that developed memory impairment were treated with tacrine (10 mg/kg, p.o.), or aspirin (20 mg/kg, p.o.), or extract (41.5, 83, and 166 mg/kg, p.o.), once daily, for 14 days. At the end of the treatment, memory impairment was once more assessed using the same paradigm. Animals were then euthanized, and some pro-inflammatory cytokine markers were analyzed in the hippocampus or blood. The extract at all doses significantly reduced the latency to attain the platforming of the water maze test. The extract (83 mg/kg) also increased the time spent in the target quadrant during the retention phase. The extract markedly reduced the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokine markers in the hippocampus and blood. Together, these results suggest that this aqueous extract Z. jujuba reduces long-term spatial memory impairment. This effect may be mediated in part by its anti-inflammatory activity.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) and jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) formula for menopausal symptoms: Classical records, clinical evidence and experimental data

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the most common oral herbal formula for menopausal symptoms in classical Chinese medicine textbooks and investigate its clinical effectiveness and potential mechanisms of action.

METHODS

The most common formula used for menopause-like symptoms in past eras was identified from the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was undertaken and findings from relevant experimental studies were summarized.

RESULTS

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) and jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) formula (LJF) was used in 63 of the 175 citations (36%) in the classical literature. Evidence from four RCTs showed that while LJF may improve sleep symptoms, there is insufficient evidence to provide recommendations for clinical practice. Experimental studies showed sedative, antidepressant-like, estrogenic and antiprogestogenic actions.

CONCLUSIONS

LJF has a long history of use for menopause-like symptoms, but further research is needed to confirm its clinical effects and guide clinical decision-making.

Advanced development in phytochemicals analysis of medicine and food dual purposes plants used in China (2011-2014)

In 2011, we wrote a review for summarizing the phytochemical analysis (2006-2010) of medicine and food dual purposes plants used in China (Zhao et al., J. Chromatogr. A 1218 (2011) 7453-7475). Since then, more than 750 articles related to their phytochemical analysis have been published. Therefore, an updated review for the advanced development (2011-2014) in this topic is necessary for well understanding the quality control and health beneficial phytochemicals in these materials, as well as their research trends.