A novel method for age identification of mountain-cultivated ginseng

Panax ginseng, a slow-growing perennial herb, is the most praised and popular traditional medicinal herb. Mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) and cultivated ginseng (CG) both belong to Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer. The market price and medical effects of this popular health product are closely related to its age. It is widely acknowledged that CG is typically harvested after 4-6 years of growth, but MCG is often collected after 10 years. Until now, the age identification of MCG or mountain wild ginseng (MWG) has remained a major challenge. In this study, we established a novel and rapid method for staining xylem vessels with phloroglucinol and identifying the "annual growth rings" of ginseng by utilizing a stereoscope, which serves as a reliable indicator of the age of MCG. Statistical analysis of the ring radius and the ring density of MCG aged from 1 to 20 years shows that the secondary xylem of MCG increases rapidly in the first 3 years but then gradually slows down from 4 to 10 years, and minor fluctuation is observed in the next 10 years. Meanwhile, the space between the growth rings (ring density) becomes increasingly small with age. This straightforward staining approach can reveal the age of MCG with remarkable clarity and can distinguish MCG from CG. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: A novel rapid staining method for Panax ginseng was established. The age of mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) can be identified by microscopic techniques. MCG and cultivated ginseng (CG) can be discriminated by microstructure characteristics.

Effectiveness of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi root in pregnancy-related diseases: A review

The root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, also called Huangqin, is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine. In ancient China, S. baicalensis root was used to clear heat, protect the fetus, and avoid a miscarriage for thousands of years. In modern times, pregnancy-related diseases can seriously affect maternal and fetal health, but few systematic studies have explored the mechanisms and potential targets of S. baicalensis root in the treatment of pregnancy-related diseases. Flavonoids (baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin A) and flavonoid glycosides (baicalin and wogonoside) are the main chemical components in the root of S. baicalensis. This study presents the current understanding of the major chemical components in the root of S. baicalensis, focusing on their traditional uses, potential therapeutic effects and ethnopharmacological relevance to pregnancy-related disorders. The mechanisms, potential targets and experimental models of S. baicalensis root for ameliorating pregnancy-related diseases, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction and gestational diabetes mellitus, are highlighted.

Uncariitannin, a polyphenolic polymer from Uncaria gambier, attenuates Staphylococcus aureus virulence through an MgrA-mediated regulation of α-hemolysin

A global transcriptional regulator, MgrA, was previously identified as a key determinant of virulence in Staphylococcus aureus. An 80% EtOH extract of Uncaria gambier was found to attenuate the virulence of S. aureus via its effects on MgrA. Using bioassay-guided fractionation, a polyphenolic polymer, uncariitannin, was found to be the main bioactive constituent of the extract, and its structure was characterized using spectral and chemical analysis. The molecular weight and polydispersity of uncariitannin were determined by gel permeation chromatography-refractive index-light scattering analysis. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that uncariitannin could effectively inhibit the interaction of MgrA with DNA in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with uncariitannin could decrease the mRNA and protein levels of Hla in both the S. aureus Newman and USA300 LAC strains. Further analysis of Hla expression levels in the Newman ΔmgrA and Newman ΔmgrA/pYJ335-mgrA strains indicated that uncariitannin altered Hla expression primarily in an MgrA-dependent manner. A mouse model of infection indicated that uncariitannin could attenuate MRSA virulence. In conclusion, uncariitannin may be a potential candidate for further development as an antivirulence agent for the treatment of S. aureus infection.

Cytotoxic Prenylated Xanthones from the Leaves of Garcinia bracteata

Six new prenylated xanthones (1: -6: ) and seventeen known xanthones were isolated from extracts of Garcinia bracteata leaves. Their structures were determined by extensive NMR and MS spectroscopic data analysis. The inhibitory activities of the isolates were assayed on HeLa, A549, PC-3, HT-29, and WPMY-1 cell lines. Compounds 1: and 15: -17: showed moderate inhibitory effects on tumor cell growth, with IC₅₀s ranging from 3.7 to 14.7 µM.

Garciyunnanimines A–C, novel cytotoxic polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol imines from Garcinia yunnanensis

Novel cytotoxic PPAP imines from G. yunnanensis and the biomimetic synthesis of PPAP imines from corresponding PPAPs.

Highly enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of alpha-trifluoromethyldihydropyrans using a novel bifunctional piperazine-thiourea catalyst

The first enantioselective Michael addition of alpha-cyanoketones to alpha,beta-unsaturated trifluoromethyl ketones using a novel piperazine-thiourea catalyst was described. The resulting alpha-trifluoromethyldihydropyrans were obtained in high yields and with up to 95% ee within a short reaction time. A useful transformation of the chiral adduct was also illustrated.

[Trial vaginal delivery for women with previous cesarean section]

A retrospective analysis was made on 85 cases of trial labor after previous cesarean section (CS) and compared with 100 primiparous vaginal deliveries (as control) during the last 10 years. Oxytocin infusion has been used in 61 trial cases to induce and/or to accelerate labor, and valium, procaine and atropine administered during the labor process in 23 of them. 65 of the 85 cases (76.5%) successfully delivered through the vagina (VD group), while 20 cases (23.5%) had repeat CS following failure in trial labor (CS group), and 3 women had reatened uterine rupture. There was 1 neonatal death in the VD trial labor group. No obvious difference in the Apgar scores of newborns was found between the CS group and the controls, and the duration of the labor process was much shorter in the VD trial group than that in the primiparae (7.51 +/- 2.44 hrs vs. 9.10 +/- 3.75 hrs) (P < 0.01). This study indicated that following a previous uneventful transverse lower segment cesarean section, trial labor should be encouraged under supervision.