Using GC-MS-DC techniques, we identified 24 constituents in the essential oil of Matricaria chamomilla L. collected from Shanghai. And using GC we found out that the contents of its constituents were notably different between fresh and dry inflorescences, and its quantities in the examples were changed from time to time during the day.

Total esculentosides and polysaccharides are determined and compared in roots of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb., P. americana L., P. polyandra Bat., P. zhejiongensis W.T. Ean Produced in China. Results showed that P. polyandra Bat. has the highest content of esculentosides (6.24% ), while P. acinose is most rich in polysaccharides (10.57% )

To analyze amino acid and fatty acid of Fructus Broussonetiae . The amino acids of Fructus Broussonetiae were analyzed with automatic amino acid instrument and fatty acids were analyzed with GC MS Computer system. More than 14 amino acids were analyzed and the fatty acid from Fructus Broussonetiae contains 17 compounds, of which 8,11 octadecadienoic acid and Hexadecanoic acid are main components.The abundance of amino acids and unsaturated fatty acid may contribute to the tonic function of Fructus Broussonetiae .

Objective To investigate the effects of seed sources and storage conditions on the seed germination rate of Valeriana officinalis. Methods The seeds of V. officinalis under different storage conditions were used as materials for germination test, and the germination rate was calculated and compared according to the results. Results The seed germination rate of valerians is varied with different sources. The seed germination rate of V. officinalis is higher than that of V. officinalis var. latifolia, and the seed germination rate of cultivated valeriana is much higher than that of the wild plant. The storage periods, storage temperature, and germination conditions also affect the germination rate. Conclusion To maintain the seed germination rate, the seed of V. officinalis should be stored in conditions with ventilation and at suitable low temperature. Lower temperature helps to prolong the seed life with relatively high germination rate. Valeriana seed should also be propagated at available temperature conditions in proper seasons.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Liriope platyphylla total saponin (LPTS) on learning, memory, neuromediators and metabolites in aging mice induced by D-galactose. METHODS: Ninety Kunming mice were randomly divided into nine groups: normal saline (NS)-treated group, untreated group, high- (100 mg/kg), medium- (50 mg/kg) and low-dose (10 mg/kg) LPTS-treated groups, Shuxuening-treated group, jiaogulanosidi-treated group, flunarizine-treated group and vitamin E-treated group. The Kunming mice in the NS-treated group were administered with NS by intraperitoneal injection, while the aging mice in the other eight groups were administered with D-galactose by intraperitoneal injection. At the same time, the aging mice in different groups were fed with corresponding drugs for 42 days, and the aging items of the mice in different groups were measured, respectively. RESULTS: LPTS could improve the memory of aging mice induced by D-galactose, promote its body weight, and increase the thymus and spleen indexes of the aging mice. LPTS could decrease the levels of MDA and lipofuscin, inhibit MAO activity and increase SOD activity and GSH-Px level. CONCLUSION: LPTS may improve the ability of learning and memory and delay aging.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevention effect of aqueous extract of Epimedii sagittatum (ESE) on ovariectomy-induced (OVX) bone loss in rats. METHODS: Rats were divided into sham-operated and OVX groups. The OVX rats were divided into four groups treated with distilled water, 17beta-estradiol (1 mg/kg, ig) and ESE (0.5 and 1 g/kg, ig) for 11 weeks. Serum calcium, phosphorus, estradiol, bone gla protein concentrations and serum alkaline phosphatase activity were measured. Bone density was assayed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The undecalcified longitudinal proximal tibial metaphysical sections were cut and stained for the bone histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: In OVX rats, alkaline phosphatase activity in serum was markedly increased by ESE treatment, which had no obvious influence on the body weight. Meanwhile, atrophy of uterus and descent of bone mineral density were suppressed by ESE treatment. In addition, ESE completely corrected the decreased concentrations of calcium and E2 in serum observed in OVX rats. Histological results also showed ESE prevented the increases in trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) in OVX rats whereas it did not alter trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular number (Tb.N) in OVX rats. Moreover, ESE had remarkable effect on bone formation rate with bone volume as referent (BFR/BV) and bone formation rate with bone surface as referent (BFR/BS). CONCLUSION: The findings assessed on the basis of biochemical test, bone mineral density and histomorphometric parameters show that aqueous extract of Epimedii sagittatum has a definite antiosteoporotic effect and can prevent the OVX-induced bone loss in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of madecassoside (MC) on the depression behavior of mice and the activities of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in different rat brain regions. METHODS: Imipramine as the positive contrast medicine, effects of MC on the depression behavior of mice were observed by forced swimming test and reserpine antagonist test. Moclobemide and pargyline as the positive controlled medicines, the activities of monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) and monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) in different rat brain regions were determined after intragastric administration of MC in 3 different dosages for 3 days or 21 days. RESULTS: (1) The low, middle and high dosages of MC (i.g.) significantly reduced the immobility time of mice in forced swimming test (P<0.05). (2) MC in dosages of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg prevented the lowering of temperature induced by reserpine (P<0.05), while 40 mg/kg had no significant effects on it (P>0.05). (3) With acute administration (3 days), the low, middle and high dosagey of MC (i.g.) significantly inhibited the activity of MAO-A in hippocampus (P<0.01), and the high dosage significantly inhibited the activity of MAO-A in hypothalamus (P<0.01), while the 3 dosages had no significant effects on the activity of MAO-A in cortex (P>0.05). With chronic administration (21 days), MC in 3 dosages had no significant effects on the activities of MAO-A in cortex and hypothalamus (P>0.05), and the high dosage (40 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the activity of MAO-A in hippocampus (P<0.01). (4) With acute administration, MC in dosages of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg significantly inhibited the activity of MAO-B in cortex (P>0.05), and MC in dosage of 10 mg/kg significantly inhibited the activity of MAO-B in hypothalamus (P<0.05), and MC in dosage of 20 mg/kg significantly enhanced the activity of MAO-B in hippocampus (P<0.01). With chronic administration, MC of 3 dosages produced no significant effects on the activities of MAO-B in 3 different rat brain regions (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: These results support the idea that MC produces antidepressant effects through MAO inhibition in rat brain, which seems stronger with acute administration than chronic administration, while its mechanism remains to be further studied.

To study the chemical constituents of Fructus Xanthii and to determine the contents of total phenolic acids (TPA) in fruits of Xanthium from different populations for evaluating the quality of them.

Objective: To study the effects of TCFC on proliferation and osteogenic action of osteoblast in neonatal rat calvaria cultures in vitro. Methods: Osteoblasts were isolated from neonatal rat calvaria through trypsin and collagenase digestion. The proliferation and collagen synthesis were assayed by 3H TdR and 3H proline incorporation. The activity of ALP was measured by p nitrophenyl sodium phosphate assay. The ipriflavone was used as positive control drug.Results: TCFC significantly promoted bone cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and collage synthesis.Conclusion: TCFC had the anti osteoporosis action by promoting osteoblast proliferation, ALP activity and collage synthesis.