AIMTo analyze sequences of the nuclear ribosomal RNA small subunit (18S rRNA) gene and the chloroplast matK gene of crude drug Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) in order to provide molecular evidence for identification of Patchouli drug.

METHODSTo sequence the entire 18S rRNA gene and partial matK gene of Patchouli from Guangzhou and its substitute Wrinkled Gianthyssop (Agastache rugosa) from Sichuan using PCR direct sequencing and to detect the homology of two gene sequences between these two crude drugs.

RESULTSThe complete 18S rRNA gene sequence is 1,805 bp in length for Patchouli from Guangzhou whereas 1,794 bp for Wrinkled Gianthyssop from Sichuan. The 3'-end sequence of matK gene is 521 bp (747-1,268 nt from upstream of matK gene) for these two crude drugs. Based on multiple sequence alignment, it is found that there are 18 variable sites and 11 aligned gap sites in 18S rRNA sequence, 49 variable sites in 3'-matK sequence between these two crude drugs. The homology is 98.4% for 18S rRNA and 90.6% for 3'-matK between two crude drugs, respectively.

CONCLUSIONDNA sequencing can provide an accurate and reliable tool in the crude drug identification of Patchouli and its substitute Wrinkled Gianthyssop.

Agastache ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; DNA, Plant ; analysis ; Drug Contamination ; Lamiaceae ; classification ; genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plant Stems ; genetics ; Plants, Medicinal ; genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S ; analysis ; genetics ; Sequence Alignment ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Sequence Homology ; Species Specificity

Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry, chemometric resolution method (CRM) and overall volume integration method were used to analyze the essential components of herbal pair Artemisia annua-Agastache rugosa (AA-AR) and compare it with that of single herbs AA and AR. The results showed that the components of volatile oil of herbal pair (AA-AR) were different from that of single herb drug in quality and quantity. 70, 69, and 48 essential components in essential oil of herbal pair (AA-AR), AA and AR were determined, accounting for about 85.93%, 88.85% and 93.23% of the total volatile oil, respectively. The volatile active components of the essential oils compounds in number are almost the sum of that of two single herbs, are mainly from herb AA, and the contents of each component from herb AR were relatively high. There are 51 common active constituents shared by herbal pair AA-AR and AA, and 34 common active constituents shared by herbal pair AA-AR and AR. There are 7 new components in the essential oils of herbal pair AA-AR, the relative content of arteannuic acid (2.99%) and p-propenyl-anisole (1.92%) are higher than others.
Agastache ; chemistry ; Artemisia annua ; chemistry ; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical ; methods ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; chemistry ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Oils, Volatile ; analysis ; chemistry ; Plant Oils ; analysis ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Chinese composite recipe in treating mycotic infection.

METHODSThe growth condition of 7 kinds of fungi cultured on the media containing composite agastache lotion (CAL, consisted of 5 Chinese drugs) of different concentration was observed. Result showed that CAL could inhibit 7 kinds of fungi. Based on the above anti-fungus test, 110 patients with skin tinea or genital candidiasis were treated separately with CAL, western medicine and combined (CAL and western) medicines, the therapeutic effects of the 3 groups were observed and compared.

RESULTSThe therapeutic effect in patients treated with combined medicine was significantly better than that in the other two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCombined use of CAL and western medicine could enhance the cure rate in treating skin tinea and genital candidiasis. Attention should be paid on studying Chinese anti-fungal agents.

Administration, Topical ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Agastache ; chemistry ; Aged ; Antifungal Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Candida albicans ; drug effects ; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal ; drug therapy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dermatomycoses ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy

OBJECTIVETo study the history of introduction and herbal medicine of Pogostemon cablin by textual researches and clarify the confusion in literatures.

METHODTextual research on historical literatures, practical applications and field investigation were adopted.

RESULTThe varieties of P. cablin for therapeutic uses were not chaotic, however there has existed confusion between P. cablin and Agastache rugosus in descriptions of appellation, habitat and characteristic of the original plants.

CONCLUSIONIt was proved that the term "Huoxiang" in Chinese medicinal works before Ming Dynasty was pointed to P. cablin. The cultivation history of P. cablin in China was traced to Liang Dynasty or before.

Agastache ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; growth & development ; China ; Ecosystem ; History, 15th Century ; History, 16th Century ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; History, Ancient ; History, Medieval ; Lamiaceae ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Oils, Volatile ; analysis ; Pharmacognosy ; history ; Plant Leaves ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; growth & development