Quorum sensing is an important gene regulatory mechanism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and controls the expression of numerous virulence factors. We designed and constructed a screening system for quorum-sensing inhibitors. We developed the system by using the lasI and rhlA promoters fused with promoterless sacB as reporters. Using this system we screened a number of Chinese herb extracts, and identified three herb extracts containing inhibitors to the quorum-sensing system and to its regulated genes. The screening system developed was highly efficient and sensitive. It could serve as a useful tool to identify herb compounds that block infections but unlikely render antibiotic resistance in pathogens.
Acanthaceae ; chemistry ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Genes, Reporter ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; drug effects ; genetics ; Quorum Sensing ; drug effects ; Valerianaceae ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study optimal process conditions for the inclusion of volatile oil from Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma using saturated water solution method.

METHODThe optimal technology of inclusion was identified respectively by the utilization ratio of volatile oils and the yield of inclusion compound in an orthogonal experiment design, and the inclusion efficiency was evaluated by TLC, UV, IR, SE and GC-MS.

RESULTThe optimum preparation conditions for inclusion were established as follows: volatile oil: beta-CD was 1: 6, the inclusion temperature was 40 degrees C, the stirring speed and time were in 300 r x min(-1) and for 1 h. The analysis results showed that a new substance was conformed. The change of the volatile oil component was found before and after inclusion.

CONCLUSIONThe optimal process conditions are easy for operation, and high in utilization ratio of volatile oils and the yield of inclusion compound.

Nardostachys ; chemistry ; Oils, Volatile ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; beta-Cyclodextrins ; chemistry

27-Hydroxycholesterol (27OHChol) has been reported to induce differentiation of monocytic cells into a mature dendritic cell phenotype. We examined the effect of methanol extract of Nardostachys chinensis (Nard) on 27OHChol-induced differentiation using THP-1, a human monocytic cell line. Treatment of monocytic cells with methanol extract of Nard resulted in decreased transcription and surface expression of CD80, CD83, and CD88 elevated by 27OHChol in a dose-dependent manner. Surface levels of MHC class I and II molecules elevated by 27OHChol were also reduced to basal levels by treatment with the Nard extract. Decreased endocytosis activity caused by 27OHChol was recovered by treatment with the Nard extract. CD197 expression and cell attachment were attenuated by the Nard extract. In addition, levels of transcription and surface expression of CD molecules involved in atherosclerosis, such as CD105, CD137, and CD166 upregulated by 27OHChol were significantly decreased by treatment with methanol extract of Nard. These results indicate that methanol extract of Nard down-regulates 27OHChol-induced differentiation of monocytic cells into a mature dendritic cell phenotype and expression of CD molecules associated with atherosclerosis. The current study suggests that biological activity of oxygenated cholesterol derivatives can be inhibited by herbal medication.
Atherosclerosis ; Cell Line ; Cholesterol ; Dendritic Cells ; Endocytosis ; Humans ; Methanol* ; Monocytes ; Nardostachys* ; Oxygen ; Phenotype

Under the guidance of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory of "Zangfu-organs of spleen and stomach" and the modern theory of "microbiota-gut-brain axis", this study explored the effects of Nardostachys jatamansi on the gut microbiota of rats with Parkinson's disease(PD). The 40 SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, PD model group, levodopa group, and Nardostachys jatamansi ethanol extract group. The PD model was established by subcutaneous injection of rotenone in the neck and back area. After 14 days of intragastric administration, the PD rats' behaviors were analyzed through open field test, inclined plane test, and pole test. After the behavioral tests, the striatum, colon, and colon contents of rats in each group were collected. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) and α-synuclein(α-syn) in striatum and that of α-syn in colon. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) in striatum and colon. High-throughput sequencing of 16 S rRNA gene was conducted to detect the differences in microbial diversity, abundance, differential phyla, and dominant bacteria of rats between groups. The results indicated that Nar. ethanol extract could relieve dyskinesia, reverse the increased levels of α-syn, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB in striatum, and improve the protein expression of TH in striatum of PD rats. The α diversity analysis indicated a significant decrease in diversity and abundance of gut microbiota in the PD model. The results of linear discriminant analysis effect size(LEfSe) of dominant bacteria indicated that Nardostachys jatamansi ethanol extract increased the relative abundance of Clotridiaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Anaerostipes, and reversed the increased relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia-Shigella in PD model group to exhibit the neuroprotective effect. In summary, the results indicated that Nar. ethanol extract exert the therapeutic effect on PD rats. Specifically, the extract may regulate gut microbiota, decrease the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and reduce the protein aggregation of α-syn in the colon and striatum to alleviate intestinal inflammation and neuroinflammation. This study provides a basis for combining the theory of "Zangfu-organs of spleen and stomach" with the theory of "microbiota-gut-brain axis" to treat PD.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Nardostachys/metabolism* ; Parkinson Disease/drug therapy* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo compare inclusion effects and process conditions of two preparation methods-colloid mill and saturated solution-for beta-CD inclusion compound of four traditional Chinese medicine volatile oils and study the relationship between each process condition and volatile oil physical properties and the regularity of selective inclusion of volatile oil components.

METHODVolatile oils from Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma, Amomi Fructus, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Angelicaesinensis Radix were prepared using two methods in the orthogonal test. These inclusion compounds by optimized processes were assessed and compared by such methods as TLC, IR and scanning electron microscope. Inclusion oils were extracted by steam distillation, and the components found before and after inclusion were analyzed by GC-MS.

RESULTAnalysis showed that new inclusion compounds, but inclusion compounds prepared by the two processes had differences to some extent. The colloid mill method showed a better inclusion effect than the saturated solution method, indicating that their process conditions had relations with volatile oil physical properties. There were differences in the inclusion selectivity of components between each other.

CONCLUSIONThe colloid mill method for inclusion preparation is more suitable for industrial requirements. To prepare volatile oil inclusion compounds with heavy gravity and high refractive index, the colloid mill method needs longer time and more water, while the saturated solution method requires higher temperature and more beta-cyclodextrin. The inclusion complex prepared with the colloid mill method contains extended molecular weight chemical composition, but the kinds of components are reduced.

Amomum ; chemistry ; Angelica sinensis ; chemistry ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Nardostachys ; chemistry ; Oils, Volatile ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

A new caffeate compound, (E)-erythro-syringylglyceryl caffeate (1), was isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis Batal., together with nine known phenolic compounds, including (+)-licarin A (2), naringenin 4', 7-dimethyl ether (3), pinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucoside (4), caraphenol A (5), Z-miyabenol C (6), protocatechuic acid (7), caffeic acid (8), gallic acid (9) and vanillic acid (10). Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, this is the first report of compounds 2, 5 and 6 from Nardostachys genus.
Caffeic Acids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Flavanones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Furans ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Glucosides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Hydroxybenzoates ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Lignans ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Nardostachys ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Vanillic Acid ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo establish the fingerprint of the hydrophilic constituents of Valeriana medicinal plants.

METHODThe HPLC-UV assay was used to establish the fingerprint of the hydrophilic constituents of Valeriana medicinal plants.

RESULTThe HPLC fingerprint profiles of the hydrophilic constituents of Valeriana medicinal plants contains 12 common peaks. The relative retention time and the ranges of relative area of the common peaks were determined.

CONCLUSIONThe fingerprint profile can be used for the identification and quality control of Valeriana medicinal plants.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Valerian ; chemistry

Valeriana jatamansi (syn. V. wallichii), a traditional Chinese medicine recorded in Chinese Pharmacopeia (1977 and 2010 edition), has been used for treatment of a variety of conditions including sleep problems, obesity, nervous disorders, epilepsy, insanity, snake poisoning, eye trouble, and skin diseases. Also, it was used as an important substitute for the European V. officinalis, whose root preparation, popularly known as valerian, has been employed as a mild sedative for a long time. In recent years, much attention has been draw to the iridoids, one of the major bioactive constituents of V. jatamansi, leading to the discovery of a series of new iridoids with anti-tumor and neuroprotective activities. Their action machnism also has been discussed. This paper summerized the iridoids and their bioactivities from V. jatamansi in recent years, which could provide basic foundation for development and research of V. jatamansi.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Iridoids ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Valerian ; chemistry

Chemical investigation of the whole plants of Valeriana hardwickii has led to the isolation of 11 flavones and 2 monoterpe- noids by using various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20, preparative TLC, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic data analysis as syzalterin (1), 6-methylapigenin (2), 5-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone (3), genkwanin (4), acacetin (5), apigenin (6), quercetin (7), tricin (8), (-)-farrerol (9), sosakuranetin (10), 5,3',4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone (11), (-)-bornyl ferulate ( 12) , and (-)-bornyl caffeate ( 13). All compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time, while compounds 1, 9-13 were obtained from this genus for the first time.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; Valerian ; chemistry

The aim of this study was to improve the stability and cover the unpleasant odor of valerian oil by preparation of beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex. The preparation method was established based on the yield of inclusion complex and entrapment efficiency of valerian volatile oil. After that, the formulation and processing parameters were optimized by uniform design table. The formations of inclusion complex were validated by DSC and X-RD method. The stability of valerian oil beta-cyclodextrin inclusion was studied under stressed conditions. In conclusion, relatively high yield of inclusion complex and entrapment efficiency were obtained by saturated solution-ultrasonication method. Inclusion complex yield and entrapment efficiency of the valerian oil were (84.78 +/- 3.23)% and (86.23 +/- 2.48)%, which were prepared under the optimized conditions, respectively. The results of DSC and X-RD were indicated the formation of inclusion complex. The stability of test showed that the valerian oil-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex was improved significantly.
Drug Stability ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Odorants ; Oils, Volatile ; chemistry ; Valerian ; chemistry ; beta-Cyclodextrins ; chemistry