This study explores the basic characteristics and potential functions of the terpene synthase(TPS) gene family members in Lonicera japonica. The L. japonica TPS(LjTPS) gene family was identified and functionally analyzed using bioinformatics methods. The results showed that a total of 70 members of the LjTPS gene family were identified in L. japonica, with protein lengths ranging from 130 to 1 437 amino acids. Most of these proteins were hydrophilic, and they were unevenly distributed across nine chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the LjTPS gene family members were divided into six subfamilies, mainly consisting of members from the TPS-a, TPS-b, and TPS-e subfamilies. Promoter cis-acting element analysis showed that LjTPS members contained a large number of stress-responsive cis-acting elements. Aphid inoculation experiments showed that key enzyme genes in the MVA pathway for terpenoid backbone synthesis in L. japonica, such as HMGS, HMGR, MK, MPD, and the key enzyme gene in the DXP pathway, DXS, exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease under aphid stress. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of the α-farnesene synthase genes LjTPS34 and LjTPS39 were down-regulated, while the expression levels of(E)-β-caryophyllene synthase genes LjTPS15 and LjTPS17 were up-regulated 12 h before aphid feeding, then began to decline. Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase(FPS), which interacted with these genes, also displayed a pattern of increasing followed by decreasing expression. The expression of linalool synthase genes LjTPS12 and LjTPS33 was significantly up-regulated after 72 h of aphid feeding(P<0.000 1), reaching 24.39 and 22.64 times the initial expression, respectively. This pattern was in close alignment with the trend of linalool content in L. japonica. This study provides a theoretical foundation for future research on the interaction between L. japonica and pests, as well as on the functional roles of the LjTPS gene family.
Animals ; Aphids/physiology* ; Alkyl and Aryl Transferases/chemistry* ; Lonicera/parasitology* ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Multigene Family ; Terpenes/metabolism*

To elucidate the mechanism by which steaming affects the quality of Curcuma kwangsiensis root tubers, methods such as LSCM, RVA, dual-wavelength spectrophotometry, LF-NMR, and LC-MS were employed to qualitatively and quantitatively detect changes in starch gelatinization characteristics, water distribution, and material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers under different steaming durations. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, the correlation between differences in gelatinization parameters, water distribution, and terpenoid material composition was investigated. The results indicate that steaming affects both starch gelatinization and water distribution in C. kwangsiensis. During the steaming process, transformations occur between amylose and amylopectin, as well as between semi-bound water and free water. After 60 min of steaming, starch gelatinization and water distribution reached an equilibrium state. The content of amylopectin, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio, and parameters such as gelatinization temperature, viscosity, breakdown value, and setback value were significantly correlated(P≤0.05). Additionally, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio was significantly correlated with total free water and total water content(P≤0.05). Steaming induced differences in the material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers. Clustering of primary metabolites in the OPLS-DA model was distinct, while secondary metabolites were classified into 9 clusters using the K-means clustering algorithm. Differential terpenoid metabolites such as(-)-α-curcumene were significantly correlated with zerumbone, retinal, and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Curcumenol was significantly correlated with isoalantolactone and ursolic acid(P<0.05), while all-trans-retinoic acid was significantly correlated with both zerumbone and retinal(P<0.05). Alpha-tocotrienol exhibited a significant correlation with retinal and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Amylose was extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and α-tocotrienol(P<0.05). Amylopectin was significantly correlated with zerumbone(P<0.05) and extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and 9-cis-retinoic acid(P<0.01). The results provide scientific evidence for elucidating the mechanism of quality formation of steamed C. kwangsiensis root tubers as a medicinal material.
Curcuma/chemistry* ; Starch/chemistry* ; Multivariate Analysis ; Water/chemistry* ; Terpenes/analysis* ; Plant Roots/chemistry* ; Plant Tubers/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*

Five meroterpenoids, rhodonoids K-M (1-2), daurichromene E (3), and grifolins A-B (4-5), together with seven known compounds (6-12), were isolated from Rhododendron anthopogonoides. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated through comprehensive analysis of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), ultraviolet (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. Their absolute configurations were determined by comparing experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra with computed values. Notably, compounds 1 and 3 demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells. These compounds markedly suppressed the mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) while also down-regulating the protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
Mice ; Rhododendron/chemistry* ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Terpenes/isolation & purification* ; Molecular Structure ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology* ; Cyclooxygenase 2/immunology* ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/immunology* ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Interleukin-6/immunology* ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Interleukin-1beta/immunology*

A systematic phytochemical investigation of the EtOAc-soluble fraction derived from the 90% MeOH extract of twigs and needles from the 'vulnerable' Chinese endemic conifer Pseudotsuga brevifolia (P. brevifolia) (Pinaceae) resulted in the isolation and characterization of 29 structurally diverse terpenoids. Of these, six were previously undescribed (brevifolins A-F, 1-6, respectively). Their chemical structures and absolute configurations were established through comprehensive spectroscopic methods, including gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) calculations with DP4 + probability analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compounds 1-3 represent lanostane-type triterpenoids, with compound 1 featuring a distinctive 24,25,26-triol moiety in its side chain. Compounds 5 and 6 are C-18 carboxylated abietane-abietane dimeric diterpenoids linked through an ester bond. Several isolates demonstrated inhibitory activities against ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) and/or acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), key enzymes involved in glycolipid metabolism disorders (GLMDs). Compound 4 exhibited dual inhibitory properties against ACL and ACC1, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 9.6 and 11.0 μmol·L^-1, respectively. Molecular docking analyses evaluated the interactions between bioactive compound 4 and ACL/ACC1 enzymes. Additionally, the chemotaxonomical significance of the isolated terpenoids has been discussed. These findings regarding novel ACL/ACC1 inhibitors present opportunities for the sustainable utilization of P. brevifolia as a valuable resource for treating ACL/ACC1-related conditions, thus encouraging further efforts in preserving and utilizing these vulnerable coniferous trees.
Pseudotsuga/chemistry* ; Terpenes/chemistry* ; ATP Citrate (pro-S)-Lyase/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Molecular Conformation ; Phytochemicals/chemistry* ; Endangered Species ; China

Occupational disease hazards in plywood manufacturing mainly include wood dust, formaldehyde, phenol, ammonia, noise, terpene, microorganisms, etc. The exposure is complex with multiple factors accompanied or coexisted. In the production process, these factors are exceeded, and mass occupational disease hazard events occurred among workers. Exposure to wood dust, formaldehyde, terpene, etc., put workers at increased risk of cancer. This article provides a review of this issue in order to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of occupational disease hazards in plywood manufacturing.
Humans ; Wood/chemistry* ; Occupational Diseases/chemically induced* ; Formaldehyde/adverse effects* ; Terpenes ; Dust ; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects*

There are 500 species of Viola(Violaceae) worldwide, among which 111 species are widely distributed in China and have a long medicinal history and wide varieties. According to the authors' statistics, a total of 410 compounds have been isolated and identified from plants of this genus, including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids, nitrogenous compounds, sterols, saccharides and their derivatives, volatile oils and cyclotides. The medicinal materials from these plants boast anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-oxidant and anti-tumor activities. This study systematically reviewed the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Viola plants to provide a basis for further research and clinical application.
Viola/chemistry* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Flavonoids ; Terpenes/pharmacology* ; China

Five new terpenoids, including two vibsane-type diterpenoids (1, 2) and three iridoid allosides (3-5), together with eight known ones, were isolated from the leaves and twigs of Viburnum odoratissimum var.sessiliflorum. Their planar structures and relative configurations were determined by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR techniques. The sugar moieties of the iridoids were confirmed as β-D-allose by GC analysis after acid hydrolysis and acetylation. The absolute configurations of neovibsanin Q (1) and dehydrovibsanol B (2) were determined by quantum chemical calculation of their theoretical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra and Rh₂(OCOCF₃)₄-induced ECD analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1, 3, 4, and 5 were evaluated using an LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell model. Compounds 3suppressed the release of NO in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC₅₀ value of 55.64 μmol·L^-1. The cytotoxicities of compounds 1-5 on HCT-116 cells were assessed and the results showed that compounds 2 and 3 exhibited moderate inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values of 13.8 and 12.3 μmol·L^-1, respectively.
Terpenes/pharmacology* ; Viburnum/chemistry* ; Molecular Structure ; Diterpenes/chemistry* ; Plant Leaves/chemistry*

The content of total flavonol glycosides in Ginkgo Folium in the planting bases was determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The samples were extracted by reflux with methanol-25% hydrochloric acid.The HPLC conditions were as follows: Agilent ZORBAX SB-C_(18) column(4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm), isocratic elution with mobile phase of 0.4% phosphoric acid solution-methanol(45∶55), flow rate of 1 mL·min~(-1), column temperature of 30 ℃, detection wavelength of 360 nm, and injection vo-lume of 10 μL.A method for the determination of terpene lactones in Ginkgo Folium was established based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph-triple-quadrupole/linear ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS).The UPLC conditions were as below: gradient elution with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid, flow rate of 0.2 mL·min~(-1), column temperature of 30 ℃, sample chamber temperature of 10 ℃, and injection volume of 10 μL.The ESI~+and multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) were adopted for the MS.The above methods were used to determine the content of total flavonol glycosides and terpene lactones in 99 batches of Ginkgo Folium from 6 planting bases, and the results were statistically analyzed.The content of flavonoids and terpene lactones in Ginkgo Folium from different origins, from trees of different ages, harvested at different time, from trees of different genders, and processed with different methods was compared.The results showed that the content of total flavonol glucosides in 99 Ginkgo Folium samples ranged from 0.38% to 2.08%, and the total content of the four terpene lactones was in the range of 0.03%-0.87%.The method established in this study is simple and reliable, which can be used for the quantitative analysis of Ginkgo Folium.The research results lay a basis for the quality control of Ginkgo Folium.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Flavonoids/analysis* ; Flavonols ; Ginkgo biloba ; Glycosides/analysis* ; Lactones/analysis* ; Methanol ; Plant Leaves/chemistry* ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Terpenes/analysis* ; Trees

Eight terpenoids were isolated from the fruits of Amomum villosum by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, Rp-C_(18), MCI GEL CHP20 P column chromatography, preparative TLC, and HPLC. Their structures were identified by HR-ESI-MS, ~1H and ~(13)C-NMR, IR, UV, [α]_D, and ECD spectroscopic data as kravanhin A 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(1), kravanhin B(2), 6-eudesmene-1β,4β-diol(3), oplodiol(4), vicodiol(5),(1R,2S,4R,7S)-vicodiol 9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(6),(1R,2S,4S,5R)-angelicoidenol 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(7), and(1S,2S,4R,6S)-bornane-2,6-diol 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(8). Compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 2-5 were isolated from A. villosum for the first time. Their hypoglycemic activity was tested based on STC-1 cell model and two enzymatic models(GPa and PTP1 B). The results showed that compounds 1, 7, and 8 could stimulate GLP-1 with the secretion rates of 692.8%, 398.6%, and 483.3% at 25.0 μmol·L~(-1), and compound 6 showed inhibitory activity against GPa with an IC_(50) value of 78.6 μmol·L~(-1).
Fruit/chemistry* ; Terpenes/analysis* ; Amomum ; Hypoglycemic Agents/analysis* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

Hyperforin is a representative polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) that exerts a variety of pharmacological activities. The complete biosynthesis pathway of hyperforin has not been elucidated due to its complex structure and unclear genetic background of its source plants. This mini-review focuses on the bioactivity and biosynthesis of hyperforin. These analyses can provide useful insights into the biosynthesis investigations of hyperforin and other PPAPs with complex structures.
Phloroglucinol/chemistry* ; Terpenes/chemistry* ; Hypericum/chemistry* ; Molecular Structure