Nat Prod Commun. 2009 Jun; 4(6): 777-82Chong W, Feng XY, Zhen GZ, Dan L, Yue DThe objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of saponins from the anomalous fruits of Gleditsia sinensis on mast cell degranulation triggered by compound 48/80 and to determine possible structure-activity relationships. Among the eleven saponins tested, four effectively inhibited beta-hexosaminidase release from rat peritoneal mast cells. Studies of structure-activity relationships indicated that saponins with an aglycone of echinocystic acid instead of oleanolic acid were more effective. A sugar chain at C-3 was essential for the inhibitory effects, and a single sugar chain was the most effective. The length and structures of the oligosaccharide chain at C-28 were also critical for the activity of the compounds, and introduction of monoterpene units to the oligosaccharide chain substantially decreased the activity. To gain insight into the mechanisms responsible for preventing mast cell degranulation, the effects of saponins on intracellular cAMP were examined. After preincubation with mast cells for different times, the four active saponins significantly increased the intracellular cAMP content. These findings suggested that the four saponins might be the active constituents of the anomalous fruits of G. sinensis for antiallergic activities, and they prevented mast cell degranulation probably by elevating intracellular cAMP levels.

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2009 Apr; 34(7): 854-7Li Y, Yang S, Bai SOBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents of the roots of Angelica polymorpha. METHOD: Silica gel column chromatography was employed for the isolation and purification of chemical constituents. The structures were identified on the basis of spectral data and chemical evidence. RESULT: Fourteen compounds were isolated and identified as follows, 5-hydroxy-2-[(angeloyloxy) methyl] furan [3', 2': 6, 7] chromone (1), octacosanoic acid (2), isoimperatorin (3), 3'S-(-)-O-acetylhamaudol (4), bergapten (5), iso-oxypeucedanin (6), beta-sitosterol (7), angeliticin A (8) , saxalin (9), pabulenol (10), noreugenin (11), oxypeucedanin hydrate (12), daucosterol (13), sucrose (14). CONCLUSION: Compound 1 is a new chromone, named polymorchromone A. Compounds 2, 4, 11, 13, 14 were isolated from A. polymorpha for the first time.

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2009 Apr; 34(7): 924-8Hua Y, Huang L, Chen M, Xiao PThe authors propose suggestions for definition of classification position, classification standard, nomenclature and naming methods of chemotype on discussing the significance of chemotype of medicinal plants. This classification of chemotype should be established in infraspecific categories of "forma". Chemotype identification mainly has two aspects. One is that the main constituents are distinct or one or two components are half or more than half of the total chemical content. The main constituents come from the same biosynthetic pathway and have some genetic stability. The other is the chemical variation is genetic. The chemotype of medicinal plants study on the classification has important theoretical and practical value for quality assessment, resource development and the genuine medicinal research. It also can ensure the safe and effective of clinical medicine.

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2009 Apr; 34(7): 807-11Lv J, Guo L, Huang L, Liang L, Sun Y, Zhang X, Han X, Zhang HFor optimal adaptive cultivation region selection, we used ecology factors characterized Duolun region as model area to carry out the adaptive habitat division of Paeonia lactiflora. Similar priority comparison of ecology factors.in 91 cities were calculated by Fuzzy methods, then, distance of the ecology factors were transferred to spacial model by geography information system (,GIS) and modified by soil utilization map of China. The results showed that P. lactiflora were mainly distributed in the Daxing'an Mountain, Changbaishan and qinling range which were divided into six grades of suitable regions belonging to three geographical distributed units. The most similar areas to Duolun were Huade, Xilinhaote, Suolun and Zhangbei. P. lactiflora's distribution and quality are relevant with longitude and latitude, and temperature and rainfall.