Search Results (2)

Objectives: Ziziphi spinosae semen (ZSS), an edible and medicinal substance, was easily infested by Plodia interpunctella (P. interpunctella) during storage. However, there was no identification method for insect-infested ZSS based on its chemical composition. Therefore, the characteristic compounds in ZSS before and after being infested by P. interpunctella were discovered based on the comparison of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), untargeted metabolomics, and other quality characters. Methods: Color, total flavonoid content (TFC), and main active compound content were measured to explore the change of physicochemical properties in ZSS after being infested by P. interpunctella. Non-targeted metabolomic techniques, including ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) were used to assess molecular-level alterations. Results: The color changed significantly. The TFC and main active compounds of spinosin, jujuboside A, jujuboside B, and betulinic acid were decreased significantly. A total of nine VOCs and twenty-one metabolites were screened out that could be used to identify whether ZSS was infested. And some metabolites, such as uric acid, gluconic acid, hypoxanthine, and xanthine, were discovered as characteristic compounds in ZSS after being infested by P. interpunctella. Conclusions: The study provided the basis and reference for the identification of insect-infested ZSS and offered an example for the identification of other insect-infested edible and medicinal materials. Full article

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS), a homology of medicine and a type of seed, has been widely used to improve sleep quality. The present study aimed to assess the effects of ZSS flavonoid (ZSSF) extracted and isolated from ZSS on gut microbiota and hypothalamus metabolomic profiles in a chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced anxiety mouse model. ZSSF was prepared using microporous resin chromatography, and seven compounds were determined by UPLC-MS. ZSSF treatment dramatically reduced anxiety-like behaviors, exerted sedative–hypnotic effects, increased hippocampal 5-HT and 5-HTP, and enhanced intestinal barrier function through inhibiting colon ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin expression and reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels. Compared with the CRS group, the diversity of gut microbiota in ZSSF-group mice was increased, with an increase in Bacteroidetes and a decrease in Firmicutes, and it was accompanied by an increase in fecal SCFAs. Hypothalamus metabolomics and lipidomics were performed to achieve 25 differential metabolites and 44 lipids, respectively. Serum metabolomics showed a total of 13 metabolites associated with anxiety were remarkably regulated by ZSSF. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) showed that glycerophospholipids (GPs) as well as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and L-tryptophan in peripheral and central parts were significant metabolites, which contributed to the pharmacological action of ZSSF. The mRNA expression of TPH2 and DDC key enzymes associated with tryptophan metabolism were upregulated, and PLA2G12A, LACT, and PLA2G6 key enzymes associated with GP metabolism were downregulated in ZSSF compared with CRS. Briefly, ZSSF improved tryptophan and GP metabolism and regulated the gut microbiome. This study may lay a theoretical basis for potentially developing ZSSF as a natural functional food ingredient for the improvement of anxiety and sleep disorders. Full article