Search Results (211)

Cordyceps takaomontana is a medicinal fungus with significant pharmacological value, but how soil microbes promote its growth remains unclear. We established a solid-state co-culture system involving C. takaomontana synnemata and its native soil fungi of Fusarium paeoniae and Bjerkandera minispora. Both F. paeoniae and B. minispora significantly promoted synnematal growth and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Total triterpenoid content increased substantially. F. paeoniae markedly elevated levels of ergosterol peroxide, whereas B. minispora boosted accumulation of L-arabinose, ergotamine, and euphol. Metabolomics revealed that both fungi activated key metabolic pathways (including ABC transporters, mineral absorption, and protein digestion/absorption). F. paeoniae uniquely upregulated phenylalanine metabolism. This work elucidates the metabolic mechanisms underlying growth promotion of C. takaomontana mediated by F. paeoniae and B. minispora as well as deciphers potential pharmacologically active metabolites. These findings provide a foundation for strategically improving artificial cultivation and developing functional microbial inoculants. Full article

Viticis Fructus (VF), a fruit known for its unique flavor profile and various health benefits, demonstrates substantial quality variations depending on its area of production. Traditional methods of production area verification based on internal compound analysis are hampered by a number of technical limitations. This investigation systematically characterized the cuticular wax composition of VF sample from a diverse variety of production areas. Quantitative analyses were conducted to evaluate the spatial distribution patterns of the wax constituents. Significant regional variations were observed: Anhui sample exhibited the highest total wax content (21.39 μg/cm²), with n-alkanes dominating at 76.67%. High-latitude regions showed elevated triterpenoid acid levels, with maslinic acid (0.53 μg/cm²) and ursolic acid (0.34 μg/cm²) concentrations exceeding those of their low-latitude counterparts by four- and three-fold, respectively. Altitudinal influence manifested in long-chain alcohol accumulation, as triacontanol reached 0.87 μg/cm² in high-altitude sample. Five key biomarkers demonstrated direct quality correlations: eicosanoic acid, n-triacontane, dotriacontanol, β-amyrin, and α-amyrin. This study established three novel origin identification protocols: single-component quantification, multi-component wax profiling, and wax ratio analysis. This work not only reveals the latitudinal dependence of VF wax composition, but also provides a scientific framework for geographical authentication. Our findings advance wax-based quality evaluation methodologies for fruit products, offering practical solutions for production area verification challenges in food raw materials. Full article

Tanacetum parthenium (Asteraceae) has been traditionally used worldwide for medicinal purposes, and some of its therapeutic uses have been attributed to the pharmacological effects of its secondary metabolites. The root culture of this species might represent a sustainable source of several pharmacologically active compounds. The biomass of a root T. parthenium culture was extracted with methanol and fractionated using column chromatography. Three selected fractions (4TP, 5TP, and 8TP) were analyzed via spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and mass spectrometry techniques and in vitro pharmacological assays. The greatest values for total phenolic and phenolic acid contents and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli were determined for 4TP. The highest values for total flavonoid and sesquiterpene lactone contents, antioxidant potential, and α-amylase inhibitory effect were determined for 8TP. The antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus was not significantly different among the three fractions. The root culture of T. parthenium is a potential source of several metabolites, such as phenolic acids, fatty acids, coumarins, sesquiterpenoids, and triterpenoids, which are capable of exerting α-amylase inhibition and antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects. Among eight phenolic compounds detected and quantified in the fractions, chlorogenic acid was the most abundant. Full article

Erica spiculifolia Salisb. (formerly Bruckenthalia spiculifolia Benth.) (Balkan heath) is renowned for its traditional usage as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. For the first time, acylquinic acids, flavonoids and numerous proanthocyanidin oligomers were annotated/dereplicated by liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry in methanol–aqueous extracts from E. spiculifolia aerial parts harvested at the early and full flowering stage. Chlorogenic acid and proanthocyanidin tetra- and trimer A, B-type together with quercitrin and (+) catechin were the predominant compounds in the semi-quantitative analysis. Neutral triterpenoids, triterpenoid acids and phytosterols were determined in apolar extracts by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Triterpenoid acids accounted for 80% of the total triterpenoid content, dominated by ursolic and oleanolic acid, reaching up to 32.2 and 6.1 mg/g dw, respectively. Ursa/olean-2,12-dien-28-oic acids and 3-keto-derivatives together with α-amyrin acetate as a chemotaxonomic marker, α-amyrenone, α- and β-amyrin were evaluated. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 83.85 ± 0.89 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 78.91 ± 0.41 mg rutin equivalents/g, respectively. The extract actively scavenged DPPH and ABTS radicals (540.01 and 639.11 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g), possessed high potential to reduce copper and iron ions (660.32 and 869.22 mg TE/g, respectively), and demonstrated high metal chelating capacity (15.57 Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalents/g). It exhibited prominent anti-lipase (18.32 mg orlistat equivalents/g) and anti-tyrosinase (71.90 mg kojic acid equivalents/g) activity. The extract inhibited α-glucoside (1.35 mmol acarbose equivalents/g) and acetylcholinesterase (2.56 mg galanthamin equivalents/g), and had moderate effects on α-amylase, elastase, collagenase and hyaluronidase. Balkan heath could be recommended for raw material production with antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. Full article

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) saponins (AS), primarily pentacyclic triterpenoids, may reduce methane emissions from goats (Capra hircus L.). This study evaluated the methane-suppressing potential of Aspergillus niger β-glucosidase-modified AS using in vitro rumen fermentation (0.10 mg/mL inoculum, 24 h incubation, gas chromatography detection). Among the 21 alfalfa cultivars, Pegasis (fall dormancy 9) exhibited the highest antioxidant efficacy (half maximum effective concentration 2.13 mg/mL) and the lowest ferric-reducing activity (0.32 μM Fe²⁺/g) (p < 0.05). Fresh/silage AS reduced methane proportions to 4.50–5.21% of total gas, while enzymatic biotransformation further decreased it to 3.34–3.48% (p < 0.05). Methanogen abundance declined by 20.10–44.93%, and general anaerobic fungi declined by 34.22–44.66% compared to untreated AS (p < 0.05). Metabolomics linked methane suppression to six pathways, including zeatin biosynthesis (via nucleotide metabolites accumulation) and prolactin signaling pathway (via bioactive molecules downregulation), suggesting impaired methanogen energy metabolism and hydrogen flux redirection as mechanisms. Enzymatic AS also enhanced volatile fatty acid production, indicating improved fiber digestion. These in vitro findings demonstrate that enzyme-treated AS modulates rumen fermentation through dual methane mitigation and nutrient utilization enhancement, offering a sustainable feed additive strategy for livestock. Full article

Amylostereum areolatum (Chaillet ex Fr.) Boidin (Russulales: Amylostereaceae) is a symbiotic fungus of Sirex noctilio Fabricius that has ecological significance. Terpenoids are key mediators in fungal–insect interactions, yet the biosynthetic mechanisms of terpenoids in this species remain unclear. Under nutritional conditions that mimic natural growth, A. areolatum was sampled during the lag phase (day 7), exponential phase (day 14), and stationary phase (day 21). Metabolome (solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)) and transcriptome (Illumina NovaSeq) profiles were integrated to investigate terpenoid–gene correlations. This analysis identified 103 terpenoids in A. areolatum, substantially expanding the known repertoire of terpenoid compounds in this species. Total terpenoid abundance progressively increased across three developmental stages, with triterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids demonstrating the highest diversity and abundance levels. Transcriptomic profiling (61.66 Gb clean data) revealed 26 terpenoid biosynthesis-associated genes, establishing a comprehensive transcriptional framework for fungal terpenoid metabolism. Among 11 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (|log2Fold Change| ≥ 1, adjusted p < 0.05), HMGS1, HMGR2, and AaTPS1-3 emerged as key regulators potentially governing terpenoid biosynthesis. These findings provide foundational insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying terpenoid production in A. areolatum and related basidiomycetes. Full article

Plant-derived foods have gained recognition for their health-promoting values, which are largely attributed to bioactive compounds such as phytosterols and triterpenoids. This study aimed to analyze the content of these compounds in the fruit of black elder (elderberry) Sambucus nigra L. and in commercially available food products, including jam, juice, syrup and wine. An additional objective was to compare the phytosterol and triterpenoid profiles of fruits and fruit cuticular waxes from wild and cultivated elderberry (cultivar Haschberg), ornamental elderberry (S. nigra f. porphyrophylla cultivar Black lace “Eva”), and red elderberry (S. racemosa). Qualitative and quantitative determinations were performed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This study provides a detailed characterization of triterpenoids in black and red elderberries, revealing a complex composition of oleanane-, 18-oleanane-, ursane-, lupane- and taraxastane-type compounds. Elderberry fruits were found to be rich sources of phytosterols (ranging from 0.54 mg/g d.w. in cultivated elderberry cv. Haschberg to 0.96 mg/g in ornamental elderberry) and triterpenoids (from 1.41 mg/g d.w. in S. racemosa to 13.81 mg/g in ornamental elderberry). Among the processed products, jam contained the highest concentration of these compounds (a total of 340 µg/g) and wine contained the lowest (0.87 µg/mL). Furthermore, the results suggest that certain features of the triterpenoid profile in S. nigra and S. racemosa may hold chemotaxonomic significance for the Sambucus genus. Full article

A total of 31 compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of Anchusa italica Retz., which contained one ursane triterpenoid, 2α,3β,19α-trihydroxy-23-formyl-urs-12-en-28,21β-olide (1), and five norisoprenoids: (2R,6R,9S)-9-hydroxy-4-megastigmen-3-one-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3); (2R,6S,9S)-9-hydroxy-megastigman-4,7-dien-3-one-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4); (+)-isololiolide β-D-glucopyranoside (5); (2S,8R)-loliolide β-D-glucopyranoside (6a); and (2R,8S)-loliolide β-D-glucopyranoside (6b). It also contained 25 known compounds (2 and 7–30). The chemical structures of the compounds, inclusive of their absolute configurations, were ascertained using spectroscopic methods such as NMR, HR-MS, and quantum chemical calculations (computational NMR and ECD), in combination with relevant literature data. Moreover, the chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated substances was discussed, with compounds 1, 2, and 7–13 potentially broadening the application of triterpenes as taxonomic markers for the classification of the genus Anchusa. Full article

Background/Objectives: Momordica charantia L. (M. charantia), a widely cultivated and frequently consumed medicinal plant, is utilized in traditional medicine. Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, significant saponin components of M. charantia, exhibit hypoglycemic effects; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: This study utilized comprehensive network pharmacology to identify potential components of M. charantia cucurbitane-type triterpenoids that may influence type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies were performed to assess the stability of the interactions between the selected components and key targets. Results: In total, 22 candidate active components of M. charantia cucurbitane-type triterpenoids and 1165 disease targets for T2DM were identified through database screening. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted for five key components (Kuguacin J, 25-O-methylkaravilagenin D, Momordicine I, momordic acid, and Kuguacin S) and three key targets (AKT1, IL6, and SRC), and the results demonstrated stable binding. The experimental results indicate that the interactions between momordic acid-AKT1 and momordic acid-IL6 are stable. Conclusions: Momordic acid may play a crucial role in M. charantia’s regulation of T2DM, and AKT1 and IL6 seem to be key targets for the therapeutic action of M. charantia in managing T2DM. Full article

Sanghuangporus baumii, a fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine, produces important pharmacological compounds such as triterpenoids, but at levels significantly lower than those required for medical use. This study investigated the effects of various concentrations of Ca²⁺ on S. baumii mycelial growth and the heterologous biosynthesis of S. baumii triterpenoids. Under induction by 10 mM Ca²⁺, the growth rate (0.39 cm/d) and biomass (4.48 g/L) of S. baumii mycelia were 1.03% and 10.05% higher than those in the 0 mM Ca²⁺-treatment group, respectively. In contrast, 200 mM Ca²⁺ significantly inhibited the growth rate and biomass of the mycelia. Notably, the total triterpenoid content reached its peak (17.71 mg/g) in the 200 mM Ca²⁺-treatment group, with a significant increase in the Ca²⁺ content (3869.97 µg/g) in the mycelia. Subsequently, the differential metabolic pathways and related genes between the S. baumii groups were examined using transcriptomic analysis. The results indicated that the increase in the growth rate and biomass of S. baumii mycelia was primarily due to elevated soluble sugar content, whereas the growth inhibition was associated with the toxic effects of H₂O₂. The observed differences in triterpenoid content were mainly attributed to the activation of the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway and the AACT gene. Finally, the AACT gene was cloned and transformed into yeast cells, thus creating strain Sc-AA1. Upon treatment at the optimal Ca²⁺ concentration, the squalene content of strain Sc-AA1 reached 0.78 mg/g, 2.89-fold higher than that in the control group. These findings are significant for the heterologous biosynthesis of triterpenoids from S. baumii. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of producing triterpenoids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and provides a foundation for future optimization toward achieving industrially relevant yields. Full article

One of today’s major environmental and economic challenges is the fight against both agro- and industrial-waste. Almond production and industrial processing exemplifies this issue, as it generates tons of waste and by-products, with hulls and shells accounting for about 70% of the total fruit’s weight while skins represent about 6% of the shelled kernel. Since the edible kernel, about 23% of the total fruit weight, holds the highest commercial value, there has been growing interest within the scientific community in exploring the potential of these by-products. However, almond by-products contain a wide range of phytochemicals, mainly phenolic compounds (flavonoids and non-flavonoids), and triterpenoids, with great potential as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties. Although these by-products are being explored as alternative sources in the textile, pharmaceutical/cosmetic, and food industries, their primary use remains in livestock feed or bedding, or as biofuel. This review compiles recent scientific data on almond by-products’ phytochemical composition and bioactivities aiming to support sustainable and holistic agricultural practices. Full article

Gleditsia sinensis Lam. (G. sinensis) is a widely known medicinal plant, and its primary bioactive compound is gleditsioside. So far, the significant economic and medicinal value of gleditsioside has been widely recognized. However, the transcriptional regulation governing the biosynthesis of gleditsioside during G. sinensis pod development remains unclear. In this investigation, we observed that gleditsioside levels increased in the pods of G. sinensis from June to November, and we performed a transcriptome analysis to explore the phenomenon. A total of 703 and 162 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) were identified in the terpenoid backbone and triterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, respectively. In total, 99 unigenes encoding 17 enzymes, such as ENIN, cytochrome P450 (CYP93E1), and UDP-glucosyltransferase, were identified in the gleditsioside biosynthesis pathway. Moreover, DEGs encoding crucial enzymes, such as HMGCR and AGBH, might determine gleditsioside synthesis during G. sinensis pod development. Interestingly, the gleditsioside synthesis pathway extended to ten metabolic pathways, including the sterol biosynthesis pathway and the brassinolide biosynthesis pathway, among other pathways involved in various hormonal regulations. These pathways shared the same precursor substances (IPP and DMAPP). In addition, weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that CL5845.Contig1 (HMGCR) and CL8823.Contig2 (LUP4) might be involved in the gleditsioside biosynthesis. Furthermore, transient transformation validation experiments demonstrated overexpression of CL5845.Contig1 (HMGCR), CL8823.Contig2 (LUP4), and CL11248.Contig4 (CYP93E1) significantly enhanced gleditsioside biosynthesis. Overall, our findings provide important genetic resources for future functional research and new insights into the basic mechanism of saponin biosynthesis. Full article

Background: This is a comparative metabolomic study of the medicinal plant Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott from the family Dryopteridaceae Herter (or Aspidiaceae Mett. ex Frank) growing under cold pole conditions in the Oymyakon region of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Methods: The aerial parts of D. fragrans were subjected to extraction using supercritical CO₂ extraction and maceration methods. Several experimental conditions were investigated, including a pressure range of 50–300 bar and a temperature range of 31–60 °C. A 1% volume of ethanol was used as a co-solvent in the liquid phase of the extraction. Results: The most effective D. fragrans extraction conditions were 200 Bar pressure and a temperature of 55 °C. Tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the target analytes. A total of 141 bioactive compounds (86 compounds from the polyphenol group and 55 compounds from other chemical groups) were tentatively identified in extracts of aerial parts of D. fragrans. Among these, thirty chemical constituents from the polyphenol group were identified for the first time. Other compound classes that were newly identified in D. fragrans include naphthoquinones (5,8-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1,4-naphthoquinone, 1,8-dihydroxy-anthraquinone, 1,4,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone, chrysophanol, etc.), diterpenoids (tanshinone IIa, cryptotanshinone, isocryptotanshinone II, tanshinone IIb, etc.), polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and sesquiterpenes. Conclusions: These results highlight that D. fragrans is rich in bioactive compounds and put forward several newly detected compounds for further investigation. Full article

Objectives: Kajiichigoside F1 and rosamultin are natural triterpenoid saponins found in the root of Rosa laevigata Michx. These compounds are isomers, making their separation challenging. Nonetheless, they have been reported to exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activity, although their mechanism of action remains unclear. This study aimed to optimize the extraction process of echinacoside and rosamultin from R. laevigata and to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of these saponins in an LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) model. Methods: The extraction process was optimized using a single-factor experiment and the Box–Behnken response surface methodology, with the content of kajiichigoside F1, rosamultin, and their total content serving as evaluation indices. The acute lung injury model was induced by LPS, and lung tissue damage was assessed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The secretion of relevant inflammatory factors was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression levels of associated proteins were analyzed via Western blotting. Results: The optimal extraction conditions were determined to be an ethanol volume fraction of 80.0%, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:25, an extraction duration of 80 min, and three extraction cycles. Kajiichigoside F1 and rosamultin were found to mitigate alveolar inflammation in mice with acute lung injury (ALI) by effectively reducing the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, these compounds down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 and NF-κB IκBα proteins, thereby alleviating inflammatory symptoms. Conclusions: Kajiichigoside F1 and rosamultin attenuate the inflammatory response in acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation through modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. This study preliminarily elucidates their anti-inflammatory mechanism, suggesting that both compounds possess therapeutic potential for ALI. These findings provide significant guidance for the future development of active components derived from the root of R. laevigata and establish a foundation for enhancing the quality standards of its medicinal materials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bupleuri Radix is a plant in the Apiaceae family Bupleurum Chinense DC. or Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. root. The dissimilarities in the metabolite profiles of plants directly correlate with the disparities in their clinical efficacy. Methods: Therefore, the wild Bupleurum Chinense DC. (YBC) and wild Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. (YNC) were used as research materials. They were analyzed using the UPLC-MS/MS and the similarities and differences were uncovered based on differential metabolites. Results: Our results proved that the differences in clinical efficacy between YBC and YNC may be attributed to their distinct metabolite profiles, as follows: (1) a total of 12 classes of 2059 metabolites were identified in the roots, with phenolic acids, terpenoids, and flavonoids being the most abundant metabolic products, with 2026 shared components between the two, 2045 in YBC, and 2040 in YNC; (2) a total of 718 differential metabolites were identified, accounting for 35.44% of the shared metabolites. Among them, YBC had 452 metabolites with higher content relative to YNC, representing 62.95%, and 266 components with lower content, representing 37.05%; (3) the KEEG enrichment analysis results show that the differential metabolic pathways are flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis, and linolenic acid metabolism. Conclusions: These new findings will serve as a foundation for further study of the BR biosynthetic pathway and offer insights into the practical use of traditional Chinese medicine in clinical settings. Full article