Zhixing Qing

This study investigates the antioxidant efficacy and selectivity of a quercetagetin-rich extract (QG, 89% purity) from Tagetes erecta in soybean oil under accelerated storage conditions (65 °C, 56 days). Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) fatty acid profiling, Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) volatile analysis, and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) chemometrics, QG at 200 ppm was compared against a solvent control and propyl gallate (PG). QG preserved polyunsaturated fatty acids 5.2-fold more effectively than the control (p < 0.01), though it was less effective than PG in terms of overall Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) preservation. OPLS-DA-VIP analysis identified hexanal, hexanoic acid, and (E)-2-nonenal as preferentially suppressed volatiles (inhibition rates: 74.2%, 100%, and 81.2%, respectively), exceeding the average total volatile reduction (65.7%). A quantitative Selectivity Index (SI) combined with kinetic analysis supported preferential—rather than non-selective—inhibition of specific oxidation endpoints. Structure–activity relationship analysis suggested that the selectivity of the QG-rich extract may be associated with the catechol B-ring and unique 6-hydroxyl substitution of quercetagetin, its major component. The extract’s purity corresponds to a registered feed additive (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MOA) No. 618, 2022), ensuring industrial applicability. These findings establish the quercetagetin-rich extract as a promising selective natural antioxidant for PUFA-rich oils.

The ancient text “Compendium of Materia Medica” records that Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (daylily) was used for antidepressant, but its active components and mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, the H. citrina extract was initially fractionated into three parts, and only the 35% HCW (35% ethanol-eluted fraction of Hemerocallis citrina water extract, LILYANTIDEPRES ^® ) demonstrated significant antidepressant activity, notably increasing the levels of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain of depressed mice. It’s also significantly reducing the IL-6 (Interleukin-6) and MDA (Malondialdehyde) levels, and improving the gut microbiota. The main components of the 35% HCW were identified as 3- O- p-coumaroylquinic acid ( 1 ) and 4- O- p-coumaroylquinic acid ( 2 ), which were also chemically synthesized. Both compounds exhibited significant antidepressant activity by increasing the levels of DA, NE, and BDNF in the brain of depressed mice and significantly reducing the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α). A potential mechanism to elevate DA and NE levels in the depressed mice brain via the CA (coumaroylquinic acid)/Dopa/DA/NE pathway. Additionally, compounds 1 and 2 significantly increase BDNF levels through the PKA (Protein Kinase A)/CREB (cAMP Response Element-Binding Protein)/BDNF signaling pathway. This study provides the first elucidation of the antidepressant components of H. citrina and the mechanisms, laying the foundation for the development of antidepressant products and the high-value utilization of H. citrina resources.

Quercetagetin (QG), a principal flavonol from marigold (Tagetes erecta L.), is recognized for its potent antioxidant properties. However, its efficacy in mitigating intestinal injury under heat stress (HS) conditions remains unclear. We investigated the protective effects of QG using a mouse model of HS (41 °C, 70% humidity). Mice received oral QG (100 mg/kg/day) or saline for seven consecutive days before and during HS exposure. We assessed jejunal histopathology, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, gene expression, and gut microbiota composition via 16S rRNA sequencing. QG supplementation significantly ameliorated HS-induced jejunal damage. It enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). QG downregulated the mRNA expression of heat shock proteins (Hsp70, Hsp90) and upregulated antioxidant-related genes (SOD1, GPX4, CAT, NQO1, Nrf2). Furthermore, QG preserved intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins (Occludin, Zo-1, Claudin). 16S rRNA analysis revealed that QG significantly reshaped the gut microbiota, marked by an increased relative abundance of Lactobacillus and a decrease in potentially harmful taxa such as Allobaculum, Oscillibacter, and Colidextribacter. QG effectively alleviates HS-induced intestinal injury by enhancing antioxidant capacity, suppressing inflammation, and modulating the gut microbiota. These findings provide a scientific basis for the potential application of QG as a functional feed additive to improve animal health under heat stress conditions.

Lilies (Lilium spp.) are highly valued in China for their edible and medicinal properties; however, bitterness in certain varieties limits consumer acceptance. Although historically attributed to colchicine, the presence of alkaloids in lilies remains a subject of debate. This research screened five lily species for colchicine and its 15 biosynthetic precursors, using Gloriosa superba and Colchicum autumnale as positive controls. While detected in the controls, none were detected in any tissues (bulbs, roots, stems, flowers, and leaves) of the five lilies. A comparative analysis of five lily varieties—Longyahong, Lanzhou, Lilium lancifolium, Longya, and Guiyanghong—revealed that Longyahong exhibited the strongest bitterness, which was localized exclusively in the bulb peels. Based on comparative LC-MS profiling between bitter and non-bitter varieties, three high-abundance compounds were selected for isolation and subsequent sensory evaluation. Two monomeric compounds were isolated and confirmed via chromatographic methods as the primary bitter components. This study provides compelling chemical and biochemical evidence of the presence of colchicine in the examined lilies. By identifying two specific bitter components in Longyahong bulb peels, these findings refute the long-standing misconception regarding colchicine in lilies and provide a chemical foundation for improving the palatability and commercial value of bitter lily varieties.

Hemerocallis citrina Borani is a traditional folk food used to promote the lactation of postpartum mothers in China; however, the active ingredients and corresponding mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, the lactogenic effect of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of H. citrina was primarily evaluated, and the aqueous extract (1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg) displayed significant lactation-promoting effects. Three eluates of the aqueous extract (0%, 30%, and 50%HCW) were further evaluated for their lactogenic effect, and 30% and 50% HCW showed significant lactation-promoting activity. Nineteen ingredients, including those with a high content of rutin and isoquercetin, were then identified from 30% and 50%HCW using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) method. Finally, the lactogenic effect of rutin and isoquercetin was evaluated, and both compounds displayed significant lactation-promoting activity. The mechanisms relative to the lactation-promoting active ingredients for H. citrina extracts and compounds are to stimulate the release of prolactin (PRL) and progesterone (P), as well as to induce the expression of prolactin receptor (PRLR) and improve the morphology of mammary tissue. This study first clarified the lactation-promoting active ingredients of H. citrina and the corresponding mechanisms, which provide a new insight into the new lactation-promoting drug and promote the high-value utilization of H. citrina resources.

Hemerocallis citrina Baroni [Asphodelaceae], which is traditional herbal medicine, has been widely used for treating depressive disorders in Eastern-Asia countries. However, the active compounds and corresponding mechanism of anti-depression are not yet completely clarified. In this study, the anti-depressive activities of six H. citrina extracts were primarily evaluated. The results showed that the water extract of H. citrina flowers (HCW) displays significant anti-depressive activity. A total of 32 metabolites were identified from HCW by high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). And then, the anti-depressive activity of the high-level compound (rutin) in HCW was also estimated. The results indicated that rutin displayed significant anti-depressive activity and was one of the main active ingredients. Finally, the anti-depressive mechanisms of HCW and rutin were investigated based on the intestinal microorganisms. The results showed that HCW and rutin increase the diversity and richness of the intestinal flora and regulate the specific intestinal microorganisms such as Bacteroides and Desulfovibrio genera in depressed mice. This work marks the first comprehensive study of the active components, anti-depressive activities and corresponding mechanisms of different H. citrina extracts, which provide a potential possibility for developing new antidepressants.

In recent years, synthetic antioxidants that are widely used in foods have been shown to cause detrimental health effects, and there has been growing interest in antioxidants realised from natural plant extracts. In this study, we investigate the potential effects of natural antioxidant components extracted from the forage plant marigold on the oxidative stability of soybean oil. First, HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) to screen and identify potential antioxidant components in marigold. Four main antioxidant components were identified, including quercetagetin-7-O-glucoside (1), quercetagetin (2), quercetin (3) and patuletin (4). Among them, quercetagetin (QG) exhibited the highest content and the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity and effectively inhibited the production of oxidation products in soybean oil during accelerated oxidation, as indicated by reductions in the peroxide value (PV) and acid value (AV). Then, the fatty acids and volatile compounds of soybean oil were determined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). A total of 108 volatile components, including 16 alcohols, 23 aldehydes, 25 ketones, 4 acids, 15 esters, 18 hydrocarbons, and 7 other compounds, were identified. QG significantly reduced the content and number of aldehydes and ketones, whereas the formation of acids and hydrocarbons was completely prevented. In addition, the fatty acid analysis demonstrated that QG significantly inhibited oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. Consequently, QG was identified as a potential, new natural antioxidant that is believed to be safe, effective and economical, and it may have potential for use in plant extracts feed additives.

Plant of the genus Zingiber (Zingiberaceae) have primarily distributed in subtropical and tropical Asia, South America and Africa. The species of this genus have been widely used as food and in folk with a long history for treating various diseases. Reports related to the phytochemistry and phytochemistry of Zingiber species are numerous, but articles on the summary of the genus Zingiber remain scarce. This review aims at presenting comprehensive information about the genus Zingiber and providing a reference for the future application by systematically reviewing the literature from 1981 to 2020. Currently, a total of 447 phytochemical constituents have been isolated and identified from this genus, in which volatile oils, diarylheptanoids, gingerols, flavonoids and terpenoids are the major components. Gingerols, which are the main functional components, are the spicy and aromatic ingredients in the Zingiber species. Extracts and single compounds from Zingiber plants have been discovered to possess numerous biological functions, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, larvicidal, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. This review provides new insights into the ethnomedicine, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Zingiber and brings to the forefront key findings on the functional components of this genus in food and pharmaceutical industries.