Objective To explore the effects of dried Dendrobium officinale and fresh Dendrobium officinale on the gut microbiota of normal mice and to provide a reference for its rational development and application. Methods The normal mice were administrated with dried Dendrobium officinale and fresh Dendrobium officinale for 7 days, respectively. The growth of mice was observed, and the mucosa-associated microbiota in the small intestine and colon was detected using the full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results The results showed that both dried Dendrobium officinale and fresh Dendrobium officinale could control the weight gain of mice, but the weight-control effect of fresh Dendrobium officinale was more significant than that of dried Dendrobium officinale. Both dried Dendrobium officinale and fresh Dendrobium officinale decreased α diversity of mucosa-associated microbiota in the colon. However, fresh Dendrobium officinale increased α diversity of mucosa-associated microbiota in the small intestine, while the effect of dried Dendrobium officinale was the opposite. Moreover, fresh Dendrobium officinale significantly promoted the proliferation of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum and Roseburia inulinivorans) in the small intestine and up-regulated metabolic pathways such as lipid metabolism, metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, carbohydrate metabolism, and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism. In colonic mucosa-associated microbiota, dried Dendrobium officinale showed a stronger inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli and Ruminococcus gnavus than fresh Dendrobium officinale. Conclusion The results show that fresh Dendrobium officinale can control body weight and maintain health by promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and up-regulating lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, while dried Dendrobium officinale can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, and may help reduce the potential risk of disease.

Objective To explore the dose effects and molecular mechanism of B-type proanthocyanidins trimer, the main active component of Litchi chinensis Sonn pulp phenolics, on hepatocyte triglyceride (TG) deposition. Methods HepG2 cell steatosis model induced by oleic acid (OA) was treated with different mass concentrations (0.5-10.0 μg/mL) of B-type proanthocyanidins trimer. The content of TG and the expressions of genes related to lipid absorption, transport and oxidation, together with apoptosis of hepatocytes, were detected in oleic acid loaded hepatocytes. Results B-type proanthocyanidins trimer (0.5-10.0 μg/mL) all significantly inhibited TG accumulation in oleic acid-loaded hepatocytes, while no dose dependence was observed. Low-dose (1.0 μg/mL) B-type proanthocyanidins trimer inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis by increasing the relative expression ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax, thereby reducing TG accumulation in hepatocytes. In addition to the above-mentioned pathway, medium/high-dose (5.0 μg/mL, 10.0 μg/mL) B-type proanthocyanidins trimer also inhibited lipid absorption in hepatocytes by down-regulating CD36 and FATP2 expression, and promoted hepatocytes lipolysis by up-regulating ACSL1 and CPT1α expression, hence reducing TG accumulation in hepatocytes. Conclusion B-type proanthocyanidins trimer of Litchi chinensis Sonn pulp can inhibit lipid absorption, promote β-oxidation of fatty acids and inhibit excessive apoptosis of liver tissue cells, thereby improving lipid metabolism and preventing fatty liver.

Objective To investigate the solvent effect differences in the extraction of substances from flower discs of Helianthus annuus L. using non-targeted metabolomics technology, and to explore the impact of different solvent extraction methods on the metabolic composition of flower disc of Helianthus annuus L.. Methods Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) combined with non-targeted metabolomics was utilized to preprocess and statistically analyze the data. Results The study revealed that lipids and lipid-like molecules constituted the largest proportion of metabolites (21.5%), followed by shikimate and phenylpropanoid metabolites (13.4%), and organic heterocyclic compound metabolites (11.1%). Further identification led to the discovery of 8407 kinds of up-regulated and 1054 kinds of down-regulated metabolites, highlighting significant differences in metabolite composition resulting from various extraction methods. The main differential metabolites between the 2 kinds of solvent extraction methods encompassed lipids, shikimate and phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, etc., involving 96 metabolic pathways, with 20 pathways exhibiting significant differences. Based on fold change (FC), using criteria of log₂(FC)>0.6 or -0.2<log₂(FC)<0, and P<0.05 to screen for significantly differential metabolites between alcohol and water extracts, only 11 substances had a log₂(FC) value less than 1, indicating that alcohol extraction significantly increased the content of bioactive components extracted from the flower disc of Helianthus annuus L.. Conclusion The research method is simple and reliable, confirming the importance of non-targeted metabolomics analysis in studying solvent effect differences in flower disc of Helianthus annuus L.. It provides a novel approach for the analysis of flower disc of Helianthus annuus L. products and offers theoretical support for the subsequent development of health foods and pharmaceuticals.

Objective To study the Morchella eohespera mycelium extracellular polysaccharides (MEP), purify MEP-H and MEP-N by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography, and analyze their physicochemical properties, hypoglycemic activities, and antioxidant activities in vitro. Methods The physicochemical properties of MEP-H and MEP-N were studied by carbohydrate content determination, analysis of ultraviolet scanning, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The hypoglycemic activities and antioxidant activities of MEP-H and MEP-N were evaluated by α-amylase inhibition rate, α-glucosidase inhibition rate, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging ability, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) ammonium salt (ABTS) cationic free radical scavenging ability, reducing power and superoxide anion scavenging ability. Results The carbohydrate content of MEP-H and MEP-N was (78.12±0.14)% and (77.37±0.03)%, respectively. Hypoglycemic studies showed that at a mass concentration of 0.75 mg/mL, MEP-H and MEP-N had the highest α-amylase inhibition rates, which were (8.06±1.93)% and (11.08±1.05)%, respectively; at a mass concentration of 0.50 mg/mL, MEP-H and MEP-N had the highest α-glucosidase inhibition rates, which were (74.93±2.72)% and (69.48±2.97)%, respectively. Antioxidant studies showed that MEP-H and MEP-N achieved the best DPPH free radical scavenging activity at mass concentrations of 4 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL, with scavenging rates of (47.54±10.88)% and (47.16±6.91)%, respectively; at a mass concentration of 8 mg/mL, the maximum ABTS cationic free radical scavenging rates of MEP-H and MEP-N were (8.67±0.53)% and (17.00±4.21)%, respectively, the maximum reducing power absorbance values were 0.13±0.004 and 0.17±0.008 respectively, and the maximum superoxide anion scavenging rates were (40.95±6.02)% and (29.87±3.18)%, respectively. Conclusion Both MEP-H and MEP-N, the extracellular polysaccharides from the mycelium of Morchella eohespera, exhibit hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities. This study provides a theoretical basis for further research on liquid fermentation of Morchella eohespera.

Objective To optimize the decolorization process of Cistanche deserticola polysaccharides and explore their antioxidant activity. Methods Using activated carbon as a decolorizing agent, the effects of 4 factors including activated carbon dosage, decolorization temperature, decolorization time, and pH on decolorization rate and polysaccharide recovery rate were investigated. Based on single factor experiments, the decolorization process of Cistanche deserticola polysaccharide extract was optimized using response surface methodology. Using an in vitro antioxidant activity evaluation method, the free radical scavenging ability of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH), total reducing ability, hydroxyl radical scavenging ability, and 2,2'-azino bis(3-ethylbenzothiazole- 6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) cation free radical scavenging ability of the polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola were determined. Results The optimal decolorization process conditions for the extract of polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola were as follows: Active carbon dosage 20%, decolorization temperature 37 ℃, decolorization time 49 min, pH 5.03. Under these optimal conditions, the decoloizration rate and polysaccharide recovery rate were 62.66% and 96.16%, respectively. After decolorization, the capabilities of scavenging DPPH radical and hydroxyl free radical was significantly increased, while the capabilities of scavenging ABTS anion radical was significantly decreased. Conclusion The decolorization process is easy to operate, with good decolorization effects and polysaccharide recovery rate. It has important application value and provides basis for the later research and development of Cistanche deserticola polysaccharide.

Objective To analyze and evaluate amino acid composition and content of 10 kinds of livestock meats and products in Hunan Province. Methods Kjeltee2300 automatic nitrogen determinator kjeldahl apparatus was used to determine the proteins in 10 kinds of livestock meats and products in Hunan Province. Amino acid composition was measured using membra Pure GmbH A300 automatic amino acid analyzer. The nutritional value of livestock meats and products was evaluated by the amino acid score method. Results There were 17 kinds of amino acids in livestock meats and products except stewed meat with smallpox fungus without proline and sour soup beef without methionine. The content of protein, amino acids and essential amino acids in stir fried pork jerky with red pepper were the highest, which were 19.50, 15.98, 5.98 g/100 g, respectively. The content of lysine in essential amino acids in 10 kinds of livestock meats and products was the highest, Except for leucine, which had the highest essential amino acid content (1.25 g/100 g) in handmade pig blood meatball, all others had the highest lysine content, which were stewed meat with smallpox fungus (0.24 g/100 g), Pingshang omasum (0.38 g/100 g), sour meat (0.49 g/100 g), sour soup beef (0.80 g/100 g), steamed pork balls with pork heart (0.96 g/100 g), large chunks of beef (1.09 g/100 g), stir fried large pieces of meat with wheat sauce (1.16 g/100 g), stir-fried smoked pork (1.36 g/100 g), stir fried pork jerky with red pepper (1.38 g/100 g) respectively, except the content of leucine in essential amino acids in handmade pig blood meatball was the highest (1.25 g/100 g). The content of lysine in 10 kinds of livestock meats and products except Pingshang omasum (50.67 mg/g protein), including steamed pork balls with pork heart (73.85 mg/g protein), large chunks of beef (80.15 mg/g protein), sour meat (64.47 mg/g protein), stewed meat with smallpox fungus (114.29 mg/g protein), stir-fried smoked pork (87.74 mg/g protein), stir fried large pieces of meat with wheat sauce (70.73 mg/g protein), sour soup beef (77.67 mg/g protein), handmade pig blood meatball (63.19 mg/g protein), stir fried pork jerky with red pepper (70.77 mg/g protein), were higher than the (World Health Organization) WHO/(Food and Agriculture Organization) FAO model value (55 mg/g protein) and ovalbumin pattern value (55 mg/g protein). The limited amino acid in 10 kinds of livestock meats and products was isoleucine or valine. Conclusion Excellent lysine content and high nutritional value in livestock meats and products; it is possible to combine the consumption of foods rich in isoleucine or valine to construct a reasonable diet and enhance their nutritional value.

Objective To optimize the preparation process of Brassica rapa L. polysaccharide oral liquid and test its quality. Methods Graded alcohol precipitation was used to study the yield of crude polysaccharides of Brassica rapa L. at different ethanol concentrations. The optimal formulation of oral solution of Brassica rapa L. polysaccharide was screened by one-way and orthogonal tests, and the quality was tested according to the pharmacopoeia. Results The extraction rates of crude polysaccharide from Brassica rapa L. were 12.8%, 9.2%, 23.2% and 24.8% for the alcohol precipitation group with ethanol concentration of 20%, 40%, 60% and 80%, respectively. The optimal preparation process conditions of oral solution of Brassica rapa L. refined polysaccharide were: 2% addition of Brassica rapa L. crude polysaccharide, 15% addition of honey, 0.6% addition of citric acid and 0.6% addition of sodium citrate. The best preparation process conditions for oral liquid of Brassica rapa L. crude polysaccharide were: 2% addition of Brassica rapa L. crude polysaccharide, 15% addition of honey, 0.6% addition of citric acid, 0.6% addition of sodium citrate. The pH of the oral solution of refined polysaccharide of Brassica rapa L. and the oral solution of crude polysaccharide of Brassica rapa L. were 4-5. The relative density of the oral solution of refined polysaccharide of Brassica rapa L. was 1.106 g/mL. The relative density of the oral solution of crude polysaccharide of Brassica rapa L. was 1.100 g/mL. Conclusion The optimal preparation process conditions for refined polysaccharides from Brassica rapa L. and crude polysaccharides from Brassica rapa L. are the same, but the taste, odor, and appearance of the former are superior to those of crude polysaccharides from Brassica rapa L.. However, the extraction process for refined polysaccharides from Brassica rapa L. is slightly more complex and not suitable for mass production in factories.

Objective To investigate the protective effects of Matricarla chamomilla L. extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and explore the mechanism by which Matricarla chamomilla L. extract alleviates ALI. Methods Forty-eight male SPF Kunming mice were randomly divided into control group, LPS group, dexamethasone (DEX) group, and low, middle and high doses of Matricarla chamomilla L. extract groups. The mice in each group were first continuously administered by gastric gavage for 7 days, and dexamethasone was administered intraperitoneally in the dexamethasone group 5 mg/kg. Matricarla chamomilla L. extract was administered 85, 170 and 340 mg/(kg·d) for gastric lavage in the low, medium and high dose groups, respectively. Mice of all groups, except those of control group, were induced into ALI mouse model by intratracheal instillation of LPS. Subsequently, the mice were subjected to the determination of their levels of the inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and perform Giemsa staining and white blood cell count on the BALF sediment. The content and activities of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum were detected. Lung tissue was taken and the pathological morphology of the inferior lobes of the right lung was observed. The expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), recombinant myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in lung tissue were detected. Results Compared with the blank group, the alveolar lavage fluid of LPS model group mice TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, White blood cell count and serum MDA content significantly increased (P<0.05), serum SOD significantly decreased (P<0.05), HE staining showed severe interstitial inflammation infiltration in the lungs, structural damage and abnormal morphology of lung tissue, protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κBp65 in lung tissue of mices increased (P<0.05). Compared with the LPS model, the levels in mice of each treatment group TNF-α, white blood cell count, and serum MDA contents were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while serum SOD content was significantly increased (P<0.05). HE staining showed a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration in mouse lung tissue, clearer alveolar spaces, more complete lung tissue morphology, and protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κBp65 in lung tissue of mice decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion Matricarla chamomilla L. extract can alleviate LPS induced pulmonary inflammation and overactivation of oxidative stress, thereby alleviating ALI in mice. Among them, a dose of 170 mg/(kg·d) has a better effect, and pathway such as TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB.

Objective To establish a method for the simultaneous determination of functional components in extracts from 7 kinds of medicinal and food homologous substances: Pueraria lobata, Sophora japonica, Lonicera japonica, Cistanche deserticola, Siraitia grosvenorii, Panax ginseng and Hovenia dulcis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Methods The analysis was conducted using an Agilent Eclipse XDB-C₁₈ column (4.6 mm× 250 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase gradient elution of acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min, a column temperature of 30 ℃, a detection wavelength of 210 nm, and an injection volume of 5 μL. This method was employed to quantify the content of puerarin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, echinacoside, verbascoside, mogroside V, ginsenoside Re and dihydromyricetin. Results The results demonstrated that 8 kinds of functional components exhibited excellent linear relationships within their respective concentration ranges, with correlation coefficients (r²) exceeding 0.999. The limits of detection ranged from 0.02 to 1.88 mg/L, and the limits of quantification ranged from 0.08 to 3.62 mg/L. The precision experiment results showed that the relative standard deviation (RSD) was less than 3%, the average recoveries of spiked samples ranged from 95.49% to 109.87%. Conclusion This method is simple, rapid and highly accurate, making it suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the functional components in the aforementioned 7 kinds of medicinal and food homologous substances.

Carthamu stinctorius L. serves as a viable raw material for health supplements but is not classified as a general food item. It is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and organic acids. Carthamu stinctorius L. exhibits significant benefits including enhancing immunity, providing antioxidant properties, maintaining healthy blood lipid and glucose levels, improving chloasma, alleviating physical fatigue, delaying aging, aiding memory improvement, and offering auxiliary protection against chemical-induced liver injury. Consequently, it has garnered considerable attention from researchers and consumers both domestically and internationally. Currently, Carthamu stinctorius L. is extensively utilized in health supplements within our country; however, there is a lack of systematic analysis regarding its application. This paper aims to examine the current status of Carthamu stinctorius L. is application in health supplements, the regulatory framework for its compliant use, and the factors influencing the efficacy of its primary active components. Additionally, it delves into the principal health functions and mechanisms of Carthamu stinctorius L., with the objective of providing insights for compliant utilization and future research and development of Carthamu stinctorius L. in the health supplement industry within our country.