To study the transformation of the aroma components and pungent constituents of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (ZBM) leaves and pericarps at different periods, and to provide a basis for selecting an appropriate harvest time for the pericarps and leaves. Methods: Quantitative analysis of the pungent components of ZBM leaves and pericarps was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) while their aroma constituents were analyzed by headspace solid phase micro-extraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Results: HPLC analysis revealed that hydroxy-α-sanshool was the predominant pungent component in both the leaves and pericarps of different parts of ZBM at different harvest periods, followed by hydroxyγ-sanshool and hydroxy-β-sanshool. During the growth of ZBM, the contents of pungent substances in the leaves declined gradually, while pungent substances in the pericarps increased. The results of HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis showed that linalyl acetate, linalool and limonene were the major aroma components of the leaves and pericarps of ZBM at different harvest periods. During the growth of ZBM, the contents of monoterpenes in the leaves decreased gradually, whereas monoterpenes in the pericarps increased. Conclusion: These results suggest that the pungent and aroma components produced in ZBM at early developmental stages are stored in the leaves, and are gradually transferred to the pericarps at the final developmental stages. Thus, the leaves of ZBM can be used as a new source of food and medicine.

Purpose: To compare the effects of raw hawthorn (RH) and charred hawthorn (CH) on functional dyspepsia (FD) and intestinal flora (IF). Methods: A rat model of FD was established through use of a chronic stimulator. Rat models were evaluated by the rat's physical state, body weight, diet, and histopathological examination. After RH or CH administration, the digestive function of the rats was evaluated by determining gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion rate, diversity of intestinal flora. Results: RH and CH both improved gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion rate in FD group when compared to control group (p < 0.05). CH yielded higher treatment effectiveness than RH. Sixteen phyla of microbiomes were recognized from all samples. After FD model establishment, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroidales decreased compared to normal control rats. On the other hand, the relative abundance of Helicobacter and Bacteroides in the model control group increased compared to normal control. After RH and CH treatment, the relative abundance of all dysregulated phyla was restored to varying degrees, but the levels after CH treatment were similar to those of the normal control group. Conclusion: The relative abundance of intestinal flora of FD model rats is significantly different from that of rats in normal control group. Thus, RH and CH intervention improves digestive function, and the mechanisms may be related to adjustment of gut dysbacteriosis.

Bone remodeling, a dynamic process in which bone formation by osteoblast is preceded by bone resorption by osteoclast, is a vital physiological process for maintaining bone mass and strength, imbalances in which could precipitate osteoporosis. Due to the unilateral mechanism of the existing bone remodeling drugs, identifying compounds that could regulate the balance between osteoclast and osteoblast could improve the treatment of osteoporosis. Here, we show that compounds isolated from Wikstroemia taiwanensis modulate osteoclast and osteoblast activities. Specifically, astragalin (1) and kaempferol 3-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), besides increasing mineral deposition, increased alkaline phosphatase activity (137.2% for 1 and 115.8% for 2) and ESR-α expression (112.8% for 1 and 122.5% for 2) in primary human osteoblasts. In contrast, compounds 1, 2, 3, and 5 inhibited tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced osteoclasts by 40.8, 17.1, 25.9, and 14.5% and also decreased the number of TRAP-positive cells by 51.6, 26.8, 20.5, and 18.6%, respectively. Our findings, therefore, showed that compounds isolated from W. taiwanensis could increase osteoblast activity while simultaneously decreasing osteoclast activity, and hence, warrant further evaluation for development as anti-osteoporosis agents.

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) provides a new opportunity for the sustainable production of energy from the textile wastewater. However, limited studies revealed the high electricity generation using a single-chambered MFC in treating crystal violet (CV) containing wastewater. This study isolated an exoelectrogen Aeromonas hydrophila YC 57, inoculated to a single-chambered MFC and intended to achieve a high power output. The results showed that the removal efficiency of CV and coulombic efficiency of MFC by A. hydrophila YC 57 were achieved at 82.5±0.7% and 57.2±0.5% at initial CV concentration of 100 mg/L, respectively. The maximum power generation of MFC was 240±5.6 mW/m2. Results of cyclic voltammogram hinted the intermediate products of CV dye played roles of mediators. Toxicity studies revealed that metabolites of CV produced by A. hydrophila YC 57 were nontoxic. To our knowledge, this is the first time to demonstrate the electricity characteristics of a single-chambered MFC inoculated A. hydrophila YC 57.