Tạp chí Dược liệu là Tạp chí đa lĩnh vực, công bố các công trình khoa học công nghệ liên quan đến dược liệu: Hóa thực vật, tác dụng sinh học và dược lý, nghiên cứu phân tích kiểm nghiệm, công nghệ chiết xuất, bào chế chế biến, nghiên cứu dược động học, thực vật học cây thuốc, bảo tồn đa dạng sinh học và kỹ thuật trồng trọt cây thuốc, được thể hiện dưới hình thức: 1. Bài nghiên cứu: Bài viết trình bày những kết quả nghiên cứu mới (nghiên cứu gốc) có chất lượng khoa học hay đề xuất một phương pháp mới, ý tưởng hoặc một giải pháp mới. 2. Bài tổng hợp (tổng quan): Bài viết được tổng hợp từ các nguồn tư liệu thứ cấp (chủ yếu là các bài báo nghiên cứu đăng tải trong các tạp chí khoa học hàn lâm) về một chủ đề cụ thể.
KHẢO SÁT TÁC DỤNG AN THẦN, GIẢI LO ÂU CỦA CAO CHIẾT TỪ THÀNH PHẦN DƯỢC LIỆU GỒM: XẤU HỔ, VÔNG NEM, HẬU PHÁC NAM VÀ CAM THẢO NAM TRÊN MÔ HÌNH CHUỘT BỊ STRESS CÔ LẬP
Nghiên cứu được thực hiện nhằm đánh giá tác dụng an thần, giải lo âu của cao chiết từ bài thuốc gồm các dược liệu Xấu hổ, Vông nem, Hậu phác nam, Cam thảo nam (XVHC); trên các mô hình dược lý thực nghiệm. Trong thử nghiệm độc tính cấp, liều cao nhất có thể cho chuột uống là 50 g cao/kg thể trọng chuột (cao khô tuyệt đối 39 g/kg). Theo kết quả thử nghiệm độc tính cấp của cao chiết nước XVHC có độ an toàn cao. Ở liều 400 mg/kg, cao chiết XVHC cho tác dụng an thần giải lo âu cả trên chuột nuôi chung và chuột gây stress cô lập. Nhóm thử nghiệm (uống cao chiết) có số lần ra ngăn sáng và thời gian lưu lại ngăn sáng tăng có ý nghĩa thống kê khi so với lô đối chứng (uống nước cất). Cao chiết XVHC liều 400 mg/kg và 800 mg/kg cho tác dụng kéo dài thời gian ngủ, sau khi tiêm diazepam, có ý nghĩa thống kê so với nhóm uống nước cất. Các kết quả trên góp phần tạo cơ sở cho định hướng nghiên cứu ứng dụng trong điều trị rối loạn thần kinh như giải lo âu và an thần, cũng như cơ chế của các tác dụng được lý này.
COMPARATIVE TRANSCRIPTOME PROFILING OF MOMORDICA COCHINCHINENSIS (LOUR.) SPRENG. ARIL USING OXFORD NANOPORE AND ILLUMINA SEQUENCING TECHNOLOGIES
Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng.) is a tropical fruit recognized for its exceptionally high carotenoid content, particularly lycopene and β‑carotene. Although Gac possesses significant nutritional and pharmacological value, genomic and transcriptomic resources for this species are limited. Previous studies utilizing Illumina RNA‑Seq established the first de novo transcriptome of Gac aril, identifying over 81,000 unigenes and key enzymes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis. In this study, we generated a transcriptome of Gac aril using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) direct RNA sequencing and compared its assembly and annotation with the published Illumina dataset. ONT sequencing produced over 13 million long reads, resulting in 52,755 unigenes with an average length of 777 bp and an N50 of 922 bp, which are substantially longer than those generated using Illumina sequencing (average 388 bp, N50 450 bp). Functional annotation identified 33,235 unigenes with significant matches, including full-length carotenoid-related unigenes, e.g., phytoene synthase (PSY), phytoene desaturase (PDS), zeta-carotene desaturase (ZDS), zeta-carotene isomerase (Z-ISO), prolycopene isomerase (CRISTO), lycopene ß-cyclase (LCYB), and lycopene ε-cyclase (LCYE). Long-read ONT sequencing enabled the recovery of full-length transcripts, reducing assembly fragmentation and redundancy and yielding a more compact, biologically representative unigene set. While Illumina technology remains superior in sequencing accuracy and quantitative profiling, ONT offers enhanced structural resolution, isoform discovery, and the potential to detect RNA modifications. Recent advances in ONT chemistry, flow cell design, and bioinformatic pipelines are rapidly improving accuracy and throughput, establishing ONT as a credible stand‑alone approach for transcriptome analysis in non‑model plants. These findings demonstrate that ONT sequencing can reveal novel regulatory features of carotenoid biosynthesis in Gac, providing valuable resources for functional genomics and metabolic engineering in carotenoid‑rich crops.
INVESTIGATION OF THE VARIATION OF GYMNEMAGENIN CONTENT IN GYMNEMA R.BR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF CERTAIN STRAINS OF BACTERIA
The capacity of Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bacillus subtilis to increase the content of gymnemagenin in Gymnema spp. R.Br was investigated on two samples of G. sylvestre and two samples of G. latifolium by incubating these samples for 8 days with each strain of bacteria. The difference in content of gymnemagenin before and after incubation was determined by using a validated HPLC method meeting all requirements of AOAC International on analytical method performance. The four strains of bacteria were found to increase the content of gymnemagenin in the tested samples after incubation, but the change caused by B.subtilis was not statistically significant. No significant strain-to-strain difference in the capacity to improve the content of gymnemagenin was found among the four strains of bacteria.
NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF TIANMA GOUTENG DECOCTION IN A MIDDLE CEREBRAL ARTERY OCCLUSION MODEL OF ISCHEMIC STROKE
This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Tianma Gouteng Decoction (TGD) in a middle cerebral artery occlusion-and-reperfusion (MCAO/R) model. Neurological scores, body weight changes, and cerebral infarct volume were evaluated. In addition, the concentrations of gastrodin, baicalin, 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG), and geniposide in the TGD extract were analyzed by HPLC to characterize its chemical composition. The results indicated that TGD at 13.7 g/kg (raw herbal materials) significantly attenuated MCAO/R-induced cerebral infarction, improved neurological deficits, and attenuated body weight loss compared with the vehicle-treated group. TGD at 6.8 g/kg (raw herbal materials) also conferred neuroprotective effects, with early functional improvement observed 24 h after reperfusion, whereas TGD at 27.4 g/kg (raw herbal materials) did not produce significant protection. The TGD extract contained gastrodin (1.4 mg/mL), baicalin (10.091 mg/mL), THSG (0.0203 mg/mL), and geniposide (9.023 mg/mL), which may collectively contribute to its pharmacological activity. Overall, these findings demonstrate that TGD exerts neuroprotective effects against transient ischemia-induced brain injury, with optimal efficacy observed at 13.7 g/kg (raw herbal materials), suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for ischemic stroke.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF THE BARK OF PHELLODENDRON AMURENSE RUPR. IN EXPERIMENTAL MODELS
The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), and aqueous extracts of Phellodendron amurense. The activity was evaluated in vitro by nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibition assays, and in vivo using carrageenan-induced paw edema and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia models in rats. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring the inhibition of NO and PGE2 production using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Among the tested extracts, the CH2Cl2 extract exhibited the most potent activity, with IC50 values of 10.88 ± 2.88 µg/mL for NO inhibition and 10.82 ± 1.22 µg/mL for PGE2 inhibition, followed by the aqueous extract, which also inhibited NO and PGE2 production without causing cytotoxicity. The CH2Cl2 extract of P. amurense (CPA) was orally administered to rats in both LPS-induced endotoxemia and carrageenan-induced hind paw edema models. In the endotoxemia model, CPA significantly improved survival and markedly reduced serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels, as well as white blood cell counts. Consistently, in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, CPA significantly suppressed edema formation, reducing paw-volume increase by 36%, 48%, and 55% at 2, 3, and 4 h, respectively, compared with the carrageenan control group (p < 0.05).
EVALUATION OF MEMORY-ENHANCING EFFECTS OF MORINDA OFFICINALIS HOW. ROOT EXTRACTS IN A TRANSGENIC hAPP DROSOPHILA MODEL OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
This study aimed to evaluate the memory-enhancing effects of the 50% ethanolic extract and four fractions (aqueous, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane) from Morinda officinalis How. (MO) roots using a transgenic hAPP Drosophila model of Alzheimer’s disease. Screening of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity showed that both the ethanolic and four fractions exhibited inhibitory effects, with the n-hexane fraction demonstrating the strongest activity. In the learning memory assay using Drosophila larvae, the ethanolic extract and three fractions (n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane) improved odor memory more effectively than the aqueous fraction. Further assessments of locomotor activity and survival ability identified the ethanolic extract and n-butanol fraction as the most promising candidates. Moreover, the ethanolic extract showed antioxidant ability by significantly decreasing the concentration of MDA in the head homogenates of adult flies. These results suggest that MO extracts, especially the ethanolic extract and n-butanol fraction, have potential memory-enhancing and neuroprotective effects in a transgenic Drosophila model of Alzheimer’s disease.
ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY AND LAXATIVE EFFECTS OF PHARBITIS NIL (L.) CHOISY SEED EXTRACT
The present study aimed to investigate the acute oral toxicity and evaluate the laxative effect of Pharbitis nil (L.) Choisy seed extract in mice. Acute oral toxicity of the extract was assessed in Swiss albino mice using the Karber-Behrens method to determine the LD50 value. The laxative effect was evaluated in loperamide-induced constipation and normal mice through fecal water content, number and morphology of fecal pellets, intestinal charcoal transit ratio, amount of retained feces in the colon, and gastrointestinal fluid secretion. The results showed that the P. nil seed extract exhibited low acute oral toxicity (LD50 = 3.96 g/kg). In the loperamide-induced constipation model, the extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg significantly increased fecal water content compared with the constipation model group, exhibiting effect comparable to the reference drug bisacodyl (1 mg/kg). At a dose of 300 mg/kg, this extract significantly enhanced intestinal motility, comparable to bisacodyl (1 mg/kg), by increasing the intestinal charcoal transit ratio. The extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg also reduced fecal retention in the colon. In normal mice, the extract at both doses, 150 and 300 mg/kg, increased fecal water content and the weight of intestinal contents, indicating stimulation of fluid secretion into the intestinal lumen. In conclusion, the P. nil seed extract exhibited significant laxative properties in a loperamide-induced constipation mouse model, providing scientific evidence supporting the use of this medicinal plant in the management of constipation.
ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC, AND RENAL PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF HIBISCUS TILIACEUS L. LEAF EXTRACT ON STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED HYPERGLYCEMIA
Hibiscus tiliaceus L. (Malvaceae) plays a significant role in traditional medicine for treating various diseases. This study aimed to quantify the total polyphenolic and flavonoid contents and evaluate the antihyperglycemic and renal protective effects of H. tiliaceus leaf extracts using in vitro assays (DPPH and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity) and a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic mouse model. The results showed that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the aqueous extract (27.67 mg GAE/g and 11.01 mg QE/g) were lower than those in the 45% ethanol extract (31.67 mg GAE/g and 15.64 mg QE/g). Furthermore, the ethanol extract demonstrated superior antioxidant activity (IC50 value of 5.75 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 value of 2.69 μg/mL) compared to the aqueous extract (IC50 value of 21.05 μg/mL and 7.71 μg/mL, respectively). Oral administration of the 45% ethanol extract at 1.33 g/kg for 14 days significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose and improved glucose tolerance in STZ-induced mice. This dose also attenuated the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) in the kidneys while significantly enhancing endogenous glutathione (GSH) levels. These findings suggest that the H. tiliaceus leaf 45% ethanol extract is a potential candidate for managing hyperglycemia and preventing diabetic kidney disease.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE EXTRACTION PROCESS FROM YELLOW CAMELLIA FLOWERS (CAMELLIA CUCPHUONGENSIS NINH & ROSMANN) COLLECTED IN PHU THO PROVINCE USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
This study was conducted to optimize the simultaneous extraction of total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) from the flowers of the yellow Camellia (Camellia cucphuongensis Ninh & Rosmann) collected in Phu Tho province. A Central Composite Design (CCD) combined with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to evaluate the effects of three independent variables: ethanol concentration (EtOH, 30-70%), extraction temperature (40-80°C), and extraction time (2-8 h). The optimal extraction conditions were identified as 58% EtOH, a temperature of 60°C, and an extraction time of 8 hours. Under these optimized parameters, the experimental values for TFC and TPC were 18.09 ± 0.17% and 35.12 ± 0.28%, respectively, which showed high compatibility with the predicted values. This optimized process provides a reliable scientific basis for the standardized production of bioactive-rich extracts from C. cucphuongensis. These findings highlight the potential of this endemic species as a high-value raw material for the development of antioxidant-based pharmaceuticals and functional foods in the field of natural products chemistry.
HPTLC SCANNER METHOD FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF LYCOPENE AND β-CAROTENE IN GAC SEED ARIL
This study successfully established and validated a High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) method, HPTLC Scanner Method for the simultaneous quantification of two marker carotenoid compounds, lycopene and β-carotene, in the aril of Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.). This method provides a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable analysis. The validation results, conducted according to international standards (ICH and AOAC), indicated that the new method possesses high reliability, with intra-day and inter-day precision both being below 5%, and the accuracy falling within the acceptable range of 96.50% to 102.12%. The content of the two marker carotenoid compounds in ten samples of Gac seed aril collected in Vietnam revealed significant variability: lycopene ranged from 0.03% to 1.01%, and β-carotene ranged from 0.09 to 1.43 mg/g. The quantification results obtained by the HPTLC-scanner method showed a very high correlation with the previously developed High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-DAD) method (R2 > 0.95).
Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng.
ESTABLISHMENT OF AN IN-HOUSE STANDARD FOR PRUNELLAE SPICA
This study aimed to establish an in-house quality standard for Prunellae spica (PS) based on the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia V, incorporating enhanced qualitative and quantitative specifications. The evaluated criteria included description, powder, water content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, identification by chemical reaction and thin-layer chromatography, quantification of rosmarinic acid using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020), extractives, and foreign matter. Quantitative analysis of eight PS samples revealed that the rosmarinic acid content ranged from 0.172% to 0.860%, calculated with reference to the dried drug. The developed in-house standard was subsequently applied for the quality assessment of PS samples collected from the market.
DETERMINATION OF ESSENTIAL OIL CONTENT,COMPOSITION, AND TOTAL POLYPHENOL CONTENT OF RHIZOMA HOMALOMENAE OCCULTAE COLLECTED IN VIETNAM
The quality of Rhizoma Homalomenae occultae samples collected in Vietnam was evaluated based on total polyphenol content, total essential oil content, and essential oil composition. The results showed that the total polyphenol content ranged from 0.25% to 2.64%, while essential oil content ranged from 0.27% to 0.92%, meeting the essential oil content criteria specified in the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia V. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the essential oil revealed the presence of compounds such as 6-methyl-2-(2-oxiranyl)-5-hepten-2-ol, trans-linalool oxide, hotrienol, L-terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, δ-cadinene, spathulenol, and notably linalool, which accounted for over 40% (based on peak area percent). The findings provide valuable data for upgrading quality standards for Rhizoma Homalomenae occultae in Vietnam.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS FROM THE AERIAL PARTS OF BARLERIA LUPULINA (ACANTHACEAE)
Phytochemical studies of the n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions from aerial parts of Barleria lupulina L. (Acanthaceae) collected in Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam, led to the isolation and identification of six known compounds, including (+)-lyoniresinol (1), (+)-lyoniresinol 9ʹ-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), 2-methyl-1,3,6-trihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (3S)-l-octene-3-ol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), uracil (5) and stigmasterol (6). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined on the basis of detailed spectroscopic (MS and NMR) analysis and comparison with reported literature. Compounds 1, 3, 4, and 5 were found for the first time from the Barleria genus.
AZAPHILONE DERIVATIVES ISOLATED FROM ENDOPHYTIC FUNGUS PENICILLIUM SCLEROTIORUM
Endophytic fungi are one of the typical endophytic microbial groups that have recently attracted considerable research interest because of their roles in many aspects. The most special thing is the ability to biosynthesize secondary substances with biological activity, such as antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. The endophytic fungal strains were first isolated from Acorus gramineus herbs and identified as Penicillium sclerotiorum by morphological, microscopic, and DNA sequencing based on the modified Sanger method. From the ethyl acetate fraction of the medium extract, six compounds were isolated and identified as peniazaphilones I (1), 11-epi-geumsanol F (2), sclerotioramine (3), epi-isochromophilone III (4), isochromophilone IV (5), and linoleic acid (6). Their structures were determined by means of spectroscopic methods (MS, 1D, and 2D NMR).
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, ANTIMICROBIAL AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES OF THE LEAF ESSENTIAL OIL OF KNEMA GLOBULARIA (LAMK.) WARB. FROM THANH HOA, VIETNAM
This study reports the chemical composition and, for the first time, evaluates the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic effects of the leaf essential oil of Knema globularia (Lamk.) Warb. collected in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC–MS, leading to the identification of 47 compounds representing 97.82% of the total essential oil. The major constituents were β-(E)-caryophyllene (26.24%), α-pinene (18.44%), β-pinene (13.04%), and (3E,6E)-α-farnesene (14.36%). The essential oil showed selective antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with IC50 values of 64.00–80.00 µg/mL, while no significant activity was observed against Gram-negative bacteria or Candida albicans at the tested concentrations. In cytotoxic assays, the essential oil exhibited moderate effects against four human cancer cell lines (KB, HepG2, A549, and MCF-7), with IC50 values ranging from 44.82 to 61.28 µg/mL. These results suggest that the leaf essential oil of K. globularia is a promising natural source for further studies on antimicrobial and anticancer agents.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF GANODERMA MULTIPILEUM DING HOU, GANODERMATACEAE
Five compounds, lanosta-7,9(11),24-triene-3β,26-diol (1), 3β-hydroxy-lanosta-7,9(11),24-trien (2), (22E)-ergosta-7,9,22-trien-3β-ol (3), (22E)-ergosta-7,22-dien-3-one (4), and methyl 2-hydroxynonacosanoate (5) were isolated from Ganoderma multipileum Ding Hou, Ganodermataceae, collected in Taynguyen. Their structures were elucidated by the spectroscopic methods, such as the ESI-MS and NMR (1D and 2D) spectroscopy and comparison with published data. Five compounds (1–5) are the first report of the chemical composition from G. multipileum in Vietnam.
LIGNANS AND OTHER COMPOUNDS FROM THE LEAVES OF TRIADICA ROTUNDIFOLIA WITH INHIBITORY ACTIVITY ON NITRIC OXIDE PRODUCTION
By employing chromatographic techniques, six compounds (1–6) were successfully isolated from the leaves of Triadica rotundifolia (Hemsl.) Esser. Their structures were elucidated to be (1S,2S)-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-methoxy propanol (1), (1S,2R)-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-methoxypropane-3-ol (2), syringaresinol (3), trimethyl-3,4-dihydrochebulate (4), methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate (5), and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde (6), by detailed analysis of 1D, 2D NMR, and MS spectroscopic data as well as comparison with those reported. The absolute configurations of compounds 1, 2, and 4 were further confirmed using experimental circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Several compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against the production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Compounds 1, 2, and 6 were found to reduce NO levels in murine macrophage cells, with IC50 values ranging from 21.1 to 54.5 μM. This study represents the first report of compounds 1−6 isolated from T. rotundifolia.
PHENOLIC CONSTITUENTS FROM THE ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACT OF CAMELLIA FLAVA FLOWERS (THEACEAE) COLLECTED IN PHU THO PROVINCE
Camellia flava (Pitard) Sealy is one of the yellow camellia species belonging to the genus Camellia (family Theaceae), which is widely distributed in Vietnam. Phytochemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of C. flava flowers collected in Phu Tho province led to the identification of eight phenolic compounds, including 3,3',4'-tri-O-methyl ellagic acid (1), pinoresinol (2), quercetin (3), kaempferol (4), tyrosol (5), caffeic acid (6), protocatechuic acid (7), and gallic acid (8). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses and comparison with the reported data. This study represents the first report of compounds (1–8) from the flowers of C. flava.
CHEMICAL PROFILING AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF PHYSALIS ANGULATA IN LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-STIMULATED BONE MARROW–DERIVED DENDRITIC CELLS
Physalis angulata is an important medicinal plant that has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation and various inflammatory-related disorders. Despite its medicinal relevance, comprehensive chemical profiling of the fruits of P. angulata collected in Vietnam has not yet been systematically investigated. In this study, a comprehensive chemical characterization of the methanolic extract of P. angulata was performed using high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HR-QTOF-MS), enabling rapid and accurate profiling of its bioactive constituents. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated by measuring lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Consistent with this, compound 1 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity against IL-12p40, IL-6, and TNF-α, with IC50 values of 1.17 ± 0.02, 7.52 ± 0.03, and 2.93 ± 0.05 µM, respectively, compared with the positive control adezmapimod (IC50 = 5.00 ± 0.01, 3.50 ± 0.01, and 7.20 ± 0.01 µM, respectively). Overall, this study provides the first comprehensive chemical profile of P. angulata from Vietnam and offers scientific evidence supporting its traditional use as a source of anti-inflammatory agents.
GLYCOSIDE CONSTITUENTS FROM ABROMA AUGUSTUM AND THEIR IN VITRO ANTIPROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY
Using combined chromatographic experiments, five glycoside derivatives, 1-allyl-3-methoxy-4-[apiofuranosyl(1®2)-glucopyranosyloxybenzene] (1), phenylethyl rutinoside (2), kaempferol 3-O-b-D-glucopyranosyl-(2®1)-b-D-xylopyranoside (3), pinoresinol 4-O-a-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1®2)-b-D-glucopyranoside (4), and (7S*,8R*)-urolignoside (5), were isolated from the methanolic extract of Abroma augustum (L.) L. f. (Malvaceae). Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of the 1D (1H and 13C NMR) and 2D (HSQC and HMBC) NMR spectroscopic data in comparison with those published. This is the first report of compounds 1-5 from this species. In addition, compounds 2 and 4 exhibited moderate to weak antiproliferative activity against three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2, and SK-LU-1) with IC50 values ranging from 49.38 ± 3.64 to 84.55 ± 6.60 µM.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS FROM THE PROPOLIS OF THE STINGLESS BEE LEPIDOTRIGONA TERMINATA (SMITH, 1878) COLLECTED IN GIA LAI
Six compounds, including gracilol A (1), dipterocarpol (2), 8-hydroxylabdan-15-oic acid (3), (E)-1-(2-methoxy-4ʹ,5ʹ-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-ene (4), (+)-eudesmin (5), and (-)-epi-eudesmin (6), were isolated from propolis of stingless bee Lepidotrigona terminata (Smith, 1878) collected in Van Duc, Gia Lai province. The structures of isolated compounds 1−6 were elucidated by spectroscopic (NMR, MS) analysis and comparison with previous literature. This is the first report on the NMR data of compounds 1 and 4.
TRITERPENOID CONSTITUENTS FROM THE LEAVES OF WALSURA PINNATA HASSK
By employing chromatographic techniques, six triterpenoids (1−6) were successfully isolated from the leaves of Walsura pinnata Hassk. Their structures were elucidated to be cumingianol E (1), 21-O-methyltoosendanpentol (2), 21α-methylmelianodiol (3), 21S,23R-epoxy-3β,24R-dihydroxy-21β,25-dimethoxy-tirucalla-7-en (4), odoratone (5), and cabraleone (6) by detailed analysis of 1D, 2D NMR, and MS spectroscopic data, as well as comparison with previously reported literature. This is the first time compounds 1−6 from W. pinnata were reported.
RESULTS OF SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MEDICINAL MATERIALS (2016–2025) AND DEVELOPMENT ORIENTATION TOWARD 2030
This article provides a comprehensive review of the scientific and technological (S&T) activities of the National Institute of Medicinal Materials (NIMM), Ministry of Health of Vietnam, during the 2021–2025 period, and outlines strategic development orientations toward 2030 to mark the Institute's 65th anniversary (1961–2026). During 2021–2025, NIMM conducted 443 S&T research projects across national, ministerial, local, and grassroots levels; published 563 scientific papers (representing a 48.2% increase over the preceding period, including 135 international publications which alone saw an 82.4% increase); conferred 25 doctoral degrees; officially registered 10 medicinal plant varieties for commercial circulation; issued 97 technical procedures for medicinal plant breeding and production; isolated more than 250 pure compounds; established 27 reference compouds; and research & developed of 7 herbal pharmaceutical formulations. Research activities were systematically organised along a value chain spanning genetic resources, variety selection, chemical analysis and standardization, herbal drug formulation, and modernization of traditional medicines. In addition to these achievements, the article acknowledges persistent limitations regarding equipment and facilities, especially in the context of deep international integration in science and technology, as well as the adaptability of scientists to the new situation when implementing the Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, and the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation No. 93/2025/QH15. To leverage its strategic advantages and adapt to the evolving landscape, the Institute prioritizes research across the entire value chain, developing a diverse portfolio of medicinal products to enhance primary healthcare. Our mission remains steadfast in fostering in-depth and applied research driven by advanced science and technology, while elevating the collective research capacity to meet international standards. Moving forward, NIMM will focus on institutional and governance reforms, accelerating digital transformation, and establishing a comprehensive medicinal resource database. Furthermore, by implementing robust intellectual property protections and fostering public-private partnerships, we aim to drive revenue growth, strengthen institutional self-reliance, and improve the welfare and living standards of our staff
National Institute of Medicinal Materials (NIMM)
TÁC DỤNG CẢI THIỆN SUY GIẢM TRÍ NHỚ CỦA CAO CHIẾT LÁ CHÈ ĐẮNG LIÊN QUAN ĐẾN SỰ PHỤC HỒI BIỂU HIỆN CỦA GEN PIK3R2 TRÊN MÔ HÌNH CHUỘT BỊ THOÁI HÓA THẦN KINH GÂY BỞI TRIMETHYLTIN
Thoái hóa thần kinh là sự mất dần cấu trúc hoặc chức năng của các tế bào thần kinh, cuối cùng có thể dẫn đến chết tế bào, đặc biệt trong các bệnh rối loạn tâm thần như Alzheimer, Parkinson, Huntington… Nghiên cứu này được thực hiện để đánh giá và tìm hiểu cơ chế tác dụng liên quan đến cải thiện suy giảm trí nhớ của cao chiết lá chè đắng (Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng - IKE) trên mô hình chuột gây thoái hóa tế bào thần kinh bằng trimethyltin (TMT). Chuột nhắt trắng đực, chủng Swiss albino được uống IKE (liều 270 và 540 mg/kg) hoặc nước cất liên tục trong 7 ngày, sau đó được tiêm một liều TMT 2,6 mg/kg và tiếp tục uống trong suốt quá trình thử nghiệm. Từ ngày thứ 28 sau khi điều trị, chuột sẽ được tiến hành làm các thử nghiệm hành vi để đánh giá tác dụng cải thiện suy giảm trí nhớ trên chuột. Sau khi kết thúc các thử nghiệm hành vi, chuột sẽ được tách hồi hải mã để tiến hành đánh giá thay đổi biểu hiện các gen PIK3R2, IRS1 và tyrosin hydroxylase (TH) bằng phản ứng Realtime - PCR. Kết quả cho thấy, IKE (liều 270 và 540 mg/kg) có tác dụng cải thiện suy giảm trí nhớ tạm thời và khả năng ghi nhớ - học tập của chuột được đánh giá bằng thử nghiệm nhận diện đồ vật và thử nghiệm lẩn tránh thụ động. Kết quả đánh giá thay đổi biểu hiện gen cho thấy IKE có tác dụng phục hồi sự giảm biểu hiện của gen PIK3R2 nhưng không làm thay đổi biểu hiện gen IRS1 và gen mã hóa cho enzym TH. Những kết quả này cho thấy lá chè đắng có tác dụng cải thiện suy giảm trí nhớ trên chuột TMT có thể liên quan đến sự phục hồi biểu hiện của gen PIK3R2, đây là gen giúp tế bào thần kinh được bảo vệ bởi các tác nhân gây tổn thương như TMT.
TÁC DỤNG KHÁNG U CỦA CAO ĐỊNH CHUẨN BẢY LÁ MỘT HOA TRÊN MÔ HÌNH CHUỘT BỊ GÂY U VÚ THỰC NGHIỆM BẰNG TẾ BÀO 4T1
Bảy lá một hoa (Paris polyphylla var. chinensis Smith) là dược liệu có tác dụng kháng ung thư nổi bật bởi các cơ chế phân tử khác nhau. Nghiên cứu này được tiến hành nhằm đánh giá tính an toàn và tác dụng kháng u của cao định chuẩn từ thân rễ bảy lá một hoa (PPCE) trên mô hình chuột bị gây u vú bằng tế bào 4T1. Tính an toàn của PPCE được đánh giá thông qua thử nghiệm độc tính cấp đường uống. Tác dụng kháng u của PPCE được đánh giá trên chuột BALB/c gây khối u bằng cách tiêm tế bào ung thư vú 4T1 vào mô mỡ đệm tuyến vú. Chuột mang khối u được điều trị bằng PPCE ở liều uống 100, 200và 400 mg/kg/ngày hoặc doxorubicin ở liều tiêm 5 mg/kg/ngày (3 ngày một lần) trong 28 ngày liên tục. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy PPCE có độc tính cấp đường uống với LD50 là 9,73 g/kg. PPCE ở liều 400 mg/kg làm giảm đáng kể thể tích khối u sau 21 và 28 ngày điều trị với phần trăm ức chế khối u trên 50% so với lô bệnh lý. PPCE ở liều 200 và 400 mg/kg làm giảm đáng kể trọng lượng khối u sau 28 ngày điều trị. Tuy nhiên, tác động của PPCE ở các liều khảo sát trên giải phẫu mô bệnh học khối u chưa rõ ràng. Các kết quả của nghiên cứu này đã cung cấp bằng chứng về tác dụng kháng u vú của PPCE trên mô hình chuột BALB/c bị gây u vú bằng tế bào 4T1, cho thấy tiềm năng hướng đến nghiên cứu ứng dụng sản phẩm hỗ trợ điều trị ung thư vú của dược liệu này.
THÀNH PHẦN HÓA HỌC CAO CHIẾT ETHYL ACETAT LÁ CÂY KHÔI
Bảy hợp chất đã được phân lập từ cao chiết ethyl acetat lá cây khôi (Ardisia gigantifolia Stapf.). Cấu trúc của các hợp chất được xác định là acid benzoic (1), acid ferulic (2), acid vanillic (3), acid gallic (4), (3S,5R,6R,7E,9S)-megastigm-7-en-3,5,6,9-tetrol (5), acid hexahydroxydiphenic (6) và acid 5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-carboxylic (7) dựa trên việc phân tích phổ 1D NMR, 2D NMR, MS và so sánh với tài liệu tham khảo. Trong đó, các hợp chất 5-7 lần đầu tiên được phân lập từ chi Ardisia và hợp chất 2, 3 lần đầu được phân lập từ loài A. gigantifolia.
Giai đoạn năm 2020 - 2023, nhóm nghiên cứu của Trung tâm Tài nguyên Dược liệu (Viện Dược liệu) và các cộng sự đã tiến hành điều tra khảo sát tính đa dạng cây thuốc tại 105 xã/thị trấn thuộc 10 huyện/thành phố của tỉnh Bắc Giang. Thành phần cây thuốc của tỉnh Bắc Giang đa dạng về bậc phân loại với 812 loài thực vật làm thuốc, thuộc 516 chi, 163 họ của 6 ngành thực vật có mạch. Kết quả điều tra đã đánh giá sự đa dạng về dạng thân, công dụng, bộ phận sử dụng làm thuốc; ghi nhận 43 loài có giá trị bảo tồn; 99 loài có tiềm năng khai thác; 32 loài cây thuốc đang được trồng và phát triển trên địa bàn tỉnh Bắc Giang. Kết quả nghiên cứu là cơ sở phục vụ cho công tác bảo tồn và phát triển bền vững nguồn tài nguyên cây thuốc của tỉnh Bắc Giang.
Thành phần hóa học lá cây Maesa chisia D. Don (Primulaceae)
Chi Maesa (họ Anh Thảo) bao gồm khoảng 200 loài có nguồn gốc từ các vùng nhiệt đới trên thế giới, trong đó có khoảng 20 loài phân bố ở Việt Nam. Các loài thực vật thuộc chi này đã được sử dụng trong y học cổ truyền để điều trị ho, các bệnh về đường hô hấp, gãy xương và eczema. Nghiên cứu thành phần hóa học của lá loài Maesa chisia thu tại Mường Tè, Lai Châu, chúng tôi đã phân lập được 7 hợp chất bao gồm kaempferol (1), acid vanillic (2), quercetin (3), clovane-2β,9α-diol (4), vomifoliol (5), daucosterol (6) và 3-O-(6′-O-palmitoyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl stigmasterol (7). Cấu trúc của các hợp chất phân lập được xác định bằng phân tích phổ NMR, MS và so sánh với các dữ liệu được báo cáo trong tài liệu. Đây là nghiên cứu hóa học đầu tiên về loài M. chisia ở Việt Nam. Hợp chất 3-7 lần đầu tiên được tìm thấy ở chi Maesa.
EFFECT OF SHADING LEVELS ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, YIELD AND QUALITY OF RHIZOME OF BLACK MUSLI (CURCULIGO ORCHIOIDES GAERTN.) PLANTED IN SUOI HAI COMMUNE, HANOI CITY
A two-year field experiment was conducted from January 2022 to December 2023 in Suoi Hai Commune, Hanoi City, to evaluate the effect of different shading levels on the growth and development, yield, and quality of black musli (Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.). The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design with four shading treatments and three replications, using a planting density of 20 x 25 cm. The results showed that shading significantly affected the ongrowth and development, yield, and quality of C. orchioides. Moderate shading at 30% and 50% resulted in markedly improved growth and survival, with plant survival rate exceeding 93% after three months compared with 79% under full sunlight. Rhizome yields were also substantially enhanced, reaching 1.177 and 1.234 tons per hectare under 50% and 30% shade, respectively, nearly double the yield of the unshaded control (0.629 tons per hectare). The highest concentrations of orcinol glucoside (0.63 – 0.67%) and curculigoside (0.16 – 0.17%) were achieved at the shading levels of 30% and 50% at harvest in November 2023. These findings demonstrate that shading plays an important role in improving both productivity and quality of C. orchioides. Shading levels between 30% and 50% are recommended for the cultivation of black musli in Suoi Hai commune, Hanoi city.
TWO NEWLY RECORDED SPECIES OF ELSHOLTZIA WILLD. (LAMIACEAE) TO THE FLORA OF VIETNAM
Elsholtzia flava (Benth.) Benth. and Elsholtzia fruticosa (D. Don) Rehder (Lamiaceae) are reported here as two new records for the flora of Vietnam. Detailed morphological descriptions, phenology, distribution, habitat information and medicinal uses by ethnic people are provided for both species, accompanied by photographic illustrations. Furthermore, a comprehensive key to the species of Elsholtzia currently recognized in Vietnam is presented to facilitate future taxonomic and ethnobotanical studies.