title: Cucurbitacin contents in Hemsleya dolichocarpa.
abstract: Hemsleya dolichocarpa was studied for its cucurbitacin contents during growing period. A colorimetric method was used to determine the total cucurbitacin levels, and a TLC densitometric assay was employed for estimating dihydrocucurbitacin F and its acetate, two active principles in Hemsleya plants. Cucurbitacin contents rise progressively from May to November; the month of November is thus the most desirable time for harvesting plant materials for medicinal uses. It was noticed that the spoiled plant samples gave an intense color reaction while dihydrocucurbitacin F and its acetate levels were not significantly altered. The accuracy of the assays is discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, West China University of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan.
authors.forename: P Q
authors.initials: PQ
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: S Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Z H
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Che
mesh_terms: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D003124:Colorimetry; D054728:Cucurbitacins; D003720:Densitometry; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D011786:Quality Control; D012621:Seasons; D014315:Triterpenes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D014315:Triterpenes; D054728:Cucurbitacins