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Yamawo A, Tomlinson KW. Defence plasticity in the spiny plant Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. in response to light and soil fertility. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 131:1073-1080. [PMID: 36567607 PMCID: PMC10457031 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Plants have evolved various defences against herbivores, including direct chemical and structural defences and co-opted biological defences by predatory insects. However, the effects of abiotic habitat conditions on the quantitative expression of defence traits of spiny species have not been elucidated. METHODS Here, we investigated whether a spiny deciduous tree, Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem., changes its defence expression across light and nutrient gradients. We measured allocation to spines and C-based secondary metabolites (condensed tannins and total phenols) on A. elata plants growing across light and nutrient gradients in situ in natural landscapes in Japan. Second, we examined the effects of light and soil nutrient condition on allocation to shoot organs, spines and chemical defences of juveniles of two genotypes of the species, respectively spiny (mainland population) and non-spiny (island population), grown in a glasshouse. KEY RESULTS In the field investigation, absolute spine mass, spine mass fraction, total phenols and condensed tannins all responded positively to canopy openness. Total phenol content was also negatively related to soil N. In the glasshouse, spiny genotype individuals had less total biomass, had lower stem allocation and were shorter than non-spiny genotype individuals. In spiny genotype trees, both spine mass fraction and total phenols decreased under low light conditions. Nutrient additions had negative effects on spine mass fraction and total phenols, but no effect on absolute spine mass. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that development of spines is costly for A. elata and receives greater allocation when carbohydrate supply is more plentiful. Thus, light is a more important determinant of spine allocation than soil nutrients for A. elata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Yamawo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8561, Japan
| | - Kyle W Tomlinson
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Yunnan 666303, China
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Yunnan 666303, China
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Gao D, Cho CW, Yang Z, Li X, Kang JS. Identification and Quantitation of the Bioactive Components in Wasted Aralia elata Leaves Extract with Endothelial Protective Activity. Molecules 2023; 28:5907. [PMID: 37570877 PMCID: PMC10421206 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aralia elata, a renowned medicinal plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic applications. However, the leaves of this plant have been largely overlooked and discarded due to limited knowledge of their biological activity and chemical composition. To bridge this gap, a comprehensive study was conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of the 70% ethanol extract derived from Aralia elata leaves (LAE) for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Initially, the cytotoxic effects of LAE on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were assessed, revealing no toxicity within concentrations up to 5 μg/mL. This suggests that LAE could serve as a safe raw material for the development of health supplements and drugs aimed at promoting cardiovascular well-being. Furthermore, the study found that LAE extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in HUVECs by modulating the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. These findings are particularly significant as inflammation plays a crucial role in the progression of CVD. Moreover, LAE extract exhibited the ability to suppress the expression of adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, which are pivotal in leukocyte migration to inflamed blood vessels observed in various pathological conditions. In conjunction with the investigation on therapeutic potential, the study also established an optimal HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS method to identify and confirm the chemical constituents present in 24 samples collected from distinct regions in South Korea. Tentative identification revealed the presence of 14 saponins and nine phenolic compounds, while further analysis using PCA and PLS-DA allowed for the differentiation of samples based on their geographical origins. Notably, specific compounds such as chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, and quercitrin emerged as marker compounds responsible for distinguishing samples from different regions. Overall, by unraveling its endothelial protective activity and identifying key chemical constituents, this research not only offers valuable insights for the development of novel treatments but also underscores the importance of utilizing and preserving natural resources efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Gao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; (D.G.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Chong-Woon Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea;
| | - Zemin Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; (D.G.); (Z.Y.)
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xiwen Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; (D.G.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Jong-Seong Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea;
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Electrochemical Characterization of the Antioxidant Properties of Medicinal Plants and Products: A Review. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052308. [PMID: 36903553 PMCID: PMC10004803 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants are an important source of bioactive compounds with a wide spectrum of practically useful properties. Various types of antioxidants synthesized in plants are the reasons for their application in medicine, phytotherapy, and aromatherapy. Therefore, reliable, simple, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and rapid methods for the evaluation of antioxidant properties of medicinal plants and products on their basis are required. Electrochemical methods based on electron transfer reactions are promising tools to solve this problem. Total antioxidant parameters and individual antioxidant quantification can be achieved using suitable electrochemical techniques. The analytical capabilities of constant-current coulometry, potentiometry, various types of voltammetry, and chrono methods in the evaluation of total antioxidant parameters of medicinal plants and plant-derived products are presented. The advantages and limitations of methods in comparison to each other and traditional spectroscopic methods are discussed. The possibility to use electrochemical detection of the antioxidants via reactions with oxidants or radicals (N- and O-centered) in solution, with stable radicals immobilized on the electrode surface, via oxidation of antioxidants on a suitable electrode, allows the study of various mechanisms of antioxidant actions occurring in living systems. Attention is also paid to the individual or simultaneous electrochemical determination of antioxidants in medicinal plants using chemically modified electrodes.
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Puzerytė V, Viškelis P, Balčiūnaitienė A, Štreimikytė P, Viškelis J, Urbonavičienė D. Aralia cordata Thunb. as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1704. [PMID: 35807656 PMCID: PMC9269114 DOI: 10.3390/plants11131704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plant primary and secondary metabolites are a significant source for many applications, including extractions of functional components, green synthesis development, and producing higher-added value products. However, in the variety of botanicals, Aralia cordata Thunb. plant is getting attention for its similarity to ginseng. This study comprehensively examines the biochemical and phytochemical profiles of different A. cordata morphological parts: root, stem, leaf, inflorescence, berry, and seed. Additionally, the establishment of total phenolic content and quantitative analysis of powerful antioxidants such as chlorophyll, carotenoids (zeaxanthin, lutein, and β-carotene), proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins content were evaluated. The results indicated that A. cordata stem and berries are an excellent source of anthocyanins in the range from 18.27 to 78.54 mg/100 g DW. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity was evaluated using three different methods based on the capacity to scavenge: DPPH• scavenging capacity, ABTS•+ radical cation assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and ranged from 27 to 168 µmol TE/g DW, 8 to 117 µmol TE/g DW, and 18 to 157 µmol TE/g DW, respectively. This study proposes a novel competitive plant for many health-promoting applications in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, material, and food industries.
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Xu Y, Liu J, Zeng Y, Jin S, Liu W, Li Z, Qin X, Bai Y. Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of medicinal genus Aralia: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 284:114671. [PMID: 34627983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Aralia, which belongs to Araliaceae family, is mainly distributed in Asia, such as China, Japan and South Korea. It has a long medicinal history and is widely used in the treatment of various diseases, such as hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, bruises, lumps and carbuncles. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this review is to systematically evaluate the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of main medicinal plants of Aralia, discusses the application of ethnic medicine, modern scientific research and the relationship between them, and put forward some suggestions to promote the further development and utilization of Aralia. MATERIALS AND METHODS The relevant information on Aralia was collected through electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, CNKI and Wanfang), Chinese herbal classics, Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations, Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Plant names were verified by "The Plant List" (http://www.theplantlist.org). The literature cited in this review can be traced back to 1878 to 2021. RESULTS More than 290 chemical constituents have been isolated from the genus Aralia, including triterpenoid saponins, terpenoids, organic acids, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, phenylpropanoids and other constituents. Pharmacological studies have shown that the extracts and compounds of Aralia have a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, analgesic, anti-tumor, liver protection, protection of cardiovascular and nervous system, regulating substance metabolism, antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidation. CONCLUSIONS The genus Aralia is not only an excellent traditional herbal medicine, but also a source of bioactive molecules with good application prospects. However, the structure-activity relationship, in vivo activity and action mechanism of its bioactive components need to be further studied. In addition, more toxicological and quality control studies are essential to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Aralia as medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Junyu Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yuanlian Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Shenrui Jin
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Wentao Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Zulun Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xuhua Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yaolin Bai
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, PR China.
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Kanthaliya B, Joshi A, Arora J. Evaluation of isoflavonoid content in context to tuber size and seed biology study of Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb.ex.Willd.) DC: a vulnerable medicinal plant. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42535-019-00042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Zhou P, Xie W, Luo Y, Lu S, Dai Z, Wang R, Sun G, Sun X. Protective Effects of Total Saponins of Aralia elata (Miq.) on Endothelial Cell Injury Induced by TNF-α via Modulation of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB Signalling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010036. [PMID: 30577658 PMCID: PMC6337668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an arterial disease associated with inflammation. Hence, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents for suppressing inflammatory responses is urgent and vital for the treatment of atherosclerosis in cardiovascular diseases. The total saponins of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. (TAS) are the main components extracted from the Chinese traditional herb Longya Aralia chinensis L., a folk medicine used in Asian countries for treating numerous diseases, enhancing energy and boosting immunity. However, the protective effects of TAS against inflammation-triggered vascular endothelial dysfunction, a critical early event during the course of atherosclerosis, and the potential mechanisms of this protection have been not demonstrated. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects and the protective mechanisms of TAS, and show how TAS ameliorates human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) damage caused by tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The results indicated that TAS exerted cytoprotective effects by inhibiting TNF-α-triggered HUVEC apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential depolarisation, and the regulation of inflammatory factors (IL-6, MCP-1, and VCAM-1) while suppressing NF-κB transcription. Furthermore, this phenomenon was related to activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling pathway. Blocking the Akt pathway with LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, reversed the cytoprotective effect of TAS against TNF-α-induced endothelial cell death. Moreover, LY294002 partially abolished the effects of TAS on the upregulation of the Bcl-2 family of proteins and the downregulation of Bax protein expression. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that TAS suppresses the inflammation and apoptosis of HUVECs induced by TNF-α and that PI3K/Akt signalling plays a key role in promoting cell survival and anti-inflammatory reactions during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, China.
- Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Weijie Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, China.
- Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yun Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, China.
- Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Shan Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, China.
- Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Ziru Dai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, China.
- Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Ruiying Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, China.
- Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Guibo Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, China.
- Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, China.
- Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Beijing 100193, China.
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