[Bacteria community in different aged Coptis chinensis planting soil revealed by PCR-DGGE analysis]

In order to reveal the cause of disease occurred in the process of Coptis chinensis growth, this paper studied the bacterial species diversity index of different aged rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soil planting normal or sick C. chinensis by using PCR-DGGE technique. The representative DGGE bands were chosen to be cloned, and sequenced, the phylogeny were constructed. The results showed that the bacterial communities were very different between the normal and diseased soil samples of C. chinensis, and the diversity index (H) of diseased soil samples were higher than that of normal soil samples. Sequencing analysis of representative cloned DGGE bands showed that the unculturable bacteria were the dominant groups, and bacteria belonged to genus Bacillus, Acidovorax, Acinetobacter, uncultured Kluyvera, and uncultured Comamonas were also existing, but the reported plant pathogenic bacteria were not found in the C. chinensis planting soil. The density and brightness of clone band d in diseased soil samples was higher than that in normal soil sample, and sequencing analysis showed that it belonged to genus Acidovorax. Obviously, during the process of C. chinensis growth, the rhizospheric bacteria population changed, and the quantity of bacteria belong Acidovorax increased, which probably resulted in the disease occurred during C. chinensis growth.

[Classification study of Coptis chinensis based on quantitative physical property characteristics of appearance and internal quality evaluation]

OBJECTIVE

Combining the quantitative physical property characteristics of the appearance with the internal quality evaluation index, its aims to provide experimental basis for the classification and quality evaluation of Coptis chinensis.

METHOD

Fourteen batches of C. chinensis from different areas were respectively measured in size (total length, total width, root length, taproot diameter, branch number, branch length, branch diameter, length of the bridge, weight), color (external color, internal color), content (epiberberine, coptisine, palmatine, berberine). Then the determination data were evaluated by spss principal component analysis and cluster analysis.

RESULT

Three principal components were extracted from the original data. The principal component analysis results showed that the characteristic elements might be the total length, main root length, taproot diameter, branch length, weight, the total color value of the appearance and content of epiberberine and berberine. The results of cluster analysis showed that 14 batches of samples could be clustered reasonably into two groups. In terms of the appearance and quality, there were some differences between in the geo-authentic and non-authentic producing areas of C. chinensis.

CONCLUSION

The method which was combining the quantitative physical property characteristics of the appearance with the internal quality evaluation index, and through the processing of mathematical statistics, could be used for the the classification of C. chinensis.

[Diversity study of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of Coptis deltoidea]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the resources and distribution of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in rhizosphere of Coptis deltoidea.

METHODS

The colonization situation of AMF of Coptis deltoidea were detected by acid fuchsin staining and then calculated the colonization rate. AMF fungal spores were obtained by Wet-screening method and then classified and identified by their morphological characteristics and histochemical staining method.

RESULTS

Coptis deltoidea and AMF could engender the mycorrhiza. Colonization rates were different in different producing areas and ranged from 23. 3% to 34.4%. Thirty species of AMF belonging in 6 genera were found, including 17 species of the Acaulospora, 7 of the Glomus, 2 of the Gigaspora, 1 of the Entrophospora, 1 of the Paraglomus and 2 of the Archaeospora were isolated from rhizosphere of Coptis deltoidea. Acaulospora and Glomus were the dominant genera and the AMF species of genuine producing regions in Hongya county was the most diversiform among the six areas.

CONCLUSION

Coptis deltoidea is a kind of nutrition type of mycorrhiza plant. The rich diversity of AMF of Coptis deltoidea in producing areas make the AMF is a biological resource of significant application prospects in enlarging yield and non-pollution production.

[Huanglian places of origin distribution and change from herbal-works]

The herbal-works recorded that the origin production places of Huanglian had gone through dynamic condition of distribution and change. During Pre-Qin and Qin-Han Dynasty, the origin production places of Huanglian were small and limited. During Weijin-Nanbei Dynasty, the origin production places of Huanglian grew in number gradually. During Sui-Tang and Song-Yuan Dynasty, the origin production places of Huanglian were enlarged quickly. During Ming and Qing Dynasty, the origin production places of Huanglian were expended small-size. The origin production places of Huanglian were enlarged because its functions and demands added and planting-technology skills developed. The records of the herbal-works were not complete, we should pay attention to the other works, so as to ascertain the realorigin production places of Huanglian exactly and scientifically.

[Investigation and protection for endangered Coptis deltoidea]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the history of the medicinal uses, resources, distribution, habitat and population characteristic of Coptis deltoidea, and provide basis for the protection and rational development and utilization of Radix Coptidis Deltoideae.

METHOD

The relevant literature and data was scrutinized and herbarium was compared, interview and field survey methods were carried out.

RESULT

The medicinal history, resources, distribution, population characteristic and protective strategy of C. deltoidea were summarized. The sustainable development of C. deltoidea was discussed.

CONCLUSION

The resource is endangered, the germplasm resources should be intentionally protected and ensure the sustainable development and utilization of C. deltoidea.

[Study on the net photosynthesis rate of Coptis chinensis from different types and production places]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the photosynthesis characteristics of Coptis chinensis and provide theoretical basis for the optimization of Coptis chinensis germplasm resources and variety.

METHODS

The daily variation of the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 density in leaf blade were determined by Photosynthesis analyzer, and the net photosynthesis rate of Coptis chinensis from different plant ages, types and production places was compared.

RESULTS

The light saturation point in Coptis chinensis was about 500 micromol/m2 x s, light compensation point was about 12.04 micromol/(m2 x s), apparent quantum yield was 0.011. When the temperature was above 33 degrees C, the transpiration rate increased but the net photosynthesis rate decreased. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) among the net photosynthesis rate of Coptis chinensis from different plant ages. The net photosynthesis rate of the type DA-YE and ZHI-HUA was significantly higher than that of other types (P < 0.05); The net photosynthesis rates of specimens from Fubao mountain in Lichuan county of Hubei and Fengmu village in Shizhu county of Chongqing were significantly higher than that of others.

CONCLUSIONS

The net photosynthesis rate of Coptis chinensis decreased under hight temperation and hight light. Different germplasm resources of Coptis chinensis, the net photosynthetic rate had certain differences.

Development of a rapid resolution liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous analysis of four alkaloids in Rhizoma coptidis under different cultivation conditions

A sensitive and specific method using rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with UV-Vis detection was developed for fingerprint analysis of Rhizoma coptidis and simultaneous determination of 4 alkaloids: jatrorrhizine, coptisine, palmatine, and berberine. Samples of R. coptidis grown under different cultivation conditions and from different habitats were analyzed. The analysis was performed using a reversed-phase octylsilyl (C8) column and gradient elution. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 20 mmol/L KH2PO4. Each analysis was completed within 3.5 min. The method showed good linearity within test ranges of 4.75-47.50 microg/mL for jatrorrhizine, 20.60-164.80 microg/mL for coptisine, 18.07-180.73 microg/mL for palmatine, and 89.70-717.57 microg/mL for berberine. The method showed good precision, repeatability, and stability for quantification of the 4 alkaloids. The lower limit of detection was 0.19 ng for jatrorrhizine, 0.21 ng for coptisine, 0.15 ng for palmatine, and 0.14 ng for berberine. The lower limit of quantification was 0.57 ng for jatrorrhizine, 0.82 ng for coptisine, 0.55 ng for palmatine, and 0.27 ng for berberine. The overall recovery ranged from 96.30 to 104.10% for the 4 alkaloids. The method is accurate, rapid, and convenient, and it is suitable for routine quality control of R. coptidis.

[Study on the autointoxication of aquatic extracts from different parts of Coptis chinensis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the autointoxication of aquatic extracts from different parts of Coptis chinensis.

METHODS

By measuring the effects on seed germination, seedling growth and adult-plants' growth, the autointoxications of root exudates, rhizome extracts, plant residue decomposition products and aqueous extracts from rhizosphere soil were studied.

RESULTS

The aquatic extracts from different parts of C. chinensis could inhibit the nutritional growth stage of C. chinensis.

CONCLUSIONS

Autointoxication is one of the factors leading to continuous cropping obstacle, and this study is instructive to the management and application of C. chinensis in agricultural productivity.

[Effects of slow release-fertilizers on yield, nutrient contents and quality of Coptis chinensis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of four kind of slow-release fertilizers on yield and quality of Coptis chinensis.

METHOD

One to three years C. chinensis was fertilized with slow-release fertilizers twice in April and in September. The yield and nutrient content along with quality of C. chinensis were measured after two years growth.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

All of the slow-release fertilizers increased the yield obviously, and the effect of SRF1 and SRF4 is the most significant. Comparing with control group, the N content in aerial part of 1-2 year-old C. chinensis treated with SRF1 and SRF4 was lower and P and K were higher than that of control group, and the N content in aerial part of 3 year-old C. chinensis treated with SRF1 and SRF4 was higher and P and K were higher than that of control group; The N content in the root of land 3 year-old C. chinensis treated with SRF1 and SRF4 showed no significant difference comparing with control group, and P and K were lower than that of control group, the N and P content in root of 2 year-old C. chinensis treated with SRF1 and SRF4 was higher and K were lower than that of control group. After two years growth berberine content of C. chinensis treated with SRF1, SRF2 and SRF3 were significantly increased, and total alkaloid content of C. chinensis treated with SRF1, SRF3 and SRF4 were significantly increased. We recommend that SRF4 is used as the special fertilizer for 1-year-old C. chinensis, and the SRF1 and SRF4 for 2-year-old C. chinensis, and the SRF1 for 3-year-old C. chinensis.

[Variation patterns of Coptis teeta biomass and its major active compounds along an altitude gradient]

An investigation was made on the biomass and major active compounds of wild and cultivated Coptis teeta along an altitude gradient in Nujiang of Yunnan. The results showed that the rhizome and root biomass of wild C. teeta increased from the altitude 2100 m to 2700 m, but the difference was not significant. The rhizome biomass of cultivated C. teeta was 87.5 kg x hm(-2) at 2600 m and 97.0 kg x hm(-2) at 2700 m, being much higher than 34.8 kg x hm(-2) at 2300 m (P < 0.05). At the same altitudes (2300 m, 2600 m, and 2700 m), cultivated C. teeta had higher rhizome and root biomass than wild C. teeta, but the difference was not significant. There was a significant positive correlation between the rhizome and root biomass and the whole plant biomass of wild C. teeta. Wild C. teeta had the highest content of berberine in rhizome (4.60%) and root (1.93%) at 2700 m, plamatinein in rhizome, and jatrorrhizine in rhizome and root at 2600-2700 m, and plamatinein in root at 2 300 m; while cultivated C. teeta had the highest content of berberine in rhizome (4.41%) and root (1.90%) at 2600 m, plamatinein in rhizome and root, and berberine and jatrorrhizine in root at 2600-2700 m, and jatrorrhizine in rhizome at 2300 m. The content of major active compounds in wild C. teeta rhizome and root were significantly higher at 2600 m and 2700 m than at 2100 m and 2300 m (P < 0.05), and the rhizome biomass, root biomass, leaf biomass, total biomass, height, and canopy diameter of wild C. teeta ramet increased first and decreased then from the altitude 2100 m to 2700 m. Increasing planting density and enhancing artificial management could improve the biomass of C. teeta and its major active compounds concentrations.

Coptis teeta-based agroforestry system and its conservation potential: a case study from northwest Yunnan

Coptis teeta (Ranunculaceae), is a nontimber forest product (NTFP) that only grows in northwest Yunnan and northeast India. Its tenuous rhizome, known as "Yunnan goldthread" in the traditional Chinese medicine system, has been used as an antibacterial and as an antiinflammatory medicine for a long time. The increasing demand has resulted in commercial harvesting pressure on wild populations that were already dwindling as a result of deforestation, and wild populations are at risk of extinction. Fortunately, there exists at least 2000 hectares of a C. teeta-based agroforestry system initiated by the Lisu people in Nujiang, northwest Yunnan. This cultivation supplies us with a valuable study case for the balance between conservation and sustainable use. This case study investigated the traditional management system and history of C. teeta in Nujiang through ethnobotanical methods and field investigation. We also contrasted initial costs, economic returns, and labor demands for C. teeta cultivation with other major land uses in the region. Compared with swidden agriculture, the major land-use type in the region, C. teeta cultivation offers high economic returns and low labor and initial costs; moreover, C. teeta cultivation does not interfere with subsistence agricultural duties. This agroforestry system reflected that the cultivation of NTFPs is a conservation strategy for maintaining forest diversity, while providing a stable economic return to local forest communities, and indicates how local people manage biodiversity effectively.

[Quality assessment for Coptis chinensis with different cultivating system]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality of Coptis chinensis planted with four kinds of cultivating system.

METHOD

The samples, which were planted below the artificial shading, the forest of Chinese ceder wood, Mmulbery wood, Magnolia officinal wood were chosen respectivley, UV and HPLC were used to determine of total alkaloids and berberine of samples.

RESULT

There was no significant difference among four kinds of cultivating system on the contents of total alkaloids and berberine. The contents of total alkaloids and berberine were obviously higher than in the criterion of Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

CONCLUSION

The roots of C. chinensis planted in the four kinds of planting system can be used as medicinal material of high quality.

[Quality analysis and evaluation of Rhizoma Coptidis under different cultivation conditions]

AIM

To develop methods for the fingerprint analysis of Rhizoma Coptidis and the determination of berberine, palmatine and jatrorrhizine in Rhizoma Coptidis, and analyze the contents of these three alkaloids in Rhizoma Coptidis under different cultivation conditions, from different areas and processed with different methods.

METHODS

Two methods (HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS) have been developed and used in fingerprint analysis of Rhizoma Coptidis. An HPLC method was used to determine the contents of three alkaloids.

RESULTS

With HPLC-MS techniques, seven major chromatographic peaks in the fingerprint analysis of Rhizoma Coptidis were identified by their MS spectra and compared with the reference standards. In different cultivation conditions, shading conditions and growing ages have obvious influence on the contents of three alkaloids in Rhizoma Coptidis, while planting density was not the major factor that influenced the contents of three alkaloids. The contents of three alkaloids of Coptidis samples were almost higher than those of Coptidis reference material. For Coptidis samples from different cultivation area, the contents of these three alkaloids were different greatly. For Coptidis samples processed with different methods, the contents of three alkaloids were not influenced obviously by processing methods.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the ecology cultivation method to replace the traditional shading method was feasible and provided the theoretical foundation for scientifically processing Rhizoma Coptidis.

[Analysis and characterization of fingerprint infrared spectra for ecology-planted Coptis chinensis]

The fingerprint features of infrared spectra for Coptis chinensis in different shading conditions (shelf, firry wood, corn wood) and with different ages (one year to five years) were studied. According to the ratio of characteristic peaks, the rules of the influence of shadings and ages on Coptis chinensis growth were illustrated, which confirms the feasibility of ecological planting technique for Coptis chinensis. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the influence of growing conditions on the growth of Coptis chinensis. The shadings and ages have no obvious influence on the quality of Coptis chinensis root, which is consistent with the results of HPLC. The quality of Coptis chinensis with ecological planting is identical with those in shelves. Infrared technique provides a meaningful guide to standardized planting of medicinal plants.

[Dynamic change of soluble saccharides and amino acids during the growing period of Coptis chinensis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of soluble saccharides and amino acids during the growing period of Coptis chinensis.

METHOD

Amino acid contents were estimated by Indene tri-ketone colorimetric method; saccharide contents were determined by anthracene ketone method.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

The contents of soluble saccharides and amino acids in different organs were low in plants of 1-2 years old. And they were increased in plants of 3-4 years old. At maturation (5 years), the contents of amino acids kept on increasing in rhizome and flower stalk, while decreased in fibre and leaves, and the contents of soluble saccharides showed the downtrend in rhizome, leaves and fibre, except the uptrend in flower stalk.

[Preliminary studies on the nutrient characters of different kinds of Chinese goldthread soil]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of nutrient contents in Chinese goldthread soil before and after planting Coptis chinensis.

METHOD

The soil in Shizhu, Chongqing, was analyzed for nutrient contents.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the preplanted soil was strongly acidic and the levels of organic matter, total nitrogen and potassium were high. However, the content of total phosphorus was very low; so were the contents of other eleven nutrients. Variations of nutrients except zinc and molybdenum were large. After four years of planting C. chinensis, the soil pH was increased. Contents of organic matters, manganese, zinc and boron were increased, while the contents of iron and copper were decreased. In general, the variance coefficient of all nutrient elements and the difference of soil fertility were decreased.

[Population characteristics of Coptis chinensis var. brevisepala in Anhui Province and its endangering mechanism]

The study on the distribution pattern, population size, and age structure of C. chinensis var. brevisepala in Anhui Province showed that C. chinensis var. brevisepala mainly distributed in the southern mountain areas such as Mts. Jiuhuashan, Guniujiang, Huangshan and Qingliang Peak. The habitats had two kinds, i.e., under woods and beside water ditches, both of which were shady and humid, with loose and acidic soils containing abundant organic matter. The shading degree surpassed 70%, air humidity reached 70% approximately 90%, and soil water content was more than 30%. The distribution pattern of existing C. chinensis var. brevisepala populations was clustering, with illogical age structure and small population size. It was suggested that the populations of C. chinensis var. brevisepala in Anhui Province were in an unsteady stage. Serious destroy of natural habitat and excessive digging and gathering adult individuals were the main causes of the rapid decrease of the individuals in some populations, which threatened the existence of C. chinensis var. brevisepala populations seriously.

[Ecological technique of cultivating Coptis chinensis in woods and co-cultivating it with maize]

OBJECTIVE

To establish ecologically new modes of cultivating Coptis chinensis in woods and co-cultivating it with maize.

METHODS

Based on the experience obtained from plot comparative test and production test, we used application-oriented research methods, and established new Coptis chinensis cultivation techniques that protect the natural environment.

RESULTS

Coptis chinensis was harvested 6 years after cultivation. Yield of Coptis chinensis cultivated in forest (69.5 kg per 0.067 hm2) was higher with 3.7% than that in controls which cultivated under shed (67 kg). Yield of Coptis chinensis co-cultivated together with maize (168.4 kg per 0.067 hm2) was lower with 15.8% than that in controls which cultivated under shed (200 kg).

CONCLUSION

The new cultivation modes of Coptis chinensis is an ecologically new technique that assures the good growth of medicinal plants, cereals, forest and animal husbandry.

[Quality assessment for Coptis chinensis planted with ecological techniques]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality difference between Coptis chinensis planted with ecological techniques and shelf planted Coptis chinensis.

METHODS

Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, alcohol extract mensuration, moisture mensuration, and ash mensuration were used to determine the contents of total alkaloids, alcohol extract, water, and total ash of Coptis chinensis, which were planted in shelf, Rhus chinensis wood, M mulbery wood, corn wood, Magnolia officinalis wood, fruiter wood, shading net, and firry wood, respectively.

RESULTS

The contents of total alkaloids and alcohol extract of Coptis chinensis Table planted with ecological techniques were higher than those of Coptis chinensis planted in shelf. The contents of water and total ash were less than 12% and 5%, respectively, which met the provisions of the pharmacopoeia.

CONCLUSION

The quality of Coptis chinensis planted with ecological techniques is similar to that of Coptis chinensis planted in shelf. These ecological techniques for Coptis chinensis have become mature and practical.

[Research development of Coptis chinensis]

To summarize the research and application of ecological planting technique for Coptis chinensis, and describe the recent development of its chemical components, pharmacological effects and clinical applications.

[Technique of storing Coptis chinensis seeds in damp sand under shed and fine cultivation of seedling]

OBJECTIVE

To develop technique of storing Coptis chinensis seeds in damp sand under shed and fine cultivation of seedling and to enhance the cultivation seedling rate from seeds of Coptis chinensis.

METHODS

With the old technique of seedling in woods as control, we screened the new method for storing seeds and cultivating seedlings.

RESULTS

Seeds were picked up at May and stored in damp sand under shed until November, and then planted with technique of fine cultivation of seedling. The germination rate of seeds was up to 98%. One hundred and forty thousands seedlings could be getting from per kilogram seeds.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the old method of cultivating seedling in woods, the technique of fine cultivation of seedling significantly increased the rate of cultivation seedlings by 8 times. This technique has been widely applied.

[Application and prospect on the researches of ecological cultivation of Coptis chinensis]

Traditional cultivation of Coptis chinensis was carried out under shield by disafforestation, which has been used for over 300 years and lead to the severe destruction of natural environment. Several ecological modes for cultivation of Coptis chinensis have been developed, which increase the yields of Coptis chinensis, protect the resources of forest, and obtain economic and ecologic benefit.