Improved cell growth and total flavonoids of Saussurea medusa on solid culture medium supplemented with rare earth elements

Callus cultures of Saussurea medusa were cultivated on solid culture medium supplemented with either Ce³⁺, La³⁺, Nd³⁺ or a mixture of rare earth elements. Ce³⁺, 0.05 mM, gave the highest biomass (0.53 g dry wt per flask) and total flavonoids (27.5 mg per flask), which were, 70% and 100% higher than those without Ce³⁺ addition, respectively. Ce³⁺, 0.01–0.1 mM, or La³⁺, 0.05 mM, or the mixture of rare earth elements, 0.025–0.1 mM, can substitute for 6-benzyladenine, and 0.025 mM Ce³⁺ can partly substitute for naphthaleneacetic acid in promoting cell growth and biosynthesis of total flavonoids in S. medusa.     

Spectral composition of irradiation regulates the cell growth and flavonoids biosynthesis in callus cultures of Saussurea medusa Maxim

Cell growth, flavonoids biosynthesis and L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity were studied in callus cultures of Saussurea medusa Maxim. under different types of spectral radiance. After 21 days, red light significantly improved the callus growth, but inhibited the biosynthesis of flavonoids in callus cultures. However, blue light was found to enhance the biosynthesis of flavonoids, although callus growth under this spectrum was comparable with that under white and other coloured spectra, such as green and yellow. The accumulation of flavonoids in callus cultures was related to the PAL activity, which was found to be stimulated by the spectral composition of irradiation.     

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted water extraction of flavonoids from Psidium guajava leaves by response surface analysis

Psidium guajava leaves are rich in health-promoting flavonoids compounds. For better utilization of the resource, the ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction was investigated using Box-Behnken design under response surface methodology. A high coefficient of determination (R²?=?97.8%) indicated good agreement between the experimental and predicted values of flavonoids yield. The optimal extraction parameters to obtain the highest total flavonoids yield were ultrasonic power of 407.41?W, extraction time of 35.15?min, and extraction temperature of 72.69?°C. The average extraction rate of flavonoids could reach 5.12% under the optimum conditions. Besides, HPLC analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy indicated that the ultrasonic treatment did not change the main component of flavonoids during extraction process and the higher flavonoids content was attributed by the disruption of the cell walls of guava particles. Thus, the extraction method could be applied successfully for large-scale extraction of total flavonoids from guava leaves.     

Calotropis procera as a source of plant hydrocarbons

Calotropis procerawas evaluated as a potential source of hydrocarbons. Hexane Soxhlet extractions of oven-dried whole plants, stems, leaves and pods (≧6mo of age) yielded 4.35, 3.83, 5.13, and 9.37% (w/w) hexane extract (HE), respectively. The HE from whole plants has a density of 0.9299 glcm3, 0.71% total ash, 9973.4 callg and 78.03, 11.22 and 10.71% carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, respectively. Similar values were obtained from stems, leaves and pods when analyzed separately. Methanol Soxhlet extractions of residues previously extracted with hexane yielded 16.14, 18.50, 12.15 and 20.68% (w/w) methanol extract (ME) from whole plants, stems, leaves and pods, respectively. The ME from whole-plant residues had a density of 1.2267 glcm3, 12.05% total ash, 4,647.4 callg, and 40.88, 6.86, and 30.05% carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, respectively. Similar values were obtained from stems, leaves and pods when analyzed separately.     

Optimizing a continuous flow lipid extraction system (CFLES) used for extracting microalgal lipids

A laboratory‐made continuous flow lipid extraction system (CFLES) was devised to extract lipids from microalgae Nannochloropsis sp., a potential feedstock for biodiesel fuel, with a focus to assess the workable temperatures and pressures for future industrial applications. Using conventional solvents, the CFLES recovered 100% of the lipids extracted with conventional Soxhlet extraction. The optimum temperature and pressure were found to be 100 °C and 50 psi, respectively; conditions significantly lower than those normally used in pressurized liquid extractions requiring specialized equipment. Approximately 87% of the extracted oil was successfully transesterified into biodiesel fuel (fatty acid methyl esters). Preliminary calculations based on the tested lab‐scale system indicated savings in energy, solvent consumption, and extraction time as 96%, 80%, and more than 90%, respectively, as compared to Soxhlet extraction. However, the true cost savings can only be assessed at scaled up level. Energy efficiency of CFLES was calculated as 48.9%. Residual water (~70%) in the biomass had no effect on the extraction performance of CFLES, which is expected to help the process economics at scaled up application. The effect of temperature and pressure on the fatty acids profile of Nannochloropsis sp. is also discussed. Based on the existing literature, the authors believe that a pressurized liquid extraction system with continuous solvent flow has not been reported for lipid extraction from Nannochloropsis sp.     

Microwave-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction of piceid, resveratrol and emodin from Polygonum cuspidatum by ethanol/ammonium sulphate systems

Microwave-assisted, aqueous two-phase extraction was investigated to obtain effective constituents, including piceid, resveratrol and emodin in Polygonum cuspidatum. An aqueous two-phase system consisting of 25% (w/w) ethanol 21% (w/w) (NH₄)₂SO₄ gave equal yields of piceid, and 1.1- and 1.9-times higher yields of resveratrol and emodin, respectively, than that achieved by microwave-assisted extraction and heat reflux extraction. Three-separate operations, extraction, clarification and concentration, are hereby integrated into a single step to get higher yields at lower cost. This is therefore a potentially useful method for the extraction and purification of target products.     

A new alpinumisoflavone derivative from Genista pichisermolliana

The aerial parts of Genista pichisermolliana Valsecchi (Fabaceae), an endemic plant of Sardinia, were extracted in Soxhlet apparatus and purified by several chromatographic methods. The new compound alpinumisoflavone 4′-O-glucopyranoside (6) was isolated together with nineteen flavonoids, p-coumaric methylester and d-pinitol, while no alkaloids were detected. All the chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Since flavonoids represent the main constituents of this plant, the total flavonoid content was determined according to the Italian Pharmacopoeia IX Ed. method.     

Elicitor-enhanced syringin production in suspension cultures of Saussurea medusa

Syringin production and related secondary metabolism enzyme activities in suspension cultures of Saussurea medusa treated with different elicitors (yeast extract, chitosan and Ag⁺) were investigated. All elicitors enhanced syringin production, and the optimal feeding protocol was the combined addition of 1.5% (v/v) yeast extract, 0.2 g l⁻¹ chitosan and 75 μM Ag⁺ at the 15th day of the cell culture. The highest syringin production reached 741.9 mg l⁻¹, which was 3.6−fold that of the control. The glucose−6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (EC 4.3.1.5) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) activities increased significantly after elicitor treatment. The maximum enzyme activities were obtained when the treatment time was 6 h.     

核桃楸树皮总黄酮提取方法及工艺研究

对核桃楸树皮总黄酮提取方法及相关影响因素进行探讨。以总黄酮含量为指标,分别考察常规提取法、超声波提取法、回流提取法、索氏提取法对提取率的影响,以及溶剂的种类、浓度与温度对提取率的影响。结果表明,超声波提取法的总黄酮提取率最高;使用60%乙醇在60℃时的总黄酮提取率最高。     

Molecular characterization and expression analysis of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) gene in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saussurea medusa</Emphasis>

Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), which catalyzes the reduction of dihydroflavonols to leucoanthocyanins, is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of anthocyanidins, proanthocyanidins, and other flavonoids of importance in plant development and human nutrition. This study isolated a full length cDNA encoding DFR, designated as SmDFR (GenBank Accession No. EF600682), by screening a cDNA library from a red callus line of Saussurea medusa, which is an endangered, traditional Chinese medicinal plant with high pharmacological value. SmDFR was functionally expressed in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to confirm that SmDFR can readily reduce dihydroquercetin (DHQ) and dihydrokampferol (DHK), but it could not reduce dihydromyricetin (DHM). The deduced SmDFR structure shared extensive sequence similarity with previously characterized plant DFRs and phylogenetic analysis showed that it belonged to the plant DFR super-family. SmDFR also possessed flavanone 4-reductase (FNR) activity and can catalyze the conversion of eridictyol to luteoforol. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression level of SmDFR was higher in flowers compared with both leaves and roots. This work greatly enhances our knowledge of flavonoid biosynthesis in S. medusa and marks a major advance that could facilitate future genetic modification of S. medusa.     

加拿大一枝黄花提取物的抗氧化活性研究

为进一步开发和利用加拿大一枝黄花(Solidago canadensis),该研究采用氯化铝显色法和福林酚法测定加拿大一枝黄花乙醇提取物及其不同极性萃取物中的总黄酮和总酚的含量;以抗坏血酸(Vitamin C,Vc)和二丁基羟基甲苯(BHT)为阳性对照,应用2,2-联氮-二(3-乙基-苯并噻唑-6-磺酸)二铵盐(ABTS)、1,1-二苯基苦基苯肼(DPPH)自由基清除体系、铁离子还原能力(FRAP)法和抗氧化能力指数(ORAC)法研究其体外抗氧化活性。结果表明:乙酸乙酯萃取物中的总黄酮(202.45 mg·g~(-1))和总酚(485.94 mg·g~(-1))含量最高,且其抗氧化活性最强,并强于阳性对照Vc(P0.05)。因而,加拿大一枝黄花乙酸乙酯萃取物将有可能成为一种潜在的天然高效抗氧化剂,具有广泛的应用前景。     

Effect of Plumbago zeylanica extract and certain curing agents on multidrug resistant bacteria of clinical origin

Alcoholic extract of Plumbago zeylanica (root) was tested against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of bacteria (Salmonella paratyphi, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae and a R-plasmid-harbouring standard strain, E.coli x⁺). The extract exhibited strong antibacterial activity against all test bacteria irrespective of their antibiotic resistance behaviour. Phytochemical analysis of crude extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins and naphthoquinone. A comparative evaluation of R-plasmid elimination from E. coli x⁺ (pUK 651) by the plant extract, DNA intercalating dyes (acridine orange and ethidium bromide) and a DNA gyrase antagonizing drug (pefloxacin) were made. All these agents could cure R-plasmid effectively at their respective sub-MIC concentrations. Maximum plasmid curing was observed by pefloxacin (88%), followed by ethidium bromide (36%), acridine orange (14%) and alcoholic extract of P. zeylanica (14%). Curing of plasmid pUK651 from E. coli x⁺ was confirmed by determining the loss of resistance markers in the cured derivative culture. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A Rapid Screening Method for the Determination of Seventy Pesticide Residues in Soil Using Microwave-Assisted Extraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

A rapid screening method using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) in combination with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for the determination of 70 pesticide residues in soil was established. The pesticides included 27 organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), 29 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), nine pyrethroids, and five carbamates. Parameters that could affect the efficiency of extraction, such as temperature, time, and solvent, were investigated. The condition of the extraction, under which recoveries of all 70 pesticides ranged from 70% to 120%, was optimized with a 1:1 (V/V) mixture of acetone and hexane, a temperature of 100°C, and an extraction time of 10 min. All compounds studied could be recovered in good yields and with relative standard deviations (RSDs) lower than 20%. The linearity of the method for all the pesticides was greater than 0.99 over a concentration range of 0.1–5 μg/g. The detection limits varied from 0.5 to 211.25 ng/g. Interday and intraday precision analyses yielded RSDs of 1.2%–11.7% and 3.6%–15.1%, respectively. This method, which was as effective as Soxhlet extraction and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), proved to be accurate and precise. When the proposed method was used to examine environmental samples, the obtained results were in good agreement with those obtained using Soxhlet extraction.     

Transformation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saussurea medusa</Emphasis> for hairy roots and jaceosidin production

Axenically grown Saussurea medusa plantlets were inoculated with four Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains, and hairy root lines were established with A. rhizogenes strain R1601 in N6 medium. PCR and Southern hybridization confirmed integration of the T-DNA fragment of the Ri plasmid from A. rhizogenes into the genome of S. medusa hairy roots. In N6 medium, maximum biomass of the hairy root cultures was achieved [8 g (dry weight) per liter; growth ratio 35-fold] after 21 days of culture. The amount of jaceosidin extracted from the hairy root cultures was 46 mg/l (production ratio of 37-fold) after 27 days of culture. The maximum jaceosidin content obtained using N6 medium was higher than that obtained with Modified White, MS or B5 medium. In N6 medium, the tip segments were more efficient for hairy root growth and jaceosidin production than the middle and basal regions of the root.Abbreviations AS Acetosyringone - BA Benzyladenine - cef Cefotaxime sodium - DW Dry weight - FW Fresh weight - HPLC High-performance liquid chromatography - IAA Indole-3-acetic acid - km Kanamycin - NAA -Naphthaleneacetic acid - SDS Sodium dodecyl sulfate     

Antimalarial activity of Artemisia annua flavonoids from whole plants and cell cultures

Summary Cell suspension cultures developed from Artemisia annua exhibited antimalarial activity against Plasmodium faldparum in vitro both in the n-hexane extract of the plant cell culture medium and in the chloroform extract of the cells. Trace amounts of the antimalarial sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin may account for the activity of the n-hexane fraction but only the methoxylated flavonoids artemetin, chrysoplenetin, chrysosplenol-D and cirsilineol can account for the activity of the chloroform extract. These purified flavonoids were found to have IC₅₀ values at 2.4 – 6.5 × 10^–5M against P. falciparum in vitro compared with an IC₅₀ value of about 3 × 10^–8M for purified artimisinin. At concentrations of 5 × 10^–6M these flavonoids were not active against P. falciparum but did have a marked and selective potentiating effect on the antiplasmodial activity of artemisinin.     

一株酸枣内生菌的鉴定及其抗菌活性物质的初步分离

为了从酸枣中筛选出内生菌并分析其代谢产物中的活性成分,用于开发和生产药物,该研究通过组织块分离法和划线分离法,从陕北野生酸枣植株体内分离得到内生菌,采用平板对峙法测定其对7株供试指示菌的抗菌活性,以心神宁片提取液为对照,对各拮抗菌株的发酵液进行薄层层析和高效液相色谱分析。结果表明:从野生酸枣中共分离得到121株内生菌,其中内生细菌49株,内生放线菌6株,内生真菌66株;通过抗菌试验,发现54株内生菌(细菌33株,真菌21株)对1～7种指示菌具有抗菌活性,占分离菌株总菌数的44.63%,其中A-04、A-05、B-03、C-03、C-06和D-04共6株菌株的抗菌谱较广,对7种供试指示菌均具有抑菌活性;薄层层析检测结果显示菌株B-03发酵产物在R_f值为0.46处有与酸枣提取液层析带迁移率相同的显色带,液相色谱分析结果显示其属于黄酮类物质;通过16S rRNA基因序列分析结果显示菌株B-03与Bacillus axarquiensis的相似性为99%。菌株B-03能发酵产生黄酮类或产生与黄酮类类似的化合物,表明酸枣内生菌具有合成黄酮类药物的潜力。     

Microwave-assisted extraction of glycyrrhizic acid from licorice root

In the present study, a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique has been developed for the extraction of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) from licorice root. Various experimental conditions, such as extraction time, different ethanol and ammonia concentration, liquid/solid ratios, pre-leaching time before MAE and material size for the MAE procedure were investigated to optimize the efficiency of the extraction. Under appropriate MAE conditions, such as extraction times of 4-5min, ethanol concentrations of 50-60% (v/v), ammonia concentrations of 1-2% (v/v) and liquid/solid ratios of 10:1(ml/g), the recovery of GA from licorice root with MAE was equivalent with conventional extraction methods. Those methods include extraction at room temperature (ERT), the traditional Soxhlet extraction, heat reflux extraction and ultrasonic extraction. Due to the considerable savings in time and solvent, MAE was more effective than the conventional methods. This novel method is suitable for fast extraction of GA from licorice root.