Effects of 1-MCP treatment on sprouting and preservation of ginger rhizomes during storage at room temperature.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of 1-MCP on the sprouting and preservation of ginger rhizomes during storage at room temperature. Ginger rhizomes were treated with 1 µL L-1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and stored at 23 ± 0.2 °C. Our data showed that application of 1-MCP reduced the rate of sprouting during storage compared with the control rhizome. Respiration rate and the reducing sugar content were also reduced following 1-MCP treatment, while the starch content increased. 1-MCP treatment increased the total phenol content and inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. 1-MCP treatment was also associated with a higher ascorbic acid content but a reduced crude fiber content. The generation of superoxide anion free radicals (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower following 1-MCP treatment, while the activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were higher compared with the controls. These results suggested that application of 1-MCP could reduce sprouting rates, decrease the accumulation of ROS, and maintain the quality of ginger rhizomes during storage at room temperature. It would be useful to further explore the role and mechanisms of action of ethylene in regulating the sprouting of ginger rhizomes.

Changes in the distribution of endogenous hormones in Phyllostachys edulis 'Pachyloen' during bamboo shooting.

In this study, we investigated the changes in the distribution and regulation of endogenous hormones in Phyllostachys edulis 'Pachyloen' during bamboo shooting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the mass fractions of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), zeatin riboside (ZR), and abscisic acid (ABA) in rhizomes, shoots, and maternal bamboo organs during shoot sprouting, shoot growth, and new-bamboo formation. Measurements were compared among bamboo parts and developmental periods. The overall mass fractions of IAA and ABA were significantly higher than those of ZR and GA, driven by differences among bamboo parts and developmental periods. The abundance of each endogenous hormone varied among bamboo parts and developmental periods. During bamboo shooting, ABA had the highest mass fraction in all bamboo parts sampled, followed by IAA, GA, and ZR. Among bamboo parts, rhizomes had more IAA, ZR, and GA than the other parts, but significantly less ABA. Winter shoots had higher ZR: IAA and GA: IAA ratios than rhizomes and maternal bamboo organs. During shoot growth, ABA was the most abundant hormone in rhizomes and maternal bamboo organs, followed by IAA, ZR, and GA. In contrast, IAA was the most abundant hormone in spring shoots, followed by ABA, ZR, and GA. Maternal bamboo organs had a significantly higher ZR: GA ratio, and significantly lower IAA: ABA, ZR: ABA, and GA: ABA ratios than rhizomes. Spring shoots had significantly higher IAA: ABA, ZR: ABA, and GA: ABA ratios than rhizomes and maternal bamboo organs; significantly higher ZR mass fractions, and ZR: GA and ZR: IAA ratios and significantly lower ABA mass fractions than rhizomes; and significantly higher GA: IAA ratio than maternal bamboo organs. During new-bamboo formation, ABA was the most abundant hormone in rhizomes, winter shoots, and maternal bamboo organs, followed by IAA, ZR, and GA. Maternal bamboo organs had significantly lower IAA mass fractions and significantly higher ABA mass fractions than rhizomes and new bamboo tissue. IAA and ABA abundances exhibited an inverse relationship in rhizomes and maternal bamboo organs. GA: ABA and GA: IAA ratios decreased gradually and other hormone ratios exhibited parabolic trends over the bamboo-shooting period, with the highest ratios observed in new bamboo tissues. Overall, the coordination or antagonism among endogenous hormones plays a key regulatory role in bamboo shoot growth. The formation of thick walls in P. edulis 'Pachyloen', one of its major traits, may be partially attributed to the relatively high IAA and ZR and low GA mass fractions.

Study of Anti-oxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Genotoxicity, and Antimicrobial Activities and Analysis of Different Constituents found in Rhizome Essential Oil of Curcuma caesia Roxb., Collected from North East India.

BACKGROUND: This investigation was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, genotoxicity, and antimicrobial activities of Curcuma caesia Roxb rhizome essential oil. METHODS: Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis was performed to determine the chemical composition, standard antioxidative test DPPH assay, reducing power assay, in vitro antiinflammatory activity (egg albumin denaturation, protease inhibitory assay) by using standard methods. Similarly, antimicrobial activity was tested using the disc diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration ability (MIC); while to test genotoxicity, Allium cepa assay was used. RESULTS: GC/MS analysis revealed eucalyptol (28.55%), epicurzerenone (19.62%), and camphor (21.73%) as the major components of C. caesia rhizome essential oil. Potent antioxidant (IC50= 48.08±0.003 µg/mL), anti-inflammatory (IC50= 121.7±0.0013 µg/mL), and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil were recorded better than the standard drugs Fluconazole for fungus and Ciprofloxacin for bacteria. The essential oil also possessed a strong antibacterial effect against two tested bacterial strains B. subtilis and B. cereus with 7.5 µg/mL MIC value, while for fungal strains the essential oil was most effective against S. cereviaceae with an MIC value of 2.5 µg/mL. All the data were recorded in triplicates. Allium cepa assay revealed minor genotoxicity with mitotic index, MI= 27.70%; chromosome aberration, A= 1.1% of C. caesia rhizome essential oil. CONCLUSION: C. caesia rhizome essential oil possesses potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties with negligible genotoxicity. Hence, the present study is highly significant for the utilization of rhizome of C. caesia, a high-value ethnopharmacological plant for advanced R & D and commercial application.

Seasonal below-ground metabolism in switchgrass.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a perennial, polyploid, C4 warm-season grass is among the foremost herbaceous species being advanced as a source of biomass for biofuel end uses. At the end of every growing season, the aerial tissues senesce, and the below-ground rhizomes become dormant. Future growth is dependent on the successful over-wintering of the rhizomes. Although the importance of rhizome health to overall year-upon-year plant productivity has been long recognized, there is limited information on seasonal changes occurring during dormancy at both the transcriptome and metabolite levels. Here, global changes in transcriptomes and metabolites were investigated over two growing seasons in rhizomes harvested from field-grown plants. The objectives were: (a) synthesize information on cellular processes that lead to dormancy; and (b) provide models that could account for major metabolic pathways present in dormant switchgrass rhizomes. Overall, metabolism during dormancy appeared to involve discrete but interrelated events. One was a response to abscisic acid that resulted in dehydration, increases in osmolytes and upregulation of autophagic processes, likely through the target of rapamycin complex and sucrose non-fermentative-related kinase-based signaling cascades. Another was a recalibration of energy transduction through apparent reductions in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, increases in substrate level generation of ATP and reducing equivalents, and recycling of N and possibly CO2 through refixation. Lastly, transcript abundances indicated that cold-related signaling was also occurring. Altogether, these data provide a detailed overview of rhizome metabolism, especially during dormancy, which can be exploited in the future to improve winter survival in switchgrass.

[Diversity of agronomic traits of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis and their correlation with rhizome yield and active compositions].

The supply deficiency of crude medicinal plant of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis has become a bottleneck for related medicinal industry. An important approach to increase herbal production is to breed high-yield cultivated variety, which characterized ideal plant morphology. In the present study, we collected 99 wild germplasm resources of P. polyphylla and then measured their 12 main agronomic traits and contents of polyphyllin Ⅶ,Ⅵ,Ⅱ,Ⅰ. Followed analyses were used to characterize those traits and explore the potential connection with herbal yield or quality. The results showed that: ①There was ample morphological diversity in wild P. polyphylla, whose variation of agronomic traits reduced according to followed order: content of polyphyllin, weight of dry rhizome, petiole length, stem length, petal length, pedicel length, sepal length, leaf width, leaf length, sepal width, leaf number, stamen number, petal number. ② Most of those traits were significantly correlated to each other and generally represented the characterization of photosynthetic organs or reproductive organ. ③The total content of polyphyllin Ⅶ,Ⅵ,Ⅱ,Ⅰvaried between 0.02% and 0.87% and averagedat 0.13%, which showed no significant correlation with any agronomic trait. ④Plant breeders should play more attention on those germplasm resources with large leaves, large sepals and high stem.

Genetic, physiological and biochemical characterization of Bacillus sp. strain RMB7 exhibiting plant growth promoting and broad spectrum antifungal activities.

BACKGROUND: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are functionally diverse group of bacteria having immense potential as biofertilizers and biopesticides. Depending upon their function, they may serve as partial replacements for chemical fertilizer or pesticides as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives as compared to their synthetic counterparts. Therefore, isolation, characterization and practical evaluation of PGPRs having the aforementioned multifaceted beneficial characteristics, are essentially required. This study describes the detailed polyphasic characterization of Bacillus sp. strain RMB7 having profound broad spectrum antifungal activity and plant growth promoting potential. RESULTS: Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, strain RMB7 was identified as Bacillus specie. This strain exhibited the production of 8 mg. L(-1)of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in tryptophan-supplemented medium. It was able to solubilize 50.6 mg. L(-1) tri-calcium phosphate, reduced 601ηmol acetylene h(-1)/vial and inhibited >70% growth of nine fungal phytopathogens tested in vitro. Under natural pathogen pressure, inoculation with strain RMB7 and RMB7-supernatant conferred resistance by arugula plant against Pythium irregulare with a concurrent growth improvement over non-inoculated plants. The T-RFLP analysis based on 16S rRNA gene showed that inoculation with RMB7 or its supernatant have a major impact on the indigenous rhizosphere bacterial population. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed the production of lipopeptide surfactins as well as iturin A presence in crude extract of RMB7. PCR-amplification further confirmed the presence of genes involved in the biosynthesis of these two bioactive lipopeptide compounds. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that Bacillus sp. strain RMB7 has multifaceted beneficial characteristics. It may be an ideal plant growth promoting as well as biocontrol agent, for its integrated use in disease and nutrient management strategies.

Seeds' physicochemical traits and mucilage protection against aluminum effect during germination and root elongation as important factors in a biofuel seed crop (Ricinus communis).

We determined the length, volume, dry biomass, and density in seeds of five castor bean cultivars and verified notable physicochemical trait differences. Seeds were then subjected to different toxic aluminum (Al) concentrations to evaluate germination, relative root elongation, and the role of root apices' rhizosphere mucilage layer. Seeds' physicochemical traits were associated with Al toxicity responses, and the absence of Al in cotyledons near to the embryo was revealed by Al-hematoxylin staining, indicating that Al did not induce significant germination reduction rates between cultivars. However, in the more sensitive cultivar, Al was found around the embryo, contributing to subsequent growth inhibition. After this, to investigate the role of mucilage in Al tolerance, an assay was conducted using NH4Cl to remove root mucilage before or after exposure to different Al concentrations. Sequentially, the roots were stained with hematoxylin and a quantitative analysis of staining intensity was obtained. These results revealed the significant contribution of the mucilage layer to Al toxicity responses in castor bean seedlings. Root growth elongation under Al toxicity confirmed the role of the mucilage layer, which jointly indicated the differential Al tolerance between cultivars and an efficient Al-exclusion mechanism in the tolerant cultivar.

Comparative analysis of antioxidant activity and functional components of the ethanol extract of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) from various growing regions.

The variations in antioxidant activity and concentration of functional components in the ethanol extracts of lotus seeds and rhizomes based on the growing region and dryness were investigated. Free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and concentration of several specific flavonoids and alkaloids in the ethanol extracts of lotus were measured. Antioxidant activity and its correlative total phenolic content varied characteristically depending on the growing region and dryness. High-perfomance liquid chromatography analysis showed that the ethanol extracts of lotus seeds from Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City), raw rhizomes from Korea (Siheung), and dried rhizomes from Japan (Nigata) had the greatest specific flavonoid content. The ethanol extracts of seeds from China (Hubei), raw rhizomes from Japan (Nigata), and dried rhizomes from Korea (Siheung) had the greatest specific alkaloid content. Astragaline, rutin, isoquercetin, nuciferine, dauricine, isoliensinine, and neferine were identified in lotus rhizomes for the first time in this study.

Applying carbon dioxide, plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium and EDTA can enhance the phytoremediation efficiency of ryegrass in a soil polluted with zinc, arsenic, cadmium and lead.

This study was conducted to investigate the use of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2), plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Burkholderia sp. D54 (PGPR) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to enhance the phytoextraction efficiency of ryegrass in response to multiple heavy metal (or metalloid)-polluted soil containing zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). All of the single or combined CO2, PGPR and EDTA treatments promoted ryegrass growth. The stimulation of ryegrass growth by CO2 and PGPR could primarily be attributed to the regulation of photosynthesis rather than decreased levels of Zn, As and Cd in the shoots. Most treatments seemed to reduce the Zn, As and Cd contents in the shoots, which might be associated with enhanced shoot biomass, thus causing a "dilution effect" regarding their levels. The combined treatments seemed to perform better than single treatments in removing Zn, As, Cd and Pb from soil, judging from the larger biomass and relatively higher total amounts (TAs) of Zn, As, Cd and Pb in both the shoots and roots. Therefore, we suggest that the CO2 plus PGPR treatment will be suitable for removing Zn, As, Cd and Pb from heavy metal (or metalloid)-polluted soils using ryegrass as a phytoremediation material.

The medical plant butterbur (Petasites): analytical and physiological (re)view.

Butterbur (Petasites) is an ancient plant which has been used for medical and edible purposes with its spasmolytic agents. However, toxic alkaloid content of the plant limits its direct usage. The paper covers the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and butterbur themes in detail in order to display the outline of alkaloid-free plant extract production for medical and edible purposes. The toxic PAs and medicinal constituents of the plant are described with emphasis on analytics, physiological effects and published patent data on alkaloid free extract production. The analytics is based on several commonly used analytical methods including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and enzyme linked immunoassay analysis of PAs and N-oxides based on published literature data of butterbur. The analyses of major medicinal constituents of butterbur are given and the physiological effects of these compounds have been discussed to attract attention to the importance of alkaloid-free extract production. The concentration distributions of the medicinal constituents and toxic PAs in different parts of the plant and the outcomes of the published patent data provide comprehensive information for proper plant raw-material selection and production of alkaloid-free butterbur extracts. The review is intended to guide researchers interested in medical plant extracts by providing comprehensive data on the medical plant butterbur and its chemical constituents.

[GC-MS analysis of essential oil from Curcuma aromatica rhizome of different growth periods].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the essential oil from the rhizome of Curcuma aromatica of different growth periods, and to provide the scientific reference for reasonable cultivation and quality control of this plant. METHODS: The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed with GC-MS. The relative contents were determined with area normalization method. RESULTS: The main volatile constituents in the rhizome of Curcuma aromatica were basically the same. Among these volatile constituents, curdione was the major. The relative content of curdione was 16.35% in the rhizome of wild plant in Hengxian county, and 15.81% in the rhizome of one-year-old plant in Mingyang farm, Nanning city. The relative content of eucalyptol in the 2-year-old cultivated rhizome in Hengxian county was 15.40%, and 14.59% in the rhizome of wild plant in Hengxian county. beta-Elemene, beta-caryophyllene,eugenol and germacrone were also the main constituents in the rhizome essential oil. CONCLUSION: Volatile constituents in the rhizome of Curcuma aromatica are similar to each other,but the relative content of each component is different. This result can provide the scientific foundation for the cultivation of Curcuma aromatica.

Synseed technology-a complete synthesis.

Progress in biotechnological research over the last two decades has provided greater scope for the improvement of crops, forest trees and other important plant species. Plant propagation using synthetic seeds has opened new vistas in the field of agriculture. Synseed technology is a highly promising tool for the management of transgenic and seedless plant species, polyploid plants with elite traits and plant lines that are difficult to propagate through conventional propagation methods. Delivery of synseeds also alleviates issues like undertaking several passages for scaling up in vitro cultures as well as acclimatization to ex vitro conditions. Optimization of synchronized propagule development followed by automation of the whole process (sorting, harvesting, encapsulation and conversion) can enhance the pace of synseed production. Cryopreservation of encapsulated germplasm has now been increasingly used as an ex vitro conservation tool with the possible minimization of adverse effects of cryoprotectants and post-preservation damages. Through synseed technology, germplasm exchange between countries could be accelerated as a result of reduced plant quarantine requirements because of the aseptic condition of the plant material.

[Relation between soil nutrient of artificially cultivated area and rhizome quality of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relation between the quality of the Herb-Paris and their cultivation of soil nutritional status. METHODS: The soil nutrient status (0 - 30 cm) of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis, artificially cultivated areas were determined in 2009 and their rhizome qualities harvested in 2010 were evaluated respectively. Determination of 0 - 30cm depth soil ingredients status with soil conventional five nutritional analysis method of 29 artificial cultivation area, 9 Prefectures of Yunnan Province. RESULTS: Soil nutrient has effect on quality of Herb-Paris medicinal ingredients. CONCLUSION: The multiple linear stepwise regression analysis reveals that among a certain range, the steroidal saponin VII content is positively correlated with the content of soil organic matter and pH. Steroidal saponin H content is positively correlated with the content of soil organic matter, available P and pH. Steroidal saponin I is positively correlated with the content of available K, but negatively correlated with the content of available Herb-Paris, and steroidal saponin II is positively correlated with the content of soil organic matter and available K.

[Comparison on physicochemical properties and immun activities of polysaccharides from cultures at different development stages of Dendrobium huoshanense].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the physicochemical properties and immun activities of polysaccharides extracted from cultures at different development stages of Dendrobium huoshanense. METHODS: Polysaccharides were extracted by hot water and alcohol precipitation, and isolated by anion exchange chromatography. The physicochemical properties of polysaccharides were analyzed by spectrophotometry, GC-MS, IR and fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). ELISA was used to determine the immun activities of polysaccharides. RESULTS: The polysaccharides from cultures at different development stages of D. huoshanense had no obvious discrepancy in contents. 5 polysaccharides were isolated by anion exchange chromatography with the same elution conditions. GC-MS analysis showed that the polysaccharides from cultures at different development stages of D. huoshanense consisted of glucose, mannose and galactose. IR and FACE displayed that different polysaccharides had no significant change in chemical properties. In vitro experiments with spleen cells proved that the polysaccharides from cultures at different development stages had similar effects on stimulating IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha releases. CONCLUSION: No significant differences are found in the physico-chemical properties and immun activities of polysaccharides extracted from cultures at different development stages of D. huoshanense, suggesting that the polysaccharides of D. huoshanense have stability in quality to some extent during tissue culture.

[Efficiency of the preparation "Ekolan-M" for purification of oil polluted soil].

The efficiency of purification of oil contaminated loamy chernozem by the preparation "Ekolan-M" was investigated. During 12 months a complex soil bioremediation using the preparation and alfalfa, as the land-improving plant, at the final stage of purification resulted in the reduction of hydrocarbon content by 97.0%, and without the preparation - by 65.5 %. In the version of experiment with the preparation a 100% decrease of soil phytotoxicity was achieved and a significant stimulation of plant growth and development was observed. The process of soil purification was accompanied by intensive development of hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms, the amount of which during the process of oil concentration gradually decreased, approaching the level in the control uncontaminated soil.

Mitochondrial energy metabolism in young bamboo rhizomes from Bambusa oldhamii and Phyllostachys edulis during shooting stage.

The energy metabolism of mitochondria in young rhizomes of the bamboo species Bambusa oldhamii, which favors shooting during the summer, and Phyllostachys edulis, which favors shooting during the winter, was characterized. The mitochondrial energy-converting system was clarified in terms of respiratory activity and structural organization. The respiration rates were measured at 15, 28, and 42 °C by NADH, succinate, and malate oxidation. NADH was shown to act as an efficient substrate regardless of the temperature. The structural organization of functional mitochondrial respiratory supercomplexes was studied using blue native PAGE and in-gel activity staining. In both species, almost 90% of the total complex I was assembled into supercomplexes, and P. edulis contained a greater amount of complex-I-comprising supercomplexes than B. oldhamii. Approximately 50% of complex III and 75% of complex V were included in supercomplexes, whereas P. edulis mitochondria possessed a greater amount of complex-V-comprising supercomplexes. The alternative oxidase (AOX), plant mitochondrial uncoupling protein (PUCP), plant mitochondrial potassium channel (PmitoK(ATP)), rotenone-insensitive external/internal NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase [NDH(e/i)], and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of the energy-dissipating systems were investigated. P. edulis mitochondria had higher levels of the PUCP1 and AOX1 proteins than B. oldhamii mitochondria. The activity of PmitoK(ATP) in P. edulis was higher than that in B. oldhamii. However, P. edulis mitochondria possessed lower NDH(e/i) and SOD activities than B. oldhamii mitochondria. The results suggest that the adaptation of P. edulis to a cooler environment may correlate with its greater abundance of functional mitochondrial supercomplexes and the higher energy-dissipating capacity of its AOX, PUCP and PmitoK(ATP) relative to B. oldhamii.

Caracterização anatômica e fitoquímica de folhas e rizomas de Hedychium coronarium J. Kõnig (Zingiberaceae) / Anatomical and phytochemical characterization of leaves and rhizomes from Hedychium coronarium J. Kõnig (Zingiberaceae)

Devido a grande potencialidade na utilização de Hedychium coronarium, na medicina popular e também como biorremediadora no tratamento de efluentes, objetivou-se uma diagnose dos órgãos, folha e rizoma, para elucidar resultados estruturais e fitoquímicos. A folha é anfiestomática, com predominância de estômatos na face abaxial. Em ambas as superfícies foliares há projeções de cera epicuticular sobre as paredes anticlinais das células epidérmicas. O mesofilo dorsiventral apresenta hipoderme multisseriada (3 camadas) em ambos os lados. O parênquima clorofiliano é diferenciado em paliçádico (1-2 camadas) e lacunoso (4-5 camadas) com muitos espaços intercelulares e ocorrência de idioblastos cristalíferos. Na nervura central, o aerênquima ocorre em único arco na região abaxial. Os feixes vasculares distribuem-se aleatoriamente e são de diferentes tamanhos, pequenos, médios e grandes, envolvidos por fibras. Os feixes menores localizam-se no lado abaxial da nervura. A triagem fitoquímica das folhas mostrou a presença de saponinas e ausência de taninos, antraquinonas, alcalóides e flavonóides. Por meio de Cromatografia em Camada Delgada foram identificadas as presenças de cariofileno e mirceno no óleo essencial bruto obtido a partir das folhas de H. coronarium.

Due to the great potentiality regarding the use of Hedychium coronarium in folk medicine and also as a bioremediator in effluent treatment, this study aimed to diagnose leaf and rhizome in order to elucidate structural and phytochemical results. Hedychium coronarium leaf is amphistomatal, with predominance of stomata on the abaxial surface. On both leaf surfaces, there are epicuticular wax projections over the anticlinal walls from epidermal cells. The dorsiventral mesophyll presents multiseriate (3 layers) hypoderm on both sides. The chlorophyllian parenchyma is differentiated into palisade (1-2 layers) and spongy (4-5 layers) with many intercellular spaces and some crystalliferous idioblasts. In the midrib, the aerenchyma occurs in a single arc on the abaxial surface. The vascular bundles are randomly distributed and present different sizes: small, medium and large, involved by fibers. The smallest bundles are found on the abaxial rib surface. The leaf phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponins and lack of tannins, anthraquinones, alkaloids and flavonoids. Using thin-layer chromatography, the presence of caryophyllene and myrcene was detected in the crude essential oil obtained from H. coronarium leaves.

Sodium bisulfite improves rhizome yield and quality in Paris polyphylla.

Rhizomes of the perennial herb Paris polyphylla have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Agricultural production of the rhizomes requires 7-10 years, which is too long to meet the demand of the medicinal industry. Therefore, studies on improving the yield of the herb and shortening the culturing period are imperative. The present work aimed to investigate the effect of sodium bisulfite (NaHSO (3)) on rhizome yield and quality, as well as some related metabolic features of P. polyphylla. The rhizome yield was improved by NaHSO (3) treatment in long-term experiments conducted during 2006 and 2007, with 2 mM NaHSO (3) giving the highest yield. HPLC analysis revealed that NaHSO (3) treatment increased the total saponin content (49 %), including three pennogenin glycosides and two diosgenin glycosides. In a short-term experiment, NaHSO (3) treatment resulted in an enhanced net photosynthetic rate (Pn) for about 4 days without significant changes in the chlorophyll or carotenoid content. The total soluble sugars and sucrose contents in the leaves also significantly increased after 2 mM NaHSO (3) treatment, whereas the starch content changed only slightly. The activities of the enzymes involved in ammonium assimilation (glutamine synthetase [GS] and glutamate dehydrogenase [GDH]) were not significantly influenced. In a long-term experiment, chlorophylls and carotenoids were not significantly affected, and neither was the starch content in leaves, but the total soluble sugars and sucrose contents in leaves increased significantly. The NaHSO (3) treatment significantly increased GS and GDH activities. These results indicate that NaHSO (3) treatment improved the rhizome yield in P. polyphylla, not only through enhancement of Pn but also by improving carbohydrate accumulation and ammonium assimilation. The increased saponin content after NaHSO (3) treatment was indicative of high rhizome quality.

[GC-MS analysis of essential oil from rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong cultivated in GAP base for Chinese medicinal materials of China].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the constituents of the essential oil extracted from the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong. cultivated in "GAP base for Chinese medicinal materials of China" (GAP demonstrative base of L. chuanxiong in Dujiangyan City of China), and to provide scientific foundation for the quality control and standard establishment of ones. METHOD: The essential oil was extracted by water-steam distillation and separated by GC capillary column chromatography. The components were determined with normalization method, and identified by GC-MS and co-artificial searches. RESULT: One hundred forty-two chromatographic peaks were isolated, among them sixty-two components were identified, which was composed of 87.36% of the total essential oil. The mass fragmentation rules of phthalides and its derivatives in the essential oil were summarized, which primarily underwent two electron impact fragmentation pathways: side-chain cleavage with losses of alkenes/alkanes and ring-opening with elimination of H2O followed by losses of CO. On the basis of these rules, the plane structure of 4, 5-dihydro-3, 1 '-dihydroxy-3-pentylphthalide as a new compound was determined. CONCLUSION: The main components of the essential oil extracted from the rhizomes of L. chuanxiong cultivated in "GAP Demonstrative Base of L. chuanxiong in Dujiangyan City of China" were phthalides and its derivatives. 4,5-Dihydro-3,1'-dihydroxy-3-pentylphthalide was a new compound.

[Study on effects of seed stock, cultivating density on the yields and volatile oil of Curcuma wenyujin].

OBJECTIVE: According to the study on effects of cultivating density and seed stock on the yield and volatile oil, to provide a scientific basis for standardized cultivating measures. METHODS: The yield and the content of volatile oil at harvest were counted and analyzed the variance by SPSS. RESULTS: The effect of cultivating density on the yields from 3 different medicinal parts of medical material was significant. The effect of seed stock on the yield of Rhizoma wenyujin concisa and Rhizoma wenyujin curcumae was significant, but to the yield of Radix wenyujin curcumae was very little. The mutual effect between cultivating density and seed stock was also very little. CONCLUSION: The cultivating density play an important role in the yields of Curcuma wenyujin.