Araliaceae
Aralia
Panax
Panax notoginseng
Ginsenosides
Fusiform cells in the cambium of Kalopanax pictus are exclusively mononucleate. (1/23)
While it is generally accepted that most plant cells are mononucleate, it has been argued with some vehemence that fusiform cambial cells can be multinucleate. The controversy has not been resolved since to date, studies by conventional microscopy and transmission electron microscopy have failed to confirm unambiguously whether cambial cells are mononucleate or multinucleate. In this study, semi-thin sections of epoxy-embedded specimens and thick slices of cambial tissues from the hardwood Kalopanax pictus were analysed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Tangential sections of cambium, regardless of the thickness of the section, are likely to contain portions of cells in several adjacent layers of cells and, at the lower resolution of conventional microscopy, several adjacent cells can appear to be a single cell with more than one nucleus. The higher resolution in the third dimension of confocal microscopy allowed clearly adjacent layers of cells in the cambium to be distinguished and the number of nuclei per cell to be determined. In this tree, the cambial cells were mononucleate in all cases. (+info)Ent-kaurane diterpenoid glycosides from the leaves of Cussonia racemosa, a Malagasy endemic plant. (2/23)
Six new ent-kaurane diterpenoid glycosides, cussoracosides A (3), B (4), C (5), D (6), E (7), and F (8) were isolated from the dried leaves of Cussonia racemosa, along with two known compounds identified as beta-D-glucopyranosyl ent-16beta,17-dihydroxykauran-19-oate (1) and paniculoside IV (2). The structures of these new compounds were deduced on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. (+info)In vitro antiinflammatory activity of kalopanaxsaponin A isolated from Kalopanax pictus in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. (3/23)
In the present study, effects of various hederagenin monodesmosides isolated from the stem bark of Kalopanax pictus Nakai, such as hederagenin, 5-hederin, kalopanaxsaponin A, kalopanaxsaponin 1, and sapindoside C, have been evaluated on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release by the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Among the tested monodesmosides, kalopanxsaponin A was the most potent inhibitor of NO production, and it also significantly decreased PGE2 and TNF-alpha release. Consistent with these observations, the expression level of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 enzyme was inhibited by kalopanxsaponin A in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, this study suggests that kalopanaxsaponin A-mediated inhibition of iNOS, COX-2 expression, and TNF-alpha release may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of the stem bark of Kalopanax pictus Nakai. (+info)A new ent-kaurane diterpenoid glycoside from the leaves of Cussonia bojeri, a Malagasy endemic plant. (4/23)
A new ent-kaurane diterpene glycoside, beta-D-glucopyranosyl 17-hydroxy-ent-kauran-19-oate-16-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4) was isolated from the dried leaves of Cussonia bojeri SEEM., together with four known compounds identified as 16beta,17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid (1), beta-D-glucopyranosyl 16beta,17-dihydroxy-(-)-kauran-19-oate (2), paniculoside IV (3), and rutin (5). The structure of 4 was deduced on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. (+info)Cussosaponins A-E, triterpene saponins from the leaves of Cussonia racemosa, a Malagasy endemic plant. (5/23)
Five new triterpene saponins, cussosaponins A (2), B (3), C (4), D (5), and E (6), were isolated from the dried leaves of Cussonia racemosa BAKER. The structures of these new compounds were deduced on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. (+info)High-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography assays for Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus). (6/23)
Devil's root, Oplopanax horridus, is a widely used folk medicine in Alaska and British Columbia. The inner bark of the root and stem has been used to treat colds, cough, fever, and diabetes. The present study involves the development of high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) methods to detect the presence of trans-nerolidol and sterols in the root bark. The HPLC and TLC analytical methods presented are suitable for the characterization and identification of Oplopanax horridus. (+info)Effect of Polyscias filicifolia Bailey biomass on protein synthesis process in isolated pig heart. (7/23)
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate effect of Polyscias filicifolia Bailey biomass on protein synthesis process in normoxic and anoxic pig heart. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experiments were done on isolated pig hearts weighing 100-150 g. Effects of anoxia were evaluated after 20 and 90 min of anoxic perfusion. Control hearts were perfused under aerobic conditions. Investigating action of Polyscias filicifolia Bailey, pig heart was perfused under normoxic and anoxic condition with buffer, which contains tincture Polyscias filicifolia Bailey. For the determination of protein synthesis rate (time of incubation was 15 min) and level (time of incubation was 60 min), incorporation of [14C]-leucine into translational products in a cell-free system was measured. RESULTS: Protein synthesis rate and level in cell-free system decreased by 30% and 20% respectively after 20 min anoxic perfusion and by 48% and 45% respectively after 90 min anoxic perfusion in comparison to the control. Polyscias filicifolia Bailey tincture did not affect the protein synthesis rate and level in cell-free translation system from control pig heart. Polyscias filicifolia Bailey tincture has protective effect on protein synthesis system from pig hearts after 20 min and 90 min anoxic perfusion. Protein synthesis rate and level after 20 min anoxic perfusion with Polyscias filicifolia Bailey tincture was the same as at a control level. However, after 90 min anoxic perfusion with Polyscias filicifolia Bailey tincture protein synthesis rate and level did not reach control level and represented 81% and 76% respectively of control values. Spectrum of newly synthesized polypeptides in cell-free protein synthesis system under anoxic conditions and after treatment with Polyscias filicifolia Bailey tincture did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Protein synthesis rate and level decreased under long and short-term anoxia. Polyscias filicifolia Bailey biomass restore protein synthesis system under anoxia. Neither anoxia, nor Polyscias filicifolia Bailey tincture did not influence spectrum of newly synthesized proteins. (+info)Novel plant substances acting as beta subunit isoform-selective positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors. (8/23)
GABAA receptors are modulated by a large variety of compounds. A common chemical characteristic of most of these modulators is that they contain a cyclic entity. Three linear molecules of a polyacetylene structure were isolated from the East African medicinal plant Cussonia zimmermannii Harms and shown to allosterically stimulate GABAA receptors. Stimulation was not abolished by the absence of the gamma2 subunit, the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro15-1788 (8-fluoro-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine-3-carbo xylic acid ethyl ester), or the point mutation beta2N265S that abolishes effects by loreclezole. At a concentration of 30 microM, the substances by themselves elicited only tiny currents. Maximal stimulation at alpha1beta2gamma2 amounted to 110 to 450% for the three substances, and half-maximal stimulation was observed at concentrations of 1 to 2 muM. Stimulation was subunit composition-dependent and was for the substance MS-1, alpha1beta2gamma2 approximately alpha1beta2 approximately alpha3beta2gamma2 > alpha2beta2gamma2 > alpha5beta2gamma2 approximately alpha1beta3gamma2 approximately alpha6beta2gamma2 > alpha1beta1gamma2, for MS-2 alpha1beta2gamma2 approximately alpha3beta2gamma2 approximately alpha1beta2 > alpha2beta2gamma2 approximately alpha6beta2gamma2 approximately alpha5beta2gamma2 > alpha1beta1gamma2, and for MS-4, alpha1beta2gamma2 approximately alpha1beta2 approximately alpha5beta2gamma2 approximately alpha3beta2gamma2 approximately alpha2beta2gamma2 > alpha6beta2gamma2 >> alpha1beta1gamma2. Maximal stimulation by MS-1 was 450% at alpha1beta2gamma2, 80% at alpha1beta1gamma2, and 150% at alpha1beta3gamma2. MS-1 was thus specific for receptors containing the beta2 subunit. The reversal potential was unaffected by 10 microM MS-1, whereas apparent picrotoxin affinity for current inhibition was increased approximately 3-fold. In summary, these positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors of plant origin have a novel unusual chemical structure and act at a site independent of that of benzodiazepines and loreclezole. (+info)Araliaceae is a family of flowering plants, also known as the aralia family or ivy family. It includes a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, many of which have compound leaves and small clusters of flowers. Some well-known members of this family include the genera Aralia (commonly called "aralias" or "devil's walkingsticks"), Panax (which includes ginseng), Hedera (common ivy), and Schefflera (also known as umbrella trees). The plants in this family are found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Aralia is a genus of plants in the family Araliaceae, which includes shrubs and trees that are native to Asia and North America. Some common names for these plants include spikenard, Hercules' club, and Asian ivy. These plants have compound leaves and produce clusters of small flowers followed by berries or drupes. Some species of Aralia have medicinal uses, such as the use of the root of A. racemosa (American spikenard) in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. However, it is important to note that some parts of certain species of Aralia can be toxic if ingested, so they should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
"Panax" is a term used in the field of botany and medicine, particularly in the study of traditional Chinese medicine. It specifically refers to the genus of plants that includes ginseng, which is known scientifically as "Panax ginseng." This plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its perceived ability to boost energy levels, reduce stress, and improve overall health. The term "Panax" itself comes from the Greek words "pan," meaning all or everything, and "akos," meaning cure or remedy, reflecting the belief in its wide-ranging healing properties. It's important to note that while some studies suggest potential health benefits of Panax ginseng, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and safety.
Panax notoginseng, also known as Chinese ginseng or Sanqi, is a species of plant in the Araliaceae family that is native to China. In traditional Chinese medicine, the root of this plant is used as an herbal remedy for various purposes, including improving blood circulation, reducing pain and swelling, and promoting healing of wounds and bruises.
Modern medical research has investigated the potential therapeutic effects of Panax notoginseng and its constituents, such as saponins and phenolic compounds. Some studies suggest that it may have cardiovascular benefits, neuroprotective effects, and anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish recommended dosages and safety profiles.
It's important to note that the use of Panax notoginseng as a medical treatment should be supervised by a healthcare professional, as it can interact with other medications and have potential side effects.
A chloroplast genome is the entire genetic material that is present in the chloroplasts, which are organelles found in plant cells and some protists. The chloroplast genome is circular in shape and contains about 120-160 kilobases (kb) of DNA. It encodes for a small number of proteins, ribosomal RNAs, and transfer RNAs that are required for the function of the chloroplasts, particularly in photosynthesis. The chloroplast genome is usually inherited maternally, meaning it is passed down from the mother to her offspring.
The chloroplast genome is relatively simple compared to the nuclear genome, which contains many more genes and regulatory elements. However, most of the proteins required for chloroplast function are actually encoded in the nucleus and imported into the chloroplasts. The study of chloroplast genomes can provide insights into the evolutionary history of plants and their photosynthetic ancestors.
Ginsenosides are a type of saponin, which are natural compounds found in the roots and leaves of the ginseng plant (Panax ginseng). These triterpene glycosides have been identified as the primary active components responsible for the pharmacological effects of ginseng.
There are several structurally different ginsenosides, classified into two major groups: the protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol groups. These compounds have been reported to exhibit various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects.
The content and composition of ginsenosides can vary depending on the species, cultivation methods, and processing techniques used for ginseng. The potential health benefits of ginseng are often attributed to these unique compounds, making them a subject of ongoing research in pharmacology and herbal medicine.
Genome size refers to the total amount of genetic material, or DNA, contained within the cell of an organism. It is usually measured in terms of base pair (bp) length and can vary greatly between different species. The genome size includes all the genes, non-coding DNA, and repetitive elements present in the genome.
It's worth noting that genome size does not necessarily correlate with the complexity of an organism. For example, some plants have much larger genomes than humans, while some bacteria have smaller genomes. Additionally, genome size can also vary within a single species due to differences in the amount of repetitive DNA or other genetic elements.
Triterpenes are a type of natural compound that are composed of six isoprene units and have the molecular formula C30H48. They are synthesized through the mevalonate pathway in plants, fungi, and some insects, and can be found in a wide variety of natural sources, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
Triterpenes have diverse structures and biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cytotoxic effects. Some triterpenes are also used in traditional medicine, such as glycyrrhizin from licorice root and betulinic acid from the bark of birch trees.
Triterpenes can be further classified into various subgroups based on their carbon skeletons, including squalene, lanostane, dammarane, and ursane derivatives. Some triterpenes are also modified through various biochemical reactions to form saponins, steroids, and other compounds with important biological activities.