Gentiana
Iridoid Glycosides
Gentian Violet
Iridoid Glucosides
Encyclopedias as Topic
New triterpenoids from Gentiana lutea. (1/24)
Three new triterpenoids, 2,3-seco-3-oxours-12-en-2-oic acid, 2,3-seco-3-oxoolean-12-en-2-oic acid, and betulin 3-O-palmitate, have been isolated from the rhizomes and roots of Gentiana lutea, together with five known ones. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectral and chemical methods. (+info)cDNAs for the synthesis of cyclic carotenoids in petals of Gentiana lutea and their regulation during flower development. (2/24)
cDNAs encoding lycopene epsilon -cyclase, lycopene beta-cyclase, beta-carotene hydroxylase and zeaxanthin epoxidase were isolated from a Gentiana lutea petal cDNA library. The function of all cDNAs was analyzed by complementation in Escherichia coli. Transcript levels during different stages of flower development of G. lutea were determined and compared to the carotenoid composition. Expression of all genes increased by a factor of up to 2, with the exception of the lycopene epsilon -cyclase gene. The transcript amount of the latter was strongly decreased. These results indicate that during flower development, carotenoid formation is enhanced. Moreover, metabolites are shifted away from the biosynthetic branch to lutein and are channeled into beta-carotene and derivatives. (+info)Studies on the constituents of Gentiana species. II. A new triterpenoid, and (S)-(+)- and (R)-(-)-gentiolactones from Gentiana lutea. (3/24)
A new triterpenoid, 12-ursene-3beta, 11alpha-diol 3-O-palmitate (1), has been isolated from the rhizomes and roots of Gentiana lutea, together with the artificial diene derivative, 9 (11), 12-ursadien-3beta-ol 3-O-palmitate (1a) and five known compounds (3-7). Their structures were established on the basis of spectral analysis. In addition, (+/-)-gentiolactone [(+/-)-2], isolated from this plant, was successfully separated into its enantiomers [(+)-2, (-)-2] for the first time, and the absolute configurations at C-9 of (+)-2, (-)-2 were assigned as S and R, respectively, from the optical rotations and the circular dichroism (CD) spectral data. (+info)Biochemical and molecular characterization of a novel UDP-glucose:anthocyanin 3'-O-glucosyltransferase, a key enzyme for blue anthocyanin biosynthesis, from gentian. (4/24)
Gentian (Gentiana triflora) blue petals predominantly contain an unusually blue and stable anthocyanin, delphinidin 3-O-glucosyl-5-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-glucosyl)-3'-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-glucoside) (gentiodelphin). Glucosylation and the subsequent acylation of the 3'-hydroxy group of the B-ring of anthocyanins are important to the stabilization of and the imparting of bluer color to these anthocyanins. The enzymes and their genes involved in these modifications of the B-ring, however, have not been characterized, purified, or isolated to date. In this study, we purified a UDP-glucose (Glc):anthocyanin 3'-O-glucosyltransferase (3'GT) enzyme to homogeneity from gentian blue petals and isolated a cDNA encoding a 3'GT based on the internal amino acid sequences of the purified 3'GT. The deduced amino acid sequence indicates that 3'GT belongs to the same subfamily as a flavonoid 7-O-glucosyltransferase from Schutellaria baicalensis in the plant glucosyltransferase superfamily. Characterization of the enzymatic properties using the recombinant 3'GT protein revealed that, in contrast to most of flavonoid glucosyltransferases, it has strict substrate specificity: 3'GT specifically glucosylates the 3'-hydroxy group of delphinidin-type anthocyanins containing Glc groups at 3 and 5 positions. The enzyme specifically uses UDP-Glc as the sugar donor. The specificity was confirmed by expression of the 3'GT cDNA in transgenic petunia (Petunia hybrida). This is the first report of the gene isolation of a B-ring-specific glucosyltransferase of anthocyanins, which paves the way to modification of flower color by production of blue anthocyanins. (+info)Morphological and ultrastructural diversity of orbicules in Gentianaceae. (5/24)
Minute granules of sporopollenin, called orbicules, can be observed on the innermost tangential and/or radial walls of secretory tapetum cells. Orbicules were investigated in 53 species of 34 Gentianaceae genera using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. This selection covered all different tribes and subtribes recognized in Gentianaceae (87 genera, +/-1650 species). Orbicules were found in 38 species (23 genera) distributed among the six tribes recognized in Gentianaceae. The orbicule typology is based on those described previously in Rubiaceae. Of the six orbicule types described previously, Type II orbicules are lacking. Type III orbicules are most common (17 species). Hockinia Gardner is the only representative with Type I orbicules. The number of representatives with orbicules belonging to the other orbicule types are equally distributed among the species studied: seven species possess Type IV orbicules, six species Type V and six species Type VI. The systematic usefulness of this typology is discussed in comparison with the latest systematic insights within the family, and palynological trends in Gentianaceae. Orbicule data have proven to be useful for evaluating tribal delimitation within Rubiaceae and Loganiaceae s.l.; however, they seem not to be useful for tribal delimitation in Gentianaceae. In the tribes Potalieae and Gentianeae orbicule data may be useful at subtribal level. (+info)Androgenic effect of Mondia whitei roots in male rats. (6/24)
AIM: To determine the effect of the aqueous extract of Mondia whitei (Periplocaceae) roots on testosterone production and fertility of male rats. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were used. In the acute study, 20 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 4 animals each. Four treated groups were administered orally a single dose of Mondia whitei (400 mg/kg) and the controls received a similar amount of distilled water. One group of animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation 1, 2, 4 and 6 h after treatment, respectively. The controls were sacrificed at 6 h. Testicular testosterone was determined by radioimmunoassay. In the chronic study, 28 rats were divided at random into 4 groups of 7 animals each: Groups 1, 2 and 3 were given orally the plant extract (400 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) for 2, 4 and 8 days, respectively. The animals of Groups 1 and 2 were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dosing. The controls (Group 4) received the same amount of distilled water for 8 days. The fertility was assessed only in Groups 3 and 4 and after that, the animals were sacrificed and the epididymal sperm density, the serum testosterone and the testicular testosterone and 17 beta-estradiol were assayed. The serum, testicular and epidydimal protein contents were also determined. RESULTS: In the acute treatment groups, the serum and testicular concentrations of testosterone remained unchanged at all the time points. Chronic treatment for 8 days induced a significant increase in the testicular weight, the serum and testicular testosterone, the testicular protein content and the sperm density (P < 0.05-0.01), but did not affect the accessory gland weights, the serum protein contents, the testicular concentration of 17beta -estradiol and the fertility compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: Mondia whitei root extract possesses an androgenic property. (+info)Establishment of a cell-based assay to screen regulators for Klotho gene promoter. (7/24)
AIM: To discover compounds which can regulate Klotho promoter activity. Klotho is an aging suppressor gene. A defect in Klotho gene expression in the mouse results in the phenotype similar to human aging. Recombinant Klotho protein improves age-associated diseases in animal models. It has been proposed that up-regulation of Klotho gene expression may have anti-aging effects. METHODS: Klotho promoter was cloned into a vector containing luciferase gene, and the reporter gene vector was transfected into HEK293 cells to make a stable cell line (HEK293/KL). A model for cellular aging was established by treating HEK293/KL cells with H2O2. These cells were treated with extracts from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs). The luciferase activity was detected to identify compounds that can regulate Klotho promoter. RESULTS: The expression of luciferase in these cells was under control of Klotho promoter and down-regulated after H2O2 treatment. The down-regulation of luciferase expression was H2O2 concentration-dependent with an IC50 at approximately 0.006 %. This result demonstrated that the Klotho gene promoter was regulated by oxidative stress. Using the cell-based reporter gene assay, we screened natural product extracts for regulation of Klotho gene promoter. Several extracts were identified that could rescue the H2O2 effects and up-regulated Klotho promoter activity. CONCLUSION: A cell -based assay for high-throughput drug screening was established to identify compounds that regulate Klotho promoter activity, and several hits were discovered from natural products. Further characterization of these active extracts could help to investigate Klotho function and aging mechanisms. (+info)Physiological changes in gentian axillary buds during two-step preculturing with sucrose that conferred high levels of tolerance to desiccation and cryopreservation. (8/24)
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Induction of dehydration tolerance is a key to achieving high survival rates in cryopreservation of plant specimens. It has been reported previously that two-step preculturing with sucrose effectively increased desiccation tolerance in axillary buds of gentian (Gentiana scabra), which allow the buds to survive cryopreservation. This study is aimed at characterizing each step of this preculturing and to elucidate physiological changes induced during this preculturing. METHODS: In standard two-step preculture, excised gentian axillary buds were incubated for 11 d on MS medium with 0.1 m sucrose at 25 degrees C (first step: mild osmotic stress was given) and the subsequent incubation on MS medium with 0.4 m and 0.7 m sucrose for 1 d each (second step). The levels of abscisic acid (ABA), proline and soluble sugars in gentian buds during the preculture were determined. Effects of various combinations of two-step preculturing and of exogenous ABA and proline were studied. KEY RESULTS: During the first preculture step, there was a transient increase in ABA content peaking on day 4, which declined to a background level at the end of the first and second step preculturing. Proline level increased steadily during the first preculture step and increased further in the second preculture step. Incubating buds with medium containing proline, instead of the two-step preculturing, did not allow them to survive desiccation. Incubating buds with ABA instead of 0.1 m sucrose-preculturing effectively increased desiccation tolerance only when it was followed by the second preculture step. Fluridone, an ABA synthesis inhibitor included in the two-step preculture medium, reduced desiccation tolerance of the buds. The normal first-step preculture increased the levels of soluble sugars 2.4-fold, especially sucrose and raffinose. Buds treated with the second preculture step had greatly increased sucrose levels. CONCLUSIONS: These observations lead to the hypothesis that the first preculture step involves ABA-mediated cellular changes and the second step induces loading of sucrose in the gentian buds. (+info)"Gentiana" is a term that refers to a genus of plants in the family Gentianaceae. These plants are often characterized by their beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers and are found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, with some species located in tropical mountains in Africa and South America. The name "Gentiana" comes from the Illyrian king Genius, who is said to have discovered the medicinal properties of this plant.
In a medical context, certain species of Gentiana have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and bitter digestive stimulant properties. For example, Gentiana lutea (yellow gentian) is commonly used in herbal medicine to treat digestive disorders such as loss of appetite, heartburn, and flatulence. However, it's important to note that the use of Gentiana in modern medicine is not well-studied, and more research is needed to establish its safety and efficacy.
It's worth noting that "Gentiana" is primarily a botanical term and is not commonly used as a medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have any health concerns, it's always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for advice.
Gentianaceae is not a medical term, but a taxonomic category in botany. It refers to the family of plants that includes gentians and related genera. These plants are known for their beautiful, often brightly colored flowers, and are found primarily in temperate and subtropical regions around the world.
Some species of Gentianaceae have been used in traditional medicine for their purported therapeutic properties. For example, gentian root has been used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion and appetite, and to treat various gastrointestinal disorders. However, it's important to note that the use of these plants in medical treatment should be based on scientific evidence and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Iridoid glycosides are a type of naturally occurring compounds that are found in various plants, including the Lamiaceae (mint) family and the Plantaginaceae (plantain) family. These compounds consist of an iridoid moiety, which is a cyclic molecule derived from the terpene iridodial, linked to a sugar group. Iridoid glycosides have been studied for their potential medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and analgesic effects. Some examples of plants that contain iridoid glycosides include gardenia, olive, and valerian. It is important to note that while some iridoid glycosides have been found to have medicinal benefits, others may be toxic in high concentrations, so it is essential to use them under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Tetralones are not a medical term, but rather a chemical classification. They refer to a class of organic compounds that contain a tetralone ring structure, which is a cyclohexanone fused to a benzene ring. These compounds have various applications in the pharmaceutical industry as intermediates in the synthesis of drugs. Some tetralones have been studied for their potential medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, but they are not themselves approved medical treatments.
Gentian Violet is not a medical term per se, but it is a substance that has been used in medicine. According to the US National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus, Gentian Violet is a type of crystal violet dye that has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is often used as a topical treatment for minor cuts, burns, and wounds, as well as for fungal infections such as thrush (oral candidiasis) and athlete's foot. Gentian Violet can also be used to treat ringworm and impetigo. However, it should not be used in the eyes or mouth, and it should be used with caution on broken skin, as it can cause irritation. Additionally, there is some concern that long-term use of Gentian Violet may be carcinogenic (cancer-causing), so its use should be limited to short periods of time and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Iridoid glucosides are a type of plant-based compounds that are characterized by their iridoid structure, which is a cyclic organic compound containing a cyclopentane ring fused to a six-membered unsaturated carbocycle. These compounds are often found in plants as glycosides, meaning they are combined with a sugar molecule such as glucose.
Iridoid glucosides have been identified in a variety of plant families, including the Lamiaceae (mint family), Scrophulariaceae (figwort family), and Rubiaceae (coffee family). Some examples of iridoid glucosides include geniposide, which is found in the fruit of the gardenia plant, and aucubin, which is found in the leaves of the eucommia tree.
Iridoid glucosides have been studied for their potential medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic uses.
Flavoring agents are substances added to foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and sometimes even medical devices to enhance or modify their taste and aroma. They can be natural, derived from plants or animals, or synthetic, created in a laboratory. Flavoring agents do not necessarily provide any nutritional value and are typically used in small quantities.
In a medical context, flavoring agents may be added to medications to improve patient compliance, especially for children or individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills. These agents can help mask the unpleasant taste of certain medicines, making them more palatable and easier to consume. However, it is essential to ensure that the use of flavoring agents does not interfere with the medication's effectiveness or safety.
An encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work containing articles on various topics, usually arranged in alphabetical order. In the context of medicine, a medical encyclopedia is a collection of articles that provide information about a wide range of medical topics, including diseases and conditions, treatments, tests, procedures, and anatomy and physiology. Medical encyclopedias may be published in print or electronic formats and are often used as a starting point for researching medical topics. They can provide reliable and accurate information on medical subjects, making them useful resources for healthcare professionals, students, and patients alike. Some well-known examples of medical encyclopedias include the Merck Manual and the Stedman's Medical Dictionary.
A beverage is a drink intended for human consumption. The term is often used to refer to any drink that is not alcoholic or, in other words, non-alcoholic beverages. This includes drinks such as water, juice, tea, coffee, and soda. However, it can also include alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, and spirits.
In a medical context, beverages are often discussed in relation to their impact on health. For example, sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks have been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. On the other hand, drinks like water and unsweetened tea can help to keep people hydrated and may have other health benefits.
It's important for individuals to be mindful of their beverage choices and to choose options that are healthy and support their overall well-being. This may involve limiting sugary drinks, choosing water or unsweetened tea instead of soda, and avoiding excessive caffeine intake.