Search Results (34)

Valued for furniture, crafts, and medicine, Dalbergia odorifera T. C. Chen confronts critically depleted wild populations and slow cultivation growth, necessitating precision nutrient formulation to overcome physiological constraints. Using a ‘3414’ regression design with four levels of N, P, and K, this study identified phosphorus (P) as the most influential nutrient in regulating growth (P > N > K). Maximal growth enhancement occurred under T7 (N2P3K2), with height and basal diameter increments increasing by 239% and 128% versus controls (p < 0.05). Both traits exhibited progressive gains with rising P but unimodal responses to N and K, initially increasing then declining. T7 boosted total biomass by 50% (p < 0.05) with stem-biased partitioning (stem > root > leaf; 52%, 26%, 22%). Photosynthetic capacity increased significantly under T7 (p < 0.05), driven by P-mediated chlorophyll gains (Chla + 70%; Chlb + 75%) and an 82% higher net photosynthetic rate. Metabolic shifts revealed peak soluble sugar in T7 (+139%) and soluble protein in T9 (+226%) (p < 0.05), associated primarily with P and K availability, respectively. Correlation networks revealed significant associations among structural growth, photosynthesis, and metabolism. Principal component analysis established T7 as optimal, defining a “medium-N, high-P medium-K” precision fertilization protocol. These findings elucidate a phosphorus-centered regulatory mechanism governing growth in D. odorifera, providing a scientific foundation for efficient cultivation. Full article

The heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen has garnered significant attraction due to its high medicinal, aromatic and timber values; however, its formation mechanism remains unexplored. This study utilized the sapwood (N-B), transition zone (N-T), and heartwood (N-H) of the xylem of 15-year-old, naturally heartwood-forming D. odorifera to observe the nuclei of parenchyma cells, revealing that no living cells were specialized in synthesizing the secondary metabolites of heartwood in the N-H. Additionally, analysis of gene expression patterns across different compartments indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites of heartwood were primarily up-regulated in the N-T, suggesting that the pattern of heartwood formation in D. odorifera follows the Type-I (Robinia-Type) model, wherein secondary metabolites are synthesized in situ in the ray parenchyma cells of the N-T, followed by programmed cell death (PCD) leading to heartwood formation. Furthermore, DEGs related to ethylene biosynthesis and signaling pathways were up-regulated in the N-T, suggesting that ethylene signaling may play a critical role in regulating the heartwood formation process of D. odorifera. Treatment of suspension cells with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and an ethylene synthesis inhibitor (AVG) further confirmed that ethylene acts as a key signaling molecule in the formation of heartwood-like material in D. odorifera. This study provides initial insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying heartwood formation in D. odorifera and offers a foundation for developing heartwood formation and promotion technologies. Full article

Dalbergia odorifera is widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Our research group found that Dalbergia odorifera volatile oil has a good anti-myocardial ischemic effect, and its main pharmacodynamic components are trans-nerolol and its oxides. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this effect have not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to explore the potential myocardial protective effects of trans-nerolol and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Molecular docking was used to predict and visualize the possible mechanism of the anti-apoptotic myocardial protection by trans-nerolol. The myocardial protective effect of trans-nerolol was evaluated by observing pathological injury, myocardial enzyme levels, oxidation, antioxidant levels, and the expression of related proteins. Molecular docking results showed that trans-nerolol binds closely to cytochrome C (Cytc) and apoptosis-related proteins, suggesting that it may play a role in interacting with these target proteins. The results showed that pre-treatment with dose-dependent trans-nerolol significantly mitigated the myocardial histological damage; decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine kinase (CK), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels; reduced nitric oxide (NO) production, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and lipid peroxide (LPO); and increased the total antioxidant content (T-AOC), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities compared with the model group. In addition, dose-dependent trans-nerolol significantly increased the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase levels. Moreover, trans-nerolol markedly reduced the endogenous and external apoptotic pathways; downregulated the protein expression of Cytc, apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf1), Fibroblast-associated (Fas), Cysteine-aspartate protease 3 (Caspase3), Cysteine-aspartate protease 8 (Caspase8), and Cysteine-aspartate protease 9 (Caspase9); and upregulated the expression of Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). These data indicate that trans-nerolol exerts protective effects against myocardial ischemia (MI), and its mechanism is associated with the suppression of the Cytc- and caspase-signaling pathways. Trans-nerolol has a therapeutic effect on MI, and its mechanism of action is related to its anti-apoptotic effect. These results suggest that Dalbergia odorifera has a potential role to be developed as an MI-promoting therapeutic agent. Full article

The study aimed to investigate the effect of soil textural or soil mineral fraction substrates (loam and gravel) from karst desertification areas on the rhizospheric and root-associated bacterial community structure of Dalbergia odorifera (an N-fixing tree), using high-throughput sequencing techniques, based on treatment methods of whole-root and two-chambered split-root systems. Further, this study determined the relative importance of the plant and substrate properties on the rhizospheric, non-rhizospheric and endospheric bacteria composition. The type of substrate exerts a significant influence on both rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric bacterial communities, whereas endophytic communities within the root system are predominantly determined by plant species rather than substrate type. The analysis revealed that endospheric bacterial diversity was considerably lower than that of rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric communities. Cluster analysis indicated that endospheric bacterial samples formed a distinct cluster, while rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric bacteria in the soil substrate grouped into one branch, and those in the gravel substrate formed another branch. In comparison to the gravel treatments, a reduced bacterial abundance was observed in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere of nitrogen-fixing plants in soil, potentially due to the interplay of lower nutrient availability and increased porosity in gravel treatments. Proteobacteria, which are involved in the nitrogen cycle, exhibited the highest abundance. In contrast, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes and other bacterial phyla involved in nutrient cycling demonstrated higher abundance, with their presence being more pronounced in extreme environments, such as gravel treatments, compared to soil substrates. These results suggest that nitrogen-fixing plants can respond to extreme environments by increasing bacterial abundance. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for the use of D. odorifera for ecosystem recovery and vegetation restoration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and adipose tissue. Dalbergia odorifer is widely used in traditional medicine in Korea and China to treat various diseases. However, its exact role and underlying mechanism in regulating cancer cachexia have not been elucidated yet. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of D. odorifer extract (DOE) in preventing the development of cancer-induced cachexia symptoms and figure out the relevant mechanisms. Methods: A cancer cachexia model was established in Balb/c mice using the CT26 colon carcinoma cell line. To evaluate the anti-cachexia effect of Dalbergia odorifer extract (DOE), CT26-bearing mice were orally administered with DOE at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg BW for 14 days. C2C12 myotubes and 3T3L1 adipocytes were treated with 80% CT26 conditioned medium, DOE, and wortmannin, a particular AKT inhibitor to determine the influence of DOE in the AKT signaling pathway. Mice body weight, food intake, myofiber cross-sectional area, adipocyte size, myotube diameter, lipid accumulation, and relevant gene expression were analyzed. Results: The oral administration of DOE at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight to CT26 tumor-bearing mice resulted in a significant reduction in body weight loss, an increase in food intake, and a decrease in serum glycerol levels. Furthermore, DOE treatment led to an increase in muscle mass, larger muscle fiber diameter, and elevated expression levels of MyH2 and Igf1, while simultaneously reducing the expression of Atrogin1 and MuRF1. DOE also attenuated adipose tissue wasting, as evidenced by increased epididymal fat mass, enlarged adipocyte size, and upregulated Pparγ expression, alongside a reduction in Ucp1 and IL6 levels. In cachectic C2C12 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes induced by the CT26 conditioned medium, DOE significantly inhibited muscle wasting and lipolysis by activating the AKT signaling pathway. The treatment of wortmannin, a specific AKT inhibitor, effectively neutralized DOE’s impact on the AKT pathway, myotube diameter, and lipid accumulation. Conclusions: DOE ameliorates cancer cachexia through the expression of genes involved in protein synthesis and lipogenesis, while suppressing those related to protein degradation, suggesting its potential as a plant-derived therapeutic agent in combating cancer cachexia. Full article

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a highly significant agricultural pest that poses a threat to crop production worldwide. It is polyphagous, has a strong migratory ability, and is difficult to control, which makes it a threat not only to crops but also to woody plants. However, research on its adaptability to woody plants is limited. This study compares the feeding adaptations (survival rate, pupation time, pupation rate, weight, length, and daily food consumption), protective enzyme activities, and feeding preferences of S. frugiperda on leaves of six economically important tree species (Areca catechu L., Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng, Cocos nucifera L., Camellia oleifera Abel, Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen, and Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss.) Müll. Arg.), with Zea mays L. used as a control treatment. The results indicate that S. frugiperda did not survive when fed with A. catechu, C. oleifera, and D. odorifera. A. catechu had similar survival rates (83.33%), pupation (86.67%), weight, and length data compared to the maize control. C. nucifera had lower survival rates (46.67%) but no significant differences in pupation (76.67%), weight, and length data of S. frugiperda. H. brasiliensis exhibited significantly lower survival (50.00%) and pupation rates (46.67%) compared to maize. However, there was no significant difference in weight and length data, and its preference index was higher among the six tree species treatments. Therefore, A. sinensis is a vulnerable tree with a high risk, while H. brasiliensis and C. nucifera showed varying degrees of susceptibility. A. catechu, C. oleifera, and D. odorifera were found to be unsuitable hosts for S. frugiperda. In conclusion, this study extensively explores the feeding effects of S. frugiperda on six economically important tree species. It provides insights into the feeding preferences of the pest, thereby informing the potential threat posed by S. frugiperda to economically important trees. It helps to prevent further damage from S. frugiperda and provides a reference for agriculture and forestry to develop effective joint prevention and control measures. Full article

Mixed cultivation with legumes may alleviate the nitrogen (N) limitation of monoculture Eucalyptus. However, how leaf functional traits respond to N in mixed cultivation with legumes and how they affect tree growth are unclear. Thus, this study investigated the response of leaf functional traits of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis (E. urophylla × E. grandis) and Dalbergia odorifera (D. odorifera) to mixed culture and N application, as well as the regulatory pathways of key traits on seedling growth. In this study, a pot-controlled experiment was set up, and seedling growth indicators, leaf physiology, morphological parameters, and N content were collected and analyzed after 180 days of N application treatment. The results indicated that mixed culture improved the N absorption and photosynthetic rate of E. urophylla × E. grandis, further promoting seedling growth but inhibiting the photosynthetic process of D. odorifera, reducing its growth and biomass. Redundancy analysis and path analysis revealed that leaf nitrogen content, pigment content, and photosynthesis-related physiological indicators were the traits most directly related to seedling growth and biomass accumulation, with the net photosynthetic rate explaining 50.9% and 55.8% of the variation in growth indicators for E. urophylla × E. grandis and D. odorifera, respectively. Additionally, leaf morphological traits are related to the trade-off strategy exhibited by E. urophylla × E. grandis and D. odorifera based on N competition. This study demonstrated that physiological traits related to photosynthesis are reliable predictors of N nutrition and tree growth in mixed stands, while leaf morphological traits reflect the resource trade-off strategies of different tree species. Full article

Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen is traditionally referred to as „Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum” in traditional Chinese medicine. Its quality is typically assessed subjectively based on colour and texture observations and lacks a universal grading system. Our objective was to establish a relationship between heartwood colour and the content of key constituents, including total flavonoids, six specific flavonoids, alcohol-soluble extracts, and volatile oils, to assess their impact on heartwood quality. Substantial correlations were observed between the colour depth (L*), red–green direction (a*), and yellow–blue direction (b*), as well as the content of the extract, volatile oil, total flavonoids, naringenin, formononetin, pinocembrin, and isoliquiritigenin. Specifically, a* was correlated with the extract, total flavonoids, and isoliquiritigenin, whereas b* was correlated with the extract, volatile oil, total flavonoids, naringenin, formononetin, pinocembrin, and isoliquiritigenin. The results suggested that L*, b*, and chemical composition indices, such as extract, volatile oil, total flavonoids, and naringenin, could serve as primary criteria for classifying the quality of medicinal materials. This is consistent with market classification based on colour and texture, which facilitates material identification and guides the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of D. odorifera. This study provides a scientific foundation for its future development and use. Full article

Dalbergia odorifera is a valuable material used in the crafting of luxury furniture, and the chemical constituents from heartwood possess significant medicinal value. The WRKY gene family, one of the most extensively studied gene families, plays an important role in plants. However, a comprehensive genome-wide identification of the WRKY gene family in D. odorifera has not been reported yet. In this study, a total of 99 WRKY genes were identified in D. odorifera. The DoWRKY genes were categorized into three primary groups with five subgroups. A collinearity analysis revealed 38 segmental duplications and 3 tandem duplications within the DoWRKY genes, indicating the pivotal role of segmental duplication in gene family expansion. Through the analysis of DoWRKY transcriptomic data across diverse tissues and under wounding stress, we found that only eight genes were universally expressed, while a subset displayed distinct tissue-specific patterns. Notably, DoWRKY41 was exclusively expressed in leaves; DoWRKY04 was solely in roots; and DoWRKY17, DoWRKY28, DoWRKY47, and DoWRKY67 were uniquely in flowers. Furthermore, we identified 24 WRKY proteins that tightly respond to wounding stress (20 upregulated; 4 downregulated). This comprehensive investigation offered valuable insights into the WRKY gene family of D. odorifera, serving as a foundational resource for forthcoming explorations into the functional roles of these genes amid wounding stress. Full article

Valuable trees are frequently taken from their original habitat and introduced to a different location in the pursuit of better economic development. Global climate change imposes a higher probability of warm spells during chilly seasons; these may increase the threat posed by frost to newly introduced, valuable species. In this study, Dalbergia odorifera was cultured as a valuable tree species that was introduced from an original provenance in Sanya (1° N) to the northern mountains in Pingxiang (22° N), Guangzhou (23° N), Zhangpu (24° N), Xianyou (25° N), and up to the northernmost limit in Wenzhou (28° N). Seedlings of these six provenances were tested in a field study conducted in Wenzhou (control) to examine their resistance to local frost stress and to detect the driving forces related to meteorological factors in the winter–spring period of 2015–2016. The leaves sampled over seven days exhibited the typical characteristics of frost impairment. The daily maximum temperature delivered warm spells, increasing by ~7 °C. The daily minimum temperature (−4.3 to −2.0 °C) did not reach freezing point until the early spring of 2016. The controlled seedlings showed lower malondialdehyde content than those from the southern locations, and no mortality occurred. Invisible frost stress was caused by low nitrogen utilization during the earlier stages during warm spells, as well as damage to membrane integrity during the later stage when the minimum temperature suddenly declined. A warm spell was found to impose a negative driving force five days before a sudden chill, which led to frost having an impact on superoxide accumulation and electrical leakage. We conclude that the D. odorifera seedlings that dwell effectively in Wenzhou obtained stronger resistance to local frost stress than those from the southern locations. Low cell membrane integrity and high electrical leakage in leaf cells accounted for the frost damage. Full article

R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) form one of the most important TF families involved in regulating various physiological functions in plants. The heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera is a kind of high-grade mahogany and valuable herbal medicine with wide application. However, the role of R2R3-MYB genes in the growth and development of D. odorifera, especially their relevance to heartwood formation, has not been revealed. A total of 126 R2R3-MYBs were screened from the D. odorifera genome and named DodMYB1-126 based on their location on 10 chromosomes. The collinearity results showed that purification selection was the main driving force for the evolution of the R2R3-MYB TFs family, and whole genome/fragment replication event was the main form for expanding the R2R3-MYB family, generating a divergence of gene structure and function. Comparative phylogenetic analysis classified the R2R3-MYB TFs into 33 subfamilies. S3-7,10,12-13,21 and N4-7 were extensively involved in the metabolic process; S9,13,16-19,24-25 and N1-3,8 were associated with the growth and development of D. odorifera. Based on the differential transcriptional expression levels of R2R3-MYBs in different tissues, DodMYB32, DodMYB55, and DodMYB89 were tentatively screened for involvement in the regulatory process of heartwood. Further studies have shown that the DodMYB89, localized in the nucleus, has transcriptional activation activity and is involved in regulating the biosynthesis of the secondary metabolites of heartwood by activating the promoters of the structural genes DodI2’H and DodCOMT. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the functions of the R2R3-MYB TFs and screen for candidate genes that might be involved in heartwood formation of D. odorifera. Full article

The Dalbergia plants are widely distributed across more than 130 tropical and subtropical countries and have significant economic and medicinal value. Codon usage bias (CUB) is a critical feature for studying gene function and evolution, which can provide a better understanding of biological gene regulation. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the CUB patterns of the nuclear genome, chloroplast genome, and gene expression, as well as systematic evolution of Dalbergia species. Our results showed that the synonymous and optimal codons in the coding regions of both nuclear and chloroplast genome of Dalbergia preferred ending with A/U at the third codon base. Natural selection was the primary factor affecting the CUB features. Furthermore, in highly expressed genes of Dalbergia odorifera, we found that genes with stronger CUB exhibited higher expression levels, and these highly expressed genes tended to favor the use of G/C-ending codons. In addition, the branching patterns of the protein-coding sequences and the chloroplast genome sequences were very similar in the systematic tree, and different with the cluster from the CUB of the chloroplast genome. This study highlights the CUB patterns and features of Dalbergia species in different genomes, explores the correlation between CUB preferences and gene expression, and further investigates the systematic evolution of Dalbergia, providing new insights into codon biology and the evolution of Dalbergia plants. Full article

Skin is the first line of defense in the body against external stimulation and injury. Inflammation and oxidative stress in skin cells are the initiators and promoters of several skin diseases. Latifolin is a natural flavonoid isolated from Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of latifolin. The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ (TNF-α/IFN-γ)-treated HaCaT cells, revealing that latifolin inhibited the secretion of Interleukin 6 (IL-6); Interleukin 8 (IL-8); Regulated upon Activation, Normal T Cell Expressed and Presumably Secreted (RANTES); and Macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) while decreasing the expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1). The results of western blots and immunofluorescence demonstrated that the activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B (NF-κB) cells signaling pathways were significantly inhibited by latifolin. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using t-BHP-induced BJ-5ta cells. Latifolin increased the viability of t-BHP-induced BJ-5ta cells. Additionally, fluorescent staining of reactive oxygen species (ROS) showed that the production of ROS was inhibited by latifolin. Additionally, latifolin reduced the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. The results indicate that latifolin has potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may be a candidate natural compound for the treatment of skin diseases. Full article

Neighboring relationships among plants have been extensively reported, but little is known about the effect of waterlogging. In this study, Cleistocalyx operculatus (Roxb.) Merr. and Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen saplings were used in investigating the neighboring relationships between legumes and non-leguminous woody plants under different planting and watering regimes. Results showed that C. operculatus and D. odorifera are waterlogging-tolerant species, and C. operculatus with high proportion of adventitious roots would be at an advantage during waterlogging. The growth performance of D. odorifera was better than that of C. operculatus under well-watered single-planting conditions. However, under well-watered mixed-planting conditions, C. operculatus had an obvious inhibitory effect on the growth traits (increments in stem height and leaf number, total leaf area, and total plant fresh weight) and physiological responses (net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration) of D. odorifera, whereas the growth of C. operculatus slightly increased in the presence of D. odorifera. Under waterlogging mixed-planting conditions, the facilitative effect was more intensive; the total leaf area, underground fresh weight, and total plant fresh weight of C. operculatus significantly increased, but a negative effect was found in D. odorifer. These results showed that the neighboring relationship between these two species is predominantly favorable to C. operculatus. This research sheds new light on screening waterlogging-tolerant arbor species and species collocation during vegetation restoration and reconstruction activities in wetland systems. Full article

Dalbergia odorifera (D. odorifera), commonly named the fragrant rosewood, is one of the second-level protected wild plants in China, and one of 34 species of rosewood in five genera and eight categories in the National Standard of China. As a kind of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it plays an important role in the pharmaceutical industry, including the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, rheumatic pain, etc. With the continuous expansion of the planting area of D. odorifera, the diseases and pests of D. odorifera become more and more serious, among which leaf-eating pests are the most serious. In this study, ultraviolet rays and microwaves were used to mutagenize Beauveria bassiana (B. bassiana) strain HNCMBJ-P-01, and excellent mutant strains with high spore yield and high virulence were screened out, and then they were prepared into a wettable powder for forest control experiments to study their biocontrol effects. The virulence screening test showed that the virulence of strain HBWB-44 was the strongest, and the 10 day corrected mortality rate was 80.00%, and the lethal time was 5.622 days. The results of biological control test showed that the control effect of B. bassiana wettable powder 100 times solution reached 60.89%, second only to the botanical fungicide matrine. Generically, The B. bassiana that we screened and mutated showed a good killing effect on Plecoptera bilinealis (P. bilinealis), and the wettable powder produced by it showed a good control effect on the leaf-eating pests of D. odorifera. The application of fungal insecticides in plantations has a good prospect for controlling the occurrence of leaf-eating pests of D. odorifera. Full article