Search Results (19)

Background: To investigate the protective effects of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. polysaccharides (PAP), alkaloids, and flavonoids in alleviating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and to elucidate the role of the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Methods: Active components were extracted and quantified. In vitro, high-glucose (HG)-induced human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells were used to screen the optimal fraction via CCK-8, reactive oxygen species (ROS), TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL), and Western Blot (WB) assays. In vivo, a DKD rat model was established using 2% Streptozotocin (STZ) and a high-fat with high-sugar diet. Rats were treated with PAP and LY294002. Renal damage and signaling pathway proteins were evaluated using histological staining and WB. Results: Among the tested components, PAP conferred the most pronounced cytoprotection against HG-induced injury in HK-2 cells. PAP significantly reduced glomerular damage, collagen deposition, and glycogen accumulation in the kidneys of DKD rats. Mechanistically, PAP activated the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway, upregulating HO-1 and NQO1, while inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway and Bcl-2/Bax-mediated apoptosis. These protective effects were significantly attenuated by LY294002. Conclusions: Among the tested fractions under the present experimental conditions, PAP exhibited the most pronounced protective activity. These protective effects were partially mediated through the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway, which enhanced antioxidant capacity while reducing fibrosis and apoptosis. Full article

RNA viruses exhibit high mutation rates, necessitating antivirals targeting conserved infection mechanisms. In this study, viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), a non-human pathogenic negative-sense RNA virus, was used as a surrogate model to enable high-throughput antiviral screening under reduced biosafety conditions. A recombinant VHSV expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein was used to screen 17,265 compounds, 2000 plant extracts, and 100 marine extracts. Among the candidates, the leaf extract of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. (PL extract) exhibited antiviral activity with low cytotoxicity (selectivity index ≈ 10). The extract reduced viral infectivity in a dose-dependent manner and showed cross-activity against snakehead rhabdovirus. Mechanistic analyses indicated that the PL extract acts primarily at early stages of infection. Virucidal assays demonstrated direct, time-dependent inactivation of viral particles, while pre-treatment reduced host cell susceptibility. Time-of-addition experiments confirmed that antiviral activity was restricted to early infection, suggesting interference with viral attachment or entry rather than intracellular replication. Fractionation revealed that activity was associated with the non-polar n-hexane fraction, implicating lipophilic compounds that may disrupt viral envelope integrity or membrane interactions. These findings suggest that P. amurense leaf extract is a promising candidate for broad-spectrum antivirals targeting conserved entry processes in enveloped RNA viruses. Full article

Phellodendron amurense Rupr. is a native tree species in China, well known for its significant medicinal value. Its pharmacological activity mainly derives from the abundant isoquinoline alkaloids in its bark. Berberine serves as the key compound underlying the multiple pharmacological effects of P. amurense and exhibits organ-specific accumulation. However, the genetic mechanisms governing this organ-specific accumulation remain unclear. Genes encoding O-methyltransferase (OMT) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) may play an important role in this regulatory process. In this study, by integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic data from the leaves and stems of P. amurense plantlets, we identified core candidate genes and transcription factors (TFs) that regulate the differential biosynthesis of berberine between these two organs. The results showed that 37 metabolites were significantly upregulated in stems, including main medicinal components such as berberine and jatrorrhizine, while 8497 genes were differentially expressed between leaves and stems. Among these, downstream genes in the berberine biosynthesis pathway, including OMTs and CYPs, were predominantly highly expressed in stems. A co-expression regulatory network identified some TFs such as PaBES1, PaWRKY12/13, PaNAC5, and PaMYB12 as the key nodes regulating the differential biosynthesis of berberine. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 97 PaOMTs into four subgroups. Core candidate genes such as PaOMT7 and PaOMT9 were contained in subgroup IV, potentially contributing to the specific modification of characteristic alkaloids in P. amurense. This study reveals the transcriptional regulatory networks underlying the organ-specific accumulation of berberine in P. amurense plantlets, providing key targets and theoretical support for the targeted improvement and development of elite medicinal varieties. Full article

Phellodendri amurensis Cortex is the dried bark of the cork tree (Phellodendron amurense Rupr.) from the Rutaceae family, and possesses traditional efficacy in clearing heat, drying dampness, purging fire, relieving steaming sensations, detoxifying, and healing sores. Clinically, it is commonly used for treating symptoms such as damp-heat diarrhea and dysentery, jaundice with reddish urine, leukorrhea with vaginal itching, painful and difficult urination due to heat strangury, flaccidity and weakness of the lower limbs, bone-steaming and consumptive fever, night sweats and seminal emission, sores, ulcers, swellings, and toxins, eczema, damp sores, and urinary tract infections. Modern pharmacological studies have further revealed its diverse bioactivities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anticancer effects. To provide an updated and comprehensive review of the research into Phellodendri amurensis Cortex, this study conducted a thorough literature search and analysis based on databases such as SciFinder, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The review integrates information on the plant’s botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, traditional applications, chemical components, quality control methods, and pharmacological effects to present a current and holistic overview of its research status. To date, approximately 170 compounds have been isolated and identified from Phellodendri amurensis Cortex, primarily including alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, sterols, lignans, flavonoids, and others. Among these, alkaloids exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and demonstrate potential pharmacological value in antibacterial, anticancer, hypoglycemic, and multi-organ protective effects. Although substantial foundational research exists, the mechanisms of action and quality control of Phellodendri amurensis Cortex require further in-depth exploration. Future efforts should focus on clarifying its pharmacodynamic material basis, uncovering new targets and pathways, and improving analytical methods for component analysis and quality control to advance the scientific development and rational utilization of this medicinal material. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cholestasis is a clinically intractable liver disorder. Da-Huang-Xiao-Shi Decoction (DHXSD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, demonstrates notable efficacy, yet the mechanistic basis for its multi-herb synergy remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to decipher the pharmacokinetic interaction underlying the synergy of DHXSD. Methods: A cholestatic rat model was established in male Sprague Dawley rats. Hepatoprotective efficacy was evaluated, and the pharmacokinetics of anthraquinones were profiled. Key interaction mechanisms were investigated using the everted intestinal sac model, the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)-overexpressing MDCKII cells, and molecular docking simulations. Results: DHXSD provided significantly stronger hepatoprotection than its principal herb Rheum palmatum L. (DaHuang, DH) alone. This enhanced efficacy correlated with an approximate 2-fold increase in the systemic exposure of rhein compared to DH monotherapy. We identified berberine from Phellodendron amurense Rupr. (Huang Bo, HB) as the key synergist, which potently inhibited the BCRP efflux transporter, thereby enhancing rhein absorption. In contrast, geniposide from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Zhi Zi, ZZ) showed minimal effects. Conclusions: This work elucidates a concrete, transporter-mediated pharmacokinetic interaction as the core mechanism underlying herbal synergy in DHXSD. Our findings offer a rational strategy—targeted efflux transporter modulation—for improving the oral bioavailability of challenging drug molecules. Full article

Urban parks, as vital components of urban green infrastructure, can improve urban ecological environments, showcase urban culture, and offer spaces for human recreation and exercise. However, human activities in these parks also produce severe disruption to soil ecosystems. Studying the effects of recreational disturbances on soil properties and microbial communities is crucial for conserving urban biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem services. This study investigated the effects of human recreational disturbances (HRDs) on soil physicochemical properties and bacterial communities in four forest stands (Phellodendron amurense Rupr (Phe amu), Salix matsudana Koidz. (Sal mat), Pinus tabuliformis var. mukdensis (Pin tab), and Picea asperata Mast. (Pie asp)) in Changchun’s South Lake Park. The results showed that HRD significantly reduced soil water content (SWC) and total phosphorus (TP) while increasing soil bulk density (SBD) and pH. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) increased in Phe amu and Pie asp soils but decreased in Sal mat and Pin tab soils (p < 0.05). Electrical conductivity (EC) changes were inversely related to SOC and TN trends. Dominant bacterial phyla included Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Chloroflexi. HRD reduced bacterial species richness and diversity by 5.3% and 7.6%, respectively. SWC and SBD were key factors influencing bacterial community dynamics, with SBD affecting Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Myxococcota, and SWC impacting Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota. These findings provide insights for urban park management, supporting soil microbial diversity and sustainable urban ecosystem development. Full article

Phellodendri cortex (PC), the dried trunk bark of Phellodendron amurense RUPR, has traditionally been used to treat patients who suffer from gastroenteritis, abdominal pain or diarrhea. Its major bioactive compounds include alkaloids and limonin, and many physiological activities including anti-microbial, anti-ulcer and anti-cancer as well as anti-inflammation have been reported. Although PC is an effective anti-inflammatory natural substance that inhibits the inflammatory response, its effect on allergic asthma has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-asthmatic effects of PC in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of asthma. As a result, PC inhibited airway eosinophil accumulation, the influx of inflammatory cells, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and/or lung, as well as OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the serum. Furthermore, PC suppressed the gene expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TARC and CCR3, and attenuated unique histological changes that are associated with airway inflammatory reactions including the infiltration of various inflammatory cells, collagen deposition and goblet cell hyperplasia in lung tissues. These results indicate that PC may have preventive and/or therapeutic effects for allergic asthma via the inhibition of cytokines, chemokines and chemokine receptors associated with allergic inflammation. Full article

This study investigates the seasonal dynamics and stoichiometric characteristics of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in four representative tree species—Juglans mandshurica Maxim., Phellodendron amurense Rupr. Quercus mongolica Fischer ex Ledebour and Fraxinus mandschurica Rupr.—at the Harbin Urban Forestry Demonstration Base, over the period 2022–2024. We monitored the nutrient content in tree leaves, trunks, branches, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and soil. Specifically, leaf N content in J. mandshurica decreased from 2.5% in May to 1.2% in November, while leaf P content in P. amurense dropped from 0.15% in June to 0.08% by the end of the growing season. Nutrient content in tree trunks and branches increased in the later growth stages, with trunk C content in Q. mongolica rising from 45% in May to 52% in November. Soil nutrients generally decreased over the growing season, with soil P content in F. mandshurica plantations declining from 0.12% in May to 0.06% in September. Moreover, the C:N and C:P ratios in tree and herb leaves, as well as in soil, increased during the growing period, while the N:P ratio in shrubs increased towards the end of the growth cycle. The study found significant correlations between specific nutrients in the leaves of trees and their surrounding soils. For instance, leaf C in J. mandshurica was positively correlated with soil C, while herbaceous plant P was positively correlated with soil N and leaf N with soil P. These relationships suggest that leaf N absorption is limited by soil P and herbaceous P by soil N. The analysis of nutrient correlations between shrubs, herbs, and trees showed a partial positive correlation between understory plants and tree leaf nutrients, indicating relatively weak competition among different plant groups. Furthermore, in P. amurense plantations, the P content in understory herbs was significantly positively correlated with soil P, suggesting that low soil phosphorus limits tree growth in this area. No significant correlation between soil and leaf nutrients was found in Q. mongolica plantations. In contrast, in F. mandshurica plantations, soil C and N were significantly positively correlated with tree leaf C, and understory shrub P and herb P were positively correlated with soil P, suggesting that leaf C absorption is constrained by soil C and N. Overall, this study highlights the nutrient competition between understory vegetation and tree layers, with all species showing a negative correlation between understory vegetation and tree nutrients, indicating nutrient competition. These findings provide valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of urban forests and offer guidance for optimizing urban forest management strategies. Full article

Leaf morphology and anatomy traits are key determinants for plant performance; however, their roles within compound leaves—comprising both leaflets and petioles—remain insufficiently studied. This study examined the anatomy, morphology, and biomass allocation of leaflets and petioles in three temperate species (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., Juglans mandshurica Maxim., and Phellodendron amurense Rupr.). The results showed pronounced anatomical variations within the whole leaf. Specifically, as phyllotaxy increased, the number of conduits significantly increased in petioles but showed less variation. Within the same growth position, the number of conduits was highest in the petiole, followed by the petiolule, main vein, and minor veins. In the terminal leaf vascular network, thinner conduits of minor veins may result in a lower hydraulic efficiency but a higher resistance to embolism. Biomass allocation favored leaflets over petioles in all three examined species. Additionally, the specific leaf area slightly increased with an increase in the degree of phyllotaxy. These findings underscore the trade-offs of efficiency and safety in vascular tissues, as well as the expanding leaf and investment between the leaflet and petiole. Full article

Phellodendron amurense Rupr. is a precious medicinal tree species in northeast China. However, P. amurense resources have been severely destroyed due to uncontrolled overharvest and the limited innovation of new germplasms by traditional cross-breeding. In this study, polyploid breeding was introduced to the improvement program of P. amurense. Fifty-four tetraploid plants of P. amurense were first produced by colchicine-induced adventitious bud chromosome doubling in stem segment explants. The induction frequency reached 36.16% (1.0 g L⁻¹ colchicine solution for 48 h treatment) and 50.00% (2.0 g L⁻¹ colchicine solution for 24 h treatment), respectively, showing the high efficiency of the somatic chromosome doubling based on the organogenesis system. Tetraploidization resulted in significant phenotypic variation, such as larger and thicker leaves, thicker stems, and bigger stomata. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) analysis identified 59 differentially accumulated alkaloids (DAAs) between the leaf and stem samples of tetraploids, including 32 upregulated and 27 downregulated in stems. For both leaf and stem samples, 18 DAAs were identified between diploids and tetraploids, with 16 DAAs upregulated in tetraploid leaves and 8 upregulated in tetraploid stems, suggesting that polyploidization caused significant alterations in alkaloid contents in leaves and stems of P. amurense. The contents of the main medicinal compounds, such as berberine, jatrorrhizine, phellodendrine, and palmatine, increased significantly in the leaf and/or stem samples after polyploidization. This finding implied that polyploid breeding might be an effective approach for improving P. amurense, beneficial to preserving and exploiting natural resources. Full article

Three berberine-containing plant extracts were investigated for their pharmacological properties. The stems and leaves of Berberis vulgaris, Mahonia aquifolium, and Phellodendron amurense were characterized through scanning electron microscopy. The plant extracts obtained from fresh stem barks were further analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography, revealing berberine concentrations, among berbamine and palmatine. The plant extracts were further tested for their anticancer potential against 2D and 3D human skin melanoma (A375) and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell lines. The concentrations at which 50% of the cells are affected was determined by the viability assay and it was shown that B. vulgaris, the plant extract with the highest berberine concentration, is the most efficient inhibitor (0.4% extract concentration for the 2D model and 3.8% for the 3D model). The membrane integrity and nitrate/nitrite concentration assays were consistent with the viability results and showed effective anticancer potential. For further investigations, the B. vulgaris extract was used to obtain silver nanoparticles, which were characterized through transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The formed nanoparticles have a uniform size distribution and are suited for future investigations in the field of biomedical applications, together with the B. vulgaris plant extract. Full article

Obacunone, a natural triterpenoid, is an active component of the herbs Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. and Phellodendron amurense Rupr, and an indicator of the herbs’ quality. Owing to its multiple health benefits, several studies have investigated the multi-targeting potential action mechanisms of obacunone. To summarize recent developments on the pharmacological actions of obacunone and focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling networks, we searched PubMed, Europe PMC, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Wanfang Medical Network, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for articles published prior to March 2024. Existing research indicates obacunone has great potential to become a promising therapeutic option against tumors, fibrotic diseases, bone and cholesterol metabolism diseases, and infections of pathogenic microorganisms, among others. The paper contributes to providing up-to-date references for further research and clinical applications of obacunone. Full article

Phellodendron amurense Rupr., a species of Rutaceae, is a nationally protected and valuable medicinal plant. It is generally considered to be dioecious. With the discovery of monoecious P. amurense, the phenomenon that its sex development is regulated by epigenetics has been revealed, but the way epigenetics affects the sex differentiation of P. amurense is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of DNA methylation on the sexual development of P. amurense. The young inflorescences of male plants were treated with the demethylation agent 5-azaC, and the induced female flowers were obtained. The induced female flowers’ morphological functions and transcriptome levels were close to those of normally developed plants. Genes associated with the development of female flowers were studied by comparing the differences in transcriptome levels between the male and female flowers. Referring to sex-related genes reported in other plants, 188 candidate genes related to the development of female flowers were obtained, including sex-regulating genes, genes related to the formation and development of sexual organs, genes related to biochemical pathways, and hormone-related genes. RPP0W, PAL3, MCM2, MCM6, SUP, PIN1, AINTEGUMENTA, AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE6, AGL11, SEUSS, SHI-RELATED SEQUENCE 5, and ESR2 were preliminarily considered the key genes for female flower development. This study has demonstrated that epigenetics was involved in the sex regulation of P. amurense, with DNA methylation as one of its regulatory modes. Moreover, some candidate genes related to the sexual differentiation of P. amurense were obtained with analysis. These results are of great significance for further exploring the mechanism of sex differentiation of P. amurense and studying of sex differentiation of plants. Full article

The application of plant dyes in the textile industry has been very limited due to their limited sources, incomplete color space, and narrow color gamut, etc. Therefore, studies of the color properties and color gamut of natural dyes and the corresponding dyeing processes are essential for completing the color space of natural dyes and their application. In this study, water extract from the bark of Phellodendron amurense (P. amurense) was used as a dye. Dyeing properties, color gamut, and color evaluation of dyed cotton fabrics were studied, and optimal dyeing conditions were obtained. The results showed that the optimal dyeing process was pre-mordanting with liquor ratio at 1:50, P. amurense dye concentration at 5.2 g/L, mordant concentration (aluminum potassium sulfate) at 5 g/L, dyeing temperature at 70 °C, dyeing time of 30 min, mordanting time of 15 min, and pH 5. Through the optimization of the dyeing process, a maximum color gamut range was obtained with lightness L* value from 74.33 to 91.23, a* value from −0.89 to 2.96, b* value from 4.62 to 34.08, chroma C* value from 5.49 to 34.09, and hue angle h° value from 57.35° to 91.57°. Colors from light yellow to dark yellow were obtained, among which 12 colors were identified according to the Pantone Matching Systems. The color fastness against soap-washing, rubbing, and sunlight on the dyed cotton fabrics all reached grade 3 level or above, further expanding the applicability of natural dyes. Full article

Royal jelly is a specific product secreted by honeybees, and has been sought after to maintain health because of its valuable bioactive substances, e.g., lipids and vitamins. The lipids in royal jelly come from the bee pollen consumed by honeybees, and different plant source of bee pollen affects the lipid composition of royal jelly. However, the effect of bee pollen consumption on the lipid composition of royal jelly remains unclear. Herein, we examined the influence of two factors on the lipid composition of royal jelly: first, two plant sources of bee pollen, i.e., Acer mono Maxim. (BP-Am) and Phellodendron amurense Rupr. (BP-Pa); secondly, different feeding times. Lipidomic analyses were conducted on the royal jelly produced by honeybees fed BP-Am or BP-Pa using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The results showed that the phospholipid and fatty acid contents differed in royal jelly produced by honeybees fed BP-Am compared to those fed BP-Pa. There were also differences between timepoints, with many lipid compounds decreasing in abundance soon after single-pollen feeding began, slowly increasing over time, then decreasing again after 30 days of single-pollen feeding. The single bee pollen diet destroyed the nutritional balance of bee colonies and affected the development of hypopharyngeal and maxillary glands, resulting in differences in royal jelly quality. This study provides guidance for optimal selection of honeybee feed for the production of high-quality royal jelly. Full article