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Atractylodes species are widely distributed across East Asia and are cultivated as medicinal herbs in China, Japan, and Korea. Their unclear morphological characteristics and low levels of genetic divergence obscure the taxonomic relationships among these species. In this study, 24 plant samples were collected representing five species of Atractylodes located in China; of these, 23 belonged to members of the A. lancea complex. High-throughput sequencing was used to obtain the concatenated nrDNA sequences (18SITS1-5.8S-ITS2-28S) and plastid genomes. The concatenated nrDNA sequence lengths for all the Atractylodes species were 5,849 bp, and the GC content was 55%. The lengths of the whole plastid genome sequences ranged from 152,138 bp (A. chinensis) to 153,268 bp (A. lancea), while their insertion/deletion sites were mainly distributed in the intergenic regions. Furthermore, 33, 34, 36, 31, and 32 tandem repeat sequences, as well as 30, 30, 29, 30, and 30 SSR loci, were detected in A. chinensis, A. koreana, A. lancea, A. japonica, and A. macrocephala, respectively. In addition to these findings, a considerable number of heteroplasmic variations were detected in the plastid genomes, implying a complicated phylogenetic history for Atractylodes. The results of the phylogenetic analysis involving concatenated nrDNA sequences showed that A. lancea and A. japonica formed two separate clades, with A. chinensis and A. koreana constituting their sister clade, while A. lancea, A. koreana, A. chinensis, and A. japonica were found based on plastid datasets to represent a mixed clade on the phylogenetic tree. Phylogenetic network analysis suggested that A. lancea may have hybridized with the common ancestor of A. chinensis and A. japonica, while ABBA-BABA tests of SNPs in the plastid genomes showed that A. chinensis was more closely related to A. japonica than to A. lancea. This study reveals the extensive discordance and complexity of the relationships across the members of the A. lancea complex (A. lancea, A. chinensis, A. koreana, and A. japonica) according to cytonuclear genomic data; this may be caused by interspecific hybridization or gene introgression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The East Asian–Tethyan disjunction pattern and its mechanisms of formation have long been of interest to researchers. Here, we studied the biogeographical history of Asteraceae tribe Cardueae, with a particular focus on the temperate East Asian genus Atractylodes DC. to understand the role of tectonic and climatic events in driving the diversification and disjunctions of the genus. Methods A total of 76 samples of Atractylodes from 36 locations were collected for RAD-sequencing. Three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) datasets based on different filtering strategies were used for phylogenetic analyses. Molecular dating and ancestral distribution reconstruction were performed using both chloroplast DNA sequences (127 Cardueae samples) and SNP (36 Atractylodes samples) datasets. Key Results Six species of Atractylodes were well resolved as individually monophyletic, although some introgression was identified among accessions of A. chinensis , A. lancea and A. koreana. Dispersal of the subtribe Carlininae from the Mediterranean to East Asia occurred after divergence between Atractylodes and Carlina L. +  Atractylis L. +  Thevenotia DC. at ~31.57 Ma, resulting in an East Asian–Tethyan disjunction. Diversification of Atractylodes in East Asia mainly occurred from the Late Miocene to the Early Pleistocene. Conclusions Aridification of Asia and the closure of the Turgai Strait in the Late Oligocene promoted the dispersal of Cardueae from the Mediterranean to East China. Subsequent uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau as well as changes in Asian monsoon systems resulted in an East Asian–Tethyan disjunction between Atractylodes and Carlina  +  Atractylis  +  Thevenotia. In addition, Late Miocene to Quaternary climates and sea level fluctuations played major roles in the diversification of Atractylodes. Through this study of different taxonomic levels using genomic data, we have revealed an overlooked dispersal route between the Mediterranean and far East Asia (Japan/Korea) via Central Asia and East China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new polyacetylenes (1–3), together with six known polyacetylenes (4–9), were isolated from a 95% aqueous ethanol extract of the Atractylodes japonica Koidz.ez Kitam. Their structures were elucidated by HR-ESI -MS and NMR techniques as well as comparison with those reported in literatures. The cytotoxic activity of 1–3 were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) is one of the main complications of diabetes, and more than half of diabetes cases are accompanied by gastroparesis. This study aims to explore the effect of Atractylodes chinensis volatile oil (ACVO) on DGP rats. Materials and Methods: The rats were injected with STZ combined with a high-sugar and high-fat diet in an irregular manner to establish the DGP model. ACVO at different doses (9.11 mg/kg, 18.23 mg/kg, and 36.45 mg/kg) were given by intragastric administration. A mixture of cisapride and metformin was used as the positive control. At the end of the experiment, gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion were determined. Then the tissue samples and blood were taken from each group for serum analysis, western blot and immunopathological examination. Results: After treatment with ACVO, body weight increased and blood glucose decreased when compared with rats in the DGP group. Gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion were accelerated, and gastric acid secretion increased. The serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level was increased. Protein expressions and positive cells of IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), acetylcholine transferase (CHAT), and stem cell factors (SCF) in the stomach were significantly increased determined by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The morphology and the number of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in the stomach were restored, determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Conclusion: ACVO effectively alleviated DGP in rats, and its mechanism may be related to the upregulation of IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the chitosan‐based release microspheres were prepared by spray drying method. Chitosan was used as the carrier material, and Panax notoginseng extract, Codonopsis extract, and Atractylodes extract (the mass ratio was 2:7:5) were active substance. The spray drying preparation process of microsphere was optimized by single factor experiment and L9 (34) orthogonal design. Drug loading (DL), particle size, and sustained release performance of microspheres were investigated. The mass fraction of chitosan was 1.5%, the mass ratio of drug to chitosan was 1:3, the inlet air temperature was 130°C, and the injection rate was 400 ml/hr. The chitosan‐based microspheres prepared under the above conditions had a smooth surface, and the DL was 23.87 ± 0.93%; the average particle diameter was 10.27 ± 1.05 μm, and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the microspheres was 91.28 ± 1.04%. The preparation process of chitosan‐based drug microsphere prepared by spray drying method was simple and stable. The prepared microspheres in this paper showed a sustained release effect in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article aimed to study intestinal absorption and pharmacokinetic characterization of three atractylenolides from low polar component of Atractylodes (LPA). LC-MS method was used to find absorbed components combined with pharmacochemistry and to determine plasma concentration combined with DAS 3.0 to calculate the PK parameters. Moreover, the everted gut sac model was used to investigate rat small intestinal absorption and transport characterization of atractylenolide I, II, III. In total, eight components were identified from the absorbed components, including two lactones (6, 7), three volatile oil (2, 3, 8), acids (1), prenylated dihydrobenzofuran derivative (4) and luteolin (5), respectively. The three atractylenolides are rapidly absorbed with Tmax as 1 h and more compatible with the two-compartment model in rats, and good linearity between Cmax and concentration. The cumulative absorption per unit area Q (ug·cm−2) of three atractylenolides were no significant difference and all linearly absorbed with different time, concentration in different intestinal segments, which indicated its absorption process was passive transport. In addition, the atractylenolides III showed most high absorption rate in all intestinal segments, and the absorption site of atractylenolides II was mainly duodenum segments. LC-MS is a systematically applicable approach for rapid screening, identification and quanlitation of absorbed components derived from atractylodes in vivo. Three atractylenolides showed similar PK characterization and passive transport through all intestinal segments. It looks more safe with less drug interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Recent studies have demonstrated that leaf inhabiting endophytic bacteria can be selective derived from the air, and root inhabiting endophytic bacteria can selectively come from the soil. We wonder if inhabiting bacteria in plant leaves can also come from the roots, and vice versa.Methods: We designed an experimental device to study plant Atractylodes lancea acquirements of bacterial endophytes from both the inside and abiotic environment. Inhabiting bacterial microbiota and volatile oil profiles in leaf and root compartment of Atractylodes lancea were estimated through Illumina Mi-seq platform and gas chromatography, respectively.Results: The majority of inhabiting bacterial endophytes in leaves and roots were coming from the soil. However, air-borne bacteria also participated in defining root endophytic bacteria populations. The bacteria population from different Atractylodes lancea compartments are under different selection, thus ultimately root and leaf endophyte types differ, which ultimately influence the volatile oil profiles in the leaf and root compartments of Atractylodes lancea.Conclusions: These results provide a first glimpse of the inhabiting bacterial microbiota that transmit between inside of plant leaf and root compartments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atractylodes japonica has been commonly used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in Korean traditional medicine. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are pacemaker cells in the GI tract and can regulate GI motility. Objective: To investigate the effects of the extract of Atractylodes japonica (AJE) on pacemaker potentials generated by ICCs from murine small intestine. Materials and Methods: Enzymatic digestion was performed to dissociate ICCs. All experiments on ICCs were performed after 12 h of culture. The whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record pacemaker potentials generated by ICC. Results: AJE (0.1—1 mg/mL) depolarized pacemaker potentials in a concentration-dependent manner and decreased the amplitudes of pacemaker potentials at all concentrations in the current-clamp mode. Pretreatment with Y25130 (a 5-HT3receptor antagonist), RS39604 (a 5-HT4receptor antagonist), or SB269970 (a 5-HT7receptor antagonist) had no effects on depolarization of pacemaker potentials induced by AJE. In addition, pretreatment with 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide (a muscarinic M3receptor antagonist) inhibited AJE-induced depolarization of pacemaker potential; however, pretreatment with methoctramine (a muscarinic M2receptor antagonist) did not affect depolarization of pacemaker potentials induced by AJE. In the presence of an external Na+-free solution, the pacemaker potentials decreased, and under this condition, AJE did not depolarize the pacemaker potentials. Flufenamic acid, a nonselective cation channel (NSCC) blocker, decreased the pacemaker potential, which in turn inhibited AJE-induced depolarization of pacemaker potential. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that AJE depolarized the pacemaker potentials generated by ICC by stimulating muscarinic M3receptors, but not 5-HT receptors, through NSCCs. Therefore, AJE can be a novel prokinetic agent. Abbreviations used: ICCs:Interstitial cells of Cajal, GI:Gastrointestinal, NSCC:Non-selective cation channel, TRP:Transient receptor potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (AL) is usually used for the treatment of various diseases such as spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS). Both bran-processed and crude AL is included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The different efficacies of bran-processed and crude AL on SDS are largely unknown, and the mechanisms of AL effects have not been fully elucidated. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the effects of bran-processed and crude AL and then assess the mechanisms of treating SDS. Materials and Methods: The model of SDS in rats was established using excessive exertion, combined with an irregular diet and intragastric administration of the extract of Sennae Folium, and different doses of bran-processed and crude AL were gavaged. The serum was analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and small intestinal tissues were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The injury of SDS was alleviated by the treatment of bran-processed and crude AL. Compared to model group, the indexes of trypsin (TRY), amylase (AMS), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SS), gastrin (GAS), substance P (SP), Na+-K+-ATPase, and succinic dehydrogenase in serum of each administration group were increased by ELISA, and the mRNA expressions of VIP, SS, GAS, and SP in small intestinal tissues were increased by RT-PCR. Furthermore, in a dose-dependent manner, the bran-processed and crude AL increased the levels of TRY, AMS, VIP, and GAS and the mRNA expression levels of VIP. Compared with the crude AL, the bran-processed AL was more effective in treating SDS. Conclusion: Through the mechanisms of treating SDS by AL, both bran-processed and crude AL has alleviated the symptoms of SDS. Abbreviations used: AL: Atractylodes lancea; TRY: Trypsin; AMS: Amylase; VIP: Vasoactive intestinal peptide; SS: Somatostatin; GAS: Gastrin; SP: Substance P; ELISA: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; mRNA: Messenger ribonucleic acid; SDH: Succinic dehydrogenase; RT-PCR: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine; SDS: Spleen deficiency syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractylodes japonica is a source of herbal medicinal material "Sab-Joo" for herbal medicine "Baekchul" in Korea. Volatile aroma compounds may play some valuable therapeutic activities. Volatiles in raw and dried Sab-Joo(the rhizome of A. japonica) were analyzed by GC-MS after a dynamic headspace method. The mashed samples were stabilized at 40°C for 30min and volatile compounds were captured by 100 ㎛ polydimethylsiloxane coated SPME fiber just before DB-5MS column separation followed by mass spectrometric analysis (with electron impact mode).Among 58 detected peaks, the 15 major components were observed for their fate after drying of Sab-Joo. β-Elemene, β-maaliene, 2,3,4,5-tetramethyltricyclo[3.2.1.02,7] oct-3-ene, curcumene, 1-(3,3-dimethyl-but-1-ynyl)-1,2-dimethyl-3-methylene-cyclopropane, guaia-10,11- diene, and furanodiene were diminished after drying. α-Selinene and valencene were almost disappeared in dried Sab-Joo. Among the eight volatiles relatively increased after drying, five components, such as β-patchoulene, valencene, α-selinene, 9,10-dehydro-Isolongifolene, and (-)-aristolene were more than doubled up(percent change over 100%). β-Patchoulene, valencene increased about four times after drying. The major volatiles over 5%(NPA%) in the dried sample were all sesquiterpenes having molecular formula C15H24 (MW=204).The relative quantitative volatile profiles were quite different before and after drying Sab- Joo. Therefore the fate of the pharmaceutically/toxicallyimportant volatile components by the simple drying process should be carefully studied to maximize the efficacy and minimize the risk of the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the primary cause of ventricular remodeling (VR). The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma (AMR) on VR induced by isoproterenol (ISO) in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal control, ISO-induced and AMR groups. Rats in the ISO-induced and AMR groups were subcutaneously injected with 85 mg/kg/day ISO for two consecutive days. Compared with the ISO-induced group, AMR normalized the levels of hemodynamic parameters, markedly attenuated myocardial pathological damage, decreased the level of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, and inhibited cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. In addition, AMR inhibited oxidative stress and activation of the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) when compared with the ISO-induced group. The results of the present study suggest that AMR may reverse VR via its antioxidative effect and inhibition of RAAS activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] To investigate the infrared identification of ZhuQin Formula and Atractylodes polysaccharides and its effect on immune function in immunocompromised mice. [Methods] In this experiment, the structure of polysaccharides was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The experiment was divided into the polysaccharide groups of high, medium and low dose of ZhuQin, the extraction group of ZhuQin, the polysaccharide group of Atractylodes, the positive drug group, the blank group and the model group. The model of immunosuppressed mice was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide. The carbon clearance index, immune organ index, serum hemolysin, spleen T and B lymphocyte transformation rate were determined. [Results] The results show that the polysaccharides have obvious absorption peaks of polysaccharides; Formula extracts and polysaccharides can enhance the immune function of immunosuppressive mice at a certain dose level, and the effect of formula polysaccharide is better than that of extract and single traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides. [Conclusions] The results suggest that the polysaccharides of ZhuQin Formula and Atractylodes may be acidic polysaccharides containing pyran ring and furan ring. ZhuQin Formula polysaccharide may play an immunomodulatory role manly by improving the specific immunity of the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese Pharmacopoeia defines byakujutsu (Atractylodes rhizome) as the rhizome of Atractylodes japonica or A. macrocephala and sojutsu (Atractylodes lancea rhizome) as the rhizome of A. lancea, A. chinensis, or their interspecific hybrids. Because their pharmaceutical uses differ in traditional Japanese Kampo medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, with less apparent scientific evidence, we compared the pharmacological properties between byakujutsu and sojutsu. Crude drug specimens of byakujutsu ( n = 40) and sojutsu ( n = 49) obtained in markets were identified by their species using DNA profiling. Their pharmacological properties were evaluated by the inhibitory effect of a MeOH extract of the samples on nitric oxide (NO) production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells and by the inducing effect of boiling water extract of the samples on granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) secretion from murine normal colonic epithelial MCE301 cells. We authenticated A. macrocephala ( n = 8), A. japonica ( n = 35), and the hybrid between A. macrocephala and A. japonica ( n = 1), and they were used as byakujutsu. We authenticated A. chinensis ( n = 25), A. lancea ( n = 14), and the hybrid between A. chinensis and A. lancea ( n = 6), and they were used as sojutsu. The inhibitory effects of byakujutsu on NO production were significantly higher than those of sojutsu ( P < 0.05). This activity of A. japonica rhizome was significantly higher than that of A. macrocephala rhizome and A. lancea rhizome ( P < 0.01). The activity of A. chinensis rhizome was significantly higher than that of A. lancea rhizome ( P < 0.05). The extract of A. japonica rhizome significantly induced G-CSF secretion from MCE301 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These effects of byakujutsu samples were not significantly different from those of sojutsu samples. A. japonica rhizome had significantly higher activity than A. macrocephala rhizome; however, there were no statistically significant differences among A. japonica, A. chinensis, and A. lancea. The pharmacological differences of byakujutsu and sojutsu may not be large among highly variated crude drug samples with average values, and quality control with the identification of the original plant species of byakujutsu and sojutsu may guarantee their pharmacological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a progressively fatal form of cancer originating from the malignant transformation of hepatic biliary cholangiocytes. The present study reports for the first time in vitro growth inhibitory activities of β-eudesmol, the bioactive sesquiterpenoid present in the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC., with respect to its underlying potential effects on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) production, STAT1/3 phosphorylation, and NF-κB protein expression in human CCA cell line CL-6. The cytotoxic effect of β-eudesmol on CL-6 cells was evaluated by MTT assay using normal human embryonic fibroblast (OUMS) as a control cell line. Results indicated that β-eudesmol exhibited selective cytotoxicity towards CL-6 compared to OUMS with mean (±SD) IC50 (concentration that inhibits cell growth by 50%) values of 166.75 ± 3.69 and 240.01 ± 16.54 μmol/L, respectively. In addition, it also significantly suppressed colony forming and wound healing ability of CL-6 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis indicated that β-eudesmol treatment resulted in significant suppression of HO-1 production in CL-6 cells. Its inhibitory effects on the phosphorylation of STAT1/3 proteins and expression of NF-κB (p65 and p50) proteins were concentration-dependent. Taken together, these results suggest that β-eudesmol exerts significant growth inhibitory activity on CL-6 cells that may be linked to its inhibitory effect on the production of HO-1, phosphorylation of STAT1/3, and expression of major NF-κB proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Atractylodis rhizoma is one of the most often used drugs in traditional Chinese medicine. Stir frying with wheat bran is the most common processing method. To clarify the principle of processing, an experiment was carried out to compare the tissue distribution of typical constituent after oral administration of raw A. rhizoma and processed ones. Objective: To compare the tissues distribution of atractylodin after oral administration of raw and processed A. rhizoma and clarify the processing principle of A. rhizoma. Materials and Methods: High-performance liquid chromatogram with ultraviolet detection was developed and validated for the determination of atractylodin in rat tissues. Results: The atractylodin in raw and processed A. rhizoma was distributed in all tissues involved in this study. Conclusions: The concentration of atractylodin in it is the highest in the stomach and small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractylodes rhizome is widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Although the chemical composition of the root has been studied in detail, the oil content and fatty acid composition of the seeds of Atractylodes species have not been reported. Fatty acyl composition of seeds from Atractylodes lancea and A. macrocephala was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry of fatty acid methyl esters and 3-pyridylcarbinol esters. The predominant fatty acid in the seeds of both species was linolenic acid, but the unusual acetylenic fatty acid, crepenynic acid ( cis-9-octadecen-12-ynoic acid), was also observed at levels of 18% in A. lancea and 13-15% in A. macrocephala. Fatty acid content was 24% for the samples of A. lancea and 16-17% for samples from A. macrocephala. sn-1,3 regioselective lipase digestion of seed lipids revealed that crepenynic acid was absent from the sn-2 position of the seed triacylglycerol. Crepenynic acid was also found in the seed oil of Jurinea mollis at 24% and was not present in the sn-2 position of the TAG. A contrasting distribution of crepenynic acid was found in the oil of Crepis rubra, suggesting differences in crepenynic acid synthesis or TAG assembly between these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress and apoptosis are the major mechanisms that induce dopaminergic cell death. Our study investigates the protective effects of atractylenolide-I (ATR-I) on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced cytotoxicity in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells, as well as its underlying mechanism. Our experimental data indicates that ATR-I significantly inhibits the loss of cell viability induced by MPP+ in SH-SY5Y cells. To further unravel the mechanism, we examined the effect of ATR-I on MPP+-induced apoptotic cell death characterized by an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio, the release of cytochrome-c, and the activation of caspase-3 leading to elevated levels of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) resulting in SH-SY5Y cell death. Our results demonstrated that ATR-I decreases the level of pro-apoptotic proteins induced by MPP+ and also restored Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA levels, which are critical for inducing apoptosis. In addition, ATR-I demonstrated a significant increase in the protein expression of heme-oxygenase in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. These results suggest that the pharmacological effect of ATR-I may be, at least in part, caused by the reduction in pro-apoptotic signals and also by induction of anti-oxidant protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractylodes rhizome is a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal herb that comprises complex several species whose essential oils are the primary pharmacologically active component. Essential oils of Atractylodes lancea and Atractylodes koreana were extracted by hydrodistillation, and the yield was determined. The average yield of essential oil obtained from A. lancea (2.91%) was higher than that from A. koreana (2.42%). The volatile components of the essential oils were then identified by a gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method that demonstrated good precision. The method showed clear differences in the numbers and contents of volatile components between the two species. 41 and 45 volatile components were identified in A. lancea and A. koreana, respectively. Atractylon (48.68%) was the primary volatile component in A. lancea, while eudesma-4(14)-en-11-ol (11.81%) was major in A. koreana. However, the most significant difference between A. lancea and A. koreana was the major component of atractylon and atractydin. Principal component analysis was utilized to reveal the correlation between volatile components and species, and the analysis was used to successfully discriminate between A. lancea and A. koreana samples. These results suggest that different species of Atractylodes rhizome may yield essential oils that differ significantly in content and composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractylenolides compounds (atractylenolide-I, atractylenolide- II and atractylenolide- III) extracted from Atractylenolides macrocephala were analysed for their differential presence in the rhizome of both the infected and healthy plants and its fungitoxicity on prophylactic treatment with polysaccharides of Chrysanthemum indicum against Sclerotium rolfsii. It was evident that the plant under stress by pathogen has instigated the significant synthesis and accumulation of atractylenolide- II and atractylenolide- III in the rhizome of plants as a result of elicitation with polysaccharides of C. indicum. Our results also showed that the absence of atractylenolide- II in the rhizome made the plant susceptible to S. rolfsii. Furthermore, on in vitro antifungal studies, exogenous application of atractylenolide- II with the concentration of 200 μg/ml showed a significant inhibitory effect on mycelial growth by achieving a 77.23% antifungal activity rate, and a minimal inhibitory effect at a concentration of 12.5 μg/ml with atractylenolide- II. To our knowledge, this novel study on phytoalexins in A. macrocephala suggested that A. macrocephala plants produce elevated levels of atractylenolide- II and atractylenolide- III in a pattern typical of phytoalexins, in response to an eliciting treatment after infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion : Pseudomonas fluorescens induces gibberellin and ethylene signaling via hydrogen peroxide in planta . Ethylene activates abscisic acid signaling. Hormones increase sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis gene expression and enzyme activity, inducing essential oil accumulation. Atractylodes lancea is a famous Chinese medicinal plant, whose main active components are essential oils. Wild A. lancea has become endangered due to habitat destruction and over-exploitation. Although cultivation can ensure production of the medicinal material, the essential oil content in cultivated A. lancea is significantly lower than that in the wild herb. The application of microbes as elicitors has become an effective strategy to increase essential oil accumulation in cultivated A. lancea. Our previous study identified an endophytic bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens ALEB7B, which can increase essential oil accumulation in A. lancea more efficiently than other endophytes; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown (Physiol Plantarum 153:30-42, 2015; Appl Environ Microb 82:1577-1585, 2016). This study demonstrates that P. fluorescens ALEB7B firstly induces hydrogen peroxide (HO) signaling in A. lancea, which then simultaneously activates gibberellin (GA) and ethylene (ET) signaling. Subsequently, ET activates abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. GA and ABA signaling increase expression of HMGR and DXR, which encode key enzymes involved in sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis, leading to increased levels of the corresponding enzymes and then an accumulation of essential oils. Specific reactive oxygen species and hormone signaling cascades induced by P. fluorescens ALEB7B may contribute to high-efficiency essential oil accumulation in A. lancea. Illustrating the regulation mechanisms underlying P. fluorescens ALEB7B-induced essential oil accumulation not only provides the theoretical basis for the inducible synthesis of terpenoids in many medicinal plants, but also further reveals the complex and diverse interactions among different plants and their endophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractylodin is one of the major constituents of the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea, which is widely used in Korean traditional medicine as a remedy for the treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcers. Despite of a major constituent of widely used botanical to treat inflammatory responses little is known about anti-inflammatory effect of atractylodin in the human mast cell (HMC-1). Hence, we evaluated the effect of atractylodin on the release of IL-6, the involvement of nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (NPM-ALK) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and A23187-induced HMC-1. In addition, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phospholipase C (PLC) gamma 1, and AKT phosphorylation relevant to NPM-ALK signal pathway were assessed. IL-6 levels in the HMC-1 stimulated by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and A23187 were apparently decreased by the treatment of atractylodin. Concurrently, atractylodin not only inhibited the phosphorylation of NPM-ALK, but also suppressed the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3, PLC gamma 1, and AKT. Furthermore, the activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and A23187 were inhibited by atractylodin. These results suggested that atractylodin might have a potential regulatory effect on inflammatory mediator expression through blockade of both the phosphorylation of MAPKs and the NPM-ALK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the feasibility of gas chromatography with flame ionization detection fingerprinting combined with chemometrics for quality analysis of Atractylodes rhizome. We extracted essential oils from 20 Atractylodes lancea and Atractylodes koreana samples by hydrodistillation. The variation in extraction yields (1.33-4.06%) suggested that contents of the essential oils differed between species. The volatile components (atractylon, atractydin, and atractylenolide I, II, and III) were quantified by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and confirmed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, and the results demonstrated that the number and content of volatile components differed between A. lancea and A. koreana. We then calculated the relative peak areas of common components and similarities of samples by comparing the chromatograms of A. lancea and A. koreana extracts. Also, we employed several chemometric techniques, including similarity analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, principal component analysis, and partial least-squares discriminate analysis, to analyze the samples. Results were consistent across analytical methods and showed that samples could be separated according to species. Five volatile components in the essential oils were quantified to further validate the results of the multivariate statistical analysis. The method is simple, stable, accurate, and reproducible. Our results provide a foundation for quality control analysis of A. lancea and A. koreana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractylodes japonica is a perennial herb in Compositae family, which is used for stomach disorders as a traditional Chinese medicine (Guo et al. ). In 2013, a leaf spot disease was first observed on plants of A. japonica in a production field of Fushun County, Liaoning Province, China. The disease had a speckled appearance initially. Lesions with grey-white centre and brown margin gradually developed and enlarged. Eventually, infections usually caused yellowing of the leaves and premature defoliation. The causal agent of infection on plants was identified as Paraphoma chrysanthemicola based on morphological and cultural characteristics, pathogenicity tests and phylogenetic analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a leaf spot disease on A. japonica caused by P. chrysanthemicola in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: TLR4/MD-2 complex-mediated MyD88-dependent activation of NF-κB and Akt promotes tumor-associated immunosuppression in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) via induction of immunesuppressive cytokines and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Atractylenolide I (AO-1) is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone known to change the conformational ensemble of human MD-2 on EOC cells. This study examined the modulation by AO-1 of TLR4/MD-2 complex-mediated MyD88/NF-κB signaling.Methods: The expression and activation of NF-κB, Akt and IDO1 by MyD88(+) EOC SKOV3 cells was determined using western blot; the TLR4/MD-2 complex on SKOV3 cells and the phenotype of T lymphocytes were determined using flow cytometry; IDO activity was evaluated by measuring L-kynurenine; Immunesuppressive cytokines were detected using ELISA; T-cell proliferation to mitogen stimulation was assessed by MTT assay; the cytotoxicity of lymphocytes and NK cells was measured using LDH-cytotoxicity assay.Results: AO-1 could down-regulate expression of TLR4/MD-2 complex, resulting in downregulation of MyD88/NF-κB signaling and activation of NF-κB, Akt and IDO1 and secretion of IL-6, TGF-β1, VEGF and IL-17A by EOC SKOV3 cells, and further reduce increased levels of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and improve decreased proliferative response and antitumor cytotoxicity of T lymphocytes exposed to EOC SKOV3 cell supernatant.Conclusion: AO-1 may reverse EOC cell-mediated immunosuppression through blocking TLR4/MD-2 complex-mediated MyD88/NF-κB signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytical methods using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and tandem mass spectrometry detection were developed for the discrimination of the rhizomes of four Atractylodes medicinal plants: A. japonica, A. macrocephala, A. chinensis, and A. lancea. A quantitative study was performed, selecting five bioactive components, including atractylenolide I, II, III, eudesma-4(14),7(11)-dien-8-one and atractylodin, on twenty-six Atractylodes samples of various origins. Sample extraction was optimized to sonication with 80% methanol for 40 min at room temperature. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection was established using a C18 column with a water/acetonitrile gradient system at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, and the detection wavelength was set at 236 nm. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was applied to certify the reliability of the quantitative results. The developed methods were validated by ensuring specificity, linearity, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision, recovery, robustness, and stability. Results showed that cangzhu contained higher amounts of atractylenolide I and atractylodin than baizhu, and especially atractylodin contents showed the greatest variation between baizhu and cangzhu. Multivariate statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, were also employed for further classification of the Atractylodes plants. The established method was suitable for quality control of the Atractylodes plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms involved, we investigated the effects of atractylenolide III (ATL-III) on cytokine expression, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), C-Jun-N-terminal protein kinase1/2 (JNK1/2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. Macrophages were incubated with various concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 μM) of ATL-III and/or LPS (1 μg/mL) for 24 h. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by the Greiss reagent. The production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, macrophages were treated with ATL-III (0, 25, 100 μM) for 1 h and then stimulated by LPS. NF-κB, p38, JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 were determined by western blotting. We found ATL-III showed no inhibitory effect on cell proliferation at concentrations ranging from 1 μM to 100 μM. In addition, ATL-III decreased the release of NO, TNF-α, PGE2 and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner and showed statistically significant at concentrations of 50 μM and 100 μM as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Furthermore, ATL-III suppressed the transcriptional activity of NF-κB. ATL-III also inhibited the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK1/2 in LPS-treated macrophages and showed statistically significant at concentrations of 25 μM and 100 μM. These data suggest that ATL-III shows an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the release of NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 related to the NF-κB- and MAPK-signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC., named “Cangzhu” in China, which belongs to the Asteraceae family. In some countries of Southeast Asia (China, Thailand, Korea, Japan etc.) its rhizome, commonly called rhizoma atractylodis, is used to treat many diseases as it contains a variety of sesquiterpenoids and other components of medicinal importance. Despite its medicinal value, the information of the sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the transcriptome analysis of different tissues of non-model plant A. lancea by using short read sequencing technology (Illumina). We found 62,352 high quality unigenes with an average sequence length of 913 bp in the transcripts of A. Lancea. Among these, 43,049 (69.04%), 30,264 (48.53%), 26,233 (42.07%), 17,881 (28.67%) and 29,057(46.60%) unigenes showed significant similarity (E-value<1e-5) to known proteins in Nr, KEGG, SWISS-PROT, GO, and COG databases, respectively. Of the total 62,352 unigenes, 43,049 (Nr Database) open reading frames were predicted. On the basis of different bioinformatics tools we identify all the enzymes that take part in the terpenoid biosynthesis as well as five different known sesquiterpenoids via cytosolic mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway and plastidal methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways. In our study, 6, 864 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) were also found as great potential markers in A. lancea. This transcriptomic resource of A. lancea provides a great contribution in advancement of research for this specific medicinal plant and more specifically for the gene mining of different classes of terpenoids and other chemical compounds that have medicinal as well as economic importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In traditional Chinese medicine, Atractylodis rhizoma is the dried rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. or Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. After being processed, the dryness of A. rhizoma decreased, and the function of tonifying spleen increased. Therefore, the processed A. rhizoma is the best choice of clinical application. As the main active components, polyethylene alkynes exhibits various desirable pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-arrhythmia activity. However, there is no report on the pharmacokinetic comparisons of atractylodin, one of polyethylene alkynes, in bio-samples after oral administration of crude and processed A. rhizoma until now. The in vivo study of active components of A. rhizoma would be necessary and helpful for clinical application and clarification of processing principle. Objective: To compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of atractylodin after oral administration of crude and processed A. rhizoma, and clarify the processing principle of A. rhizoma. Materials and Methods: Plasma concentrations of atractylodin in rats were determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatogram and the main pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated with Drug and Statistics 2.0 Software Package (Chinese Pharmacological Society, Shanghai, China). Results: The AUC0-t, AUC0→∞, Tmax, and Cmax of processed A. rhizoma were increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with that in crude A. rhizoma after using Student's t-test. Conclusions: Processing A. rhizoma with wheat bran by stir-frying can promote and accelerate the absorption of atractylodin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of nine contigs related to caulimovirus-like sequences were detected using high-throughput paired-end RNA sequencing. An attempt to find the plant sample infected with this type of virus identified the medicinal plant Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi showing mild mottle symptoms. Subsequently, the complete DNA genome sequence of the Atractylodes virus was determined. The 8,105-nt genome of the virus was composed of six open reading frames and displayed the highest nucleotide sequence identity (70 %) with soybean Putnam virus. Based upon the symptoms observed on the source plant, we propose to refer to this new member of the genus Caulimovirus as atractylodes mild mottle virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil of Atractylodes chinensis (Compositae) rhizomes possesses contact toxicity against the adults of the booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae), with an LD50 value of 104.70 μg/cm². Dried A. chinensis rhizomes were extracted using supercritical CO2 fluid extraction, and chromatographic separation on repeated silica gel columns led to the isolation of atractylodin, atractylodinol, β-eudesmol and atractylenolide III. Atractylodin (LD50 = 9.89 μg/cm2) demonstrated stronger contact toxicity against this pest than the other three compounds (LD50 ≥ 70.60 μg/cm²) and was twice as active the positive control (pyrethrum: LD50 = 18.99 μg/cm2). At a dose of 31.58 μg/cm², the essential oil, atractylodin and β-eudesmol strongly repelled against L. bostrychophila (92, 88 and 86%, respectively) for 2 h after exposure. The results indicate that atractylodin has the potential to be developed as natural insecticide and repellent for the control of L. bostrychophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete genome sequence of a member of a distinct species of the genus Carlavirus in the family Betaflexiviridae, tentatively named atractylodes mottle virus (AtrMoV), has been determined. Analysis of its genomic organization indicates that it has a single-stranded, positive-sense genomic RNA of 8866 nucleotides, excluding the poly(A) tail, and consists of six open reading frames typical of members of the genus Carlavirus. The individual open reading frames of AtrMoV show moderately low sequence similarity to those of other carlaviruses at the nucleotide and amino acid sequence levels. Pairwise comparison and phylogenetic analysis suggest that AtrMoV is most closely related to chrysanthemum virus B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: There are limited therapeutic options available for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). We tested the effects of Atractylodes japonica rhizome, a perennial plant native to North Asia, on both upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) motility in guinea pigs. Methods: The extract of A. japonica rhizome was administered orally at different doses to test its effects on upper GI motility as determined from charcoal transit in native guinea pigs and in guinea pigs pretreated with thyrotropin-releasing hormone or mustard oil. Regarding its effect on lower GI motility, the removed guinea pig colon was suspended in a chamber containing Krebs-Henseleit solution and the transit time of artificial feces was measured with various dilutions of the extract. As for in vivo assay, weight and number of fecal pellets expelled were determined under the same drug preparation used in upper GI motility experiment. Results: The extract of A. japonica rhizome had no significant effect on upper GI motility in either normal or altered physiological states. However, the extract increased colonic transit time in the in vitro model. In the fecal expulsion study, the cumulative weight and number of pellets did not differ significantly between the control group and groups treated with the extracts. In the animals pretreated in vivo with thyrotropin-releasing hormone, however, the weight and number of fecal pellets were significantly decreased in animals treated with 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg doses of extract. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the extract of A. japonica rhizome can be a potential agent for IBS-D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new sesquiterpenoid glycosides, (1S,4S,5R,7R)-4,11,14-trihydroxy-guaia-9-en-3-one-11-O- β-Dglucopyranoside ( 1) and 1 β,5α,7α-H-3 β,4α,11,14-tetrahydroxyl-guaia-9-en-11-O-D-glucopyranoside ( 2), were isolated from the water-soluble portion of the ethanolic extract of Atractylodes lancea rhizomes. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data and application of the CD technique. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity by determining their inhibitory activity on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production, but both were inactive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have examined pair-wise interactions between plants and endophytes, while overlooking the interplays among multiple endosymbionts and their combined impacts on hosts. In this study, Atractylodes lancea plantlets were inoculated with endophytic fungus Acremonium strictum AL16, or endophytic bacterium Acinetobacter sp., or both, to investigate the impacts of the three-way symbiosis on the host. Our results showed that defense-related responses of the co-inoculated plantlets were delayed and weakened relative to plantlets with single inoculants, but no detrimental effects on phyto-physiology (growth, photosynthesis) were observed after combined inoculations. Quantitative PCR analysis verified a decrease in AL16 colonization density within plants after co-inoculation with the endobacteria. An in vitro assay was then performed to elucidate the suppressed plant defense responses and reduced fungal colonization by dual inoculation. The data showed that the presence of Acinetobacter sp. reduced AL16 colony diameter and spore germination rate without negatively affecting fungal morphology. Additionally, direct hyphal attachment of the bacterium to AL16 in vitro was visualized by scanning electronic microscopy. Therefore, we propose that a balanced and compatible symbiosis might require constraints conferred by the antagonistic endophyte Acinetobacter sp. on the fungus AL16 in the tripartite endophytic bacterium-fungus-plant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC., is an important medicinal plant in China. Recently, researches of A. Lancea were focused on chemical composition and genetics, only a few were concerned with soil factors. Objective: The aim was to discuss the relationship between geo-herbalism of A. Lancea (Thunb.) DC. and inorganic elements in soil. Materials and Methods: The contents of 15 kinds of inorganic elements in the rhizoma of A. Lancea (Thunb.) DC. and soils from various regions were determined with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer and the data were analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20.0 software. Results: The contents of inorganic elements in rhizoma of A. Lancea and in soil with different geological background were different. The soils in the famous region contained high aluminum, iron, sodium and low sulfur content. The rhizoma of A. Lancea contained high aluminum, lithium, manganese and low iron, sulfur content. The famous-region crude drugs had a strong tendency to accumulate selenium, manganese. Ten characteristic elements of A. Lancea were K, Ca, S, Al, Li, Ti, Mn, Pb, Ni, SE. Conclusion: The contents of inorganic elements in rhizoma of A. Lancea showed a significant positive interrelationship with those in soil. It was identified that inorganic elements play an important role in forming authenticity A. Lancea (Thunb.) DC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To optimize the enrichment technology of atractylenolide I and III by macroporous resin in the crude extracts of RHIZOMA ATRACTYLODIS MACROCEPHALAE. [Methods] Enrichment effects of six macroporous resins on atractylenolide I and III were compared by static adsorption and desorption. Macroporous resin having good research results were selected for the dynamic test. [Results] The optimal technology parameters of atractylenolide enrichment by HP20 resin were as follows: concentrations of atractylenolide I and III were 25.6 and 59.7 µg/mL, respectively; sampling quantity was 4 BV and flow rate was 2 BV/h. Impurities were removed by 16 BV water and 6 BV of 30% ethanol in turn. Then, elution was carried out by 12 BV of 75% ethanol at 2 BV/h velocity. Under these conditions, the recovery rates of atractylenolide I and III were 100% and 98.2%, respectively. [Conclusions] Enrichment of atractylenolide I and III by HP20 macroporou resin was simple ad feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First at all, it introduced the concept and the damages of continuous cropping obstacle. Then, it analyzed the causes of continuous cropping obstacles for Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. In the end, in order to provide guidance for promoting sustainable development of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz industry in Pingjiang County, it put forward some control methods for eliminating continuous cropping obstacles of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz, including breeding varieties with high resistance; applying rotation cropping and intercropping reasonable; rational fertilization and soil disinfection; introducing antagonistic bacterial and eliminating autointoxication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractylenolide I (ATL-I) is a bioactive component of Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae. Although increasing evidence shows that ATL-I has an anti-inflammatory effect, the anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism of ATL-I is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of ATL-I on cell viability by 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Further, we examined the effect of ATL-I on the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) by Western blot. We also investigated the effect of ATL-I on the expression of myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2), CD14, complement receptor 3 (CR3), scavenger receptor class A (SR-A), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). We found that ATL-I showed no inhibitory effect on cell viability at concentrations ranging from 1 µM to 100 µM and markedly reduced the release of IL-6 and TNF-α at a concentrate-dependent manner. In addition, ATL-I suppressed the activity of nuclear NF-κB and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Further analysis showed that ATL-I inhibited the expression of MD-2, CD14, SR-A, TLR4 and MyD88, but the expression of CR3 was unaffected. These data suggest that ATL-I shows an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting TNF-α and IL-6 production. The anti-inflammatory effects of ATL-I may be associated with the inhibition of the NF-κB, ERK1/2 and p38 signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Plants, fungal endophytes (FEs) and the changing environment interact with each other forming an interlaced network. This study evaluates nonadditive and interactive effects of the FE Acremonium strictum and drought treatment on Atractylodes lancea plantlets. Methods and Results: By applying FEs (meristem cultures of At. lancea, fungal inoculation of Ac. strictum and plantlet acclimatization) and drought treatment (regular watering, mild drought, severe drought), a research system of At. lancea ramets under different treatments was established. During 12 days of drought treatment, the plantlets' physiological responses and basic growth traits were measured and analysed. Although drought and FE presence affected plantlet traits to differing degrees, the interactive effects of the two were more pronounced. In particular under mild drought treatment, the FE conferred drought tolerance to plantlets by enhancing leaf soluble sugars, proteins, proline and antioxidant enzyme activity; decreasing the degree of plasmalemma oxidation; and increasing the host's abscisic acid level and root:shoot ratio. When exposed to regular watering or severe drought, these effects were not significant. Conclusions: Plant traits plasticity was conferred by dual effects of drought stress and FEs, and these factors are interactive. Although FEs can help plants cope with drought stress, the beneficial effects are strictly constrained by drought degree. Significance and Impact of the Study: During finite environmental stress, FEs can benefit plants, and for this reason, they may alleviate the effects of climate change on plants. However, because the benefits of FEs are highly context dependent, the role of FEs in a changing background should be re-assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using pharmacological and biochemical approaches, the signalling pathways between calcium (Ca)-calmodulin (CaM), brassinolide (BL), and nitric oxide (NO) for fungal endophyte-induced volatile oil accumulation were investigated in Atractylodes lancea plantlets. Gilmaniella sp. AL12 inoculation elevated the concentrations of BL, CaM, and [Ca], expression of the calmodulin 1 ( CaM1) gene, and the levels of volatile oils. Treatment with AL12 or exogenous BL led to significant increases in the levels of cytosolic Ca and CaM and CaM1 expression in plantlets. However, the upregulation of BL was almost completely blocked by pretreatments with CaM antagonists and Ca channel blockers. Pretreatment with a BL inhibitor, brassinazole (BRz), did not influence the increase in levels of CaM induced by the endophyte. CaCl-induced increases in NO generation, CaM antagonists, and Ca channel blockers were able to suppress NO production, and the NO-specific scavenger was not able to suppress the generation of [Ca] in plantlets. Exogenous BL was not able to induce NO generation, and BRz had no effect on NO generation. Our results suggest that Ca-CaM induced by this endophyte mediates NO generation and BL concentration, and also functions downstream of BL signalling, resulting in the upregulation of volatile oil accumulation in A. lancea plantlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consecutive monoculturing of peanut seriously affects its yield and quality in the red soil regions of southern China. Different control measures for consecutively monocultured peanut fields should be explored to ensure the sustainable development of the local peanut industry. In this study, the influence of two different regimes, the intercropping of peanut with Atractylodes lancea and the furrow application of bio-organic fertiliser (BOF), on the community composition of soil invertebrates, the severity of peanut disease and peanut productivity was evaluated in an upland region where peanut had been monocropping for 5 years. We found that intercropping with A. lancea and the furrow application of BOF significantly changed the community composition of soil invertebrates and increased their biodiversity, as estimated by the Shannon and Simpson indices. Intercropping with A. lancea significantly reduced the proportion of Collembola, such as Tullbergia, Onychiurus, Folsomia and Folsomina, while the furrow application of BOF significantly increased the abundance of Collembola, such as Isotomidae compared with conventional monoculture. The intercropping significantly increased the proportion of Acarina, such as Mesostigmata and Oribatida, whereas the furrow application of BOF did not increase this proportion compared to conventional monoculture. The intercropping and application of BOF significantly reduced the damping-off in seedling and root rot disease at the maturation stage and increased peanut yield. The leaf spot disease of peanut was significantly suppressed by the intercropping but not by the application of BOF. The results of the study suggested that the intercropping of peanut with A. lancea and the furrow application of BOF could effectively relieve the problems associated with consecutive monoculture of peanut in the red soil regions of southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractylenolide I (AO-I) and atractylenolide III (AO-III) are the major sesquiterpenes considered to be bioactive fromAtractylodes macrocephala(RAM) and its different processed products, popularly used for the treatment of the various digestive diseases and tumors. A rapid and simple capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method to quantitatively determine the AO-I and AO-III is described. Using an optimized method, AO-I and AO-III were separated in less than 10 min with A 50 mM borate buffer and a separated voltage 20 kV at 25°C. The CZE method was validated for linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision and then used to determine the content of AO-I and AO-III. This method was successfully applied to determine AO-I and AO-III in real sample RAM and its different processed products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal endophytes have been isolated from almost every plant, infecting their hosts without causing visible disease symptoms, and yet have still proved to be involved in plant secondary metabolites accumulation. To decipher the possible physiological mechanisms of the endophytic fungus-host interaction, the role of protein phosphorylation and the relationship between endophytic fungus-induced kinase activity and nitric oxide (NO) and brassinolide (BL) in endophyte-enhanced volatile oil accumulation in Atractylodes lancea plantlets were investigated using pharmacological and biochemical approaches. Inoculation with the endophytic fungus Gilmaniella sp. AL12 enhanced the activities of total protein phosphorylation, Ca2+-dependent protein kinase, and volatile oil accumulation in A. lancea plantlets. The upregulation of protein kinase activity could be blocked by the BL inhibitor brassinazole. Furthermore, pretreatments with the NO-specific scavenger cPTIO significantly reduced the increased activities of protein kinases in A. lancea plantlets inoculated with endophytic fungus. Pretreatments with different protein kinase inhibitors also reduced fungus-induced NO production and volatile oil accumulation, but had barely no effect on the BL level. These data suggest that protein phosphorylation is required for endophyte-induced volatile oil production in A. lancea plantlets, and that crosstalk between protein phosphorylation and the NO pathway may occur and act as a downstream signaling event of the BL pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine whether the essential oil extracted from rhizoma of Atractylode lancea has cytotoxicity to human MKN-45 cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms. The cytotoxicity of essential oil to cancer cells was examined by MTT assay. The effects of essential oil and disruption were monitored using whole-cell, time-lapse recording by microscopy. The effects of essential oil on cytoskeletal systems were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The effects of essential oil on cytokine secretion were measured by ELISA. The result showed that the cytotoxicity of essential oil was triggered rapidly by 2 pi/ml (1 h caused 50% maximum cytotoxicity) and involved secretion function perturbation. In addition, essential oil could induce membrane blebbing within 1 h of sustained application, which was blocked by polyethylene glycols (PEG) with molecular weights £3350, but not prevented by PEG with molecular weight340 00 and extracellular calcium chelator EGTA. Moreover, essential oil did not disrupt cytoskeletal systems as demonstrated with no degradation of microtubules and actin. In conclusion, essential oil extracted from rhizoma of Atractylode lancea can rapidly initiate acute injury and burst via oncosis and may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse intercropping is an effective way to control crop disease and improve productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intercropping peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) with the medicinal plant Atractylodes lancea on peanut yield and on the microbial community in the soil. A. lancea was intercropped with peanut in an upland that had been monocropped with peanut for 10 years in subtropical China. The results showed that all the intercropping treatments increased the peanut pod yield. Intercropping of peanut with A. lancea effectively reduced the accumulation of soil phenolic allelochemicals and increased soil urease and invertase activities. Compared with addition of fertilizer, the row spacing between peanut and A. lancea was a more important factor influencing the soil microbial community. Analysis of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles showed that Gram-negative (G) bacteria were significantly affected by changes in the intercropping pattern. Especially in the rhizosphere region, which is nutrient-rich and has diverse substrate composition, the G bacterial population increase by 31.2-79.9 % in intercropping treatments. Soil G bacteria (as indicated by PLFA, including cy17:0, 18:1ω7, and 16:1ω9) were significantly promoted in the intercropping treatments. The increase in the G bacterial population and the decrease of phenolic allelochemicals resulted in the promotion of peanut growth and increased peanut yield in the intercropping treatments. Our results provide details on the mechanisms by which intercropping of peanut with A. lancea can improve the soil environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the evolutionary relationships among all members of the genus Atractylodes (Compositae, Cardueae), we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses of one nuclear DNA (nrDNA) region (internal transcribed spacer, ITS) and one chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) region (intergenic spacer region of trnL-F). In ITS and ITS + trnL-F trees, all members of Atractylodes form a monophyletic clade. Atractylodes is a sister group of the Carlina and Atractylis branch. Atractylodes species were distributed among three clades: (1) A. carlinoides (located in the lowest base of the Atractylodes phylogenetic tree), (2) A. macrocephala, and (3) the A. lancea complex, including A. japonica, A. coreana, A. lancea, A. lancea subsp. luotianensis, and A. chinensis. The taxonomic controversy over the classification of species of Atractylodes is mainly concentrated in the A. lancea complex. In base on molecular results, the intraspecific division of Atractylodes lancea is not supported, and A. coreana should be treated as a synonym A. chinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), the rhizome of Atractylodis macrocephalae, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with rich natural resources in China. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of a water extract of Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) on the immune responses in mice immunized with the model protein antigen ovalbumin (OVA). Forty-eight mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 animals each; 1 control group receiving saline solution and 5 treatment groups. A treatment group received 0.05 gm, 0.1 gm, 0.2 gm, 0.4 gm or 0.8 gm of Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) orally for 4 days. The animals were subcutaneously immunized with OVA (10 μg) in 0.89% saline solution on day 5 and again 2 weeks later. Serum samples were collected 2 weeks after the second OVA injection for measurement of OVA-specific IgG and the IgG subclasses, lymphocyte proliferation and IL-5 and IFN-γ production in splenocytes. Results indicated that serum OVA-specific IgG titers and the IgG subclass responses were significantly enhanced in the groups of mice receiving 0.1-0.8 gm Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) compared to the control group (p<0.05). Two weeks after the last immunization with OVA, splenic tissue was collected. Splenocyte proliferation in response to Concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharides was also significantly enhanced (p<0.05) in the treatment groups. Production of both IFN-γ and IL-5 by Con A-stimulated splenocytes was significantly higher in mice administered Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) at a dose of 0.2 gm orally than the control mice (p<0.05). Further study of Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) to evaluate its potential to improve the immune response to vaccines against infectious diseases is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome (LAR) is the most commonly used Chinese medicine to prevent early pregnancy loss due to threatened miscarriage. However, its safety profile during pregnancy is still not available. Here we aimed to identify the potential adverse effects of LAR on embryo-fetal development as well as prenatal and post-natal growth. METHODS Pregnant mice, rats and rabbits were orally administered with LAR extracts in various doses (from 1×, 2×, 3× and up to 6× clinical doses) at different gestational periods (implantation, gastrulation, organogenesis, maturation and whole gestation). Maternal effects on weight loss, implantation failure and fetal resorption and perinatal effects on developmental delay, growth restriction and congenital malformations were studied. RESULTS In mice, with early LAR exposure, a significant decrease in fetal growth parameters and a significant increase in post-implantation loss were identified. With late LAR exposure, significant increases in gestational duration as well as prenatal and post-natal mortality were found. At high clinical doses, congenital skeletal malformations were recorded. In rabbits, fetal resorption, hydrops fetalis and short ear anomaly were observed. No significant adverse effects were found in rats. CONCLUSIONS Potential reproductive toxicity of LAR in pregnant animals was identified within the clinical dose. Caution should be taken in clinical applications of LAR during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]