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This study examined changes in the ionome of Rhus chinensis in response to Pb stress so as to understand Pb phytotoxicity-related processes and provide theoretical support for improving the efficiency of this plant in remediating heavy metal-polluted soils. Rhus chinensis seedlings were cultured in pots with soil. The concentrations of 12 elements in the roots, stems, and leaves of the seedlings under treatments of 0, 500, and 1000 mg·kg−1 Pb(NO3)2 were determined. Principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) were used to analyze the contributions of the affected elements in the ionomes of different organs of the seedlings under Pb stress. PCA showed that 74% of the total ionome variation was caused by the difference in organ types. N, Mg, K, Cu, Ca, and Zn were the important elements contributing to the variation of the ionome. Pb disturbed the ionome of different organs at varying levels, and the order of the interference levels between the organs was: stem > root > leaf. Correlation analysis showed that biomass had a significant positive correlation with N and K and a significant negative correlation with Pb, Mn, and the C:N ratio. Stem biomass had a significant positive correlation with Ca, Cu, and the N:P ratio. Root biomass had a significant negative correlation with the C:P ratio. PLS-PM analysis indicated that Pb stress had a major, direct, and inhibitory effect on biomass. The variation of ionomic profiles caused by Pb stress was mainly caused by the difference in organ types; the variation of the ionomic profiles of each organ was mainly caused by Pb stress. The elements that caused the variation of ionomic profiles varied with organ types, and the plant biomass was directly affected by a strong Pb poisoning effect and indirectly affected by a weak ionomic profile variation effect.

Rhus chinensis Mill. (RCM) is the host plant of Galla chinensis, which is valued in traditional medicine. Environmental temperature directly determines the probability of gallnut formation and RCM growth. At present, there is no experiment to systematically analyse the stability of internal reference gene (RG) expression in RCM. In this experiment, leaves that did not form gallnuts were used as the control group, while leaves that formed gallnuts were used as the experimental group. First, we conducted transcriptome experiments on RCM leaves to obtain 45 103 differential genes and functional enrichment annotations between the two groups. On this basis, this experiment established a transcriptional gene change model of leaves in the process of gallnut formation after being bitten by aphids, and RCM reference candidate genes were screened from RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data. This study is based on RCM transcriptome data and evaluates the stability of 11 potential reference genes under cold stress (4 °C) and heat stress (34 °C), using three statistical algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper). The results show that GAPDH1 + PP2A2/UBQ are stable reference genes under heat stress, while GAPDH1 + ACT are the most stable under cold stress. This study is the first to screen candidate reference genes in RCM and could help guide future molecular studies in this genus., Appropriate and stable reference genes are important for normalization of gene expression. This study is based on Rhus chinensis Mill. transcriptome data and evaluates the stability of 11 potential reference genes under cold stress (4 °C) and heat stress (34 °C), using three statistical algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper). This study is the first to screen candidate reference genes in Rhus chinensis Mill. and could help guide future molecular studies in this genus.

In Nagaland ~70% of population lives in rural areas and depends on forest products for livelihood. Being part of the biodiversity hotspot, state is rich in biodiversity. The present study was an attempt made to understand the nutritional properties of 22 popular underutilized edible plants (UEP) Kohima, Phek, Tuensang districts. Results revealed moisture content of 22 studied plants ranged between 4.8 to 88.15 g/100g, while protein content varied between 0.00269 - 0.773 g/100g with highest in Terminalia chebula (0.773 g/100g) fruit while lowest protein content was in Setaria italica (0.00269 g/100g). Total carbohydrate content was between 0.198 - 5.212 g/100g with highest in Setaria italica (5.212 g/100g) and lowest in Juglans regia (0.198 g/100g). Of the 22 samples, maximum antioxidant activity was in Terminalia chebula fruits (37.49 μg/ml) followed by Clerodendrum glandulosum (65.29 μg/ml) leaves, Phyllanthus emblica (79.08 μg/ml) fruits against Trolox (96.89 μg/ml). Highest total phenol content (TPC) was recorded in Terminalia chebula (53.11 mg GAE/g) and Rhus chinensis (43.99 mg GAE/g) while in other 20 crops the values varied from 0.09 - 8.44 mg GAE/g. Total flavonoid content (TFC) varied between 0.004 - 43.67 mg QE/g with clerodendrum glandulosum (43.67 mg QE/g) and Terminalia chebula (27.78 mg QE/g) were found to be highest among the 22 plant samples. Findings suggest that these underutilized edible plants should be popularized as they can contribute to nutritional support to different region of the state for health improvement and cultivated them commercially to help and develop various value added local product to improve the livelihood status of the rural population and also add to the economy of the state and region.

Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate in vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous- and freeze-dried fruits extracts of Rhus chinensis and Citrus macroptera and their comparative studies. Methods: The sumac fruit extracts were prepared by macerating in distilled water for 36 h, strained, and concentrated. Hatkora juice was used as it is for further concentration. Both the sample were dried using two methods, that is, evaporation in the water bath at 50°C and freeze-dried in a lyophilizer. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride method. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activity by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and reducing power assay. Results: Both sumac extract and Hatkora juice show potent antioxidant activity. When compared, the freeze-dried sample shows better activity as compared to the aqueous dried sample in both DPPH and reducing power assay. Conclusions: This study result shows high phenolic and flavonoid content which is responsible for its high antioxidant activity. This suggests that the fruits can be viewed as a potential source of natural antioxidants that can provide valuable functional ingredients useful for the prevention of diseases related to oxidative stress, dietary supplements, functional food, nutraceuticals, etc.

Gall of Rhus chinensis Mill. (Chinese galls) and gall of Quercus infectoria Oliv. (Turkish galls) have similar applications and chemical compositions, and their extracts have been widely used for industrial production and for medicinal applications. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) methods were established for profiling the components of Chinese galls and Turkish galls. Compounds representing 96.56 and 99.15% of the total peak area of Chinese galls and Turkish galls were identified. The results identified that the ellagic acid, galloyl-HHDP-glucose and pedunculagin act as the identifying markers for the comparison of Chinese galls and Turkish galls in HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The peak area of tetragalloyl-glucoside, heptagalloyl-glucoside and pentagalloyl-glucoside can be used to distinguish these two phytomedicines. This work provides a reference for the study of the chemical composition of Chinese galls and Turkish galls, which not only introduce a simple and reliable method to prevent the adulteration or misuse of Chinese galls and Turkish galls but also lay the foundations for clarifying the material basis of their similar pharmacological action.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a highly contagious disease caused by the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). It is characterized by reproductive disorders in pregnant sows and respiratory symptoms in pigs of all ages. Although antiviral drugs, vaccines, and improved management have played a role in the prevention and control of the PRRS, this disease is still prevalent in pig farms. Hence, the prevention, control, and purification of the PRRS have been the main focus. As we all know, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have played a significant role in the history of ancient medicine. Therefore, exploring effective anti-PRRSV TCMs is an essential way to solve the prevention and treatment of PRRSV. In this study, the active sites of the fifth scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain of the CD163 receptor was first studied by computer-aided drug design technology. Second, virtual screening of TCMs monomers that may bind to active site was conducted. Third, the crude extracts of TCMs rich in the matching monomer were obtained. Finally, the anti-PRRSV effect of crude extracts of TCMs were verified in vitro. To sum up, it was found that Plantago ovata, Rhus chinensis, and Persicaria orientalis had anti-PRRSV effects in vitro, which laid a theoretical foundation for the research and development of anti-PRRSV TCMs. In addition, this exploration strategy could provide a research template for the discovery of TCMs for human viral diseases.

Bee pollen is a nutrient-rich food that meets the nutritional requirements of honey bees and supports human health. This study aimed to provide nutritive composition data for 11 popular bee pollen samples (Brassica napus (Bn), Bidens pilosa var. radiata (Bp), Camellia sinensis (Cs), Fraxinus griffithii (Fg), Prunus mume (Pm), Rhus chinensis var. roxburghii (Rc), Bombax ceiba (Bc), Hylocereus costaricensis (Hc), Liquidambar formosana (Lf), Nelumbo nucifera (Nn), and Zea mays (Zm)) in Taiwan for the global bee pollen database. Macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, were analyzed, which revealed that Bp had the highest carbohydrate content of 78.8 g/100 g dry mass, Bc had the highest protein content of 32.2 g/100 g dry mass, and Hc had the highest lipid content of 8.8 g/100 g dry mass. Only the bee pollen Hc completely met the minimum requirements of essential amino acids for bees and humans, and the other bee pollen samples contained at least 1–3 different limiting essential amino acids, i.e., methionine, tryptophan, histidine, valine, and isoleucine. Regarding the fatty acid profile of bee pollen samples, palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), and linolenic acid (C18:3) were predominant fatty acids that accounted for 66.0–97.4% of total fatty acids. These data serve as an indicator of the nutritional quality and value of the 11 bee pollen samples.

Rhus chinensis Mill is a high-quality eco-economic resource for potential sustainable development. To analyze the chemical constituents of extracts from the leaves of Rhus chinensis Mill for resource values, the following analytical methods were performed: Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), thermogravimetry, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). The results showed that the leaves of Rhus chinensis Mill were rich in volatile substances that could be exploited and used

The aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis(Bell) induces horned galls on their primary host Rhus chinensis(Mill). These galls serve as closed habitats to support thousands of aphids per gall. Ecological parameters inside a gall are unknown. In this study, we showed that the microclimate inside galls was reltively stable, with nearly 100% humidity and 30–50 lux light regardless of outside environmental conditions. Gall-residing aphids produce waste gas and honeydew. A gall contained 26 organic volatiles inside with acetic acid as the largest component. Honeydew is rich in sugars and may provide nutrients for microbial growth. However, no evidence for pathogenic microorganisms was found inside a gall. The acidic environment in a gall may curb microbial growth. On the secondary host, the moss Plagiomnium maximoviczii (Lindb.) T. J. Kop., the microclimate is unstable and humidity fluctuated at 45~100%, while light ranged from 150 to 500 lux on different environmental conditions. Aphid alternated in two different habitats, the gall generation increased from a single fundatrix to thousands of aphids, however, survival rate of the moss generation is less 3%. A comparison of the environmental traits between gall and moss revealed that a stable habitat with dark and moist is advantageous for aphid reproduction.

Rhus chinensis Mill. is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which is commonly used for cancer treatments. Our previous work had proven that triterpenoids of Rhus chinensis (TER) could effectively regulate glycolysis involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) and play an important role in the prevention of T-cells dysfunction. This study aimed to systematically investigate the effects and mechanisms of TER on glucose metabolism in CRC, while the regulatory mechanisms of TER on restoring T-cells function and activity in CRC were explored as well. The extract of triterpenoids from Rhus chinensis was obtained, and production of lactic acid and glucose uptake were assayed. Also, the expression of CD8+ T-cells surface markers, cytokines secreted by CD8+ T cells, and the expression of key glycolytic enzymes and glucose deprivation induced by tumor cells were further examined. Notably, results showed that TER prevented the dysfunction in CD8+ T cells by enhancing mTOR activity and subsequent cellular metabolism. Furthermore, our findings also demonstrated that TER promoted glycolytic gene expression in CD8+ T cells in vivo, and significantly inhibited tumor growth. Altogether, our studies suggested that TER not only reversed effector CD8+ T-cells dysfunction and enhanced T-cells recognition, but also improved tumor microenvironment, thereby providing new insight into the prevention and treatment of CRC with TCM.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-05-01T06:02:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Objective: This in vitro study evaluated the influence of bioactive plant extracts as dentin biomodifying agents to improve the longevity of bonded restorations. For that, plant extracts were applied to the dentin surface prior to the adhesive system. Materials and Methods: Bovine incisors were ground flat to obtain 2 mm thick slices in which conical preparations were made (N = 10). Tannin-containing plant extracts were applied to dentin before the application of the restorative system, as follows: control group (untreated, CTL), chlorhexidine 0.12% (CHX), mastruz (Dysphania ambrosioides, MTZ), cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa, CTC), guarana (Paullinia cupana, GUA), galla chinensis (Rhus chinensis, GCH), and tannic acid (extracted from Acacia decurrens, TNA). The push-out bond strength test was conducted (0.5 mm/min). Dentin biomodification was assessed by the modulus of elasticity and mass change in bovine tooth sections (0.5 × 1.7 × 7.0 mm). The dentin staining after extract treatments of dentin slices was compared. The dentin surface wettability was also evaluated by means of the contact angles of the adhesive system with the dentin surface and compared with the untreated control group. Data were subjected to ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results: The bond strength of the restoratives to dentin was not significantly improved by the plant extracts, irrespective of the evaluation time (p > 0.05). Except for TNA, the elastic modulus of demineralized dentin significantly reduced after treatment with the plant extracts (p < 0.05). The dentin staining correlated with the tannin content of the extracts. The contact angle was significantly reduced when treated with CTC, GCH, and TNA. Conclusions: The tannin-containing extracts had a questionable effect on the longevity of bonded restorations. The dentin modulus was negatively affected by the extract treatments. Although some of the extracts changed the contact angle, which seems to improve the adhesive monomer permeation, the tannin-rich plant extract application prior to adhesive application was proven to be clinically unfeasible due to dentin staining. Universidade Anhanguera de São Paulo Department of Chemistry Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Sciences POSMAT-Post-Graduate Program in Materials Science and Technology Triplet Biotechnology Solutions Science and Technology Institute Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Sciences POSMAT-Post-Graduate Program in Materials Science and Technology Science and Technology Institute Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP

This study investigated the inhibitory effects of the Ethanol Extract (EE), Free Phenolic (TF), Esterified Phenolic (TE) and Insoluble-bound Phenolic (TI) from Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits on α-glucosidase, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-IV), and the formation of Advanced Glycation End (AGE) products. Results showed that the TF had the strongest inhibition against α-glucosidase and DPP-IV with IC50 of 0.56 ± 0.04 and 66.08 ± 1.36 μg/mL, respectively (p < 0.05). TI exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on the formation of AGEs with IC50 of 0.43 ± 0.03 mg/mL (p < 0.05). Two major compounds (myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside) showed additive or synergistic effects on α-glucosidase inhibition, while displayed antagonistic effect on DPP-IV inhibition. Correlation analysis indicated that myricetin-3-O-(6″-galloyl) glycoside and myricetin O-gallate contributed significantly on α-glucosidase inhibition, while di-O-galloyl-glucoside and its isomer may contribute remarkably toward DPP-IV inhibition. Protocatechuic acid and myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside showed a positive correlation with the suppression of AGEs formation. Those results may provide some scientific information for exploring R. chinensis fruits as nutraceuticals and/or functional foods to prevent or improve diabetes.

In this study, complete chloroplast genome sequences of Rhus chinensis was characterized by de novo assembly using whole genome sequence data. The chloroplast genome of R. chinensis were 149,011bp long, which was comprised of a large single copy region of 96,882 bp, a small single copy region of 18,647bp, and a pair of inverted repeats of 16,741 bp. The genome contained 77 protein-coding genes, four rRNA genes and 30 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic tree revealed that R. chinensis was closely grouped with Spondias species, S. tuberosa and S. bahiensis, belonging to the Anacardiaceae family.

Studying the population genetic structure of both parasites and their host-plants is expected to yield new valuable insights into their coevolution. In this study, we examined and compared the population genetic diversity and structure of 12 populations of the Rhus gall aphid, Schlechtendalia chinensis, and its host-plant, Rhus chinensis, using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. AMOVA analysis showed that the genetic variance of the aphid and its host-plant were both higher within populations compared to that among them, suggesting that a co-evolutionary history has yielded similar patterns of population genetic structure. We did not detect significant correlation between genetic and geographic distance for either the aphid or host-plant populations, therefore rejecting an isolation by distance model for the demographic histories of the two species. However, our results appeared to suggest that genetically diverse host -plant Rhus populations correlated to similarly genetically diverse populations of gall aphid parasites.

It has been a long-standing question as to whether the interaction between gall-forming insects and their host plants is merely parasitic or whether it may also benefit the host. On its host Rhus chinensis, the aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis induces the formation of closed galls, referred to as horned galls. Typically, mature aphid populations comprise thousands of individuals, which is sufficient to cause the accumulation of high CO2 levels in galls (on average 8-fold higher and up to 16 times than atmospheric levels). Large aphid populations also excrete significant amounts of honeydew, a waste product high in sugars. Based on 13C isotope tracing and genomic analyses, we showed that aphid-derived carbon found in CO2 and honeydew was recycled in gall tissues via photosynthesis and glycometabolism. These results indicated that the aphid-gall system evolved in a manner that allowed nutrient recycling, where the gall provides nutrients to the growing aphid population, and in turn, aphid-derived carbon metabolites provide a resource for the growth of the gall. The metabolic efficiency of this self-circulating system indicates that the input needed from the host plant to maintain aphid population growth less than previously thought and possibly minimal. Aside from the recycling of nutrients, we also found that gall metabolites were transported to other parts of the host plant and is particularly beneficial for leaves growing adjacent to the gall. Taken together, galls in the S. chinensis-Rhus chinensis system are highly specialized structures that serve as a metabolic and nutrient exchange hub that benefits both the aphid and its host plant. As such, host plants provide both shelter and nutrients to protect and sustain aphid populations, and in return, aphid-derived metabolites are channeled back to the host plant and thus provide a certain degree of "metabolic compensation" for their caloric and structural needs.

Free-living N2 fixation is an important pathway of external nitrogen input to natural terrestrial ecosystems. However, few measurements of N2 fixation have been conducted in shrublands. Here, free-living N2 fixation in soil (or soil N2 fixation) and litter (or litter N2 fixation) in three shrublands was measured in a karst catchment, southwest China. The three shrublands were dominated by Pterolobium punctatum Hemsl., Vitex negundo Linn. and Rhus chinensis Mill., respectively. Field measurements were carried out in January and July 2016, respectively, using acetylene reduction assay. N2 fixation had distinct patterns among shrublands or between seasons. In January, no difference was found for soil N2 fixation among the three shrublands, but litter N2 fixation rate was highest in R. chinensis and lowest in P. punctatum. In July, soil N2 fixation rate was highest in R. chinensis and lowest in P. punctatum, but litter N2 fixation was significantly lower in P. punctatum than in the other two shrublands. Across the two seasons, soil N2 fixation rate in R. chinensis was 31% greater than that in P. punctatum, and litter N2 fixation rates in V. negundo and R. chinensis were 13 and 16 times greater than the rate in P. punctatum, respectively. Both soil and litter N2 fixation rates were similar between the two seasons in P. punctatum, but the rates were significantly higher in July than in January in the other two shrublands. Annual N2 fixation rates were estimated to vary from 0.63 ± 0.07 to 0.97 ± 0.08 kg N ha−1 y−1 for the three shrublands. The strongest explanatory variable for soil N2 fixation was total nitrogen in July; and that for litter N2 fixation was nitrogen in January, but was C:N ratio in July. Our findings suggest that large variation in N2 fixation may occur among shrublands within a small scale, and hence, more measurements are needed to get a representative range of N2 fixation rates for the shrubland biome.

In the present work, acute and subchronic toxicities of the ethanol and hot-water extracts from Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits were performed by oral administration in pathogen-free SD rats. Acute toxicity study was performed at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. And subchronic toxicity test was conducted by daily oral administration of those two extracts at doses of 312, 625, 1250 and 2500 mg/kg for 30 days. Acute toxicity study showed that the LD50 of the ethanol and hot-water extracts were over 5000 mg /kg. The results of subchronic toxicity showed that no significant adverse effect of those two extracts was observed at 312 and 625 mg/kg. However, the weight gains of rats were significantly inhibited at both 2500 mg/kg groups of the ethanol and hot-water extracts. Moreover, those two extracts exhibited toxicities to heart, liver, spleen and kidney in rats determined by hematological, serum biochemical and/or histological analyses when daily oral administration of 1250 mg/kg and 2500 mg/kg. No significant neurotoxicity was observed in all groups. The results concluded that the low concentration of those two extracts from R. chinensis Mill. fruits can be regarded as safe and used in daily life.

This study investigated the free, esterified, and insoluble-bound phenolics in Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits and their pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities with molecular docking analysis. Results showed that the free phenolic fraction displayed the highest total phenolic content and the strongest lipase inhibitory activity. A total of 12, 11, and 8 free, esterified, and insoluble-bound phenolics were identified and quantified, respectively. Myricitrin and quercitrin were the major phenolics in all fractions with good dose-dependent lipase inhibitory effects, and myricitrin had a stronger inhibitory effect. Molecular docking analysis showed that myricitrin bound more tightly than quercitrin to the lipase with more number and shorter distance of hydrogen bonds, which indicated myricitrin had stronger lipase inhibitory activity and was consistent with their experimental results. The present study demonstrated that the free phenolics fraction of R. chinensis Mill. fruits had a strong lipase inhibitory activity, and can potentially prevent obesity-related problems.

This work was designed to investigate the phenolic composition, antioxidant and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits extracted by different solvents, and to illustrate which major phenolic compounds were responsible for lipase inhibition and to evaluate their interactions. Results showed that R. chinensis Mill. fruits were rich in phenolics, which included 13 types identified and quantified by UHPLC-ESI-HRMS/MS. Among the identified phenolics, myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside were the most dominant detected in all extracts. Extracts with 80% methanol, 80% ethanol and 80% acetone exhibited strong antioxidant and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities in vitro, and these activities were positively correlated with phenolic contents. Myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside and quercetin-3-O- rhamnoside demonstrated good lipase inhibitory activities in a dose-dependent manner and synergistically inhibited lipase. This work may provide insights into the potential uses of R. chinensis Mill. fruits in food and nutraceutical industries.

Rhus chinensis represents a commercially and ecologically important tree species in China, but suffers from canker diseases in Jiangxi Province. Synnemata, pycnidia and ascomata were discovered on cankered tissues. Strains were obtained from single ascospore or conidium within the fruiting bodies and identified based on morphological comparison and the phylogenetic analyses of partial ITS, LSU, tef1 and rpb2 gene sequences. As a result, two species were confirmed to represent two kinds of synnemata. One of these species is described herein as Flavignomonia rhoigenagen. et sp. nov.; and Synnemasporella aculeans is illustrated showing ascomata, pycnidia and synnemata. Flavignomonia is distinguished from Synnemasporella by the colour of the synnematal tips. Additionally, Flavignomonia can be distinguished from the other gnomoniaceous genera by the formation of synnemata.

The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits against high-fat/ethanol diet-induced alcoholic fatty liver in rats. A total of 9 and 12 phenolic compounds were respectively identified and quantified by UHPLC-HRMS/MS in the ethanol and water extracts of the fruits. Both extracts significantly improved biochemical parameters, including TG, TC, ALT, HDL-C, and MDA, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes; these effects were especially obvious in the high-dose ethanol extract (TG: 25.4 vs 20.5 mmol/g protein; ALT: 89.9 vs 48.3 U/L; MDA: 13.3 vs 7.6 nmol/mg protein). Steatosis and liver damage were significantly ameliorated by treatment with the extracts. Western blot analysis revealed that both extracts upregulated the protein expression of p-AMPK and PPAR-α and downregulated the expression of SREBP-1, FAS, and CYP2E1. The results suggest that Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits may provide a potential dietary therapy for preventing and/or alleviating alcohol fatty liver disease.

The galls induced by Schlechtendaia chinensis, Schlechtendaia peitan and Nurudea shiraii on Rhus chinensis and gall induced by Kaburagia rhusicola rhusicola on Rhus potaninii Maxim. are the largest plant galls and have great economic and medical values. We examined the structures of galls and their functional adaptation using various macro- and microscopic techniques. The highly adapted structures include a stalk at the base that is specialized for mechanical support and transport of nutrients for aphids, and a network of vascular bundles which accompanying schizogenous ducts arranged in a way to best support aphid feeding and population growth. There are many circular and semicircular xylems traces in an ensiform gall in cross sectional views, which would provide more nutrition and occupy less space. We infer the evolution trail was flower-like gall, horned gall, circular gall and ensiform gall. And the possible evolutionary trend of the gall was bigger chamber, more stable mechanical supporting, easier for exchanging substance and transporting nutrients.

Horned gall is named after its shape of irregular diamond, and is induced by the fluid-feeding aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis (Bell) attacks on the leaflets that are located in the branchlets of Rhus chinensis Mill., which is enriched in gallotannin and can be widely used in medicine and the food industry. To explain the molecular mechanism of gall development, we performed transcriptome analysis by Illumina deep sequencing and digital gene expression of four tissues, including galls, leaves that grew on the same branch as the gall taken (GL), leaves from a branch without any gall (LW), and leaves from a tree without any gall (CL). Differentially expressed genes abundantly enriched in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, plant–aphid interactions, and plant hormone signal transduction were highly expressed in galls compared with GL and LW. Phytohormone signal transduction, dominated by IAA and ABA, coordinates primary and secondary metabolism and thus induces gall induction and development after attack by aphids. This study provides a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement and processing of gallnut resources.

Novel alternative antibacterial compounds have been persistently explored from plants as natural sources to overcome antibiotic resistance leading to serious foodborne bacterial illnesses. In this study, the ethanolic extracts from 239 traditional Chinese medicinal plants (TCMP)&rsquo, materials were screened to discover promising candidates that have strong antibacterial properties against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus (S.) aureus and low cytotoxicity. The results revealed that 74 extracts exhibited good antibacterial activities (diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ) &ge, 15 mm). Furthermore, 18 extracts (DIZ &ge, 20 mm) were determined their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericide concentrations (MBC), ranging from 0.1 to 12.5 mg/mL and 0.78 to 25 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, most of the 18 extracts showed relatively low cytotoxicity (a median lethal concentration (LC50) &gt, 100 &micro, g/mL). The 18 extracts were further determined to estimate possible correlation of their phenolic contents with antibacterial activity, and the results did not show any significant correlation. In conclusion, this study selected out some promising antibacterial TCMP extracts with low cytotoxicity, including Rhus chinensis Mill., Ilex rotunda Thunb., Leontice kiangnanensis P.L.Chiu, Oroxylum indicum Vent., Isatis tinctorial L., Terminalia chebula Retz., Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd., Spatholobus suberectus Dunn, Rabdosia rubescens (Hemsl.) H.Hara, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Fraxinus fallax Lingelsh, Coptis chinensis Franch., Agrimonia Pilosa Ledeb., and Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid.

Schlechtendalia chinensis, a gall-inducing aphid, has two host plants in its life cycle. Its wintering host is a moss (typicallyPlagiomnium maximoviczii) and its main host isRhus chinensis(Sumac), on which it forms galls during the summer․. This study investigated bacteria associated withS. chinensisliving on the two different host plants by sequencing 16S rRNAs. A total of 183 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) from 50 genera were identified from aphids living on moss, whereas 182 OTUs from 49 genera were found from aphids living in Sumac galls. The most abundant bacterial genus among identified OTUs from aphids feeding on both hosts wasBuchnera. Despite similar numbers of OTUs, the composition of bacterial taxa showed significant differences between aphids living on moss and those living onR. chinensis. Specifically, there were 12 OTUs from 5 genera (family) unique to aphids living on moss, and 11 OTUs from 4 genera (family) unique to aphids feeding in galls onR. Chinensis. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) also revealed that bacteria from moss-residing aphids clustered differently from aphids collected from galls. Our results provid a foundation for future analyses on the roles of symbiotic bacteria in plant - aphid interactions in general, and how gall-specific symbionts differ in this respect.

Introduction. In the discovery of more potent and selective anticancer drugs, the research continually expands and explores new bioactive metabolites coming from different natural sources. Gallnuts are a group of very special natural products formed through parasitic interaction between plants and insects. Though it has been traditionally used as a source of drugs for the treatment of cancerous diseases in traditional and folk medicinal systems through centuries, the anticancer properties of gallnuts are barely systematically reviewed. Objective. To evidence the traditional uses and phytochemicals and pharmacological mechanisms in anticancer aspects of gallnuts, a literature review was performed. Materials and Methods. The systematic review approach consisted of searching web-based scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The keywords for searching include gallnut, Galla Chinensis, Rhus chinensis, Rhus potaninii, Rhus punjabensis, nutgall, gall oak, Quercus infectoria, Quercus lusitanica, and galla turcica. Two reviewers extracted papers independently to remove the papers unrelated to the anticancer properties of gallnuts. Patents, abstracts, case reports, and abstracts in symposium and congress were excluded. Results and Conclusion. As a result, 14 articles were eligible to be evaluated. It is primarily evident that gallnuts contain a number of bioactive metabolites, which account for anticancer activities. The phytochemical and pharmacological studies reviewed strongly underpin a fundamental understanding of anticancer properties for gallnuts (Galla Chinensis and Galla Turcica) and support their ongoing clinical uses in China. The further bioactive compounds screening and evaluation, pharmacological investigation, and clinical trials are expected to progress gallnut-based development to finally transform the wild medicinal gallnuts to the valuable authorized anticancer drugs.

Several wild indigenous fruit crops which are rare in other part of the world grow favourably and naturally in the foothills track of Eastern Himalayas due to suitable geo-climatic conditions. These wild fruits are Padus napaulensis (Ser. ex DC.) Schneider, Elaeagnus latifolia L., Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don, Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., Pyrus pashia Hamilton ex D. Don, Calamus meghalayensis (Becc.) A.J. Hend., Gynocardia odorata R. Br., Prunus undulata Buch.-Ham., Docynia indica (Wall.) Decne., Rhus chinensis Mill. and Viburnum foetidum Wallich. These naturally occurring fruit plants which are harvested and marketed locally, not only nutritionally and medicinally rich but also thrive well under adverse climatic conditions and can be the source of several desirable gene(s) or traits particularly for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In spite of their potential, these fruit plants are unattended both at scientific and farmers level. There is a need to attain sustainable growth, food and nutritional security for the most susceptible tribal population in the near future. Therefore, during the course of survey, collection and evaluation of eleven naturally occurring potential wild edible fruit plants have been discussed including their habitat, distribution, morphological description, quality parameters, utilization potential, constraints and possible strategies like how to increase their population size, productivity, conservation and utilization.

Schlechtendalia chinensis, a gall-inducing aphid, has two host plants in its life cycle. Its wintering host is a moss (typically Plagiomnium maximoviczii) and its main host is Rhus chinensis (Sumac), on which it forms galls during the summer. This study investigated bacteria associated with S. chinensis living on the two different host plants by sequencing 16S rRNAs. A total of 183 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) from 50 genera were identified from aphids living on moss, whereas 182 OTUs from 49 genera were found from aphids living in Sumac galls. The most abundant bacterial genus among identified OTUs from aphids feeding on both hosts was Buchnera. Despite similar numbers of OTUs, the composition of bacterial taxa showed significant differences between aphids living on moss and those living on R. chinensis. Specifically, there were 12 OTUs from 5 genera (family) unique to aphids living on moss, and 11 OTUs from 4 genera (family) unique to aphids feeding in galls on R. chinensis. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) also revealed that bacteria from moss-residing aphids clustered differently from aphids collected from galls. Our results provide a foundation for future analyses on the roles of symbiotic bacteria in plant-aphid interactions in general, and how gall-specific symbionts differ in this respect.

A characteristic feature of aggressive malignancy is the overexpression of lactic acid dehydrogenase- (LDH-) A, concomitant to pericellular accumulation of lactate. In a recent high-throughput screening, we identifiedRhus chinensis(Mill.) gallnut (RCG) (also known as Galla Chinensis) extract as a potent (IC50< 1 µg/mL) inhibitor of human LDH-A (hLDH-A). In this study, through bioactivity guided fractionation of the crude extract, the data demonstrate that penta-1,2,3,4,6-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (PGG) was a primary constituent responsible forhLDH-A inhibition, present at ~9.95 ± 0.34% dry weight. Theoretical molecular docking studies ofhLDH-A indicate that PGG acts through competitive binding at the NADH cofactor site, effects confirmed by functional enzyme studies where the IC50= 27.32 nM was reversed with increasing concentration of NADH. Moreover, we confirm protein expression ofhLDH-A in MDA-231 human breast carcinoma cells and show that PGG was toxic (LC50= 94.18 µM), parallel to attenuated lactic acid production (IC50= 97.81 µM). In a 72-hour cell proliferation assay, PGG was found to be a potent cytostatic agent with ability to halt cell division (IC50= 1.2 µM) relative to paclitaxel (IC50< 100 nM). In summary, these findings demonstrate that PGG is a potenthLDH-A inhibitor with significant capacity to halt proliferation of human breast cancer cells.

Some insect galls are formed on sumac plants by certain aphid species and have been used for medicinal and chemical purposes as they are rich in tannins. The most prominent species among gall aphids in China is Schlechtendalia chinensis, which formed horn-shaped galls on the winged rachis of Rhus chinensis. S. chinensis has a complex life cycle, with a switch of hosts between R. chinensis and certain mosses, and a switch of sexual and asexual reproduction (cyclical parthenogenesis). We have cloned a full-length cDNA of the β-tubulin gene from S. chinensis, using qPCR and RACE. This cDNA has 1606 base pairs with a 251 bp 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) and a 15 bp 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR). The gene encodes a protein with 376 amino acids residues. The expression levels of the β-tubulin gene in S. chinensis were investigated among fundatrigeniae and overwintering larvae rearing under either natural conditions, or at 7.5 °C and 18 °C. No significant differences (P > 0.01) in gene expression levels were found in insects under these conditions. It is indicates that the β-tubulin gene is highly conserved and then it may be used as a reference for further research in gene expression and reproduction determination in this important aphid.

The aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis (Bell) induces large single-chamber galls, called horned galls, on the leaf wings (an extending part of the rachis) of Rhus chinensis Miller. Horned galls are initiated when the fundatrix of S. chinensis feeds on the adaxial surface of the leaf wings. We compared the histology of intact versus galled leaf wings during various developmental stages by observing their histomorphology during their chronological development. We found that at the initiation phase, the outer epidermis and opening zone of the galls had many glandular trichomes and that pallisade tissue was replaced by parenchyma cells. The number of glandular trichomes on the outer epidermis was reduced as galls matured. The latex ducts and vascular elements became denser in the inner gall layer, and closer to the gall cavity. Stomata were found on outer epidermis in all gall developmental stages excluding the initiation phase. The effect of the gall-forming aphid on leaf wing ontogenesis is discussed.

Background and aims : Vegetation can be used to stabilise slopes with regard to shallow landslides, but the optimal plant architecture for conferring resistance is not known. This study aims at identifying root morphological traits which confer the most resistance to soil during shearing.Methods : Three species used for slope stabilisation (Ricinus communis L., Jatropha curcas L. and Rhus chinensis Mill.) were grown for 10 months in large shear boxes filled with silty clay similar to that found in Yunnan, China. Direct shear tests were then performed and compared to fallow soil. Root systems were excavated and a large number of traits measured.Results : Shear strength and deformation energy were enhanced by the presence of roots. Regardless of confining pressure, R. communis conferred most resistance due to its taprooted system with many vertical roots. J. curcas possessed oblique and vertical roots which created fragile zones throughout the soil profile. The least efficient root system was R. chinensis which possessed many horizontal lateral roots. Soil mechanical properties were most influenced by (i) density of roots crossing the shear plane, (ii) branching density throughout the soil profile, (iii) total length of coarse roots above the shear plane and (iv) total volume of coarse roots and fine root density below the shear plane. During failure, fine, short and branched roots slipped through soil rather than breaking.Conclusion : Root morphological traits such as density, branching, length, volume, inclination and orientation influence significantly soil mechanical properties

Chinese galls form on sumac plants (Rhus chinensis) and are used for medicinal and chemical purposes, due to their richness in tannins. The galls are formed by aphids, the most prominent of which is Schlechtendalia chinensis, which forms horn-shaped galls on the winged rachis of R. chinensis. S. chinensis has a complex life cycle, including both R. chinensis and certain mosses as hosts, as well as the existence of both sexual and asexual reproduction (cyclical parthenogenesis). Previous studies have shown that the alternate occurrence of sexual and asexual reproduction relies on many environmental factors, such as temperature, photoperiod, and host-plant. However, the sexual and asexual modes of reproduction are poorly understood on the molecular level. We aimed to identify genes that respond to changes in temperature that may be related to the reproduction process. We compared the transcriptome of two samples of S. chinensis, which had been reared at different temperatures. Using gene ontology analysis, a total of 51 evolutionary conserved genes related to reproduction determination in insects were identified. Of these genes, S. chinensis harbors 42 genes. When we analyzed aphids that had asexually or sexually produced offspring, eight out of these 42 genes were identified and expressed differently in two temperature conditions. This is the first report on genes associated with reproduction determination in S. chinensis, which has a complex life cycle. Genes, expressed differently in response to different temperature conditions will be helpful to understand the mechanism of aphid reproductive determination.