Julibrissin Research Articles

A drought resistance index to select drought resistant plant species based on leaf water potential measurements

The water deficit in arid and semi-arid regions is the primary limiting factor for the development of urban greenery and forestation. In addition, planting the species that consume low levels of water is useful in arid and semi-arid regions that have poor water management measures. Leaf water potential (Ψ) is a physiological parameter that can be used to identify drought resistance in various species. Indeed, Ψ is one of the most important properties of a plant that can be measured using a pressure chamber. Drought avoiding or drought resistant species have a lower Ψ than plants that use normal or high levels of water. To determine drought resistance of species that are suitable for afforestation in arid urban regions, we evaluated twenty woody species in the Isfahan City, central Iran. The experimental design was random split-split plots with five replications. The species were planted outdoor in plastic pots and then subjected to treatments that consisted of two soil types and five drip irrigation regimes. To evaluate the resistance of each species to drought, we used the Ψ and the number of survived plants to obtain the drought resistance index (DRI). Then, cluster analysis, dendrogram, and similarity index were used to group the species using DRI. Result indicates that the evaluated species were classified into five groups: (1) high water consuming species (DRI>–60 MPa); (2) above normal water consuming species (–60 MPa≥DRI>–90 MPa); (3) normal water consuming species (–90 MPa≥DRI>–120 MPa); (4) semi-drought resistant species (–120 MPa≥DRI>–150 MPa); and (5) drought resistant species (DRI≤–150 MPa). According to the DRI, Salix babylonica L., Populus alba L., and P. nigra L. are high water consuming species, Platanus orientalis L. and Albizia julibrissin Benth are normal water consuming species, and Quercus infectoria Oliv. and Olea europaea L. can be considered as drought resistant species.

202 In vitro digestibility of various browse species selected by goats over the growing season

Abstract Goats naturally prefer to consume browse species given the choice. Browsing away from the ground may help avoid internal parasites; however, goats cannot consume more than 50% of their diet as browse due to the prevalence of toxins in the browse species. The objective of this project was to determine in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of preferred browse species consumed by goats at Tuskegee University browsing demonstration site over the growing season. Three samples were collected from each of the 35 different browse species in April and July 2018. Samples consisted of leaves and edible twigs. Browse IVTD was determined according to the Van Soest et al. (1991) modification of the Tilley and Terry (1963) procedure using the Ankom Daisy II incubator system. Data were analyzed for the months of April and July utilizing the two-sample T-test of SYSTAT, Version 13. Browse IVTD values differed (Pteridium aquilinum (Brakenfern) to 94.7% in Phytolacca americana (pokeweed) while the July values ranged from 33.59% in Pteridium aquilinum to 88.5% for Morus rubra (Mulberry). Significant differences were also observed among browse species with regards to dry matter content. Dry matter content values ranged from 10.5 (Albizia julibrissin; White mimosa) to 81% (Prunus americana; American Plum) in April and 12.5 Phytolacca americana to 89% Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine) in July. Results showed natural variability in IVTD of various browse species throughout the growing season. Future experiments will analyze additional nutritive value parameters such as ADF, NDF, total digestible nutrients, and lignin values over three collection times (April, July, and October). The experiment will be continued for two additional years to provide meaningful results.

Rapid annotation and structural characterization of saponins in the active fraction of Albizia julibrissin by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry based on accurate mass database.

The purified active fraction of Albizia julibrissin saponin was proved to be a promising adjuvant candidate for vaccine. In this study, a simple, convenient, and practical strategy was established for characterizing the saponins in this purified active fraction. The personal accurate mass database including chemical structure, molecular formula, and theoretical mass was first constructed by collecting 110 reported known saponins from genus Albizia species. The raw data was obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. The potential compounds were extracted from raw data, and matched with the accurate mass databases. A series of saponin compounds were predicted and their chemical structures were characterized by interpreting the tandem mass spectrometry data. A total of 29 saponins including 10 new compounds and 5 first found saponins from A.julibrissin were successfully characterized in this purified active fraction using this new strategy.

A cyanogenic glucoside of Trifolium repens deters oviposition by the common grass yellow Eurema mandarina

AbstractThe common grass yellow Eurema mandarina (Pieridae, Coliadinae) widely inhabits Japan, feeds on various fabaceous plants such as silktree (Albizia julibrissin) and uses d‐pinitol, a cyclitol omnipresent in Fabaceae, as a primary oviposition stimulant. However, E. mandarina has a clear host preference within the Fabaceae; for example, white clover (Trifolium repens) is a nonhost despite containing d‐pinitol. The present study aims to identify plant chemicals in white clover that inhibit oviposition of E. mandarina. Females lay very few eggs on T. repens foliage and plastic plant models treated with a methanolic extract of the foliage. The foliage extract is fractionated by successive extraction with chloroform, isobutanol and water. None of these fractions induce egg‐laying responses. The aqueous fraction is further separated into four subfractions (Tr‐3‐1 to Tr‐3‐4) by column chromatography. Among these subfractions, females show high egg‐laying responses to Tr‐3‐1, which is known to contain d‐pinitol. Interestingly, Tr‐3‐2, when mixed with Tr‐3‐1, significantly decreases egg‐laying responses, indicating that it contains oviposition deterrents. Chemical analyses reveal that two cyanogenic glucosides, linamarin and lotaustralin, are the major constituents of Tr‐3‐2. Authentic linamarin does not elicit egg‐laying responses and significantly inhibits female oviposition when mixed with Tr‐3‐1 at the natural concentration. Although these cyanogenic glucosides are reported to synergistically induce oviposition of a coliadine species Colias erate on white clover, we conclude that linamarin acts as an oviposition deterrent for E. mandarina, restricts its host range and regulates their differential host acceptance.

Density and Egg Parasitism of Stink Bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Mimosa

Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are primary pests in most fruit, vegetable, grain, and row crops worldwide. The polyphagous habits of these pest species compels them to forage within and between closely associated non-crop and crop habitats across farmscapes in response to changing food resources. The exotic mimosa tree, Albizia julibrissin Durazz (Fabaceae), commonly grows in thickets along roadsides and in woodlands adjacent to agricultural crops across the southeastern USA. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if mimosa was a host plant of stink bugs in southwest Georgia. Chinavia hilaris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) fed and developed on mimosa during early Jul through mid-Aug. Nymphs and adults of C. hilaris fed more frequently on fruit than on leaves of mimosa. Other stink bugs viz., Euschistus servus (Say), E. tristigmus (Say), E. obscurus (Palisot), Nezara viridula (L.), Thyanta custator custator (F.), and Loxa flavicollis (Drury) (all Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), also were detected on mimosa, but only as adults feeding on fruit. Trissolcus edessae Fouts (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) was the most prevalent parasitoid of C. hilaris eggs on mimosa, but Anastatus reduvii (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) also emerged from eggs of this stink bug. Overall, 46.6% of the C. hilaris eggs found on mimosa were parasitized. In conclusion, C. hilaris is the primary stink bug species developing on mimosa in southwest Georgia, serving as a potential source of this stink bug into nearby crops.

Albizia julibrissin Ameliorates Memory Loss Induced by Insomnia in Drosophila.

In clinical practice in Taiwan, Albizia julibrissin is the most prescribed Chinese herbal medicine for insomnia. Short-term insomnia and hypnotic use both attenuate cognitive functions, especially learning memory. In previous studies, A. julibrissin exhibits sedative activity, antidepressant-like effects, and protection of learning and memory against amnesia. However, whether A. julibrissin ameliorates memory loss caused by short-term sleep deprivation is not clear. We utilized the sleep-deprived Drosophila model and olfactory associative learning-memory assay to test the effects of A. julibrissin on sleep-deprivation induced memory loss. We found that A. julibrissin ameliorated 3-hour memory but not 1-hour memory or instant learning. The findings might be applied to an anticipated short-term sleep disturbance.

The Role of N,N,N-Trimethylglycine in Oviposition of Eurema mandarina on Albizia julibrissin.

The common grass yellow Eurema mandarina (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) uses the silk tree Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae) as a primary host in Japan. We previously reported that D-pinitol, a cyclitol found in fresh leaves of A. julibrissin, solely elicits moderate oviposition responses from females. However, the aqueous neutral/amphoteric fraction of the fresh leaf extract containing D-pinitol weakly induces oviposition. Moreover, the aqueous neutral/amphoteric/basic fraction was significantly more active than the neutral/amphoteric fraction in eliciting responses, indicating that some basic compounds are involved in stimulating oviposition. High-resolution mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance measurements revealed that the aqueous basic faction contains N,N,N-trimethylglycine (trivial name: glycine betaine) in alkali metal salt form. The average concentration of this quaternary ammonium compound in fresh leaves was estimated to be 0.012% w/w in high performance liquid chromatography analyses. The authentic N,N,N-trimethylglycine induced oviposition at concentrations greater than 0.001% (w/v) and slightly enhanced female responses to the aqueous neutral fraction and authentic D-pinitol. However, its analogues, N,N-dimethylglycine, N-methylglycine, and glycine as well as its precursor choline were inactive. These results demonstrate that N,N,N-trimethylglycine, together with D-pinitol, serves as an stimulant of E. mandarina for oviposition on the leaves of A. julibrissin.

BEE FLORAL CALENDAR OF CULTIVATED AND WILD PLANTS AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT AGROECOSYTEMS OF CHITWAN, NEPAL

Beekeeping is one of the promising enterprises for economically poor farmers in Nepal but beekeeping farmers lack flora calendar for pollination, bee foraging, and honey production. Therefore, a study was conducted visiting farmers’ fields every 15-20 days during 2012-2013 to monitor the common plant species visited by bees, which were considered as bee forage plants categorized as major, and minor sources of pollen and/or nectar. Relevant information was also gathered through key informant interviews and group discussions. During the study period a total of 252 plant species were recorded and their floral calendar prepared. In the study area. The main species identified were: rice, Oryza sativa L.; maize, Zea mays L.; buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.; rapeseed, Brassica campestris L.; sesame, Sesamum orientale L.; litchi, Litchi chinensis Sonner; and cucurbits (bottle gourd, Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl; sponge gourd, Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem.; bitter gourd, Momordica charantia L.), Leucas (gumpate), Leucas lanata Benth.; Butternut (chiuri), Bassia butyracea Roxb.; Pogostemon (rudilo), Pogostemon glaber Benth.; guava, Pisum sativum L; Sisoo, Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.; Throughwort (Banmara), Eupatorium sp.; silk tree (Padke), Albizia julibrissin Durazz ; Terminalia (Saj) Terminalia bellirica (Geartn.) Roxb. and Murraya (kadipatta) Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. Species of Brassica, Pogestemon, Bassia, Citrus, and Artemisia, Pisum, Ipomoea and Eupatorium species were some of the important plants which bloomed during winter. And, Lagerstroemia sp., Impatiens sp, Sesamum indicum L., Zea mays L., Albizia sp. and many cucurbits bloomed during rainy season. Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, Brassica campestral L, Lagerstroemia indica L, Bombax ceiba L, Albizia julibrissin Durazz., Eugenia formosa Wall., Shorea robusta, Guartn. Upatorium grandulosum, Pogostemon glaber Benth. Terminalia alata Heyne ex.Roth, Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng Sesamum orientale L. Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. were the major bee flora both rich in nectar and pollen.

New invasive bruchine species (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) in the fauna of Romania, with a review on their distribution and biology

SummaryFour allochthonous seed beetles, associated with Gleditsia triacanthos L., Albizia julibrissin Durraz. and Cercis siliquastrum L., are reported from Romania for the first time. They are Megabruchidius dorsalis (Fåhraeus, 1839), M. tonkineus (Pic, 1914), Bruchidius terrenus (Sharp, 1886) and B. siliquastri Delobel, 2007 respectively. Their distribution (native, in Europe and Romania) is reviewed. Notes on biology are provided and morphological characters for the identification of these species are discussed. We also provide information about the parasitoid assemblages associated with these seed beetles, three of the parasitoid–host relationships being reported here for the first time.

1366 Interest of Panax Ginseng and Albizia Julibrissin extracts to prevent age-related hair density reduction

1366 Interest of Panax Ginseng and Albizia Julibrissin extracts to prevent age-related hair density reduction

Solvent Extraction and Antibacterial Analysis of Chinese Traditional Herbs

The increased development of antibiotic resistant bacteria has created a need for new antibiotics. To obtain new antibiotics by solvent extraction, studies are currently utilizing Chinese traditional herbal medicines to acquire antibacterial compounds. Eight Chinese traditional medicinal herbs were obtained from the Yunnan Province of China: Semiaquileqia adoxoides, Albizia julibrissin bark, Dendrobium nobile stem, Panax notoginseng stem, Lygodium japonicum spore, Prunellae vulgaris, Lycium ruthenicum, and Lepidium meyenii. These specific herbs have been primarily used as anti‐inflammatories throughout the history of Chinese traditional medicine. Using the knowledge that inflammation is often a sign of infection, we obtained these specific herbs that could potentially contain antibacterial components. To determine potential antibacterial properties of these herbs, the disc‐diffusion method was conducted using 10 mg/mL extracts within water, ethanol, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, and chloroform. After dissolving the extracts within their respective solvents screening was performed against the following gram‐positive, gram‐negative, and gram‐variable bacteria: E. coli, M. luteus, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, S. typhimurium, and B. subtilis. All eight of the herbs utilized, proved to have some form of antibacterial properties ranging from 0.5 mm to 6 mm zone of inhibition. The Dendrobium nobile stem chloroform extract had the most significant antibacterial resistance with a 6 mm zone of inhibition after three triplicate trials containing three 10 mg/mL discs per trial. Amoxicillin (10 μg/disc) and penicillin (10 μg/disc) were used as a reference to compare the zone of inhibition obtained from the disc‐diffusion assays in addition to the solvents used for extraction. Gas chromatography analysis proved that the chloroform extract of Dendrobium nobile stem had a total of four components with the following retention times: 15.427, 20.388, 21.142, and 23.279 minutes. Mass Spectroscopy data showed a molecular ion with the m/z ratio of 503.2 within the Denrobium nobile bark extracts that had significant antibacterial resistance against M. luteus. In addition the following molecular ions were observed: 338.1 m/z and 429.2 m/z.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Eucalyptus urophylla root-associated fungi can counteract the negative influence of phenolic acid allelochemicals

Root-associated fungi can potentially affect plant allelopathy by degrading or transforming allelochemicals. However, no microorganism has been identified as an allelochemical moderator in Eucalyptus plantations. In this study, three Helotiales sp. (EU03, EU04, and EU05) were isolated from the roots of Eucalyptus urophylla, and all three of the isolated fungi were grown in vitro with mixed phenolic acids (benzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and vanillic acid) as the sole carbon source. EU03 and EU05 can degrade 99% of the p-hydroxybenzoic acid in an inorganic culture medium within 9 days, while EU04 can degrade 100% of the three phenolic acids in potato dextrose broth medium within 7 days. A mixed inoculation with the three isolates can alleviate the allelopathic effects of phenolic acids and E. urophylla litter decomposition on Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae) nodulation ex situ. The number of nodules on A. julibrissin grown with inoculated fungi plus 50 mg kg−1 or 100 mg kg−1 mixed phenolic acids were 2.17 times and 1.67 times greater than those grown without the inoculation treatments, respectively. These results highlight the role of E. urophylla root associated fungi, which have the potential to moderate the phenolic acid allelopathy caused by E. urophylla. Manipulating root associated fungi is an effective way to alleviate the effects of ecological suppression caused by Eucalyptus allelochemicals.

Emission of Carbonaceous Species from Biomass Burning in the Traditional Rural Cooking Stove in Bangladesh

Characterization of carbonaceous species from the particulate matters (PM) after combustion of seven commonly used biomass species, albizia tree (Albizia julibrissin), dry leaves (mahogany tree), jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus), rain tree (Samanea saman), mahogany tree (Swietenia mahogany), cow dung and mango tree (Mangifer aindica) was done. PM samples were collected on quartz fiber filters emitted from biomass burning in a typical rural cooking stove. PM loaded filters were characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM) for surface morphology, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) to determine the functional group of organic compounds. Black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC) concentrations were determined with Aethalometer. A TOC analyzer was used to determine the total organic carbon (TOC) present in the biomass samples. The surface morphology was almost similar for all biomass burning PM samples. The average concentrations of BC and BrC were 5.85 ± 4.40 and 13.0 ± 8.80 μg·m&#453, respectively. The emission factors of BC and BrC were 1.08 ± 0.89 and 2.35 ± 1.67 mg·g&#451, respectively. Concentration of BC was the highest in dry leaves and the lowest in mango tree. The emission factors of the determined biomass followed the sequence-dry leaves of mahogany > albizia tree > jackfruit tree > rain tree > cow dung > mahogany tree > mango tree. PM from mango tree had lower emissions compared to the other biomass species used in this study.

A Comparison between Some Wood Bark Extracts: Antifungal Activity

Aim of study: The need for eco-friendly and bio-soluble wood preservatives has increased recently. In this study, antifungal effects of tree barks were researched. Area of study: The maritime (Pinus pinaster L.), iron (Casuarina equisetifolia L.), mimosa (Acacia mollissima L.), calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.), and fir (Abies nordmanniana) tree barks were used. Material and Methods: The the solution at two concentrations was prepared to the substance obtained with alcohol benzene extraction method from the tree bark according to TAPPI standard. The effectiveness of bark extracts was evaluated against brown-rot fungus; Coniophera puteana, and white-rot fungus; Trametes versicolor. Main results: This study indicates that tree bark extracts have potential to use as wood preservatives. Maritime pine and fir tree barks showed good resistance against T. versicolor more than C. puteana. On the contrary, iron and mimosa tree barks were more resistance against brown-rot fungus, C. puteana. Concentration is the most important factor for inhibition of fungal activity. Inhibition of fungal growth increased parallel with concentration. Research highlights: It is thought that the rich structure of the bark extract in terms of natural phenolic compounds could inhibit fungal activity. This study indicates that tree bark extracts have potential to use as wood preservatives.

Influences of leguminous tree species, Albizia julibrissin Durazz. on growth and feed component characteristics of cool‐season grass, Dactylis glomerata L. beneath the canopy in Japan's temperate zone

AbstractTo evaluate the capacity of the deciduous leguminous tree, Albizia julibrissin Durazz. as a fertilizing or shading tree for cool‐season grasses, I investigated its effects on the quantitative and qualitative growth performance of Dactylis glomerata L. from germinated seedlings to adult plants, and on the changes in vegetation under no fertilization conditions in Japan's temperate zone. Height, yield and nutritional contents of D. glomerata beneath and beyond the canopies were compared over 4 years. The plant height and dry matter yield were higher beneath the canopy than beyond the canopy for both the first and the second crops. The nutrient differences between the two locations were larger for the second crop than the first crop. Total digestible nutrients (TDN) and crude protein (CP) were higher beneath the canopy and fibrous components were conversely higher beyond the canopy for the second crop. The TDN yield and CP yield were higher beneath the canopy for both the crops. Weed invasion was suppressed beneath the canopy. These results suggest that the growth of D. glomerata was promoted beneath the canopy of A. julibrissin and that the environment beneath the canopy was more suitable for the cool‐season grass D. glomerata in Japan's hot summers. This is the first demonstration showing the possibility of sustainable grassland production using the deciduous leguminous tree, A. julibrissin and D. glomerata in the cool temperate zone.

Anti-tumor target identification and molecular mechanism study of total saponins from Albizia julibrissin

Dried stem bark from Albizia julibrissin(AJ) is a common traditional Chinese herb with several therapy effects including insomnia, anxiety and anti-tumor. Recently, the anti-tumor effect and mechanism studies of AJ have drawn much attention; however, there are still some troubles in chemical composition separation, which leads to the difficulties in pharmacological research of AJ. In this study, we firstly confirmed the proliferation inhibitory effect of total saponins from AJ(TSAJ)on human hepatocarcinoma(HepG2) cells, and also tested the apoptosis induction effect of TSAJ. Then, we successfully captured the potential target proteins from HepG2 lysates by using TSAJ-modified solid beads, and identified the target proteins by LC-MS/MS. Finally, we confirmed 5 target proteins including Exportin-2, Beta-actin-like protein 2, Myosin-9, Protein transport protein Sec61 subunit beta,and Cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone, which are responsible forcell apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation andmigration. In summary, our findings elucidate the potential anti-tumor mechanism of TSAJ from the direct target proteins, and provide a new insight for exploring the pharmacological mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine.

Effects of Long-Term Manual Invasive Plant Removal on Forest Understory Composition

ABSTRACT: Removal of invasive species is a common management goal to maintain native species composition and wildlife habitat. Due to the time and effort necessary to remove invasive species, it is important to clearly understand the benefits that will be gained through removal and what methods will best achieve those results. This study evaluated the response of native plant understory communities to the removal of invasive species that fell into a range of functional groups including perennial herbs (Microstegium vimineum, Liriope muscari), vines (Lonicera japonica, Lygodium japonicum, Hedra helix), shrubs (Ligustrum sinense), and trees (Albizia julibrissin, Triadica sebifera). Eight invasive plant species were removed from twenty-seven 1-m2 plots for 8 y in an upland mixed hardwood—pine and riverine woodland within the Ocmulgee National Monument, Macon, Georgia. Species richness, herbaceous cover, and woody species number was measured 2 y before removal and each year during removal. Mechanical removal ...

Syngas production from biomass by linear heart gasifier

Syngas technology is one of a well-known alternative process way to produce valuable chemical products. This research discussed on biomass composition which related to syngas production yield via gasification process. Four type of biomass from wood are selected to be model for the experiment: Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), Cassia tree (Senna siamea), Eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus melliodora), Mimosa tree (Leucena leucocepphala) were analyzed for proximate and ultimate analysis. The results show the most heating value detected in eucalyptus biomass (19,267.65 kJ/kg), Cassia and Neem wood (17,500 kJ/kg and 17,417 kJ/kg repectively). The high heating value of Eucalyptus wood exhibit higher than that in coal and rice straw (18,840 kJ/kg and 14,826 kJ/kg, in consequence). Nitrogen contains in all biomass show a rarely bit composition (Eucalyptus: 0.2 %, Cassia: 0.17% and Neem: 0.0%). In conclusion, three different kind of wood biomass have a potential to be applied for syngas production as a new biomass for linear heart gasifier in the experiment.

Design and testing of botanical thermotropic actuator mechanisms in thermally adaptive building coverings

This paper lays out the inspiration, operational principles, analytical modeling and coupon testing of a new class of thermally adaptive building coverings. The fundamental driving concepts for these coverings are derived from various families of thermotropic plant structures. Certain plant cellular structures like those in Mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant), Rhododendron leaves or Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa Tree), exhibit actuation physiology which depends on changes in cellular turgor pressures to generate motion. This form of cellular action via turgor pressure manipulation is an inspiration for a new field of thermally adaptive building coverings which use various forms of cellular foam to aid or enable actuation much like plant cells are used to move leaves. When exposed to high solar loading, the structures use the inherent actuation capability of pockets of air trapped in closed cell foam as actuators to curve plates upwards and outwards. When cold, these same structures curve back towards the building forming large convex pockets of dead air to insulate the building. This paper describes basic classical laminated plate theory models comparing theory and experiment of such coupons containing closed-cell foam actuators. The study concludes with a global description of the effectiveness of this class of thermally adaptive building coverings.

Anti-Anxiety Effect of (−)-Syringaresnol-4-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside from Albizzia julibrissin Durazz (Leguminosae)

Albizzia julibrissin Durazz, a Chinese Medicine, is commonly used for its anti-anxiety effects. (−)-syringaresnol-4-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside (SAG) is the main ingredient of Albizzia julibrissin Durazz. The present study investigated the anxiolytic effect and potential mechanisms on the HPA axis and monoaminergic systems of SAG on acute restraint-stressed rats. The anxiolytic effect of SAG was examined through an open field test and an elevated plus maze test. The concentration of CRF, ACTH, and CORT in plasma was examined by an enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) kit while neurotransmitters in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the brain were examined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). We show that repeated treatment with SAG (3.6 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly increased the number and time spent on the central entries in the open-field test when compared to the vehicle/stressed group. In the elevated plus maze test, 3.6 mg/kg SAG could increase the percentage of entries into and time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus maze. In addition, the concentration of CRF, ACTH, and CORT in plasma and neurotransmitters (NE, 5-HT, DA and their metabolites 5-HIAA, DOPAC, and HVA) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the brain were decreased after SAG treatment, as compared to the repeated acute restraint-stressed rats. These results suggest that SAG is a potential anti-anxiety drug candidate.