Alnus Japonica Research Articles

Maintenance of an abrupt boundary between needle-leaved and broad-leaved forests in a wetland near coast

There is an abrupt boundary between two well-developed wetland forests, a stand consisting of a broad-leaved, nitrogen-fixer Alnus japonica and a stand of the needle-leaved Picea glehnii Masters, in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. To clarify maintenance mechanisms, we studied the forest profile, water level, groundwater and precipitation chemistry, seedling establishment patterns in relation to microhabitats, and seed migration. The profile of groundwater level insufficiently explained the abrupt boundary formation, while the groundwater chemistry differed significantly between the two forests; i.e., EC, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Cl− were higher in P. glehnii forest and pH was lower. Precipitation in P. glehnii forest contained richer Na+, Ca2+ and Cl−, indicating that the differences in surface-water chemistry were mostly derived from precipitation. Solar radiation was less than 2.2 MJ·m−2·d−1 on P. glehnii forest in late June, while that was patchily distributed in A. japonica forest with a range from 1.0 to 3.7 MJ·m−2·d−1. Moss cover on the soil surface, most of which were made of Sphagnum spp., was 60% in P. glehnii forest, but was 10% in A. japonica forest. Surface water chemistry represented by pH was considered to determine the development of Sphagnum moss. About 70% of P. glehnii seedlings < 1.3 m in height established on moss cover. Seed-sowing experiments suggested that seed germination and seedling survival for both species were significantly higher in P. glehnii forest. Therefore, the regeneration of P. glehnii in A. japonica forest was negligible, owing to the paucity of favorable microhabitats and low seedling establishment. A. japonica regenerated only by resprouting, and the seedlings were few in both forests. In addition, A. japonica seed migration into the P. glehnii forests was greatly restricted, and low solar radiation in the P. glehnii forest contributed to low seedling survival. Based on those results, we concluded that Picea glehnii and Alnus japonica could develop distinct and selfish environments being unsuitable for the other species and inhibit natural afforestation of another species each other by excluding invasion.

Suppression of T cell activation by hirsutenone, isolated from the bark of Alnus japonica, and its therapeutic advantages for atopic dermatitis

The increasing prevalence and severity of atopic dermatitis during recent decades has prompted the development of safe and more highly effective drugs. Although topical corticosteroids have been used for more than 50 years as first line therapy for atopic dermatitis, their potential side effects limits their clinical uses. In light of this, steroid-free topical calcineurin inhibitors were developed and have been used in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. In the present study, we examined if hirsutenone suppressed the profiles of atopic dermatitis development in vitro via mimicry of calcineurin inhibitor actions in mouse splenocytes and RBL-2H3 mast cells. Our results showed that hirsutenone effectively inhibited T cell activation by blocking dephosphorylation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). This inhibition was confirmed by inactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which subsequently inhibited production of cytokine mRNAs (interleukin-2, -4, -5, -13 and interferon-γ) after T cell receptor stimulation. We also showed that the early T cell activation marker, CD25, was suppressed in the presence of hirsutenone after T cell receptor stimulation with anti-CD3. Moreover, degranulation of mast cells was remarkably suppressed, comparable to that by cyclosporine A. This indicates that hirsutenone may specifically inhibit calcium-activated processes in both T cells and mast cells. Therefore, our results suggest that hirsutenone may be a new topical drug candidate, which probably acts by mimicking calcineurin inhibitor mechanisms.

Gradients controlling vegetation in Alnus japonica forests in Kushiro mire, Hokkaido, Japan

This study examined factors controlling the vegetation in Kushiro mire, northern Japan, especially in the alder and reed communities. The alder community was classified into four types that were arranged by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) as follows: Carex lasiocarpa type, Carex augustinowiczii type, Persicaria type, and Spiraea type. The four types exhibited differences in size (tree height) and in the ratio of sprouting stems. Although plants growing on the forest floor primarily determined the species composition of the community, shading by alder crowns had no marked effect on the community gradient. Therefore, hydrochemical variables could control the growth and occurrence of both the floor plants and alder tree size. The differences between reed community and the alder community sites were characterized as heavily eutrophic by the Kruskal–Wallis test. Overall, the chemical variables pH and P2O5 and the hydrochemical variables maximum and range of water level were positively correlated with the CCA axis, and effectively explained the community gradient in relation to alder growth. These variables could be controlled by the inflow of neutral and turbid water from river floods or run-off, which would increase pH by replacing the acidic mire water, ash content, and P2O5 by conveying suspended inorganic particles that adsorb phosphorus.

Cytotoxic activities of diarylheptanoids from Alnus japonica

The diarylheptanoids (1-10) 1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-heptane-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranoside (1), 1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-heptane-3-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), 1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-heptane-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), 1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-hydroxyheptane (4), 1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-heptane-3-one-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), oregonin (6), hirsutanonol (7), hirsutenone (8), 1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-hydroxyheptane-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (9), and platyphylloside (10), isolated from the bark of Alnus japonica, were analyzed for their cytotoxic activities on various human and mouse cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic activities of these ten compounds were evaluated against murine B16 melanoma, human SNU-1 gastric cancer, human SNU-354 hepatoma cancer and human SNU-C4 colorectal cell lines. The diarylheptanoids showed potent cytotoxic activities against murine B16 melanoma cells and human SNU-C1 gastric cancer cell when the cell viability was analyzed by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide) assay.

Development of a new anti-atopic agent using the diarylheptanoid from the barks of Alnus japonica and its role in immunological activity

Development of a new anti-atopic agent using the diarylheptanoid from the barks of Alnus japonica and its role in immunological activity

Vegetation dynamics related to sediment accumulation in Kushiro Mire, northeastern Japan

We investigated the relationship between vegetation changes and site condition in Kushiro Mire, northeastern Japan, where massive depositions of sediment from the watershed have been observed over the last several decades. These changes also included the changing area of floodplain forest. To determine the factors that induced the changing floodplain forest area and the effect of sediment accumulation on floodplain vegetation, we examined site conditions where vegetation had recently changed. We classified the pattern of vegetation change as new forest (formerly meadow), new meadow (formerly forest), stable forest (forest since 1967), and stable meadow (meadow since 1967) with the help of aerial photographs taken in 1967, 1977, and 2000. The survey results showed that the quadrats were divided into six vegetation types based on current vegetation composition. All new forests comprised alder (Alnus japonica) and were divided into two vegetation types. New meadows were also considered alder forest based on remnants of former forest and divided into two vegetation types. The site condition showed better correspondence to the pattern of vegetation change than the current vegetation composition, though it had a significant relationship with the latter. In new forests, high water table and a relatively high content of clay and silt characterized the site condition, whereas in new meadows, low water table and high sand content were the site characteristics. We discuss these site characteristics in the context of alder’s adaptability to site. It is suggested that coarse sediment probably along with intense flooding and fine sediment coupled with high water table contributed to the disappearance and establishment of alder forests, respectively.

Effect of 5- O-Methylhirsutanonol on Nuclear Factor-κB-Dependent Production of NO and Expression of iNOS in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW264.7 Cells

Diarylheptanoids are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activities in various cell types, including macrophages. 5- O-Methylhirsutanonol (5-MH) isolated from the leaves of Alnus japonica Steud exhibited the antioxidant activities on Cu (2+)- and AAPH-mediated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay as well as the macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation. In the main study, we examined anti-inflammatory activities of 5- O-methylhirsutanonol (5-MH) on nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)-dependent nitric oxide (NO) production and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthease (iNOS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. 5-MH inhibited NO production with an IC 50 value of 14.5 microM and expression of both iNOS protein and iNOS mRNA in a parallel dose-response manner. Then, expression of inflammation-associated genes, such as TNF-alpha, COX-2, and IL-1beta, was suppressed by 5-MH, as determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. Moreover, 5-MH attenuated NF-kappaB activation by inhibition of hyperphosphorylation of IkappaB-alpha and its subsequent proteolytic degradation and p65 nuclear translocation, as well as preventing DNA-binding ability. In addition, 5-MH suppressed the mRNA expression of the gene reactive oxygen species (ROS) concerned in the regulation of NF-kappaB signaling.

Effects of Diarylheptanoids on the Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Expression of Adhesion Molecules in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by infiltration of mononuclear lymphocytes into the intima through the expression of adhesion molecules on the arterial wall. In the present study, we report the inhibitory effects of two diarylheptanoids, 5-O-methylhirsutanonol (1) and oregonin (2), isolated from the methanolic extracts of Alnus japonica leaves, on the expression of adhesion molecules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced up-regulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which also prevented adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs, and slightly suppressed the mRNA expression of the inflammation-associated gene interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). A further study demonstrated the inhibitory effect of compound 1 on DNA-binding of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and on the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory factor kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha) in TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVECs. These results indicate that compounds 1 and 2 may be useful in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis through attenuation of adhesion molecule expression by inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.

오레고닌의 in vitro 방출 특성에 미치는 연고기제의 영향

The bark of Alnus japonica has been used for the treatment of fever, hemorrhage and diarrehea in oriental traditional medicine. Recently, it was revealed that the diarylheptanoids from the bark of Alnus japonica possess anti-inflammatory activity and are expected to be applicable for atopic dermatitis. In this study, oregonin, one of major active components in the bark of Alnus japonica, was developed in the form of semisolid formulations for topical delivery. Oregonin was incorporated into four ointment bases: O/W cream, W/O cream, hydrophilic ointment and lipophilic ointment. Oregonin release from all formulation prepared was evaluated. Franz cell method and immersion method were employed to characterize the release patterns of drug from each formulation based on solvent availability. O/W cream showed a better release profile than the other formulations when evaluated with Franz cell method with an order of O/W cream, hydrophilic ointment, W/O cream and lipophilic ointment. In the immersion method, hydrophilic ointment showed the greatest release rate at times 1 hour exceeding compared to other bases with an order of hydrophilic ointment, O/W cream, W/O cream and lipophilic ointment. Hydrophilicity and solvent availability of formulation seems to significantly influence the release rate of oregonin from ointment bases. In this study, we successfully characterized the oregon in ointment and found that o/w cream is a promising formulation for the topical delivery of oregonin.

Effects of flooding depth on growth, morphology and photosynthesis in Alnus japonica species

The present study deals with effects of flooding depth on growth, morphology and photosynthesis in Alnus japonica species thorough one field study and two controlled experiments. In the field study performed in Kushiro Mire, Hokkaido Island, Japan, tree heights and stem diameters decreased with an increase in water depth accompanied with the reduction of soil redox potential. In contrast, the rate of multiple stems per individual tree increased. In the controlled experiments for seedlings flooding suppressed the shoot elongation and biomass increment in roots. However, diameter increment around water levels, epicormic shoot development and adventitious root formation were enhanced in flooded seedlings. The photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance of flooded seedlings also were lowered with an increase in flooding depth. The recovery of the reduced photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance occurred simultaneously with the advancement of adventitious root formation in the flooded seedlings. These results indicate the importance of a series of morphological changes occurring on stems around water levels in flood tolerance in A. japonica species.

Growth, morphology and photosynthetic activity in flooded Alnus japonica seedlings

This study was conducted on Alnus japonica seedlings subjected to flooding for 2, 4, and 6 weeks to examine responses in growth, morphology, and photosynthesis to different periods of flooding. Seedlings subjected to flooding for 2 and 4 weeks were drained after flooding then watered daily. Increases in biomass of leaves, roots, and whole plants were less for 6-week-flooded seedlings. Rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of flooded seedlings decreased within 2 weeks. For 2-week-flooded seedlings recovery from reduced stomatal conductance and recovery of photosynthetic activity occurred after drainage. For the 6-week-flooded seedlings stomatal conductance recovered by the end of the experiment. Adventitious root formation by the 4 and 6-week-flooded seedlings was observed from the third week of flooding. These results suggest that recovery of reduced function in leaves may progress with development of adventitious roots during the period of flooding.

Diarylheptanoid and Flavonoid with Antioxidant Activity from Alnus japonica Steud on DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Assay

Alnus japonica Steud (Betulaceae) has long been used as a Korean traditional medicine for gastric disorders, hepatitis, and fatty liver. As a part of our study on the identification of secondary metabolites of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, we isolated 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,5-heptanediol (1), 5-hydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-heptanone (2), 5,3'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone (3) and 3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavone (4) from the dichloromethane and ethylacetate-soluble fractions of Alnus japonica Steud. These compounds showed significant antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC?? values of compounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 30.1, 37.4, 20.2 and 13.7 ㎍/mL, respectively, through the scavenging capacity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical assay.

New Diarylheptanoids from Alnus japonica and Their Antioxidative Activity.

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폐광산 주변의 목본 식생 현황 및 오염 토양에 대한 목본 종자의 발아 특성

This study was carried out to select the Eco-tree for successful phytoremediation of abandoned metalliferous mines. We examined vegetation and heavy metal concentrations of woody plants in abandoned mining areas, and also conducted seed germination and seedling growth experiment on contaminated soils from Gahak and Geumjeong mines. Pinus densiflora, Robinia pseudoacacia, Lespedeza bicolor and Alnus japonica showed high frequency in the survey areas and had high heavy metal concentrations compared to other species. Heavy metal concentrations were higher in roots than in leaves and stems. The seed germination rate was in the order of P. densiflora, L. bicolor, R. pseudoacacia, and Alnus japonica from the incubactor and greenhouse experiment. In the incubator experiment germination rate was highest in the control soil for P. densiflora and A. japonica. Germination rate of P. densiflora was highest on the 100% contaminated soil for Gahak mine while germination rate decreased with increased percentage of contaminated soil for Geumjeong mine. In the greenhouse experiment germination rate was lowest on the 40% contaminated soil for Gahak mine while germination rate was lowest on the 20% contaminated soil for Geumjeong mine and increased with increased percentage of contaminated soil. Shoot growth was highest for L. bicolor while root growth was highest for R. pseudoacacia except for 20% contaminated soil in Geumjeong mine.

Hosts and distribution of Viscum album L. ssp. album in Croatia and Slovenia

Viscum album L. ssp. album is semi-parasitic on deciduous trees and shrubs. In order to identify hosts and map the distribution of V. album ssp. album in Croatia and Slovenia, field research was carried out, and herbaria were surveyed. In Croatia and Slovenia, V. album ssp. album occurred on 59 taxa. In Croatia, there were 52 hosts (33 autochthonous and 15 allochthonous species, two cultivars and two hybrids). In Slovenia, there were 25 hosts (21 autochthonous and four allochthonous species). There were 18 hosts common to both countries, 34 hosts were found only in Croatia, and seven hosts only in Slovenia. The hosts belonged to 13 families. The majority of these (19 species) belong to the Rosaceae, followed by Salicaceae, Aceraceae, Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae, Tiliaceae, Hippocastanaceae, Ulmaceae, Oleaceae, Fabaceae, Moraceae and Viscaceae. All hosts have been previously recorded in the literature, except Alnus japonica (Thunb.) Steud., Amelanchier lamarckii F.G. Schroed. and Crataegus nigra Waldst. et Kit. The distribution of this mistletoe was scattered, due to the scattered distribution of hosts, local conditions, movement of bird-vectors, etc. A continuous distribution was found only in part of the distribution area of narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl).

Cyclic diarylheptanoids inhibit cell-mediated low-density lipoprotein oxidation

Two cyclic diarylheptanoids, garugamblin-3 (1) and acerogenin L (2), isolated from the MeOH extract of the fruits of Alnus japonica Steud., inhibited human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance assay with IC50 values of 2.9 and 1.7 μM, respectively, and they also inhibited cell-mediated LDL oxidation more than five times more strongly than that of a well-known antioxidant, probucol, at a concentration of 10 μM. 1 had no effect on the anti-atherogenesis in low-density lipoprotein receptor- deficient mice.

Spatial Assessment of the Alder Tree in Kushiro Mire, Japan using Remotely Sensed Imagery – Effects of the Surrounding Land Use on Kushiro Mire

The relationship between alder (Alnus japonica) distribution and surrounding land use in Kushiro Mire was spatially assessed using remotely sensed imagery. From the result, it was found out that the expanding area of alder trees in Kushiro Mire was affected by the agricultural land area in the upper course of the river basin and flooding in the lower course of the river. The soil sediments flowing into the Kushiro Mire from the agricultural land resulted in heavy sedimentation that favors the growth of alder trees. Consequently, the number and density of alder trees has increased. The future distribution of alder trees was predicted based on the mechanism of expansion of the alder-tree area in Kushiro Mire, and it was found that large vegetation areas in Kushiro Mire will be changed to areas with alder trees.

울산 무제치 습원의 식생: 현존식생도와 오리나무 개체군

중간습원 무제치 습원의 현존식생도와 오리나무 개체군의 공간적 분포양식을 규명하였으며, 그 보존을 위한 생태학적 정보를 발굴하였다. 자늪과 웅늪의 1:100 실측지형도 상에서 총3,036개의 격자(5m <TEX>$\times$</TEX> 5m)를 이용하여 1996년 상세 현장조사가 이루어졌다. 현존식생도는 쇠털골형, 진퍼리새형, 오리나무형, 억새형, 삼림형 그리고 개방나지 등의 6 가지 식생범례로 제작되었으며, 습원 고유의 진퍼리새형과 비고유의 억새형이 가장 넓은 면적을 차지하고 있었다. 오리나무 1,491개체에 대한 매목조사와 티센망도(thiessen polygons) 분석으로부터 오리나무 개체군의 발달은 습원의 훼손(토사 및 산화 등)으로부터 매우 급속히 진행되고 있는 것으로 나타났다. 웅늪은 자늪에 비하여 보다 온전한 구조로 유지되고 있는 중간습원으로 평가되었으나, 자늪과 웅늪 모두 다년생 목본 식물종에 의한 산지 참나무림과 오리나무 우점의 산지 습생림의 발달에 의한 진퍼리새군강으로 대표되는 중간습원의 입지환경 변화와 그 소멸이 급격히 진행되고 있었다. 결국 진퍼리새군강의 중간습원 보존은 임도와 산불에 따른 토양의 부영양화에 대한 응급조치가 필요함이 지적되었다. Actual vegetation map drown with the scale 1 to 100 and Alnus japonica population in Ja-neup and Woong-neup of the Mujechi moor were described in order to monitor long-termly and preserve permanently, where is a very rare Molinietea moor and a legally protected area. A total of 3036 plots of 5m <TEX>$\times$</TEX> 5m were surveyed during summer 1996. Thiessen polygons of 1491 alder trees were derived from the plot data. Actual vegetation map was illustrated by 6 cover types such as needle spike-rush type, moor-grass type, alder-moor type, eulalia type, oak forest type, and exposed site. Molinia grasses native to the moor and Miscanthus grasses alien to the moor are reciprocally dominant. The area of Molinia grasslands was rapidly in decline and alder population size was dramatically in increase in the moor, particularly in Woong-neup. In Molinietea moor preservation more attention should be focused on the regulation of a nutrient rich soil from forest road and fire.

Antioxidant Effects of Diarylheptanoid Derivatives fromAlnus japonicaon Human LDL Oxidation

Two diarylheptanoids, oregonin (1) and hirsutanone (2), were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanol extracts of the leaves of Alnus japonica Steud and their structures were elucidated from their spectroscopic data. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited significant low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-antioxidant activities, e. g., thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay (1: IC50 = 3.2 microM, 2: IC50 = 1.5 microM), lag time (1 : 162 min, 2 : 230 min at 2.0 microM, control: 63 min), relative electrophoretic mobility (REM, inhibition of 1 : 71%, 2 : 75% at 10 microM), apoB-100 fragmentation (inhibition of 1 : 27.3%, 2 : 40.3% at 10 microM) and macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation (inhibition of 1 : 82%, 2 : 84% at 1 microM).

Nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 synthesis inhibitory activities of diarylheptanoids from the barks ofAlnus japonica steudel

Nine known diarylheptanoids (1-9) isolated from the barks of Alnus japonica were evaluated for their inhibitory activities on nitric oxide (NO) and prostagrandin E2 (COX-2) production in interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. The NO and COX-2 levels were moderately reduced by the addition of compounds (1-9). Among these compounds, compounds 6 and 8 inhibited NO production in a dose dependent manner with an IC50 of 16.7 and 27.2 microg/mL, respectively (positive control, L-NMMA; 22.8 microg/mL), and compounds 6, 7, 8, and 9 reduced the COX-2 level in a dose dependent manner with an IC50 of 20.7, 25.7, 25.0, and 27.3 microg/mL, respectively (positive control, indomethacin; 26.2 microg/mL). An analysis of the structural activity relationship among these diarylheptanoids suggests that the presence of a keto-enol group in the heptane moiety or a caffeoyl group in the aromatic ring were important for the efficacy on the inhibitory activities of NO and COX-2 production.