Arctium Lappa Root Research Articles

Effect of Both Phytoestrogen and Xenoestrogen on Some Sexual Hormones in Male Albino Rats and Illustration of The Effect of Arctium Lappa L (A. Lappa) on Their Actions

Background: Xenoestrogens are chemically distinct industrial products potentially able to disrupt the endocrine system by mimicking the action of endogenous steroid hormones. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring non-steroidal plant chemicals that can act like the female hormone estrogen. Arctium lappa (burdock) root has traditionally been recommended as an aphrodisiac agent. Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify the effect of both bisphenol-A (BPA) and anise oil together on some sexual hormones and illustration the effect of A. lappa on their actions. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on thirty male albino rats. The animals were divided into three groups: Group I, control untreated group, Group II, rats treated with bisphenol-A and anise oil and Group III, rats treated with BPA and anise oil in addition to A. lappa. Blood samples were collected to estimate biochemical parameters. Results: The biochemical results showed highly significant increase (p < 0.01) in the activities of ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, FSH, prolactin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDLC, VLDL, LDL/HDL and TC/HDL levels. While, there was highly significant decrease (p < 0.01) in HDLC, total protein, albumin, globulin, testosterone and, LH. All these results turned back to the normal values after receiving the A. lappa as compared to normal group. Conclusion: it could be concluded that phytoestrogen and xenoestrogen have undesirable effects and it's recommended to minimize the utilization of these compound to protect people from its hazardous effects.

Structural characterization and rheological properties of a pectin with anti-constipation activity from the roots of Arctium lappa L

A new pectin (ALP-2) was extracted from the roots of Arctium lappa L. with the molecular weight of 1.84 × 106 Da. ALP-2 was composed of rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose and arabinose. Results of NMR revealed that the dominant linkage types of ALP-2 were →4-α-GalpA-6-OMe-(1→, →2-α-Rha-(1→, →5-α-Araf-(1→ and →3,6-β-Galp-(1→. The ELISA results indicated ALP-2 was a typical pectin with HG chain and RG-I chain. The rheological experiments showed that ALP-2 fluid exhibited shear thinning behavior. The viscosity of ALP-2 was mainly affected by concentration, temperature, and pH. The ALP-2 fluid with elastic properties at high frequencies could be used as a thickener in the food industry. Moreover, ALP-2 with the dosages of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg exhibited strong anti-constipation activity in vivo. ALP-2 treated groups could improve small intestinal movement rate and increase the weight of feces significantly in constipation mice. Therefore, ALP-2 could be considered as the active component for functional food or therapeutic agent in constipation therapy.

Arctium lappa L. root extract induces cell death via mitochondrial-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in Jurkat human leukemic T cells

Arctium lappa L. is a perennial herb traditionally consumed to improve well-being. It has been widely reported for its antioxidant properties; however, very little is known for its exact mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of anticancer action for different A. lappa root extracts. Arctium lappa root was extracted with ethanol, hexane and ethyl acetate, then examined for in vitro anticancer activity against cancerous HeLa, MCF-7, Jurkat cell lines and non-cancerous 3T3 cell lines. Induction of apoptosis was determined by cellular morphological changes, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), caspase-3/7 activity and DNA fragmentation. The active compounds present in the most potent root extracts were identified by LC-ESI-MS. Among all the extracts, ethyl acetate root extract has the highest potency with IC50 of 102.2 ± 42.4 μg/ml, followed by ethanolic root extract in Jurkat T cells, at 24 h. None of the extracts were cytotoxic against 3T3 cells, suggesting that the extracts were selective against cancerous cells only. Both ethyl acetate and ethanolic root extracts exhibited significant morphological changes in Jurkat T cells, including the detachment from adjacent cells, appearance of apoptotic bodies and cells shrinkage. The extracts treated cells also displayed an increase in caspase-3/7 activity and alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential. Only ethyl acetate root extract at IC50 induced DNA fragmentation in Jurkat T cells. LC-ESI-MS analysis of the extract revealed the presence of 8 compounds, of which only 6 compounds with various biological activities reported. These findings suggest that the ethyl acetate extract of A. lappa had strong anticancer potential and induced intrinsic apoptosis via loss of ΔΨm and activation of caspase-3/7 This study can provide new insight to the discovery of new promising lead compound in chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic strategies.

Extraction and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from roots of Arctium lappa L.

Polysaccharides were extracted from the roots of Arctium lappa L. (ALPs) using response surface methodology with ultrasonication. A central composition design was used to optimize extraction parameters by maximizing the polysaccharide extraction yield. The modified optimal conditions were as follows: water to raw material ratio of 31 mL/g, ultrasonic power of 158 W, extraction time of 83 min, and extraction temperature of 50 °C. Furthermore, fractions of ALP40-1, ALP60-1, and ALP80-1 were obtained for chemical and antioxidant activity analyses after purification. Results indicated that the three fractions had a molecular weight of 218, 178, and 60 kDa, respectively, and were composed of mannose, glucose, fructose, and galactose. ALP60-1 exhibited strong scavenging activities on 1,1‑diphenyl‑2‑picryhydrazyl, hydroxyl, and superoxide radicals. These results demonstrate that ultrasonic-assisted extraction is a very effective method for extracting ALPs, and ALP60-1 is a potential novel natural antioxidant. However, further structure elucidation and in vivo experiments are required.

The Essential oil Composition of Arctium lappa Root and Leaf

Using plants and natural products as medicine is increasing every day. The reason might be a tendency that the societies mostly have toward natural and original products especially natural drugs. Essential oilsare referred to aromatic composition which is found in different parts of a plant and can be used for different remedial and hygienic purposes. One of the plants which have been used a lot in folk medicine is Arctium lappa. This study is aimed at identifying the composition of its root and leaf essential oils. The essential oils from the roots and leaves of A. lappa (Asteraceae), which was collected from Mashhad (Farms of Agriculture School, Ferdowsi University), was extracted by hydrodistillation and then the composition was determined by GC/MS. Totally, 31 and 57 components (92.4 and 93.2% of essential oils of root and leaf) were identified, respectively. The root oil contains mainly 1, 3cyclo-octadiene (33.2%), E-caryophllene (6.8%), β-selinene (5.6%) and 9, 10-dehydro-isolongifolene (5.5%), whilst β-Thujone (11.6%), Caryophyllene oxide (8.3%), Cuminaldehyde (7.7%), Comphor (5.3%), DihydroEdulan II (5.3%), β -ionone (4.7%) and α- Thujone (3.4%) were major components in the leaf oil. Identification of the components was based on comparison of their mass spectra with standards. The chemical composition of essential oils from the herbs is being reported for the first time in Iran.

Kinetics, composition and antioxidant activity of burdock (Arctium lappa) root extracts obtained with supercritical CO2 and co-solvent

Arctium lappa root extractions were performed using supercritical CO2 (scCO2) with methanol as co-solvent. Experiments were performed under the following conditions: 10, 15 and 20 MPa and 313.15, 333.15 and 353.15 K varying the methanol to solids (raw material) mass ratio. The best extraction yield (8.25 wt%) was obtained at 20 MPa, 353.15 K and methanol to solids mass ratio of 1:1. The major compounds found in burdock extracts were diisooctyl phthalate, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, glycerol and pentadecanal. The extract with higher antioxidant potential was obtained at 15 MPa and 333.15 K (ratio of 4:1), while a higher number of phenolic compounds was found in the extract obtained at 20 MPa and 353.15 K and ratio of 4:1. High-pressure extraction process using scCO2 with methanol is a promising approaching to obtain burdock root extracts with high biological activity.

Acid-gastric antisecretory effect of the ethanolic extract from Arctium lappa L. root: role of H+, K+-ATPase, Ca2+ influx and the cholinergic pathway

Arctium lappa L., popularly known as burdock, is a medicinal plant used worldwide. The antiulcer and gastric-acid antisecretory effects of ethanolic extract from roots of Arctium lappa (EET) were already demonstrated. However, the mechanism by which the extract reduces the gastric acid secretion remains unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the antisecretory mode of action of EET. The effects of EET on H+, K+-ATPase activity were verified in vitro, whereas the effects of the extract on cholinergic-, histaminergic- or gastrinergic-acid gastric stimulation were assessed in vivo on stimulated pylorus ligated rats. Moreover, ex vivo contractility studies on gastric muscle strips from rats were also employed. The incubation with EET (1000µg/ml) partially inhibited H+, K+-ATPase activity, and the intraduodenal administration of EET (10mg/kg) decreased the volume and acidity of gastric secretion stimulated by bethanechol, histamine, and pentagastrin. EET (100-1000µg/ml) did not alter the gastric relaxation induced by histamine but decreased acetylcholine-induced contraction in gastric fundus strips. Interestingly, EET also reduced the increase in the gastric muscle tone induced by 40 mM KCl depolarizing solution, as well as the maximum contractile responses evoked by CaCl2 in Ca2+-free depolarizing solution, without impairing the effect of acetylcholine on fundus strips maintained in Ca2+ -free nutritive solution. Our results reinforce the gastric antisecretory properties of preparations obtained from Arctium lappa, and indicate that the mechanisms involved in EET antisecretory effects include a moderate reduction of the H+, K+-ATPase activity associated with inhibitory effects on calcium influx and of cholinergic pathways in the stomach muscle.

Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa root's hydro-alcoholic extract on nicotinamide-streptozotocin induced type 2 model of diabetes in male mice.

Arctium lappa (burdock), (A. lappa) root has hypoglycemic and antioxidative effects, and has been used for treatment of diabetes in tradition medicine. This study was conducted to evaluate the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties of A. lappa root extract on nicotinamide-streptozotocin (NA-STZ)-induced type2 diabetes in mice. In this investigation, 70 adult male NMRI mice (30-35g) randomly divided into 7 groups (n=10) as follow: 1-control, 2-type 2 diabetic mice, 3-diabetic mice that received glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) as an anti-diabetic drug, 4, 5, 6 and 7- diabetic and normal animals that were pre-treated with 200 and 300 mg/kg A. lappa root extract, respectively, for 28 days. Diabetes has been induced by intraperitoneal injection of NA and STZ. Finally, the blood sample was taken and insulin, glucose, SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, leptin and lipid levels was evaluated. Induction of diabetes decreased the level of insulin, leptin and high density lipoprotein (HDL) and increased the level of other lipids, glucose, and hepatic enzymes significantly (p<0.05). Administration of both doses of the extract significantly decreased the level of triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein, glucose and alkaline phosphatase in diabetic mice (p<0.05). Insulin levels increased in animals treated with 200 mg/kg (p<0.05) and HDL and leptin levels increased in animals treated with 300 mg/kg of the extract (p<0.01). The results showed that A. lappa root extract, at specific doses, has an anti-diabetic effect through its hypolipidemic and insulinotropic properties. Hence, this plant extract may be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.

Comparing Apoptosis and Necrosis Effects of Arctium Lappa Root Extract and Doxorubicin on MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 Cell Lines

Objective:Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and very common malignancy in women worldwide. The efficacy of chemotherapy as an important part of breast cancer treatment is limited due to its side effects. While pharmaceutical companies are looking for better chemicals, research on traditional medicines that generally have fewer side effects is quite interesting. In this study, apoptosis and necrosis effect of Arctium lappa and doxorubicin was compared in MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines.Materials and Methods:MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 containing 10% FBS and 100 U/ml penicillin/streptomycin. MTT assay and an annexin V/propidium iodide (AV/PI) kit were used respectively to compare the survival rate and apoptotic effects of different concentrations of doxorubicin and Arctium lappa root extract on MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells.Results:Arctium lappa root extract was able to reduce cell viability of the two cell lines in a dose and time dependent manner similar to doxorubicin. Flow cytometry results showed that similar to doxorubicin, Arctium Lappa root extract had a dose and time dependent apoptosis effect on both cell lines. 10µg/mL of Arctium lappa root extract and 5 µM of doxorubicin showed the highest anti-proliferative and apoptosis effect in MCF7 and MDA231 cells.Conclusion:The MCF7 (ER/PR-) and MDA-MB-231 (ER/PR+) cell lines represent two major breast cancer subtypes. The similar anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of Arctium lappa root extract and doxorubicin (which is a conventional chemotherapy drug) on two different breast cancer cell lines strongly suggests its anticancer effects and further studies.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of endodontic intracanal medications.

Background and aimsThe sterilization of the entire root canal system represents the main goal of every endodontist, given the fact that the control of the microbial flora is the key point of every root canal treatment. The diversity of microorganisms found inside the root canal and also the resistance of some bacterial species to intracanal medications led to a continuous development of new endodontic products. The present study focuses on the comparison of the antibacterial and antifungal properties of different endodontic products, two commercially available, one experimental plant based extract, and two control substances.MethodsThe disc diffusion assay was used to determine the antibacterial and antifungal properties of chlorhexidine, calcium hydroxide, a mix extract between Arctium lappa root powder and Aloe barbadensis Miller gel, Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and Fluconazole (as control substances). Two of the most common microorganisms found in endodontic infections were chosen: Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and Candida albicans ATCC(10231).ResultsAll tested substances showed inhibition zones around the discs, for Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans, including the experimental mix extract of Arctium lappa root powder with Aloe vera gel.ConclusionThe experimental mix extract of Arctium lappa root powder and Aloe vera gel is able to inhibit very resistant microorganisms, like Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans.

Effects of Roasting and Peeling Process and Extraction Temperature on the Antioxidant Activity of Burdock Tea

Background: We investigated the optimal aqueous extraction conditions for recovery of high yields of total phenolic compounds from roots of Arctium lappa L. (burdock, Asteraceae), and we compared their antioxidant capacity. Methods and Results: The antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid)-diammonium salt, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays. In addition, the major phenolic compounds present in the extracts were determined by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. Our results suggest that the roasted burdock 100℃, 15 min extract exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activity and possessed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds. The polyphenol content of both dried burdock and roasted burdock significantly increased with increase in the extraction temperature and time. Conclusions: These results indicated a relationship between phenolic compound levels in burdock and their free radical scavenging activities. This suggests that phenolic compounds significantly increase the antioxidant potential of burdock extracts.

Effects of Methanolic Extract of Arctium lappa Root on Promastigotes and Amastigotes of Leishmania major (in vitro)

Effects of Methanolic Extract of Arctium lappa Root on Promastigotes and Amastigotes of Leishmania major (in vitro)

Caffeoylquinic acid derivatives from the roots of Arctium lappa L. (burdock) and their structure–activity relationships (SARs) of free radical scavenging activities

Eight caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) derivatives have been identified from the roots of Arctium lappa L. (burdock), including three new derivatives (1–3) together with five known derivatives (4–8). Their chemical structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR as well as HR-TOF-MS data. The free radical scavenging activities of each compound were determined experimentally and found to be significant, especially the tri-CQA (8) and di-CQAs (6–7). Besides, our data showed that the number of caffeoyl groups in the caffeoyl derivatives played a crucial role for these physiological functions.

Use of Arctium lappa Extract Against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

BackgroundSevere destructive hepatic injuries can be induced by acetaminophen overdose and may lead to acute hepatic failure. ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects of Arctium lappa root extract on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. MethodsRats were divided into 4 groups: normal control group, Arctium lappa extract group, acetaminophen-injected group, and acetaminophen treated with Arctium lappa extract group. ResultsThe treatment with Arctium lappa extract reduced serum alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in the acetaminophen group when compared with the control group. DNA fragments in the acetaminophen-injected group were also significantly increased (P < 0.05). The comet assay revealed increased detaching tail length and DNA concentration during the hepatic toxicity in the acetaminophen group. The malondialdehyde content was inhibited by Arctium lappa treatment (12.97±0.89 nmol/mg) when compared with the acetaminophen-treated-only group (12.97±0.89 nmol/mg). Histopathologic examination revealed that acetaminophen administration produced hepatic cell necrosis, infiltrate of lymphocytes, and vacuolation that were associated with the acetaminophen-treated animal group, but the degree of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity was mediated by treatment with Arctium lappa extract. ConclusionsArctium lappa can prevent most of the hepatic tissue damage caused by acetaminophen overdose in rats.

우엉발효추출물을 이용한 생활악취물질 제거효율 조사

Increasing public concerns over odors and air regulations necessitates the remediation of a wide range of odor substances for industrial and indoor purpose. Currently, the wet scrubbing technique by neutralization using oils is being used to treat odor substances such as Ammonia(<TEX>$NH_3$</TEX>), Methyl Mercaptan(<TEX>$CH_3SH$</TEX>), Hydrogen Sulfide(<TEX>$H_2S$</TEX>), Methylamine(<TEX>$CH_3NH_2$</TEX>), Acetaldehyde(<TEX>$CH_3CHO$</TEX>). The chemical analysis is performed to analyze the composition of an Arctium Lappa Root extract by VOC analyzer(Phocheck 5000Ex, ION SCIENCE co.) The objectives of the this study are to clarify the possibility of the neutralization of odors sprayed in the fixed bed and determine the removal efficiencies for different input odor concentrations. It is found that Ammonia(<TEX>$NH_3$</TEX>), Methyl Mercaptan(<TEX>$CH_3SH$</TEX>), Hydrogen Sulfide(<TEX>$H_2S$</TEX>), Methylamine(<TEX>$CH_3NH_2$</TEX>), Acetaldehyde(<TEX>$CH_3CHO$</TEX>) are significantly removed and their removal efficiencies are higher than 98%. The kitchen detergent with Arctium Lappa Root extract showed excellent removal efficiencies of odor substances and high possibility for the development of kitchen detergent with odor removal.

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of a fructan from the roots of Arctium lappa L.

To explore new antioxidant resource from food, a water-soluble polysaccharide (ALP1) was extracted and purified from the roots of Arctium lappa L. (A. lappa L.) through hot water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The antioxidant activity of ALP1 was then evaluated in vitro and in vivo. ALP1 was characterized as a fructan composed of fructose and glucose in the ratio of 13.0:1.0, with an average molecular weight of 4600Da. The linkages in ALP1 were →1)-Fruf-(2→, Fruf-(2→ and Glcp-(1→. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated that ALP1 possessed moderate ABTS+ scavenging activity, strong hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and strong ferrous ion chelating activity. In in vivo antioxidant assays, ALP1 administration significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and total antioxidant capacity, as well as decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in both the serum and liver of aging mice. These results suggest that ALP1 has potential as a novel natural antioxidant in food industry and pharmaceuticals.

Antioxidative and in vitro antiproliferative activity of Arctium lappa root extracts

BackgroundArctium lappa, known as burdock, is widely used in popular medicine for hypertension, gout, hepatitis and other inflammatory disorders. Pharmacological studies indicated that burdock roots have hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging and antiproliferative activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate total phenolic content, radical scavenging activity by DPPH and in vitro antiproliferative activity of different A. lappa root extracts.MethodsHot and room temperature dichloromethanic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts; hydroethanolic and total aqueous extract of A. lappa roots were investigated regarding radical scavenging activity by DPPH, total phenolic content by Folin-Ciocalteau method and antiproliferative in vitro activity was evaluated in human cancer cell lines. The hydroethanolic extract analyzed by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy.ResultsHigher radical scavenging activity was found for the hydroethanolic extract. The higher phenolic contents were found for the dichloromethane, obtained both by Soxhlet and maceration extraction and hydroethanolic extracts. The HRESI-MS demonstrated the presence of arctigenin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid compounds, which were identified by comparison with previous data. The dichloromethane extracts were the only extracts that exhibited activity against cancer cell lines, especially for K562, MCF-7 and 786-0 cell lines.ConclusionsThe hydroethanolic extracts exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging activity, while the highest phenolic content was observed in Soxhlet extraction. Moreover, the dichloromethanic extracts showed selective antiproliferative activity against K562, MCF-7 and 786-0 human cancer cell lines.

Vitality and Healthiness of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) Seeds Treated with Plant Extracts

The aim of presented experiments was to determine the usefulness of plant extracts for dressing of cereal seeds. Water ex- tracts (macerations, infusions) prepared from different morphological parts of 39 plant species were used as dressing preparations. Non-disinfected seeds of two cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): Rudzik (brewing barley) and Stratus (common barley) were used for the purpose of dressing. The experiment was conducted as a filter paper test (PN-94 R-65950) while determining the germina- tion viability (1st date) and the germination capacity (2nd date) as well as the healthiness of the seeds. A significant differentiation of the effect of the extracts on vitality and healthiness of seeds was demonstrated depending on the origin of the extract (plant species), the way it was prepared and an interaction between these factors. The germination viability of seeds of brewing barley was influenced mostly by infusions from fruits of Coriandrum sativum, from seeds of Linum usitatissimum, from bark of Quercus robur, from roots of Levisticum officinale, from roots of Arctium lappa and from flowers of Verbascum thapsiforme. The most favourable activity on germination capacity was revealed using the infusions from seeds of L. usita- tissimum, from roots of A. lappa, from fruits of C. sativum and macerations from roots of A. lappa, from fruits of C. sativum and from bark of Q. robur. The infestation of seeds by microflora was reduced by macerations from leaves of Betula verrucosa, from seeds of L. usitatissimum, from fruits of Juniperus communis, and infusions from flowers of Crataegus oxyacantha, from seeds of L. usitatissimum, from leaves of B. verrucosa. The most favourable impact on viability of the seeds of common barley was revealed for infusions from roots of L. officinale, from stig- mas of Zea mays, from flowers of C. oxyacantha and macerations from flowers of Lavandula vera, from leaves of Mentha piperita and from roots of L. officinale. A positive effect on the germination capacity was exerted by infusions from the stigmas of Z. mays, from flowers of C. oxyacantha, from rhizomes of Acorus calamus, from bark of Frangula alnus, and macerations from bark of F. alnus, from leaves of M. piperita, from flowers of C. oxyacantha and from herb of Marrubium vulgare. The contamination of the seeds by microflora was reduced most effectively with infusions from young sprouts of Pinus sylvestris, from roots of Inula helenium, from leaves of Juglans regia, from herb of M. vulgare, from stigmas of Z. mays and macerations from rhizomes of A. calamus, from herb of M. vulgare, from leaves of J. regia, from seeds of L. usitatissimum and from flowers of L. vera.

A Novel Fructan Possessing DB Value from Roots of Arctium lappa L.

A fructan named ALF was isolated from the roots of Arctium lappa L.. The structure of ALF was identified by analyses of methylation, GC-MS, and both 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. The results obtained indicated that ALF, com- prised of D-fructose and D-glucose in the molar ratio of 14:1, was an inulin-type fructan, which was confirmed by the composition of 14 fructose residues linked by � (2�1) glycosidic bond and 1 glucose residue linked by � (1�2) glycosi- dic bond at the end of linear straight sugar chain.

A Novel Burdock Fructooligosaccharide Induces Changes in the Production of Salicylates, Activates Defence Enzymes and Induces Systemic Acquired Resistance to Colletotrichum orbiculare in Cucumber Seedlings

AbstractThe ability of burdock fructooligosaccharide (BFO), a type of linear fructooligosaccharide extracted and isolated from the roots of Arctium lappa, to induce systemic acquired resistance (SAR) was studied in cucumber seedlings. BFO strongly induced changes in salicylic acid (SA) and SA‐glucoside (SAG) in BFO‐treated leaves, and similar changes of SA and SAG were also found in untreated leaves of the same seedling. The level of SA in the first leaves sprayed with BFO (5.0 g/l) increased by 3.6 times after 24 h and then gradually declined from 48 to 96 h and finally decreased to a nadir at 120 h. The SAG level increased by 2.1 times at 24 h and then continued to increase to about 10.0 times as much as that in control from 96 to 120 h. The levels of SA in the untreated leaves of the same seedling only increased by 1.6–1.9 times during the period of 24–72 h followed by a decrease at 120 h, while SAG increased by 1.1 times at 24 h but steadily continued to increase to its maximum from 24 to 120 h. In summary, the patterns of expression of SA and SAG in the untreated leaf were similar to that of the treated leaf of the same seedling, while the pattern of expression of SAG was quite different from that of SA both in the treated and untreated leaves. Pretreatment with BFO reduced the lesions caused by Colletotrichum orbiculare by 56.8%. Additionally, the amount of lignin and the activities of some defensive enzymes including peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, polyphenoloxidase and β‐1,3‐glucanase significantly increased in the first leaves pretreated with BFO and followed with C. orbiculare inoculation. These results demonstrate that BFO can enhance the contents of endogenous SA, the resistance against C. orbiculare, and the activities of defensive enzymes of cucumber seedlings.