Ardisia Crenata Research Articles

Molecular studies of coralberry (Ardisia crenata Sims; Primulaceae) from Thailand based on SCoT markers

Abstract. Suparman S, Pornpongrungrueng P, Chantaranothai P. 2023. Molecular studies of coralberry (Ardisia crenata Sims; Primulaceae) from Thailand based on SCoT markers. Biodiversitas 24: 3183-3189. A coralberry (Ardisia crenataSims) is the most common species of Ardisia Sw. distributed widely in Thailand. The grouping of the species for intraspecific based on morphometric characters was unstable. Some molecular primers were used by researchers to separate species. In this molecular study, six selected SCoT of 36 primers, i.e., primers no. 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, and 21, displayed high polymorphic and resolving power in A. crenata from 14 different natural populations in Thailand. This marker separated all taxa into two groups from different floristic regions. In contrast, this result did not support the classification of the intraspecific level of A. crenata based on continued morphological characteristics. For the conclusion that this study was recorded as the first one using the SCoT marker on the Ardisiaand the primer worked well in A. crenata and was recommended for other species in Ardisia.

Optimization of Extraction Conditions and Cytotoxic Activity of Rapanone in Comparison to Its Homologue, Embelin.

Rapanone is a plant-derived simple alkyl-dihydroxybenzoquinone structurally close to embelin, a well-known cytotoxic agent. The pharmacological characterization of rapanone is still incomplete, and to fill the data gap, a good source for its acquisition is required to conduct further research. This study aimed to optimize the conditions for the extraction of rapanone from the leaves of white-berried Ardisia crenata Sims. For this purpose, three methods were employed: heat reflux (HRE), shaking (SE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and such parameters as the extraction time, solvent, and the number of extractions from the same sample were set as experimental variables. Furthermore, cytotoxic activity toward prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and colorectal carcinoma cell lines was investigated and compared with doxorubicin and embelin. The most effective and economical method for the extraction of rapanone was shown to be 20 min UAE with ethyl acetate or chloroform. Rapanone exhibited high cytotoxic activity against PC3 (IC50 = 6.50 μg/mL), Du145 (IC50 = 7.68 μg/mL), FTC133 (IC50 = 6.01 μg/mL), 8505C (IC50 = 7.84 μg/mL), and Caco-2 (IC50 = 8.79 μg/mL) cell lines after 24 h and against the HT29 cell line after 48 h (IC50 = 11.67 μg/mL). Furthermore, it revealed a more favorable safety profile than either its homologue, embelin, or doxorubicin. The set of optimal extraction parameters obtained may be utilized for scientific and industrial purposes to achieve the best rapanone yield. Moreover, this benzoquinone revealed a high cytotoxic activity with good selectivity.

Effects of different vegetation on soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen in newly cultivated land

Effects of plant growth on the soil quality and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen of newlyincreased farmland, providing a scientific basis for the improvement of the newly cultivated land quality and crop selection were studied. Results showed that planting Rosa chinensis Jacq (R), Ardisia crenata Sims (A), Salvia miltiorrhiza (L) and Solanum lycopersicum (S) had significant effects on soil nutrients in cultivated land. The average content of microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen in the rhizosphere soil of the four plants were 91.74 - 138.55 and 17.24 - 79.42 mg/kg, 164.05 - 184.00 and 28.43 - 62.31 mg/kg, 58.26 - 73.26 and 27.04 - 51.48 mg/kg,183.47 - 282.00 and 24.89 - 35.94 mg/kg, respectively. The soil microbial biomass carbon presents as S > A > R > L at the seedling stage, and S > R > L > A at the flowering stage. Similarly, soil microbial biomass nitrogen presents as R > A > S > L at seedling stage and L > A > S > A at flowering stage. Results fully indicate that the biomass carbon and nitrogen of plants with short growth cycles of newly cultivated land have a small change in the biomass carbon and nitrogen. During the growth process of different vegetation, the changes in rhizosphere soil microbial biomass, carbon-nitrogen ratio and microbial entropy were significantly different. The low shrubs showed an increasing trend, root-growing Salvia miltiorrhiza decreased, while Solanum lycopersicum with the shortest growth cycle showed first increasing and then decreasing trend. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 879-886, 2021 (September) Special

Sensitive LC-MS/MS Method for the Quantification of Macrocyclic Gαq Protein Inhibitors in Biological Samples.

The cyclic depsipeptide FR900359 (FR) isolated from the plant Ardisia crenata and produced by endosymbiotic bacteria acts as a selective Gq protein inhibitor. It is a powerful tool to study G protein-coupled receptor signaling, and has potential as a novel drug for the treatment of pulmonary diseases and cancer. For pharmacokinetic studies, sensitive quantitative measurements of drug levels are required. In the present study we established an LC-MS/MS method to detect nanomolar concentrations of FR and the structurally related natural product YM-254890 (YM) in biological samples. HPLC separation coupled to ESI-QTOF-MS and UV-VIS detection was applied. For identification and quantification, the extract ion chromatogram (EIC) of M+1 was evaluated. Limits of detection (LOD) of 0.53–0.55 nM and limits of quantification (LOQ) of 1.6–1.7 nM were achieved for both FR and YM. This protocol was subsequently applied to determine FR concentrations in mouse organs and tissues after peroral application of the drug. A three-step liquid-liquid extraction protocol was established, which resulted in adequate recovery rates of typically around 50%. The results indicated low peroral absorption of FR. Besides the gut, highest concentrations were determined in eye and kidney. The developed analytical method will be useful for preclinical studies to evaluate these potent Gq protein inhibitors, which may have potential as future drugs for complex diseases.

Research in practice: Therapeutic targeting of oncogenic GNAQ mutations in uveal melanoma.

Uveal melanoma is the most common form of eye cancer and has a poor prognosis. Although the primary tumor in most cases is treated effectively by local surgery or radiotherapy, over 50% of patients develop systemic metastasis, especially in the liver. In contrast to cutaneous melanoma, there is no standard-of-care treatment for metastasized uveal melanoma. Recently, oncogenic driver mutations in GNAQ or GNA11 were identified in about 85% of uveal melanomas, which lead to constitutively active signaling in the Gαq/11 pathway and its downstream effectors. Direct targeting of deregulated Gαq/11 signaling might therefore be a therapeutic option for patients with uveal melanoma. In our study we identified the cyclic depsipeptide FR-900359, which is isolated from the evergreen plant Ardisia crenata as an effective inhibitor of constitutively active Gαq/11 proteins and their downstream targets. Although our data are preliminary, they might contribute to a future treatment option for patients with metastasized uveal melanoma.

Selective herbicides for control of hen’s eyes (Ardisia crenata) in forests and natural areas

AbstractHen’s eyes (Ardisia crenataSims) is a shade-tolerant invasive shrub displacing native understory in forests of the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. Few studies have explored herbicide effectiveness onA. crenata, with foliar applications of triclopyr amine or triclopyr ester typically referenced as the standard treatments. This study evaluated efficacy of eight foliar herbicide treatments and a nontreated check at three locations at 12 mo after the first treatment (12MAT1) and 12 mo after the second treatment (12MAT2) on established (greater than 8-cm high) and seedling (less than 8-cm high)A. crenata. Treatments were four triclopyr formulations: amine, ester, choline, and acid (all at 4.04 kg ae ha−1); imazamox (1.12 and 2.24 kg ae ha−1); flumioxazin (0.43 kg ai ha−1); and triclopyr amine plus flumioxazin (4.04 + 0.43 kg ae ha−1). At 12MAT1, triclopyr ester, the high rate of imazamox, and triclopyr acid resulted in greater control of establishedA. crenatathan any other herbicide (68%, 66%, and 64%, respectively). At 12MAT2, all herbicides except flumioxazin resulted in some control ofA. crenata. Triclopyr ester, triclopyr acid, and the high rate of imazamox provided 95%, 93%, and 92% control, respectively. Triclopyr choline did not perform as well as the acid or ester formulations, and the tank mix of flumioxazin and triclopyr amine did not improve control over triclopyr amine alone. This study identified triclopyr acid and imazamox (2.24 kg ae ha−1) as new options forA. crenatacontrol and indicated variation in the performance among the four triclopyr formulations.

Front Cover: Deciphering Specificity Determinants for FR900359-Derived Gq α Inhibitors Based on Computational and Structure-Activity Studies (ChemMedChem 16/2018)

The Front Cover shows the depsipeptide FR900359 which can be isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine plant Ardisia crenata. It represents, together with the related YM254890, the most efficient compound to inhibit the activity of the Gqα protein so far. Investigations revealed that also among a set of approximately 40 known natural and synthetic analogs, FR900359 still represents the gold standard to suppress Gqα-mediated signaling. The design and production of FR-analogs with an improved efficiency, while addressing the same binding site, is nearly impossible for both, the semisynthetic modification of natural isolated compounds as well as the synthetic production, since the majority of the structure of FR cannot be changed without a significant loss of activity. Thus, FR900359 is regarded as the pharmacophore for binding to and inhibition of Gqα. More information can be found in the Full Paper by Daniel Tietze, Gabriele M. König, Diana Imhof et al. on page 1634 in Issue 16, 2018 (DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800304).

Applying Molecular Networking for the Detection of Natural Sources and Analogues of the Selective Gq Protein Inhibitor FR900359.

The cyclic depsipeptide FR900359 (FR), isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine plant Ardisia crenata, is a potent Gq protein inhibitor and thus a valuable tool to study Gq-mediated signaling of G protein-coupled receptors. Two new FR analogues (3 and 4) were isolated from A. crenata together with the known analogues 1 and 2. The structures of compounds 3 and 4 were established by NMR spectroscopic data and MS-based molecular networking followed by in-depth LCMS2 analysis. The latter approach led to the annotation of further FR analogues 5-9. Comparative bioactivity tests of compounds 1-4 along with the parent molecule FR showed high-affinity binding to Gq proteins in the low nanomolar range (IC50 = 2.3-16.8 nM) for all analogues as well as equipotent inhibition of Gq signaling, which gives important SAR insights into this valuable natural product. Additionally, FR was detected from leaves of five other Ardisia species, among them the non-nodulated leaves of Ardisia lucida, implying a much broader distribution of FR than originally anticipated.

Heterologous Expression, Biosynthetic Studies, and Ecological Function of the Selective Gq-Signaling Inhibitor FR900359.

The cyclic depsipeptide FR900359 (FR), isolated from the tropical plant Ardisia crenata, is a strong and selective inhibitor of Gq proteins, making it an indispensable pharmacological tool to study Gq-related processes, as well as a promising drug candidate. Gq inhibition is a novel mode of action for defense chemicals and crucial for the ecological function of FR, as shown by in vivo experiments in mice, its affinity to insect Gq proteins, and insect toxicity studies. The uncultured endosymbiont of A. crenata was sequenced, revealing the FR nonribosomal peptide synthetase (frs) gene cluster. We here provide a detailed model of FR biosynthesis, supported by in vitro enzymatic and bioinformatic studies, and the novel analogue AC-1, which demonstrates the flexibility of the FR starter condensation domains. Finally, expression of the frs genes in E. coli led to heterologous FR production in a cultivable, bacterial host for the first time.

Whole-plant respiration and its temperature sensitivity during progressive carbon starvation.

Plant respiration plays a critical role in the C balance of plants. Respiration is highly temperature sensitive and small temperature-induced increases in whole-plant respiration could change the C balance of plants that operate close to their light-compensation points from positive to negative. Nonstructural carbohydrates are thought to play an important role in controlling respiration and its temperature sensitivity, but this role has not been studied at the whole-plant level. We measured respiration of whole Ardisia crenata Sims. seedlings and tested the hypothesis that darkness-induced C starvation would decrease the temperature sensitivity of whole-plant respiration. Compared with control plants, sugar and starch concentrations in darkened plants declined over time in all organs. Similarly, whole-plant respiration decreased. However, the temperature sensitivity of whole-plant respiration, expressed as the proportional increase in respiration per 10°C warming (Q10), increased with progressive C starvation. We hypothesise that growth respiration was suppressed in darkened plants and that whole-plant respiration represented maintenance respiration almost exclusively, which is more temperature sensitive. Alternatively, changes in the respiratory substrate during C starvation or increased involvement of alternative oxidase pathway respiration may explain the increase in Q10. Carbohydrates are important for respiration but it appears that even in C-starved A. crenata plants, carbohydrate availability does not limit respiration during short-term warming.

Ardisia crenata extract stimulates melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells through inhibiting ERK1/2 and Akt activation.

Melanin protects the skin against ultraviolet radiation by scattering incoming light and absorbing diverse free radicals. Agents that increase melanin synthesis in melanocytes may reduce the risk of photodamage and skin cancer. The present study investigated the effect of a methanol extract of Ardisia crenata (AC) on melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. Treatment of cultured B16F10 cells with AC extract (10, 20 and 40 µg/ml) stimulated an increase in melanin levels in a concentration-dependent manner, without cytotoxicity. Tyrosinase is key in the regulation of melanin production, thus the effect of AC extract on tyrosinase activity and protein expression was analyzed. AC extract was observed to significantly increase tyrosinase activity and protein expression in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, AC extract was found to markedly increase the protein expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, which is an important transcription factor involved in tyrosinase gene expression. In addition, AC extract (40 µg/ml) was observed to suppress the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt, which negatively regulate melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to show that a methanol extract of AC stimulates melanogenesis by increasing tyrosinase expression via the inhibition of ERK and Akt. Thus, methanol extract of AC may be a potential treatment for hypopigmentation diseases and may be a candidate for skin-tanning cosmetic products.

조경수종인 백량금(<em>Aridisia crenata</em> Sims. )의 종자발아에 미치는 프라이밍제 및 초음파의 영향

조경수종인 백량금(<em>Aridisia crenata</em> Sims. )의 종자발아에 미치는 프라이밍제 및 초음파의 영향

Distinct effect of Wansheng Huafeng Dan containing ardisia crenata on renal transporters, mercury accumulation and Kim-1 expression from mercuric chloride

To study the effect of Wansheng Huafeng Dan (WSHFD) and mercuric chloride on renal mercury (Hg) extraction transporters (Oat1, Oct2), renal mercury excretion transporters (Mrp4, Mate2K), renal mercury accumulation and kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1). The ancient prescription of WSHFD containing 10-fold Hg caused much lower renal mercury accumulation and renal toxicity than HgCl2 in rats, with less effect on renal transporters than HgCl2. The above indicators had no significant difference in WSHFDO, WSHFD2 and WSHFD3 groups, indicating no effect of WSHFD with reduced or no cinnabar.

Distributional Characteristics of Plants in Hajo Island of Jeollanam-do, South Korea

This study investigated the plant distribution in Hajo Island, Jodo-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea. The surveyed plants were recorded as total 483 taxa, 100 families, 298 genera, 427 species, 1 subspecies, 52 varieties, and 3 forms. Total 1,360 pieces were obtained as evidential specimen. Through floristic survey and collection in Hajo Island, Jodo-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do, 1,360 items of specimen were obtained. Based on the specimen, the flora in Hajo Island included total 483 taxa, 100 families, 298 genera, 427 species, 1 subspecies, 52 varieties, and 3 forms. The investigation was carried out based on mountains (Mt. Dondae-bong, Mt. Songarak, and Mt. Singeum), reservoirs (Jodo reservoir, Yukdong reservoir), Hajodo lighthouse, and Jodo bridge. In particular, rare plants designated by Korea Forest Service were recorded as 12 taxa such as Glochidion chodoense, Crypsinus hastatus, Celtis choseniana, Ardisia crenata, Millettia japonica, etc. Endemic plants were recorded as 3 taxa such as Hepatica insularis, etc. Special plants over 3rd degree designated by the Ministry of Environment were recorded as 31 taxa such as Litsea japonica, Kadsura japonica, Raphiolepis indica var. umbellata, Verbena officinalis, Stauntonia hexaphylla, etc. Naturalized plants were recorded as 31 taxa, accounting for 6.4% of the total, such as Physalis angulata, Aster subulatus, Euphorbia supina, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Bromus unioloides, etc.

한라산 남사면 계곡 모새나무 자생지 일대의 식생구조

Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. is an evergreen plant that belongs to the Genus Vaccinium distributed in Korea, and its fruit has been used for food by the common people and thus has a high possibility of commercialization. Therefore, the habitat environment and individual characteristics of V. bracteatum in Jeju Island were investigated to obtain the basic data for commercialization and preservation. The results showed that V. bracteatum is mostly distributed on the southern slope of Mt. Halla at an altitude of 100 to 500 m. V. bracteatum that occurred in the quadrat were total 30 individuals, which had an average height of 6.0 m, an average DBH of 7.8 cm, and an average number of trunk of 4.3. As for the community structure of the habitat, the average percentage of vegetation cover for the tree layer was 36%, while that for the subtree layer was 78%, which emphasized the importance of the subtree layer. The total number of species that occurred in the quadrat was 76. For the tree layer, total 10 species occurred, which include 2 species of evergreen coniferous trees, 3 species of evergreen broad-leaved trees, and 5 species of deciduous broad-leaved trees. For the subtree layer, total 24 species occurred, which include 1 species of evergreen coniferous tree, 11 species of evergreen broad-leaved trees, and 10 species of deciduous broad-leaved trees. Among these, Eurya japonica Thunb. was the species with a high relative contribution, which threatened V. bracteatum For the shrub layer, 27 species occurred including Cinnamomum japonicum Siebold, and for the herbaceous layer, 64 species occurred including Ardisia crenata Sims. The similarity between the habitats of V. bracteatum was very low, and it did not prefer a characteristic community. The V. bracteatum community around Shinrei stream was distributed on the surrounding area adjacent to the slope of the stream rather than the slope. There were a lot of basins, but the branches, which did not receive sunlight, had withered. It is thought that V. bracteatum would decline if the forest formation continues.

Species diversity and population density affect genetic structure and gene dispersal in a subtropical understory shrub

Aims The dispersal of pollen and seeds is spatially restricted and may vary among plant populations because of varying biotic interactions, population histories or abiotic conditions. Because gene dispersal is spatially restricted, it will eventually result in the development of spatial genetic structure (SGS), which in turn can allow insights into gene dispersal processes. Here, we assessed the effect of habitat characteristics like population density and community structure on small-scale SGS and estimate historical gene dispersal at different spatial scales. Methods In a set of 12 populations of the subtropical understory shrub Ardisia crenata, we assessed genetic variation at 7 microsatellite loci within and among populations. We investigated small-scale genetic structure with spatial genetic autocorrelation statistics and heterogeneity tests and estimated gene dispersal distances based on population differentiation and on within-population SGS. SGS was related to habitat characteristics by multiple regression.

Inferring the invasion history of coral berry Ardisia crenata from China to the USA using molecular markers

Genetic comparisons between native and invasive populations of a species can provide insights into its invasion history information, which is useful for guiding management and control strategies. The coral berry Ardisia crenata was introduced to Florida last century as a cultivated ornament plant, and has since spread widely throughout the southern regions of the USA. Previously, the genetic variation among 20 natural populations of A. crenata across its distribution center in southern China was quantified using seven microsatellite markers. Here we expand on that work by additionally sampling individuals from four other native populations in Taiwan and Japan, and from five invasive populations in the USA. We also examined the results from one chloroplast intergenic spacer region (trnF-trnL) in all 29 populations. Our aim is to identify the invasion source and subsequent history of the species’ spread throughout the southern USA. We observed lower genetic diversity in the invasive populations based on both microsatellite and chloroplast markers. Our data show that the invasive populations can be clustered with native populations in southeastern China, inferring this region as the geographic origin of A. crenata cultivars invading the USA. We further classified invasive individuals into invasive I and invasive II clusters. Nantou in Taiwan and Xihu in mainland China are the most closely related populations to those, which identify the former as potential sources for host-specific control agents. Our results, combined with the known introduction records, suggest that A. crenata was first multiply introduced into Florida and then secondarily colonized Louisiana and Texas from Florida.

Using combined measurements for comparison of light induction of stomatal conductance, electron transport rate and CO2 fixation in woody and fern species adapted to different light regimes

We aimed to understand the relation of photosynthetic rate (A) with g(s) and electron transport rate (ETR) in species of great taxonomic range and light adaptation capability during photosynthetic light induction. We studied three woody species (Alnus formosana, Ardisia crenata and Ardisia cornudentata) and four fern species (Pyrrosia lingus, Asplenium antiquum, Diplazium donianum and Archangiopteris somai) with different light adaptation capabilities. Pot-grown materials received 100 and/or 10% sunlight according to their light adaptation capabilities. At least 4 months after light acclimation, CO(2) and H(2)O exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured simultaneously by equipment in the laboratory. In plants adapted or acclimated to low light, dark-adapted leaves exposed to 500 or 2000 µmol m(-2) s(-1) photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) for 30 min showed low gross photosynthetic rate (P(g)) and short time required to reach 90% of maximum P(g) (). At the initiation of illumination, two broad-leaved understory shrubs and the four ferns, especially ferns adapted to heavy shade, showed higher stomatal conductance (g(s)) than pioneer tree species; materials with higher g(s) had short at both 500 and 2000 µmol m(-2) s(-1) PPF. With 500 or 2000 µmol m(-2) s(-1) PPF, the g(s) for the three woody species increased from 2 to 30 min after the start of illumination, but little change in the g(s) of the four ferns. Thus, P(g) and g(s) were not correlated for all material measured at the same PPF and induction time. However, P(g) was positively correlated with ETR, even though CO(2) assimilation may be influenced by stomatal, biochemical and photoinhibitory limitations. In addition, was closely related to time required to reach 90% maximal ETR for all materials and with two levels of PPF combined. Thus, ETR is a good indicator for estimating the light induction of photosynthetic rate of species, across a wide taxonomic range and light adaptation and acclimation capability.

Occurrence of anthracnose on Ardisia crenata caused by genus Colletotrichum having falcate conidia

Occurrence of anthracnose on <I>Ardisia crenata</I> caused by genus <I>Colletotrichum</I> having falcate conidia

Studies on anti-tumor metastatic constituents from Ardisia Crenata

To study the anti-tumor metastatic constituents from Ardisia Crenata. Chemical constituents were isolated and purified by repeated column chromatography( silica gel, Toyopearl HW40C and preparative HPLC). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data analysis. The anti-tumor metastasis assay was applied to evaluate the isolated compounds of their activities. Nine compounds(1-9) were isolated and their structures were identified by comparison of their spectral data with literature values as follows: 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furalclehyde(1), ethyl-beta-D-fructopyranoside(2), syringic acid(3), n-butyl-beta-D-fructofuranoside(4), n-butyl-alpha-D-fructofuranoside(5), methyl-alpha-D-fructofuranoside(6), (+)-bergenin(7), ardisiacrispins B(8), asperuloside acid(9). The isolated compounds(1-9) showed positive anti-tumor metastatic activities, and compounds 1, 5, and 8 showed significant anti-tumor metastatic activities. At the concentration of 0.8 mg x L(-1), compound 5 revealed the value of metastatic inhibition ratio on MDA-MB-231 was 93.8%. Compounds 2-6 and 9 were isolated from this plant for the first time. compounds 1, 5 and 8 showed significant anti-tumor metastatic activities.