Coix Lachryma-jobi Research Articles

고지방식이(高脂肪食餌)로 유발(誘發)된 비만백서(肥滿白鼠)모델에서 창출(蒼朮), 의이인(薏苡仁), 마황(麻黃), 창출합의이인(蒼朮合薏苡仁) 마황합록차(麻黃合綠茶) 약침(藥鍼)이 혈청지질(血淸脂質) 및 간기능(肝機能)에 미치는 영향(影響)

Objective : This research was performed to investigate the effect of herbal acupuncture(Atratylodes japonica, Coix lachrymajobi, Ephedra sinica, Atratylodes japonica mixed with Coix lachrymajobi and Ephedra sinica mixed with Green tea) at Pungnyung(ST40) and Umnungchon(SP9) on weight gain, food intake, food efficiency, serum of lipid concentrations, liver function and HDL to total cholesterol ratio of rats fed high fat diet for 5weeks. Method : Experimental groups were divided into normal group(Normal), high fat diet group(Control), high fat diet and Atractylodes japonica-herbal acupuncture group(AJ), high fat diet and Coix lachrymajobi-herbal acupuncture group(CL), high fat diet and Ephedra sinica-herbaI acupuncture group(ES), high fat diet and Atractylodes japonica+Coix lachrymajobi-herbal acupuncture group(AJ+CL), Ephedra sinica+Green tea-herbal acupuncture group(ES+GT). Herbal acupuncture was bilaterally treated at the level of 132.5mg/kg body weight per 2day. Results : Body weight and food efficiency were decreased in AJ, ES, AJ+CL, ES+GT. The level of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acid were increased in AJ, ES, ES+GT. That of serum HDL-cholesterol was increased in AJ. The change of food intake, the level of serum phospholipid and ALP were not significant. The HDL to Total cholesterol ratio was increased in AJ and ES. Conclusion : Atractylodes japonica-herbal acupuncture in ST40 SP9 is effective on Body weight, food efficiency ratio, the level of serum lipid, protection of liver function and prevention cardiovascular risk by obesity induced by high fat diet. Herbal acupuncture mixed Ephedra sinica with Green tea can control the body weight, food efficiency ratio and the level of serum lipid.

Inhibitory effects of Vietnamese medicinal plants on tube-like formation of human umbilical venous cells.

Seven of 58 plant materials from Vietnamese medicinal plants showed strong to moderate inhibitory activity on the tube-like formation induced by human umbilical venous endothelial cells in the in vitro angiogenesis assay. These plant materials include the herb of Ephedra sinica, leaves and stem of Ceiba pentandra, seed of Coix lachryma-jobi, rhizome of Drynaria fortunei, fruits and stem of Illicium verum and stem of Bombax ceiba. Of these, the methanol extracts of the herb of Ephedra sinica and stem of -Ceiba pentandra exhibited the strongest activities with inhibition percentages of 89.3% and 87.5% at 30 and 100 microgram/mL, respectively.

2,2'-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging active components from adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) hulls.

An activity-directed fractionation and purification process was used to identify the antioxidative components of adlay hulls. Hulls of adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) were extracted with methanol and then separated into water, 1-butanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane fractions. The 1-butanol-soluble fraction exhibited greater capacity to scavenge 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals when compared with fractions soluble in water, ethyl acetate, and hexane phases. The 1-butanol fraction was then subjected to separation and purification using Diaion HP-20 chromatography, silica gel chromatography, and HPLC. Six compounds showing strong antioxidant activity were identified by spectroscopic methods ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, IR, and MS) and by comparison with authentic samples to be coniferyl alcohol (1), syringic acid (2), ferulic acid (3), syringaresinol (4), 4-ketopinoresinol (5), and a new lignan, mayuenolide (6).

Production of wheat doubled haploids by pollination with Job's tears (Coix lachryma-jobi. L.).

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) haploids were produced by crossing with Job's tears (Coix lachryma-jobi L.) as the pollen parent. Pollination was followed by 2,4-D treatment, detached tiller culture, and embryo culture, as described for maize pollination. The frequency of embryo formation was similar to that obtained by crossing wheat with maize pollen. Job's tears is a perennial plant which forms several stalks and its pollen can be collected throughout the year when the plant is maintained in a controlled environment. Our results indicate that Job's tears can be used as the pollen parent for wheat crosses for haploid production without requiring synchronization of flowering dates.

Effects of dehulled adlay on the culture count of some microbiota and their metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract of rats.

Experiments were conducted to study the effect of a dietary supplement of dehulled adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) on the culture counts of some important groups of intestinal bacteria and their metabolism in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were divided into four groups, and each group was fed a diet containing different levels of dehulled adlay for 30 days as follows: 0% (control), 5%, 20%, and 40%. All animals fed with adlay had normal healthy intestinal walls and no pathogenic signs whatsoever. There were no significant differences in body weight gain or the cecal pH between different groups of rats. Both the 20% and 40% groups had lower culture counts of enterics in their feces than the 5% and control groups, whereas the culture counts of fecal lactic acid bacteria were higher in feces of rats fed with adlay than in the control group. Cecal total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content and fecal SCFA were significantly higher in the 20% and 40% groups than in the control and 5% groups. All the adlay-fed rats had a higher fecal butyric acid concentration than the control rats. It is concluded that adlay has a significant influence on the growth of intestinal bacteria, which may ultimately affect the physiology and other functions of GI tracts of rats.

Inhibitory Effects of Methanol Extract of Seeds of Job's Tears (Coix Lachryma-Jobi L Var. Ma-Yuen) On Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Production in Raw 264.7 Macrophages

Overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) or superoxide (O2) by activated macrophages is known to be involved in acute or chronic inflammation. The seeds of Job's Tears (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen) have been used as anti-inflammatory medicine and health food. However, it is still unclear how the seeds show anti-inflammatory properties. Using murine macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells, we tried to know whether the overproduction of NO and O2 by activated macrophages could be prevented by the methanol (MeOH) extract of the seeds of Job's Tears. RAW 264.7 cells were activated with interferon-γ plus lipopolysaccharide to produce NO and with pholbol ester to produce O2. The MeOH extract showed marked inhibition of NO production by activated RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner via suppression of inducible NO synthase mRNA expression. The MeOH extract also showed inhibition of O2 production by activated RAW 264.7 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners, possibly by interfering with NADPH oxidase machinery of macrophages. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the MeOH extract of the seeds of Job's Tears shows anti-inflammatory properties which may, in part, involve an inhibition of NO and O2 production by activated macrophages.

Physicochemical Properties of Normal and Waxy Job's Tears (Coix lachryma‐jobi L.) Starch

ABSTRACTPhysicochemical properties of starches from eight coix (Coix lachrymajobi L.) accessions were investigated. There was considerable variation in most measured traits, generally corresponding to the separation into waxy and normal amylose types. The amylose contents of five normal coix ranged from 15.9 to 25.8%, and those of three waxy coix were 0.7–1.1%. Swelling power of waxy coix starches varied between 28.6 and 41.0 g/g, generally higher than waxy maize. Normal coix starches had significantly higher gelatinization peak temperature (Tp) than the normal maize, 71.9–75.5°C. The Tp of waxy coix starches was 71.1–71.4°C, similar to waxy maize. Rapid Visco‐Analyser (RVA) pasting profiles of normal coix showed little variation and closely matched the normal maize starch profile. Pasting profiles of waxy coix showed more variation and had lower peak viscosities than waxy maize starch. Waxy coix starches formed very weak gels, while the gel hardness of normal coix starches was 11.4–31.1 g. Amylose content was the main factor controlling differences in starch properties of the coix starches.

Phytotoxins and related metabolites produced by Bipolaris coicis, the pathogen of job's tears

Four metabolites were isolated and characterized from the phytopathogenic fungus Bipolaris coicis H-13-3. Radicinin and its diastereomer were phytotoxic against Job's tears ( Coix lachryma-jobi), a host of this fungus, but a diastereomer of radicinol and its epoxide were not phytotoxic.

Inhibitory effect of the water extract of spikes of Miscanthus sinensis on IgE formation in mice.

The effects of four different plant extracts of the spikes of Miscanthus sinensis, Phragmites communis, and Imperata cylindrica var. major, and of the spikelets of Coix lachryma-jobi on IgE antibody formation were investigated in mice. The IgE antibody titer was tested by the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) method in rats. Of these, the water extract of M. sinensis showed an appreciable inhibitory effect on IgE formation. Furthermore, an undialyzable fraction of the water extract with a relative molecular mass of more than 50,000 d, designated as MSIS, showed the most potent inhibitory activity on IgE formation. MSIS was also a potent inhibitor of IgE formation when given intraperitoneally or intranasally to mice the day before injection of dinitrophenyl (DNP)-ovalbumin (OVA) antigen in both the primary and secondary immune responses. Moreover, MSIS clearly suppressed on-going IgE antibody formation in both primary and secondary immune responses.

The interactive effects of light, temperature and CO2/O2 ratios on photosynthesis of Coix lachryma-jobi L.

A portable infra-red gas analyser was used to investigate the interactive effects of light, temperature, and CO 2 /O 2 ratios under controlled environmental conditions in an attempt to model gas exchange characteristics of Coix lachryma - jobi L. Plotting light response curves as a function of temperature (20, 25, 30 and 35°C) revealed no sign of light saturation even at a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) close to 2000 μmol m -2 s -1 . High net assimilation rates ( A ) of approximately 24 μmol CO 2 m -2 s -1 were realized at 30 – 35°C. Assimilation ( A ) versus internal CO 2 partial pressure ( C i ) curves showed a steep rise in A with increase in C i but saturated at approximately 150 μl l -1 and the effect was similar in either the absence or presence of O 2 , under all temperature regimes. C . lachryma - jobi exhibited low CO 2 compensation points ( Γ *) between 0 and 10 μl l -1 at either 0 or 21% O 2 . The slopes of double reciprocal plots of 1/ A versus 1/ C i , were nearly identical and crossed the y-intercept at almost identical points under all O 2 concentrations. This data indicated that there was no apparent O 2 inhibition and that the apparent inhibitor constant ( K ) for O 2 at the site of carboxylation did not change with an increase in [O 2 ] from 0 to 21%. These observations were further confirmed by results obtained from the analysis of apparent carboxylation efficiency where no inhibition of A with increase of [O 2 ] occurred. These characteristics are thus consistent with typical features of C 4 photosynthesis.

A Novel Antimicrobial Substance in Etiolated Seedlings of Adlay

Abstract A novel antimicrobial substance was isolated from the extract of etiolated seedlings of Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf). This substance showed antimicrobial activity against bacteria, but no activity against yeast and fungi.

Franzpetrakia okudairae . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Franzpetrakia okudairae . Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Coix lachryma-jobi (syn. C. agrestis ). DISEASE: Inflorescence smut; in infected inflorescences the floral parts are entirely destroyed and no seed is formed. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: China and Japan (IMI Distribution Map 631, 1991). TRANSMISSION: The powdery ustilospores are disseminated by wind and probably to a limited extent by rain. The chains of sterile cells form a brush-like structure on which the spores are exposed and there is some hygroscopic movement. No detailed studies have been reported.

Purification and characterization of an insect alpha-amylase inhibitor/endochitinase from seeds of Job's Tears (Coix lachryma-jobi).

A protein inhibitor of locust gut alpha-amylase was purified from seeds of Job's Tears (Coix lachryma-jobi) using ammonium sulphate precipitation, affinity chromatography on Red Sepharose and reversed-phase HPLC. It consisted of two major isomers, each a dimer of two closely similar or identical subunits of Mr about 26,400, and associated by inter-chain disulphide bonds. These isomers also had closely similar amino acid compositions. The major isomer showed no inhibitory activity against amylases from other sources: human saliva, porcine pancreas, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus oryzae and barley malt. The manual DABITC/PITC method was used to determine about half of the amino acid sequence of the major isoform. This showed a high degree of homology with previously reported sequences of endochitinase enzymes from several species (tobacco, potato, barley, bean), and endochitinase activity was demonstrated by following the release of radioactivity from [3H]chitin. This novel combination of functions may be relevant to protection of the grain from insect feeding and fungal infection.

Phenolic compounds from Coix lachryma-jobi var. Ma-yuen

Four phenolic compounds and adenosine were isolated from the roots of Coix lachryma-jobi var. ma-yuen. On the basis of spectral evidence and the results of chemical synthesis, the structures of three were determined to be 4-ketopinoresinol, and threo- and erythro-1- C-syringylglycerol. The aglycone moiety of a new glucoside, 2,6-dimethoxy- p-hydroquinone 1- O-β- d-glucopyranoside, was determined from 13C and 1H NMR spectra and the position of the O-glucosyl moiety was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis.

Efficacy of isoprothiolane for the treatment of fat necrosis in cattle

The efficacy of isoprothiolane (di-isopropyl-1,3-dithiolan-2-ylidenemalonate) against fat necrosis in cattle was evaluated. Japanese Black cows suffering from fat necrosis, without clinical symptoms, were given 20 g of isoprothiolane orally once a day for 8 weeks. In 60% of these cows the size of the necrotic fat masses had decreased significantly 8 weeks after the treatment, and in 47% the masses disappeared after 1 year. The necrotic masses were initially softened or divided up; subsequently their size was reduced and finally they were hardened by the isoprothiolane treatment. On the other hand, only a slight reduction of the size of the necrotic masses was observed in the cows treated with a daily dose of 7·5 g of phytosterol instead of isoprothiolane, but not in the cows treated with a daily dose of 250 g of adlay ( Coix Lachryma-jobi). These results indicate that isoprothiolane is the most effective agent for the treatment of bovine fat necrosis.

The amino acid sequence of a cereal Bowman-Birk type trypsin inhibitor from seeds of Jobs' tears ( Coix lachryma-jobi L.)

The major trypsin inhibitor from seeds of Jobs' tears ( Coix lachryma-jobi) was purified by heat treatment, fractional precipitation with (NH 4) 2SO 4, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose, gel-filtration on Sephadex G-75 and preparative reverse-phase HPLC. The complete amino acid sequence was determined by analysis of peptides derived from the reduced and S-carboxymethylated protein by digestion with trypsin, chymotrypsin and the S. aureus V8 protease. The polypeptide contained 64 amino acids with a high content of cysteine. The sequence exhibited strong homology with a number of Bowman-Birk inhibitors from legume seeds and similar proteins recently isolated from wheat and rice.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Benzoxazinoids from Roots of Coix lachryma-jobi var. Ma-yuen

The anti-inflammatory activities of six benzoxazinoids isolated from roots of Coix lachryma-jobi var. ma-yuen and structurally related synthetic materials were investigated by measurement of their inhibition of histamine release from rat mast cells stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A) and sensitized with immunoglobulin E (reagin). Because the inhibition data for either Con A or IgE with these compounds were comparable, Con A can be used for rapid first-stage screening of active compounds. Four glycosides out of the eleven compounds investigated were not active. Other results showed that the free hydroxyl group at the 2-position in the benzoxazinone skeleton is important for the expression of inhibitory activity.

Thickness and Cell Layer Number of the Pericarp of Sweet Corn and Some of Its Relatives

Abstract Thirty six cultivars of corn (Zea mays L.) and three of its relatives (northern teosinte, Tripsacum dactyloides L., and Coix lachryma-jobi L.) were evaluated for pericarp thickness and number of cell layers in the pericarp. Both traits were examined using a light microscope. Pericarp thickness ranged from 50 to 185 pm and cell layer number from 5 to 22 within the 36 cultivars; pericarp thickness and cell layer number were positively and highly significantly correlated (r = 0.93**). The three relatives of corn had pericarps with 2 to 3 cell layers totaling 30 μm in thickness.

Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of coixans A, B and C, glycans of Coix lachryma-jobi var. ma-yuen seeds.

A water extract of the Oriental crude drug “yokui-nin” (coix seeds), Coix lachryma-jobi var, ma-yuen seeds, disclosed a marked hypoglycemic action when administered to mice. Fractionation of the extract, by monitoring the pharmacological activity, led to isolation of three glycans, coixans A, B and C. These components elicited remarkable hypoglycemic effects in normal and hyperglycemic mice treated with alloxan.

Benzoxazinones from Coix lachryma-jobi var. ma-yuen

The absolute configurations of 2- O-β- D-glucopyranosyl-7-methoxy-1,4(2H)-benzoxazin-3-one and three congeners isolated from Coix lachryma-jobi var. ma-yuen were determined by X-ray analysis and chemical correlation as the 2 R type. 13C NMR spectra of all congeners and coixol were fully assigned.