Bark Of Eucommia Ulmoides Research Articles

Self-adhesive ionic cable derived from natural bark as osmotic energy generator

Osmotic energy conversion technology plays an increasingly important role as clean energy alternatives. However, the excessive use of non-renewable materials in osmotic energy harvesting can lead to serious environmental pollution. Herein, we design a low-cost, eco-friendly, and high-ion-conductance ionic cable directly from natural Eucommia ulmoides bark owing to its unique sandwich structure and abundant charged nanochannels within the well-aligned lignocellulose nanofibers. In the cable, the natural biopolymer E. ulmoides gum (EUG) acts as a bio-adhesive tightly holding cellulose fibers together, rendering it with high morphological stability. The as-prepared ionic cable shows excellent ion conductance of 3.36 × 10−3 S cm−1, far surpassing the performance of natural bark (2.58 × 10−4 S cm−1). This work utilizes the natural E. ulmoides bark components and its unique lignocellulose-EUG sandwich structure to construct fully biomass-based cable with high-ion-conductance and water-stable, providing a sustainable strategy to accelerate the implementation of clean osmotic energy harvesting and forest waste utilization.

Eucommia ulmoides extract assisted green nanopalladium for efficient catalysis of diverse azo dyes

The eco-friendly synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) utilizing plant phytochemicals has demonstrated its efficacy as a nano-catalyst for azo dye degradation. However, the catalytic prowess of these nanoparticles has been predominantly explored on specific model compounds. Consequently, a fundamental inquiry arises: Can these nanoparticles uniformly catalyze a spectrum of diverse azo dyes, irrespective of structural intricacies, azo bond quantity, side-chain functional groups, molecular weight (Mw) fluctuations, water solubility gradients, ionic characteristics, and dye classification (reactive or acid)? To address this comprehensively, nine azo compounds, encompassing the aforementioned criteria, were systematically chosen for catalysis utilizing the synthesized PdNPs. The synthesized particles were spherical (∼10.5 nm in diameter) with highly crystalline surfaces (d-spacing of 0.194–0.224 nm) and have a uniform size distribution. Employing green chemistry principles and Eucommia ulmoides bark extract (EUBE), this synthesis exhibits exceptional catalytic efficiency across a varied array of azo dyes, achieving degradation rates of up to 99% within 1–5 minutes. This methodical exploration offers a holistic understanding of the catalytic capabilities of PdNPs, shedding light on their potential applicability across a diverse spectrum of azo compounds, thereby propelling advancements in the field.

Dietary supplementation of water extract of Eucommia ulmoides bark improved caecal microbiota and parameters of health in white-feathered broilers.

Eucommia ulmoides has been used as a food and medicine homologue for a long time in China. We hypothesize that Eucommia ulmoidesachieves its health-promoting effects via altering gut microbiota. Here, we investigated the effects of water extract of Eucommia ulmoides bark on caecal microbiota and growth performance, antioxidant activity, and immunity in white-feathered broilers treated for 42 days. A total of 108 one-day-old Cobb white-feathered broilers were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: control diet, 0.75% Eucommia ulmoides diet (EU Ⅰ) and 1.5% Eucommia ulmoides diet (EU Ⅱ). The results showed that EU Ⅱ treatment improved average body weight (ABW), thigh muscle quality and total length of intestines, and decreased the serum total triglycerides and total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.05). Eucommia ulmoides supplementation increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant activities and content of immunoglobulins, and reduced levels of malondialdehyde and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p < 0.05). Moreover, the supplementation increased the diversity of caecal microbiota and reduced the pathogenic genera Escherichia Shigella and Helicobacter. The genera Ochrobactrum, Odoribater, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Georgenia and Bifidobacterium were positively associated with the ABW, total intestinal length, serum levels of GSH-Px, SOD and immunoglobulins (p < 0.001) and negatively associated with the TC and TNF-α (p < 0.01), suggesting an association of the changes of gut microbiota and improvement of broiler health. Meanwhile, Eucommia ulmoides supplementation enriched the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway of exocrine secretion from the pancreas, circadian entrainmentand inhibited lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. In conclusion, Eucommia ulmoides water extract can be used as a feed additive to improve poultry industry production.

Catalytic degradation of diverse azo dyes using Eucommia ulmoides bark-mediated gold nanocatalyst

In the absence of any hazardous substances, colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized through the reduction and stabilization of corresponding metal cations by a simple Eucommia ulmoides bark extract (EUBE). Employing these AuNPs as catalysts, at least ten distinct azo compounds were catalyzed and analyzed. The findings reveal outstanding catalytic performance across a diverse range of azo dyes, regardless of structural complexity, the count of azo bonds, the presence of various functional groups in the side chains, differences in molecular weight, degrees of water solubility, ionic characteristics of the dyes, and the particular class of dyes, whether reactive or acidic. Regardless of these varieties, azo dyes achieved over 90% degradation within 16 min, following a first-order pseudo-kinetic reaction. This report systematically explains the mechanics of AuNPs synthesis using EUBE and the step-by-step azo dye degradation. It signifies an advancement in azo-contaminated wastewater treatment, transcending the varied types and structural complexities of azo compounds.

Eucommia bark/leaf extract improves HFD-induced lipid metabolism disorders via targeting gut microbiota to activate the Fiaf-LPL gut-liver axis and SCFAs-GPR43 gut-fat axis

BackgroundThe bark of Eucommia ulmoides (a perennial deciduous tree termed eucommia hereafter) has anti-hyperlipidemia effects due to its bioactive components. However, the slow growth of eucommia bark leads to a deficit in this resource. Studies have shown that eucommia leaf has bioactive components similar to those of eucommia bark and anti-hyperlipidemia effects. At present, the strength of the anti-hyperlipidemia effect of eucommia bark and eucommia leaf has not been reported. Their interaction with the gut microbiota and the mechanism by which the gut microbiota exerts anti-hyperlipidemia effects are unclear. PurposesThrough fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which fecal bacteria suspensions containing chlorogenic acid (CGA), eucommia bark extract (EBE), and eucommia leaves extract (ELE) improve high-fat diet (HFD)-induced lipid metabolism disorders. Difference in anti-hyperlipidemia effects between EBE and ELE and exploring an eucommia bark substitute to improve the sustainable utilization of eucommia were also evaluated. ResultsEBE and ELE contain eight identical bioactive ingredients, and fecal bacteria suspensions containing EBE and ELE significantly improved HFD-induced lipid metabolism disorders and elevated blood glucose levels. The fecal bacteria suspension of healthy mice containing CGA, EBE, and ELE significantly reduced the relative abundance of Erysipelothrichaceae and Ruminococcaceae and promoted short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production thereby activating the expression of the SCFA. G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) gene in colon and epididymal fat tissues. In addition, fecal bacteria suspensions of healthy mice containing CGA, EBE, or ELE significantly activated fasting-induced adipose factor (Fiaf) gene expression in colon tissue and inhibited the secretion of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in liver tissue, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of triglycerides (TG). Changed in the Erysipelotrichaceae and Ruminococcaceae relative abundances were significantly correlated with these target genes. Thus, regulating the abundance of the Erysipelotrichaceae and Ruminococcaceae could serve as a potential target for the role of fecal bacteria suspensions of healthy mice containing CGA, EBE, or ELE in the Fiaf-LPL gut-liver axis and SCFAs-GPR43 gut-fat axis. In addition, regarding HFD-induced lipid metabolism disorders and gut microbiota structural disorders, we found no significant difference between ELE and EBE. ConclusionsOur FMT experiments evidenced that EBE and ELE improve lipid metabolism disorders by regulating the gut microbiota, providing a new pathway for treating hyperlipidemia using eucommia dietary therapy. There was no significant difference in the anti-hyperlipidemia effects of ELE and EBE; thus, eucommia leaf could replace eucommia bark in traditional Chinese medicine, so as to achieve a sustainable utilization of eucommia resources.

Optimized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for detecting compositional changes in Eucommia ulmoides and Achyranthes bidentata paired decoctions in vitro and in vivo

AbstractRationaleThe bark of Eucommia ulmoides and the roots of Achyranthes bidentata are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, and their pairing appears in many traditional Chinese medicine formulas as a recognized compatible unit. However, the changes and interactions of the main components of these two formulas when paired remain unclear, and there is currently no standard or method for their quality control and assessment of pharmacological effects.MethodsAn optimized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was established for the simultaneous identification of 10 components in E. ulmoides and A. bidentata using in vitro and in vivo models. Tributyltin methacrylate was the internal standard solution, and the blood samples were treated by an organic solvent precipitation method. Gradient elution was conducted on a C18 column at 25 °C with 0.1% formic acid water:acetonitrile as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.5 mL min−1. Dynamic multiple response monitoring was performed in negative-ion mode using an Agilent Jet Stream electrospray ionization ion source.ResultsIn negative-ion detection mode, eucommiol exhibited a good response, and the isomers ginsenoside Ro and achyranthoside C could also be well separated. The developed method accurately detected the five components with a low blood content. Compared to controls, the levels of ginsenoside Ro, chikusetsusaponin Ⅳa, and achyranthoside C increased; the contents of geniposidic acid and pinoresinol diglucoside were unchanged; and the levels of eucommiol, geniposide, β-ecdysterone, genipin, and achyranthoside D decreased in vitro. In vivo, the contents of geniposidic acid, geniposide, pinoresinol diglucoside, and β-ecdysterone were reduced; the contents of eucommiol and ginsenoside Ro were unchanged; and those of achyranthoside D, chikusetsusaponin Ⅳa, and achyranthoside C increased compared to the corresponding levels in the internal control.ConclusionsA method for the quality control of the E. ulmoides-A. bidentata drug pair was established for the first time and the main components in 10 drug pairs could be determined simultaneously in vitro and in vivo. These findings show that the E. ulmoides and A. bidentata drug pair cause a compositional change, providing new ideas for the development of this combination to improve clinical efficacy.

Eucommia ulmoides bark extract reduces blood pressure and inflammation by regulating the gut microbiota and enriching the Parabacteroides strain in high-salt diet and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester induced mice

Hypertension is a major threat to human health. Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EU) is a small tree and EU extract is widely used to improve hypertension in East Asia. However, its major constituents have poor absorption and stay in the gut for a long time. The role of the gut microbiota in the anti-hypertensive effects of EU is unclear. Here, we examined the anti-hypertensive effects of EU in high-salt diet and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced mice. After receiving EU for 6 weeks, the blood pressure was significantly reduced and the kidney injury was improved. Additionally, EU restored the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17A, and renal IL-17A. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiota were influenced by administration of EU; 40 significantly upregulated and 107 significantly downregulated amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified after administration of EU. ASV403 (Parabacteroides) was selected as a potential anti-hypertensive ASV. Its closest strain XGB65 was isolated. Furthermore, animal studies confirmed that Parabacteroides strain XGB65 exerted anti-hypertensive effects, possibly by reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as renal IL-17A. Our study is the first to report that EU reduces blood pressure by regulating the gut microbiota, and it enriches the Parabacteroides strain, which exerts anti-hypertensive effects. These findings provide directions for developing novel anti-hypertensive treatments by combining probiotics and prebiotics.

Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses revealed the improved growth, lipid metabolism, and flesh quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) by dietary Eucommia ulmoides bark and leaf supplementation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the dietary effects of Eucommia ulmoides bark and leaf (EB, EL) supplementation on the growth, lipid metabolism, flesh quality, and transcriptome of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). EB and EL were individually added to the basal diet (control) at concentrations of 20 g/kg and 40 g/kg, respectively, and then the three diets were fed to grass carp (59.7 ± 0.3 g) for 60 d. The results showed that the weight gain was improved, and the feed conversion ratio was decreased by supplementation with EB and EL (P < 0.05). Compared to the control, the EB and EL groups showed higher flesh hardness; water-holding capacity; and collagen, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs) contents and lower mesenteric lipid and muscle crude lipid contents (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary EB and EL supplementation increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and decreased the contents of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl in flesh (P < 0.05). In muscle transcriptome profiling, a total of 979, 1980 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and 29, 199 Gene Ontology (GO) terms and 13, 39 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were significantly enriched in the EB and EL groups, respectively. Some key pathways and genes involved in promoting growth, lipid metabolism and flesh quality were obtained, including mTOR and PPAR signaling pathways, muscle cytoskeleton- and extracellular matrix-related genes (myosin and collagen), etc. Overall, dietary EB and EL supplementation improved the growth, lipid metabolism, and flesh quality of grass carp, and several potential pathways and genes were identified behind the improvement mechanism of EB and EL supplementation.

Effect of Eucommia ulmoides Leaf Extract on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Parameters of Oxidative Stress, and Lipid Metabolism in Broiler Chickens.

Eucommia ulmoides bark has been traditionally used as a Chinese medicine to attenuate stress, but the leaf, which is rich in polyphenols and polysaccharides, has been rarely used. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts (EULEs) on oxidative stress and meat quality of broilers. A total of 252 broilers were randomly divided into 3 treatments and fed with a control basal diet (CON), or a diet containing 250 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg of EULE for 51 days. Results showed that dietary supplementation of 250 mg/kg EULE increased significantly the average daily gain of broilers in the early stage (1–21 days), while 250 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg of EULE decreased the feed conversion ratio in the whole period (P < 0.05). Supplementation of 250 mg/kg EULE reduced the level of MDA in the liver (P < 0.05), while 1,000 mg/kg EULE decreased the serum level of MDA (P < 0.05), and the HDL level in serum was increased by 250 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg EULE (P < 0.05). Additionally, 250 mg/kg EULE decreased abdominal fat ratio and serum triglyceride (TC) level in broilers, while 250 or 1,000 mg/kg of EULE reduced drip loss in breast muscle (P < 0.05), and 1,000 mg/kg EULE reduced the cooking loss in thigh muscle (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 250 mg/kg of EULE could attenuate oxidative stress and improve the growth performance and meat quality in broilers.

Exploring the active ingredients and mechanism of qianglidingxuan tablets for vertigo based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Vertigo is a common disease, which is a kind of motor or positional illusion caused by the obstacle of spatial positioning. Qianglidingxuan Tablets (QLDX) tablets tablet has a significant effect in the treatment of vertigo, but its active components and mechanism is not clear. In this study, we explored the effective components and mechanism of QLDX tablets in treating vertigo using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Herein, we found 163 potential targets corresponding to 60 bio-active components of QLDX tablets, and 160 known vertigo-related targets. Among which, 41 targets were shared between potential targets of QLDX tablets and known vertigo related targets. The mainly active components included flavonoids, volatile oil, alkaloid, and polysaccharides. Potential targets mainly regulating of cell response to chemical stress, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, epithelial cell proliferation, lipopolysaccharide, apoptosis signal pathway and steroid hormones. Additionally, molecular docking verified that the active compounds suchilactone in Gastrodia rhizome, epicatechin and liriodendrin in Eucommia ulmoides bark, myricanone in Ligusticum chuaxion, acacetin-7-O-β-D-galactopyranoside in Wild chrysanthemum, and kaempferol in Eucommia ulmoides leaves with the top core genes ESR, AR, ERBB2, EGFR, MAPK1 and CASP8. This work systematically explored the anti-vertigo mechanism of QLDX tablets and provides a novel perspective for future pharmacological research.

Mycobiota of Eucommia ulmoides bark: Diversity, rare biosphere and core taxa

Bark represents a unique microbial habitat. Revealing the interactions among bark-associated microbes is important for understanding their diversity, stability, and function, and how core microbiome influences the health and production of the host plant. We used amplicon sequencing of bark from the medicinal plant Eucommia ulmoides collected across nine distinct biogeographical regions in China, and comprehensively analyzed the diversity, rare biosphere and core taxa of bark fungi. The co-occurrence network results showed significant differences in the compositions of core mycobiota in E. ulmoides bark between the nine regions. Ecological factors (e.g., temperature and rainfall) were crucial determinants of differences in the unique core mycobiota of E. ulmoides from different regions. The metacommunity-scale network indicated that Cladosporium , Alternaria , and Teratosphaeria were core fungal taxa of E. ulmoides bark. Moreover, some core fungal taxa included rare taxa in particular local communities which, despite their relatively low abundance, may play a significant role in the community structure of E. ulmoides bark. • Rare taxa were a critical part of fungal community of E. ulmoides bark. • The composition of core microbiota was various among the different regions. • Cladosporium , Alternaria and Teratosphaeria were core taxa in metacommunity network.

Traditionally Used Plants in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: Screening for Uptake Inhibition of Glucose and Fructose in the Caco2-Cell Model.

The traditional use of plants and their preparations in the treatment of diseases as a first medication in the past centuries indicates the presence of active components for specific targets in the natural material. Many of the tested plants in this study have been traditionally used in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus type 2 and associated symptoms in different cultural areas. Additionally, hypoglycemic effects, such as a decrease in blood glucose concentration, have been demonstrated in vivo for these plants. In order to determine the mode of action, the plants were prepared as methanolic and aqueous extracts and tested for their effects on intestinal glucose and fructose absorption in Caco2 cells. The results of this screening showed significant and reproducible inhibition of glucose uptake between 40 and 80% by methanolic extracts made from the fruits of Aronia melanocarpa, Cornus officinalis, Crataegus pinnatifida, Lycium chinense, and Vaccinium myrtillus; the leaves of Brassica oleracea, Juglans regia, and Peumus boldus; and the roots of Adenophora triphylla. Furthermore, glucose uptake was inhibited between 50 and 70% by aqueous extracts made from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides and the fruit skin of Malus domestica. The methanolic extracts of Juglans regia and Peumus boldus inhibited the fructose transport between 30 and 40% in Caco2 cells as well. These findings can be considered as fundamental work for further research regarding the treatment of obesity-correlated diseases, such as Diabetes mellitus type 2.

Preferences for core microbiome composition and function by different definition methods: Evidence for the core microbiome of Eucommia ulmoides bark

The core microbiome, as a unique group of microorganisms, is an emerging research hotspot that provides a new opportunity to improve growth and production of a host. However, the subjectivity associated with the concept of “core microbiome” means there is currently no uniform definition method for the core microbiome. In this study, the strengths and limitations of four commonly used definition methods for the core microbiome were explored from composition to function based on the 16S rRNA gene dataset of Eucommia ulmoides bark from 25 different biogeographical regions in China. There were differences in the composition of the core microbiomes defined by the different methods. The four definition methods of phylogeny, membership, composition, and network connection contained 274, 10, 5, and 5 core OTUs (operational taxonomic units), respectively. In contrast, the core microbiomes defined by different methods displayed similarities in function. In addition, different definition methods showed varying preferences for abundant taxa, intermediate taxa, and rare taxa. Some core taxa defined by the definition method of phylogeny were significantly associated with pharmacologically active ingredients of E. ulmoides bark. The findings of this study suggest that although the core microbiomes defined by different methods have preferences in composition and function, the term refers to a group of microbes that are particularly notable and important for host-associated microbiomes. Therefore, we propose: (I) The definition method of the core microbiome should be selected according to the ecological problems faced; (II) A combination of multiple methods may comprehensively reveal the core microbiome at different levels of the host, and may also facilitate understanding of the ecological and evolutionary processes that govern host-microbe interactions.

Influences of dietary Eucommia ulmoides extract on growth, flesh quality, antioxidant capacity and collagen-related genes expression in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

The study investigated the effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides extracts on growth, flesh quality and collagen-related genes expression of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Eucommia ulmoides bark extract (EBE) and Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) were individually supplemented into basal diet (control) at an inclusion of 4 g/kg, and then the three diets were fed to grass carp (59.7 ± 0.3 g) for 60 days. The results indicated that dietary ELE significantly increased weight gain (+4.22 %), and decreased feed conversion ratio (-4.05 %) (P < 0.05), while EBE did not significantly affect the growth performance of grass carp. Compared to the control, dietary ELE significantly increased apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein and intestinal digestive enzyme activity (P < 0.05), and the contents of calcium, total collagen, heat-insoluble collagen and free amino acids level (including delicious amino acids) in flesh were also significantly increased (P < 0.05). In both extracts groups, the flesh centrifugal loss, steaming loss, drip loss24h, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde were significantly lower, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly higher than the control (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the amount of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in flesh were found among the three groups, but docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenic acid (DHA), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-3/n-6 ratio in flesh were significantly increased by dietary EBE and ELE (P < 0.05). In collagen-related genes expression, the ELE supplementation significantly promoted the expression of collagen type I (COL1A1, COL1A2), proline hydroxylase, lysine oxidasein in muscle, while the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary ELE improved the growth, muscle antioxidant capacity and flesh quality of grass carp.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles via traditional Chinese medicine and evaluation of their antibacterial activities.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in antibacterial research, but diverse methods for the green synthesis of AgNPs are still underexplored. Phenols, the major components in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), can reduce silver ions (Ag+) to prepare AgNPs. The representative phenolic compounds are flavonoids and chlorogenic acid (CA) in TCMs. Herein, we report a new strategy to prepare AgNPs via decoctions and dregs of TCMs as reductants and dispersants. Lonicera japonica flos (LJ), Astragalus membranaceus (AM), and Eucommia ulmoides bark (EU) were chosen due to their high contents of phenols. 1H-NMR and HPLC were run to monitor the reaction for AgNP synthesis in decoctions, and XRD and TEM analyses were performed to characterize the synthesized TCMs-AgNPs. In addition, AgNPs prepared by spent Chinese medicinal grounds (SCMGs) were characterized by IR and XRD. The antibacterial assessment demonstrated that these TCMs-AgNPs significantly inhibited the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and effectively protected lettuce leaves against P. aeruginosa infection. Taken together, this study developed a new synthetic strategy that used decoctions and dregs of TCMs to obtain AgNPs with excellent antibacterial activity, which indicated the potential antibacterial application of these new TCM-based AgNP materials.

Structure and Function of Bacterial Microbiota in Eucommia ulmoides Bark.

The study aimed to explore the bacterial community composition and the functions of core microbiota in Eucommia ulmoides bark. The bark samples of E. ulmoides were collected from Wangcang Sichuan Province, Cili Hunan Province, and Zunyi Guizhou Province, in China, respectively. Through the high-throughput sequencing methods and techniques, the community composition, core microbiota, and function of the bacteria were studied. The bacterial community of E. ulmoides bark consisted of 9 phyla, 11 classes, 22 orders, 28 families, 31 genera, and 37 OTUs. At the genus level, the dominant genus was the unclassified bacteria of Cyanobacteria, with a relative abundance of 97.01%. The bacterial communities of E. ulmoides bark from different areas have their unique units except for the common microbiota. The core microbiota of bacteria included an unclassified genus of Cyanobacteria, an unclassified genus of Mitochondria, Pseudomonas, Sphingobium, Rhizobium, Novosphingobium, Enterobacter, Rhodococcus, Curtobacterium, and Ralstonia. FAPROTAX function prediction suggested that the core microbiota has a substantial potential for photoautotrophy, phototrophy, aerobic chemoheterotrophy, chemoheterotrophy. Ten taxa composed the core microbiota, and the majority of them were related to the pharmacologically active ingredients of E. ulmoides bark. The research provides a scientific basis for the biological marker of genuineness and microbial technology for improving the content of medicinal ingredients of E. ulmoides.

Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. In a Parkinson's mouse model through the regulation of p38/JNK-Fosl2 gene expression

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEucommia ulmoides Oliv., a Chinese medicinal herb called “Duzhong” from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., has been shown to possess significant protective effects in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Aim of the studyIn this study, we explored the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms of Duzhong on the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model to elucidate the traditional medical theories with modern pharmacological methods and to provide a reference for further clarifying its mechanisms of action. Materials and methodsThe representative components in Duzhong extract were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Male C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with MPTP to establish an in vivo PD model. The pole, rotarod, and grip strength tests were performed to evaluate the motor coordination ability of the PD mice. HPLC-ECD was used to detect the striatal levels of dopamine (DA), 3,4- dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA). The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot assays. ELISA and Q-PCR were used examined the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the serum and midbrain, respectively. Whole-transcriptome analysis of the midbrain was performed to explore the therapeutic effect of Duzhong on PD mice, and Q-PCR was then used to validate the differential gene expression changes in the PD mice treated with Duzhong. ResultsTen compounds were identified from Duzhong extract. Duzhong significantly alleviated the behavioral impairments and dopaminergic neuron degeneration of PD mice, and inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Whole-transcriptome analysis revealed nine oppositely regulated genes, and the Fosl2 gene was consistent with the trend of observed by RNA-seq. Furthermore, Duzhong downregulated mRNA expression of p38 and JNK, which are key upstream genes of Fosl2. ConclusionsDuzhong has promising therapeutic potential in PD mice, and its molecular mechanism is mediated by downregulating p38/JNK-Fosl2 gene expression to alleviate neuroinflammation.

Community composition and ecological functional structural analysis of endophytic fungi in bark of Eucommia ulmoides in different areas

Based on high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic technology,the community composition and ecological functions of endophytic fungi in the bark of Eucommia ulmoides from three producing areas,Fengxiang town in Zunyi county of Guizhou province,Lingyang town of Cili county of Hunan province and Mumen town of Wangcang county of Sichuan province,were analyzed. A total of110 865 effective sequences of endophytic fungi were obtained in the study. The corresponding fungal group of OTUs after clustering belonged to 3 phyla( Ascomycota,Basidiomycota,Zygomycota),10 classes,25 orders,41 families,57 genera and 74 species. Among them,the dominant genera of Sichuan Wangcang Bark of E. ulmoides( EWP) was an unclassified genus in the Nectriaceae of the Crimsonaceae,with a relative abundance of 54. 79%; The dominant species of Hunan Cili Bark of E. ulmoides( ECP) was the unclassified genus of Ascomycota,with a relative abundance of 39. 97% and the dominant species of Guizhou Zunyi bark( EZP) was Lophiostoma,and its relative abundance was 47. 07%. The analysis of α diversity indicated that the shannon diversity index of endophytic fungi from different places was as follows: ECP: 1. 340 2>EZP: 1. 380 4 > EWP: 1. 168 3. The simpson diversity index was: EWP( 0. 427 3) >EZP( 0. 332 5) > ECP( 0. 313 6). FUNGuild software platform analysis displayed that endophytic fungi of E. ulmoides bark from three producing areas contained the following 14 functional groups: plant pathogen,animal pathogen and endophyte et al.,the number of functional groups in the 3 samples of E. ulmoides reached up 8 genera and exceeded one half of the total number. Correlation analysis of Canonical correspondence analysis( CCA) between endophytic fungal community diversity and four active compounds of E. ulmoides were analyzed,the results showed that the contents of pinoresinol diglucoside and chlorogenic acid,to a certain extend,had a positive correlation with an unclassified genus of Davidiellaceae,Mortierella,Chaetomium and Pestalotiopsis from the endophytic fungi in EWP sample.

Complete genome sequence of Bacillus velezensis 157 isolated from Eucommia ulmoides with pathogenic bacteria inhibiting and lignocellulolytic enzymes production by SSF.

Bacillus velezensis 157 was isolated from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides, and exhibited antagonistic activity against a broad spectrum of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Moreover, B. velezensis 157 also showed various lignocellulolytic activities including cellulase, xylanase, α-amylase, and pectinase, which had the ability of using the agro-industrial waste (soybean meal, wheat bran, sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, rice husk, maize flour and maize straw) under solid-state fermentation and obtained several industrially valuable enzymes. Soybean meal appeared to be the most efficient substrate for the single fermentation of B. velezensis 157. Highest yield of pectinase (19.15±2.66Ug-1), cellulase (46.69±1.19Ug-1) and amylase (2097.18±15.28Ug-1) was achieved on untreated soybean meal. Highest yield of xylanase (22.35±2.24Ug-1) was obtained on untreated wheat bran. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the B. velezensis 157, composed of a circular 4,013,317bp chromosome with 3789 coding genes and a G+C content of 46.41%, one circular 8439bp plasmid and a G+C content of 40.32%. The genome contained a total of 8 candidate gene clusters (bacillaene, difficidin, macrolactin, butirosin, bacillibactin, bacilysin, fengycin and surfactin), and dedicates over 15.8% of the whole genome to synthesize secondary metabolite biosynthesis. In addition, the genes encoding enzymes involved in degradation of cellulose, xylan, lignin, starch, mannan, galactoside and arabinan were found in the B. velezensis 157 genome. Thus, the study of B. velezensis 157 broadened that B. velezensis can not only be used as biocontrol agents, but also has potentially a wide range of applications in lignocellulosic biomass conversion.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Cortex Eucommiae via modulation of the toll-like receptor 4 pathway in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Ethnopharmocological relevanceCortex Eucommiae (CE), the bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., has been traditionally used for its kidney-tonifying and bone- and tendon-enhancing properties in Korea, China, and Japan. CE has been historically prescribed for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis of the knee and ankle. Aim of the studyAlthough CE has recently been shown to suppress inflammation in scientific studies, whether this effect involves modulation of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) pathway is currently unknown. Materials and methodsThe modulatory effect of CE on the TLR-4 pathway, both myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (Myd88)-dependent and independent, was investigated through real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, and a reporter gene assay in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. ResultsCE dose-dependently inhibited nitric oxide production without significant cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 356.23μg/mL. In addition, CE down-regulated both LPS-induced mRNA and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. CE suppressed LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, which together comprise the Myd88-dependent TLR-4 pathway. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was also down-regulated by CE in a dose-dependent manner. CE additionally suppressed LPS-induced activation of interferon-β (IFN-β) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, which is associated with the Myd88-independent TLR-4 pathway. ConclusionsCE down-regulated both Myd88-dependent and independent TLR-4 pathways, thus exerting anti-inflammatory effects. These results suggest that CE may be used as a potential therapeutic agent against chronic inflammatory diseases.