Gastrodia elata,Ampelopsis and black tea were used as raw materials,the effect of addition of Gastrodia elata extract,Ampelopsis grossedentata extract,black tea extract,white sugar and citric acid on the sensory quality of Gastrodia elata,Ampelopsis grossedentata and black tea compound drink,and the sensory score as the evaluation index,which optimized processing compound beverage with Gastrodia elata,Ampelopsis grossedentata and black tea by response surface experiment and its composition and antioxidant activity. Results showed that the optimum processing technology of compound drink were as follows:The Gastrodia elata extract contents 12%,Ampelopsis extract contents 45%,the black tea extract contents 5%,white sugar 6%,and citric acid 0.06%. Under this condition,the total flavonoid content,total phenol content,soluble sugar content,reducing power,hydroxyl radical scavenging rate,DPPH radical scavenging rate and DPPH radical scavenging rate of the compound beverage were(0.127±0.0083) mg/g,(0.131±0.0079) mg/g,(23.709±0.295) mg/g,(3.524±0.031) mg/mL,32.1%±1.86% and 89.4%±2.07%,respectively. The compound beverage had unique flavor of Gastrodia elata,Ampelopsis grossedentata and black tea with good taste,uniform solution,light yellow.

This report presents two new mycoheterotrophic orchids of Taiwan, i.e., Cyrtosia septentrionalis (Rchb.f.) Garay and Gastrodia kaohsiungensis T.P. Lin. The genus Cyrtosia in Taiwan is also reviewed. The pollinia of Galeola lindleyia and G. falconeri share the same morphology as two species of Cyrtosia found in Taiwan. The pollinia may provide new evidence to merge Galeola with Cyrtosia.

Effect of Immature Rhizome Productivity according to Harvest Times-based Treatment Method for Seed Production of Gastrodia elata

Objective To optimize and establish the extraction of Gastrodia. Methods Orthogonal experiment design was adopted, and the content of gastrodin was detected by HPLC. The extraction ratio of Gastrodia and its extract were evaluated. Results The gastrodin showed a good linear relationship within the range of 0.142 8-0.714 0 μg (r=0.999 4) with an average recovery of 100.01% (RSD=1.04%). The optimal extraction condition of Gastrodia was 6-fold volume of sample weight with 60% alcohol for two times. Conclusions The method is simple and applicable to the extraction of Gastrodia elata. Key words: Extraction; Orthogonal test; Gastrodia elata; Gastrodin

Changes of Off-Odor Constituent and Parishin Derivatives of Fermentation of Gastrodia elata Rhizome by Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains

본 연구의 목적은 증숙 및 발효과정을 거친 천마추출물이 LPS 로 유도된 간 손상에 미치는 효능을 평가하고자 하였다. 증숙 횟수 및 발효균을 달리한 25가지 시료 중 DPPH와 ABTS 라디칼 소거능을 측정하여 생 천마(GR0F0)와 6회 증숙한 후, Saccharomyces cerevisiae균으로 발효한 GR6F4간의 비교실험이 가능할 것으로 사료되었다. 마우스는 6마리씩 4그룹(정상군, 대조군, GR0F0 투여군, GR6F4투여군)으로 나누어 실험을 진행하였다. LPS를 투여하기 전, 각 시료를 200 mg/kg/day로 8일간 경구 투여하였으며, 간 손상을 유발하기 위하여 LPS를 20 mg/ kg로 복강투여하였다. 혈액에서 AST, ALT를 측정한 결과, 대 조군에서 그 수치가 증가하였고, GR6F4군에서 감소하였을 뿐 아니라, 혈액 및 간에서 측정한 ROS 수치 또한 유의하게 감소 하였다. 간조직에서 AP-1, COX-2, TNF-α와 INOS를 측정한 결과, GR0F0 또한 감소하였으나, 증숙 및 발효과정을 거친 GR6F4군에서 더욱 큰 효과를 보이는 것을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과들은 GR6F4의 뛰어난 항산화 및 항염증 효과를 증명하며, 그러므로 증숙 및 발효과정을 거친 천마는 간 손상에 보호효과 가 있다고 보여진다.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of modified decoction of pinellia, bighead atractylodes and gastrodia in the treatment of Meniere's syndrome. Methods Sixty patients with Meniere's syndrome were randomly divided into Chinese medicine group and western medicine group, 30 cases in each group. The patients in Chinese medicine group received the modified decoction of pinellia, bighead atractylodes and gastrodia. Western medicine group received flunarizine hydrochloride capsules, 5 mg daily morning and evening. 28 d for 1 course in the two groups. The degree of vertigo attack and curative effect in the two groups were compared at 2, 4 weeks after the treatment. Results Compared with pretreatment, the vertigo attack frequency and the degree of attack were both significantly decreased in the two groups (P<0.05) . Compared with western medicine group, the vertigo attack frequency and the degree of attack were both more significantly decreased at 2, 4 weeks after starting treatment in Chinese medicine group (P<0.05) . The total effective rate in Chinese medicine group[90.0% (27/30 cases) ]was higher than that in western medicine group[73.3% (22/30 cases) ]. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion Modified decoction of pinellia, bighead atractylodes and gastrodia is an effective method in the treatment of Meniere's syndrome. Key words: Meniere's syndrome; Traditional Chinese therapy; Modified decoction of pinellia, bighead atractylodes and gastrodia

Objective To explore the effect of gastrodia elata on learning and memory abilities and synaptic transmission protein(P38, Ca2+ -CaMK Ⅱα, CREB)expression of hippocampus in model rats with Alzheimer's disease(AD). Methods 24 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, test group and intervention group. A dose of Aβ1-40 was injected into the hippocampus of rats on test group and intervention group, the control rats were injected with normal saline. When the models were successful, the rats of control group and test groups were given with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose(50g/kg), the rats of intervention group were given with gastrodia elata powder(50g/kg), lasting 15 days, Morris water maze test was used for learning and memory abilities study.The expression of P38, Ca2+ -CaMK Ⅱα and CREB protein were detected by immunohistochemistry method. Results Behavioral tests showed the mean escape latencies and search time of test group were obviously increased than those of control group and intervention group, the percentage of search distance on test groups was less than that of control group and intervention group(P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry results showed P38, Ca2+ -CaMK Ⅱα and CREB positive cells and optical density in hippocampus CA1 on test group were less than those of control group and intervention group(all P<0.01) (P38: 58.92±10.82, 0.208±0.037; Ca2+ -CaMK Ⅱα: 72.38±14.67, 0.174±0.036; CREB: 53.86±5.31, 0.161±0.043 in test group; P38: 87.32±9.56, 0.371±0.046; Ca2+ -CaMK Ⅱα: 98.16±16.29, 0.283±0.051; CREB: 86.76±7.73, 0.356±0.052 in intervention group; P38: 102.54±16.73, 0.563±0.078; Ca2+ -CaMK Ⅱα: 123.46±17.65, 0.436±0.057; CREB: 125.43±9.16, 0.524±0.057 in control group). Conclusion Gastrodia elata can treat AD by increasing expression of P38, Ca2+ -CaMK Ⅱα and CREB. Key words: Alzheimer‘s disease; Gastrodia elata; P38; Ca2+ -CaMK Ⅱα; CREB

ABSTRACT Objectives : This study was designed to investigate effects of the combinat ion with Korean Red Ginseng ( Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), Gastrodia Rhizoma ( Gastrodia elata Blume) and Polygoni Multiflori Radix ( Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg) on metabolic disorders including cholesterol and erectile dysfunction in hyperlipidemia rats.Methods : Animals were divided into six groups; Control with normal diet, high fat/cholesterol-diet (HFCD), fluvastatin, Korean Red Ginseng treated (KRG), and the combination treated ( Korean Red Ginseng, Gastrodia Rhizoma and Polygoni Multiflori Radix; 1:1:1 for KGP1 and 2:1:1 for KGP2). The experimental groups initially received HFCD for 10 weeks and then treated orally with fluvastatin, KRG, KGP1 and KGP2 during the final 6 weeks. Erectile function was determined by the measurements of intraca vernosal pressure (ICP) and maximal arterial pressure (MAP) after electrical stimulation of the cavernosal nerve.Results : KGP2 decreased the level of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the sera of HFCD rats without no changes of body weights. KRG, KGP1 and KGP2 decreased the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels except of fluvastatin, synthetic HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. KRG, KGP 1 and KGP2 significantly increased the ICP, ICP/MAP ratio, area under the curve (AUC) compared with those o f normal rat. Morphometric analyses showed that KRG, KGP1 and KGP2 increased the volume of smooth muscle and the regular arrangement of collagen fibers in corpus cavernosum of HFCD rats. The penile expression of eNOS was increased by KRG, KGP1 and KGP2.Conclusions : Based on these results, we suggest that the combination with Korean Red Ginseng, Gastrodia Rhizoma and Polygoni Multiflori may improve hyperlipidemia through regulating the lipid profil es and erectile dysfunction in rats.Key words : Korean Red Ginseng, Gastrodia Rhizoma, Polygoni Multiflori, hyperlipidemia, erection

We found ＂Gastrodia fontinalis＂ T. P. Lin in a bamboo forest from Takeshima Island, which is the northernmost island of the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. This species is apparently rare and was previously considered to be an endemic Taiwanese species. Because there are a few minor differences between the original description and our specimens collected in Takeshima Island, here we report Gastrodia fontinalis from Takeshima Island as the first record outside of Taiwan, with a description of the specimens from Takeshima Island.

Anti-convulsant Effects of Methanol Extract of Gastrodia Elata on Kainic Acid-induced Epilepsy Mouse Model

Phenolic beta-D-glucopyranosides exist widely in nature and exhibit many important physiological activities. For example, gastrodia isolated from Pholidota chinensis Lind1. has such a sketch and play an important bioactivity on nerve system. Recently, we found another phenolic beta-D-glucopyranoside from the Pulicaria insignis which had definite anti-HCV activity. Based on the results achieved in our research group, we tried to design and synthesize series of phenolic beta-D-glucopyranosides to wish to find new and better bioactive compounds used in anti-HCV study. Fifteen novel natural analogues of phenolic beta-D-glucopyranosides were synthesized from phenolic aglycones and acetobromo-alpha-D-glucose or beta-D-glucose pentaacetate. Their structures were characterized by MS, H-1 NMR and C-13 NMR. Preliminary anti-HCV activity tests showed that compounds 8a and 10a exhibited definite anti-viral activity, their EC50 are 21 and 9.4 mu mol/L, and the CC50 of them are 150.4 and 145.9 mu mol/L, respectively.

Objective To observe the influence of Gastrodia data capsule on cerebral blood flow in the treatment of patients with hypertension.Methods A total of 69 patients with hypertension were divided into the treatment group(36 cases) and the control group(33 cases).The treatment group received treatment of Gastrodia clara capsule combined with antihypertensive drug,the control group received treatment of antihypertensive drug only.Two groups received TCD test before and 20 days after treatment,and the changes of blood flow of intracranial vessels before and after treatment were assessed.Results The total effective rate in treatment group was 97.2％,12 cases cured,15 cases of tangible effectiveness,8 cases of effectiveness,1 case of invalidity.The total effective rate in control group was 75.8％,7 cases cured,12 cases of tangible effectiveness,6 cases of effectiveness,8 case of invalidity,The difference of clinical efficacy between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z =2.240,P ＜ 0.05 ).The mean velocity of MCA,ACA,PCA,BA,VA of control group 20 days after treatment was not statistically different compared to those before treatment.The mean velocity of MCA,ACA,PCA,BA,VA of treatment group 20 days after treatment was lower than those before treatment(t =-2.65,-2.44,-3.92,-3.31,-4.68,all P＜0.05).Conclusion The treatment of Gastrodia elata capsule conbined with antihypertensive drug can significantly improve curative effect of patients with hypertension and improve the condition of cerebral blood flow. Key words: Hypertension; Cerebrovascular circulation; Uhrasonography,doppler,transcranial; Gastrodia elata capsule

Objectives : This experimental study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effects of combination with Korean red ginseng and Gastrodia rhizoma on vascular dysfunction in high-fat/cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidemia. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with 7.5% cocoa butter and 1.25% cholesterol for 10 weeks, with Panax ginseng (PG), and mixtures of Panax ginseng and Gastrodia rhizoma (PGM), respectively. Results : Chronic treatment with PG and PGM significantly decreased body weight. The aortic expression of cell adhesion molecules such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin were markedly increased in hyperlipidemia rats. Interestingly, PGM significantly decreased cell adhesion molecules expression. However, there was no significant decrease in PG group. In addition, PG and PGM group inhibited high-fat/cholesterol diet-induced cytokine such as monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) mRNA expression. Furthermore, PG and PGM group significantly decreased c-reactive protein protein (CRP) level. Especially, PGM significantly accentuated the decrease of MCP-1 mRNA expression and CRP level. Conclusions : the present study provides an evidence that combination with Panax ginseng and Gastrodia rhizoma enhances anti-vascular protective effects through suppression of vascular inflammation in hyperlipidemic rats.

전통적인 포제 방법을 이용하여 천마의 불쾌취 및 쓴맛, 비린맛 등을 제거하고, 천마의 주된 유효성분인 gastrodin과 p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol을 증가시키기 위한 연구를 시도하였다. 포제법의 일환으로 생천마와 건천마를 쌀뜨물과 젖산발효액에 침지하였으며 유의적인 결과를 얻었다. 이러한 결과가 침지액 중의 유기산 등에 의한 효과에 기인한 것으로 판단되어 대표적 유기산 10종을 선별하여 0.5%로 제조 한 후, 24시간동안 침지시켰다. 그 결과 젖산에 침지된 천마에서 가장 좋은 관능평가를 얻을 수 있었으며, 농도별로 젖산액 처리하였을 경우 1.0%에서 가장 좋은 관능평가를 얻었다. 또한 1.0% 젖산에 침지한 후 4시간 증자한 후 천마의 유효성분인 gastrodin, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol의 함량이 약 20%가 증가되었으며, 기타 유효성분의 대부분 유의적 변화를 나타내지 않았다. 또한 젖산 침지에 따른 천마의 휘발성 향기성분을 측정한 결과 천마 불쾌취의 주성분이라고 판단되는 4-methylphenol과 butanal 등 총 11종을 분리하였다. 이러한 결과로 부터 천마의 관능 및 유효성분의 향상을 위한 전처리 방법으로 1.0% 젖산액에 생천마를 24시간 침지한 후 <TEX>$98^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 4시간 증자 후 건조하는 방법이 가장 우수한 것으로 나타났다. This study was carried out to decrease intrinsic objectionable odor, bitter and fishy taste and change the biobeneficial components (gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol) of Gastrodia elate Blume. First of all, Gastrodia elata Blume. was dipped in the rice-washed water and rice-bran solution fermented with Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum. The objectionable odor, bitter and fishy taste were decreased considerably with the treatments. Gastrodia elata Blume. was also dipped in organic acids (10 different varieties). The result showed that the most effective treatment to reduce objectionable odor, bitter and fishy taste of Gastrodia elata Blume. was treated with 1.0% lactic acid. Eleven different kinds of volatile components such as acetaldehyde, formic acid ethyl ester, acetic acid ethyl ester, 4-methylphenol and 3-hydroxy-2-butanone were separated from Gastrodia elata Blume when treated with or without 1.0% lactic acid. 4-Methylphenol, which is an objectionable odor in Gastrodia elata Blume, decreased with the treatment of lactic acid. While the contents of gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol in Gastrodia elata Blume. increased by 20% when dipped in 1.0% lactic acid solution for 24 hours and steamed at <TEX>$98^{\circ}C$</TEX> for 4 hours.

Four Gastrodia species were recently recognized from Taiwan, including two new species (G. flexistyla and G. uraiensis) and two newly recorded species (G. nipponica and G. callosa). Descriptions, illustrations and specimen lists of these species are presented.

Ergothioneine (ERG) has long been recognized as a potent and stable antioxidant. In nature, ERG is synthesized only in fungi and mycobacteria, not in plants. The lifecycle of Gastrodia elata, an achlorophyllous orchid plant, is completely dependent on the presence of symbiotic fungi, particularly Armillaria mellea. In this study, we report for the first time that G. elata accumulated ERG whose levels were correlated with the concentrations of ERG in A. mellea. The contents of ERG in G. elata were significantly higher in actively developing tissues, such as seed capsules and newly growing corms, than in mature rhizomes. The ERG levels in rhizomes were significantly correlated with antioxidant capacities and were quantitatively comparable to the previously established major pharmacological components in G. elata. These results indicated that ERG is a newly found functional substance in G. elata, which may be responsible for the beneficial health effects of G. elata on various human diseases. Key words: Gastrodia elata, Armillaria mellea, ergothioneine, antioxidant.

Effect of Gastrodia elata and its components on nervous system

A newly recorded species, Gastrodia shimizuana Tuyama, in Taiwan is described and illustrated. This species is apparently rare and was previously known in only few localities in Iriomote Island, the Ryukyu Islands. We recently found it in the mountains at Beixinzhuang at elevations from 300 to 350 meters in northern Taipei, Taiwan. Although the flower of G. shimizuana is somewhat structurally similar to that of G. pubilabiata, they are evidently different from each other in floral dimensions, petals and lip shapes, floral color and flowering seasons.

Purpose Our previous studies have shown that Gastrodia elata (GE) reduces kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic seizures and inhibits activation of microglia in rates. The present study investigated the relationship between the anticonvulsion effects of GE and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNE-α), as well as nitric oxide (NO). Methods Rats were administered KA (12mg/kg) to induce epileptic seizure. After oral administration of GE 1.0g/kg, 0.5g/kg and valproic acid (VA) 250mg/kg for 4 days prior to K injection of the number of KA-induced we dog shakes was calculated, and the changes in IL-1β, TNF-α and NO levels in the peripheral blood, and IL-1β and TNF-α levels in the frontal cortex and hippocampus regions of the rat brain were measured. Results Both pretreatment of GE 1.0g/kg and VA 250mg/kg reduced the number of wet dog shakes. GE also reduced the levels of IL-1β and NO in the peripheral blood, and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the frontal cortex, and TNF-α in the hippocampus. Conclusions GE inhibits the generation of cytokine IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO in rats with KA-induced seizures.