Gentiana Lutea Research Articles

Main bitter compounds of Gentiana lutea var. aurantiaca roots wild collected in the León Province (Spain)

Main bitter compounds of Gentiana lutea var. aurantiaca roots wild collected in the León Province (Spain)

Influence of soil composition on the major, minor and trace metal content of Velebit biomedical plants

The use of medical herbs for the treatment of many human diseases is increasing nowadays due to their mild features and low side effects. Not only for their healing properties, but also for their nutritive value supplementation of diet with various herbs is recommended. Thus also their analysis is of rising importance. While total elemental compositions are published for many common herbs, the origin of toxic as well as beneficial elements is not yet well investigated.Thus different indigenous medicinal plants, namely Croatian spruce (Picea abies), savory (Satureja montana L.), mountain yarrow (Achillea clavennae), showy calamint (Calamintha grandiflora), micromeria (Micromeria croatica), yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) and fir (Abies alba) together with soil samples were collected in the National Park Northern Velebit. The macro- and trace elements content, after microwave digestion, was determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS).The study focuses on the one hand on essential elements and on the other hand on non-essential elements which are considered as toxic for humans, covering in total Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn.

Ethnobotanical and phytomedical knowledge in the North-Western Ligurian Alps

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe ethnobotany of European alpine regions is much diversified and scarcely investigated. These regions retain a well-developed heritage culture and botanical traditional knowledge, favored by the isolated montane location. We carried out a study of therapeutic and traditional uses of native plants of a poorly explored area of the Western Italian Alps in the Ligurian region (NW Italy). The area has been the object of human activities since prehistoric ages, and an obliged crossroad for people moving across Provence, Liguria and Piemonte. MethodologyThe investigation was conducted in the upper Tanarello and Arroscia Valleys by using semi-structured, open interviews. Data were summarized by different indices – Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Cultural Value Index (CV), Ethnobotanicity Index (EI) and Informant Consensus Factor (Fic). Results and discussionA group of 65 informants were interviewed, yielding an inventory of 199 botanical taxa from 64 families, and a total of 2661 citations. A total of 13 categories of use were found, of which the most frequent ones were medicinal and food. In addition, 12 main medicinal subcategories were recorded. Botanicals were mainly used to treat digestive system, respiratory system, and the skin. A relevant role was played by plants with digestive and remineralizing properties. On the basis of quantitative analysis (RFC and CV indices) among the 30 most relevant plants are included rare and/or protected species, such as Achillea ligustica, Arnica montana, Gentiana ligustica, Gentiana lutea, and Achillea erba-rotta. ConclusionsAn exhaustive prospect of the ethnobotanical knowledge in North-Western Ligurian Alps has been achieved through the recording of a large number of data. About 50% of the recorded uses have survived in the area. A great traditional importance is retained by species such as Artemisia absinthium, Lavandula angustifolia and Arnica montana which were formerly cultivated and marketed for their therapeutic virtues. A substantial role is also attributable to the tree species Pinus sp. pl., Castanea sativa and Olea europaea that have been exploited as sources of wood/food since long ago. These plants are a natural resource deserving reevaluation among local agriculture and commercial activities.

Genetic variation of the endangered Gentiana lutea L. var. aurantiaca (Gentianaceae) in populations from the Northwest Iberian Peninsula.

Gentiana lutea L. (G. lutea L.) is an endangered plant, patchily distributed along the mountains of Central and Southern Europe. In this study, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to investigate the genetic variation in this species within and among populations of G. lutea L. var. aurantiaca of the Cantabrian Mountains (Northwest Iberian Peninsula). Samples of G. lutea L. collected at different locations of the Pyrenees and samples of G. lutea L. subsp. vardjanii of the Dolomites Alps were also analyzed for comparison. Using nine ISSR primers, 106 bands were generated, and 89.6% of those were polymorphic. The populations from the Northwest Iberian Peninsula were clustered in three different groups, with a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances. Gentiana lutea L. var. aurantiaca showed 19.8% private loci and demonstrated a remarkable level of genetic variation, both among populations and within populations; those populations with the highest level of isolation show the lowest genetic variation within populations. The low number of individuals, as well as the observed genetic structure of the analyzed populations makes it necessary to protect them to ensure their survival before they are too small to persist naturally.

According to the CPLL proteome sheriffs, not all aperitifs are created equal!

Combinatorial peptide ligand libraries (CPLLs) have been adopted for investigating the proteome of a popular aperitif in Northern Italy, called “Amaro Branzi”, stated to be an infusion of a secret herbal mixture, of which some ingredients are declared on the label, namely Angelica officinalis, Gentiana lutea and orange peel, sweetened by a final addition of honey. In order to assess the genuineness of this commercial liqueur, we have prepared extracts of the three vegetable ingredients, assessed their proteomes, and compared them to the one found in the aperitif. The amaro's proteome was identified via prior capture with CPLLs at two different pH values (2.2 and 4.8). Via mass spectrometry analysis of the recovered fractions, after elution of the captured populations in 4% boiling SDS, we could confirm the presence of the following: six proteins originating from honey, 11 from orange peels, 29 from G. lutea and 46 from A. officinalis (including shared species), plus 33 species which could not be attributed to the other secret ingredients, due to paucity of genomic data on plant proteins, for a total of 93 unique gene products (merging shared proteins). This fully confirmed the genuineness of the product. Considering that most of these species could be present in trace amounts, undetectable by conventional techniques, the CPLL methodology, due to its ability to enhance the signal of trace components up to 3 to 4 orders of magnitude, could represent a powerful tool for investigating the genuineness and natural origin of commercial beverages in order to protect consumers from adulterated products.

Attenuation of Reserpine-Induced Pain/Depression Dyad by Gentiopicroside Through Downregulation of GluN2B Receptors in the Amygdala of Mice

Epidemiological studies demonstrate that pain frequently occurs comorbid with depression. Gentiopicroside (Gent) is a secoiridoid compound isolated from Gentiana lutea that exhibits analgesic properties and inhibits the expression of GluN2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex of mice. However, the effects of Gent on the reserpine-induced pain/depression dyad and its underlying mechanisms are unclear. Reserpine administration (1 mg/kg subcutaneous daily for 3 days) caused a significant decrease in the nociceptive threshold as evidenced by the reduced paw withdrawal latency in response to a radiant heat source and mechanical allodynia. Behavioral detection indicated a significant increase in immobility time during a forced swim test, as well as decreased time in the central area and total travel distance in an open field test. Furthermore, reserpinized animals exhibited increased oxidative stress. Systemic Gent administration dose-dependently ameliorated the behavioral deficits associated with reserpine-induced pain/depression dyad. At the same time, the decrease in biogenic amine levels (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) was integrated with the increase in caspase-3 levels and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in the amygdala of the reserpine-injected mice. Gent significantly reversed the changes in the levels of biogenic amines, caspase-3, and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in amygdala. However, Gent did not affect the expression of GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors. The inhibitory effects of Gent on oxidative stress were occluded by simultaneous treatment of GluN2B receptors antagonist Ro25-6981. Our study provides strong evidence that Gent inhibits reserpine-induced pain/depression dyad by downregulating GluN2B receptors in the amygdala.

Cloning and functional analysis of the promoters that upregulate carotenogenic gene expression during flower development in Gentiana lutea

Over the last two decades, many carotenogenic genes have been cloned and used to generate metabolically engineered plants producing higher levels of carotenoids. However, comparatively little is known about the regulation of endogenous carotenogenic genes in higher plants, and this restricts our ability to predict how engineered plants will perform in terms of carotenoid content and composition. During petal development in the Great Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea), carotenoid accumulation, the formation of chromoplasts and the upregulation of several carotenogenic genes are temporally coordinated. We investigated the regulatory mechanisms responsible for this coordinated expression by isolating five G. lutea carotenogenic gene (GlPDS, GlZDS, GlLYCB, GlBCH and GlLYCE) promoters by inverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Each promoter was sufficient for developmentally regulated expression of the gusA reporter gene following transient expression in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom). Interestingly, the GlLYCB and GlBCH promoters drove high levels of gusA expression in chromoplast-containing mature green fruits, but low levels in chloroplast-containing immature green fruits, indicating a strict correlation between promoter activity, tomato fruit development and chromoplast differentiation. As well as core promoter elements such as TATA and CAAT boxes, all five promoters together with previously characterized GlZEP promoter contained three common cis-regulatory motifs involved in the response to methyl jasmonate (CGTCA) and ethylene (ATCTA), and required for endosperm expression (Skn-1_motif, GTCAT). These shared common cis-acting elements may represent binding sites for transcription factors responsible for co-regulation. Our data provide insight into the regulatory basis of the coordinated upregulation of carotenogenic gene expression during flower development in G. lutea.

Anatomical investigations determining the origin of crown buds on the transition zone of gentians

Gentians are herbaceous perennials of ornamental and medicinal value, which utilize preformed crown buds as part of the perennating structure. Understanding the morphology and associated development of these crown buds is required if manipulation of bud initiation, emergence and development are to be achieved. The point of origin of crown buds, or whether crown buds originate from axillary or adventitious meristems, has not previously been published. In the current study, therefore, anatomical features of the shoot/stem, storage root, transition zone between shoot and root, axillary buds and crown bud clusters, were examined using light microscopy. In seedlings of Gentiana lutea, G. straminea, G. triflora and G. scabra, the transition zone was determined to be the area of initiation of crown buds, which differed morphologically in vascular arrangement from both the true shoot/stem and storage root. Crown buds that first developed on the transition zone were considered to be adventitious in origin.

Preclinical safety assessment of aqueous Gentiana lutea radix extracts

Preclinical safety assessment of aqueous Gentiana lutea radix extracts

Bitterness values for traditional tonic plants of southern Africa

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBitterness values have been determined for southern African plant species that are traditionally used as tonics (imbizas or ’musa-pelo) to alleviate the symptoms of stress and a variety of ailments related to the digestive system. Aim of the studyTo measure and present, for the first time, the bitterness values of 15 of the best-known and most widely used tonic plants in southern Africa in order to find a rationale for their traditional use in improving appetite and treating digestive ailments. ResultsMost of the plants were found to be very bitter, with bitterness values comparable to those reported for internationally well-known bitter tonics such as Artemisia absynthium L. and Gentiana lutea L. ConclusionsThe relatively high bitterness values obtained for all of the plants indicate that their alleged value in improving digestion and appetite may at least be partly ascribed to the bitter tonic (amarum) effect, i.e., the stimulation of gastric juices via the nervus vagus. It may be interesting to examine the chemical compounds responsible for the bitter taste, as well as the possible links between bitterness and the anecdotal anti-stress properties ascribed to these species.

Use of morphological features and amarogentin content for characterization of wild yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea L.) populations in north-east Italy

During the summer of 2010, a survey aiming to assess the morphological characteristics and the amarogentin content of different wild populations of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea L.) was carried out in the south-eastern Italian Pre-Alps (1050–1950 m above sea level). The focus of the survey was the province of Trento where seven populations were recorded. Two more populations were recorded in the province of Brescia, which represented the southern and western limit of the targeted area, respectively. The last two populations were found in the province of Vicenza and Pordenone, the latter corresponding to the eastern boundary of the research area. A series of qualitative and quantitative parameters were recorded for each site/population and univariate (Kruskall–Wallis test) and multivariate (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) analyses were performed to estimate differences between populations. According to the descriptors recorded, a large variability emerged among all the targeted populations, nine of which belonged to the subsp. lutea and vardjanii Wraber complex, whereas the two populations from Vicenza and Pordenone provinces belonged to the subsp. symphyandra Hayek. These last are characterized by a later flowering, larger corolla lobes, and taller stems and roots, and are richer in amarogentin compared with the other populations.

10.5937/ratpov50-4635 = Production of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea L.) nursery plants suitable for transplanting and cultivation under dry farming conditions in mountain region of Serbia

This paper deals with development of yellow gentian nursery plants in the open winter beds established in the mountainous region of Serbia at 1000 m a.s.l. Number, weight and size of one-, two- and three-year-old nursery plants were measured in succession for two years. The one-year-old nursery plants had an average 1.5 g fresh weight and 0.4 g dry weight, while the average length and width of the thickened root parts were 6.0 cm and 0.4 cm, respectively. The average fresh and dry root weights of the two-year-old nursery plants were 4.9 g and 1.4 g, respectively, with the length and width of the thickened root part 10.8 cm and 1.2 cm, respectively. The average root weights of the three-year-old plantlets were 15.6 g (fresh weight) and 4.7 g (dry weight), but they were too branchy and difficult for transplanting into the field. The average number of yellow gentian nursery plants per m2 of the open winter bed, following the first, second and third growing year were 714, 243 and 95, respectively. Two-year-old nursery plants proved to be the most suitable for establishing large-scale plantations for the production of yellow gentian root under dry farming conditions in the mountains of Serbia.

Phytochemical investigation of medicinal and culinary herbs

The chemical contents of 47 herb and medicinal plant species cultivated in Finland during 2001–2011 were analysed in Hungary, and a total of 101 components were determined.The phytochemical evaluation of the herbs was aimed at interpretating the effects observed in acclimatization studies performed under Nordic climatic conditions. The phytochemical analysis was successfully applied for the quality control of medicinal, aromatic and culinary herbs, and provided numerous new scientific results (Acorus calamus, Artemisia abrotanum, A. paniculata, Gentiana lutea, Ligusticum scoticum, Perilla frutescens, Rhodiola rosea, Satureja biflora, Tagetes lucida). The results will provide useful guidelines for growers both in Finland and Hungary.

Effects of cold-stratification, gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate on seed germination of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea L.)

The purpose of this study was to show the effect of cold-stratification, gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate on seed germination of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea L.). The seeds of natural yellow gentian populations of the Albanian Alps (Kosovo) were collected in September 2010. Seeds placed in filter paper (plastic bag) and in mixture of sand-soil were cold-stratified (2±1°C) for 72 days. The effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid (250, 500 and 1000 ppm GA3) and potassium nitrate (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% KNO 3 ) in final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT) and germination index (GI) in non-stratified and stratified seeds were examined. Seeds stratified in filter paper and treated with 1000 ppm GA3 and 0.1% KNO 3 showed significantly higher percentage of germination (FGP and GI), while seeds stratified in mixture of sand-soil showed the highest values of FGP and GI in treatments with 500 ppm GA 3 and different concentrations of KNO 3 . The cold-stratification and GA 3 treatments of yellow gentian seeds are suitable for the higher percentage of germinations. Key words: Gentiana lutea L., cold-stratification, seeds, germination, gibberellic acid (GA 3 ), potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ).

Morphological and germination response variability in seeds of wild yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea L.) accessions from northwest Spain

Gentiana lutea L. (yellow gentian, Gentianaceae) is an important medicinal plant under protection as endangered species in most European countries. The aim of this work was to evaluate variation in seed mass, seed water content, and seed germination among 56 wild accessions of G. lutea. The effect of gibberellic acid (GA3), putrescine, moist chilling, and level of ripeness of seeds on subsequent germination was also investigated. Seeds of G. lutea showed physiological dormancy (final germination percentages ranged from 0% to 11%, depending on the accession) and GA3 enhanced seed germination drastically in all the accessions. The highest germination (99%) of GA3-treated seeds was reached at 15 °C. Final germination percentage and germination rate (as expressed by mean germination time), as well as seed mass and seed water content, varied significantly among accessions. In general, 1 year moist chilling did not significantly enhance G. lutea seed germination. For most accessions, no significant differences were found between fully ripe seeds and less ripe seeds for seed water content, seed mass, and seed germination. Applications of GA3 were always most effective than those of putrescine for increasing seed germination.

EFFECT OF SOIL IN THE GROWTH OF GENTIANA LUTEA RADICAL SYSTEM IN NORTH MOUNTAIN OF LÉON (SPAIN)

Gentiana lutea is a high mountain wild plant whose roots have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes in the northwest mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, mainly as a stomach tonic or to solve a lack of appetite. These medicinal properties are mainly due to bitter compounds such as amarogentin, gentiopicrin and swertiamarin, which are mainly found in the outer layers of the roots. The aim of the project was to establish the relationship between soil characteristics and the development of gentian root system in adult plants. Soil and underground part samples have been collected from twelve populations. The underground parts, conveniently called 'roots', has been separated in rhizome, principal and secondary (or lateral) roots. The diameter and cortex thickness of the roots were measured. The results show that there was a positive significant correlation between Mn and K content in the soil and the ratio between cortex thickness and the total thickness of the roots. A significant positive correlation was also found for altitude and cortex thickness in both primary and secondary roots. In conclusion, high altitude and soils with elevated levels of Mn and K improved the growth and the quality of the roots.

Gentiopicroside Attenuates Morphine Rewarding Effect through Downregulation of GluN2B Receptors in Nucleus Accumbens

Gentiopicroside (Gent) is one of the secoiridoid compound isolated from Gentiana lutea. This compound exhibits analgesic activities and inhibits the expression of GluN2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex in mice. Nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a forebrain structure known for its role in drug addiction. However, little is known about the role of Gent on morphine dependence and synaptic transmission changes in the NAc. Conditioned place preference (CPP) test and behavioral sensitization of locomotor activity were used to investigate drug-seeking related behaviors. Brain slices containing NAc were prepared, and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed to record the excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). Expression of proteins was detected by Western blot analysis. Systemic administration of Gent attenuated the CPP effect induced by morphine, but had no effect on morphine-induced behavioral sensitization. Gent significantly reversed overexpression of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors and dopamine D2 receptors in NAc during the first week of morphine withdrawal. However, the compound did not affect the overexpression of GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors, GluA1, and dopamine D1 receptors. Lastly, Gent significantly reduced NMDA receptors-mediated EPSCs in the NAc. Our study provides strong evidence that Gent inhibits morphine dependence through downregulation of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in the NAc.

High-mountain medicinal plants in Bulgaria – protection, phytotherapy, reproductive capacity and sustainable use

The object of this study are rare and endemic species of the Bulgarian flora: Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm; A.jumrukczalica Pawł. (Bulgarian endemic); A.achtarowii Pawł. (Bulgarian endemic); Sideritis scardica Griseb. (Balkan endemic); Gentiana lutea L. ssp. symphyandra (Murb.) Hayek and Arnica montana L. The species are spreaded in the subalpine and alpine zones of the Bulgarian mountains. They are included in the List of protected species of the Biological Diversity Act and Red Book of R Bulgaria Vol. 1– Plants, excepting A. montana, reported to grow in the Rila Mt. [1], but so far its distribution has not been confirmed. In this study were used seeds of A. montana, originating from Ukraine and Germany.

FARKLI EKİM ZAMANI VE UYGULAMALARIN CENSİYAN (Gentiana Lutea Subs. Symphyandra) TOHUMLARININ ÇIKIŞ GÜCÜ ÜZERİNE ETKİLERİNİN BELİRLENMESİ

This study was carried out at Yalova Ataturk Central Horticultural Research Institute between 2009-2010, in order to determine potential of seed germination of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea subs.symphyandra), a rarely disseminated and endangered species in Turkey due to collection from the nature. In this study, the emergence rate of seeds treated different pretreatments were determined at unheated greenhouse conditions at different dates. Moreover the emergence rate of seeds treated with stratification at +1 oC in different periods and different sowing times were determined at outdoor. At the end of the study, seeds treated with stratification at +1 oC in different periods at unheated greenhouse and stratification at +1 oC from seed harvest until 1-15 January at outdoor showed the best emergence rate.

Determination of seco-iridoid and 4-pyrone compounds in hydro-alcoholic extracts of <i>Gentiana lutea</i> L. subsp. <i>symphyandra</i> Murb. leaves and roots by using high performance liquid chromatography

In view of the increasing interest in herbal remedies and their important role in health maintenance and well-being, a study was carried out to clarify the role and importance of the solvent in the extraction process. Hydro-alcoholic (methanol or ethanol) or water extraction procedures for secondary metabolites from Gentiana lutea subsp. symphyandra leaves and roots were optimized for the yield of compounds that have proved to act antioxidatively. Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the contents of seco-iridoid glucosides (gentiopicroside, amarogentin) and 4-pyrones (mangiferin (xanthone), homoorientin (flavone C-glycoside), isovitexin (flavone C-glycoside)) in Gentiana lutea subsp. symphyandra extracts were determined. The analysis revealed that the contents of observed secondary metabolites in Gentiana lutea subsp. symphyandra extracts varied significantly based on the solvent (methanol, ethanol, and water) used in the extraction procedure. Seco-iridoids and 4-pyrone contents in extract...