Lespedeza Bicolor Research Articles

Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis Forest Alliance

The Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forest is a unique pine forest type in Northeast China. The species grows normally under extremely adverse conditions because it has a strong tolerance to poor soils and drought. It also benefits the ecological environment significantly through water conservation, soil improvement and windbreak and sand fixation, thus making it an important pioneer species for improving site conditions. This paper systematically analyzes the geographical distribution, ecological and community characteristics, species composition and classification of Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests in China through field surveys and literature review. The main findings are: (1) Based on the dominant species of each layer, Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests can be divided into two categories of associations: Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis - Rhododendron dauricum - Carex callitrichos association and Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis + Quercus mongolica - Lespedeza bicolor - Carex caespitosa association. (2) According to sample plot surveys, a total of 134 vascular plant species, belonging to 59 families and 104 genera, were recorded in natural Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests. Amongst them were one fern species, two gymnosperm species and 131 angiosperm species. (3) The composition of life forms in Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests is dominated by terrestrial herbs, with fewer woody plants and with vines making up the smallest proportion. (4) The Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests located on the hillocks of Xingkai Lake are in decline. If the soil in this area continues to increase in wetness, this community may eventually evolve into a broad-leaved mixed forest.

Prescribed burning reshapes the relationship between soil chemical properties and understory plant biodiversity

Fire can influence plant diversity directly by damaging or killing individuals or indirectly by changing soil properties. However, the impacts of prescribed burning on biodiversity and the relationship between soil and biodiversity in northeast China remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored the impact of low-intensity prescribed burning on temperate forest ecosystems in northeast China by investigating changes in post-fire plant biodiversity and soil properties and characterising the relationship between these variables. Contrary to previous studies, the results showed that prescribed burning in Pinus koraiensis plantations did not increase understory biodiversity. In contrast, it resulted in a significant decrease in biodiversity over the three-year period. Legumes (especially Lespedeza bicolor) were the understory species that benefitted the most from the fire. Burning changed the connection between soil and plant diversity. After burning, soil organic C overtook nitrate as the main driver of plant biodiversity. Our findings showed that prescribed burning alters soil chemical properties, particularly soil organic C, thus affecting the understory plant composition and biodiversity.

Lespedeza bicolor Turcz. Honey Prevents Inflammation Response and Inhibits Ferroptosis by Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in DSS-Induced Human Caco-2 Cells.

Lespedeza bicolor Turcz. (L. bicolor) honey, a monofloral honey, has garnered increased attention due to its origin in the L. bicolor plant. A previous study has shown that L. bicolor honey can ameliorate inflammation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of L. bicolor honey extract and its biomarker (Trifolin) on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Our results demonstrated that L. bicolor honey extract and Trifolin significantly increased the expression levels of the tight junction cytokines Claudin-1 and ZO-1. Additionally, they decreased the pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 and enhanced the antioxidant factors NQO1 and GSTA1. Based on metabolomic analyses, L. bicolor honey extract and Trifolin regulated the progression of UC by inhibiting ferroptosis. Mechanistically, they improved the levels of SOD and iron load, increased the GSH/GSSG ratio, reduced MDA content and ROS release, and upregulated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, thereby inhibiting DSS-induced UC. Moreover, the expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes indicated that they decreased FTL, ACSL4, and PTGS2 while increasing SLC7A11 expression to resist ferroptosis. In conclusion, our study found that L. bicolor honey improves DSS-induced UC by inhibiting ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. These findings further elucidate the understanding of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of L. bicolor honey.

Prospects for the Application of Nephroprotectors of Plant Origin Based on Lespedeza bicolor

Chronic kidney disease is a significant risk factor for the development of various non communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Every year there is a tendency to increase the number of patients with urinary system diseases. Chronic kidney disease is a global medical and social problem that leads to early disability of the working population. Today, scientists are focusing considerable attention on the search for new drugs with hypo azotheamine activity, as it is important to slow down the progress of chronic kidney disease. Herbal medicines are promising for the prevention and treatment of such pathologies. Plants with proven significant hypo-azotemic activity and safety include representatives of the genus Lespedeza, in particular, Lespedeza capitata and Lespedeza bicolor. The objective: to review the literature on the chemical composition and biological action of Lespedeza capitata, Lespedeza bicolor and the prospects for the use of a domestic medicinal product based on the herb Lespedeza bicolor as a hypoazotemic agent. Results. According to the literature, the chemical composition of Lespedeza capitata and Lespedeza bicolor differs slightly and is represented by flavonoids, procyanidins, hydroxycinnamic acids, etc. The therapeutic effect of these plants is associated primarily with the glycosides quercetin, luteolin (isorientin, vitexin) and kaempferol (robinin). It has been found that the complex of biologically active substances included in the preparation has nephro- and hepatoprotective, hypo-azotemic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects and is promising in the treatment of many diseases of the urinary system. Conclusions. Literature sources indicate that the extracts from the shoots of Lespedeza capitata and from the herb Lespedeza bicolor are similar in chemical composition and pharmacological properties. Ethanol extracts based on Lespedeza capitata and Lespedeza bicolor have a long history of use and are characterised by proven hypo-azotemic, nephroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. They are successfully used for the prevention and treatment of chronic renal failure, acute and chronic nephritis and extrarenal azotemia. The complex of biologically active substances contained in herbal remedies helps to increase renal filtration, reduce azotemia, increase diuresis, enhance sodium excretion and, to a lesser extent, potassium excretion.

Response of soil nutrients and erodibility to slope aspect in the northern agro-pastoral ecotone, China

Abstract. Soil erosion, considered a major environmental and social problem, leads to the loss of soil nutrients and the degradation of soil structure and impacts plant growth. However, data on the effects of land use changes caused by vegetation restoration on soil nutrients and erodibility for different slope aspects are limited. This study was conducted to detect the response of soil nutrients and erodibility to slope aspect in a typical watershed in the northern agro-pastoral ecotone in China. The following indexes were used to determine the improvement in soil nutrients and erodibility through a weighted summation method: the comprehensive soil nutrient index and the comprehensive soil erodibility index. The results showed that the vegetation types with the highest comprehensive soil quality index (CSQI) values on western, northern, southern, and eastern slopes were Pinus sylvestris and Astragalus melilotoides (1.45), Caragana korshinskii and Capillipedium parviflorum (2.35), Astragalus melilotoides (4.78), and Caragana korshinskii and Lespedeza bicolor (5.00), respectively. Slope aspect had a significant effect on understory vegetation characteristics, soil nutrients, and soil erodibility. Understory vegetation and soil characteristics explained 50.86 %–74.56 % of the total variance in soil nutrients and the erodibility. Mean weight diameter and total phosphorus were the main factors that affected the CSQI for different slope aspects. Our study suggests that the combinations of species, such as C. korshinskii and L. bicolor, were the optimal selection to improve soil nutrients and soil erodibility for any slope aspect.

Differential impacts of functional traits across 65 plant species on PM retention in the urban environment

Urban vegetation plays an important role in filtering atmospheric pollution. Understanding the functional traits of the plants that have strong capacity to retain fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is important to design configuration schemes for urban green spaces. In this study, phenological observations, direct sampling, and electron microscope analysis of leaf surfaces were conducted to analyze and compare the 65 plant species commonly grown in green spaces in Beijing in terms of their ability to retain particulates from the air. Analyses of the size distribution of particles revealed that >94% of the particles retained on leaf surfaces were smaller than 10 μm (PM10), and the majority of these (>87%) were smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5). Coarse particles accounted for <6% of all retained particles. The average volume percentage of PM10 was 93.8%, that of PM2.5 was 35.8%, and that of coarse particulates (Dp > 10 μm) was 17.8%. The PM2.5 retention amount per unit leaf area differed greatly among tree and shrub species. This number was 38.8 times higher for Acer truncatum (0.659 g·m−2) than for Salix matsudana (0.017 g·m−2), and 33.4 times higher for Buxus sinica (1.168 g·m−2) than for Sabina vulgaris (0.035 g·m−2). The trees with the strongest capacity to retain PM2.5 on a whole-plant basis were ranked as A. truncatum (115.639 g·week−1), Robinia pseudoacacia (48.876 g·week−1), Platanus acerifolia (43.413 g·week−1), Celtis bungeana (37.383 g·week−1), Sophora japonica (31.998 g·week−1), Diospyros kaki (29.945 g·week−1), and Ginkgo biloba (27.613 g·week−1), while the tree species with the strongest PM2.5 retention capability per year were A. truncatum (3245.170 g·year−1), R. pseudoacacia (1744.198 g·year−1), C. bungeana (1199.707 g·year−1), S. japonica (1108.382 g·year−1), Sabina chinensis (895.712 g·year−1) and G. biloba (865.733 g·year−1). The shrubs with the strongest ability to retain PM2.5 on a whole-plant basis were ranked as Prunus cistena (3.921 g·week−1), Syringa oblata Lindl. var. alba Rehder (3.767 g·week−1), Lespedeza bicolor (2.642 g·week−1), Hibiscus syriacus (2.255 g·week−1), Paeonia suffruticosa (1.969 g·week−1), and Amygdalus triloba (1.831 g·week−1), while the shrub species with the strongest ability PM2.5 retention capability per year were P. cistena (113.933 g·year−1), S. oblata Lindl. var. alba Rehder (98.736 g·year−1), L. bicolor (70.457 g·year−1), and H. syriacus (60.645 g·year−1). The results of this study will be useful for designing planting schemes for green spaces in urban areas to optimize the retention of particulates from the air.

Which native legume or non-legume nitrogen-fixing tree is more efficient in restoring post-landslide forests along an environmental gradient?

Under climate change, heavy precipitation is predicted to trigger frequent shallow landslides. To accelerate vegetation recovery after landslides, planting nitrogen (N)-fixing trees is a promising technique. However, a comparison of the performance of non-legume and legume N-fixing species planted across a wide range of environments after landslides has not been conducted, which is problematic for determining the most efficient tree species for restoration. We planted the seedlings of a native legume (Lespedeza bicolor) and a native non-legume (Alnus hirsuta) tree species and monitored their survival in 15 landslide forests artificially established across a variety of environments in northern Japan. The landslides were mimicked by removing standing trees and surface soil with heavy machinery from the sites. There was a significant difference in the survival rate of seedlings between the two species. The survival rate was significantly higher for L. bicolor than for A. hirsuta. Furthermore, the performance of the two species differed along the environmental gradient of post-landslide forests. Interestingly, L. bicolor seedlings survived better in the steeper post-landslide forests, probably due to less exposure to ungulate herbivory. On the other hand, the warmer air temperature and serpentine soil negatively influenced the survival of A. hirsuta, which indicates different environmental preferences of N-fixing plants in post-landslide forests. Our results suggest that for efficient forest restoration after landslides, careful selection of N-fixing plants based on slope conditions is essential.

Lespedeza bicolor root extract exerts anti-TNBC potential by regulating FAK-related signalling pathways.

Lespedeza bicolor is a shrub plant that has been widely distributed in East Asia. The methanol extract from its LBR has been shown to exhibit anticancer and anti-bacterial effects. However, its anticancer efficacy in TNBC remains uncertain. This work aimed to study the anti-TNBC effect of LBR ethanol extract and its underlying mechanism. LBR triggered the cell death in TNBC through inhibiting cell proliferation, S-phase cell arrest, and induction of apoptosis. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the genes altered by LBR treatment were predominantly enriched in the cell adhesion. Notably, LBR inhibited phosphorylation and distribution of FAK. Furthermore, LBR demonstrated significant anticancer activity in xenograft tumors in mice through inhibiting cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis. This work demonstrated the anticancer efficiency of LBR in TNBC without causing significant adverse effect, which providing a foundation for developing LBR based chemotherapeutic agents for breast cancer therapy.

Complete genome sequence of Nguyenibacter sp. L1, a phosphate solubilizing bacterium isolated from Lespedeza bicolor rhizosphere.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a predominant constraint on plant growth in acidified soils, largely due to the sequestration of P by toxic aluminum (Al) compounds. Indigenous phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSBs) capable of mobilizing Al-P in these soils hold significant promise. A novel Al-P-solubilizing strain, Al-P Nguyenibacter sp. L1, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of healthy Lespedeza bicolor plants indigenous to acidic terrains. However, our understanding of the genomic landscape of bacterial species within the genus Nguyenibacter remains in its infancy. To further explore its biotechnological potentialities, we sequenced the complete genome of this strain, employing an amalgamation of Oxford Nanopore ONT and Illumina sequencing platforms. The resultant genomic sequence of Nguyenibacter sp. L1 manifests as a singular, circular chromosome encompassing 4,294,433 nucleotides and displaying a GC content of 66.73%. The genome was found to host 3,820 protein-coding sequences, 12 rRNAs, and 55 tRNAs. Intriguingly, annotations derived from the eggNOG and KEGG databases indicate the presence of genes affiliated with phosphorus solubilization and nitrogen fixation, including iscU, glnA, and gltB/D associated with nitrogen fixation, and pqqBC associated with inorganic phosphate dissolution. Several bioactive secondary metabolite genes in the genome, including pqqCDE, phytoene synthase and squalene synthase predicted by antiSMASH. Moreover, we uncovered a complete metabolic pathway for ammonia, suggesting an ammonia-affinity property inherent to Nguyenibacter sp. L1. This study verifies the nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-dissolving abilities of Nguyenibacter sp. L1 at the molecular level through genetic screening and analysis. The insights gleaned from this study offer strategic guidance for future strain enhancement and establish a strong foundation for the potential incorporation of this bacterium into agricultural practices.

Root biomass and root morphological traits of three shrub species: Implications for the soil anti-scouring resistance of the ecological slope.

The purpose of this study was to determine which shrub species will enhance soil anti-scouring resistance on an ecological slope. Root traits and soil anti-scouring resistance of three shrubs (Amorpha fruticosa Linn (AFL), Swida alba Opiz (SAO) and Lespedeza bicolor Turcz (LBT)) were measured. Results showed that root biomass and root morphological traits of three shrubs were significantly correlated with the soil anti-scouring resistance index. According to the composition characteristic values, root morphological traits among the three shrubs had a high contribution rate. Under two slopes and two rainfall conditions, when root biomass and root morphological traits (e.g., root length, root volume and root surface area) were identical, AFL had the highest soil anti-scouring resistance index. These results suggested that root biomass and morphological traits of AFL had more significant effects on soil anti-scouring resistance comparing with SAO and LBT. Therefore, in engineering practice, AFL with stronger soil anti-scouring resistance can be selected as slope plants.

The effect of mixed forest identity on soil carbon stocks in Pinus massoniana mixed forests

Increased productivity generally promotes the accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. The productivity of mixed forests is mainly influenced by plant species richness (PSR), mixed forest age (MFA), and mixed species proportion (MSP). However, the influence of PSR, MFA, and MSP on SOC stocks along the soil profiles in Pinus massoniana mixed forests remains to be determined. We conducted a meta-analysis employing paired observations of SOC stocks from 1010 paired mixed and pure stands of P. massoniana from 110 publications. The findings revealed that SOC stocks were highly dependent on MFA and increased with increasing MFA in various soil layers, rather than the expected influence of PSR. MFA contributed 48.97 %, 83.20 %, and 38.41 % to the increased SOC stocks in the topsoil, midsoil, and subsoil, respectively. Furthermore, MSP also significantly affected the increase in SOC stock in the topsoil and midsoil when 40 % < MSP ≤ 60 %. Over the next 60 years, subsoil SOC accumulation will be limited by increased PSR and MSP in mixed forests. Mixing between P. massoniana and broadleaf tree species (especially Schima superba and Lespedeza bicolor) significantly enhanced SOC stocks along the soil profiles. SOC stocks along the soil profiles decreased with increasing dominant mixed tree species richness (e.g., broadleaf, deciduous broadleaf, arbuscular mycorrhizal, and the sum of conifer and broadleaf trees). Incorporating lower PSR (e.g., 2 ≤ N ≤ 10) and dominant mixed tree species richness (e.g., N = 2) practices may be optimization options for increasing SOC stocks. Overall, based on the expected goals, including optimizing productivity, enhancing carbon storage, mitigating climate change, and promoting biodiversity conservation, we emphasize the importance of incorporating MFA, MSP, tree species identity, and subsoil into forest management.

2-Geranyl-1-methoxyerythrabyssin II alleviates lipid accumulation and inflammation in hepatocytes through AMPK activation and AKT inhibition.

A growing proportion of the global adult and pediatric populations are currently affected by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), leading to rising rates of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma without effective pharmacotherapy. Here, we investigated whether 2-geranyl-1-methoxyerythrabyssin II (GMET), isolated from Lespedeza bicolor, could alleviate lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses in a NASH model. GMET exhibited potent in vitro and in vivo effects against lipid accumulation and attenuated inflammatory responses without cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, GMET inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1c (SREBP1), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and activates PPARα by activating AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), leading to the alleviation of lipid accumulation. In addition, GMET suppresses the NF-κB pathway by activating AMPK and inhibiting the activated protein kinase B (AKT)/IκB-kinase (IKK) pathway, leading to the inhibition of the inflammatory response in hepatocytes. All these protective effects of GMET on lipid accumulation and inflammation in vivo and in vitro were largely abolished by co-treatment with dorsomorphin, an AMPK inhibitor. In conclusion, GMET alleviated lipid accumulation and inflammation to preserve normal hepatocyte function in steatohepatitis. Thus, GMET is a novel potential multi-targeting compound to improve steatohepatitis.

Antioxidant Polyphenols from Lespedeza bicolor Turcz. Honey: Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Lipopolysaccharide-Treated RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

Although the honey produced by Lespedeza bicolor Turcz. is precious because of its medicinal value, its pharmacological mechanism is still unclear. Here, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated murine RAW 264.7 macrophages were analyzed using targeted and non-targeted metabolomics. Results showed that twelve polyphenols were identified in L. bicolor honey using UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS. L. bicolor honey extract could scavenge the free radicals DPPH• and ABTS+ and reduce Fe3+. Furthermore, pretreatment with L. bicolor honey extract significantly decreased NO production; suppressed the expression of COX-2, IL-10, TNF-α, and iNOS; and upregulated HO-1's expression in the cells with LPS application. UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS-based metabolomics results revealed that L. bicolor honey extract could protect against inflammatory damage caused by LPS through the reduced activation of sphingolipid metabolism and necroptosis pathways. These findings demonstrate that L. bicolor honey possesses excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Seven new secondary metabolites isolated from roots of Lespedeza bicolor

Chemical investigation of a methanol extract obtained from the roots of Lespedeza bicolor identified one new pterocarpene (1), three new pterocarpans (2–4), and three new arylbenzofurans (5–7), and two known compounds (8 and 9). Their structures were determined by interpretations obtained from combined UV, NMR, and HRTOFMS spectroscopic data. Furthermore, the absolute configurations of compounds 2 and 3 were established by the combination of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and NMR calculations with DP4+ probability analysis. All isolated compounds (1–9) were evaluated for cytotoxicity against the human lung carcinoma cell line A549 and the human hepatoma cell line Huh-7. Compound 4 showed antiproliferative activity against A549 cell line with IC50 value of 24.9 μM. Furthermore, compound 9 exhibited cytotoxicity against Huh-7 cell line with IC50 value of 68.7 μM.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ АМИНОКИСЛОТНОГО СОСТАВА ЛЕСПЕДЕЦЫ ДВУЦВЕТНОЙ, ПРОИЗРАСТАЮЩЕЙ В КРАСНОДАРСКОМ КРАЕ

As is known, biologically active compounds in plants are in complexes easily absorbed by the human body and in biologically available concentrations, therefore they have a higher phar-macological activity compared to synthetic analogues. Plants synthesize all the amino acids necessary to build protein molecules. The ability of plant amino acids to participate in the as-similation of other biologically active substances by the body, as well as a wide range of their biochemical, and as a result, pharmacological action, attracts more and more attention of re-searchers and the study of the composition and content of amino acids in medicinal plant raw materials as potential sources of drugs. That is why the study of the qualitative and quantita-tive content of amino acids in medicinal plant raw materials and in preparations derived from it is of great practical importance and of a certain scientific interest. The experience of using shoots of Lespedeza bicolor in official and folk medicine tes-tifies to its wide therapeutic possibilities, which served as the basis for research to clarify its chemical composition in relation to amino acids. This paper presents data on the qualitative and quantitative amino acid composition of the aerial organs of Lespedeza bicolor (Lespedeza bicolor L, plant family Fabaceae) growing in the Krasnodar Territory. A comparative study of the main essential and non-essential amino acids in flowers, leaves and shoots of Lespede-za bicolor was carried out by capillary electrophoresis. It has been established that the flowers and leaves of Lespedeza bicolor contain 11 amino acids each, the dominant amino acid of both flowers and leaves is proline; Lespedeza bicolor shoots contain 12 amino acids, 6 of which are essential (threonine, valine, methionine, leucine, phenylalanine, lysine). Leucine is present only in the leaves, and cysteine only in the flowers of the studied plant

1-Methoxyerythrabyssin II Induces Autophagy in Leukemia Cells via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathways.

Leukemia, despite currently being one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, still lacks a focused treatment. The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the pharmacological effect of 1-methoxyerythrabyssin II, a pterocarpan identified in the roots of Lespedeza bicolor, on leukemic cells and to explore its underlying mechanism using a network pharmacology strategy. 1-Methoxyerythrabyssin II showed an antiproliferative effect in a concentration-dependent manner and exhibited a higher potency in human acute leukemia T cells (Jurkat). The G1 phase arrest induced by 1-methoxyerythrabyssin II was confirmed using a cell cycle assay, and the downregulation of CDK2 and cyclin D1 was observed using an immunoblot assay. Moreover, 1-methoxyerythrabyssin II-treated cells exhibited higher expression levels of LC3B, Atg-7, and Beclin 1 in addition to an enhanced fluorescence intensity in monodansylcadaverine staining, indicating autophagy induction by 1-methoxyerythrabyssin II. Furthermore, network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is a potential target of 1-methoxyerythrabyssin II in leukemic cells. In vitro assays further demonstrated that 1-methoxyerythrabyssin II promoted autophagy and suppressed cell proliferation by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in leukemic cells. This discovery will contribute to the development of novel therapeutics and prophylactics against leukemia.

Plant diversity drives soil carbon sequestration: evidence from 150 years of vegetation restoration in the temperate zone.

Large-scale afforestation is considered a natural way to address climate challenges (e.g., the greenhouse effect). However, there is a paucity of evidence linking plant diversity to soil carbon sequestration pathways during long-term natural restoration of temperate vegetation. In particular, the carbon sequestration mechanisms and functions of woody plants require further study. Therefore, we conducted a comparative study of plant diversity and soil carbon sequestration characteristics during 150 years of natural vegetation restoration in the temperate zone to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effects of long-term natural vegetation restoration processes on soil organic carbon stocks. The results suggested positive effects of woody plant diversity on carbon sequestration. In addition, fine root biomass and deadfall accumulation were significantly positively correlated with soil organic carbon stocks, and carbon was stored in large grain size aggregates (1-5 mm). Meanwhile, the diversity of Fabaceae and Rosaceae was observed to be important for soil organic carbon accumulation, and the carbon sequestration function of shrubs should not be neglected during vegetation restoration. Finally, we identified three plants that showed high potential for carbon sequestration: Lespedeza bicolor, Sophora davidii, and Cotoneaster multiflorus, which should be considered for inclusion in the construction of local artificial vegetation. Among them, L. bicolor is probably the best choice.

Preventive Effect of 1-Methoxylespeflorin G11 on Nitrite Release in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Glial Cells

Neuroinflammation is a critical factor in the onset and progression of various brain disorders. Upon exposure to inflammatory stimuli, glial cells become activated, releasing excessive proinflammatory mediators that exacerbate neuropathological conditions. Nitric oxide contributes to neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, and neuronal death, making its regulation in activated glial cells essential for treating neuroinflammation. Lespedeza bicolor, a traditional medicine used for fever, cough, and nephritis treatment, has a neuroprotective effect attributed to the pterocarpan 1-methoxylespeflorin G11 (MLG), as identified in our previous study. This study examines the protective role of MLG in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated glial cells. We found that MLG treatment attenuated LPS-induced nitrite release by downregulating inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in astrocytes. Additionally, MLG impeded LPS-induced nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor-kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and decreased LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). The MLG demonstrated similar inhibitory effects on nitrite release and p65 nuclear translocation in microglial cells. Molecular docking analyses unveiled the potential binding mode of MLG to ERK. Collectively, our results indicate that MLG may possess therapeutic potential in treating neuroinflammatory diseases by suppressing nitrite release in glial cells.

РАЗРАБОТКА ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ЭКСТРАКЦИОННОГО ПРЕПАРАТА ЛЕСПЕДЕЦЫ ДВУХЦВЕТНОЙ И ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ЕГО ПРОТИВОВОСПАЛИТЕЛЬНОЙ АКТИВНОСТИ В КОМБИНАЦИИ СО СТРЕПТОЦИДОМ

The article presents the results of the development of a rational method for obtaining an extraction preparation of shoots of Lespedeza bicolor, the results of determining the indicators of authenticity and quality in it, and the results of studying the anti-inflammatory effect. The extract preparation of shoots was obtained according to the well-known technological scheme: extraction of raw materials, purification of the extract, thickening of the extract. Ethyl alcohol of 70% concentration was chosen as the extractant, which is associated with the extraction of alcohol of this concentration of flavonoids - active biologically active substances of the raw material. The finished product was a thick liquid, greenish-brown in color with a specific odor. The yield of dry residue in the thick extract of shoots of Lespedeza bicolor was 22,2 ± 5,78%, the content of flavonoids, in terms of quercetin, was 1,98±0,027%. To study the local anti-inflammatory effect of the extract of the shoots of Lespedeza bicolor, studies were carried out to develop the composition and biopharmaceutical evaluation of a soft dosage form - an ointment with an extract of the shoots of Lespedeza bicolor. When biopharmaceutical evaluation of the release of the resulting ointment (gel) by diffusion through a semi-permeable membrane into an aqueous medium, it was determined that the maximum release of biologically active substances (flavonoids) from the gel is observed after 10 minutes. The introduction of an additional antimicrobial component, streptocide (sulfanilamide), into the composition of the developed gel with an extract of Lespedeza bicolor is substantiated. The study of the anti-inflammatory activity of gels with an extract of Lespedeza bicolor and gels of its combined form with streptocide was carried out on a model of acute exudative inflammation (formalin edema). It has been established that both the gel with the extract of the shoots of Lespedeza bicolor and the gel, containing the combination of the extract of the shoots of Lespedeza bicolor with streptocide, have been found to have anti-inflammatory activity; while the first exceeds the second gel in its activity, inhibiting inflammation more pronounced at the 3rd hour and after 24 hours, and is also more effective than the official drug - indomethacin ointment by 1.2-1.5 times, while remaining less toxic.

Beta Diversity of Plant Communities in Relation to Soil C:N:P Stoichiometry across 150 Years of Vegetation Restoration in a Temperate Zone

Natural solutions by which humans can overcome challenges have been severely hampered by biodiversity losses. It is essential to understand the key natural variables that influence changes in community diversity to maintain ecosystem function. The Ziwuling area has a natural recovery succession history of 150 years. Therefore, a survey was conducted to compare species composition characteristics across different vegetation recovery stages while also providing a phylogenetic and taxonomic response to the correlation between beta diversity and soil stoichiometry. The results showed that beta diversity and endemic plants had a similar single-peak temporal pattern. Soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation was significantly positively correlated with total nitrogen (TN) and was also negatively correlated with total phosphorus (TP). Overall, soil TN, time since vegetation restoration (TVR in years), and W-SS (endemic woody plants at each stage) were able to explain 94.3% of the total variation in beta diversity. Temperate species such as Carex lanceolata, Lespedeza bicolor, and Sophora davidii are the basis for community construction. Community beta diversity patterns are the result of a mixture of ecological (e.g., climate patterns and soil nutrients) and evolutionary processes. This study combined plant resource needs with how they respond to natural recovery times in order to provide useful knowledge to protect biodiversity, the nutrient cycle, and the function of restoration ecology.