Ligustrum lucidum polysaccharide (FLL-P) is a class of important bioactive macromolecules extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb wine-steamed Ligustrum lucidum Ait. As one of the key active components responsible for the pharmacological effects of this herb, its modern pharmacological value has garnered widespread attention. Research has demonstrated that FLL-P exhibits diverse and significant biological activities, with potential applications that far exceed the traditional scope of Chinese medicine. In recent years, chemical modification has been recognized as an effective strategy for enhancing the biological activity of polysaccharides. Consequently, structural modification of FLL-P is anticipated to further augment its activity and broaden its application prospects. However, current research on the chemical modification of FLL-P remains inadequate, particularly concerning the safety evaluation of modified products, which is still extremely limited. This research comprehensively explores the acetylation modifications of FLL-P, encompassing detailed characterization and toxicity assessments. The optimal product, identified as acetylated FLL-P 12.5 (FLL-PA12.5), was established through analyses of the degree of substitution (DS), FT-IR, and NMR. Toxicity tests, both acute and subacute, were conducted on male mice. The findings indicated that FLL-PA12.5 had a median lethal dose (LD50) exceeding 2000 mg/kg and a no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 250 mg/kg. Administration of FLL-PA12.5 at doses between 250 and 2000 mg/kg resulted in alterations in various oxidative stress-related parameters in different organs of the mice. These findings indicate that FLL-PA12.5 is a promising therapeutic candidate with an acceptable safety profile, warranting further pharmacological exploration.

During a monitoring survey carried out in a park in Aveiro, Portugal, typical Phytophthora symptoms of root rot, stem bleeding cankers and extensive canopy dieback were observed on mature ornamental glossy privet trees (Ligustrum lucidum). A study carried out in spring 2022 aimed to isolate the causal agents, as there is was no available knowledge on potential root pathogens of this host. Thirty-two Phytophthora isolates were obtained from inner bark tissues and/or rhizosphere samples (soil and fine roots) collected from 27 declining glossy privet trees. Based on morpho-biometric data and phylogeny of concatenated ITS and cox1 sequences, Phytophthora isolates were identified as P. hibernalis (14 isolates), P. multivora (12) and P. lacustris (6). Pathogenicity tests confirmed the virulence of the three species on glossy privet. Phytophthora lacustris was the most aggressive species, while P. hibernalis was most abundant. These results give new insights into emerging Phytophthora-related tree diseases in urban areas, and highlight the importance of enhancing biosecurity measures against these invasive pathogens.

Specnuezhenide attenuates rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction via dual regulation of osteoclast-osteoblast balance through KEAP1/NRF2 signaling.

Root trait responses of Ligustrum lucidum to edaphic stress across limestone and sandy shale areas

The plant species used in constructed wetlands are mainly aquatic herbaceous, most of which tend to die during winter in subtropical areas. At present, very few studies have examined the performance of woody plants in constructed wetlands. In order to increase plant diversity and improve purification ability of vertical-flow constructed wetland during winter, 10 woody plant species were tested by establishing the microcosms simulating vertical-flow constructed wetlands. Their applicability was integrally evaluated, on basis of their adaptability, rhizospheric enzyme activity, and rhizospheric microbial diversity. The results showed that (1) seven woody plant species, Adina rubella, Salix rosthornii, Callicarpa dichotoma, Nerium oleander, Hibiscus mutabilis, Ligustrum obtusifolium, and Ligustrum lucidum could survive in the simulated vertical-flow constructed wetland; (2) N. oleander and C. dichotoma had higher nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) absorption capacity; (3) according to the integral evaluation, N. oleander, C. dichotoma, and S. rosthornii have excellent applicability for vertical-flow constructed wetland; A. rubella and H. mutabilis have moderate applicability; L. obtusifolium and L. lucidum have poor applicability; Ligustrum. japonicum “Howardii”, Pittosporum. tobira and Distylium. buxifolium, were not applicable to vertical-flow constructed wetland. N. oleander, C. dichotoma, and S. rosthornii are recommended for application in vertical-flow constructed wetland.

To elucidate the ecological adaptations of fine root morphological traits and biomass in tree species with different life forms to coastal saline soil, five species (Robinia pseudoacacia(RP), Sapium sebiferum(SA), Salix matsudana(SM), Quercus virginiana(QV), Ligustrum lucidum(LI)) were investigated using continuous root coring. Fine root morphological traits, biomass distribution, and their relationships with soil water, temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and soil organic matter were analyzed to reveal species-specific adaptation strategies. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in fine root morphological indices (specific root length, specific root surface area, root length density, and root surface area density). RP exhibited the highest specific root length (135.38 m·g-1) and specific root surface area (1141.07 cm²·g-1), while QV showed the lowest values (39.17 m·g-1 and 315.22 cm²·g-1, respectively). Both root length density and root surface area density decreased with increasing soil depth. Fine root biomass differed significantly among species (P<0.01), with LI having the highest biomass (273.42 g·m-2) and RP the lowest (77.05 g·m-2). Vertically, biomass declined with depth; horizontally, it decreased with distance from the trunk. Root extinction coefficients indicated QV and RP as deep-rooted species, while LI, SM and SA were shallow-rooted. Seasonal dynamics revealed unimodal patterns in live and dead fine root biomass for RP, LI, QV, and SA. In contrast, SM exhibited a unimodal pattern in live fine root biomass but a distinct bimodal pattern in dead fine root biomass. Correlation analysis identified soil electrical conductivity, soil water, and total nitrogen as primary environmental drivers of fine root traits and biomass.

Increased litterfall productivity in coastal dry forests of Argentina invaded by Ligustrum lucidum

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major health concern, often linked to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Specnuezhenide (SPE), a bioactive iridoid glycoside from Ligustrum lucidum, is known for its hepatoprotective effects, but its role in ER stress-mediated DILI remains unclear. This study investigated the protective mechanisms of SPE against tunicamycin (TM)-induced liver injury, focusing on ER stress and metabolic reprogramming. Male C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with SPE (40, 80, or 160mg/kg) or the positive control 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) for seven days, followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of TM (1mg/kg) to induce acute liver injury. Liver injury, lipid profiles, histopathology, ER stress markers, insulin signaling, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated. SPE pretreatment significantly alleviated TM-induced liver injury, as indicated by reduced serum ALT and AST levels, decreased liver weight, and improved hepatic histopathology. Mechanistically, SPE inhibited activation of the PERK/eIF2α/CHOP axis of the unfolded protein response (UPR), restored metabolic homeostasis by enhancing hepatic insulin sensitivity via the AKT/GSK3β/mTOR pathway, normalized lipid and cholesterol metabolism gene expression, and reduced hepatic steatosis. SPE also attenuated hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress. Specnuezhenide protects against TM-induced liver injury through multiple mechanisms, including suppression of ER stress, restoration of metabolic homeostasis, and reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, these findings highlight SPE as a promising therapeutic candidate for DILI.

Premature ovarian insufficiency [POI] is a disease characterized by a premature decline in ovarian function before the age of 40. In China, Ligustrum lucidum [FLL] has long been used to improve ovarian function and treat POI. This study aims to verify the effect of FLL on POI through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in-vitro cell experiments. A total of 13 active substances were screened in FLL, including including quercetin, taxifolin, luteolin, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol. Then, network analysis found that FLL may exert effects on POI through 10 targets, including AR, ESR1, ESR2, KDR, CYP19A1, CLPP, GC, MMP3, PPARG, and STS. According to GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, FLL is associated with mechanisms related to estrogen, including steroid hormone biosynthesis, ovarian steroidogenesis, and the estrogen signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirms the interaction between the active ingredients of FLL and CYP19A1, which encodes aromatase. CCK8 experiment confirmed that quercetin and taxifolin can enhance the proliferation of KGN granulosa cells, while quercetin, taxifolin, and kaempferol can inhibit the apoptosis of KGN granulosa cells. ELISA experiments have confirmed that quercetin, taxifolin, luteolin, and kaempferol can increase the synthesis of estradiol in KGN granulosa cells. WB confirms that quercetin can increase the expression level of CYP19A1 in KGN cells. FLL can improve the proliferation, apoptosis, and synthesis of estradiol in ovarian granulosa cells, and has the potential to treat POI.

Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal new insights into allergens in Ligustrum lucidum pollen.

Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (LLF), the dried fruit of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. (LLA), is a traditional Chinese medicine used for nourishing the liver and the kidney. To chemically characterize and compare medicinal and non-medicinal plant parts of LLA to potentially improve biomass utilization. The metabolite profiles of three different plant parts were evaluated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). PCA (principal components analysis) and PLS-DA (partial least-squares discriminant analysis) were used to compare the chemical composition of the leaf, stem, and fruit of LLA. Differential metabolites were analyzed via the Pathway Analysis module of MetaboAnalyst 5.0 for pathway enrichment. A total of 37 compounds were identified from three different plant parts by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS combined with UNIFI v1.8.1 software. Significant metabolic differences were observed between the leaf, stem, and fruit of LLA using PCA and PLS-DA. Eleven compounds were identified as markers. The content of loganate, secologanoside, nuzhenal C, luteolin, iso-oleonuezhenide, and dammarenediol-II was very much higher in the fruit than in the leaf and stem. The content of oleanolic acid was higher in the fruit and stem than in the leaf. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed that triterpenoids (dammarenediol-II, oleanolic acid, and β-amyrin) exhibited significantly higher abundance in the fruit and stem than in the leaf. The stem of LLA may be processed as a source of oleanolic acid in the future. This study laid the foundation for the rational utilization of non-medicinal LLA resources.

The transformation of degraded stands represents an essential strategy for enhancing stand productivity and optimizing site adaptability. This study examined four typical monoculture forest stands transformed from underperforming Platycladus orientalis (PO) forests in the limestone area of Xuzhou, China: Acer pictum subsp. mono (AP), Pistacia chinensis (PC), Ligustrum lucidum (LL), and Firmiana simplex (FS). The contents of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), along with the C:N:P stoichiometric ratios, were analyzed in plants (leaves and fine roots), litter, and soil. The relationships among these components and their main influencing factors were explored. The results indicated that FS leaves contained higher levels of N and P, whereas LL litter presented significantly elevated C:N and N:P ratios in comparison with those of the other forest stands (p < 0.05). With the exception of FS, leaves displayed lower P than fine roots, which presented pronounced P enrichment. The soil C, N, and P contents decreased with depth, with both the forest stand and depth significantly impacting the soil stoichiometry (p < 0.01). Redundancy analysis identified available potassium, total nitrogen, and microbial biomass carbon in the soil as key factors influencing the stoichiometric characteristics of the leaf–fine root–litter continuum. Collectively, the leaf N:P ratios (>16) and low soil P contents indicate that plantation growth was primarily constrained by P limitation. In response, AP, PC, and LL allocate more P to fine roots to adapt to the environment.

Drought stress is a crucial factor limiting plant survival and growth, especially during the seedling establishment stage. A deep understanding of different plants’ responses to drought stress and their drought resistance is of great significance for vegetation restoration under drought conditions. This study selected one-year-old seedlings of Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), Oleander (Nerium oleander), Privet (Ligustrum lucidum), and Redleaf Photinia (Photinia × fraseri) as research objects. Through pot experiments, we investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of these shrubs under different levels of drought stress (control, mild, moderate, and severe drought stress, corresponding to 75%, 60%, 45%, and 30% of field maximum water holding capacity) to comprehensively assess their drought resistance capabilities. The research results indicated that as the level of drought stress increased, significant changes (p &lt; 0.05) occurred in the physiological and biochemical indicators of all four plant species. The chlorophyll content (Chla+b) of Winter Jasmine and Redleaf Photinia gradually decreased with the intensification of stress, while the Chla+b of Oleander showed the most significant decline under moderate stress and Privet was most affected under mild stress. The proline (Pro) and soluble sugar (SS) contents of all four plants exhibited an upward trend, suggesting that the plants coped with drought stress by accumulating these osmoregulatory substances. Drought stress led to damage to plant cell membranes, manifested by an increase in malondialdehyde content (MDA), with Winter Jasmine showing the most pronounced increase. The activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the four plant species responded differently to drought stress: the POD activity of Oleander and Redleaf Photinia increased with the deepening of stress, while that of Winter Jasmine and Privet decreased. A comprehensive evaluation of the drought tolerance of the four plant species was performed using principal component analysis and affiliation function value methods. The drought tolerance of the four shrubs, from strongest to weakest, was as follows: Redleaf Photinia &gt; Oleander &gt; Privet &gt; Winter Jasmine. This finding provides valuable insights for plant selection in ecological slope protection projects, and Redleaf Photinia and Oleander can be promoted for use in vegetation restoration work under drought conditions.

This study was designed to investigate the role of Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ecliptae Herba on premature ovarian failure (POF) and the underlying mechanisms. In the POF mouse model constructed using cyclophosphamide (CTX), Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ecliptae Herba increased ovarian index and estradiol (E2) levels and curtailed motility and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ecliptae Herba alleviated ovarian pathological damage in POF mice and promoted the expression of ovarian CD31 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA). Through high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and network pharmacology, Specnuezhenide and ecliptasaponin A were identified as the key components of Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ecliptae Herba in anti-POF action. The important target associated with these components is Estrogen Receptor (ESR) 1. Molecular docking and in vitro experiments showed that Specnuezhenide and ecliptasaponin A can both bind to the ESR protein; knocking down ESR1 inhibited the anti-apoptotic effect of Specnuezhenide and ecliptasaponin A on CTX-induced POF cells. In conclusion, the key components of Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ecliptae Herba that alleviate POF are Specnuezhenide and ecliptasaponin A, which improve the condition by upregulating ESR1.

ZhenzhuXiaoji Decoction (ZZXJD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formulation composed of five herbs: Ligustrum lucidum, Curcuma zedoaria, Prunella vulgaris, Hedyotis diffusa, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, developed for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although early studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of ZZXJD, its safety profile, particularly regarding potential toxicity, remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate both the pharmacological effects and toxicity of ZZXJD in preclinical models to determine its clinical applicability. This study employed in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the pharmacological effects and safety of ZZXJD. HHL-5 and HEK-293 cell lines were treated with ZZXJD at varying concentrations (125, 250, 500, and 1,000μg/mL) for 24, 48, and 72h to evaluate its effects on cell viability, apoptosis, and necrosis. Acute and subacute toxicity studies were conducted in male and female mice, including assessments of behavioral changes, body weight, organ weight, and liver/kidney functions. Additionally, routine blood tests were performed to identify potential immunostimulatory effects. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ZZXJD inhibited the proliferation of HHL-5 and HEK-293 cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis and necrosis. In subacute toxicity studies, mice in the low and mid-dose groups exhibited no significant behavioral changes, whereas the high-dose group showed transient alterations in liver and kidney function markers, particularly in female mice. These changes were reversible following treatment cessation. Blood tests indicated increased lymphocyte and monocyte counts in treated male mice; however, these increases were not statistically significant. Organ weight and histopathological analyses revealed no significant signs of toxicity at therapeutic doses. Treatment with ZZXJD at standard therapeutic dosage did not produce acute or subacute toxic effects on liver or kidney functions in vivo, suggesting its safety for continued use in cancer treatment. However, reversible abnormalities in liver and kidney function markers were observed at higher doses. Thus, regular monitoring of liver and kidney functions is recommended during clinical use, especially when higher doses are employed.

Root architecture and nutritional status of copper-pruned container-grown Ligustrum lucidum seedlings after transplanting

The incidence of and mortality due to atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, is rising annually. Oleanolic acid (OA), an active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Ligustrum lucidum, has been proven to have significant anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering potential. The fli1a::EGFP+ zebrafish fed with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) diet were used as Atherosclerosis model. The zebrafish Atherosclerosis model were fed with oxalic acid driven by superparamagnetic ferrite nanoparticles (OA@SPIONs). Isolation and enrichment of fli1a::EGFP+ zebrafish endothelial cells (zeECs) from each group and RNA-seq to analyze changes in gene transcription. The H&E, MASSION, Oil red O staining were used to identifying pathological phenotypes. Pathological staining and ultrastructural identification indicated that oxLDL-treated zebrafish exhibited significant lipid plaque deposition and signs of cellular senescence that were significantly alleviated by OA@SPIONs treatment. OA@SPIONs treatment notably improved the ultrastructural integrity of myocardial, liver, and intestinal tissues in oxLDL-treated zebrafish. The RNA-seq results showed that OA@SPIONs treatment significantly altered the expression levels of multiple gene transcripts in zeECs. The KEGG analysis revealed that in the OA@SPION-treated group zeECs, key genes in the JNK and MAPK signaling pathways, such as Cacna1c, Rab1ab (Ras), Map3k1 (MEKK1), Mapk8b (JNK), and JunD, had significantly lower sequencing signals than in the oxLDL+SPION-treated group zeECs. The qPCR results were highly consistent with the RNA-sequencing data. Therefore, our results confirm that SPIONs can effectively deliver OA for stable release in zebrafish and provide strong evidence that OA@SPION-polyethyleneimine exerts protective effects against oxLDL-induced damage in zebrafish by downregulating the expression of the JNK and MAPK signaling pathways.

Cities are major contributors to global carbon emissions; however, urban parks offer substantial potential for carbon sinks. Research on factors influencing carbon capture in urban park vegetation is still limited. This study investigates 81 urban parks in Xinyang, Henan Province, to quantify woody plant carbon storage (CS) and sequestration (CSG). By surveying all vegetation types and quantities in these parks, along with factors like park attributes, community structure, biodiversity, spatial distribution, woody plant connectivity, and spatial complexity, we create statistical models for CS and CSG. The results indicate that the average carbon storage density (CSD) in Xinyang’s urban parks is 4.01 kg/m2, while the carbon sequestration density (CSGD) is 0.39 kg·C·m2·yr−1. The dominant tree species are Ligustrum lucidum, Osmanthus fragrans, and Lagerstroemia indica, while species with higher carbon sequestration potential, such as Glyptostrobus pensilis, Populus deltoides, and Albizia kalkora, reveal a discrepancy between common and high-sequestration species. The study shows that park characteristics, community structure, and biodiversity are key factors impacting urban carbon sink capacity. By analyzing the relationship between these factors and carbon sinks in urban park vegetation, we create a comprehensive framework for assessing tree CS and CSG, offering quantitative support to improve carbon capture in urban parks.

To understand the ecological adaptability of common garden plants, we analyzed the growth characteristics of 17 common garden plant species in the street green site and the campus green site. We measured microenvironmental characteristics, carbon sequestration, oxygen release, cooling and humidification of plants with the same diameter at breast height (herb was the height of the plant) in the two green sites. We used genotype main effect plus genotype-by-environment interaction biplot and Pearson correlation analysis to analyze the interaction between species identity and site type. The results showed that Sophora japonica, Ginkgo biloba, Prunus persica, Aesculus chinensis, Ligustrum × vicaryi, Berberis thunbergii, Ligustrum sinense and Sabina chinensis had significant differences in carbon sequestration and cooling benefits between the two site types. Under the same land area, S. chinensis showed the strongest carbon sequestration and cooling in the campus with the values of 33.79 g·m-2·d-1 and 2.30 ℃, respectively. Photinia × fraseri was the strongest species in the street, with values of 31.47 g·m-2·d-1 and 0.84 ℃, respectively. The average carbon sequestration and cooling capacity of plants was higher in the campus than in the street. Trees cooled and humidified better in the street. The microclimatic conditions of campus in the summer were more stable than the street, which was closer to the ideal environment for plant growth. To enhance the ecological function of the green sites in small- and medium-sized towns, we should select trees, shrubs and grasses with better carbon sequestration and cooling benefits, including S. japonica, Koelreuteria paniculata, Ligustrum lucidum, Prunus cerasifera, A. chinensis, Pinus bungeana, S. chinensis, L. sinense, Ligustrum × vicaryi, P. × fraseri and Ophiopogon japonicas.

Praças são criadas com a finalidade de tornar o ambiente propício ao lazer possibilitando valores ambientais, funcionais, estéticos e simbólicos. Contudo, falta de planejamento no emprego de muitas espécies, que possuem características indesejáveis, agravam o risco de invasão biológica em ecossistemas próximos. Dessa forma, o objetivo foi analisar a arborização da Praça do Imigrante, localizada no município de Tenente Portela/RS. Foi realizado o inventário arbóreo quali-quantitativo do tipo censo. Buscou-se pela distribuição das espécies na praça; DAP/indivíduo e situação fitossanitária. A vegetação, apresentou sete espécies em cinco famílias, totalizando 39 indivíduos. As espécies exóticas de maior frequência foram Jacaranda mimosifolia, Ligustrum lucidum, Cinnamomum verum e Melia azedarach, responsáveis por 57,1% do total dos indivíduos. Referente as espécies nativas, Peltophorum dubium, Handroanthus sp. e Caesalpinia peltophoroides, totalizaram 42,9%. Ligustrum lucidum e Melia azedarach são espécies que apresentam potenciais alergênicos e toxicológicos. Não foram constatados indivíduos mortos. De modo geral, as árvores demonstraram boa condição fitossanitária, apesar de algumas espécies, como Ligustrum e Handroanthus apresentarem galhos quebrados, danificações, raízes amostra, expostas, e injúrias nos troncos. A média de DAP dos indivíduos foi de 31,9 cm. Sugere-se que espécies exóticas e que possuem algum tipo de potencial alérgico/tóxico sejam evitadas na arborização, sendo indicada a substituição gradativa desses indivíduos por nativas, as quais apresentem características ecológicas compatíveis com meio urbano, a fim de não causar nenhum tipo de malefício à saúde da população que frequenta a Praça do Imigrante.