Ligusticum Porteri Research Articles

Abiotic mediation of a mutualism drives herbivore abundance.

Species abundance is typically determined by the abiotic environment, but the extent to which such effects occur through the mediation of biotic interactions, including mutualisms, is unknown. We explored how light environment (open meadow vs. shaded understory) mediates the abundance and ant tending of the aphid Aphis helianthi feeding on the herb Ligusticum porteri. Yearly surveys consistently found aphids to be more than 17-fold more abundant on open meadow plants than on shaded understory plants. Manipulations demonstrated that this abundance pattern was not due to the direct effects of light environment on aphid performance, or indirectly through host plant quality or the effects of predators. Instead, open meadows had higher ant abundance and per capita rates of aphid tending and, accordingly, ants increased aphid population growth in meadow but not understory environments. The abiotic environment thus drives the abundance of this herbivore exclusively through the mediation of a protection mutualism.

Gastroprotective effect of diligustilide isolated from roots of Ligusticum porteri coulter & rose (Apiaceae) on ethanol-induced lesions in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe rhizome of Ligusticum porteri Coulter& Rose (LP) has been traditionally used by the ethnic group Raramuri in the North of México for treatment of diabetes, tuberculosis, stomachaches, diarrhea and ritual healing ceremonies. It is use as antiulcer remedy has been extended to all Mexico. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the gastroprotective activity of LP organic extracts and the major natural product diligustilide (DLG),using as experimental model the inhibition of the ethanol-induced lesions in rats. Materials and methodsGastric ulcers were induced by intragastric instillation of absolute ethanol (1mL). We tested the gastroprotective activity of the organic extracts of LP and the pure compound DLG. The ulcer index (UI) was determined to measure the activity. In order to elucidate the action mechanism of DLG the animals were treated with l-NAME, N-ethylmalemide, Forskolin, 2′,5′-dideoxyadenosine, Indomethacin, Glibenclameide, Diazoxide, NaHS and DL-Propargylglycine. The pylorus-ligated rat model was used to measure gastric secretion. ResultsThe oral administration of organic extracts of Ligusticum porteri showed gastroprotective effect at 30mg/Kg on ethanol induced gastric lesions; hexane and dichloromethane extracts were the most active. DLG was the major compound in the hexane extract. This compound at 10mg/kg prevented significantly the gastric injuries induced by ethanol. The alkylation of endogenous non-protein-SH groups with N-ethylmaleimide abolished the gastroprotective effect of DLG and blocking the formation of endogenous prostaglandins by the pretreatment with indomethacin attenuated the gastroprotective effect of DLG. ConclusionThe gastroprotective activity demonstrated in this study tends to support the ethnomedical use of Ligusticum porteri roots. DLG, isolated as major compound of this medicinal plant has a clear gastroprotective effect on the ethanol-induced gastric lesions. The results suggest that the antiulcer activity of DLG depends on the participation of the endogenous non-protein –SH groups and prostaglandins.

Effects of Light Environment on Recovery from Harvest and Antibacterial Properties of Oshá Ligusticum porteri (Apiaceae)1

Wild-harvested medicinal plants collected from different light environments may show differential recovery from harvest. Also, plants growing in open and shaded habitats may allocate resources differently to defense. Since defensive compounds are biologically active, this difference may lead to variation in medicinal properties. We designed an experiment to test the hypothesis that light environment will affect both the ability of populations to recover from harvest and the medicinal properties of Ligusticum porteri (Apiaceae). L. porteri is a wild-harvested plant found in both high-elevation meadows and forest understories. Surveys in 2010 documented differences in population structure between light environments, with fewer flowering stalks in the understory. In 2012, we harvested plants in plots within five sites across varying light (PAR) levels at three different intensities: 0%, 50%, and 100% of ramets collected. We monitored regrowth in these plots over two years. We also tested the medicinal properties of methanol root extracts of L. porteri from the harvested plots using disc-diffusion assays. We found that L. porteri was able to regrow leaves following even intensive harvest (100%), although these were smaller than in control (0%) plots. Harvest significantly reduced the number of flowering stalks, changing population structure. While light did not impact the ability to regrow following harvest, it did influence antibacterial activity. The ability to inhibit Bacillus cereus decreased in extracts from plants harvested from high light environments, which follows plant defense theory. Altogether, harvest sustainability in L. porteri is equivocal among the light environments examined in this study, although some medicinal properties vary. L. porteri populations can recover from harvest through vegetative regrowth.

Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stand dynamics and understory plant community changes over 46 years near Crested Butte, Colorado, USA

Aspen stands in the Rocky Mountains form especially productive and diverse plant understory communities. However, little is known about canopy–understory relationships or understory dynamics, especially in light of widespread aspen decline. The purpose of our research was to assess recent aspen plant community dynamics by resampling 19 sites sampled in 1964 and 1994 near Crested Butte, Colorado. In 2010, we replicated previous sampling methods to measure canopy structure and understory composition at each site.In contrast with the conclusions of previous work in the study area, sampled aspen stands did not exhibit long-term stability, nor were they succeeding to conifers. Over the 46-year sample period, live aspen density and basal area both decreased significantly (3151–1605 stemsha−1; 39.2–33.7m2ha−1), with more pronounced decreases over the most recent sampling interval, 1994–2010. These changes appear linked to natural patterns of stand maturation, but may also have been enhanced by recent, drought-triggered mortality, as well as constraints on aspen regeneration imposed by elk and livestock. A striking decrease in the cover and frequency of fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) was consistent with expectations of aging stands initiated by historic fire, and the expansion of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) indicated strong effects of ungulate herbivory.Recent overstory losses had little effect on understory communities, which were dominated by a suite of large perennial herbs that showed little change over the sampling interval, including Fendler’s meadowrue (Thalictrum fendleri), oshá (Ligusticum porteri), elk and dryspike sedge (Carex geyeri and C. siccata), and blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus). Understory community composition was not closely related to current stand conditions or light levels, but was linked with regional elevational and geographic gradients and historic (1994) stand structure.

Antinociceptive activity of Ligusticum porteri preparations and compounds

Context: The roots and rhizomes of Ligusticum porteri Coulter & Rose (Apiaceae) are widely used in Mexican folk medicine for several purposes, including painful complaints.Objective: The main goal of this work was to demonstrate the analgesic action in mice of some preparations and major compounds from L. porteri.Materials and methods: The extracts, aqueous (AE) and organic (OE), the essential oil (EO) and major compounds (10–316 mg/kg) from L. porteri were evaluated as potential antinociceptive agents using the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests in ICR mice.Results: All preparations tested exhibited significant antinociceptive effect in the two animal pain models selected. AE and EO were more effective in the writhing test while OE had a better effect in the hot-plate model. On the other hand, Z-ligustilide (1) provoked an increment in the latency period to the thermal stimuli in the hot-plate test at a dose of 31.6 mg/kg, and a decrease in the number of abdominal writhes at 10 mg/kg. Z-3-butylidenephthalide (2) induced a dose-dependent antinociceptive action in the hot-plate assay; this compound was also effective for controlling the pain provoked by chemical irritation at the doses of 10 and 31.6 mg/kg. Finally, diligustilide (3) inhibited the number of writhing responses at all doses tested but was inactive in the hot-plate model.Conclusion: The present investigation provides in vivo evidence supporting the use of L. porteri to treat painful conditions in folk medicine.

Mexican Antidiabetic Herbs: Valuable Sources of Inhibitors of α-Glucosidases

Type II-diabetes mellitus (TII-DM) has been regarded as one of the most important public health problems in all nations in the 21st century. Although allopathic therapies remain the most important for the initial management of TII-DM, herbal remedies have gained wide acceptance for treating this condition. These alternative therapies are particularly valued in countries such as Mexico, rich in medicinal plants strongly attached to the cultural values of the population. Medicinal plants are prized sources of α-glucosidase inhibitors, which delay the liberation of glucose from complex carbohydrates, retarding glucose absorption, and thus controlling the characteristic hyperglycemia of TII-DM. Among the plant species used for treating diabetes in Mexico only 38 have been analyzed for their inhibitory activity of α-glucosidases. Most of these studies, reviewed in the present work, have focused on the evaluation of different types of extracts on the activity of α-glucosidases from diverse sources. Four species have been thoroughly analyzed in order to discover novel α-glucosidase inhibitors, namely, Hintonia latiflora and Hintonia standleyana (Rubiaceae), Ligusticum porteri (Apiaceae), and Brickellia cavanillesii (Asteraceae). Their ethnomedical uses, pharmacological and toxicological studies, chemical composition, and antihyperglycemic principles with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity are summarized.

Roots of Love by Harjant Gill, dir.

Roots of Love by Harjant Gill, dir.

Mexican antidiabetic herbs: A valuable source of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

In Mexico, there are more than 300 hundred plants species employed for the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM), the commonest endocrine disorder affecting more than 100 million people worldwide. A few Asteraceae of the genus Brickellia, Ligusticum porteri (Apiaceae), and some Rubiaceae [Hintonia standleyana, Hintonia latiflora and Exostema caribaeum] are among the most highly prized species. The chemistry of the latter group of plants has been investigated by our research group since 1987 and the results published in the Journal of Natural Products. More recently, we have shown that the extracts and some of the hypoglycemic active principles of H. latiflora, L. porteri, and Brickellia cavanillesii inhibited the activity of the α-glucosidases. These findings revealed some of the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidiabetic action of these plants as well as a few novel templates for the development α-glucosidases of new drugs useful for controlling fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels. Thus, some phthalides of L. porteri, in particular, 3-Z-butylidenephthalide (1, 56.2mg/kg), decreased blood glucose levels in STZ-diabetic mice after an oral sucrose load, suggesting that its antihyperglycemic effect is due to inhibition of α-glucosidases at the intestinal level. Furthermore, 1 inhibited yeast α-glucosidase activity (IC50 2.35 mM) in a non-competitive fashion with a Ki of 4.86 mM. Docking analysis predicted that 1 binds to the enzyme in a pocket close to the catalytic site but different to that for acarbose. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the active extract of B. cavanillesii using the same α-glucosidase inhibitory assay yielded several active compounds including 6-hydroxyacetyl-5-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene (2, IC50 0.42 mM vs. 1.7 mM for acarbose), a new chemical entity. Kinetic analysis revealed that 2 is a non-competititive inhibitor with a Ki of 0.13 mM. From the Rubiaceae, the most active inhibitor was 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxy-4-phenylcoumarin (3, IC50 3µM).

In vitro morphogenetic responses and comparative analysis of phthalides in the highly valued medicinal plant Ligusticum porteri

The morphogenetic response of Ligusticum porteri was investigated as a part of a conservation strategy and was compared to that of Petroselinum crispum. After in vitro germination of seeds, plantlets were excised into different explants and cultured in an induction medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (0–18.09µM) or α-naphthaleneacetic (0–21.48µM) acid in combination with 6-benzylaminopurine (0–13.31µM) to induce callus formation. GC-MS analysis of calli, mature aerial parts and roots extracts of both species led to the identification of 3-butylidenephthalide (1), 3-n-butylphthalide (2) and 3,6,7,-trimethoxy-isobenzofuran-13(H)-one (3). This is the first report on phthalides production from in vitro cultures of L. porteri.

In vitro morphogenetic responses and comparative analysis of phthalides in the highly valued medicinal plant Ligusticum porteri Coulter & Rose

The morphogenetic response of Ligusticum porteri, a medicinal and ceremonial plant, was investigated as part of the conservation strategy of this wild species and was compared to that of a cultivated species, Petroselinum crispum. Seeds were germinated in half strength Murashige and Skoog medium. Plantlets were excised into root, cotyledon, petiole, stem and leaf explants and cultured in an induction medium supplemented with the range of 0–18.09 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or 0–21.48 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid in combination with 0–13.31 μM 6-benzylaminopurine. Calli derived from leaf, seeds, petiole, stem and roots, mature aerial parts and roots extracts of L. porteri and P. crispum were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. 3-Butylidenephthalide (6.3%) was identified along with other 23 compounds from mature aerial parts extract of L. porteri and also in its roots (20.8%). 3-n-Butylphthalide (0.7%) and 3,6,7,-trimethoxy-isobenzofuran-13(H)-one (4.9%) were identified from the roots of P. crispum. 3-Butylidenephthalide was identified from two petiole (0.9%; 0.26%) and one stem (0.8%) callus extracts of L. porteri. This is the first report on phthalides production from in vitro cultures of L. porteri. The results indicated that in vitro cultures of this plant possess the biosynthetic machinery for the biosynthesis of these highly valuable compounds.

Quantitative HPLC Method for Determining Two of the Major Active Phthalides from Ligusticum porteri Roots

Z-Ligustilide (1) and Z-6,6',7,3'-alpha-diligustilide (2), two of the major active phthalides of the medicinal plant Ligusticum porteri (osha), were chosen for the development and validation of an HPLC-diode array detection method suitable for QC of the crude drug. The method used gradient elution to achieve separation on a Hibar RT LiChrospher 100 C18 column. The LOD values were 29 and 45 microg/mL, and the LOQs were 89 and 125 microg/mL, respectively. The method showed good intraday precision (%RSD: 0.7 for 1 and 3.1 for 2) and interday precision (%RSD: 1.2 for 1 and 1.8 for 2). The method was used for the analysis of 1 and 2 in crude drug samples and several herbal preparations from Mexico and the United States. Quantitative analysis showed that the content of the two phthalides varied significantly among the samples. All the samples contained higher concentrations of 1 (0.15-2.5%) than 2 (0.002-1.0%). The profiles of volatile compounds in the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation and solid-phase microextraction of L. porteri roots were analyzed by GC-MS. Thirty one chemical constituents (> 99.7% of the total content) were identified in the essential oil, which was characterized by the presence of a high percentage of phthalides (44.61%) and sesquiterpenes (10.69%). The major light volatile components extracted by solid-phase microextraction were monoterpenes.

Phthalides and other constituents from Ligusticum porteri; sedative and spasmolytic activities of some natural products and derivatives

The chemical constituents of the organic extracts from the rhizomes of Ligusticum porteri were isolated, characterised and identified as Z-ligustilide, Z-butylidenephthalide, diligustilide, tokinolide B, riligustilide, senkyunolides F and I, ferulic acid, among other known compounds. The preparation of 4,5-dehydrotokinolide B from tokinolide B is reported, and its structure confirmed by X-ray analysis. The sedative and spasmolytic activities of some of these natural products and derivatives were evaluated by applying them to in vivo and in vitro models. Several of these dimeric phthalides displayed sedative and spasmolytic properties that may correlate with some popular uses of L. porteri.

Chronic Toxicity, Genotoxic Assay, and Phytochemical Analysis of Four Traditional Medicinal Plants

Four medicinal plants--Tecoma stans, Ligusticum porteri, Monarda austromontana, and Poliomintha longiflora, which are distributed in tropical and subtropical countries of the American continent--are widely used in folk medicine to treat diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery. In addition, T. stans and P. longiflora are extensively used as hypoglycemic agents, and M. austromontana and P. longiflora are used as condiments. The plants were collected, identified, dried, and pulverized. Solvent extraction was prepared by maceration of the plant samples, and the phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined by using standard analysis procedures. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of triterpenoids/steroids, flavonoids, and phenols/tannins and, in L. porteri, traces of alkaloids. After the elimination of solvents in vacuo, the extracts were administrated to Drosophila larvae to test their toxicity and genotoxicity. Third instar larvae were chronically fed with the phytoextracts. The extract from L. porteri was toxic, whereas those from T. stans, P. longiflora, and M. austromontana were not. Genotoxic activities of the 4 plants were investigated by using the wing-spot assay of D. melanogaster. Mitomycin C was used as a positive control. No statistically significant increase was observed between treated sample series and a concurrent negative (water) or solvent control sample series.

(Z)-3-Butylidenephthalide from Ligusticum porteri, an α-Glucosidase Inhibitor

An extract from the roots of Ligusticum porteri, orally administered to groups of normal and diabetic mice, showed significant hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects. Experimental type-II DM was achieved by treating mice with streptozotocin 15 min after an injection of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. (Z)-6,6',7,3'α-diligustilide (1), (Z)-ligustilide (2), 3-(Z)-butylidenephthalide (3), myristicin (4), and ferulic acid (5) were isolated from the active extract. When tested In Vivo, compounds 1-3 showed antihyperglycemic activity, with 3 being the most active. Compound 3 (56.2 mg/kg) decreased blood glucose levels in NAD-STZ-diabetic mice after an oral sucrose load, suggesting that its antihyperglycemic effect is due to inhibition of α-glucosidase at the intestinal level. Furthermore, 3 inhibited the activity of yeast-α-glucosidase (IC(50) 2.35 mM) in a noncompetitive fashion with a K(i) of 4.86 mM. Docking analysis predicted that 3 binds to the enzyme in a pocket close to the catalytic site, but different from that for acarbose, with a K(i) of 11.48 mM. Compounds 1 and 2 did not affect α-glucosidase In Vivo, but altered glucose absorption by a mechanism yet to be determined. The stimulatory effect of 5 on insulin secretion, present in high amounts in the extract, has been demonstrated in previous investigations. The present study provides scientific support of the use of L. porteri in Mexican folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

Simultaneous Determination of Z-Ligustilide and Diligustilide in the Crude Drug Ligusticum porteri by HPLC

The decoction prepared from the roots of Ligusticum porteri Coulter & Rose (Apiaceae), also known as Mexican Angelica, is widely used for the treatment of gastritis, ulcers, diabetes, and different types of painful complaints, among others. Previous chemical studies of L. porteri revealed the presence of several phtalides including Z-ligustilide (1) and diligustilide (2), as the major active compounds. In the present investigation a suitable HPLC-UV procedure for simultaneous quantification of 1 and 2 in the crude drug of L. porteri was developed and validated. The method was found to be reliable, reproducible, and accurate. In addition, TLC, GC and MS profiles of the crude extract and essential oils as well as the microscopic characteristics of the roots were established. Altogether, these procedures will be valuable for quality control of the crude drug of L. porteri which is one of the most commercialized medicinal plants in Mexico. Acknowledgements: Supported by Grant DGAPA-UNAM (IN218110).

Oshá (bear root)Ligusticum porteriJ.M. Coult. & Rose var.porteri

Osha roots ( Ligusticum porteri J.M. Coult. & Rose var. porteri [Apiaceae]) are prized by Native Americans as a medicinal for respiratory illnesses; roots from wild stands are most commonly used. Native to the western and southwestern US, osha is a slow-growing plant that takes up to 10 y to reach harvestable mass in the wild. Demand for L. porteri has been increasing and over-harvest threatens native stands. Attempts to propagate osha for replenishing native stands and for developing alternatives to wild harvest have been inconsistent and variable by seed source. Simple seed stratification methods were tested to propagate plants for sustainable production of osha. Seed germination of 3 commercial seed sources (New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado) improved when the stratification period was adjusted for origin of seeds. An increased duration of stratification (10 wk) was required for the more northern sources. These results indicate that common seed stratification can be used to develop nursery plants for re-establishment and production of harvestable roots.

Acute toxicity and mutagenic activity of Mexican plants used in traditional medicine

The present work was undertaken to determine safety parameters of selected Mexican medicinal plants chosen on the basis of their frequency of medicinal use and commercial importance. The medicinal herbs included Amphipteryngium adstringens, Hintonia standleyana, Hintonia latiflora, Piper sanctum, Haemathoxylon brasiletto, Iostephane heterophylla, Valeriana procera, Arracacia tolucensis, Brickellia veronicaefolia, Scaphyglottis livida, Exostema caribaeum, Hippocratea excelsa, Ligusticum porteri, Poliomintha longiflora and Gnaphalium sp. In the acute toxicity studies in mice performed according to the Lorke procedure, Exostema caribaeum, Hippocratea excelsa, Ligusticum porteri and Poliomintha longiflora were the most toxic with LD 50 values between 1085 and 2 mg/kg. The Ames test revealed that Gnaphalium sp. and Valeriana procera extracts induced mutations of S. typhimurium TA98 with or without the S9 microsomal fraction, and TA100 in the presence of the enzymatic fraction, respectively. The tincture of Valeriana procera, however, was non-mutagenic. Finally, in the Artemia salina lethality test Brickellia veronicaefolia, Arracacia tolucensis, Poliomintha longiflora and Piper sanctum caused significant mortality of the crustacean larvae with LC 50 in the range of 37–227 μg/mL.

Effects of extracts from two Native American plants on proliferation of human breast and colon cancer cell lines in vitro

Native American medicinal plants are traditionally used to prevent and treat a variety of diseases, including cancer. These herbal preparations are alleged to have many biological activities, such as stimulation or suppression of immune responses and antiproliferative effects on cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts from two Native American plants, Ligusticum porteri (Osha) and Anemopsis californica (Yerba Manza), on the growth of human MCF-7/AZ breast and HCT8/E11 colon cancer cells. The aqueous and ethanol extracts from A. californica potently inhibited growth of MCF-7/AZ in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the growth of HCT8/E11 was unaltered. Extracts from L. porteri showed no activity on either cell line. In addition, we observed that the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activities were markedly decreased when exposed to both extracts from A. californica. These results suggest that the growth inhibitory effect of A. californica in breast cancer cells is ERK-mediated.

Notes onTrochiscanthesKoch (Apiaceae) on the basis of ITS rDNA sequence

Abstract Trochiscanthes Koch (Apiaceae) is an european endemic monospecific genus. This paper deals with the phylogenetic analysis on molecular basis to assess the relationships of the genus. Parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian support analyses on the basis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacers were adopted. Moreover data were added to mericarp section data, one of the most important morphological markers in Apiaceae. Trochiscanthes nodiflora, Ligusticum porteri, Ligusticum canadense and Conioselinum scopulorum clustered together with 100% Bayesian and Bootstrap (parsimony) support. These clade was sister to Conioselinum chinense (93% Bayesian and 59% Bootstrap support). This clade corresponds to the “Conioselinum chinense” clade, by other authors. All these species clustered together with Meum athamanticum (97% Bayesian and 62% Bootstrap support). This result clarifies the position of genus Trochiscanthes. Moreover, since Ligusticum and Conioselinum (in traditional sense) resulted as proba...

Root Anatomy of Ligusticum Species (Apiaceae) Sold as Osha Compared to That of Potential Contaminants

ABSTRACT The herbal medicine osha consists of the roots of Ligusticum porteri J. M. Coult. & Rose (Apiaceae) and other North American species of Ligusticum L., with which Conioselinum Hoffm. or other umbels may be confused. The anatomy of taproots and rootstocks of several species of Ligusticum is described and illustrated. Conioselinum was differentiated from Ligusticum by lack of fibrous leaf bases, presence of fiber bundles in the rhizomes, and thicker suberinized root bark. Within the Ligusticum, L. porteri had smaller secretory canals than Conioselinum spp. in the root and rootstock. Ligusticum could be easily distinguished from toxic potential contaminants.