Lycium Chinense Mill Research Articles

Qisheng Wan formula ameliorates cognitive impairment of Alzheimer's disease rat via inflammation inhibition and intestinal microbiota regulation

Ethnopharmacology relevanceQisheng Wan formula (QWF) was first described in the book Sheng Ji Zong Lu in 1117. The book states that QWF can cure forgetfulness, improve the mind, and make people smart. Hence, QWF has been widely used to treat patients with forgetfulness or dementia. QWF, a classic Chinese formulation, comprises seven herbal drugs: the sclerotium of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, bark of Cinnamomum cassia Presl, root of Polygala tenuifolia Willd., root and rhizome of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey., root of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., root and rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii Schott, and root bark of Lycium chinense Mill. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to utilize modern pharmacological methods to evaluate the therapeutic effects and explore the underlying mechanism of QWF action on rats with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Materials and methodsThe chemical profile of QWF was characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The AD rat model was established via a bilateral intraventricular injection of amyloid-β (1–42) (Aβ1–42). The rats were subsequently treated daily with QWF for 4 weeks. The Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the cognition processes in the rats, whereas histological changes in the hippocampus were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression levels of Aβ1–42, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 in the hippocampus and colon were assessed. Moreover, the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiota were analyzed using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. ResultsOne hundred and fourteen compounds were characterized in QWF. QWF significantly ameliorated the cognition processes and histopathological damages due to AD in rats by decreasing the deposition of Aβ1-42 and downregulating the expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6. QWF also modulated changes in the diversity and composition of intestinal microbiota to suppress the relative abundance of inflammation-associated microbiota. ConclusionThis study showed that QWF can suppress proinflammatory factors and modulate the intestinal microbiota in AD rats.

Direct Shoot Organogenesis from Lycium chinense Miller Leaf Explants and Assessment of Genetic Stability Using ISSR Markers

An efficient in vitro direct shoot regeneration system has been described for Lycium chinense Miller using leaf explants. Influence of various parameters such as growth regulator concentration, explant type, effect of basal salt type, Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium (MS), Schenk and Hildebrandt (1972) medium (SH), Gamborg et al. (1968) medium (B5), and carbon sources (sucrose, maltose, and fructose) on the regenerating shoots has been studied. Micromorphological studies and genetic fidelity of regenerated shoots were assessed and compared with those of the donor plants. Among the different concentrations of plant growth regulator (PGRs) tested, MS supplemented with lower concentration of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0.5 mgL−1) and thidiazuron (TDZ) (0.5 mgL−1) increased the frequency of shoot. Comparatively, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was more effective in the regeneration and growth of the root system. A higher number of root formation (6.67 ± 1.25) was observed when the rooting medium comprised half-strength MS salts supplemented with 3% sucrose. The surviving plantlets were gradually transferred to the greenhouse and natural soil. More than 90% of the plantlets survived and matured within 85 days. Similarity in the band patterns produced by inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers confirmed the genetic stability and uniformity between the regenerated and donor plants. The present optimized direct shoot regeneration system may be useful for mass propagation and improving the genetic traits in L. chinense.

Evaluation of fruit characteristics of various organically-grown goji berry (Lycium barbarum L., Lycium chinense Miller) species during ripening stages

The fruits of three Lycium barbarum genotypes (HZR1, HZR2, HZR3) and a Lycium chinense genotype (M1 ALTUNİ) harvested at various ripening stages (green, unripe, ripe) were compared based on some pomological properties (fruit length, width, weight, colour, total soluble solid content and titratable acidity) and chemical compounds (sugars, organic acids, vitamin C). Glucose was the predominant sugar followed by fructose and sucrose, respectively, except at the green maturation stage. The results suggest that the best results for all genotypes and ripening stages were provided by the M1 ALTUNİ genotype in terms of sugar contents. Succinic acid was the most abundant acid followed by citric and malic acid in all goji berry genotypes. If goji berry fruits are to be used for pharmacologic purposes, the most appropriate consumption stage is the green stage for organic acids and the dried stage for sugar, total soluble solids and L-ascorbic acid content.

Simultaneous determination of four phenolic acids in traditional Chinese medicine by capillary electrophoresis-chemiluminescence.

Chlorogenic, ferulic, vanillic, and caffeic acids are phenolic acids found in natural drugs. They possess the biological activities of scavenging free radicals and inhibiting thrombus formation. Phenolic acids can inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein, as well as have anti-inflammatory effects. This paper reports for the first time a capillary electrophoresis–chemiluminescence (CE–CL) method for the simultaneous determination of the four phenolic acids found in traditional and proprietary Chinese medicine, including Lycium chinense Miller, Shuanghuanglian oral liquid, and Taraxacum mongolicum granules. Capillary electrophoretic separation was performed on a self-assembled CE–CL device with an uncoated fused-silica capillary (66 cm effective length, 50 μm i.d.), and the background electrolyte was composed of 3.0 × 10−5 M Ag(iii) (pH = 12.01), 3.0 mM luminol (pH = 9.20), and 10 mM sodium tetraborate solution. The injection time was 12 s (under gravity) and the separation voltage was 22 kV. The combination of solid-phase extraction (SPE) and CE–CL improves the sensitivity. Under optimal conditions, calibration graphs displayed a linear range between 0.625 and 20.0, 1.000 and 30.0, 0.150 and 1.50, and 0.045 and 1.00 μg mL−1 for chlorogenic, ferulic, vanillic, and caffeic acid, respectively. The detection limit ranged from 0.014 to 0.300 μg mL−1. The practicality of using the proposed method to determine the four target analytes in traditional Chinese medicine was also validated, in which recoveries ranged from 90.9% to 119.8%. Taken together, these results indicate that the developed method is sensitive and reliable. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to real traditional Chinese medicine samples.

Health-Promoting Capacities of In Vitro and Cultivated Goji (Lycium chinense Mill.) Fruit and Leaves; Polyphenols, Antimicrobial Activity, Macro- and Microelements and Heavy Metals.

There is a growing interest among the public in fruit with a positive impact on human health. Two goji berry cultivars (‘No. 1’ and ‘New Big’) were propagated in vitro, grown in an orchard and then evaluated for macro- and microelements and harmful heavy metals (i.e., Pb, Ni, and Cd). The leaves and fruit were also assessed for nutritional value, polyphenols and the antimicrobial activity of the leaves. ‘New Big’ was characterized by a higher content of macro elements in the leaves (in vitro and orchard) and a higher content of microelements in the fruit. The harmful substances content was below the minimum value. Furthermore, neither the fruit nor the leaves contained cadmium. This study also indicated that leaves had a higher content of polyphenols compared to the fruit. The fruits were characterized by their health-promoting capacities, while the leaves were characterized by their antibacterial activity. Among the Gram-positive bacteria, the most sensitive strain was Bacillus subtilis, and among the Gram-negative bacteria, it was Proteus vulgaris. Taking into consideration the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for minerals, goji berries can be declared to be a source of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and P.

Assessment of Mineral and Phenolic Profiles and Their Association with the Antioxidant, Cytotoxic Effect, and Antimicrobial Potential of Lycium chinense Miller.

This study aimed at investigating the Lycium chinense Miller leaf extract mineral and phenolic compound profiles as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. We determined the leaf extract mineral composition, identified its major mineral components, and quantified secondary metabolites. We also measured the leaf extract antioxidant potential and found that it varies in a concentration-dependent manner. We observed a significant and higher positive correlation between DPPH and ABTS assays compared with the total phenolic and flavonoid content. Furthermore, our assay results positively correlated with several observed acids, indicating their strong association with the L. chinense antioxidant potential. Our cytotoxic assay revealed weak toxicity at higher tested concentrations. Our MIC assay showed that the 80% methanol extract effectively inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli Castellani and Chalmers (ATCC35150). The 625-ppm leaf extract completely suppressed the growth of Staphylococcus aureus Rosenbach (ATCC13150), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579), and Helicobacter pylori (ATCC43504). These results allow us to understand the indigenous medicinal value of L. chinense. Our study suggests that the L. chinense leaf extract phenolic compounds possess a good antioxidant activity against free radicals and are effective antimicrobial agents. Finally, the presence and high level of diverse minerals suggest the potential of L. chinense for nutraceutical and functional food applications.

Comparison of Morphological, Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Properties of Goji Fruits

Abstract There is a growing public interest in fruits labeled as „superfood” (functional food). A “superfood” should have a high content of bioactive substances with a positive impact on human health. Seven different cultivars of goji berry fruits (Lycium chinense Mill.) grown in north-western Poland were evaluated for its physicochemical parameters, antidiabetic and antioxidant activity, and polyphenol content. The length of 1-year-old shoots ranged from 36 cm (‘Big Lifeberry’) to 82 cm (‘Korean Big’). Cultivars from the group of Big were characterized by the biggest fruits (17.3-24.2 mm) with the greatest weight of 100 fruits (96.7­122.1 g). ‘Big Lifeberry’ contained high amounts of L-ascorbic acid (408 mg 1000/g) and provitamin A (190 mg 1000/g) and showed high antidiabetic (α-amylase IC50=33.4 mg/mL; α-glucosidase IC50=9.9 mg/mL) and antioxidant activity (ABTS·+ 6.21 and FRAP 5.58 mmol T/100 g). ‘Big Lifeberry’ was also characterized by a high total content of polyphenols (43.64 mg 100/g). Furthermore, the nitrite content in all the cultivars tested was at a relatively low level. Among the examined cultivars, the most attractive one concerning the consumers’ point of view of the size, weight and high content of health-promoting compounds is ‘Big Lifeberry’.

구기자나무의 재식밀도 및 예취높이가 가공용 잎 생산에 미치는 영향

Background: The leaves of the goji berry (Lycium chinense Mill.) are used as raw materials in processing and by replace fruits to some extent. The reason is that the leaves are cheaper, however, betaine content is higher than in the fruits. These experiments were conducted to determine the planting density and cutting height for producing a large number of leaves.BRMethods and Results: The cultivar ‘Myeongan’ with many branches was used. When the shoot height reached 50 ㎝ - 70 ㎝, harvesting was possible four times a year. The time to next harvest was approximately 38 days after regeneration of new shoots. Leaf quantity was in the order of 1st ＞ 2nd ＞ 4th ＞ 3rd harvest. Insect damage occurred during the third harvest in late July and early August, therefore, eco-friendly control was necessary. The total yield was higher at the planting density 60 ㎝ × 30 ㎝ than that of 60 ㎝ × 20 ㎝ or 60 ㎝ × 40 ㎝. The yield at cutting for shoot height of 60 ㎝ was increased by 6.3 percent compared to that of 50 ㎝, At the cutting height of 70 ㎝, harvest was difficult owing to hardening of stems and thorns. Betaine content, an indicator component of goji berry, was not significantly different according to planting densities and cutting height.BRConclusions: The ideal cutting period to produce leaves of goji berry for processing is when the shoots grow to approximately 60 ㎝, and the leaves can be harvested 4 times a year. The dried-leaf yield was highest at the planting density of 60 ㎝ × 30 ㎝.

Population genetic divergence in Lycium chinense Mill. (Solanaceae) is driven by both hybridization and geo-environmental factors

The population genetic structure of plants is affected by both genetic and geo-environmental factors. Dissecting the relationship between these factors is important for conservation and breeding applications of plant natural resources. Lycium chinense Mill., is a perennial shrub long-term used as both medicinal herbs and vegetables. Here we investigated the population genetic variation and structure of L. chinense (including two varieties L. chinense var. chinense and L. chinense var. potaninii Pojark. A. M. Lu) and its closely related species Lycium barbarum L. using EST-SSR markers. We found a moderate level of genetic variation presented in the L. chinense populations, which was lower than that of L. barbarum. Both STRUCTURE and PCoA analyses showed that the variety of L. chinense var. potaninii samples was potentially hybrid derived with possible donor parents of L. chinense var. chinense and L. barbarum. We also found positive relationships presented between the genetic and geographical distance, as well as between the genetic distance and annual mean temperature in populations of L. chinense and in populations only from L. chinense var. chinense, suggesting potentially isolation by distance and isolation by adaptation effects. A core collection of L. chinense that included 37 accessions was finally constructed. Hybridization and introgression has affected genetic variation of L. chinense populations. The population genetic structure of L. chinense has been driven by both hybridization and geo-environmental factors. This genetic information and core collection will facilitate the conservation and breeding of L. chinense in future.

Drought stress, mercuric chloride, and β-mercaptoethanol effects on hydraulic characteristics of three cultivars of wolfberry (Lycium chinense)

In order to further understand the effects of drought stress on hydraulic characteristics and the relationship between hydraulic conductivity and aquaporins or water channels of root systems of three wolfberry cultivars (Lycium chinense Mill.), hydraulic conductivity of 2-year-old pot-grown seedlings was measured under drought stress, rewatering, and treatment with exogenous mercuric chloride and β-mercaptoethanol. Under moderate and severe drought stress levels, the most significant decrease of hydraulic conductivity was 37.3% and 24.0%, respectively, in the ‘Ningqi 5’ cultivar compared with the non-stressed control. After rewatering, the rate of recovery in specific conductivity was most rapid in the ‘Mengqi 1’ cultivar, at 0.058 and 0.072 kg MPa−1 m−2 s−1 h−1 under moderate and severe drought stress levels, respectively. The ‘Mengqi 1’ cultivar had the highest recovery degree of hydraulic conductivity under two concentrations of β-ME (500 or 1000 μmol L− 1), reaching 82.4% and 88.5%, respectively, of the initial conductivity. The adaptive capacity of hydraulic conductivity in the ‘Ningqi 5’ cultivar was weaker than in the ‘Ningqi 1’ and ‘Mengqi 1’ cultivars under drought stress. The recovery capacity of hydraulic conductivity in ‘Mengqi 1’ cultivar was stronger than the ‘Ningqi 1’ and ‘Ningqi 5’ cultivars after rewatering. Aquaporins of the ‘Ningqi 1’ cultivar root systems had the highest binding affinity with mercuric chloride, which was the most likely cause in the decrease in hydraulic conductivity, whereas aquaporins of ‘Mengqi 1’ root systems had the weakest binding affinity. The inhibitory effect of mercuric chloride was readily eliminated by β-mercaptoethanol in the ‘Mengqi 1’ cultivar. The hydraulic characteristics of this cultivar were more sensitive to drought, mercuric chloride and β-mercaptoethanol than the other cultivars.

First record of Aceria kuko in Slovakia

A sample of goji leaves with blisters was brought from a private garden in Vyšná Kamenica to the Botanical Garden of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice to identify the problem. The respective plant (Lycium chinense Miller cv. Big Berry) was bought through the internet and these distortions occurred after some time during cultivation. The mites found on the deformed leaves were examined using a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) as well. The identity of Aceria kuko (Kishida, 1927), the goji berry gall mite, was confirmed. Other available possible host plants in Košice and the surroundings were checked with no positive findings. However, typical foliar galls on goji plants have been indirectly observed (through the television) in Malinovo near Bratislava. Due to the risk from this mite species not only to the goji (Lycium sp.) but also to the pepper (Capsicum annuum Linnaeus) and some other Solanaceae plants, the respective authorities of the Slovak phytosanitary service were informed.

Quality Evaluation of Thirteen Geographical Populations of Lycium chinense Using Quantitative Analysis of Nutrients and Bioactive Components

Lycium chinense Mill. is an important medicinal and edible perennial plant that has been developed as a popular vegetable and healthcare tea in southern China in recent years. In this study, we evaluated the nutritional quality of 13 different geographical L. chinense populations through a common-garden experiment. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in active components and nutrient elements among the populations. Principal component and clustering analyses showed that populations in the central China showed better integrated quality than the other populations; populations in southern China also showed good prospects for further development, having special characteristics such as high contents of amino acids, total flavonoids, and chlorogenic acid. Moreover, all the populations had much higher contents than most vegetables of flavonoids and of the mineral elements Fe, Se, Mn, and K. These results provide important information required for the development of L. chinense germplasm resources and to ensure the sustainable utilization of L. chinense.

Variation of Kukoamine A (KuA) and B (KuB) contents and related meteorological factors for Cortex Lycii radicis of different areas

Kukoamines are polyamine alkaloids present in Cortex Lycii (LyC), which is the root bark of Lycium chinense Mill. or L. barbarum L. Environmental conditions and geographical distribution influence the biosynthesis and accumulation of Kukoamines in Lycium species, thus directly affecting the quality of LyC. To identify the factors that influence Kukoamine A (KuA) and Kukoamine B (KuB) accumulation, the KuA and KuB contents of L. chinense and L. barbarum LyC collected from different areas or potted L. barbarum LyC with soil collected from different areas were measured, and the correlation of Kukoamine contents with meteorological factors and soil constituents were analyzed. In both L. barbarum and L. chinense, the KuA and KuB contents of LyC planted in Zhongning were significantly higher than those of LyC planted in other areas. Three L. barbarum species planted in soil collected from different areas presented significant difference in the KuA and KuB content of LyC. The contents of both KuA and KuB showed negative correlation with annual precipitation, mean temperature, and mean humidity, while positively correlated with soil pH, altitude, mean diurnal temperature difference, and annual sunshine hours, but there was no significant correlation with any soil compositions. It might be illustrated that soil pH and meteorological factors are important aspects affecting the quality of LyC.

Regulatory effects of the fruit extract of Lycium chinense and its active compound, betaine, on muscle differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 cells

Our study was conducted to investigate the effects of the fruits of Lycium chinense Mill. (Lycii Fructus, LF) and its bioactive compound, betaine, on muscle differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 cells. LF extract and betaine was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator1-alpha (PGC-1α), sirtuin-1(Sirt-1), nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM) and the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), were determined in cellular or mitochondrial levels by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) or Western blot, respectively. The glucose levels and total ATP contents were measured by the glucose consumption in a culture medium, cellular glucose uptake and ATP assays. LF extract at 4 mg/ml and betaine at 2 and 5 mM significantly increased the expression of MyHC in C2C12 myotubes, compared with non-treated cells. LF extract and betaine significantly increased the expression of PGC-1α, Sirt-1, NRF-1 and TFAM mRNA and protein in the myotubes, as well as phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC. Furthermore, LF extract and betaine significantly increased the mitochondrial protein contents, as the TFAM and NRF-1 expressions were increased. LF extract and betaine also significantly increased the glucose uptake and ATP contents in the myotubes. The LF extract contained 3.18% betaine was quantitated by HPLC. LF extract and betaine enhanced muscle differentiation and energy metabolism through the up-regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis-regulating factors, suggesting that LF extract and betaine can help to prevent the dysfunction of skeletal muscle.

Sequencing and Structural Analysis of the Complete Chloroplast Genome of the Medicinal Plant Lycium chinense Mill.

Lycium chinense Mill, an important Chinese herbal medicine, is widely used as a dietary supplement and food. Here the chloroplast (CP) genome of L. chinense was sequenced and analyzed, revealing a size of 155,756 bp and with a 37.8% GC content. The L. chinense CP genome comprises a large single copy region (LSC) of 86,595 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 18,209 bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) of 25,476 bp separated by the single copy regions. The genome encodes 114 genes, 16 of which are duplicated. Most of the 85 protein-coding genes (CDS) had standard ATG start codons, while 3 genes including rps12, psbL and ndhD had abnormal start codons (ACT and ACG). In addition, a strong A/T bias was found in the majority of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) detected in the CP genome. Analysis of the phylogenetic relationships among 16 species revealed that L. chinense is a sister taxon to Lycium barbarum. Overall, the complete sequence and annotation of the L. chinense CP genome provides valuable genetic information to facilitate precise understanding of the taxonomy, species and phylogenetic evolution of the Solanaceae family.

Molecular characterization of an unusual new plant RNA virus reveals an evolutionary link between two different virus families.

An unusual novel plant virus provisionally named goji berry chlorosis virus (GBCV) was isolated from goji berry plants (Lycium chinense Miller) showing chlorosis symptoms and its complete genome sequence was determined. The viral genome consists of a positive-sense single-stranded RNA of 10,100 ribonucleotides and contains six open reading frames (ORFs). Electron microscopy showed that the viral genome is packaged as a filamentous particle with an average length of approximately 850 nm. Phylogenetic analysis and amino acid similarity analysis of the encoded ORFs revealed that this new virus could be classified in an intermediate position between the families Benyviridae and Virgaviridae. The GBCV 200-kDa replicase (ORF1) is more similar to benyvirus replicases than to virgavirus replicases, while its 17-kDa coat protein (CP, ORF2) is more closely related with virgavirus CPs than benyvirus CPs. ORF3 was predicted to produce a C-terminally extended protein from ORF2 via frameshifting. While ORF4 (45-kDa), ORF5 (44-kDa), and ORF6 (16-kDa) have no apparent sequence homology with other known viruses, ORF5 is predicted to encode a movement protein (MP) that is phylogenetically related to the furovirus MP and ORF6 was experimentally proven to encode a viral suppressor of RNA silencing. These unusual characteristics suggest that GBCV may represent an evolutionary link between the families Benyviridae and Virgaviridae and indicate the existence of a novel, unidentified virus group.

Lycium chinense Mill improves hypogonadism via anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic effect in old aged rat model

Purpose: To evaluate the pharmacological effects of goji berry (Lycium chinense P. Mill) in an animal model of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH).Materials and methods: Thirty 18-month-old male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were used as the LOH aged rat model. Rats were divided into five groups: a control group (n = 6), low concentration goji berry extract group (150 mg/kg/day) (n = 6), high concentration goji berry extract group (300 mg/kg/day) (n = 6), low concentration goji berry complex extract group (150 mg/kg/day) (n = 6), and high goji berry complex concentration extract group (300 mg/kg/day) (n = 6). After six weeks of treatment, sperm counts and motility, serum testosterone level, androgen receptor (AR) expression, oxidative stress marker, and apoptotic factors were examined.Results: Goji berry extracts increased testosterone level to 2.07 ± 0.06 pmol/L in the goji berry 150 mg/kg group, 2.39 ± 0.08 pmol/L in the goji berry 300 mg/kg group, 2.97 ± 0.03 pmol/L in the goji berry complex 150 mg/kg group, and 3.34 ± 0.04 pmol/L in the goji berry complex 300 mg/kg group compared to 1.86 ± 0.03 pmol/L in the control group, respectively (p < .05). AR expressions were increased in testis tissue significantly but were not significant in prostate tissue.Conclusions: Goji berry might improve LOH by reversing testicular dysfunction via an anti-oxidative stress mechanism without inducing prostate disease.

Physiological response of four wolfberry (Lycium Linn.) species under drought stress

We studied gas-exchange, chlorophyll pigments, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, and biomass partitioning responses in seedlings of four wolfberry species (Lycium chinense Mill. var. potaninii (Pojark.) A. M. Lu, Lycium chinense Mill., Lycium barbarum L., and Lycium yunnanense Kuang & A. M. Lu) under four water supply regimes. In all four species, drought affected seedlings in terms of chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis rate (Pn), transpiration rate (E), and lipid peroxidation. Drought also increased some antioxidant enzyme activities, such as peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Significant changes in dry biomass partitioning also occurred in response to water stress. In particular, dry biomass of leaves and fruits decreased significantly. L. chinense Mill. and L. barbarum L. possessed greater drought tolerance and exhibited superior antioxidant processing ability and other related physiological traits compared to the other two species. L. chinense Mill. was the most tolerant to all levels of drought. In contrast, L. yunnanense Kuang & A. M. Lu was more affected by water supply and had the lowest resistance to drought stress. These findings would provide some important information regarding genetic resources for future forest tree improvement in relation to drought tolerance.

Goji berry gall mite Aceria kuko occurrence in the Czech Republic - short communication

Damage caused by the Goji berry gall mite, Aceria kuko (Kishida, 1927) was observed on the leaves of Lycium chinense Miller (Solanaceae) in Brno in August 2016 and on L. barbarum L. in Popovice in September 2016. Aceria kuko is a pest of Asian origin which is common in China and occurs only sporadically on Goji berry plants in the European Union. This is the first observation of the Goji berry gall mite occurrence in the Czech Republic.

An herbal formula consisting of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, Lycium chinense Mill and Eucommia ulmoides Oliv alleviates disuse muscle atrophy in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSchisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (SC), Lycium chinense Mill (LC) and Eucommia ulmoides Oliv (EU) are representative tonic herbal medicines that help to strengthen body muscles and bones making them stronger according to the Donguibogam, a tradition medical book of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. Aim of the studyTo evaluate effects of an herbal formula consisting of SC, LC and EU on muscle atrophy in C2C12 myotubes and in a rat model of immobilization-induced muscle atrophy. Materials and methodsMuscle atrophy was developed by cast immobilization of unilateral hindlimb on rats for 3 weeks. Treatments were administered orally 14 times over 3 weeks. After treatments, we compared the change of body weight, muscle weight, grip strength, muscle fiber size, muscle fiber type shift by Grip strength meter, H&E stain and ATPase stain. And western blot was used for evaluating molecular mechanism in muscle atrophy on C2C12 cells. ResultsWhen taken individually, SC was the most effective of the three in inhibiting tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced degeneration of C2C12 myogenesis. The formulation with a mass ratio of 2:1:1 SC: LC: EU (SSLE) was more effective against TNF-α-induced muscle atrophy than was a 1:1:1 SC: LC: EU (SLE) formula or any of the single herbal extracts. In a rat model of disuse muscle atrophy, the SSLE formula significantly inhibited reductions in muscle weight, grip strength and muscle fiber size induced by hindlimb immobilization, in a dose-dependent manner. The formula also inhibited immobilization-induced shifting of the muscle fiber type in soleus muscle. Treatment with SSLE inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of the atrogenes atrogin-1 and muscle RING-finger protein 1 in C2C12 cells. The SSLE formula also increased myoblast differentiation markers (myoD and myogenin) and activation of the Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. ConclusionThese findings suggest that the SSLE formula prevents muscle atrophy through inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system as well as upregulation of myoblast differentiation and muscle protein synthesis in C2C12 cells. Taken together, we conclude that the SSLE formula is invaluable for the development of therapeutic medicines to prevent disuse muscle atrophy and its accompanying muscle weakness.