Magnolia Kobus DC Research Articles

Magnolia kobus DC leaf ethanol extract alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung inflammation by suppressing NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling

Introduction: Magnolia kobus DC has been used as herbal medicine to treat coughs and is known to exert biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. We aimed to define the pharmacological effects of M. kobus leaf ethanol extract (MLEE) on acute lung inflammation and explore the underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: For in vitro investigations, RAW 264.7 cells were pretreated with MLEE (1, 10, and 100 μg/mL) and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). For in vivo investigations, BALB/c mice were intratracheally administered with LPS for 24 hours after injection of MLEE (0.3, 3, and 30 mg/kg). Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for histopathology analysis of lung tissue. The phytochemical constituents of MLEE were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: In RAW 264.7 cells, MLEE reduced the activation of the inflammatory mediators (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The intraperitoneal injection of MLEE (30 mg/kg) attenuated interstitial edema and immune cell infiltration in LPS-induced acute lung inflammation. MLEE also inhibited the activation of cyclooxygenase-2, NF-κB, and Nrf2 in the lung tissue. Conclusion: Taken together, MLEE exerted an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting inflammatory and oxidative mediators on acute lung inflammation suggesting that it might be used as a natural drug for treating acute lung inflammatory diseases.

A new species of Pseudasphondylia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) associated with Magnolia kobus DC. var. borealis Sarg. (Magnoliaceae) in Japan.

BackgroundA gall midge species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inducing leaf bud galls on Magnolia kobus DC. var. borealis Sarg. (Magnoliaceae) was found in Hokkaido and northern Honshu, Japan.New informationBased on its morphology, the species is regarded as an undescribed species of the genus Pseudasphondylia Monzen (Cecidomyiinae, Cecidomyiidi, Asphondyliini). The species is herein described as Pseudasphondylia saohimea Matsuda, Elsayed and Tokuda sp. n. The new species is easily distinguishable from its congeners by the number of adult palpal segments and the shape of the male terminalia and larval spatula.

Nematicidal activity of aqueous tinctures of medicinal plants against larvae of the nematodes Strongyloides papillosus and Haemonchus contortus

The study focuses on in vitro effect of aqueous tinctures of 48 species of herbaceous, shrub and tree plants on the first-third stage larvae of Strongyloides papillosus (Wedl, 1856) and third-stage larvae of Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi, 1803) Cobb, 1898. The highest level of the effect was exerted by 3% aqueous tinctures of Wisteria sinensis (Sims) DC., Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Laburnum anagyroides Medik., Quercus petraea subsp. iberica (Steven ex M. Bieb.) Krassiln., Ginkgo biloba L., Colchicum autumnale L., Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom., Celastrus scandens L., Securigera varia (L.) Lassen, Magnolia kobus DC. Over 90% of the first and second non-invasive stage larvae of S. papillosus died at contact with these tinctures. The lowest parameters of LD50 were seen for L. anagyroides, Juniperus sabina L., C. scandens, M. kobus, A. manshuriensis, Wisteria sinensis (Sims) DC. and Securigera varia (L.) Lassen. Invasive larvae of S. papillosus and H. contortus were resistant to the effect of all the 48 surveyed species of plants. Third-stage larvae of H. contortus remained vital when exposed for 24 h to all the studied concentrations up to 3% aqueous tincture of plants. The results of the experiments and also the analysis of the literature indicate the necessity to continue the survey on nematocidial activity of aqueous tinctures and alcveshol extracts of plants.

ВПЛИВ КОРОТКОТРИВАЛОЇ ГІПЕРТЕРМІЇ НА РЕЛІКТОВІ РОСЛИНИ GINKGO L. ТА MAGNOLIA L.

In connection with global climatic changes, which are accompanied by sharp temperature fluctuations, it is important to study the heat resistance of relict plants in order to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of adaptation and survival of organisms in these conditions. Identification of rare and useful plant species more resistant to high temperatures will make it possible to recommend them for use in landscaping, agriculture, medicine, and the like. The work was carried out on magnolias and ginkgo, since these plants are not only important for landscape design all over the world, but are also valued for the content of biologically active substances that are used in medicine and agriculture. Plants of Ginkgo biloba L., Magnolia obovata Thunb., Magnolia kobus DC. and Magnolia denudata Desr. warmed up for three hours at + 40 ° C, the control group was at + 26 ° C. The stress response was analyzed for the level of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity, as well as the content of flavonoids and photosynthetic pigments in the studied plants. The photosynthesizing system of all studied species did not undergo any damaging effects due to the action of hyperthermia. Ginkgo biloba plants have shown very high resistance to high temperatures and stability of the antioxidant and pigment systems. Representatives of all the species of magnolia that we have considered can be positioned in the direction of decreasing resistance to sudden increases in temperature: Magnolia kobus → Magnolia obovata → Magnolia denudata. A higher resistance to hyperthermia was found in plants native to Japan. M. denudata was the least resistant species, possibly due to insufficient activity of antioxidant enzymes.

New Reports of Nonnative Plants in Pennsylvania

ABSTRACT Range extensions to Butler County (Albizia julibrissin Durazz., Maclura pomifera (Raf.) C.K. Schneid., and Magnolia kobus DC.), Mercer County (Bellis perennis L.), Venango County (Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don), and both Allegheny and Lawrence Counties (Arundinaria gigantea (Walter) Muhl.) are reported. All species are nonnative to Pennsylvania, and L. cuneata and A. julibrissin are considered invasive species in the commonwealth. The occurrence of M. kobus from a wet lowland forest in Butler County represents the first naturalized report of the species from the western half of the commonwealth. The reports of A. gigantea from Allegheny and Lawrence Counties are notable because they represent the second known occurrences of naturalized populations in Pennsylvania.

Comparison of essential oil compositions of fresh and dried fruits of Magnolia kobus DC.

Article history: The aim of this work was to determine the volatile constituents of fresh and dried (shade dried) fruits of Magnolia kobus DC. using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Essential oils from fresh and dried fruits of M. kobus were obtained by steam distillation and the yields were 0.81 and 1.73% (v/w), respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed the identification of seventeen components from both the fresh and dried fruits of M. kobus, which were mostly monoterpene hydrocarbons (62.8-71.8%). A comparison of oils from fresh and dried fruits exhibited the changes in the amounts of several constituents. Major components of the essential oil were α- pinene (26.7-31.6%), β-pinene (20.2-27.9%) and limonene (8.6-10.0%). In the dried sample, concentration of α- pinene, β-pinene, caryophyllene, camphene, and α-humulene contents were decreased. On the other hand, limonene, α-terpineol, bornyl acetate and terpinen-4-ol contents were increased in the dried sample. The present investigation clearly suggested that the drying treatment decreased the concentration of major components in the essential oil of M. kobus fruit.

Fragrant Chemicals in the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extract of Magnolia kobus DC. Flower Buds Increase the Concentration State of Brain Function

In traditional Korean medicine, flower buds of Magnolia kobus DC. plant is widely used for the treatments of various disorders. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of supercritical carbon dioxide extract (SFE) of M. kobus flower buds on electroencephalographic (EEG) changes of human brain. The extract from the flower buds of M. kobus was obtained by SFE and the yield was 0.27% at 40°C and 400 bar pressure. Subsequently, GC-MS analysis revealed that the major components of the SFE were caryophyllene (19.93%) and α-terpineol (12.49%). A large proportion of the oil was composed in the groups of hydrocarbons (55.09%) and alcohols (31.21%). In addition, fragrance evaluation of extract of M. kobus flower buds showed the characteristics of balsamic, floral, herbal, medicinal, minty, oily and spicy. In EEG study, the data were observed before and during the inhalation of M. kobus fragrance. During the inhalation of M. kobus fragrance, the EEG power spectrum values of absolute theta and alpha decreased in all the frontal, temporal and parietal regions. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) of absolute alpha wave was observed at left parietal (P3) region. The results reveal that the changes in EEG values to awaken and increase the concentration states of brain. The present investigation clearly suggested that the fragrance of M. kobus flower buds could be attributed to the enhancement of psychophysiological activities of human.

Evaluation of ginkgo as a biomonitor of airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The utility of ginkgo leaves as biomonitors of airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was evaluated. We investigated PAH concentrations among tree species, the effect of variations in leaf position in a tree, tissue distributions, correlations between ginkgo leaves and air, and seasonal variations. Among the five species examined (Ginkgo biloba L., Zelkova serrata Makino, Liriodendron tulipifera L., Prunus yedoensis Matsum, and Magnolia kobus DC.), ginkgo accumulated the greatest amount of PAHs from roadside air. Most PAHs (∼80%) were accumulated in the wax fraction, and most of the remainder (17%) penetrated the inner tissues of the leaves. PAH concentrations in ginkgo leaves decreased with increasing height and distance from the road, reflecting the derivation of PAHs from vehicle emissions. Seasonal time-series sampling showed that PAH concentrations in ginkgo leaves increased with time, attributable to the effects of temperature and accumulation through long-term exposure. Concentrations in ginkgo leaves collected from various roads showed a strong and significant correlation with those in air collected by a high-volume air sampler (r2=0.68, P<0.01). Ginkgo leaf data clearly showed a dramatic decrease in the ratio of low-molecular-weight (LMW) PAHs to high-molecular-weight PAHs from 2001 or 2002 to 2006, indicating that on-road diesel emission regulations effectively reduced LMW PAH concentrations in air.

Studies of the chemical constituents of the flower buds of Magnolia kobus and M. salicifolia

The constituents of the flower buds of Magnolia kobus DC. and M. salicifolia MAXIM. have been investigated. We isolated and identified six bis-tetrahydrofuran-type and three tetrahydrofuran-type lignan derivatives from M. kobus, and one bis-tetrahydrofuran-type lignan and eight phenylpropanoid-type derivatives from M. salicifolia. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence.

Effects of (+)-eudesmin from the stem bark ofMagnolia kobus DC. var.borealis Sarg. on neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells

(+)-Eudesmin [4,8-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane] was isolated from the stem bark of Magnolia kobus DC. var. borealis Sarg. and found to have neuritogenic activity. 50 microM (+)-eudesmin induced neurite outgrowth and enhanced nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells. At this concentration, (+)-eudesmin also enhanced NGF-induced neurite-bearing activity and this activity was partially blocked by various protein kinase inhibitors. These included PD98059, a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor. GF109203X, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor and H89, a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. These results suggest that (+)-eudesmin can induce neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells by stimulating up-stream MAPK, PKC and PKA pathways.

Multiform biosynthetic pathway of syringyl lignin in angiosperms.

To clarify the pathway for biosynthesis of sinapyl alcohol in angiosperms, tracer experiments using stable isotopes were performed on robinia ( Robinia pseudoacacia L.), oleander ( Nerium indicum Mill.), magnolia ( Magnolia kobus DC.) and Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Precursors used in the experiment were (13)C- and (2)H ( D)-labeled [8-(13)C, 3-OCD(3)]ferulic acid and [8-(13)C, 3,5-OCD(3)]sinapic acid. The incorporation of labeled precursor into lignin was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the products of derivatization followed by reductive cleavage. Crude extracts of differentiating xylem or stems from these plants were also assayed for 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL; EC 6.2.1.12) activity using sinapic acid and ferulic acid as substrates. In robinia and oleander, 4CL activity toward sinapic acid was detected, and labeled sinapic acids were incorporated into syringyl lignin. These results indicate that robinia and oleander have a pathway that produces sinapyl alcohol from sinapic acid via sinapoyl-CoA. By contrast, in magnolia and Arabidopsis, 4CL activity toward sinapic acid could not be detected, and labeled sinapic acid was not incorporated into lignin. These results suggest that syringyl lignin biosynthesis in angiosperms operates via multiple pathways that depend on the species.

Determination of the distribution and reaction of polysaccharides in wood cell walls by the isotope tracer technique VIII: Selective radiolabeling of xylan in mature cell walls of magnolia (Magnolia kobus DC.) and visualization of its distribution by microautoradiography

To radiolabel xylan in mature cell walls selectively, magnolia (Magnolia kobus DC.) was administered withmyo-inositol-[2-3H] and allowed to metabolize for 1 month. The radiolabeled xylem tissue was then submitted to sulfuric acid hydrolysis and nitrobenzene oxidation. A large amount of radioactivity was found mainly in xylose, although slight activities were detected in glucose and in vanillin and syringaldehyde. The labeled tissue was submitted to a preparation of holocellulose followed by treatment with 24% potassium hydroxide (KOH). Radioactivity was distributed mainly in the KOH-soluble part of the holocellulose. These results indicate that most radioactivity was incorporated into xylan in the cell walls. The distribution of the incorporated radioactivity in the xylem tissue was visualized by microautoradiography. Radioactivities were distributed in the xylem more than 400 μm from the cambium; and an inner layer of a secondary wall had formed at the labeled xylem. Consequently, selective radio-labeling of xylan was visualized in mature cell walls.

Evidence for a novel biosynthetic pathway that regulates the ratio of syringyl to guaiacyl residues in lignin in the differentiating xylem of Magnolia kobus DC

The biosynthetic pathways to monolignols in Magnolia kobus were investigated by feeding stems with a deuterium-labeled precursor. Pentadeutero [γ,γ-2H2, OC2H3] coniferyl alcohol was supplied to shoots of Magnolia kobus and the incorporation of the labeled precursor into lignin was traced by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition to the direct incorporation of the labeled precursor into guaiacyl units, we detected a significant amount of pentadeuterium-labeled syringyl units with two γ-deuterium atoms. The relative level of trideuterium-labeled syringyl monomers (the result of conversion via the cinnamic acid pathway, in which two γ-deuterium atoms are removed during enzymatic re-oxidation) was negligible. Our results provide conclusive evidence for a novel alternative pathway for generation of lignin subunits at the monolignol stage and they suggest that this new pathway might be important for regulation of the composition of lignin.

Determination of the distribution and reaction of polysaccharides in wood cell walls by the isotope tracer technique VII: Double radiolabeling of xylan and pectin in magnolia (Magnolia kobus DC) and comparison of their behaviors during kraft pulping by radiotracer technique

myo-Inositol-[2-3H] and d-glucuronic acid-[6-14C] were administered simultaneously to a growing stem of magnolia (Magnolia kobus DC) to label xylan and pectin, respectively, in the cell wall. Determination of the radioactivity of nitrobenzene oxidation products and sulfuric acid hydrolysates of the newly formed xylem indicated that xylan and pectin were labeled with 3H and 14C, respectively. The doubly labeled wood tissue was treated to kraft pulping, and the radioactivity of the pulping black liquor and treated wood tissue were determined at various stages of the pulping to compare the dissolving behavior between pectin and xylan during the pulping. The results showed that pectin was not dissolved as easily as xylan and was not redeposited on pulp fiber at the late stage of the pulping.

Auxin promotes dormancy callose removal from the phloem ofMagnolia kobus and callose accumulation and earlywood vessel differentiation inQuercus robur.

During winter, the phloem of the diffuse-porous tree magnolia (Magnolia kobus DC.) is dormant and is characterized by heavy deposits of dormancy callose. Application of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) to either the top or the lower ends of excised dormant branches before bud break resulted in the removal of the dormancy callose from the sieve tubes. In both intact and auxintreated branches, callose degradation occurred first in the recently formed sieve tubes. There was no new vessel differentiation in magnolia before bud break. In contrast, the sieve tubes of the ring-porous oak (Quercus robur L.), which possess massive dormancy callose deposits during winter, were almost callose-free just before bud break. Application of auxin to the top of excised branches before bud break resulted in callose accumulation on the most recently formed sieve tubes. The first earlywood vessels were evident in oak before bud break, and their numbers were increased by auxin application. The early development of phloem and xylem (before bud break) in ring-porous species is an ecological adaptation which prepares the vascular system of these trees to function immediately at the beginning of their growing season which is relatively short.

Isolation and structure elucidation of growth inhibitors on silkworm larvae from Magnolia kobus DC.

Two lignans were isolated from leaves of Magnolia kobus DC. as growth inhibitors on silkworm larvae and structurally elucidated as sesamin (I) and kobusin (II) which has been hitherto unknown.

Comparative biochemical and chemo-taxonomical studies of the essential oils of Magnolia salicifolia Maxim. III.

Essential oils of the methylchavicol type Magnolia salicifolia MAXIM. were examined. The yields of oils were 0.78-1.06% of fresh shoots, 1.42% of fresh leaves, 0.51% of branchlets, 3.80% of fresh flower buds, and 0.92% of fresh flowers. The shoot oil contained 69.1-84.1% of methylchavicol and the leaf oil contained as high as 91.4% of methylchavicol, but the oil from branchlets contained 23.8% of 1, 8-cineole, 19.7% of citral-b, and 30.2% of citral-a, and the oils from buds and flowers also contained 22.6-24.2% of citral-b and 38.1-43.3% of citral-a, as in the case of the anethole type, and the methylchavicol, safrole, and methylengenol type M. salicifolia. The oil of Magnolia kobus DC. examined by Asahina, et al. was not the oil of a true Magnolia kobus but was an oil of this methylchavicol type Magnolia salicifolia.

Miscellaneous contributions to the essential oils of the plants from various territories. XXXV. Components of the essential oils of Magnolia Kobus DC. (1) (author's transl)

Examinations on the essential oils of Magnolia Kobus DC. were begun in order to compare with that of M. salicifolia MAXIM. from the viewpoint of chemical systematics. Examinations were made on the constituents of the essential oils of the plants cultivated in the garden of Ikeda from the seeds obtained from the Takarazuka Botanical Garden. The yield of the shoot oil was 0.08-0.14% for the fresh materials. The characteristics of this oil are abundant presence of d-limonene, p-cymene, l-camphor, and d-nerolidol. The absence of phenol ethers was also noted.

Miscellaneous contributions to the essential oils of the plants from various territories. XXXVII. On the components of the essential oils of Magnolia Kobus DC. var. borealis Sarg. (1) (author's transl)

The essential oil of Magnolia Kobus DC. var. borealis SARG. from Sapporo, Hokkaido, was examined. The yield of shoot oil was about 0.2% and that of branchets was 0.03%. The characteristic constituents of these oils are limonene, 1, 8-cineole, p-cymene, l-camphor, and α-terpineol.

Miscellaneous contributions to the essential oils of the plants from various territories. XXXVI. Components of the essential oils of Magnolia Kobus DC. 2 (author's transl)

Miscellaneous contributions to the essential oils of the plants from various territories. XXXVI. Components of the essential oils of Magnolia Kobus DC. 2 (author's transl)