Paeonia Anomala Research Articles

Fruit and seed plumpness, germination and viability of rare plants in Yakutia

Background. With the increasing anthropogenic impact on nature, conservation and renewal of rare and endangered plants in natural cenoses is an urgent problem. Quality assessment, identification of full-fledged plump seeds, and determination of their viability is the way to develop reproduction technologies and provide a possibility of repatriating these species to their natural habitats. Collecting and studying natural flora species in botanical gardens helps to save biological resources of useful species and recommend them for urban landscaping.Materials and methods. X-ray techniques were used to analyze seed quality and viability of rare species in the flora of Yakutia: Adonis sibirica Patrin, Phlojodicarpus sibiricus (Steph. ex Spreng.) Koso-Pol., Iris laevigata Fisch. et C.A. Mey., Iris sanguinea Donn, and Paeonia anomala L. Methods developed for the application of microfocus radiography to fruits and seeds were used in the X-ray analysis.Results. Seed quality was assessed according to guidelines. It was shown that fruits and seeds of the studied species developed under the conditions of Yakutia were full-fledged (plump), but due to the presence of a morphophysiological type of dormancy in them, they could germinate only after a cold or multistage stratification.Conclusion. Assessment of reproductive diaspore quality and viability in rare and endangered plant species of Yakutia will make it possible to develop technologies for increasing their seed germination rates and restoring the natural populations of these species.

DISTRIBUTION AND BIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF PAEONIA ANOMALA (PAEONIACEAE) ONTOGENESIS IN KAZAKHSTAN

The article presents data on the distribution and biological features of the ontogenetic states of Paeonia anomala L. on the territory of Kazakhstan. The distribution of the species was established according to field research, observations, literature and materials of herbarium collections: MW, NUR and AA. The age of the plants was determined by the annual layers on the rhizomes of P. anomala. According to the data obtained, the main distribution area of P. anomala in Kazakhstan is located within the East Kazakhstan region, in the Katon-Karagai, Kurchum, Shemonaikha, Ulan and Zyryanovsky administrative districts. It is much less common in the Zhambyl and Almaty regions, the south-western border of the general distribution area of the species passes in these regions. Our studies have not confirmed the growth of P. anomala on the territory of the Kokchetav upland of the Kazakh small-grassland. The results of the research made it possible to establish in the ontogenesis of P. anomala L. 9 age-related conditions: latent state, seedlings, juvenile, immature, virginal, young generative, mature generative, old generative and senile. Life span of P. anomala in East Kazakhstan is 55-70 years old, sometimes more. In populations confined to the Subalpine belt and sparse forest cenoses, age spectra with an absolute maximum of the age cycle are characteristic.

Elucidating the Use of the Plant Paeonia Anomala from the Ancient Medical Books Kept in Mongolia

Elucidating the Use of the Plant Paeonia Anomala from the Ancient Medical Books Kept in Mongolia

Anomalous peony (<i>Paeonia anomala</i> L.) In the Urals and contiguous landsAnomalous peony (<i>Paeonia anomala</i> L.) In the Urals and contiguous lands

Modern varieties of flowering ornamental plants have high economic and social significance. Prominent representatives of active long-term plant breeding are various varieties of peonies, which are actively used in landscaping botanical gardens, urban landscapes and smallholdings. With the development of molecular genetics, the selection of ornamental varieties of flowering plants has received a new impetus in its development. Researchers have identified markers that determine important decorative and economic qualities, such as flower shape, leaf color, corolla color, variety of double flower, aroma, which allows to intensify plant breeding, and also, which is quite important, to certify new varieties. In this article, we have given an overview of the results of longterm studies of representatives of the genus Paeonia in the Urals and contiguous lands, since the mid-twentieth century to the present, both domestic and foreign scientific schools. The article presents data on the locations of the anomalous peony along the Ural mountain range, the morphology and ecology of the growth of representatives of this species, medicinal properties, the results of molecular genetic typing of various marker systems. The points requiring more detailed study are indicated: there is no complete up-to-date information on the distribution of the anomalous peony in the Urals, there is no up-to-date data on the population size, there is no information about the molecular genetic structure of the species as a whole. The anomalous peony is a red book species that has a high level of decorativeness, as well as resistance to diseases that can be used not only in pharmacology, but also in modern plant selection. It is known that the number of populations of anomalous peony is low, in places of meetings it is noted singly, less often in small groups, which is connected with the active use of this species in folk medicine. Vegetative and root systems contain a large number of biologically active components with different properties. To develop measures for the protection and rational use of representatives of Paeonia anomala growing in the Urals, it is necessary to study the species more closely in order to preserve it in nature and further use in breeding and hybridization as a source of genes that will help significantly improve the plant breeding potential of modern varieties.

Soft dosage forms in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity

Despite the wide range of drugs for topical use and methods of their application, the search for optimal therapy for inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa and periodontal diseases continues at the present time. Numerous attempts are being made to find pharmacologically active agents capable of influencing various components of the healing process. In domestic medicine, the use of soft dosage forms with anti-inflammatory action and high penetrating activity in relation to medicinal substances is of great interest. Soft dosage forms, such as ointments, gels, and pastes, are optimal for combining components that are different in chemical nature, aggregate states, purposes, and biological activity. The drug Tizol, which appeared on the pharmaceutical market in the early 90s of the last century, currently remains in demand in medicine and pharmacy. As a metal сomplex compound, it has antiinflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Titanium glycerosolvate aquacomplex significantly reduces the degree of swelling and exhibits pronounced antiinflammatory activity. It has been established that Tizol forms stable gels with medicinal substances that are included in it. This property helps to increase the bioavailability of medicinal substances due to transcutaneous action. In modern dentistry, treatment methods that have a pronounced therapeutic effect with a minimum of side effects are of great interest. One of these methods is phytotherapy. Herbal medicines have a mild therapeutic effect and low toxicity, and can be used for a long time. Promising raw materials for the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity are herbs, rhizomes, and roots of the anomalous peony (Paeonia anomala). Medicines based on this plant have a variety of pharmacological effects. Thus, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antioxidant activity was established. A promising direction in pharmacy is the development of a dental gel based on a combination of medicinal plant raw materials and a component that promotes the penetration of active substances into tissues.

Current State of Natural Populations of Paeonia anomala (Paeoniaceae) in East Kazakhstan

Paeonia anomala L. is a valuable and sought-after medicinal plant for treating therapeutic pathologies. The natural habitat of P. anomala in the Republic of Kazakhstan is located in the mountainous areas of the East Kazakhstan region. P. anomala is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan as a rare species with limited distribution. In this regard, we studied a strategy for preserving the biological diversity of P. anomala wild population. In particular, the ecological, phytocenotic, and floristic characteristics of five P. anomala populations in East Kazakhstan were explored. The anatomical, morphological, and genetic variability of the species in various habitats was evaluated. Overall, the condition of the P. anomala population in the study region can be considered satisfactory. The floristic composition of P. anomala plant communities recorded 130 species belonging to 35 families and 101 genera. The northern slopes of mountains and shrub-grass communities with leached chernozem with high contents of N-NO3 and P2O5 appeared to be optimal for P. anomala growth. Asteraceae (13%), Rosaceae (13%), Poaceae (10%), and Ranunculaceae (9%) are the major families of P. anomala flora and plant communities. The Eurasian (54%), Asian (24%), and Holarctic (15%) groups were recognized as dominant in the chronological spectrum. Amplification with iPBS primers resulted in the generation of 505 fragments, 257 of which were polymorphic. Our research results indicate that the genetic differentiation of the Kazakhstan populations is not quite as high and may indicate their long-term existence within one large population. A separate branch is formed by the P5 population, which is located separately from other populations, confirming its genetic isolation. The analysis of genetic diversity iPBS markers suggests the existence of a large, unified P. anomala population in Kazakhstan Altai.

Paeonia anomala (Paeoniaceae) component composition and antioxidant, antiradical and cytotoxic activity

Paeonia anomala L. is a valuable medicinal plant in the world. The aim of this study was the study of composition of the plant P. anomalaand its antioxidant, antiradical and cytotoxic activities. The underground part of P.anomalawas extracted with ethanol and the composition was determined using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (Agilent 7890A/5975C). Methyl salicylate (32.07%), sucrose (11.23%), benzoic acid (9.12%), cyclopropyl carbine (7.7 %), 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (4.77%), ben-zoic acid, 2,4-dihydroxy-3,5,6-trimethyl-, methyl ester (4.48%), are the main components. The ethyl acetate extract of the underground part (root) of P. anomalaat concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml has a low content, and at concentrations of 0.75 and 1 mg/ml, an average antioxidant activity compared to the antioxidant activity ofascorbic and gallic acids. The ethanol extract of the underground part of P. anomalaat concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml has an average, and at concentrations of 0.75 and 1 mg/ml the highest antioxidant activity compared to the antioxidant activity comparators. Also, the ethanol extract of the underground part P.anomalahas the highest antiradical activity in all concentrations compared to the antiradical activity of gallic acid. Ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the underground part of P. anomalain all concentrations do not show cytotoxicity.

Морфология семян редких и эндемичных растений Казахстана

The article presents the results of the study of morphometric parameters and weight indicators of seeds of 18 species of rare and endemic plants listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan: Adonis vernalis, A. volgensis, Astragalus glycyphyllos, Crataegus ambigua, Drosera rotundifolia, Fraxinus sogdiana, Lilium martagon, Malacocarpus crithmifolius, Incarvillea semiretschenskia, Paeonia anomala, P. intermedia, Rhodiola rosea, Leuzea carthamoides, Tulipa kolpakowskiana, T. patens, T. suaveolens, T. urumiensis, including 6 subendemic species (Crataegus ambigua, Fraxinus sogdiana, Malacocarpus crithmifolius, Tulipa kolpakowskiana, T. suaveolens, T. urumiensis) and one narrow-localised endemic (Incarvillea semiretschenskia). The characteristics of the shape, texture of the seed peel and the color of the seeds of the studied samples are similar to those studied earlier. Significant differences were found in the size and weight of 1000 seeds from previously published data, which, in our opinion, reflect the variability of traits that should be considered when identifying species.

Paeonia anomala

This datasheet on Paeonia anomala covers Identity.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ НАУЧНЫХ ЭКСПОЗИЦИЙ БОТАНИЧЕСКГО САДА Г. АСТАНЫ

The Botanical Garden of Astana Sity (Kazakhstan) officially opened in 2018 with the participation of the first President, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the capital of Kazakhstan. The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated July 07, 2006 No. 175-Sh "On specially protected natural territories" and the "List of specially protected natural territories of republican significance", approved by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated July 19, 2005 No. 776, the botanical garden of Astana Sity established the status of a specially protected natural territory of Republican significance. The main value of the botanical garden is its exposition areas. Geographical expositions are represented by zones with tree and shrub plantations: - "Northeast Kazakhstan", "Europe and conifers", "collection of decorative forms and varieties", "Steppe of Western Kazakhstan" and "North America", "Siberia and the Far East", "East Asia". In total, more than 13,000 tree and shrub species and more than 300 species have been planted in collection scientific sites for this period. On the territory of the garden there is a modern greenhouse complex, according to the type of climatron, with an area of 1560.4 m2, in which more than 247 plant species grow. Seven exposition sites have been created in the open-ground laboratory: The exposition of bulbous plants, Tulipa L., Narcissus L. and small-leaved plants of the genus Fritillaria L., Hyacinthus L., Crocus L., Scilla L., Muscari Mill., Galanthus L., etc., more than 80 varieties; the exposition of Hemerocallis L. has 52 varieties; the exposition of Iris L. consists of 4 species and more than 35 varieties., (bearded and not bearded); exposition medicinal plants -73 species from 60 genera and 29 families. Large families in the collection fund are: Lamiaceae (14 species), Asteraceae (10 species), Rosaceae (8 species); the exposition of Allium L. consists of 14 species, all representatives of the Kazakh flora, 2 of which are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Allium altaicum Pall., Allium caerulem Pall.); the exposition of the garden of continuous flowering consists of perennial (Paeonia L - 6 species, 16 varieties; Hydrangea L., varieties Solidago virgaurea L., Gladiolus L., Sedum hybridum L.) and annual flower and ornamental plants, more than 25 species - Petunia Juss., Tagetes patula L., Malope rtifida, Ageratum L., Zinnia elegans, Eschscholzia californica, Amaranthus L., etc. The exposition of rare endangered and endemic plants includes 17 species, of which 1 is a shrub (Berberis iliensis Popov). Plants belong to various categories of rarity, from 1 to 4. Highly stable in the conditions of the collection species: Leuzea carthamoides (Willd.) DC Lag. (Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin), Tulipa kolpakowskiana Regel × T. ostrowskiana Regel, Tulipa tarda Stapf., Tulipa greigii Regel., Tulipa biflora Pall., Allium caerulem Pall., Anemonoides sylvestris (L.) Galasso, Banfi & Soldano (*Anemone sylvestris L.), Iljin., Allium altaicum Pall., Paeonia anomala L., Berberis integerrima Bunge (*Berberis iliensis Popov), Adonis vernalis L., Iris pumila cv. Cyanea', Iris pumila cv. Lutea., Cypripedium calceolus L., Niedzwedzkia semiretschenskia B. Fedtsch., Adonis wolgensis Steven ex DC, Adonis vernalis L. endemes of Phalacrachena calva (Ledeb. ex DC.), Iris sibirica L.., Hissopus macranthus Boriss., Ixiolirion tataricum (Pall.) Schult. & Schult.f. These species have a high percentage of seed formation, reproduce well vegetatively or by seeds, are resistant to pests and pathogens, which indicates their ecological plasticity and high introduction ability.

Эколого-фитоценотическая приуроченность и сезонный ритм развития Paeonia anomala L. в Восточном Казахстане

В статье приведено описание эколого-биологических особенностей, фитоценотической структуры и сезонного ритма развития популяций Paeonia anomala L. на территории Казахстанского Алтая в Восточно-Казахстанской области. По результатам исследований выявлены закономерности приуроченности вида к экологическим и геоморфологическим условиям среды обитания, выявлены лимитирующие факторы, обусловливающие редкость вида, и даны рекомендации по сохранению естественных популяций вида. Установлено, что P. anomala в исследуемом регионе растет по крутым лесным икустарниковым склонам северной экспозиции, зарастающим курумам, днищам межгорных логов, долинам рек в высотном диапазоне700–1850 м над ур. м. Наиболее оптимальные условия обитания для P. anomala— кедрово-лиственничные разреженные леса. Возрастной спектр популяций пиона уклоняющегося характеризуется абсолютным максимумом генеративных особей. Популяции в загущенных лесных и кустарниковых местах обитания на юго-западных микросклонах находятся в неблагоприятных для вида экологических условиях. Лимитирующими факторами, обусловливающими редкость вида, являются сбор букетов, заготовка лекарственного сырья, выпас скота и низкая конкурентная способность сеянцев на ранних этапах развития, а также массовое уничтожение семян грызунами. Для сохранения естественных популяций пиона уклоняющегося на Западном Алтае необходимы строгая охрана вида от обрывания на букеты, запрет на заготовки лекарственного сырья, а также разработка промышленных технологий выращивания вида в культуре.

Shenzhi Jiannao formula ameliorates vascular dementia in vivo and in vitro by inhibition glutamate neurotoxicity via promoting clathrin-mediated endocytosis

BackgroundSynaptic damage and glutamate excitotoxicity have been implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia (VD). Clathrin, RAB5B and N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor 1 (NMDAR1) proteins play a vital role in endocytosis of synaptic vesicles in neurons and glutamate over accumulation. Previous researches have been confirmed that Shenzhi Jiannao (SZJN) formula has an anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effect in VD, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of SZJN formula on cognitive impairment and glutamate excitotoxicity via clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) in vivo and in vitro.MethodsSZJN formula consists of Panax ginseng C.A.Mey., Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge, and Paeonia anomala subsp. veitchii (Lynch) D.Y.Hong & K.Y.Pan. All herbs were prepared into granules. Both common carotid arteries were permanent occluded (2‐vessel occlusion, 2VO) in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats to model VD. One day after operation, the rats began daily treatment with SZJN formula for 2 weeks. The neuroprotective effects of SZJN formula was subsequently assessed by the novel object recognition test, Morris water maze, hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining. Glutamate cytotoxicity was assessed by detecting cell viability and cell death of PC12 cells. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to detect the expression levels of clathrin, RAB5B, and NMDAR1.ResultsAdministration of SZJN formula effectively improved short-term memory and spatial memory. SZJN formula treatment significantly reduced hippocampal neuronal loss, and recovered the arrangement and morphology of neurons and Nissl bodies. Moreover, SZJN formula promoted the proliferation of PC12 cells and inhibited glutamate-induced cell death. The down-regulation of clathrin and RAB5B, as well as the upregulation of NMDAR1 in the brain induced by 2VO or glutamate was also notably reversed by SZJN formula at both the protein and mRNA levels, which may contribute to SZJN formula induced improved neurological function.ConclusionsTaken together, our findings provide evidence that the neuroprotective effects of SZJN formula in experimental VD maybe mediated through promoting the expression of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and reducing NMDARs‐associated glutamate excitotoxicity. SZJN formula serves as a promising alternative therapy and may be a useful herbal medicine for preventing progression of VD.Graphic abstract

The comparative morphometric analysis of seeds representatives of the genus Paeonia L. (Paeoniaceae Rudolphi) of the Kazakh Altai’s flora, introduced in the Altai Botanical Garden

The article provides data on the study of the external structure, morphometric and weight parameters of seeds of the complex of Paeonia anomala L., P. hybridа Pall., P. intermedia C.A. Mey., grown in the conditions of the mountain-taiga zone of the Kazakhstan Altai, and clarification of the possibility of using these characters to distinguish between species. The primary analysis of the seed material revealed differences in the length, width and thickness of the seed in the cultivated samples from different ecological and geographical conditions of the habitats. A comparative study of such morphometric and weight parameters as the external structure, length, width, and thickness of seeds of the samples of Paeonia anomala, P. hybrida, P. intermedia, introduced from different ecological and geographical habitats of Kazakhstan Altai, revealed a certain variation in the selected parameters in the species. When comparing the external morphological structure of P. intermedia and P. anomala, the differences were practically not established, due to the close relationship of the species. When comparing the average metric and weight parameters of seeds in the Paeonia anomala specimens taken from ridge Ivanovsky, did not reveal significant differences. This happened despite the interpopulation difference in quality of the planting material with respect to ecology and location above sea level. This indicates the evenness of the length, width, and thickness of the seed material of the cultivated Paeonia anomala specimens. In cultivate specimens of P. hybrida from Narym ridge and Azutau in the ratio of the length, width and thickness of the seed, as well as the weight of 1000 pieces, seed differences were observed. Despite the low level of variability of morphological parameters of seeds, it is premature to recommend them for differentiation of species due to the short duration of the study period.

The genetic diversity ofPaeonia anomala(Paeoniaceae), as indicated by nuclear ITS and plastid ycf1 molecular markers

Variability of nuclear ITS rDNA and plastid ycf1 gene was studied to elucidate genetic diversity ofPaeonia anomala(Paeoniaceae), which possesses the most extensive range among all species of the genus. Sixteen populations were sampled across the entire distribution range of the species. The principal coordinate analysis suggested the existence of three ycf1 haplotype groups distributed in distinct geographical locations. For ITS region, no variability throughout the range was found; only samples ofP. anomalafrom its north-western range margin (the Kola Peninsula) are characterized by unique nucleotide substitutions.

Biologically active and reserve substances of Siberian peonies

Levels of biologically active and reserve substances were investigated in the leaves and rhizomes of Paeonia anomala L., P. hybrida Pall., and P. lactiflora Pall. The peonies’ leaves are rich in ascorbic acid (1205.7 mg/100g in P. anomala) and tannins (15.9% in P. lactiflora and 15.7% in P. anomala) at the beginning of the growth season. Concentrations of flavonols, pectins, and carotenoids in the Siberian peonies are low at the beginning of the growth season. P. lactiflora is a promising species for further research on the set and levels of biologically active and reserve substances in rhizomes because this species stands out among the three Siberian species in terms of the levels of catechins (1297.8 mg/100g), protopectins (10.1%), saponins (19.2%), and sugars (22.1%) in rhizomes. In these parts of the plant, starch (18.6%) accumulates the most in P. hybrida among the studied peonies species. Concentrations of the analyzed substances in the rhizomes of the peonies change significantly by the end of the growth season and vary widely among these species. Levels of ascorbic acid (except for P. hybrida), protopectins, and starch increase significantly while concentrations of catechins and sugars decrease in the rhizomes by the end of the growth season.

Plant food in the diet of the Early Iron Age pastoralists of Altai: Evidence from dental calculus and a grinding stone

Archaeological studies have hypothesized that the diversification of production activities was an important adaptive strategy of seasonally mobile herders in the Eurasian steppe belt. The aim of this study, based on the extraction of starches and phytoliths from dental calculus and a grinding stone, was to determine the composition of plant food in the diet of ancient Altai pastoralists. Specimens of dental calculus (n = 43) and a fragment of muller, attributed to the Early Iron Age (5th c. BC – 5th c. AD) archaeological cultures of the Forest-Steppe Altai and Altai Mountains (Russia) were examined. For the analysis of extracted residuals, both optical and scanning electron microscopies were used. Seven plant species were identified in dental calculus, two of them were found on the grinding stone as well. The results of the study suggest that the Early Iron Age Altai pastoralists incorporated small-scale farming and foraging into their subsistence strategy. They consumed cultivated cereals, peas, and wild edible plants. The most important plant components of their diet were millet and underground storage organs (bulbs, roots) of wild edible plants, including kandyk (Erythronium sibiricum), lily (Lily martagon), and peony (Paeonia anomala). Young green herbs, such as nettle (Urtica dioica) and cow parsnip (Heracleum dissectum), were also consumed, though the range of green food in the analysed group can be underestimated. Millet was possibly a prestige food. The wild edible plants seem to have been gathered to diversify the pastoralist diet rather than as a “famine food”.

Anti-oxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Mongolian Medicinal Plant Extracts and Structure Isolation of Gnetin-H Compound.

Reactive oxygen species are involved in the etiology and progress of many kinds of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Epidemiological studies reported that fruits, vegetables, and wines containing a high percentage of phenolics and flavonoids showed a positive impact in treating inflammatory diseases, reducing cancer risk, and increasing life expectancy. Some Mongolian medicinal plants were studied for their antioxidant activity and anticancer effects. Selected Mongolian medicinal plant extracts were examined for their antioxidant activity by the DPPH-radical scavenging assay, the content of phenolics and flavonoids by Folin-Ciocalteu and the Dowd method, respectively, and anti-cancer activities in human hepatoma cell line HepG2 cells by MTT assay. Methanol extract from Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaf and ethanol extract from Artemisia macrocephala Jacq. ex Bess. showed the highest efficiency to scavenge free radicals. Ethanol extracts from Hippophae rhamnoides L. grain and Paeonio anomala L. leaf showed the highest total phenolics content, whereas Hippophae rhamnoides L. fruit methanol extract and ethanol extract from Caragana leucophloea pojark. mentioned the highest flavonoids content. The Artemisia macrocephala Jacq. ex Bess seed wallet and Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet showed the most potent antiproliferative effects against human liver cancer HepG2 cell line. Gnetin-H compound was isolated from the Paeonio anomala L. seed wallet extract, and its molecular structure was determined by 1H and 13C NMR spectrum and IR spectroscopy methods. The screening study on anti-oxidative effects of 21 extracts from 15 Mongolian medicinal plants showed anti-oxidative activities and was rich in phenolics and flavonoids. Among these, methanol extract of the Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaf showed a better anti-oxidative effect than the ethanol extract. Artemisia macrocephala Jacq. ex Bess and Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet mentioned the best anti-cancer effects. Gnetin-H, methyl gallate, ethylgallate were the major components in the extract from the Paeonio anomala L. seed wallet. Finally, the molecular structure of gnetin-H was determined by NMR and IR spectroscopy. Further investigation, especially in vivo antioxidant activity, is needed to justify the use of a natural source of antioxidants to prevent the progression of diseases such as cancer.

Floras of the Archatinskoe and Chernovinskoe Forestries of the Katon-Karagay State National Nature Park (the Republic of Kazakhstan)

Synopses of vascular plant species and subspecies, registered in two forestries of the Katon-Karagay State National Nature Park (the Republic of Kazakhstan) are presented. A total of 393 species/subspecies were registered in the Archatinskoe Forestry and 383 taxa were found in the Chernovinskoe Forestry. Nine taxa have been included in the List of Rare and Endangered Plant Species of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Huperzia selago (L.) Bernh. ex Schrank et Mart., Paeonia anomala L., P. hybrida Pall., Rheum altaicum Losinsk., Rhodiola rosea L., Fornicium carthamoides (Willd.) Kamelin (= Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin.), Lilium pilosiusculum (Freyn) Miscz. (= L. martagon L.), Erythronium sibiricum (Fisch. et C.A. Mey.) Krylov, and Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soó.

Shade effects on growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of three Paeonia species.

Insufficient light intensity inhibits the growth of cultivated herbaceous peony and decreases its economic value. Owing to the increased demand for shade-tolerant herbaceous peony, the selection of appropriate parents for hybridization is essential. Paeonia anomala, Paeonia intermedia and Paeonia veitchii can grow under shade conditions in their natural habitats; however, their photosynthetic capacities under shade have not been studied. In this study, we simulated low light intensity (30% sunlight) and evaluated the morphological, photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of these three species. Moreover, the shade tolerance of these species as well as two common cultivars (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Da Fugui’, which is suitable for solar greenhouse cultivation, and P. lactiflora ‘Qiao Ling’, which is not suitable for solar greenhouse cultivation) was evaluated. The results showed that under shade, the leaf area of P. anomala and P. intermedia increased, the single flowering period of P. intermedia and P. veitchii was prolonged, and the flower color of P. veitchii faded. With respect to P. anomala, P. intermedia and P. veitchii, shade eliminated the photosynthetic ‘lunch break’ phenomenon and decreased photoinhibition at midday. Furthermore, the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and maximum primary photochemical yield (Fv/Fo) of photosystem II (PSII) in the three species improved significantly, and their changes in light dissipation were different. The shade tolerance of the tested accessions was in the order P. veitchii > P. intermedia > P. anomala > ‘Da Fugui’ > ‘Qiao Ling’, showing that the three wild species were better adapted to low light intensity than the cultivars. Thus, P. anomala, P. intermedia and P. veitchii could potentially be used in the development of shade-tolerant herbaceous peony cultivars.

Rare plants of the mountains of southern Siberia in the collection Polar Alpine Botanical Garden

In the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden (67o38′N and 33o37′E) plants of the mountains of Southern Siberiahave been tested since 1934 (Altai) and 1936 (Sayan Mountains). Plants obtained from field trips to that areas. Theanalysis of the existing diversity of rare and endangered plants from the mountains of Southern Siberia in the open groundcollection of the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden is carried out. Currently, the collection of rare plants of the mountains ofSouthern Siberia totals 18 species belonging to 14 genera of 12 families. Four species are included in the Red Book of theRussian Federation: Allium altaicum, Erythronium sibiricum, Fritillaria dagana, Rheum compactum. Three plants in needof protection are included in the Red List of Threatened Taxa of the International Union for Conservation of Nature: –Species in close to threatened status (conservation status NT): Allium altaicum; – Least Concerned Species (conservationstatus LC): Allium ledebourianum, Paeonia anomala. All studied species in the conditions of the Arctic annually bloomand are able to produce viable seeds. The group of plants reaching the fruiting phase is very heterogeneous:– bear fruitannually: Allium altaicum, Sedum roseum, Erythronium sibiricum, Callianthemum sajanense; – bear fruit almost annually:Allium ledebourianum, Stemmacantha carthamoides, Iris bloudowii, Iris sibirica, Paeonia anomala, Primula elatior ssp.pallasii, Primula veris ssp. macrocalyx; – bear fruit irregularly: Iris humilis, Rheum altaicum, Adonis apennina; – rarelybear fruit: Brunnera sibirica, Gentiana dschungarica, Hemerocallis lilio-asphodelus, Fritillaria dagana.