Styrax Japonica Research Articles

New monoterpenes and benzylbutanoic acid from snowbell (Styrax japonica) honey and their quantitative analysis by LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS

• Twelve compounds were isolated from the snowbell ( Styrax japonica ) honey (SH) • Among them, three compounds were new compounds. • Two known compounds were identified for the first time in SH and other honeys. • The content of 3 compounds were lower in SH on storage for 5 years than in fresh SH. • The 3 compounds may be useful as markers for predicting the storage period of SH. Honey varies depending on plant origin and environmental conditions. Chemical constituents can be used to determine the origins, characteristics, and storage period of a specific honey. Styrax japonica (snowbell) honey has excellent flavor, but very few studies have been carried out on its chemical constituents. Therefore, the present study was aimed to identify chemical constituents containing in snowbell honey and to screen candidate marker compounds for predicting the storage period of snowbell honey using the identified compounds. Twelve compounds including three new compounds were purified and isolated from the snowbell honey. Three new compounds were elucidated as 1 α ,3 β ,5 β -bornetriol, 7-hydroxy-2,2,6-trimethyl-1-oxaspiro[2.5]oct-5-en-4-one, and 2-benzyl-2,3-dihydroxybutanoic acid, based on ESI-MS and NMR experiments. 6,7-Dihydroxylinalool and 6,7-dihydroxygeraniol isolated as known compounds in this study were identified for the first time in snowbell honey as well as in other honeys. The isolated compounds were qualified and quantified by LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. All compounds were detected in snowbell honeys of different production years. The levels of tyrosol, 7-hydroxy-2,2,6-trimethyl-1-oxaspiro[2.5]oct-5-en-4-one, and (–)-dihydroxyphaseic acid were lower in snowbell honey with long storage period than in short storage period, which is suggested to be used as candidate marker compounds for predicting the storage period of snowbell honey.

Floral scent compounds and emission patterns of three Styrax species

Styrax is a gorgeous species combined with high medicinal and ornamental values, however, information about its floral scents is limited. This study aimed to reveal the floral scent compounds and the dynamic changes in the flowering process of Styrax japonicus, S. grandiflora and S. calvescens. Static headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was adopted in the present study. The results showed that 24, 22 and 22 volatile compounds were present at three flowering stages, among which linalool, ocimene, α-pinene and germacrene D dominated in different species. Terpenes were the main floral scent compounds in all species, whereas there was considerable relative content of ketones in S. japonicus. Among the major terpenes, α-pinene, ocimene and myrcene were the common volatiles in these species, while β-elemene and allo-ocimene were the specific volatiles in S. japonicus and S. calvescens, respectively. The highest content of terpenes occurred at initial flowering stage in three species. The differences in the type and content of principal compounds contributed to the fragrance diversity among these species. A solid foundation for understanding the complexity of volatile emission could be obtained from our findings, meanwhile, effective utilization of abundant terpenes in flowers of Styrax species should be applied.

Effects of PIN on Osteoblast Differentiation and Matrix Mineralization through Runt-Related Transcription Factor.

Styrax Japonica Sieb. et Zucc. has been used as traditional medicine in inflammatory diseases, and isolated compounds have shown pharmacological activities. Pinoresinol glucoside (PIN) belonging to lignins was isolated from the stem bark of S. Japonica. This study aimed to investigate the biological function and mechanisms of PIN on cell migration, osteoblast differentiation, and matrix mineralization. Herein, we investigated the effects of PIN in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, which are widely used for studying osteoblast behavior in in vitro cell systems. At concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 μM, PIN had no cell toxicity in pre-osteoblasts. Pre-osteoblasts induced osteoblast differentiation, and the treatment of PIN (10 and 30 μM) promoted the cell migration rate in a dose-dependent manner. At concentrations of 10 and 30 μM, PIN elevated early osteoblast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity. Subsequently, PIN also increased the formation of mineralized nodules in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by alizarin red S (ARS) staining, demonstrating positive effects of PIN on late osteoblast differentiation. In addition, PIN induced the mRNA level of BMP2, ALP, and osteocalcin (OCN). PIN also upregulated the protein level of BMP2 and increased canonical BMP2 signaling molecules, the phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8, and the protein level of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Furthermore, PIN activated non-canonical BMP2 signaling molecules, activated MAP kinases, and increased β-catenin signaling. The findings of this study indicate that PIN has biological roles in osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization, and suggest that PIN might have anabolic effects in bone diseases such as osteoporosis and periodontitis.

Decline and Passive Restoration of Forest Vegetation Around the Yeocheon Industrial Complex of Southern Korea

This study was carried out to clarify the vegetation decline due to air pollutants emitted in the process of industrial activities and the passive restoration of the vegetation due to socioeconomic changes after economic growth. To achieve this goal, we investigated the spatial distribution of vegetation, differences in species composition and diversity among vegetation types different in damage degree, vegetation dynamics, the age structure and annual ring growth of two dominant plant species, and the landscape change that occurred in this area over the last 50 years. Plant communities tended to be spatially distributed in the order of grassland, shrubland (dominated by Styrax japonicus Siebold and Zucc. community), and forests (dominated by Pinus thunbergii Parl. and Pinus densiflora Siebold and Zucc. communities), with increasing distance from the pollution source. The result of stand ordination based on vegetation data reflected the trend of such a spatial distribution. Species richness evaluated based on the species rank dominance curve was the highest in shrubland and the lowest in grassland; species richness in forests was intermediate. The size class distribution of woody plant species in four plant communities composing three vegetation types showed the possibility of them being replaced by forest in the late successional stage. However, the density of successor trees was relatively low, whereas the density of shrubby plants, which are resilient to air pollution, was very high. The age class distribution of a dominant species forming shrubland and pine forest showed that most of them were recruited after industrialization in this area. The period when young individuals in both vegetation types were recruited corresponded to the period when the annual ring growth of the pine trees that survived air pollution was reduced. An analysis of the landscape change in this area indicated that coniferous forest and agricultural field decreased greatly, whereas industrial area, residential area, mixed forest, and broadleaved forest showed increasing trends since construction of the industrial complex. As a result, the decrease in coniferous forest is usually due to vegetation decline and partially to succession, as the pine trees dominating the forest are not only sensitive to air pollution but are also shade-intolerant. The increase in mixed and broadleaved forests reflects vegetation decline or succession. Vegetation decline progressed for about 30 years after the construction of the industrial complex; it has begun to be restored passively since then, although the change has been slow. These results are in line with the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis that environmental degradation increases in the early stages of economic growth to a certain point, and, after a turning point, economic development leads to environmental improvements—thus, there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation.

Synergistic effects of CO2 on ex situ catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass over a Ni/SiO2 catalyst

This work laid emphasis on catalytic pyrolysis of Styrax japonicus to construct a biomass-to-energy conversion platform. CO2 was particularly chosen to enhance the catalytic pyrolysis of the biomass waste, in reference to N2-purged pyrolysis. The specific roles of CO2 on pyrolysis of S. japonicus in line with synergistic effect of Ni-based catalysts was investigated. It was shown that CO2 played as an oxidant for CO formation via homogeneous gas phase reaction of CO2 with volatile organic carbons (VOCs) liberated from the thermolysis of S. japonicus. Ni/SiO2 catalyst expedited dehydrogenation (DH) of the VOCs, resulting in significant H2 generation and alteration of aromaticity in VOCs. Each CO2 and Ni catalyst independently enhanced CO and H2 formation, respectively, and their synergistic effects were shown at ≥ 600 °C. Coke deposition on the Ni/SiO2 catalyst was confirmed after catalytic pyrolysis, while the suppression of coke formation on the catalyst surface was achieved under the CO2 environment.

The complete chloroplast genome of Styrax japonicus (Styracaceae), a deciduous tree distributed in East Asia

Styrax japonicus (Styraceae) is a deciduous tree that distributed in East Asia, and grown at altitudes between 300 and 1800 meter in China. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of S. japonicus is reported. The whole genome with size is 157,929 bp contains a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,054 bp, separated by a large single copy region (LSC) of 87,540 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 18,281 bp. The genome contains 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis supported that the S. japonicus closely clustered with S. grandifloras, S. confuses and S. calvescens.

Changes of Tree Species Composition and Distribution Patterns in Mts. Jiri and Baegun, Republic of Korea over 15 Years

Long-term changes in the abundance and distribution of tree species in the temperate forests of South Korea remain poorly understood. We investigated the changes in tree species composition in temperate mountainous forests using survey data from 130 permanent plots (0.1 ha) from the past 15 years (1998–2012) distributed across Mts. Jiri and Baegun, South Korea. The tree communities showed positive net changes in terms of stand density, richness, diversity, and evenness. At the species level, the change in relative species composition has been mainly driven by species such as Quercus mongolica, Carpinus laxiflora, Quercus serrata, Quercus variabilis, Styrax japonicus, Lindera erythrocarpa, and Pinus densiflora. These changes were categorized into five groups representing gradual increase or decrease, establishment, extinction, or fluctuation in species populations. At the community level, the changes in species composition showed consistent and directional increases in the annual rate of change for the mean species traits, including stand prevalence, pole growth rate, adult growth rate, and adult stature. Based on additive models, topographic variables (elevation, latitude, longitude, slope, topographic wetness index, and curvature) were more strongly associated with the distribution of species diversity than climate variables (annual mean minimum and maximum temperatures, temperature seasonality, annual rainfall, rainfall seasonality). Elevation was the most significant driver, followed by latitude and longitude. This study reveals the dynamics of change in tree species composition and distribution along topographical and climate gradients in South Korea and contributes to a broader understanding of temperate forest ecosystems for the purpose of better forest management.

Transcriptomic Identification of Floral Transition and Development-Associated Genes in Styrax japonicus

Styrax japonicus (S. japonicus) is an important flowering tree species in temperate regions, and it is regarded as a nectariferous plant. However, there have been few studies to date analyzing floral development in this species. In order to understand gene expression dynamics during S. japonicus flower development, we; therefore, prepared cDNA libraries from three distinct stages of S. japonicus. Illumina sequencing generated 31,471 differentially expressed unigenes during flower development. We additionally conducted pathway enrichment analyses using the GO and KEGG database in order to assess the functions of genes differentially expressed during different stages of the floral development process, revealing these genes to be associated with pathways including phytohormone signaling, Transcription factor, protein kinase, and circadian rhythms. In total, 4828 TF genes, 8402 protein kinase genes, and 78 DEGs related to hormone pathways were identified in flower development stages. Six genes were selected for confirmation of expression levels using quantitative real-time PCR. The gene expression data presented herein represent the most comprehensive dataset available regarding the flowering of S. japonicus, thus offering a reference for future studies of the flowering of this and other Styracaceae species.

The complete chloroplast genome of Styrax japonicus

Styrax japonicus is a shrub with high economic values. Here, complete chloroplast (cp) genomes were reported using high-throughput Illumina sequencing. The size of the S. japonicus chloroplast genome is 157,940 bp long, with an average AT content of 63.05%, containing a pair of inverted repeats of 24,047 bp, separated by a large single copy and a small single copy region of 87,562 bp and 22,284 bp, respectively. It contains 125 genes, including79 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree supported the fact that the chloroplast genome of S. japonicus is closely related to that of Symplocos paniculate.

Notes on several Asian species of Styrax series Cyrta (Styracaceae)

Geographic range extensions are documented for the Asian species Styrax japonicus and S. odoratissimus of S. series Cyrta. Implications of the range extension in S. japonicus for the taxonomic distinctness and phylogenetic relationships of S. formosanus are discussed.

Freeze stress of deciduous trees induces attacks by opportunistic ambrosia beetles

Abstract A broad host range and the utilization of living but weakened trees contribute, in part, to the invasion success of ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae). The present study assessed the capability of freeze stress to induce attacks by ambrosia beetles. Freeze stress predisposed Cercis canadensis L., Cornus florida L., Malus pumila Mill. and Styrax japonicus Sieb. to attack under field conditions, although no attacks occurred on untreated trees. More attacks occurred on freeze‐stressed versus flood‐stressed M. pumila in Virginia but not for S. japonicus in Ohio. Attacks on flooded trees were skewed towards the base of the trunk, whereas attacks on freeze‐stressed trees mainly occurred around the upper regions of the trunk and into the branches. The predominant species recovered were Anisandrus maiche Stark and Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) in Ohio, and Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) in Virginia. Ethanol emissions from trunks of S. japonicus were detected by solid phase microextraction‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry at 1 day after imposing freeze stress, peaking 4 days after injury. Trees with an intolerance of freeze stress are predicted to be vulnerable to attack, especially when subjected to mild winter temperatures followed by late‐spring freezes. Freeze stress could thereby facilitate the destructiveness of exotic ambrosia beetles.

De Novo Transcriptomic Analysis and Development of EST–SSRs for Styrax japonicus

Styrax japonicus sieb. et Zucc. is widely distributed in China with ornamental and medicinal values. However, the transcriptome of S. japonicus has not yet been reported. In this study, we carried out the first transcriptome analysis of S. japonicus and developed a set of expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeats (EST–SSRs). We obtained 338,570,222 clean reads in total, of which the mean GC content was 41.58%. In total, 136,071 unigenes were obtained having an average length of 611 bp and 71,226 unigenes were favorably annotated in the database. In total, we identified 55,977 potential EST–SSRs from 38,611 unigenes, of which there was 1 SSR per 6.73 kb. The di-nucleotide repeats (40.40%) were the most identified SSRs. One set of 60 primer pairs was randomly selected, and the amplified products in S. japonicus were validated; 28 primer pairs successfully produced clear amplicons. A total of 21 (35%) polymorphic genic SSR markers were identified between two populations. In total, 15 alleles were detected and the average number was 6. The average of observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity was 0.614 and 0.552, respectively. The polymorphism information content (PIC) value fluctuated between 0.074 and 0.855, with a mean value of 0.504, which was also the middle level. This study provides useful information for diversity studies and resource assessments of S. japonicus.

Interaction of Insecticide and Media Moisture on Ambrosia Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Attacks on Selected Ornamental Trees.

Exotic ambrosia beetles, particularly Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), are among the most damaging pests of ornamental trees in nurseries. Growers have had few tactics besides insecticide applications to reduce ambrosia beetle attacks but recent research has shown that attacks may be reduced by maintaining media moisture below a 50% threshold thereby reducing flood stress. We compared the efficacy of managing media moisture and insecticide applications for reducing ambrosia beetle attacks on three ornamental tree species in North Carolina. During trials in spring 2013 and 2015, flooded Cornus florida and Cornus kousa were heavily attacked despite sprays with permethrin, but nonflooded C. kousa or C. florida were not attacked. In spring 2015 trials, both nonflooded and flooded Styrax japonicus were heavily attacked regardless of permethrin applications. Although ethanol emissions were not measured, the apparently healthy nonflooded S. japonicus trees may have been exposed to an unknown physiological stress, such as low temperature injury, the previous winter, which predisposed them to beetle attack. However, ethanol levels within host tissues were not measured as part of the current study. X. crassiusculus (75%), Xyloborinus saxesenii Ratzburg (13%), and X. germanus (9%) were the most abundant species collected in ethanol baited traps deployed in 2015, while X. crassiusculus (63%) and X. germanus (36%) were the predominant species reared from attacked trees. Results indicate that managing media moisture levels at or below 50%, and maximizing tree health overall, may provide significant protection against Xylosandrus spp. attacks in flood intolerant tree species.

Analgesic Effect of Styrax Japonica Pharmacopuncture on Formalin-Induced Pain in Rats

Analgesic Effect of <i>Styrax Japonica</i> Pharmacopuncture on Formalin-Induced Pain in Rats

전북 지역사회에서 천렵에 이용된 식물들의 전통지식에 관한 연구

This study investigates traditional knowledge of plants used for river fishing in local communities of North Jeolla Province, Korea. Data were collected using the participatory rural appraisal method based on interviews, informal meetings, open and group discussions, and overt observations with semi-structured questionnaires. Field investigations were conducted at 19 sites from July 2008 to April 2010. Interviews included 37 key informants (16 men and 21 women) who lived more than 50 years in the area. The average age of the informants was 83 (range = 60 to 96). The analysis recorded seven species, namely Albizia julibrissin Durazz., Juglans mandshurica Maxim., Perilla frutescens var. japonica (Hassk.) H. Hara, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Spach, Zanthoxylum piperitum (L.) DC., and Styrax japonicus Siebold and Zucc..

Glycoprotein isolated from Styrax japonica Siebold et al. Zuccarini inhibits oxidative and pro-inflammatory responses in HCT116 colonic epithelial cells and dextran sulfate sodium-treated ICR mice

This study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory potentials of a 38 kDa glycoprotein isolated from Styrax japonica Siebold et al Zuccarini (SJSZ glycoprotein). We found that SJSZ glycoprotein has concentration-dependent scavenging activity against DPPH and hydroxyl radicals in the cell-free systems. In colonic epithelial cells (HCT116 cells), the results showed that SJSZ glycoprotein inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by glucose/glucose oxidase (G/GO) in a concentration-dependent manner. Experimental mouse colitis was induced by adding dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to the drinking water at a concentration of 4% (w/v) for 7 days. We figured out that administration of SJSZ glycoprotein (10 mg/kg) lowers the levels of disease activity index, myeloperoxidase activity, and histological inflammation in DSS-treated mice. In addition, SJSZ glycoprotein inhibited plasmic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation, nitric oxide (NO) production, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, accompanying the inhibition of colonic inflammatory signal proteins (NF-κB, iNOS, and COX-2) and inflammation-related cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). These results indicate that SJSZ glycoprotein inhibits oxidative and pro-inflammatory responses in mouse colitis.

Predicting the Potential Habitat, Host Plants, and Geographical Distribution of Pochazia shantungensis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) in Korea

In 2014, surveys were conducted in Korea to study the geographical distribution, host plants, and potential habitats of Pochazia shantungensis. The occurrence of P. shantungensis was confirmed in 43 cities and counties nationwide, and identified for the first time in Gyeongsangbuk-do. P. shantungensis has a wide range of diverse host plants comprising 113 species in 53 families, including crops, fruits, and forest trees. Since the hemipteran was first reported in Korea, 138 species from 62 families have been identified as P. shantungensis host plants. This insect feeds on the following major host plants: Malus pumila, Aralia elata, Styrax japonicus, Salix gracilistyla, Broussonetia kazinoki, Albizia julibrissin, Ailanthus altissima, Castanea crenata, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Cornus officinalis. Potential habitat was analyzed in the present study using the Maxent model with 12 variables (8 climate, 1 land cover, 1 forest type, 1 ecological zoning, and 1 distance). The model ROC AUC was 0.884, indicating a high accuracy. In the present study, precipitation of warmest quater, mean temperature of warmest quarter, forest type, and land cover were the most significant factors affecting P. shantungensis distribution, and habitat.

Anti-adipogenic effects in 3T3-L1 cells of acetone extracts and fractions from Styrax japonica fruit

Reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production facilitated by Styrax japonica (SJ) extracts and fractions for inhibition of obesity development through inhibition of adipogenesis was investigated. Treatment of cells with SJ extracts and fractions did not result in changes in cell viability. SJ extracts and fractions inhibited lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner during adipogenesis. Expressions of PPARγ and C/EBPα, key adipogenic markers, were decreased in cells treated with SJ extracts and fractions. Inhibitory effects of SJ extracts and fractions were the most powerful in the early stages of differentiation (days 0-2). Intracellular ROS production was decreased in cells treated with SJ extracts and fractions. SJ extracts and fractions can inhibit adipogenesis via reduced ROS levels, which involves down-regulation of adipogenic transcription factors.

Seasonal changes in vertical canopy structure in a temperate broadleaved forest in Korea

AbstractField measurements of vertical canopy structure have been challenging for decades and still important for understanding forest ecosystems. We measured the vertical canopy structure and its seasonal changes in a temperate deciduous forest canopy in Gwangneung, Korea. Time‐series measurements of leaf area index (LAI) were collected in 2013 from a five story (4‐m vertical intervals) tower. We evaluated crown depth and species composition by height from a vegetation survey. The vertical distribution of leaf and woody area density was described from measurements taken during the leaf‐on and leaf‐off seasons, and averaged 0.18 and 0.04 m2 m−3, respectively. Three strata were characterized: (1) the dense upper crowns with large trees (&gt;16‐m) of Quercus serrata, in which 29.3 % of the plant materials were distributed; (2) abundant foliage dominated by Carpinus laxiflora at about 16‐m (40.8 %); and (3) a diverse and well‐developed understory vegetation at about 4‐m (15.5 %), consisting of C. laxiflora, Carnipus cordata, and Styrax japonica communities. Per‐layer phenology of each species was successfully illustrated by the drastic increase in LAI during the leaf‐out season [days of the year (DOY) 110–140], the full‐leaved stage LAI of 3.4 ± 0.9 m2 m−2 (mean ±1 standard deviation), and a decrease during the leaf‐fall season (DOY 280–320). The seasonal variation in gap fractions reflected different light conditions varying with canopy height. This type of vertical profile archive is valuable not only for comparing the structure of various forests but also for monitoring changes in this ecosystem in the future.

Selection of air pollution tolerant plants through the 20-years-long transplanting experiment in the Yeocheon industrial area, southern Korea

To select a tolerant plant species for restoring a forest ecosystem that had been severely damaged by air pollutants discharged from the industrial complex, 26 sample plants were transplanted in the mountainous area around the Yeocheon Industrial Complex in southern Korea. This transplanting experiment has been in progress for 20 years from 1994 to 2013. Ten plant species died and 16 plant species survived during the transplanting experiment period. Among the surviving 16 plant species, we chose five species, Alnus firma, Eurya japonica, Styrax japonica, Ligustrum japonicum, and Sorbus alnifolia as the very tolerant species, and four species, Pinus densiflora, Elaeagnus umbellata, Quercus dentata, and Fraxinus rhynchophylla as the tolerant species. We prepared a vegetation map by interpreting aerial photographs for diagnostic assessment of the forest vegetation damaged by air pollution. We estimated grassland, shrubland, and forest on the vegetation map as vegetation types that were severely, moderately, and slightly damaged, respectively. To restore each vegetation type damaged at different levels, we prescribed very tolerant plant species that compose tree and shrub layers, tolerant species that compose a tree layer, and artificial aid at a minimum level for passive restoration of the grassland, shrubland, and forest zones, respectively. Additionally, we recommended E. umbellata, which can fix atmospheric nitrogen levels, as the fertilizer plant. We recommended S. japonica and S. alnifolia, which flourish in a disturbed and/or polluted environment, as species for protective planting in margin of a forest to be restored in grassland damaged severely.