Non-coding RNA mediated competitive endogenous RNA regulatory network in the sex differentiation of yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge.) flowers

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the mechanism of fatty acid accumulation during the development of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge fruits

Xanthoceras sorbifolium oil ameliorates neuroinflammation and learning and memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease mice by regulating gut microbiota and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism

The Synergistic Sun Protection Effect and Safety of Enzyme-Modified Natural Porous Corn Starch Composite with Xanthoceras Sorbifolium Bunge Oil

In order to realize the nondestructive and rapid detection of fat content of Xanthoceras sorbifolia and meet the screening of breeding materials and industrial processing requirements of X.sorbifolia, 46 X.sorbifolia were selected as the standard sample set, the results showed that the fat content of 46 apricot kernel kernels was 49.38%~68.98% an average content of 61.62%. The fat content of the seed kernel was determined by the Soxhlet extraction method, and the spectral data of the sample was collected by the near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology, and the Unscrambler software was used to construct the NIRS prediction model of X.sorbifolia fat content by the partial least squares (PLS) method. The results showed that the regression curve R-Square (determination coefficient) of the model was 0.9856, and the RMSE (standard error) was 0.4149, which could be used for effective prediction. At the same time, 32 X.sorbifolia samples not participating in the modeling were selected as validation materials to further carry out external test on the prediction effect of the model. The results showed that the external test regression curve R-Square was 0.9014, RMSE was 0.8259, and the predicted value of fat content was in good agreement with the chemical value.

Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge Oil (XSBO), a type of edible oil derived from a Chinese oilseed crop, is rich in a variety of bioactive compounds and has been recognized for its neuroprotective properties. Tic disorders (TD), a common and complex neurological disorder, are characterized by a multifaceted etiology and a lack of effective therapeutic interventions. Our research pioneers the exploration of XSBO's ability to ameliorate both behavioral symptoms and pathological changes associated with TD. We found that XSBO can activate the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, protect dopaminergic neurons, and thereby exert neuroprotective effects. In addition, XSBO has demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to the attenuation of neuroinflammatory processes. In addition, XSBO has been shown to modulate the balance of the gut microbiome, correcting dysbiosis and, in turn, influencing the serotonergic synaptic pathway, which is critical for the amelioration and management of TD. In essence, XSBO presents a therapeutic profile for TD through a multi-pronged approach that includes neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory activity, and modulation of the brain-gut axis. This study not only delineates the mechanisms by which XSBO exerts its effects in the treatment of TD but also provides critical evidence to further refine its clinical use.

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge leaves (XBL), traditionally consumed as herbal tea, have attracted increasing attention as potential functional food ingredients for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study investigated the anti-diabetic effects of an aqueous XBL extract in T2DM rats induced with a high-fat, high-sucrose diet combined with streptozotocin. XBL administration significantly improved glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, and pancreatic and renal histopathology. Integrated 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted fecal metabolomics revealed the modulation of key metabolic pathways, including linoleic acid and histidine metabolism, and elevated production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate and propionate. XBL also enriched beneficial gut microbes including Prevotella, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum_group, whose abundance showed positive correlations with SCFA levels and metabolic improvements. These findings demonstrate that XBL ameliorates T2DM through gut microbiota-SCFA-metabolite interactions and suggest its potential as a natural, multi-target dietary strategy for metabolic health management.

Integrated Assessment of Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, and Leaf Anatomy to Evaluate the Adaptive Range of Xanthoceras Sorbifolium Bunge to Salt Stress

Self-sustaining one-step synergy of ultrasound-enzyme-ethanol for high-efficiency saponin production from waste Xanthoceras sorbifolium leaves

Xanthoceras sorbifolium (a unique woody oil plant) fruit shells (XSS), mostly discarded postcore peeling, are rich in lignocellulose and promising for biomass refining. This work first reports the native lignin structure of XSS (SGH-type, S/G = 1.60, β-O-4 = 51.01/100 Ar) and a ball-milling-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) strategy for lignin isolation. At 140 °C, ChCl/LA showed excellent delignification (90.59%) and hemicellulose removal (94.11%); its LAL140 had low Mw (2214 Da), high phenolic OH (1.997 mmol/g), and good antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.027 g/L). ChCl/EA preserved native lignin backbone (S/G = 1.76, β-O-4 = 44.45/100 Ar) with high thermal stability (char yield = 47.82%), while ChCl/EG increased S/G to 2.47. The purity of all DESL exceeded 92%. This study establishes DES-driven lignin valorization (acidic DES for antioxidants, alkaline for thermally stable polymers) to promote woody biomass waste recycling.

Identification of CDPK gene family in yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) and the role of XsCDPK10 in drought stress tolerance

The terpene synthase (TPS) gene family is integral to the biosynthesis of terpenoids, which are vital for plant defence, development, and interaction with the environment. Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) has gained attention for its bioactive compounds, particularly terpenoids, which have applications in pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and cosmetics. This study provides a comprehensive pan-genome-wide analysis of the TPS gene family across five yellowhorn varieties (Xg11, Xzs4, Xwf8, Xjg, and Xzg2). A total of 257 TPS genes were identified and characterised, showing diversity in their evolutionary patterns. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clades corresponding to functional classes of TPS genes. Conserved domains and motifs of these genes were analysed to highlight their structural characteristics. Furthermore, expression profiling under abiotic stresses, including cold and drought, was conducted, revealing the roles of specific TPS genes in stress tolerance. Tissue-specific expression analysis demonstrated the involvement of TPS genes in key physiological processes across different plant organs. This research advances our understanding of the TPS gene family in yellowhorn, with implications for improving crop resilience and biotechnological applications.

Lubricating oil plays a critical role in protecting mechanical systems. Driven by sustainable development strategies, the development of high-performance, biocompatible green lubricants has become an urgent industry need. Biomass resources, characterized by wide distribution, renewability, and environmental friendliness, represent ideal raw materials for replacing petrochemical-based lubricants. In this study, renewable Xanthoceras sorbifolia oil was utilized as the feedstock. Branched modification was achieved via ring-opening esterification using 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) as the modifier and tetrafluoroboric acid (HBF4) as the catalyst. This epoxidation-branching modification process was synergistically combined with Nano-C14MA/MMT treatment. This approach significantly reduced high-temperature kinematic viscosity loss while maintaining excellent low-temperature flow properties, resulting in an Xanthoceras sorbifolia oil-based lubricant with outstanding viscosity–temperature performance and low-temperature fluidity. At a Nano-C14MA/MMT mass ratio of 0.3 wt% of the base oil, the lubricant demonstrated superior wide-temperature performance: KV40 = 424.1 mm2/s, KV100 = 50.8 mm2/s, VI = 180.8. The SP was reduced to −43 °C, exceeding the performance requirements of V-class environmentally friendly lubricants (e.g., synthetic ester oils). Furthermore, the coefficient of friction (COF) was 0.011 and the anti-wear scar diameter (AWSD) was 0.44 mm, indicating lubrication performance significantly superior to SN-class lubricants (specifications: COF < 0.12, AWSD < 0.50 mm).

Optimizing woody oil biodiesel production in yellowhorn via phenotypic marker development: a study of trait-index associations and germplasm screening.

With increasing frequency and severity under climate change, drought stress has become a predominant abiotic limiting factor of global plant productivity. Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge), an endemic species of woody oil tree in North China, has substantial developmental potential in arid and semi-arid regions. To elucidate the genetic basis of its drought response, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 13 leaf anatomical structure traits across 237 yellowhorn accessions was performed in this study, and 21 candidate genes that regulate leaf structural variation were identified. Among these genes, XsLTPG31, which encodes a nonspecific lipid transfer protein, was significantly induced by drought stress. Heterologous overexpression of XsLTPG31 in Arabidopsis, its transient overexpression in yellowhorn leaves, and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of XsLTPG31 demonstrated that XsLTPG31 promotes the deposition of leaf epidermal wax and modulates drought resistance through facilitating the export of wax to the extracellular space. Moreover, we revealed that XsLTPG31 is directly activated by XsMYB16 via promoter binding. Taken together, the results of our study enhance the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying LTPG-mediated cuticular wax deposition and might provide targets for the breeding of drought-tolerant varieties of yellowhorn.

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge is an important woody oil plant variety found in northern China. As a monoecious species, increasing the ratio of female-to-male flowers can effectively increase yield. X. sorbifolium has three bud types: female flower buds that preponderantly populate the upper section of the shoot, male flower buds chiefly concentrated in the middle segment of the shoot, and withered buds predominantly lodged in the lower portion of the shoots. This study aimed to identify the effects of nutrition on bud formation. Leaves, shoots, and buds were divided into upper, middle, and lower types based on their morphological location. The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), soluble sugar, and starch contents of the samples were measured during bud differentiation. Different concentrations of foliar N were applied before sexual differentiation to verify whether N significantly affected female flower formation. The results showed that N and P significantly affected female flower formation, whereas K contributed to male flower generation. Female flower development may require more soluble sugars, whereas male flower development may require more starch. Mixed bud differentiation required more N and P than did leaf-bud differentiation. High N concentrations (0.5 and 0.8%) increased the number of female flowers on lateral inflorescences and improved the female-to-male flower ratio. N treatment advanced flowering time, and the 0.5% treatment showed the most apparent effect (4 days earlier). These results contribute to a better understanding of the effects of nutrition and establish a solid foundation for modulating the female-to-male ratio from a nutritional perspective in X. sorbifolium.

Unveiling Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge) kernels as a protein source: physicochemical and functional properties of protein isolate and its major protein fraction

Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents, yet optimizing their synthesis and understanding their biological mechanisms remain crucial challenges. This study reports the synthesis of AgNPs using Xanthoceras sorbifolia leaf and flower extracts, leveraging their phytochemical composition for green synthesis. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified 38 metabolites, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenols, which served as reducing and stabilizing agents. Optimized synthesis conditions included pH 9, an extract concentration of 10 mg mL-1, silver nitrate concentrations of 12 mM (leaf) and 10 mM (flower), and temperatures of 80 °C (leaf) and 70-80 °C (flower). AgNPs exhibited a uniform spherical shape, with mean diameters of 9.22 ± 1.97 nm (leaf-AgNPs) and 7.46 ± 1.58 nm (flower-AgNPs). Moreover, they demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with leaf-AgNPs showing superior efficacy (MIC: 16 μg mL-1) compared with flower-AgNPs (MIC: 32 μg mL-1). Furthermore, both types of AgNPs exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects against 4T1 and KYSE-150 cell lines through reactive oxygen species-mediated cytotoxicity, with leaf-AgNPs showing enhanced effectiveness. These findings demonstrate the potential of X. sorbifolia-derived AgNPs as promising candidates for biomedical applications, particularly as antimicrobial agents with potent cytotoxic activity against cancer cells.

Xanthoceras sorbifolia is a unique woody oilseed tree in China, and its leaves are rich in flavonoids, which are involved in plant growth, development and defense. However, the mining of flavonoid synthesis-related genes in Xanthoceras sorbifolia leaves is lacking. In this study, 226 leaves of Xanthoceras sorbifolia from eight provinces in the key distribution areas were measured for flavonoid content, and the differences in flavonoid content of Xanthoceras sorbifolia were analysed to screen out excellent seed sources and six excellent single plants with higher flavonoid content. Genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was used to identify genes controlling the synthesis of flavonoids, and 62 significant Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites were identified, which were closely associated with 8 traits, and a total of 11 genes coding for proteins. We found that these genes mainly encode proteins such as WPP domain-associated protein (WAP) (Fragment), Protein pleiotropic regulatory locus 1 (PRL1) and Phosphomevalonate kinase, peroxisomal (PMK), etc. We found that these proteins may directly or indirectly affect the synthesis of flavonoids, which will provide a data base for molecular breeding and genetic improvement of Xanthoceras sorbifolia.

Pleosporalean fungi play significant roles as plant pathogens, saprobes, and endophytes in a wide variety of economically important plant hosts. During an investigation of saprobic fungi from Jilin and Hebei, China, five pleosporalean isolates were obtained from the dead stems of Xanthoceras sorbifolium. Morphological evidence and multi-locus sequence analyses using a combined dataset of ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2, tef1-α, and tub2 indicate that these isolates represent two new species (Alloleptosphaeria xanthoceratis and Lophiostoma multiforme) and a new record of Lophiostoma montanae. Full morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided herein, and phylogenetic relationships of three pleosporalean taxa are also discussed. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations are presented, along with phylogenetic affiliations of three pleosporalean taxa.