Objective: To investigate the toxicity of aqueous extract of Guibourtia tessmannii(Harms) J. Leonard(G. tessmannii) and evaluate its safety.Methods: NMRI mice were used to determine the acute toxicity of G. tessmannii...Objective: To investigate the toxicity of aqueous extract of Guibourtia tessmannii(Harms) J. Leonard(G. tessmannii) and evaluate its safety.Methods: NMRI mice were used to determine the acute toxicity of G. tessmannii.Increasing concentrations of the plant extracts were administered intraperitoneally or by force-feeding. General behavior and death were monitored and recorded daily for 7 days.In order to determine the sub-acute toxicity of the extract, several doses were administered by oral gavage daily for 28 days in adult Wistar rats. Different parameters were assessed including body weight, food and water intake, biochemical parameters and several vital organ weights.Results: LD50 of 328.78 mg/kg was obtained by i.p. route and more than 5 000 mg/kg was obtained in acute toxicity by oral route. In sub-acute toxicity, no significant alteration was observed in body weight or vital organs, food and water intake, and biochemical parameters.Conclusions: The results showed that the aqueous extract of G. tessmannii has low toxicity intraperitoneally and no sub-acute toxicity via oral intake.展开更多
Triumfetta cordifolia and Bridelia thermifolia are two shrubs from tropical region of Africa. Their gums are traditionally extracted from fresh barks and used in traditional recipes (thickening and aromatization of sa...Triumfetta cordifolia and Bridelia thermifolia are two shrubs from tropical region of Africa. Their gums are traditionally extracted from fresh barks and used in traditional recipes (thickening and aromatization of sauces, improvement of the swelling of maize and bean cakes) and in the process of decantation of traditional beer. In order to valorize these barks in dried form, study of the effect of drying temperature on the rheological properties of their gums was carried out. In this respect, the fresh barks were dried at 40℃, 50℃, 60℃, 70℃ and 80℃ and the viscosity of their extracts was measured. The drying kinetic of the barks showed two falling rate periods represented by two drying constants?k1 and k2. The absolute viscosity of the extracts decreased beyond drying temperatures higher than 70℃ and 80℃respectively for T cordifolia and B. Thermifolia. The decreasing viscosity is attributed mainly to a reorganization of polysaccharide chains. The temperatures range lower than 70℃ could be retained to dry the barks and to extract gums without deteriorating their properties.展开更多
The chemical compositions of the dichloromethane extracts of inner and outer barks from six Pinus species（P.elliotii,P.oocarpa,P.caribeae,P.merkusii,P.montezumae,and P.insularis） grown in Indonesia were investigated...The chemical compositions of the dichloromethane extracts of inner and outer barks from six Pinus species（P.elliotii,P.oocarpa,P.caribeae,P.merkusii,P.montezumae,and P.insularis） grown in Indonesia were investigated by GC and GC–MS.Generally,the amounts of extractive contents were higher in the inner bark than in the outer bark except for P.merksuii.Fatty acids,monoterpenes,sesquiterpenes,resin acids,triterpenoids,and steroids were detected and quantified.Inner and outer barks differed not only in content of these compounds but also in their composition.Fatty acids and alcohols were the major classes of lipophilic compounds in the outer bark of P.caribeae, P.insularis,and P.montezumae.Steroids and triterpenoids were the dominant compounds identified in the inner bark of P.elliotii,P.insularis,and P.merkusii.Resin acids were the most abundant group in the inner bark of P.oocarpa whereas monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were recorded in minor quantities in both bark layers of all species.展开更多
Using 57 Fe Mssbauer effect, the chemical states of iron components were investigated for the barks of Platycladus orientalis, Cedrus deodara and Platanus acerifolia sampled from Lanzhou City, Ch...Using 57 Fe Mssbauer effect, the chemical states of iron components were investigated for the barks of Platycladus orientalis, Cedrus deodara and Platanus acerifolia sampled from Lanzhou City, China. All bark samples showed two overlapping doublets with large and small quadruple splitting. Only Platycladus orientalis's barks exhibited one sextet. Based on Mssbauer parameters, they were attributed to paramagnetic ferrous, paramagnetic ferric and magnetic iron, respectively. For the sampling site which is about 6 kilometers from Lanzhou Steel Factory, the ratio of ferrous to ferric was higher in the sample of Platanus acerifolia's barks, whereas the barks of Platycladus orientalis and Cedrus deodara gave similar values of this ratio. Platycladus orientalis was the most effective in accumulating iron complexes in barks among the three trees. Platanus acerifolia's barks sampled at Lanzhou Steel Factory's area exhibited higher absolute intensities of iron components and lower ration of ferrous to ferric, indicating that industrial air pollution is a contributing factor in accumulating iron compounds in the tree barks of this region.展开更多
Turmoil caused by major refinancing plans of listed companies in the mainland stock market leads regulators to vow stricter approval processes On March 5,shareholders of Ping An Insurance(Group)Co.of China Ltd. (Ping ...Turmoil caused by major refinancing plans of listed companies in the mainland stock market leads regulators to vow stricter approval processes On March 5,shareholders of Ping An Insurance(Group)Co.of China Ltd. (Ping An)passed a refinancing plan of 120 billion yuan(＄17 billion)at its first interim meeting of the year with an overwhelming 92 percent in favor.展开更多
Originally extracted from willow bark,salicylic acid(SA)provided the structural basis for the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin)in 1897,a milestone that exemplifies the far-reaching biomedical relevance of pla...Originally extracted from willow bark,salicylic acid(SA)provided the structural basis for the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin)in 1897,a milestone that exemplifies the far-reaching biomedical relevance of plant-derived metabolites(Desborough and Keeling,2017).In plants,SA functions as a pleiotropic phytohormone that orchestrates immune reprogramming,serving as a central mediator of both local defense responses and systemic acquired resistance(SAR).展开更多
While the fire protection function of tree bark has been extensively documented,other critical functions,including storage and mechanical support,have received less attention.In this study we examined:(1)the allometry...While the fire protection function of tree bark has been extensively documented,other critical functions,including storage and mechanical support,have received less attention.In this study we examined:(1)the allometry of bark thickness(and biomass)against wood radius(and biomass)at a disc level,(2)differences in bark allocation between the ratio and the regression approaches,(3)differences between bark thickness and biomass as metrics of bark allocation,and(4)how bark allocation is associated with the evolution of wood from non-porous to diffuse-porous and ring-porous types.Thickness and biomass of bark and wood were measured using trunk discs of 88 individual trees of 36 species in a temperate forest characterized by a long fire interval.Allometric relationships of bark thickness(and biomass)against wood radius(and biomass)explained why both relative bark thickness and biomass decreased with increasing stem diameter.Variations in both among species varied by factors of 3.5 to 7.5 depending on the measurement methods.The ratio approach produced higher estimates of both relative bark thickness and biomass compared to the regression approach,while relative bark thickness was significantly lower than relative bark biomass.Ring-porous species exhibited higher bark thickness based on the ratio approach,which might reflect evolutionary adaptations where ring-porous species have developed thicker bark as protection:thermal insulation against freeze-thaw embolism coupled with carbohydrate reservoirs for hydraulic repair.The regression slope of bark allocation against wood density increased along the wood porosity gradient,demonstrating evolutionary biomechanical coordination between bark and wood.These findings highlight systematic coupling between bark and xylem multifunctionality.展开更多
Activity 1 Think about the following questions and write down your answers before reading the text.1.What are some common factors that usually cause damage to trees when they are struck by lightning?2.How might the un...Activity 1 Think about the following questions and write down your answers before reading the text.1.What are some common factors that usually cause damage to trees when they are struck by lightning?2.How might the unique characteristics of a tree contribute to its ability to survive a lightning strike?展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To determine direct targeting of localized adiposity through Morus alba Linne bark injection based on pharmacology network analysis.METHODS:Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet(HFD)to induce obesity.A...OBJECTIVE:To determine direct targeting of localized adiposity through Morus alba Linne bark injection based on pharmacology network analysis.METHODS:Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet(HFD)to induce obesity.After 6 weeks on HFD,the water extract of Morus alba L.bark(MAB,2 mg/mL)was locally injected into one inguinal fat pad,while saline was injected into the other side,3 times/week for 6 weeks(n=6/group).The water extract of MAB was freeze-dried and then diluted in saline before use.RESULTS:HFD-fed mice treated with local MAB topical injection showed reduced adipocyte weight and size in inguinal fat pads by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.No toxicity changes seen in liver,spleen,kidney tissue,or alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase levels in serum by MAB injection.Protein levels of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 and glucose transporter type 4,and mRNA expression of adiponectin,were increased in inguinal adipose tissue injected with MAB locally.Locally MAB injection led to a decrease in glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase,linked to gluconeogenesis,while forkhead box protein O1,which regulates these factors,was increased.Moreover,there was an increase in adenosine 5‘-monophosphate-activated protein kinase,related to lipogenesis,as well as elevated levels of hormone-sensitive lipase and fatty acid synthase,both associated with lipolysis.These results support the'insulin signaling pathway'and'regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes'identified in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway through network analysis.CONCLUSION:This study suggests that MAB topical injection exhibits localized fat reduction by inhibiting insulin resistance,gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis mediator,while activating lipolysis enzymes within targeted adipose site.展开更多
Instead of the traditional linear model of taking,making,and disposing,the circular bio-economy promotes a regenerative approach.Although there is potential to create valuable products like betulin,lupeol,and suberini...Instead of the traditional linear model of taking,making,and disposing,the circular bio-economy promotes a regenerative approach.Although there is potential to create valuable products like betulin,lupeol,and suberinic acids(SA)from outer birch bark,many industries,such as plywood and pulp,often choose to incinerate substan-tial amounts of leftover birch bark to meet their energy needs.This highlights the importance of obtaining valu-able products from wood.The objective of this study was to examine various fractions of SA and assess their potential for wood impregnation.The fractions included SA potassium salts in ethanol(SAK-EtOH)and water(SAK-H2O),SA suspension in water(SAS-H2O)and dried SA,which was subsequently diluted in ethanol(DSA-EtOH).There is significant potential for utilizing SA in wood treatment formulations as a sustainable alternative to harmful petroleum-derived chemicals.This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the functionality of wood in construction applications,such as improving impregnation for moisture and fungal protection.Among the solutions tested,the ethanol solution of SA,specifically DSA-EtOH,showed the highest weight percent gain(WPG)and the greatest leaching resistance.GPC analysis showed that SA salts in ethanol(SAK-EtOH)and water(SAK-H2O)predominantly consist of low molecular fractions and each process(acidification and drying)reduces the low molecular content in the sample.This suggests that SA polymerizes after drying,making it necessary to dissolve it in ethanol to meet the requirements for impregnation.Further opti-mization,including adjustments in the concentration of the SA ethanol solution and the curing temperature,is essential to identify the optimal conditions for more in-depth impregnation studies.展开更多
BACKGROUND Recently,the identification of cell apoptosis induced by natural products has become research hotspot and frontier in the biopharmaceutical and food industries under the umbrella of global green development...BACKGROUND Recently,the identification of cell apoptosis induced by natural products has become research hotspot and frontier in the biopharmaceutical and food industries under the umbrella of global green development worldwide.Traditionally,cell apoptosis is identified using morphological,biochemical,and cell cycle experiments,which is time consuming,and experimental materials are not from the same group,and it is very hard to ensure the identity and veracity of results of former and latter experiments.AIM To establish a selective,instant,and practical protocol to identify cell apoptosis induced by natural products.METHODS A one transient cell processing procedure(OTCPP)was used to detect human colorectal cancer LoVo cell apoptosis after treatment with Pinus massoniana bark extract(PMBE)at the morphological,biochemical,and cell cycle levels.The methods used included treatment with DNA gel electrophoresis,fluorescence microscopy,and flow cytometry.RESULTS In PMBE-treated LoVo cells,we observed a DNA ladder on gel electrophoresis and fluorescence microscopy revealed"nuclear shrinkage,chromatin condensation or fragmentation".In addition,flow cytometry showed an"obvious apoptosis curve".Thus OTCPP achieved synchronous detection of the morphology,biochemistry,cell cycle,and the DNA content of the cells.CONCLUSION OTCPP can quickly identify apoptosis and measure the apoptosis rate,thereby unifying qualitative and quantitative analysis.展开更多
基金Supported by the doctoral training funds no.84722652USTM/4802 AC-USTM,of the University of Sciences and Technique of Masuku
文摘Objective: To investigate the toxicity of aqueous extract of Guibourtia tessmannii(Harms) J. Leonard(G. tessmannii) and evaluate its safety.Methods: NMRI mice were used to determine the acute toxicity of G. tessmannii.Increasing concentrations of the plant extracts were administered intraperitoneally or by force-feeding. General behavior and death were monitored and recorded daily for 7 days.In order to determine the sub-acute toxicity of the extract, several doses were administered by oral gavage daily for 28 days in adult Wistar rats. Different parameters were assessed including body weight, food and water intake, biochemical parameters and several vital organ weights.Results: LD50 of 328.78 mg/kg was obtained by i.p. route and more than 5 000 mg/kg was obtained in acute toxicity by oral route. In sub-acute toxicity, no significant alteration was observed in body weight or vital organs, food and water intake, and biochemical parameters.Conclusions: The results showed that the aqueous extract of G. tessmannii has low toxicity intraperitoneally and no sub-acute toxicity via oral intake.
文摘Triumfetta cordifolia and Bridelia thermifolia are two shrubs from tropical region of Africa. Their gums are traditionally extracted from fresh barks and used in traditional recipes (thickening and aromatization of sauces, improvement of the swelling of maize and bean cakes) and in the process of decantation of traditional beer. In order to valorize these barks in dried form, study of the effect of drying temperature on the rheological properties of their gums was carried out. In this respect, the fresh barks were dried at 40℃, 50℃, 60℃, 70℃ and 80℃ and the viscosity of their extracts was measured. The drying kinetic of the barks showed two falling rate periods represented by two drying constants?k1 and k2. The absolute viscosity of the extracts decreased beyond drying temperatures higher than 70℃ and 80℃respectively for T cordifolia and B. Thermifolia. The decreasing viscosity is attributed mainly to a reorganization of polysaccharide chains. The temperatures range lower than 70℃ could be retained to dry the barks and to extract gums without deteriorating their properties.
基金supported by JASSO(Japan Student Services Organization)DPP Grant 2016(Faculty of Forestry,UGM)
文摘The chemical compositions of the dichloromethane extracts of inner and outer barks from six Pinus species（P.elliotii,P.oocarpa,P.caribeae,P.merkusii,P.montezumae,and P.insularis） grown in Indonesia were investigated by GC and GC–MS.Generally,the amounts of extractive contents were higher in the inner bark than in the outer bark except for P.merksuii.Fatty acids,monoterpenes,sesquiterpenes,resin acids,triterpenoids,and steroids were detected and quantified.Inner and outer barks differed not only in content of these compounds but also in their composition.Fatty acids and alcohols were the major classes of lipophilic compounds in the outer bark of P.caribeae, P.insularis,and P.montezumae.Steroids and triterpenoids were the dominant compounds identified in the inner bark of P.elliotii,P.insularis,and P.merkusii.Resin acids were the most abundant group in the inner bark of P.oocarpa whereas monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were recorded in minor quantities in both bark layers of all species.
文摘Using 57 Fe Mssbauer effect, the chemical states of iron components were investigated for the barks of Platycladus orientalis, Cedrus deodara and Platanus acerifolia sampled from Lanzhou City, China. All bark samples showed two overlapping doublets with large and small quadruple splitting. Only Platycladus orientalis's barks exhibited one sextet. Based on Mssbauer parameters, they were attributed to paramagnetic ferrous, paramagnetic ferric and magnetic iron, respectively. For the sampling site which is about 6 kilometers from Lanzhou Steel Factory, the ratio of ferrous to ferric was higher in the sample of Platanus acerifolia's barks, whereas the barks of Platycladus orientalis and Cedrus deodara gave similar values of this ratio. Platycladus orientalis was the most effective in accumulating iron complexes in barks among the three trees. Platanus acerifolia's barks sampled at Lanzhou Steel Factory's area exhibited higher absolute intensities of iron components and lower ration of ferrous to ferric, indicating that industrial air pollution is a contributing factor in accumulating iron compounds in the tree barks of this region.
文摘Turmoil caused by major refinancing plans of listed companies in the mainland stock market leads regulators to vow stricter approval processes On March 5,shareholders of Ping An Insurance(Group)Co.of China Ltd. (Ping An)passed a refinancing plan of 120 billion yuan(＄17 billion)at its first interim meeting of the year with an overwhelming 92 percent in favor.
基金supported by grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32330056)。
文摘Originally extracted from willow bark,salicylic acid(SA)provided the structural basis for the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin)in 1897,a milestone that exemplifies the far-reaching biomedical relevance of plant-derived metabolites(Desborough and Keeling,2017).In plants,SA functions as a pleiotropic phytohormone that orchestrates immune reprogramming,serving as a central mediator of both local defense responses and systemic acquired resistance(SAR).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171765)。
文摘While the fire protection function of tree bark has been extensively documented,other critical functions,including storage and mechanical support,have received less attention.In this study we examined:(1)the allometry of bark thickness(and biomass)against wood radius(and biomass)at a disc level,(2)differences in bark allocation between the ratio and the regression approaches,(3)differences between bark thickness and biomass as metrics of bark allocation,and(4)how bark allocation is associated with the evolution of wood from non-porous to diffuse-porous and ring-porous types.Thickness and biomass of bark and wood were measured using trunk discs of 88 individual trees of 36 species in a temperate forest characterized by a long fire interval.Allometric relationships of bark thickness(and biomass)against wood radius(and biomass)explained why both relative bark thickness and biomass decreased with increasing stem diameter.Variations in both among species varied by factors of 3.5 to 7.5 depending on the measurement methods.The ratio approach produced higher estimates of both relative bark thickness and biomass compared to the regression approach,while relative bark thickness was significantly lower than relative bark biomass.Ring-porous species exhibited higher bark thickness based on the ratio approach,which might reflect evolutionary adaptations where ring-porous species have developed thicker bark as protection:thermal insulation against freeze-thaw embolism coupled with carbohydrate reservoirs for hydraulic repair.The regression slope of bark allocation against wood density increased along the wood porosity gradient,demonstrating evolutionary biomechanical coordination between bark and wood.These findings highlight systematic coupling between bark and xylem multifunctionality.
文摘Activity 1 Think about the following questions and write down your answers before reading the text.1.What are some common factors that usually cause damage to trees when they are struck by lightning?2.How might the unique characteristics of a tree contribute to its ability to survive a lightning strike?
基金Supported by Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the National Research Foundation of Korea,funded by the Korean Government(Project Number:NRF-2019R1I1A2A01063598)Undergraduate Research Program of the College of Korean Medicine,Kyung Hee University,Republic of Korea,in 2023(Project Number:2023)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To determine direct targeting of localized adiposity through Morus alba Linne bark injection based on pharmacology network analysis.METHODS:Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet(HFD)to induce obesity.After 6 weeks on HFD,the water extract of Morus alba L.bark(MAB,2 mg/mL)was locally injected into one inguinal fat pad,while saline was injected into the other side,3 times/week for 6 weeks(n=6/group).The water extract of MAB was freeze-dried and then diluted in saline before use.RESULTS:HFD-fed mice treated with local MAB topical injection showed reduced adipocyte weight and size in inguinal fat pads by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.No toxicity changes seen in liver,spleen,kidney tissue,or alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase levels in serum by MAB injection.Protein levels of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 and glucose transporter type 4,and mRNA expression of adiponectin,were increased in inguinal adipose tissue injected with MAB locally.Locally MAB injection led to a decrease in glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase,linked to gluconeogenesis,while forkhead box protein O1,which regulates these factors,was increased.Moreover,there was an increase in adenosine 5‘-monophosphate-activated protein kinase,related to lipogenesis,as well as elevated levels of hormone-sensitive lipase and fatty acid synthase,both associated with lipolysis.These results support the'insulin signaling pathway'and'regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes'identified in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway through network analysis.CONCLUSION:This study suggests that MAB topical injection exhibits localized fat reduction by inhibiting insulin resistance,gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis mediator,while activating lipolysis enzymes within targeted adipose site.
基金supported according to contract No.5.1.1.2.i.0/1/22/A/CFLA/007 between“Forest Sector Competence Centre of Latvia”Ltd.the Central Finance and Contracting Agency which dated 20th January of 2023.
文摘Instead of the traditional linear model of taking,making,and disposing,the circular bio-economy promotes a regenerative approach.Although there is potential to create valuable products like betulin,lupeol,and suberinic acids(SA)from outer birch bark,many industries,such as plywood and pulp,often choose to incinerate substan-tial amounts of leftover birch bark to meet their energy needs.This highlights the importance of obtaining valu-able products from wood.The objective of this study was to examine various fractions of SA and assess their potential for wood impregnation.The fractions included SA potassium salts in ethanol(SAK-EtOH)and water(SAK-H2O),SA suspension in water(SAS-H2O)and dried SA,which was subsequently diluted in ethanol(DSA-EtOH).There is significant potential for utilizing SA in wood treatment formulations as a sustainable alternative to harmful petroleum-derived chemicals.This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the functionality of wood in construction applications,such as improving impregnation for moisture and fungal protection.Among the solutions tested,the ethanol solution of SA,specifically DSA-EtOH,showed the highest weight percent gain(WPG)and the greatest leaching resistance.GPC analysis showed that SA salts in ethanol(SAK-EtOH)and water(SAK-H2O)predominantly consist of low molecular fractions and each process(acidification and drying)reduces the low molecular content in the sample.This suggests that SA polymerizes after drying,making it necessary to dissolve it in ethanol to meet the requirements for impregnation.Further opti-mization,including adjustments in the concentration of the SA ethanol solution and the curing temperature,is essential to identify the optimal conditions for more in-depth impregnation studies.
基金Supported by 2023 Key R&D Projects of Tongji University,No.150029607160-24323Industrial Key Program Foundation of Guangdong Province:R&D of Natural Novel Anticancer Drugs,No.2004B10401033。
文摘BACKGROUND Recently,the identification of cell apoptosis induced by natural products has become research hotspot and frontier in the biopharmaceutical and food industries under the umbrella of global green development worldwide.Traditionally,cell apoptosis is identified using morphological,biochemical,and cell cycle experiments,which is time consuming,and experimental materials are not from the same group,and it is very hard to ensure the identity and veracity of results of former and latter experiments.AIM To establish a selective,instant,and practical protocol to identify cell apoptosis induced by natural products.METHODS A one transient cell processing procedure(OTCPP)was used to detect human colorectal cancer LoVo cell apoptosis after treatment with Pinus massoniana bark extract(PMBE)at the morphological,biochemical,and cell cycle levels.The methods used included treatment with DNA gel electrophoresis,fluorescence microscopy,and flow cytometry.RESULTS In PMBE-treated LoVo cells,we observed a DNA ladder on gel electrophoresis and fluorescence microscopy revealed"nuclear shrinkage,chromatin condensation or fragmentation".In addition,flow cytometry showed an"obvious apoptosis curve".Thus OTCPP achieved synchronous detection of the morphology,biochemistry,cell cycle,and the DNA content of the cells.CONCLUSION OTCPP can quickly identify apoptosis and measure the apoptosis rate,thereby unifying qualitative and quantitative analysis.
