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Plants protect themselves against various stresses by using volatile terpenes, which are also key precursors of climate‐relevant constituents in the atmosphere. Conifers store terpenes in storage pools, which serve as emission sources. However, how leaf terpene contents influence the quantity and composition of emissions is uncertain. Here, we examined whether they explain the profile of terpene emissions by using the measurements of 6 monoterpenes and 2 diterpenes stored in and emitted from the same branches of 10 local populations in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), a common conifer in Japan. We estimated partial pressures of terpenes from leaf terpene contents by using a thermodynamic algorithm. The estimates correlated well with emissions of monoterpenes, suggesting the release of monoterpenes from the storage pools. High tree‐to‐tree variations in emissions of individual terpenes did not correlate with variations in concentrations of corresponding terpenes in leaves. Diterpenes (ent‐kaurene and phyllocladene) were emitted in most cases when individual trees held corresponding diterpenes, suggesting a linkage between emissions and storage pools, but the emissions were not explained by the algorithm owing to their low vapor pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the mechanisms of pine wilt disease (PWD) resistance in Pinus is a popular research topic, but information on volatile organic substances (VOS) and their role in PWD is lacking. Whether the difference in VOS among Pinus thunbergii parl. that have different levels of resistance with pine wood nematodes (PWNs) is the reason for the differing resistance needs to be studied. In this study, resistant P. thunbergii introduced from Japan and susceptible P. thunbergii native to China were used to investigate the effects of different lines inoculated with PWN. We determined the expression levels of the terpene synthesis-related genes geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase 1 (HMDH1), two kinds of alpha-farnesene synthase (PT) genes. The types and the relative percentage content of terpenoids in the pine needles were also determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results show that the growth, population size and migration of PWNs were significantly inhibited. The expression of terpene synthesis genes in the resistant P. thunbergii was higher than that in the susceptible one. The analysis of terpenoids revealed a total of 41 terpenoids, of which resistant P. thunbergii contained 39 and susceptible P. thunbergii only 28; 14 terpenoids were specific to resistant P. thunbergii, in which 8 of the terpenoids were constitutive terpenes and 6 were inducible terpenes. There were 3 terpenes unique to the susceptible P. thunbergii, and only 1 inducible terpene. Our results showed that the reduction in the expression of disease symptom and suppression of PWNs in resistant P. thunbergii was likely related to differences in the types and content of resistance-related substances in the trees. This study does not specifically connect elevated compounds in resistant P. thunbergii to resistance to PWN and assays should be conducted to establish direct effects of terpenoids on pinewood nematode activity and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We postulated that disinfection of viable Trichophyton species in shoes would help reduce the number of patients with tinea pedis in Japan and that this might be accomplished safely using volatile components of essential oils. As vapor of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) oil and citral have strong antimicrobial activities against Trichophyton, we examined the conditions under which lemongrass oil or citral show optimal antimicrobial activity in shoes. First, we investigated whether or not a strong antimicrobial effect could be obtained by combining with terpene aldehydes or aromatic aldehydes. When combined with citral, perillaldehyde showed superior antimicrobial activity to citronellal, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, and vanillin. The combined effects of citral and perillaldehyde against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans as volatile components dotted on filter paper placed away from the petri dish inoculated with fungi or bacteria were examined. Citral (2.5 mg/mL) and perillaldehyde (2.5 mg/mL) showed a greater inhibitory effect on growth of C. albicans than either solution alone in the aromatogram (disc diffusion) descent method (fractional inhibitory concentration [FIC] index of 0.58). Citral (2.5 mg/mL) and perillaldehyde (1.25 mg/mL) vapors in a closed box synergistically inhibited growth of B. subtilis and T. mentagrophytes (FIC indexes of 0.5 and 0.38, respectively). These results suggested that this combination would be safe and useful for disinfection of shoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aconitum carmichaelii is a high-value medicinal herb widely used across China, Japan, and other Asian countries. Aconitine-type diterpene alkaloids (DAs) are the characteristic compounds in Aconitum. Although six transcriptomes, based on short-read next generation sequencing technology, have been reported from the Aconitum species, the terpene synthase (TPS) corresponding to DAs biosynthesis remains unidentified. We apply a combination of Pacbio isoform sequencing and RNA sequencing to provide a comprehensive view of the A. carmichaelii transcriptome. Nineteen TPSs and five alternative splicing isoforms belonging to TPS-b, TPS-c, and TPS-e/f subfamilies were identified. In vitro enzyme reaction analysis functional identified two sesqui-TPSs and twelve diTPSs. Seven of the TPS-c subfamily genes reacted with GGPP to produce the intermediate ent -copalyl diphosphate. Five AcKSLs separately reacted with ent -CPP to produce ent -kaurene, ent -atiserene, and ent -13- epi -sandaracopimaradie: a new diterpene found in Aconitum. AcTPSs gene expression in conjunction DAs content analysis in different tissues validated that ent -CPP is the sole precursor to all DAs biosynthesis, with AcKSL1, AcKSL2s and AcKSL3-1 responsible for C 20 atisine and napelline type DAs biosynthesis, respectively. These data clarified the molecular basis for the C 20 -DAs biosynthetic pathway in A. carmichaelii and pave the way for further exploration of C 19 -DAs biosynthesis in the Aconitum species. A Pacbio full-length transcriptome of Aconitum carmichaelii were publicly available. Twelve diterpene synthases were functional identified to responsible for atisine, napelline type diterpene alkaloids (DAs) and ent -13- epi -sandaracopimaradie biosynthesis, respectively. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, feeding damage by the olive weevil Pimelocerus (Dyscerus) perforatus Roelofs, which utilizes olive trees (Olea europaea Linne) as a host plant, has become the biggest obstacle to olive cultivation in Japan. We previously identified several volatile plant-derived natural products that exhibit repellent activity against olive weevils. In this study, we conducted a pilot test of repellents in an olive orchard along with the use of insecticide. During three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, the first year was the observation period, and the second and third years were set aside for a trial period for o-vanillin and geraniol as repellents, respectively. Using o-vanillin, the number of adult olive weevil outbreaks decreased to almost half a year in the experimental area, the use of geraniol then resulted in a drastic reduction of the number of individual olive weevils in the experimental area. In contrast, adults and larvae outbreaks increased in the control area without a repellent, despite the use of insecticide. These results indicate that the volatile repellents drove the olive weevils away and kept them at bay in the field. Based on the observations, we will be able to provide a new approach for the control of olive cultivation, including fruit and leaves used for commercial purposes, following integrated pest management (IPM) practices, such as reducing environmental poisoning from intense insecticides, and returning olive weevils to their original habitat outside of olive orchards.

We report on the chemical characteristics of the red alga Laurencia japonensis, collected off the coast of Yoshio, Katsuura, Boso Peninsula, Japan. We isolated two new brominated C15-acetogenins in this species, which we name katsuurenyne A (1) and katsuurenyne B (2), along with two already known halogenated terpenes [2,10-dibromo-3-chloro-α-chamigrene (7) and aplysiadiol (8)]. We extensively analysed spectral data (from IR, ESI-MS, 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR) to confirm the structure of these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tricholoma anatolicum collected from Turkey is consumed by public and exported to Japan every year. It was previously identified as Tricholoma caligatum until it was recognized as a new species. In the existing literature, there is no information on the aromatic composition of T. anatolicum. Therefore, in this study it was aimed to identify the volatile composition of T. anatolicum together with T. caligatum. Species identification was confirmed using molecular analyses based on ITS rDNA sequencing. Volatile compounds of both mushroom species were extracted using liquid-liquid extraction method and determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-MS-FID). In the two Tricholoma species, 31 volatiles were obtained and grouped in seven chemical classes. The amounts of alcohols, volatile acids and esters were found to be higher in T. anatolicum, whereas the amounts of terpenes were detected as higher in T. caligatum. 1-Octen-3-ol responsible for the mushroom-like odour was only found in T. anatolicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background We conducted a multicenter phase I/II trial of olaparib plus eribulin in Japanese patients with advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) (phase I) and to examine the efficacy and safety (phase II) (UMIN00009498) of the combined therapy. Patients and methods In phase I, olaparib tablet was orally administered twice daily from level 1:25 mg BID to level 7:300 mg BID, with 1.4 mg/m2 of eribulin on days 1 and 8. In phase II, patients were treated with RP2D to assess the response rate (independent review). The planned sample size was 24 with a threshold of 10%. Results One of the 24 patients enrolled in phase I experienced dose-limiting toxicity. The RP2D was established as 300 mg twice daily for olaparib and 1.4 mg/m2 for eribulin. Among the 24 patients in phase II, the median number of administered courses was 5.5 (range: 1–28). Grade ≥III adverse events included neutropenia (83.3%), leucopenia (83.3%), anaemia (41.7%), febrile neutropenia (33.3%) and thrombosis (8.3%). The response rate was 29.2% (independent; N = 7/24; 90% confidence interval [CI]; 14.6–47.9). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 4.2 (95% CI, 3.0–7.4) and 14.5 (95% CI, 4.8–22.0) months, respectively. Germline BRCA1/2 mutation status was observed in three patients in phase I and 2 patients in phase II, respectively. The C max and area under the curve for olaparib increased in a dose-dependent manner, and these parameters for eribulin and olaparib were not influenced by each other. Conclusions Combination therapy of olaparib with eribulin shows antitumour activity against advanced or metastatic TNBC, but caution must be exercised in the presence of febrile neutropenia. Highlights • Olaparib combined with eribulin showed efficacy in patients previously treated with anthracycline and taxanes. • In pharmacokinetics, no drug interaction between eribulin and olaparib was observed. • Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition was observed from the lowest dose of olaparib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of pairing of wine vinified from shade-grown grapes before onset of ripening on the palatability of sashimi, a typical Japanese cuisine. GC-MS analyses of volatile chemicals revealed that shading reduced phenolic compounds and terpenoids, and added fatty acid ethyl esters which are also known to contribute to the flavor of Japanese sake. When the pairing of sashimi with wine was evaluated by individuals who regularly drink Japanese sake during meals, shade wine was more highly rated than wine made from normally-grown grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Artemisia asiatica Nakai (Compositae) has a long history as a traditional remedy. Preparation from various parts of the plant (aerial parts and leaves) are used to treat a wide range of diseases including gastric trouble, liver dysfunction, and skin inflammation. Aims of this review The aims of this review were: 1) to provide an overview of recent studies and progress on A. asiatica -derived ethnopharmacological compounds and their pharmacological activities; and 2) to summarize existing evidence and provide insight for future studies. Materials and methods This investigation was carried out by analyzing published books and research papers via scientific databases, namely Science Direct, PubMed ACS Publication, Wiley Online Library, CNKI and information obtained online. The keywords “ Artemisia asiatica traditional uses,” “Compounds isolated and studied in Artemisia asiatica, ” and “Pharmacological advances in Artemisia asiatica ” were used and articles published between 1995 and 2017 were considered. In total, 500 works related to biological activities of A. asiatica were identified, and only materials published in English were included in the review. Results Comparative analysis of literature searched through sources available confirmed that the ethnopharmacological use of A. asiatica was recorded in Korea, China, and Japan. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, monoterpenes, and steroids in A. asiatica . Of these, flavonoids have been shown to exhibit significant pharmacological effects such as gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-microbial actions. Conclusions Phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Artemisia asiatica have proven that this plant is one of valuable medicinal sources with neuroprotective, gastroprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Although ethanol extract of this plant is now being prescribed as gastroprotective and anti-ulcerative medicine, it is now time to expand its application to other human inflammatory diseases such as pancreatitis and hepatitis and further extensive study on toxicity in human. Therefore, the present review will encourage further studies of A. asiatica in the pursuit of wide range of therapeutic remedy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new gridded database has been developed to estimate the amount of isoprene, monoterpene, and sesquiterpene emitted from all the broadleaf and coniferous trees in Japan with the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN). This database reflects the vegetation specific to Japan more accurately than existing ones. It estimates much lower isoprene emitted from other vegetation than trees, and higher sesquiterpene emissions mainly emitted from Cryptomeria japonica , which is the most abundant plant type in Japan. Changes in biogenic emissions result in the decrease in ambient ozone and increase in organic aerosol simulated by the air quality simulation over the Tokyo Metropolitan Area in Japan. Although newly estimated biogenic emissions contribute to a better model performance on overestimated ozone and underestimated organic aerosol, they are not a single solution to solve problems associated with the air quality simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The plants in the genus Carpesium , which grow naturally in Asia and Europe, have long been used in traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese medicines. The antipyretic, antimalarial, haemostatic, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties of their extracts enabled their use in the treatment of several diseases, such as fevers, colds, contusions, diarrhoea, mastitis, mumps, hepatitis, malaria, etc. This review summarises the state-of-the-art and comprehensive information surrounding its use as traditional medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology to reveal the potential therapeutic effects of Carpesium plants and to establish a solid foundation for directing future research. Materials and methods The extensive reading and investigation were actualised by systematically searching the scientific literatures including Chinese, Korean and Japanese herbal classics, library catalogs and scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, SciFinder and the Web of Science), were systematically searched for topics related to factors like the chemical constituents, pharmacognostic research and pharmacological effects of the Carpesium species. Results Carpesium plants have been studied extensively as traditional folk medicines in China, Korea and Japan all the time. In past, phytochemical research was the focal point of this genus, and the recent studies of the members of this genus have been focused on the pharmacological activity and potential therapeutic applications of these plants. The research performed revealed that 143 compounds including sesquiterpenoid lactone monomers, sesquiterpenoid lactone dimers, monoterpenes, diterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and several other type of compounds, were isolated and identified within this genus in recent years, and certain of these constituents had demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-plasmodial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects. Conclusions This review shows that approximately 50 active compounds possess therapeutic potential during the treatment of cancer, inflammatory, parasitosis, etc. However, apart from those bioactive molecules, a considerable part of compounds, including a lot of sesquiterpenes, and several other type of compounds that have been previously isolated but have not been tested biologically need to be further tested. Therefore, more pharmacological experiments should be focused on these untested chemical constituents. Additionally, another issue concerns that most pharmacological studies were only performed in vitro-based experiments, so additional in vivo tests in animal models are required to estimate their side effects for the safety approval of therapeutic applications. Finally, further studies through well controlled, double-blind clinical trials are required to re-evaluate their efficacious and possible side effects, and more pharmacological mechanisms on main active compounds will also be needed for illuminating correlations between ehnopharmacology and pharmacology in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cantharidin is produced by beetles of only two families, the Meloidae and the Oedemeridae. This substance is a defensive terpenoid that is toxic to the enemies of the beetles. Cantharidin also attracts other groups of insects and has been used as a bait to trap them. Cantharidin-baited traps deployed in central Japan captured coleopterans (Anthicidae, Endomychidae, Pyrochroidae, and Scarabaeidae), dipterans (Ceratopogonidae), hymenopterans (Formicidae), and harvestmen (Podoctidae). The seasonal occurrences of these arthropods, their sex ratios, known feeding choices, and mating habits suggest three possible underlying reasons for the attractancy of cantharidin: (i) it is accumulated as a defense against enemies and sometimes for transfer from males to females as a nuptial gift; (ii) it is used as a chemical cue in food searching; and (iii) it is used as an aggregation pheromone by mature arthropod individuals. The group of canthariphilous arthropods we describe represents a cryptic ecological assemblage with rare chemical networking among apparently unrelated species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oshimalides A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ) were isolated from a Luffariella sp. marine sponge. The absolute configurations of the stereogenic centers in the cyclohexenone ring were determined by the modified Mosher's analysis of the reduction product. The absolute configuration of the stereogenic center in the dihydropyran ring was assigned by analysis of the 1 H NMR data of the vicinal diols which were prepared by AD-mix reagents stereoselectively.