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Endophytes play a pivotal role in protecting host plants from both biotic and abiotic stresses, promoting the production of active components (AC) and plant growth. However, the succession of the endophyte community in Eucommia ulmoides (E. ulmoides), particularly the community assembly and function, has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we employed high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics tools to analyze endophyte diversity across different tree ages, parts, and periods. We examined the population differences, correlations, community assembly mechanisms, and functional roles of these endophytes. Functional predictions via PICRUSt2 revealed that most endophytic fungal functions were linked to biosynthesis, with significant differences in biosynthetic functional abundance across parts and periods. In contrast, the metabolic activity of endophytic bacteria remained stable across different periods and parts. Correlation analysis further confirmed a strong positive relationship between ACs and certain endophytic fungi. Among them, the fungal phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were identified as key contributors to the metabolism of chlorogenic acid (CA), while Aucubin was significantly positively correlated with several endophytic bacteria. These findings provide valuable insights into the functional roles and community assembly mechanism of E. ulmoides endophytes, as well as their symbiotic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides Oliver), a multipurpose woody plant, holds great economic significance due to its expansive medicinal, food and industrial applications. The rapid advancement of E. ulmoides in various fields has resulted in the inadequacy of existing breeding methods to meet its growth and annual production demands. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative propagation strategies. This study introduces an optimized micropropagation protocol for E. ulmoides , facilitating direct shoot organogenesis from nodal segments with axillary buds. We systematically examined the impact of basal medium composition, plant growth regulators, photosynthetic photon flux density, and sucrose concentration on bud sprouting. Employing cuttings with axillary buds as propagation material, we achieved a shortened cultivation period of merely 4 weeks for bud elongation and proliferation, marking a substantial enhancement in propagation efficiency. Notably, the Driver Kuniyuki Walnut medium, supplemented with 20.0 g L−1 sucrose and 2.0 mg L−1 trans-zeatin, induced shoots sprouting with a 100% success rate and an average length of 5.18 cm per nodal segment, equating to a great bud propagation rate of approximately 500%. Furthermore, a light source with an intensity of 80 μmol m−2 s−1 was shown the most economical choice. To address the primary challenge of inducing roots in regenerated plants, we employed a refined two-step rooting technique. This method yielded the optimal rooting frequency of 93.02%, producing an average of 5.90 adventitious roots per plantlet, each with an average length of 2.77 cm. The micropropagation program developed in this work will be the cornerstone for the preservation of the germplasm of E. ulmoides and its long-term use in medicinal and industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions affecting the yield of EUPS (Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharide) were analyzed using a Box-Behnken response surface design. The alleviation effect of EUPS on diquat-induced oxidative stress in mice was also studied. A maximum EUPS yield of 2.60% was obtained under the following optimized conditions: an extraction temperature of 63 °C, extraction time of 1 h, and ratio of liquid to raw materials of 22:1. EUPS exhibited strong 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging ability (87.05%), 2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radical-scavenging ability (101.17%), and hydroxyl radical-scavenging ability (62.92%). The administration of EUPS increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and decreased malondialdehyde levels in the livers of mice exposed to diquat. EUPS may inhibit the downregulation of NAD(P)H:quinoneoxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase 1 mRNA expression in the livers of diquat-administered mice through the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway. Moreover, the abundance of Firmicutes and Ligilactobacillus was enhanced, whereas that of Helicobacter decreased in the gut of the remaining groups of mice compared with that of the diquat-treated mice. Therefore, EUPS exhibited an antioxidant effect and improved oxidative stress and intestinal flora abundance in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides Oliver), a multipurpose woody plant, holds great economic significance due to its expansive medicinal, food and industrial applications. The rapid advancement of E. ulmoides in various fields has resulted in the inadequacy of existing breeding methods to meet its growth and annual production demands. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative propagation strategies. This study introduces an optimized micropropagation protocol for E. ulmoides, facilitating direct shoot organogenesis from nodal segments with axillary buds. We systematically examined the impact of basal medium composition, plant growth regulators, photosynthetic photon flux density, and sucrose concentration on bud sprouting. Employing cuttings with axillary buds as propagation material, we achieved a shortened cultivation period of merely 4 weeks for bud elongation and proliferation, marking a substantial enhancement in propagation efficiency. Notably, the Driver Kuniyuki Walnut medium, supplemented with 20.0 g L-1 sucrose and 2.0 mg L-1 trans-zeatin, induced shoots sprouting with a 100% success rate and an average length of 5.18 cm per nodal segment, equating to a great bud propagation rate of approximately 500%. Furthermore, a light source with an intensity of 80 mmol m-2 s-1 was shown the most economical choice. To address the primary challenge of inducing roots in regenerated plants, we employed a refined two-step rooting technique. This method yielded the optimal rooting frequency of 93.02%, producing an average of 5.90 adventitious roots per plantlet, each with an average length of 2.77 cm. The micropropagation program developed in this work will be the cornerstone for the preservation of the germplasm of E. ulmoides and its long-term use in medicinal and industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylglyoxal (MGO) triggers oxidative stress responses in vascular endothelial cells, leading to apoptosis linked to diabetic vascular complications. Total flavonoids of Eucommia ulmoides leaves (TFEL) display antioxidant activity, yet its prevention of MGO‐induced apoptosis and mechanisms are unclear. Our study used western blotting and ELISA to evaluate protein levels and enzyme activities. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using CCK8 assay and PE Annexin V/7‐AAD double staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured using fluorescence probes. Vascular pathological changes and apoptosis were analyzed through H&E and TUNEL staining. In vitro, MGO‐stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with varying TFEL concentrations. Our results demonstrated that TFEL significantly enhanced cell viability, reduced apoptosis, downregulated caspase‐3 activity, and Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. Moreover, TFEL markedly suppressed MGO‐induced ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) production while restoring antioxidant enzyme activity and MMP. TFEL pretreatment promoted the expression of p‐Akt, Nrf2, and HO‐1 proteins. Pharmacological inhibition of p‐Akt significantly suppressed the upregulation of Nrf2 and HO‐1 protein levels mediated by TFEL. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition of Nrf2 or p‐Akt partially abrogated the protective effects of TFEL against MGO‐induced damage in HUVECs. In vivo studies revealed that TFEL (100 and 200 mg/kg) partially restored antioxidant capacity and reduced aortic thickness and apoptosis in MGO‐injured mice. In conclusion, the findings indicate that TFEL mitigates MGO‐induced apoptosis via activation of p‐Akt/Nrf2/HO‐1 and scavenging of oxidative stress, highlighting its potential in diabetic vascular complication management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) is a secondary disease that severely affects the health and quality of life of patients with diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to explore the bone protective effect of aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides (EUL) in DOP mice. DOP mice were established using a high‐sugar, high‐fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg for three consecutive days), and the EUL aqueous extract (2.5 g/kg/day) was orally administered for 6 weeks. The serum levels of oxidative stress‐related factors, calcium, and phosphorus were assessed using biochemical assays. The osteoprotective effect of EUL was assessed using micro‐computer tomography, three‐point bending assay, histological analysis, and immunoblotting. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to detect the expression levels of calcium transport channel factors in the kidney and small intestine tissues. Furthermore, the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) in the femur, kidney, and small intestine tissues were detected using western blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. EUL aqueous extract reduced blood glucose levels, increased body weight, and relieved symptoms in DOP mice (p <.05). It also increased bone mineral density, improved the bone microstructure, decreased the number of femoral osteoclasts, and increased the expression of femoral Runx2 and Bmp2 in DOP mice (p <.01). After 6 weeks of EUL aqueous extract administration, serum levels of SOD, CTA, calcium, and phosphorus were upregulated, whereas MDA levels were decreased (p <.01). The aqueous EUL extract also upregulated the expression of TRPV5, PMCA‐1b, and CaBP‐9 k in the kidney and small intestine of DOP mice (p <.01). Furthermore, the expression of Nrf2 and HO‐1 in the kidney, small intestine, and femur tissues was increased (p <.01). EUL aqueous extract reduced blood glucose levels in DOP mice and regulated oxidative stress through the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway, thereby maintaining calcium homeostasis and ultimately improving bone quality. Our study suggested that EUL aqueous extract may be effective in the treatment of DOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to establish a characteristic fingerprint of Eucommia ulmoides leaves extract, a feed additive, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), to provide a reference for its quality control. The HPLC method was used to determine the chemical constituents of 36 batches of Eucommia ulmoides leaves extract on a Sunfire C18 (4.6 mmx250 mm, 5 µm) column, with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid in water as the mobile phase, at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min, with an injection volume of 10 µL, a column temperature of 35 °C, and a detection wavelength of 254 nm. Eight peaks with better separation and peak shape in the chromatograms of 36 batches of Eucommia ulmoides leaves extracts were selected as the characteristic peaks to obtain the HPLC chromatograms of Eucommia ulmoides leaves extract. Based on the information of the control product, the precise relative molecular mass and the fragmentation ions, eight characteristic peaks were identified as the constituents of Eucommia ulmoides leaves extract. The results showed that a total of eight characteristic peaks were identified in the HPLC characteristic chromatogram of Eucommia ulmoides leaves extract, and seven chromatographic peaks of aucubin, geniposidic acid, neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, quercetin rutin, and isoquercitrin were identified. The study indicates that the characteristic chromatogram of Eucommia ulmoides leaves extract established in the experiment has achieved stable quality control and can provide reference for the quality evaluation of Eucommia ulmoides leaves extract as a feed additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the annual Eucommia wood cellulase as raw material・ The ternary nitcctic of choline chlori

Copyright of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences is the property of Editorial Board of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase (s-PPase), a pyrophosphate hydrolase, is crucial for various physiological processes including plant growth and development, metabolic functions, and responses to abiotic stresses. However, research on s-PPase in woody plants is limited. To investigate the potential role of soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides) in drought stress, the E. ulmoides soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase 5 (EuSIP5) cDNA sequence was amplified via RT-PCR. A bioinformatic analysis suggested that EuSIP5 may be an unstable amphipathic protein predominantly localized in the cytoplasm. In E. ulmoides, the highest expression of the EuSIP5 gene was detected in the leaves and pericarp of male plants from April to October, and in the leaves in July and September. Under drought conditions, the expression of EuSIP5 in E. ulmoides leaves was significantly greater than that in the control. An overexpression vector containing EuSIP5 was constructed and introduced into Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Xanthi (N. tabacum L.). Compared with that in wild-type (WT) plants, wilting in N. tabacum L. EuSIP5-overexpressing (OE) plants was delayed by 4 days under drought stress. Additionally, the expression levels of the drought-related genes DET2, CYP85A1, P5CS, ERF1, F-box, and NCED1 were elevated in the leaves of transgenic N. tabacum L. Moreover, the activities of the protective enzymes peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were significantly greater, whereas the malondialdehyde content was lower in the transgenic plants than in the WT plants. These findings suggest that the introduction of the EuSIP5 gene into N. tabacum L. enhances drought-related gene expression, increases antioxidant capacity, and reduces oxidative stress damage, thereby improving drought resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is an important part of primary osteoporosis, and the current clinical treatment program for PMOP is easily limited by side effects and adverse reactions, so it is particularly important to seek more efficient, safe, and economical drug treatment for PMOP. In recent years, with the change of disease treatment mode and the gradual deepening of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research on PMOP, a review of the literature reveals that there is a huge number of studies on the use of TCM in the treatment of PMOP, but there are no relevant systematic studies on the rules of its formulas and the specific mechanisms by which the core drugs exert their therapeutic effects. Therefore, in this study, we collected a total of 141 formulas used by TCM clinicians to treat PMOP, statistically analyzed their high-frequency medications, Four Qi, Five Flavors, meridians, and efficacies, and analyzed the core medications based on the association rules, which were Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Epimedium, Eucommia ulmoides, Rhizoma Drynariae, Angelica sinensis, Achyranthes, Astragalus propinquus, Psoralen, Cornus officinalis and licorice. A total of 87 drug pairs were obtained from the correlation analysis, and a total of 8 groups of potential core combination drugs and 4 potential new prescriptions were derived based on the cluster analysis. Subsequently, a network pharmacological analysis of the core drugs was conducted to obtain 173 active ingredients in the core drugs, including kaempferol, β-sitosterol, quercetin, etc. 298 targets of action, including MAPK3, STAT1, HSP90AA1, etc. 170 signaling pathways including AGE-RAGE, PI3 K/Akt, TNF, HIF-1 and others. The molecular docking results showed that 11 key active ingredients in the core drugs had stable binding to the target targets. This study showed that TCM treatment of PMOP is mainly based on "reinforcing liver and kidney, warmly invigorating spleen and stomach, activating blood and resolving stasis." Core drugs therapy for PMOP is a comprehensive intervention through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approaches. The minimum binding energies between the 11 key active ingredients and the 11 key targets were calculated in a comprehensive analysis, which shows that the core drugs have good binding activities to their therapeutic targets, proving that the predictions of this study are reliable. In the future, it will provide certain medication basis and data support for TCM treatment of PMOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Endophytes play a pivotal role in protecting host plants from both biotic and abiotic stresses, promoting the production of active components (AC) and plant growth. However, the succession of the endophyte community in Eucommia ulmoides (E. ulmoides), particularly the community assembly and function, has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we employed high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics tools to analyze endophyte diversity across different tree ages, parts, and periods. We examined the population differences, correlations, community assembly mechanisms, and functional roles of these endophytes. Functional predictions via PICRUSt2 revealed that most endophytic fungal functions were linked to biosynthesis, with significant differences in biosynthetic functional abundance across parts and periods. In contrast, the metabolic activity of endophytic bacteria remained stable across different periods and parts. Correlation analysis further confirmed a strong positive relationship between ACs and certain endophytic fungi. Among them, the fungal phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were identified as key contributors to the metabolism of chlorogenic acid (CA), while Aucubin was significantly positively correlated with several endophytic bacteria. These findings provide valuable insights into the functional roles and community assembly mechanism of E. ulmoides endophytes, as well as their symbiotic relationships.

Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by a progressive loss of muscle mass and function which are influenced by certain factors such as aging, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic diseases. Despite numerous efforts to prevent or treat sarcopenia, effective therapeutic options for this disease remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the effects of KGC01CE treatment, a mixture of Cervus elaphus (Ce) and Eucommia ulmoides (Eu), which are well-known traditional herbal medicines in Asia, on age-related muscle loss and functional decline in aged rats. KGC01CE has been found to be more effective than the individual extracts in inhibiting dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy and improving muscle mass and grip strength in C2C12 cells and aged rats. Moreover, animal studies were conducted to determine the minimum effective dose, and a 12-week oral administration of KGC01CE treatment at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg to 15-month-old aged rats resulted in a dose-dependent increase in lean mass, muscle mass, grip strength, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), which had decreased due to aging. Furthermore, it was shown that KGC01CE activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and inhibited the expression of muscle-degrading proteins MuRF, Atrogin-1, and myostatin. These results suggest that KGC01CE treatment may effectively prevent muscle loss and functional decline, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for sarcopenia.

Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG)/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) blends were prepared using EUG with high and low molecular weight, respectively, and their physical properties and constituents compatibility were investigated. The blend exhibited superior physical properties and constituents compatibility when EUG with high molecular weight occupied 10 wt%. When its content increased further, the physical properties deteriorated gradually，the results of SEM, DSC, and DMA diagrams indicated poorer constituents compatibility. The blends prepared from EUG with low molecular weight can achieve better compatibility in a comprehensive range of blending ratio. When the EUG content was 20 wt%, the maximum tensile strength of the blend was observed, which was 49.9% higher than that of pure EPDM, its rebound resilience ascended by 5%, and the wear resistance remained nearly unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Legumin A is a seed storage protein that provides nutrients for seed germination. The purpose of this study was to describe the structure and expression pattern of the EuLEGA gene in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides) and to infer its functional role. The 1287 bp coding sequence of the EuLEGA CDS of the EuLEGA gene, encoding a protein containing 428 amino acid residues, was cloned. The structure predicted that the protein belonged to the RmlC (deoxythymidine diphosphates, dTDP)-4-dehydrorhamnose 3,5-epimerase)-like cupin conserved domain family, which contains both RmlC, a key enzyme for the synthesis of rhamnose and legumin A. The overexpression (OE) vector of the EuLEGA gene was constructed and genetically transformed into tobacco and E. ulmoides; the RNA interference (RNAi) vector of the EuLEGA gene was constructed and genetically transformed into E. ulmoides; and the contents of legumin A and rhamnose were detected. The results showed that the EuLEGA gene could significantly increase the content of legumin A in transgenic tobacco leaves and transgenic E. ulmoides regenerative buds, and the OE of this gene in E. ulmoides could promote an increase in rhamnose content. RNAi caused a significant decrease in the legumin A content in the regenerated buds of E. ulmoides. These was a significant increase in legumin A in the transgenic tobacco seeds, and these results indicate that the expression of the EuLEGA gene is closely related to the accumulation of legumin A. Subcellular localization studies revealed that EuLEGA is localized to the cytoplasm with the vacuolar membrane. Analysis of the EuLEGA gene expression data revealed that the expression level of the EuLEGA gene in the samaras was significantly greater than that in the leaves and stems. In addition, the study also demonstrated that GA3 can upregulate the expression levels of the EuLEGA gene, while ABA and MeJA can downregulate its expression levels.

Eucommia ulmoides (EU) is a precious tree species native to China originating during the ice age. This species has important economic value and comprehensive development potential, particularly in medicinal applications. The medicinal parts of EU are its bark (Eucommiae cortex) and leaves (Eucommiae folium) which have been successively used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat diseases since the first century BC. During the last 2 decades, as natural polysaccharides have become of increasing interest in pharmacology, biomedicine, cosmetic and food applications, more and more scholars have begun to study polysaccharides derived from EU as well. EU polysaccharides have been found to have a variety of biological functions both in vivo and in vitro, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticomplementary, antifatigue, and hepatoprotective activities. This review aims to summarize these recent advances in extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities and applications in different fields of EU bark and leaf polysaccharides. It was found that both Eucommiae folium polysaccharides and Eucommiae cortex polysaccharides were suitable for medicinal use. Eucommiae folium may potentially be used to substitute for Eucommiae cortex in terms of immunomodulation and antioxidant activities. This study serves as a valuable reference for improving the comprehensive utilization of EU polysaccharides and further promoting the application of EU polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total flavonoids and four monomer compounds were purified from the Eucommia leaves flavoid extract, anti-inflammatory effects were preliminarily studied. The total flavonoid extract from Eucommia ulmoides leaves with a content of 65.19%, liquid quality analysis of its total flavonoids extract, solid-liquid extraction was used to further purification. The results showed that 95% ethanol extraction, extraction material-to-liquid ratio of 1 g: 10 mL, and extraction frequency of 1 time were used, the extract with a total flavonoid content of Eucommia leaf was up to 80.35% ; semi-prepared liquid phase was separated the eucommia flavonoid monomer compound; the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring the inhibition effect of NO generation. Four monomer compounds were obtained by semi-prepared liquid phase separation, the four monomer compounds were quercetin-3-O-Sambunisglycoside, isoquercetin, rutin and viola vaeconin; they all had NO inhibition effect of NO generation, and the total flavonoid extract with 78.78% content was best, while monomer compound was viola vaeconin > rutin > quercetin-3-O-Sambunisglycoside > isoquercetin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex multisystem neurodegenerative disease, and cognitive impairment is a common symptom in the trajectory of PD. Duzhong Fang (DZF) consists of Eucommia ulmoides, Dendrobium, Rehmanniae Radix, and Dried Ginger. Our previous study showed that DZF improves motor deficits in mice. However, whether DZF can ameliorate cognitive impairment in PD has not been reported. In this study, we established mice models of PD induced by rotenone and examined the effect of DZF on cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD-CI). The results confirmed that DZF treatment not only significantly improved the motor deficits in PD mice and decreased the loss of dopaminergic neurons, but also had significant effects in improving cognitive impairment. We further integrate serum metabolome and network pharmacology to explore the mechanisms by which DZF improves PD-CI. The results revealed that DZF can treat PD-CI by regulating sphingolipid metabolism to inhibit neuronal apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, preliminary studies confirmed that DZF contributes to the improvement of cognitive ability in PD, and our results provide a potential drug for the clinical treatment of PD and a theoretical foundation for DZF in clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides) is rich in a variety of medicinally active compounds which have a very high economic value. Various types of explants (stem, stem with axillary bud, terminal bud, and leaves) were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with different types and concentrations of growth regulators. The present study found that the cultured stem explants induced callus. Terminal bud and the stem with axillary bud–cultured explants induced clustered regenerated plantlets. The terminal bud was designated as clustered regenerated plantlets I after culture, while the stem with axillary bud was labeled as clustered regenerated plantlets II after culture. The highest induction rate of clustered regenerated plantlets was 66.67% after culture on medium supplemented with 0.5 mg ּL−1 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and 0.01 mg ּL−1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The highest induction rate of callus tissue was 80.66% following culture on medium containing 0.09 mg ּL−1 NAA and 0.5 mg ּL−1 6-BA. The medicinal active ingredients of clustered regenerated plantlets and callus tissue were compared with those in natural seedlings and demonstrated that there was little difference in the types of compounds between clustered regenerated plantlets and natural seedlings. The contents of phenylpropanoids, phenols, flavonoids, lignin, and iridoids in different induced tissues were determined and showed that the best material for obtaining lignin compounds was clustered regenerated plantlets induced by terminal bud, and the best material for obtaining phenylpropanoids, phenols, and iridoids was clustered regenerated plantlets induced by stems with axillary bud. The theoretical basis and technical support provided in this study are essential for the establishment of an asexual propagation system for E. ulmoides and the commercial regeneration of plants. Furthermore, in vitro culture can efficiently produce a significant amount of medicinally active components, thereby decreasing reliance on wild resources. Research on the variations of medicinal components in E. ulmoides not only offers a theoretical foundation but also supplies experimental materials for the development of novel drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Salinity and droughts are severe abiotic stress factors that limit plant growth and development. However, the differences and similarities of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) responses patterns of trees under the two stress conditions remain unclear. Methods: We determined and compared the growth, physiology, and NSCs response patterns and tested the relationships between growth and NSCs concentrations (or pool size) of Eucommia ulmoides seedlings planted in field under drought and salt stress with different intensities and durations. Results and discussion: We found that drought and salt stress can inhibit the growth of E. ulmoides, and E. ulmoides tended to enhance its stress resistance by increasing proline concentration and leaf thickness or density but decreasing investment in belowground biomass in short-term stress. During short-term drought and salt stress, the aboveground organs showed different NSCs response characteristics, while belowground organs showed similar change characteristics: the starch (ST) and NSCs concentrations in the coarse roots decreased, while the ST and soluble sugar (SS) concentrations in the fine roots increased to enhance stress resistance and maintain water absorption function. As salt and drought stress prolonged, the belowground organs represented different NSCs response patterns: the concentrations of ST and SS in fine roots decreased as salt stress prolonged; while ST in fine roots could still be converted into SS to maintain water absorption as drought prolonged, resulting in an increase of SS and a decrease of ST. Significant positive relationships were found between growth and the SS and total NSCs concentrations in leaves and branches, however, no significant correlations were found between growth and below-ground organs. Moreover, relationships between growth and NSCs pool size across organs could be contrast. Conclusion: Our results provide important insights into the mechanisms of carbon balance and carbon starvation and the relationship between tree growth and carbon storage under stress, which were of great significance in guiding for the management of artificial forest ecosystem under the context of global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress inhibits plant growth and affects the biosynthesis of its secondary metabolites. Flavonoids are natural compounds that possess many important biological activities, playing a significant role in the medicinal activity of Eucommia ulmoides (E. ulmoides). To investigate the mechanism by which salt stress affects the biosynthesis of flavonoids in E. ulmoides , a comprehensive analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics was conducted. The results indicated that salt stress led to the wilting and darkening of E. ulmoides leaves, accompanied by a decrease in chlorophyll levels, and significantly induced malondialdehyde (MDA) and relative electrical conductivity. During salt stress, most metabolites in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway of E. ulmoides were upregulated, indicating that flavonoid biosynthesis is likely the main induced pathway under salt stress. Among them, secondary metabolites such as 6-Hydroxyluteolin and Quercetin are likely key metabolites induced by salt stress. The correlation analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics revealed that EuSHT is a hub gene induced by salt stress, promoting the production of flavonoids such as 6-Hydroxyluteolin. The co-expression network showed a strong positive correlation between EuSHT and the biosynthesis of 6-Hydroxyluteolin and Quercetin, while it exhibited a negative correlation with Catechin biosynthesis. The branches leading to Luteolin and Dihydroquercetin are likely the main pathways for flavonoid compound biosynthesis in the plant stress response during salt stress. The results of this study provided a preliminary mechanism of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids in the medicinal plant E. ulmoides induced by salt stress and provided new theoretical support for discussing the mechanism of plant stress response. It also provided useful information for subsequent exploration of resistance genes in E. ulmoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crumb rubber (CR) asphalt has some defects of high viscosity and poor storage stability, which brings great challenge to the high-quality construction of the CR asphalt pavement. To improve the interaction between the CR and base binder, the Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) with double-bond structure similar to trans-polyoctenamer rubber (TOR) was used to modify the CR asphalt. However, the original EUG double bond is basically inactive at room temperature and cannot form the effect of TOR. Open double bonds of EUG with asphalt and rubber powder form a network structure similar to TOR-modified rubber asphalt by high-temperature mixing with EUG in a torque rheometer. The effects of modified CR on rubber asphalt were analyzed by macro- and micro-experiments such as rotational viscosity tests, segregation tests, FTIR tests, and PG tests. It was found that the high-temperature mixing process works in both physical and chemical ways to mix the CR and EUG into an inseparable substance. The modified CR has higher chemical activity after desulfurization and degradation, which allows it to form a more effective chemical connection with asphalt. EUG can build a stable spatial crosslinking structure in CR asphalt due to the sulfurization reaction, which significantly improves the construction workability and system stability of the CR asphalt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To explore the ultrasound-assisted water extraction of polysaccharides from Eucommia ulmoi⁃ des leaves and corresponding antioxidant activity against free radicals in vitro, the response surface methodology BBD was used to optimize the extraction on the basis of single factor tests, and the polysaccharide extract was purified by dialysis, followed by the determination of hydroxyl and DPPH radicalsscavenging by polysaccharide extracts in vitro. The results showed that the extraction yield of polysaccharide is 2.66%, under the revised optimal conditions, i. e., liquid-solid ratio of 20 mL/g, interlayer temperature of 62 ℃, ultrasonic power of 500 W, ultrasonic time of 65 min. The polysaccharide content in the polysaccharide extract is 23.21% and 58.75% before and after dialysis purification, respectively. The polysaccharide extract showed a better scavenging effect on both hydroxyl and DPPH radicals, but it was more favorable to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. Dialysis purification can not only improve purity of polysaccharides, but also increase the corresponding scavenging ability on hydroxyl and DPPH radicals, especially in the scavenging of DPPH radicals. The separation and purification processes are efficient and green, and can be directly used for the extraction of polysaccharides from Eucommia ulmoides leaf, promoting the development and application of Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharide in feed, food, medicine and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative iron supplement crucial for treating iron-deficiency anemia was developed in this study. Polysaccharide was extracted from Eucommia ulmoides leaves using a microwave-assisted hot water method, and subsequently, the polysaccharide–iron complex was synthesized through co-thermal synthesis with FeCl3. The physicochemical properties, structure, and thermal stability of the complex were analyzed using FE-SEM, SEC-MALLS, FT-IR, XRD, and DSC techniques. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the polysaccharide–iron complex was evaluated through an experiment in vitro. The results revealed that the polysaccharide–iron complex had an iron content of 6.1% and an average particle size of 860.4 nm. The microstructure analysis indicated that the polysaccharide–iron complex possessed a flaky morphology with smooth and compact surfaces. Moreover, the formation of the Fe3+ complex did not alter the structural framework of the polysaccharide; instead, it enhanced the polysaccharide's thermal stability. Compared to traditional iron supplements, the E. ulmoides-derived polysaccharide–iron complex demonstrated significant antioxidant activity. Therefore, this novel compound exhibits significant potential as a viable iron supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone fracture is one of the most significant issues in the world, and it can affect anyone between ages. Patients have, accordingly, focused their attention on complementary and alternative medicine from natural products and applications from the orient; specifically, traditional Chinese medicine, because of efforts to enhance the healing of fractures without undesirable side effects. Although there are many types of traditional Chinese medicine herbs, some of the most common ones that are used in treating osteoporosis are known to have beneficial effects on bone density, where Eucommia ulmoides and Drynariae Rhizome are some of the most used types. In an attempt to determine the effectiveness of active components in the plant Eucommia ulmoides and the herb Drynariae Rhizome in bone fracture and fracture healing using network pharmacology and molecular docking study, this research study was carried out. First, the dosage forms Eucommia ulmoides and Drynariae Rhizome for traditional Chinese medicine nature were obtained, and then the molecular docking and molecular dynamics of the target protein of this medicine were achieveDrynariae To analyze the process of molecular accumulation, the decision to use the presence/absence matrix of known interactions and apply network considerations that recognize three dimensional contacts and biological networks of the compounds and targets involved was made. Based on the conclusions drawn from this molecular docking, the efficiency and working mechanism of the bioactive compounds and their targets were determineDrynariae These bioactive compounds described in the case focus on network pharmacology's targets, and they might be relational with bone metabolism, fracture repairing or other diseases. Molecular docks also offered fairly reasonable binding through certain metabolites like geniposidic acid and kaempferol with other probable aims like bone morphogenetic protein 2/growth differentiation factor 5 compounds that may back up the restorative wound fix in bone and cartilage, neuroprotection, cardiovascular health, and cancer defence mechanisms. The findings from this integrated approach based on the sequence have the ability to offer better understanding of the phytochemicals that make Eucommia ulmoides and Drynariae Rhizome helpful in the healing of bone fracture. The knowledge regarding the bioactive compound and their relationship with the target protein might help in the development of fresh and effective fracture healing traditional Chinese medicine drugs or in the adjustment of the traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for bone ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumin A is a seed storage protein that provides nutrients for seed germination. The purpose of this study was to describe the structure and expression pattern of the EuLEGA gene in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides) and to infer its functional role. The 1287 bp coding sequence of the EuLEGA CDS of the EuLEGA gene, encoding a protein containing 428 amino acid residues, was cloned. The structure predicted that the protein belonged to the RmlC (deoxythymidine diphosphates, dTDP)-4-dehydrorhamnose 3,5-epimerase)-like cupin conserved domain family, which contains both RmlC, a key enzyme for the synthesis of rhamnose and legumin A. The overexpression (OE) vector of the EuLEGA gene was constructed and genetically transformed into tobacco and E. ulmoides; the RNA interference (RNAi) vector of the EuLEGA gene was constructed and genetically transformed into E. ulmoides; and the contents of legumin A and rhamnose were detected. The results showed that the EuLEGA gene could significantly increase the content of legumin A in transgenic tobacco leaves and transgenic E. ulmoides regenerative buds, and the OE of this gene in E. ulmoides could promote an increase in rhamnose content. RNAi caused a significant decrease in the legumin A content in the regenerated buds of E. ulmoides. These was a significant increase in legumin A in the transgenic tobacco seeds, and these results indicate that the expression of the EuLEGA gene is closely related to the accumulation of legumin A. Subcellular localization studies revealed that EuLEGA is localized to the cytoplasm with the vacuolar membrane. Analysis of the EuLEGA gene expression data revealed that the expression level of the EuLEGA gene in the samaras was significantly greater than that in the leaves and stems. In addition, the study also demonstrated that GA3 can upregulate the expression levels of the EuLEGA gene, while ABA and MeJA can downregulate its expression levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, with pharmacological effects such as lowering blood pressure and enhancing immune function. The effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharide (EUP) on immune function and meat quality were studied in Songliao Black Pigs. Blood lymphocyte counts and percentage, concentrations of serum total protein and of albumin increased, whereas those of urea nitrogen and triglyceride decreased. White blood cell and lymphocyte counts, and serum IgA, IgE, IgG2 a and IFN-γ increased. Average daily weight gain, slaughter weight, lean meat rate and cooked meat rate increased, whereas pH24, feed-weight ratio, fat rate, yellowness (b#) and centrifugal dehydration rate decreased. Transcriptome sequencing of longissimus dorsi muscle detected 32 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 26 were up-regulated and 6 down-regulated. A total of 19 genes were differentially expressed in the four groups, 18 of which were up-regulated. The DEGs included ADAMTS4, PER1, STAC, SERPINE1, FASN, THRSP, SP7 and KRT80 and the protein interaction network showed 20 up-regulated nodes, three down-regulated nodes and 14 DEGs. GO functional annotation and enrichment analysis showed that 34 items were significantly enriched, including transferase activity, actin binding, acetyl coenzyme A, acyl coenzyme A metabolism, adipose tissue development and acyl glycerol homeostasis. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways were enriched. Dietary Eucommia polysaccharide enhanced immune function in Songliao Black Pigs, improved growth and carcass performance, increased the expression of genes related to meat quality traits and improved meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription has a long history in the treatment of primary osteoporosis, and the curative effect is definite, but the medication rule and mechanism are not clearOBJECTIVE: Using the methodology of data mining and network pharmacology, to explore and verify the law of drug use and molecular mechanism of modern traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of primary osteoporosis. METHODS: The relevant documents included in CNKI, WanFang, VIP and PubMed were used as data sources, and the relevant data were statistically counted and extracted by Microsoft EXCEL2019, IBMSPSS25.0 and other software. The high-frequency drugs obtained from the data statistics were analyzed by association rules analysis and cluster analysis, and the core drug combination of traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription in the treatment of primary osteoporosis was obtained by combining the two results. The therapeutic mechanism of this combination was explained by network pharmacology and verified by molecular docking. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Finally, 151 articles were included and 207 prescriptions were selected, involving 285 flavors of Chinese herbs. (1) Ten groups of important drug combinations were obtained through the above two analyses, among which the core drug combination with the highest confidence and improvement was “Drynaria-Eucommia-Angelica.” The key components of the combination in the treatment of primary osteoporosis were quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin and so on. The core targets were SRC proto-oncogene, phosphoinositide-3-Kinase regulatory subunit 1 and RELA proto-oncogene. The main pathways were cancer signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway. (2) The key active components were docked with the core targets, and the two showed a good combination. To conclude, Chinese herbal compound therapy in the treatment of primary osteoporosis can use a variety of active components to exert its efficacy through multiple signal pathways and acting on multiple targets, which can provide a theoretical basis for the research and development of new drugs for the follow-up treatment of primary osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With Lactobacillus plantarum CICC 20022 as the research object, this study investigated the effects of Eucommia ulmoides leaf polysaccharides on the number of viable bacteria, microstructure, fatty acid composition of cell membrane, and structural integrity of cell membrane and cell wall under bile salt stress. The results showed that the viable count of L. plantarum CICC 20022 was significantly increased (P<0. 05), when the crude polysaccharide or the refined polysaccharide of E. ulmoides leaf were added to the bile salt stress environment and cultured for 24 h, which was 1.30 times or 1.10 times that of the control, respectively. Compared with the control, the addition of crude polysaccharide from E. ulmoides leaf or refined polysaccharide from E. ulmoides leaf could significantly protect the microstructure of bacteria and reduce the cell damage caused by bile salt stress, and the PI fluorescence intensity, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity and DNA leakage of cells were significantly reduced (P< 0. 05), while the ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (U/S) in cell membrane was significantly increased (P<0. 05) to 0. 37. The results indicated that adding crude polysaccharide from E. ulmoides leaf in the environment of bile salt stress could maintain the integrity of cell structure of L. plantarum CICC 20022 and improve its bile salt tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore how the total flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EULs) regulate ischemia-induced nerve damage, as well as the protective effects mediated by oxidative stress. The cell survival rate was significantly improved compared to the ischemic group (p < 0.05) after treatment with the total flavonoids of EULs. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased, while catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) increased, indicating that the total flavonoids of EULs can significantly alleviate neurological damage caused by ischemic stroke by inhibiting oxidative stress (p < 0.01). The mRNA expression level of VEGF increased (p < 0.01), which was consistent with the protein expression results. Meanwhile, the protein expression of ERK and CCND1 increased (p < 0.01), suggesting that the total flavonoids of EULs could protect PC12 cells from ischemic injury via VEGF-related pathways. MCAO rat models indicated that the total flavonoids of EULs could reduce brain ischemia–reperfusion injury. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential mechanisms of the total flavonoids of EULs in treating ischemic stroke and their potential therapeutic effects in reducing ischemic injury, which provides useful information for ischemic stroke drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides , a highly valuable economic crop, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. In this study, three new iridoids and one new alkaloid, along with 16 known compounds, were isolated from the seeds of E. ulmoides. Their structures incorporating absolute configurations were elucidated based on the comprehensive analyses of NMR data, HR-ESI-MS spectrometry, optical rotation, and ECD data. All compounds were tested for their anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compounds 14 , 17 , and 18 significantly inhibited the production of NO with IC 50 values of 10.37, 27.34, and 21.58 μ M respectively. Further experiments demonstrated that compound 17 could intercept the nuclear translocation of NF- κ B, and down-regulate the expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1 β , and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. [Display omitted] • A study of the bioactive phytochemicals in Eucommia ulmoides seeds was conducted. • Twenty compounds including four novels were isolated and identified. • Some terpenoids showed potent anti-inflammatory activities in RAW 254.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Towards the goal of developing renewable, biocompatible and intelligent polymer materials, natural Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) was modified via epoxidation and then the epoxidized EUG (EEUG) was compounded with another sustainable and biobased polymer, polylactic acid (PLA), to develop shape memory thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) through reactive blending. The prepared PLA/EEUG TPVs displayed not only enhanced toughness but also greatly improved shape recovery ability, which was generated from the co‐continuous phase structure and excellent interfacial adhesion induced by in situ compatibilization during reactive blending. It is shown that dicumyl peroxide content exerted little influence on the toughness of the TPVs. However, heat‐triggered shape memory effects of the TPVs were significantly affected by the dicumyl peroxide content with a decrease in deformation ratio (Δε) from 163.51% to 128.36% and an increase in shape recovery ratio (Rr) from 73.32% to 91.93%. The findings of the present study offer an idea for the industrialization of biocompatible and smart materials for biomedical applications. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver with rich active components, such as flavonoids, lignans, polysaccharides, is used as a medicinal plant. Unfortunately, its popularization and cultivation are limited due to its low-temperature sensitivity. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of different doses of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation (UV-1, UV-2, and UV-3) and low-temperature (LT) stress, both applied individually and in combination, on the photosynthetic properties, biochemical parameters, and the contents of salicylic acid in E. ulmoides plants. The results showed that UV-B radiation alone significantly reduced photosynthetic performance and soluble total sugar content, as well as causing increases in soluble protein, proline, and superoxide anion content and antioxidant activity including SOD, POD, CAT, total phenol, and total flavonoid content. The leaf thickness and photosynthetic parameters significantly increased, as well as a significant decrease in SOD activity and soluble sugar, proline, and superoxide anion content after 14 days of none-UV-B radiation exposure. UV-B combined with LT significantly improved photosynthetic properties, Chl content, and soluble sugar content but significantly decreased proline content. Principal component analysis showed that salicylic acid was the key factor in improving LT tolerance, and UV-2 radiation showed the best LT resistance. We aim to provide new ideas and a theoretical basis for the directional cultivation and LT stress tolerance research of E. ulmoides. Our findings demonstrate that the combined effect was more positively helpful in improving the ability to resist LT tolerance via the improvement of photosynthetic ability and the increase in soluble sugar and salicylic acid content in E. ulmoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary supplementation of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on muscle metabolism and meat quality of pigs with and without pre-slaughter transportation. Methods In a 43-day feeding experiment, a total of 160 pigs with an initial body weight 60.00±2.00 kg were randomly assigned into four groups in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates. Pigs in groups A and C were fed a basal diet and pigs in groups B and D were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5% ELE. Pigs were slaughtered with (group B and D) or without (group A and C) pre-slaughter transport. Muscle chemical composition, postmortem glycolysis, meat quality and muscle metabolome were analyzed. Results Dietary ELE supplementation had no effect on the proximate composition of porcine muscle, but increased free phenylalanine, proline, citruline, norvaline, and the total free amino acids in muscle. In addition, dietary ELE increased decanoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, but decreased heptadecanoic acid, oleic acid, trans-oleic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids in muscle. Meat quality measurement demonstrated that ELE improved meat water holding capacity and eliminated the negative effects of pre-slaughter transport on meat cooking yield and tenderness. Dietary ELE reduced muscle glycolytic potential, inhibited glycolysis and muscle pH decline in the postmortem conversion of muscle to meat and increased the activity of citrate synthase in muscle. Metabolomics analysis by liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometric showed that ELE enhanced muscle energy level, regulated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, modulated glycogenolysis/glycolysis, and altered the metabolism of carbohydrate, fatty acids, ketone bodies, amino acids, purine, and pyrimidine. Conclusion Dietary ELE improved meat quality and alleviated the negative effect of pre-slaughter transport on meat quality by enhancing muscle oxidative metabolism capacity and inhibiting glycolysis in postmortem muscle, which is probably involved its regulation of AMPK.

This study examined how Eucommia ulmoides flavonoids (EUF) protect against intestinal oxidative stress induced by deoxynivalenol (DON) in weaned piglets. Forty weaned piglets were randomly assigned to four dietary groups for a period of 14 days. The piglets were fed a control diet (Control) or the Control diet supplemented with 100 mg EUF/kg (EUF group), 4 mg DON/kg diet (DON group) or both (EUF+DON group) in a 2×2 factorial design. DON-challenged piglets on the EUF-supplemented diet showed significant improvements in growth performance. They also had notably lower serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) compared to those not receiving supplementation (P0.05). Piglets challenged with DON and fed a diet supplemented with EUF showed significantly lower levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) mRNA and protein expression in serum and intestinal tissues compared to those in the DON group (P < 0.05). The EUF+DON group significantly increased the serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and total antioxidative capability enzymes compared to the DON group (P

E. ulmoides (Eucommia ulmoides) has significant industrial and medicinal value and high market demand. E. ulmoides grows seedlings through sowing. According to previous studies, plant hormones have been shown to regulate seed germination. To understand the relationship between hormones and E. ulmoides seed germination, we focused on examining the changes in various indicators during the germination stage of E. ulmoides seeds. We measured the levels of physiological and hormone indicators in E. ulmoides seeds at different germination stages and found that the levels of abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), and indole acetic acid (IAA) significantly varied as the seeds germinated. Furthermore, we confirmed that ABA, GA, and IAA are essential hormones in the germination of E. ulmoides seeds using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics enrichment analyses of the transcriptome. The discovery of hormone-related synthesis pathways in the control group of Eucommia seeds at different germination stages further confirmed this conclusion. This study provides a basis for further research into the regulatory mechanisms of E. ulmoides seeds at different germination stages and the relationship between other seed germination and plant hormones.

Peptide deformylase can catalyse the removal of formyl groups from the N-terminal formyl methionine of the primary polypeptide chain. The peptide deformylase genes of a few herbaceous plants have been studied to some extent, but the peptide deformylase genes of woody plants have not been studied. In this study, we isolated EuPDF1B from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. The full-length sequence of EuPDF1B is 1176 bp long with a poly-A tail and contains an open reading frame of 831 bp that encodes a protein of 276 amino acids. EuPDF1B was localized to the chloroplast. qRT‒PCR analysis revealed that this gene was expressed in almost all tissues tested but mainly in mature leaves. Moreover, the expression of EuPDF1B was enhanced by ABA, MeJA and GA and inhibited by shading treatment. The expression pattern of EuPDF1B was further confirmed in EuPDF1Bp: GUS transgenic tobacco plants. Among all the transgenic tobacco plants, EuPDF1Bp-3 showed the highest GUS histochemical staining and activity in different tissues. This difference may be related to the presence of enhancer elements in the region from − 891 bp to − 236 bp of the EuPDF1B promoter. In addition, the expression of the chloroplast gene psbA and the net photosynthetic rate, fresh weight and height of tobacco plants overexpressing EuPDF1B were greater than those of the wild-type tobacco plants, suggesting that EuPDF1B may promote the growth of transgenic tobacco plants. This is the first time that PDF and its promoter have been cloned from woody plants, laying a foundation for further analysis of the function of PDF and the regulation of its expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the water extract of Eucommia ulmoides leaf (WEE) promotes egg laying in hens, its palatability is poor. To improve the palatability of E. ulmoides leaf, probiotic fermentation was used, and fermented extract E. ulmoides leaf (FEE) was prepared using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. The safety of FEE was investigated using a long-term toxicity test, and no oxidative damage, inflammatory reactions, or histological lesions were observed in the experimental rats receiving dietary supplementation of FEE at 200 mg/kg, suggesting that FEE is suitable for long-term feeding. Subsequently, dietary supplementation of FEE (group C) in comparison with dietary supplementation of WEE (group B), as well as a control (group A), was applied in the hen industry. Laying performance, egg quality, egg nutrition, egg flavor, and the gut microbiome were analyzed comparatively. Interestingly, the laying rate was observed to be four percentage points higher with dietary supplementation of FEE at 200 mg/kg compared with the control and two percentage points higher compared with the dietary addition of WEE at the same dosage. Simultaneously, a slight upregulation in daily feed consumption was determined in the FEE-supplemented group compared with the blank control and the WEE-supplemented group, indicating that the inclusion of FEE stimulated the hens' appetite. Moreover, variations in egg amino acids, fatty acids, and volatile components were obtained with either dietary addition, FEE or WEE, implying that dietary supplementation of the fermented and water-extracted E. ulmoides leaf extracts contributed to egg flavor change. Furthermore, variations in the gut microbiota were mediated by FEE, increasing the relative abundance of the genus Lactobacillus. These alterations in gut microbiota were tightly related to improved laying performance and egg flavor changes. Our results indicate that FEE is a better alternative feed additive in the hen industry than WEE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides has been used as a food and medicine homologue for a long time in China. We hypothesize that Eucommia ulmoides achieves its health‐promoting effects via altering gut microbiota. Here, we investigated the effects of water extract of Eucommia ulmoides bark on caecal microbiota and growth performance, antioxidant activity, and immunity in white‐feathered broilers treated for 42 days. A total of 108 one‐day‐old Cobb white‐feathered broilers were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: control diet, 0.75% Eucommia ulmoides diet (EU Ⅰ) and 1.5% Eucommia ulmoides diet (EU Ⅱ). The results showed that EU Ⅱ treatment improved average body weight (ABW), thigh muscle quality and total length of intestines, and decreased the serum total triglycerides and total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.05). Eucommia ulmoides supplementation increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), total antioxidant activities and content of immunoglobulins, and reduced levels of malondialdehyde and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) (p < 0.05). Moreover, the supplementation increased the diversity of caecal microbiota and reduced the pathogenic genera Escherichia Shigella and Helicobacter. The genera Ochrobactrum, Odoribater, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Georgenia and Bifidobacterium were positively associated with the ABW, total intestinal length, serum levels of GSH‐Px, SOD and immunoglobulins (p < 0.001) and negatively associated with the TC and TNF‐α (p < 0.01), suggesting an association of the changes of gut microbiota and improvement of broiler health. Meanwhile, Eucommia ulmoides supplementation enriched the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway of exocrine secretion from the pancreas, circadian entrainment and inhibited lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. In conclusion, Eucommia ulmoides water extract can be used as a feed additive to improve poultry industry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roots, stems, leaves, and seeds of Eucommia ulmoides contain a large amount of trans-polyisoprene (also known as Eu-rubber), which is considered to be an important laticiferous plant with valuable industrial applications. Eu-rubber used in industry is mainly extracted from leaves. Therefore, it is of great significance to identify genes related to regulating the leaf size of E. ulmoides. Plant growth-regulating factors (GRFs) play important roles in regulating leaf size, and their functions are highly conserved across different plant species. However, there have been very limited reports on EuGRFs until now. In this study, eight canonical EuGRFs with both QLQ and WRC domains and two putative eul-miR396s were identified in the chromosome-level genome of E. ulmoides. It is found that, unlike AtGRFs, all EuGRFs contain the miR396s binding site in the terminal of WRC domains. These EuGRFs were distributed on six chromosomes in the genome of E. ulmoides. Collinearity analysis of the E. ulmoides genome revealed that EuGRF1 and EuGRF3 exhibit collinear relationships with EuGRF2, suggesting that those three genes may have emerged via gene replication events. The collinear relationship between EuGRFs, AtGRFs, and OsGRFs showed that EuGRF5 and EuGRF8 had no collinear members in Arabidopsis and rice. Almost all EuGRFs show a higher expression level in growing and developing tissues, and most EuGRF promoters process phytohormone-response and stress-induced cis-elements. Moreover, we found the expression of EuGRFs was significantly induced by gibberellins (GA3) in three hours, and the height of E. ulmoides seedlings was significantly increased one week after GA3 treatment. The findings in this study provide potential candidate genes for further research and lay the foundation for further exploring the molecular mechanism underlying E. ulmoides development in response to GA3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis is one of the common diseases that seriously affects the quality of life of middle‐aged and elderly people worldwide. Geniposidic acid (GPA) is extracted from Eucommia ulmoides that exhibits various pharmacological effects. This study investigated the function of GPA on osteoarthritis (OA) in IL‐1β‐stimulated mouse chondrocytes and mouse OA model. Mouse OA model was established by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) and GPA was given intraperitoneal injection. The results demonstrated that GPA could alleviate DMM‐induced OA in mice. In vitro, IL‐1β‐induced PGE2, NO, MMP1 and MMP3 were suppressed by GPA. Furthermore, IL‐1β‐induced ferroptosis was inhibited by GPA, as confirmed by the inhibition of MDA, iron, and ROS, as well as the upregulation of GSH, GPX4, and Ferritin. In addition, GPA was found to increase the expression of Nrf2 and HO‐1. And the inhibition of GPA on IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and ferroptosis were prevented by Nrf2 inhibitor. In conclusion, GPA alleviates OA progression through inhibiting inflammation and chondrocytes ferroptosis via Nrf2 signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat treatment and low temperature plasma treatment were used to sterilize the of Eucommia ulmoides seed oil-apple juice compound beverage. The sensory quality, microorganism, physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, particle size, etc of the E. ulmoides seed oil-apple juice compound beverage were measured during the storage at 20 °C, 30 °C and 40 °C, and the quality changes of compound beverage treated with two sterilization methods during storage was studied. With sensory quality as an indicator, the predictive effects of chemical reaction kinetics and Q10 model on the shelf-life of compound beverage were compared. The results showed that no microorganism in the compound beverage treated by the two methods was found, but the quality of compound beverage showed a downward trend. Low temperature plasma could slow down the decline rate, and made the samples keep higher stability. The chemical reaction kinetics model could provide more stable prediction accuracy. The shelf-life of samples treated by heat and low temperature plasma treatment at 4 °C and predicted by the chemical reaction kinetic model was 137.52 d and 191.57 d, respectively. Low temperature plasma treatment was more conducive to maintaining the sensory quality and nutritional value of E. ulmoides seed oil-apple juice compound beverages, and obtaining a longer shelf-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that is characterized by systemic immune system activation. This study was performed to assess the alleviative effect of administering an aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides leaves (AEEL) on cognitive dysfunction in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. The major bioactive compounds of AEEL were identified as a quinic acid derivative, caffeic acid-O-hexoside, and 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid using UPLC Q-TOF/MSE. AEEL administration alleviated colitis symptoms, which are bodyweight change and colon shortening. Moreover, AEEL administration protected intestinal barrier integrity by increasing the tight junction protein expression levels in colon tissues. Likewise, AEEL improved behavioral dysfunction in the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. Additionally, AEEL improved short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content in the feces of DSS-induced mice. In addition, AEEL improved damaged cholinergic systems in brain tissue and damaged mitochondrial and antioxidant functions in colon and brain tissues caused by DSS. Also, AEEL protected against DSS-induced cytotoxicity and inflammation in colon and brain tissues by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. Therefore, these results suggest that AEEL is a natural material that alleviates DSS-induced cognitive dysfunction with the modulation of gut–brain interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interplay among gut microbiota, intestines, and liver is crucial in preventing acute alcoholic liver injury. In this study, the hepatoprotective potential of polysaccharides from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves (EULP) on acute alcoholic liver injury in Kunming male mice was investigated. The structural features suggested that the EULP appeared as a heterogeneous mixture of polysaccharides with a molecular weight of 186132 Da. A 14-day pretreatment of EULP ameliorated acute alcoholic-induced hepatic inflam mation (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10), oxidative stress (GSH, SOD, and T-AOC), and liver damage (ALT and AST) via enhancing intestinal barrier (Occludin, Claudin 1, and ZO-1) and modulating microbiome, which subsequently inhibiting endotoxemia and balancing the homeostasis of the gut–liver axis. EULP restored the composition of intestinal flora with an increase in the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae and a decrease in Lachnospiraceae and Verrucomicrobiaceae. Notably, prolonged EULP pretreatment (14 days) but no single gavage of EULP achieved excellent hepatoprotection. These findings endorsed the potential of EULP as a functional food for mitigating acute alcoholic-induce d liver damage, attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and prebiotic properties facilitated by the microbiota–gut–liver axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides wood is renowned for its high quality, however, there is a lack of research regarding the assessment of its structure and properties. This gap was addressed in the present study by examining three clones of E. ulmoides [Huazhong 12 (HZ), Cili (CL), and Miye (MY)] to compare their growth and structural characteristics, chemical components, and physical and mechanical performance. We employed a comprehensive evaluation model, combining the coefficient of variation method and rank sum ratio comprehensive evaluation method, to comprehensively assess the wood samples' structures and properties. The results reveal significant differences at the P < 0.05 level among the three clones in various parameters including tree height, ground diameter, number of internodes, cell wall area ratio, number of vessels per unit area of early and late wood, wood fiber lumen diameter and double wall thickness, fiber length and width, hemicellulose content, lignin content, air-dried density, dry shrinkage properties, wet expansion properties, compressive strength, bending strength, and bending elastic modulus. Among HZ, CL, and MY woods, CL exhibited superior development as well as physical and mechanical properties. HZ showed exceptional chemical properties, while MY demonstrated the finest cell morphology. By utilizing the proposed evaluation model, we comprehensively assessed the structures and properties of three different clones of E. ulmoides wood. All samples were categorized into upper, middle, and lower grades based on their respective characteristics. HZ was found to be distributed across all three grades, with the highest presence in the upper grade. MY was primarily distributed in the middle and lower grades; CL was predominantly found in the third grade. Among the clones, HZ showed the highest comprehensive score while MY showed the lowest score. The evaluation results indicate that among the three wood clones, HZ achieved superior quality for the fiber industry, CL and HZ are more suitable raw materials for construction industry. The findings of this study may contribute to a theoretical foundation for the selection, grading evaluation, and added value enhancement of E. ulmoides wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the protective mechanism of total flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaves (thin-film electroluminescent) on lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiomyocyte H9C2 injury. Cardiomyocytes were divided into control, lipopolysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides+thin-film electroluminescent-low group, lipopolysaccharides+thin-film electroluminescent-middle, lipopolysaccharides+thin-film electroluminescenthigh, lipopolysaccharides+microRNA-negative control, lipopolysaccharides+microRNA-494, lipopolysaccharides+thin-film electroluminescent+anti-microRNA-negative control, and lipopolysaccharides+thin-film electroluminescent+anti-microRNA-494 groups. The commercial kits were used to evaluate superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as malondialdehyde levels. Flow cytometry was utilized for the estimation of cell apoptosis. Western blotting was employed to detect cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 protein levels. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was selected to detect microRNA-494 expression. Lipopolysaccharides significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels, increased glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, induced cell apoptosis, and upregulated cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 protein levels in cardiomyocytes, suggesting that lipopolysaccharides facilitated cardiomyocyte oxidative stress and apoptosis. Thin-film electroluminescent overtly weakened lipopolysaccharides induced cardiomyocyte oxidative stress and apoptosis in a dose-dependent mode. Thin-film electroluminescent partly overturned lipopolysaccharides induced downregulation of microRNA-494 expression in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, elevation of microRNA-494 impaired lipopolysaccharides-induced cardiomyocyte oxidative stress and apoptosis. In addition, microRNA-494 knockdown weakened thin-film electroluminescent mediated repressive effects on lipopolysaccharides induced cardiomyocyte oxidative stress and apoptosis. Thin-film electroluminescent could alleviate lipopolysaccharides induced cardiomyocyte oxidative stress and apoptosis, which was achieved by upregulating microRNA-494 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bark of Eucommia ulmoides and the roots of Achyranthes bidentata are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, and their pairing appears in many traditional Chinese medicine formulas as a recognized compatible unit. However, the changes and interactions of the main components of these two formulas when paired remain unclear, and there is currently no standard or method for their quality control and assessment of pharmacological effects. An optimized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was established for the simultaneous identification of 10 components in E. ulmoides and A. bidentata using in vitro and in vivo models. Tributyltin methacrylate was the internal standard solution, and the blood samples were treated by an organic solvent precipitation method. Gradient elution was conducted on a C18 column at 25 °C with 0.1% formic acid water:acetonitrile as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.5 mL min−1. Dynamic multiple response monitoring was performed in negative-ion mode using an Agilent Jet Stream electrospray ionization ion source. In negative-ion detection mode, eucommiol exhibited a good response, and the isomers ginsenoside Ro and achyranthoside C could also be well separated. The developed method accurately detected the five components with a low blood content. Compared to controls, the levels of ginsenoside Ro, chikusetsusaponin Ⅳa, and achyranthoside C increased; the contents of geniposidic acid and pinoresinol diglucoside were unchanged; and the levels of eucommiol, geniposide, β-ecdysterone, genipin, and achyranthoside D decreased in vitro. In vivo , the contents of geniposidic acid, geniposide, pinoresinol diglucoside, and β-ecdysterone were reduced; the contents of eucommiol and ginsenoside Ro were unchanged; and those of achyranthoside D, chikusetsusaponin Ⅳa, and achyranthoside C increased compared to the corresponding levels in the internal control. A method for the quality control of the E. ulmoides-A. bidentata drug pair was established for the first time and the main components in 10 drug pairs could be determined simultaneously in vitro and in vivo. These findings show that the E. ulmoides and A. bidentata drug pair cause a compositional change, providing new ideas for the development of this combination to improve clinical efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in finishing pigs. A total of 240 "Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire" crossbred pigs with an initial weight of 74.70 ± 0.77 kg were randomly assigned to two groups: control group and 0.2% ELE group, with each group containing 10 replicates of 12 pigs per pen (half barrows and half gilts). The data showed dietary 0.2% ELE supplementation did not affect growth performance but tended to reduce the backfat thickness of the finishing pigs (p = 0.07). ELE diets increased pH value (p < 0.05) and meat color score (p = 0.01) and decreased 45 min L* value (p < 0.05), 24 h L* value (p = 0.01), pressurization loss (p = 0.01), and 24 h drip loss (p < 0.05) in longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, accompanied by an increased (p < 0.05) proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p = 0.06) and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (p = 0.05) compared to controls. In addition, ELE supplementation increased inosine monophosphate (IMP) (p = 0.01), sweet amino acids (AAs) (p < 0.05), and total free AA content (p = 0.05) in LD. Meanwhile, increased activity of glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) in both serum and LD muscle and decreased malondialdehyde content (p < 0.01) in LD muscle were detected with ELE treatment. Moreover, pigs fed ELE had a higher total protein (p < 0.01), albumin (p < 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05) and a lower total cholesterol (p < 0.01) and triacylglycerols (p = 0.06) in serum. Consistently, significant effects of dietary ELE were observed on the relative mRNA expression of lipid metabolism in the backfat and the LD muscle, respectively. ELE attenuated lipogenic processes in backfat, decreasing the relative expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and upregulating the relative expression of adipose triacyl glyceride lipase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1B, and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (p < 0.05). ELE also decreased the relative expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (p < 0.05), fatty acid translocase (p < 0.05), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1B (p < 0.01), and adipose triacyl glyceride lipase (p < 0.05) in LD muscle (p < 0.05). More specifically, lipogenesis appeared to be inhibited in both LD muscle and backfat, with the difference being that lipolysis was enhanced in backfat and inhibited in LD muscle. In conclusion, dietary ELE supplementation can potentially enhance carcass traits, sensory quality, and nutritional value of pork without negatively affecting intramuscular fat content. The underlying mechanism for these positive effects may be linked to the alterations in lipid metabolism and increased antioxidant capacity induced by ELE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]