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An analysis of nucleotide polymorphism of intergenic spacers psbA–trnH, rpl32–trnL, and trnS–trnfM of chloroplast DNA in accessions of Kalopanax septemlobus at the northern end of the range (Russian Far East) was carried out. The genetic diversity of the total sample from the south of Primorsky krai was very low (h = 0.142, π = 0.0001), and the genetic diversity of the total sample from Sakhalin Island was medium (h = 0.600, π = 0.0018). Analysis of molecular variance showed that about 86% of all genetic variability is accounted for by differences between the two geographic regions (ΦST = 0.857, P < 0.0001). Nucleotide substitutions and variations of indels revealed three haplotypes (H1–H3), of which the H3 haplotype was found only on Sakhalin Island. The haplotype H1 is widespread in Primorsky krai, whose frequency was 92.4%. The observed variability of K. septemlobus in the Russian Far East reflects by history of its biogeography.

Data on the morphology of the larva and pupa of the family Pseudopomyzidae are given for the first time. Polypathomyia stackelbergi larvae are associated with wood substrates and occur under the bark of deciduous trees. The larvae differ significantly from those of the related families in their morphology: they have a different structure of the ventral cornua of the pharyngeal sclerite with a dorsal tubercle, the posterior end of the terminal body segment bearing spiracles is divided by a furrow, the creeping welts with large tubercles of an irregular shape. This species and its distribution are associated with the trees Maackia amurensis Rupr. et Maxim., Phellodendron sachalinensis Sarg., and Kalopanax septemlobus (Thunb.) Koidz. endemic to the East Asian Subregion of the Palaearctic.

The expansion of the range of Kalopanaxseptemlobus and Phellodendronamurense var. sachalinense on Sakhalin Island and the Kuril Islands as a result of global climate changes is studied. Climate envelope models were performed using the maximum entropy method (MaxEnt v. 3.3.3) and WorldClim v. 1.4 data. It is noted that these models predict an increase in the area of habitats with suitable climate conditions for K. septemlobus and P. amurense var. sachalinense by 9.55 and 14.65% of the total area of the region, respectively, by 2050 as a result of the increase in the average annual temperature by 3.9°C in this region (RCP2.6 scenario); according to the radical scenario, the total projected area with suitable conditions will increase by 45.86% for K. septemlobus and 66.24% for P. amurense with a temperature increase by 5.2°C (RCP8.5 scenario).

In this study, we applied Kalopanax septemlobus-ZnO nanoparticles (Ks-ZnO NPs) with green approach one-pot synthesis. Further, the extracts were used as capping agent and Zn (OAc)2 as the metal precursor to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles. The formation of ZnO NPs, the surface plasmon resonance were observed at 372 nm in UV–vis spectroscopy. The presence of functional groups which as a capping agent and formation of ZnO nanoparticles were confirmed in Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) result. The crystallization, elemental mapping and morphology showed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field-Emission Transmission Electron Microscopy (FE-TEM), and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) respectively. The photocatalytic activity of Ks-ZnO nanoparticles, was determined using methylene blue dye degradation percentage under UV light irradiation (365 nm), which resulted rate constant (k) was found 0.1215 with 97.5% of degradation in 30 min. In summary, phytochemicals in K. septemlobus extract have a potential as a reducing agent to form Ks-ZnO nanoparticles. The Ks-ZnO NPs are capable to degrade Methylene blue in brief time due to its extract-capped zinc oxide nanoparticles. Accordingly, the use of K. septemlobus for biosynthesis of nanoparticles may have an advance for many applications as a cost-effective and eco-friendly photocatalyst.

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential immune-enhancing effects of hot water extracts from Kalopanax pictus (KPW) stem barks on mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Cytotoxicity and nitric oxide (NO) production were measured after KPW treatment via MTT and Griess assays, respectively. The levels of immune-related proteins such as iNOS and COX-2 were determined by Western blot analysis, and cytokines related to immune responses and phagocytic activity were examined by ELISA. KPW significantly increased NO production in a concentration-dependent manner without any cytotoxicity. In addition, the levels of certain enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12) were also significantly upregulated. Furthermore, the phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 cells was significantly enhanced by KPW treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that KPW have a potential as an immunostimulatory agent.

Copper(II) oxide (CuO), manganese dioxide (MnO2), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles were synthesized using Kalopanax pictus plant extract. The nanoparticle synthesis was monitored using UV-visible spectra. The occurrence of each peak at 368, 404, and 438 nm wavelength indicated the synthesis of CuO, MnO2, and Ag nanoparticles, respectively. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Catalytic potentials of the synthesized nanoparticles were compared to degrade two typical acidic and basic dyes (Congo red and Safranin O). The degradation ability of MnO2 nanoparticles against Congo red was higher than that of Ag and CuO nanoparticles. All three types of nanoparticles showed a similar degradation ability against Safranin O over 80%. This study demonstrates that biologically synthesized nanoparticles using Kalopanax pictus are good agents for degradation of dyes.

Kalopanax septemlobus, commonly named the castor aralia tree, is a highly valued woody medicinal tree belonging to the family Araliaceae. Kalopanax septemlobus contains approximately 15 triterpenoid saponins primarily constituted of hederagenin aglycones. Hederagenin is a representative precursor for hemolytic saponin in plants. In the present study, transcriptome analysis was performed to discover genes involved in hederagenin saponin biosynthesis in K. septemlobus. De novo assembly generated 82,698 unique sequences, including 17,747 contigs and 64,951 singletons, following 454 pyrosequencing. Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) are enzymes that catalyze the formation of diverse triterpene skeletons from 2,3-oxidosqualene. Heterologous expression of an OSC sequence in yeast revealed that KsBAS is a β-amyrin synthase gene. Cytochrome P450 genes (CYPs) make up a supergene family in the plant genome and play a key role in the biosynthesis of sapogenin aglycones. In total, 95 contigs and 110 singletons annotated as CYPs were obtained by sequencing the K. septemlobus transcriptome. By heterologous expression in yeast, we found that CYP716A94 was β-amyrin 28-oxidase involved in oleanolic acid production from β-amyrin, and CYP72A397 was oleanolic acid 23-hydroxylase involved in hederagenin production from oleanolic acid. Engineered yeast co-expressing KsBAS, CYP716A94 and CYP72A397 produced hederagenin. Kalopanax septemlobus CYP72A397 is a novel CYP enzyme that synthesizes hederagenin aglycone from oleanolic acid as a single product. In conclusion, we characterized three genes participating in sequential steps for hederagenin biosynthesis from β-amyrin, which are likely to play a major role in hederagenin saponin biosynthesis in K. septemlobus.

We induced somatic embryogenesis and regenerated plants from the somatic tissues of a 700-year-old Kalopanax septemlobus tree. Embryonic calli were induced from juvenile tissues of grafted plants by pre-treating them with 1 M sucrose solution. Many normal plants were produced. Asexual propagation via somatic embryogenesis supports tree improvement programs. However, the induction of somatic embryogenesis from mature trees is still recalcitrant in many woody species with the exception of a few conifer and oak species. Previously, we developed a somatic embryogenesis protocol for a mature (40 years) Kalopanax septemlobus tree using rejuvenated tissues obtained by serial grafting. In the present study, we performed somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration using a 700-year-old K. septemlobus tree. Calli were induced from young leaf and petiole explants of grafted plants by pre-treating them with 1 M sucrose solution. The induction rate of the embryogenic calli (EC) was less than 0.5%. However, the EC proliferated well and readily formed somatic embryos (SE), which were then converted to plantlets using routine protocols. The somatic EC did not differ from EC obtained from zygotic embryos with respect to SE formation, germination, and plant conversion. The genetic identities of regenerated plantlets were verified by comparison with the mother tree by chromosome counting, flow cytometry, and inter simple sequence repeat marker analysis.

Nine medicinal plants and their stick-type medicinal concentrated beverages (SMCB-I and SMCB-II) with different combination ratio were evaluated on antioxidant, nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory, and antibacterial effects against pathogenic bacteria involved in respiratory system illnesses. Antioxidant activity was high in Syzygium aromaticum, Pueraria lobata, Plantago asiatica, and Kalopanax pictus which have higher contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids. The NO inhibitory activity was high in Syzygium aromaticum, Plantago asiatica, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Syzygium aromaticum, Plantago asiatica, Kalopanax pictus and Glycyrrhiza uralensis showed higher antibacterial activity than the other five medicinal plants against Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and Mycobacterium sp. SMCB-II exhibited higher antioxidant, NO inhibitory, and antibacterial effects than SMCB-I, since Syzygium aromaticum, Pueraria lobata, and Kalopanax pictus were only used for the production of SMCB-II. The SMCBs would be expected to contribute to an easy-to-carry, easy-to-consume, and high value-added health beverage for the modern people.

Kalopanax septemlobus is a deciduous medicinal tree species belonging to the family Araliaceae. It contains a number of triterpenoid saponins primarily constituted of hederagenin aglycones. Here, we presented de novo comparative transcriptome analysis using 454 pyrosequencing technology between embryogenic (EC) and nonembryogenic callus (NEC) of K. septemlobus. A total of 372,229 high-quality reads were generated by combining 168,065 EC reads and 204,164 NEC reads, which were then assembled into 80,280 and 63,128 unigenes, respectively. A comparative analysis of transcription profiles showed that 13,766 genes were differentially expressed between EC and NEC. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis revealed that a number of genes involved in the proteolysis and embryogenesis were highly expressed in EC, whereas oxidative stress-responsible genes were overpresented in NEC. Interestingly, the expression levels of genes involved in saponin biosynthesis, such as squalene epoxidase, cytochrome P450s, and glycosyl transferase, were also higher in NEC than in EC, suggesting that their expression is stress-inducible. In this study, we characterized the K. septemlobus transcriptome profiles involved in somatic embryogenesis (SE), which might enhance knowledge of SE process and provide a useful molecular resource for further study of K. septemlobus.

Данная работа направлена на изучение видового состава эпифитных лишайников калопанакса семилопастного (диморфанта) и экологосубстратных особенностей его коры (ритидома). Работы проводились на юге Приморского края: на полуострове МуравьёваАмурского, в окрестностях посёлка Заводской (Артёмовский городской округ), на о. Русский и хребте Барачный (Надеждинский район). Заложено 9 пробных площадей. На калопанаксе были отобраны образцы эпифитных лишайников и коры (ритидома) для определения реакции рН. При выявлении видового состава эпифитных лишайников были использованы как собственные данные автора, так и литературные данные. Видовой состав эпифитных лишайников для калопанакса семилопастного включает 46 видов, 24 из которых, приводятся по литературным данным. Отмечено преобладание в видовом составе диморфанта накипных лишайников, что не характерно для форофитов с подобным типом коры. Исследованы экологосубстратные особенности коры диморфанта для деревьев различного возраста. Структура коры взрослого калопанакса сходна с таковой у дуба монгольского. Также, впервые был определен диапазон рН коры диморфанта. Отмечено сходство значений кислотности коры исследуемого форофита с таковыми для дуба монгольского, липы амурской и многих других деревьев. Отмечается, что видовое богатство и проективное покрытие лишайников на стволах калопанакса заметно ниже, чем у форофитов, имеющих сходные с ним характеристики коры и произрастающих в той же лесной формации. Отчасти это явление обуславливается особенностями коры молодых калопанаксов, отчасти общим снижением видового разнообразия эпифитных лишайников под антропогенным влиянием. Тем не менее, не удаётся выявить факторы, затрудняющие заселение стволов взрослых калопанаксов эпифитами, в условиях экосистем с высоким видовым разнообразием лишайников. Возможно, причина заключается в химическом составе ритидома дерева. В литературе упоминалось о подавлении роста бактерий золотистого стафилококка настоем коры калопанакса, однако сведений о влиянии химических компонентов его коры на лишайники или их отдельные компоненты не выявлено.This paper represents a study of a species composition of lichens that grows on Kalopanax septemlobus and ecosubstrate features of its bark. The area of study covers the south of Primorsky Krai at MuravyovAmursky peninsula near the Zavodskoy town (Artyomovskiy city district), at Russky island and at the Barachniy ridge (Nadezhdinsky district). 9 sample plots were placed. Epiphytic lichens and three bark samples for the pH determination was taken from kalopanax. For the identification of epiphytic lichens species composition both authors own data and literature data were used. Epiphytic lichens composition for the Kalopanax septemlobus includes 46 species, 24 of which are given according to literature data. Predominance of crustose thallus lichens over foliose thallus lichens was observed. This fact shows nontypical situation for the phorophytes with this type of bark. Ecosubstrate features of kalopanax bark were studied for threes of different ages. Bark structure of the mature kalopanax is similar to bark of Quercus mongolica. Also, there was the first time when pH range of kalopanax bark was identified. A similarity was noted between the acidity of the bark of the studied forophyte and those for Mongolian oak, Amur linden and many other trees. We have noted that biodiversity and projective cover of epiphytic lichens on kalopanax trunk is noticeably lower than for ones on the other threes that have similar bark properties and those are growing at the same forest ecosystem. Partly this phenomenon is caused by the peculiarities of the bark of young kalopanaks, partly by a general decrease in the species diversity of epiphytic lichens under anthropogenic influence. Nevertheless, it is not possible to identify factors that impede the colonization of adult kalopanax trunks with epiphytes in ecosystems with a high species diversity of lichens. Perhaps the reason is the chemical composition of tree ritidom. In the literature, it was mentioned that staphylococcus aureus bacteria growth was suppressed by infusion of kalopanax bark, however, no information was found on the effect of the chemical components of its bark on lichens or their separate components.

Eight previously undescribed oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, clematangoticosides A-H, together with eight known saponins, were isolated from the whole plants of Clematis tangutica (Maxim.) Korsh. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, in combination with chemical methods (acid hydrolysis and mild alkaline hydrolysis). Clematangoticosides D-G were found to be unusual 23, 28-bidesmosidic glycosides. The cytotoxic activities of all of the isolated saponins were evaluated against the four human cancer cell lines SGC-7901, HepG2, HL-60 and U251MG. Clematoside S, sapindoside B, kalopanax saponin A, and koelreuteria saponin A exhibited cytotoxicity against all of the test cancer cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 1.88-27.20 μM, while clematangoticoside D and F showed selective cytotoxicity against SGC-7901 with IC50 values of 24.22 and 21.35 μM, respectively.

Deciduous ring-porous species in Japan shed all of their leaves under severe water stress before large vessels in earlywood are embolized, and embolization take place during winter. Water in deciduous ring-porous species is mainly conducted upward via large earlywood vessels of the current year. Water columns in large vessels are vulnerable to drought-induced and freeze stress-induced embolisms. Although a vulnerability curve can be created to estimate the hydraulic capacity of plants, it remains unclear why the loss of conductivity in potted plants of ring-porous species does not reach 100 % under severe drought stress. In this study, two deciduous ring-porous species in Japan (Kalopanax septemlobus and Toxicodendron trichocarpum) were used to explain the species-specific pattern in the water-conducting pathway of the stem. We monitored and visualized the spatial distribution of xylem embolisms in the stem of K. septemlobus saplings under drought stress and freeze stress using compact magnetic resonance imaging and cryo-scanning microscopy. In addition, we evaluated the water ascent in the stems of both species using a dye uptake method. Although embolisms of large vessels were observed under drought stress and in winter, all leaves were dropped to avoid fatal water loss after embolization of some large vessels. In contrast, all large vessels were embolized in winter. Larger-diameter vessels of latewood in T. trichocarpum tended to function in trees growing in the warm temperate zone. Thus, our results suggest that the unclear curve may be derived from a discrepancy between leaf water potential and actual water potential in the xylem under severe drought stress. The frequency of xylem embolisms in deciduous ring-porous species in Japan mainly depends on the number of freeze–thaw cycles.

Elevated CO 2 concentration affected biomass partitioning in above-ground biomass, but size and number of water-conducting cells were unchanged in Larix kaempferi, Kalopanax septemlobus and Betula platyphylla. Using a Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) system, we studied the effect of elevated CO2 on the growth, leaf gas exchange and xylem anatomy of a conifer, Larix kaempferi, and two angiospermous tree species, Kalopanax septemlobus and Betula platyphylla. Two-year-old seedlings were grown at control sites (ambient; 370 ppm) and FACE sites (elevated; 500 ppm) for 5 years. We measured the lumen area and number of water-conducting cells, as well as biomass and leaf gas exchange, and visualized the functional region of water transport using a dye injection experiment. Elevated CO2 did not induce any significant changes in growth or in leaf gas exchange or lumen area of earlywood tracheids in L. kaempferi relative to ambient CO2. In two other tree species, elevated CO2 was found to enhance tree height and total leaf area (LA), with no change in stomatal conductance. In K. septemlobus, there were no changes in lumen area or number of earlywood vessels, or in the functional region of water transport. B. platyphylla also underwent no changes in lumen area or number of vessels, although there was a yearly variation in the size of the vessels. Our results show that 5 years of CO2 exposure did not notably affect the anatomical features of water-conducting cells. This finding suggests that, under elevated CO2, trees respond to changes in water balance due to changes in LA by extending the hydraulically active area of xylem.

Understanding the sustainability of high-value timber species in managed forests provides useful information for the management of these species in the long-run. Using nearly 50 years of census data in long-term permanent plots, we investigated the sustainability of three high-value timber species&mdash, monarch birch (Betula maximowicziana Regel), castor aralia (Kalopanax septemlobus (Thunb.) Koidz), and Japanese oak (Quercus crispula Blume)&mdash, in cool-temperate mixed forest under a selection system in northern Japan. We used stocking, demographic parameters, and species proportions of these species as measures of sustainability. Results showed that the tree density and basal area of the three high-value timber species increased during the study period. Moreover, the basal area increment of these species showed an increasing trend across census periods. However, while no significant differences in the tree mortality of these species were observed, the numbers of in-growth fluctuated across census periods. Increasing trends in species proportions of monarch birch and Japanese oak were observed. Even though there were some fluctuations across census periods, especially in smaller diameter classes, diameter distribution curves of high-value timber species followed a reversed J-shaped pattern. The results revealed that the sustainability measures of high-value timber species can be achieved in forest stands managed under single-tree selection system. In addition, the results also indicated the changing structure and composition of the forest stand. The stocking and basal area increment of conifers decreased while those of broadleaves increased. The proportion of conifers decreased to 33.01% in 2008&ndash, 2016 from 48.35% in 1968&ndash, 1978. The results of this study would be useful for adapting silvicultural practices and harvesting practices as well as for simulating various silvicultural and management options for high-value timber species.

The family Araliaceae contains many medicinal species including ginseng of which the whole genome sequencing analyses have been going on these days. To characterize the chromosomal distribution of 5S and 45S rDNAs and telomeric repeat in four ginseng related species of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem., Dendropanax morbiferus H. Lev., Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. Et Maxim.) Seem., Kalopanax septemlobus (Thunb. ex A.Murr.) Koidz. Pre-labelled oligoprobe (PLOP)-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was carried out. The chromosome number of A. elata was 2n = 24, whereas that of the other three species of D. morbiferus, E. sessiliflorus, and K. septemlobus was 2n = 48, corresponding to diploid and tetraploid, respectively, based on the basic chromosome number x = 12 in Araliaceae. In all four species, one pair of 5S signals were detected in the proximal regions of the short arms of chromosome 3, whereas in K. septemlobus, the 5S rDNA signals localized in the subtelomeric region of short arm of chromosome 3, while all the 45S rDNA signals localized at the paracentromeric region of the short arm of chromosome 1. And the telomeric repeat signals were detected at the telomeric region of both short and long arms of most chromosomes. The PLOP-FISH was very effective compared with conventional FISH method. These results provide useful comparative cytogenetic information to better understand the genome structure of each species and will be useful to trace the history of ginseng genomic constitution.

Understanding the drivers of habitat distribution patterns and assessing habitat connectivity are crucial for conservation in the face of climate change. In this study, we examined a sparsely distributed tree species, Kalopanax septemlobus (Araliaceae), which has been heavily disturbed by human use in temperate forests of South Korea. We used maximum entropy distribution modeling (MaxEnt) to identify the climatic and topographic factors driving the distribution of the species. Then, we constructed habitat models under current and projected climate conditions for the year 2050 and evaluated changes in the extent and connectivity of the K. septemlobus habitat. Annual mean temperature and terrain slope were the two most important predictors of species distribution. Our models predicted the range shift of K. septemlobus toward higher elevations under medium-low and high emissions scenarios for 2050, with dramatic reductions in suitable habitat (51% and 85%, respectively). In addition, connectivity analysis indicated that climate change is expected to reduce future levels of habitat connectivity. Even under the Representative Construction Pathway (RCP) 4.5 medium-low warming scenario, the projected climate conditions will decrease habitat connectivity by 78%. Overall, suitable habitats for K. septemlobus populations will likely become more isolated depending on the severity of global warming. The approach presented here can be used to efficiently assess species and habitat vulnerability to climate change.

High-value hardwood species such as monarch birch (Betula maximowicziana) and castor aralia (Kalopanax septemlobus) are important economic and ecological elements of cool-temperate mixed forests in northern Japan. This article presents the single-tree management system for high-value timber species as practised for 50 years at the University of Tokyo Hokkaido Forest. Nearly 2000 valuable broad-leaved trees meeting the size and quality criteria have been registered as ‘superior trees’, and their status is periodically monitored for timing of harvest. A case study was conducted using 2105 inventory plots to characterize the stand types in which superior trees occur. A total of 57 superior trees of 11 broad-leaved species was found in 2.2% of the inventory plots. The results indicated that superior trees generally grew in mature species-rich stands. Superior trees of some species may have promoted their abundance by dispersing relatively more seeds to the surroundings. Single-tree management facilita...

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of Kalopanax pictus Nakai (Kalopanax) on in vitro rumen fermentation and methane (CH4) reduction. Kalopanax trunk was extracted with 70% ethanol and 70% methanol. Rumen fluid, alfalfa hay and buffer (control: C) supplemented with 0.3% Kalopanx juice (T1), 0.3% ethanol extract (T2) and 0.3% methanol extract (T3) in the total volume of culture medium were incubated at 38 for 24h and 48h. Rumen pH was lower in all Kalopanax treatments during all incubations than that in control (p

We analyzed the recent (< 25 yr) spread in New Hampshire, USA, of the exotic treeKalopanax septemlobus, native to Asia. The invasion was likely initiated by a single tree planted ca. 1972. Our objective was to assess the viability of the invasion, especially in light of the small propagule size. We tallied, mapped, aged, and measured the height and growth ofK. septemlobusindividuals at two sites, the University of New Hampshire campus (UC) and Thompson Farm (TF), both in Durham. We found over 3,800 plants at UC and 270 at TF in < 120 ha (296 ac) total area. Plant age ranged from 0 to 22 yr, and UC plants were as far as 775 m (2,543 ft) from the purported parent tree. Annual height growth was comparable to midtolerant native trees. Plants occurred in both open and forested habitats, and the mean level of photosynthetically active radiation incident on understory plants was 4 to 6% of full sun. The large population size, shade tolerance, rapid height growth, and ability to sprout from damaged stems suggest potential forK. septemlobusto invade and persist in forests, the most common natural ecosystem in the northeastern United States. We further suggest that small propagule size, likely a single tree, has not preventedK. septemlobusfrom initiating a spatially extensive and vigorous population.Kalopanax septemlobushas been planted as an ornamental in the northeastern United States, and prevention of region-wide invasion might depend on removal of these trees, even when they occur as single individuals.

Kalopanax septemlobus is a medicinal woody species of the family Araliaceae, and the pharmaceutical properties of saponins obtained from K. septemlobus suggest that K. septemlobus has the potential to be a crude drug and dietary health supplement. In this study, we established cell suspension culture of K. septemlobus to develop a sustainable source of natura-ceuticals. Friable calli were used for establishing cell suspension culture. The maximum amount of total saponins (1.56 mg/60 ml suspension) was obtained during the 15th day of incubation, whereas the maximum capacity of saponin production was reached after day 6 (0.42 μg/mg of fresh weight). The total saponin production in the cell suspension of K. septemlobus was significantly increased by coronatine (COR) at 160% at a dose of 1 μM compared with the mock-treated control, whereas methyl jasmonate treated cells exhibited less increase in total saponin level as compared to the COR-treated cells. In addition, the elicitation of COR strongly induced the expression of beta-amyrin synthase, thus resulting in the accumulation of oleanolic acid (2.369 ± 0.98 μg/mg of extract), a precursor for oleanane-type triterpene saponins. These results indicate that COR is an efficient elicitor for inducing phytochemicals in cell suspension culture and that it provides the possibility for producing saponins of K. septemlobus using cell suspension culture.

In this study, we investigated the inhibitory activities on gastritis and gastric ulcer using liriodendrin which is a constituent isolated from Kalopanax pictus. To elucidate its abilities to prevent gastric injury, we measured the quantity of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as the protective factor, and we assessed inhibition of activities related to excessive gastric acid be notorious for aggressive factor and inhibition of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization known as a cause of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, and gastric cancer. Liriodendrin exhibited higher PGE2 level than rebamipide used as a positive control group at the dose of 500 μM. It was also exhibited acid-neutralizing capacity (10.3%) and H(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition of 42.6% (500 μM). In pylorus-ligated rats, liriodendrin showed lower volume of gastric juice (4.38 ± 2.14 ml), slightly higher pH (1.53 ± 0.41), and smaller total acid output (0.47 ± 0.3 mEq/4 hrs) than the control group. Furthermore liriodendrin inhibited colonization of H. pylori effectively. In vivo test, liriodendrin significantly inhibited both of HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis (46.9 %) and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer (46.1%). From these results, we suggest that liriodendrin could be utilized for the treatment and/or protection of gastritis and gastric ulcer.

High-value timber species such as monarch birch (Betula maximowicziana Regel), castor aralia (Kalopanax septemlobus (Thunb.) Koidz), and Japanese oak (Quercus crispula Blume) play important ecological and economic roles in forest management in the cool temperate mixed forests in northern Japan. The accurate measurement of their tree height is necessary for both practical management and scientific reasons such as estimation of biomass and site index. In this study, we investigated the similarity of individual tree heights derived from conventional field survey, digital aerial photographs derived from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV-DAP) data and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. We aimed to assess the applicability of UAV-DAP in obtaining individual tree height information for large-sized high-value broadleaf species. The spatial position, tree height, and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured in the field for 178 trees of high-value broadleaf species. In addition, we manually derived individual tree height information from UAV-DAP and LiDAR data with the aid of spatial position data and high resolution orthophotographs. Tree heights from three different sources were cross-compared statistically through paired sample t-test, correlation coefficient, and height-diameter model. We found that UAV-DAP derived tree heights were highly correlated with LiDAR tree height and field measured tree height. The performance of individual tree height measurement using traditional field survey is likely to be influenced by individual species. Overall mean height difference between LiDAR and UAV-DAP derived tree height indicates that UAV-DAP could underestimate individual tree height for target high-value timber species. The height-diameter models revealed that tree height derived from LiDAR and UAV-DAP could be better explained by DBH with lower prediction errors than field measured tree height. We confirmed the applicability of UAV-DAP data for obtaining the individual tree height of large-size high-value broadleaf species with comparable accuracy to LiDAR and field survey. The result of this study will be useful for the species-specific forest management of economically high-value timber species.

대구보건대학 소방안전관리과This study was designed to develop dish recipes using Heatsun sprouts to improve the sprouts’ utilization and consumption. We created four kinds of dishes with Heatsun sprouts, including Acanthopanacis cortex, Kalopanax pictus, Aralia elata, and Cedrela sinensis, and analyzed their sensory properties and nutrients. In the sensory evaluation, the overall preference for all the dishes was scored higher than 3.0, Unnaumsun-dakgoginaengchae had the highest score (4.48) among the dishes. Unnamusun-dakgoginaengchae contained higher values of protein; vitamin A, E, and B6; and folic acid than the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). The recipe for Dureupgokgammuchim was created to reduce the bitterness and the astringent taste of Aralia elata, and it was rich in vitamin C, E, and B6, as well as in folic acid and iron. Ogapisunkkonchijolim was cooked to reduce the fishy smell of a saury with the addition of Acanthopanacis cortex. It contained 1.5 times the protein RDAs, and high levels of antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin A, C, and E. Chamjugmandu was made by the mixing tofu and various vegetables without adding meat. It had the highest calorie count among the dishes, and its vitamin A, C, and E contents were higher than the corresponding RDAs.Key wordsAcanthopanacis cortex, Kalopanax pictus, Aralia elata, Cedrela sinensis, recipe, nutrient analysis

Four new resinicolous species of Chaenothecopsis are described from China: Chaenothecopsis perforata from exudate of Rhus chinensis (Anacardiaceae), C. pallida from exudate of Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae), C. resinophila from exudate of Kalopanax septemlobus (Araliaceae) and C. hunanensis from resin of Pinus massoniana (Pinaceae). All the new species are compared with previously described resinicolous mycocalicioid taxa, and several new features in these species are presented. The newly described species cannot always be distinguished by any single character, but they all possess unique combinations of morphological, chemical and ecological features. Several aspects in the ecology and evolution of boreal and tropical resinicolous species are briefly discussed.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have promising potential in biomedicine, energy science, optics, and health care applications. We synthesized AgNPs using plant, Kalopanax pictus leaf extract. UV-visible spectrophotometric study showed the characteristic peak for AgNPs at wavelength 430 nm. The optical density at 430 nm increased after addition of plant leaf extract, indicating increase in formation of nanoparticles. Comparative time course analyses for AgNP synthesis carried out at different reaction temperatures (20, 60, and 90 °C) revealed higher reaction rate for K. pictus than Magnolia kobus plant leaf extract, which showed highest AgNP synthesis rate in the previous report. Electron microscopy analyses confirmed the presence of well dispersed AgNPs, predominantly with spherical shapes. In transmission electron microscopy, the particle size decreased with increase in temperature. Electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses indicated that Ag content increased with increase in reaction temperature. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy studies revealed capping of bioorganics from plant to the synthesized AgNPs. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized AgNPs against Escherichia coli increased with increase in reaction temperature. The observations in this study will prove beneficial in approaching rapid synthesis of AgNPs and their antimicrobial application.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised using Kalopanax septemlobus plant leaf extracts. UV-visible spectrophotometric, Fourier-transform infrared, electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirmed synthesis of AgNPs. TEM micrographs revealed presence of well-dispersed AgNPs predominantly of small size and different shapes with an average particle size of 30.8 nm. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests of AgNP treatments revealed variability in sensitivity of bacteria Bacillus cereus and Saccharophagus degradans under study. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the AgNPs for B. cereus and S. degradans were found to be 30 and 10 μg/mL, respectively. The mixed culture of B. cereus and S. degradans treated with AgNPs at 10 μg/mL showed increase in growth with time, suggesting survival of bacteria in liquid media. The plating of mixed culture before AgNP treatment showed presence of both bacteria, but 24-h-old mixed culture treated with AgNPs at the concentration of 10 μg/mL showed presence of B. cereus colonies. SEM micrographs revealed damage to S. degradans cells but no effect on B. cereus cells after AgNP treatment. Confocal microscopic observations of AgNP-treated mixed cultures by Nile blue A staining indicated intact polyhydroxyalkanoates producing flourescent cells of B. cereus but damage and deformities in S. degradans cells. This study suggests that AgNPs can selectively inhibit growth of S. degradans and retain B. cereus at MIC of S. degradans. This report is a case study for selective inhibition of one bacteria and growth of the other in a culture using plant-synthesized silver nanoparticles.

Kalopanax pictus has pharmacologically anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and is known to respond to treatment of backache, knee pain and etc. In this study, we investigated the effects on gastric lesions of Kalopanax pictus both from Korea (KPK) and China (KPC) compared with their related origin, Znthoxylum ailan- thoide both from Korea (ZAK) and China (ZAC), and Korean Bombax malabaricum (BMK). In preliminary screen- ing, KPK and KPC shown effective inhibition of HCI·EtOH-induced gastritis in rats. To elucidate their protective effects on gastric lesions, we assessed inhibition of H. pylori colonization, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) rad- ical scavenging activities, reducing power test, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. KPK was the most effective from antioxidant assays. KPK also shown the inhibition of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Gastric secretion in rats, KPK reduced the secretion of gastric juice and total acidity and raised pH. Therefore, it is possible that KPK can be developed as health functional food and natural medicine. In addition, it can contribute to the standardization with objectivity and reliability for KPK through the criteria establishment of the precise origin of medicine, the prevention of indiscriminate distribution of imitation, and the rising rate of dependence on imports of medicinal herbs, and mix- ing prevention of low-quality goods.

Wild herbs, which are edible plants that grow in mountainous areas, have diverse biological effects such as anti-obesity and anti-cancer activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as the antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of Aster scaber, Ligularia fischeri, Kalopanax pictus, Codonopsis lanceolata, and Cirsium setidens and to assess their effects on lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. The results revealed that among the five studied wild herb extracts, Ligularia fischeri showed the highest total phenolic contents (215.8 ± 14.2 mg GAE/g) and Aster scaber showed the highest total flavonoid content (103.9 ± 3.4 mg RE/g). Furthermore, Aster scaber and Ligularia fischeri extracts showed higher antioxidant activity than the other wild herbs. Regarding anti-adipogenic activity, the Cirsium setidens extract significantly inhibited lipid accumulation (~80%) and ROS production (~50%) during adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells compared with control cells. These results suggest that wild herbs could be used for the development of functional foods as well as health promoting and pharmaceutical agents.

Kalopanax septemlobus (Thunb. ex Murray) Koidz. is natively distributed in Korea. The importance of this species has been increased not only for high quality timber but for medicinal and edible uses. However, increasing market demand of K. septemlobus with illegal cutting and overexploitation has resulted in its rapid depletion and destruction of natural habitat. This study was conducted to understand the survival rate and growth characteristics of planted K. septemlobus seedlings with treatment of root pruning, stem cutting and planting density. The survival rate and growth of height and root-collar diameter for one- and two-year old seedlings with different planting densities were investigated in the clear-cut area of a Pinus densiflora stand for five years. One-year-old seedlings were treated with or without root pruning and planted with three density levels (5,000 trees , 10,000 trees , and 40,000 trees ). Two-year-old seedlings were treated with and without stem cutting and planted with the density of 5,000 trees . The survival rate of one-year-old seedlings with root pruning treatment in the density of 10,000 trees was 92%, while that without root pruning in the density of 40,000 trees was 67% after five years. The height of one-year-old seedlings has been significantly affected only by planting density in the year. The survival rate of the two-year-old seedlings with stem cutting was 75.5% and greater than control (67.3%) in the year but no difference in height was shown between the two treatments from three years after plantation.

The nutritional composition, bioactive components and antioxidant activities of the first and second sprouts of Kalopanax pictus, Cedrela sinensis and Acanthopanax cortex were investigated to increase the utilization of these sprouts. The moisture and crude lipid contents of the first sprout were higher than those of the second sprout, and the crude fiber and carbohydrate contents were higher in the second sprout. The organic acid content of the first sprout was higher than that of the second sprout. The second sprout had higher free amino acid contents in K. pictus and C. sinensis, and the first sprout had a higher content in A. cortex. Especially, the second sprout of K. pictus and C. sinensis had a higher level of glutamic acid, which is a major taste component of foods, than the first sprout. The second sprouts of all the samples had higher mineral levels than the first sprouts. In contrast, the first sprouts had higher total polyphenol and flavonoid contents and showed a higher antioxidant activity level, except for the DPPH radical scavenging activity of the A. cortex. The results of this study show that the nutritive value of the second sprout was higher than that of the first sprout, but the bioactive components value of the second sprout was lower than that of the first sprout. Therefore, additional research is needed on the cultivation condition required to maintain the nutritive values and the antioxidant activities of these sprouts.

To reconstruct trace metal contamination history in the Yangtze River Delta region, annual growth rings of native hardwood species, Kalopanax septemlobus, were studied as the potential archive of the past Pb and Zn pollution events. Wide distribution of K. septemlobus trees in the study area and clear annual tree rings are advantages of this potential geochemical archive. In this research, tree ring increments for 48 years, from 1960 to 2007, were analyzed for Pb and Zn concentrations. Trees were sampled in two sites, Xiaoyingpan, a contaminated area around a mine (Pb, Zn, Ag) in the Yangtze River Delta region, and a reference site 19 km away. The results show that: (1) distinct Pb and Zn concentrations increasing from 1960 to 1974 in the polluted site were coincident with increasing historical open mining activities; (2) from 1974 to 1986, Pb and Zn concentrations dramatically decreased during a conversion from above-ground exploitation to below-ground extraction; and (3) after 1992, the concentration of Zn decreased gradually, but Pb concentrations initially increased with automobile traffic from 1986 to 2004, then decreased when the number of automobiles was controlled from 2004 to 2007. In particular, Pb and Zn concentrations in tree rings had no effect on K. septemlobus growth. Pb and Zn concentrations in tree rings were linearly related with those in soils. Growth rings of K. septemlobus around the Pb, Zn, Ag mine accurately recorded historical changes in Pb and Zn deposition.

Kalopanax pictus (Araliaceae) is a deciduous tree distributed in Korea, Japan, and China. The stem bark of K. pictus has been functionally used as a traditional crude drug for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we describe the inhibitory effects of oleanane-type triterpenes and saponins isolated from the stem bark of K. pictus on production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Of the compounds tested, 16,23,29-trihydroxy-3-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (1), 4,23,29-trihydroxy-3,4-seco-olean-12-en-3-oate-28-oic acid (2), 3β,6β,23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), nipponogenin E (6), 3β,6β,23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (7), and caulophyllogenin (19) significantly inhibited the production of IL-12 p40 and IL-6 with IC50 values ranging from 3.3 to 9.1 μM. Compounds 2, 3, 7, and 19 significantly suppressed the secretion of TNF-α with IC50 ranging from 8.8 to 20.0 μM. These data provide scientific support for the use of K. pictus stem bark and its triterpene and saponin components in the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, including IL-12 p40, IL-6, and TNF-α, and for prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.

The antioxidative activity of Kalopanax pictus shoots extracted using five different methods, stirrer extraction (SE), ultrasonification extraction (USE), vacuum extraction (VE), reflux extraction (RE), and reflux extraction after ultrasonification extraction (RUE), was evaluated to determine the most effective extraction method. RUE showed the highest yield of extract, and total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Additionally, the RUE extract showed higher antioxidative activity than that of the other extracts based on DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging (90.85%, 99.83%), reducing power activity (OD 0.95, 700 nm), nitrite scavenging activity (55.46%), and ferrous ion chelating effect (45.12%).

We investigated leaf disease intensity of Kalopanax septemlobus (prickly castor oil tree) caused by the parasitic fungus Mycosphaerella acanthopanacis, in thirty natural host populations in the Japanese Archipelago. The disease intensity observed for individual trees were analyzed using a generalized additive model as a function of tree size, tree density, climatic terms and spatial trend surface. Individual tree size and conspecific tree density were shown to have significant negative and positive effects on disease intensity, respectively. The findings suggest that the probability of disease infection is partly determined by dispersal of infection agents (ascospores) from the fallen leaves on the ground, which can be enhanced by aggregation of host trees in a forest stand. Regional-scale spatial bias was also present in disease intensity; the populations in northern Japan and southern Kyushu were more severely infected by the fungus than those in southwestern Honshu and Shikoku. Regional variation of disease intensity was explained by both climatic factors and a trend surface term, with a latitudinal cline detected, which increases towards the north. Further research should be conducted in order to understand all of the factors generating the latitudinal cline detected in this study.

TRPA1 and TRPV1 are members of the TRP superfamily of structurally related, nonselective cation channels. TRPA1 and TRPV1 are often co-expressed in sensory neurons and play an important role in somatosense such as cold, pain, and irritants. The first leaves of Kalopanax pictus Nakai (Araliaceae) have long been used as a culinary ingredient in Korea because of their unique chemesthetic flavor. In this study, we observed the intracellular Ca(2+) response to cultured cells expressing human TRPA1 (hTRPA1) and human TRPV1 (hTRPV1) by Ca(2+) imaging analysis to investigate the ability of the first leaves of K. pictus to activate the hTRPA1 and hTRPV1. An 80% ethanol extract of K. pictus (KPEx) increased intracellular Ca(2+) influx in a response time- and concentration-dependent manner via either hTRPA1 or hTRPV1. KPEx-induced response to hTRPA1 was markedly attenuated by ruthenium red, a general blocker of TRP channels, and HC-030031, a specific antagonist of TRPA1. In addition, the intracellular Ca(2+) influx attained with KPEx to hTRPV1 was mostly blocked by ruthenium red, and capsazepine, a specific antagonist of TRPV1. These results indicate that KPEx selectively activates both hTRPA1 and hTRPV1, which may provide evidence that the first leaves of K. pictus primarily activate TRPA1 and TRPV1 to induce their unique chemesthetic sense.

This study was carried out to investigate the food value of K. pictus sprouts. The total ginsenoside content was 67.4 mg/kg. Including Ginsenoside Rg1, a total of five different types were detected by the experiment. The total phenol content was 33.77 mg/100 g. Including seven different type of essential amino acids, the total amino acid content of K. pictus sprouts was 33,744 mg/100 g. The results of the analysis of the free amino acid content showed that the total bitterness was much higher than the total sweetness. From the above results, the food characteristics of K. pictus sprouts could be determined. To improve their consumption, their bitterness must be reduced.

Prevention efforts to combat pine wilt disease must be instituted to avoid destruction of coastal forests in Hokkaido, northern Japan. We examine an alternative method involving the conversion of Pinus thunbergii forests to native broadleaf species through advancing their growth, but we have little knowledge about the response of advanced growth to overhead canopy release. To demonstrate the demographic and height growth response of advanced growth to the light change in a coastal Pinus thunbergii forest, canopy trees were removed and the sapling populations were monitored for 6 years. Inhibition in height growth caused by light increase was observed in Cerasus sargentii and Kalopanax septemlobus saplings. Especially in Kalopanax septemlobus, a remarkable decline was observed in the saplings growing in the darker positions which experienced light change. Therefore, large light changes should be carefully avoided for this species especially in the darker positions. In contrast, relative height growth rates of Quercus crispula and, especially, Quercus dentata increased with increasing light, and saplings tended to die in the darker positions. No dead trees of Sorbus commixta were observed during the study period. The saplings also showed good height growth even when under closed canopy. This species seems to be adaptive to a dark environment. Since Quercus dentata and Kalopanax septemlobus are the major components of the natural coastal forests in Hokkaido, gradual canopy release is available to foster advanced growth in coastal Pinus thunbergii forest, in accordance with the concept of density control in coastal forests.

So far, the production of bis-eugenol has been conducted by chemical synthesis. However, because chemical synthesis of bis-eugenol has disadvantages such as regioselectivity and low yield, an environmentally friendly production of bis-eugenol by biological synthesis has become attractive. In the present study, bis-eugenol was produced using Kalopanax pictus callus culture. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of reaction product revealed a new peak, whose structure was determined to be bis-eugenol by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. After 18 h of biotransformation using K. pictus cell, 16.3 mg/L of biseugenol was produced without any byproducts. This is the first report on production of bis-eugenol by biotransformation using plant cell culture.