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Clinical prevention is of utmost importance for the management of periodontal diseases. Periodontal disease starts with an inflammatory response in the gingival tissue, and results in alveolar bone destruction and subsequent tooth loss. This study aimed to confirm the anti-periodontitis effects of MKE. To confirm this, we studied its mechanism of action using qPCR and WB in LPS-treated HGF-1 cells and RANKL-induced osteoclasts. We found that MKE suppressed proinflammatory cytokine protein expression by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in LPS-PG-induced HGF-1 cells and blocking ECM degradation by regulating the expression of TIMPs and MMPs. We also confirmed that TRAP activity and multinucleated cell formation were reduced in RANKL-stimulated osteoclasts after exposure to MKE. These results were confirmed by inhibiting TRAF6/MAPK expression, which led to the suppression of NFATc1, CTSK, TRAP, and MMP expression at the gene and protein levels. Our results confirmed that MKE is a promising candidate for the management of periodontal disease based on its anti-inflammatory effects and inhibition of ECM degradation and osteoclastogenesis.

З використанням двох різних процедур екстракції одержано вісім етанольних екстрактів із листя рослин Magnolia × soulangeana Soul.-Bod., Magnolia kobus та двох зразків Camellia japonica L. За допомогою високоефективної рідинної хроматографії, методу Фоліна—Чокальтеу і DPPH тесту вивчено склад та антиоксидантні властивості одержаних екстрактів. Показано, що основними складовими екстрактів магнолій є глікозиди кверцетину та похідні оксикоричних кислот, тоді як у екстрактах камелій переважають катехіни і похідні оксибензойних кислот. Склад екстрактів залежить не тільки від виду рослини, а й від способу екстрагування; загалом, екстракти, одержані при температурі 60 °С та під дією ультразвуку, мають більший вміст поліфенолів, ніж екстракти, отримані кип’ятінням рослинного матеріалу у 70 %-му етанолі при ~85 °C; загальна кількість фенольних сполук у екстрактах змінювалась у діапазоні 50—150 мг/л. Виявлено, що, попри значну різницю у вмісті фенолів, всі екстракти мають дуже високу антиоксидантну активність як у тесті Фоліна—Чокальтеу, так і в реакції з DPPH радикалами. Показано, що екстракти мають загальний фенольний індекс 1,5—7,5, а протягом 30 хв реакції сім з восьми екстрактів інгібують понад 50 % радикалів DPPH навіть після розведення у 10 разів. Екстракт камелії з найвищими антиоксидантними властивостями було протестовано як добавку до біодизелю, що має запобігти його окисненню під час зберігання. Стабільність біодизелю, одержаного з Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz, досліджували за прискореною процедурою при 43 °C протягом чотирьох тижнів, критерієм окиснення біопалива слугувало його кислотне число. Попередні результати показали, що екстракт камелії може бути ефективним антиоксидантним агентом — запобіжником окиснення біодизелю. Using two different extraction procedures, eight ethanol plants extracts are obtained from the leaves of Magnolia × soulangeana Soul.-Bod., Magnolia kobus, and two samples of Camellia japonica L. The composition and antioxidant properties of the extracts are studied by means of high performance liquid chromatography, the Folin— Ciocalteu method, and DPPH test. Hydroxycinnamic acids and quercetin glicosides are found to be the main constituents of Magnolia extracts, while hydroxybenzoic acids and catechin derivatives prevailed in Camelia extracts. The composition of the extracts was also affected by extraction procedures; in general, the extracts obtained at 60 °C under ultrasonic treatment contained phenolic compounds of a higher quantity than the extracts prepared by boiling the leaves in 70 % ethanol at ~85 °C; the overall amount of phenolic compounds in the extracts was in a range of 50-150 mg/l. In spite of significant distinctions in the content of phenols, all the extracts were found to possess a very high antioxidant activity in both Folin—Ciocalteu and DPPH assays. The extracts were found to have the total phenolic index of 1.5-7.5. During 30 min of the reaction, seven of eight extracts inhibited more than 50 % of DPPH radicals under standard test conditions, even being diluted by 10 times. The extract of Camellia japonica L. with the highest antioxidant ability was also tested as an additive to stabilize the biodiesel against oxidation. The stability of biodiesel prepared from Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz was studied according to accelerated procedure at 43 °C for four weeks, with the changes in the acid value of the samples being the criteria of fuel oxidation. The preliminary results showed that Camellia extract may be a promising stabilizing additive to reduce the biodiesel oxidation.

Anavatanı Japonya olan Magnolia kobus DC., Magnoliaceae familyasından, kışın yaprağını döken küçük ağaç formunda bir bitkidir. Formu, aromatik yaprakları, bol miktarda açan pembemsi beyaz çiçekleri ve meyve güzelliği ile Peyzaj Mimarlığı bitkilendirme tasarımlarında tercih edilen bitkilerden biridir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, estetik özelikleri ile etkili olan bu bitkinin çelikle çoğaltılarak kentsel peyzajda kullanımının teşvik edilmesidir. Çalışmada, farklı hormon uygulamalarının Magnolia kobus’un yeşil çeliklerinin köklenme başarısı üzerine etkisi araştırılmıştır. Çeliklere, IBA (Indol-3-bütrik asit), IAA (Indol-3-asetik asit) ve NAA (Naftalin asetik asit) hormonların 0 (kontrol), 3000 ppm, 5000 ppm ve 8000 ppm dozları uygulanmıştır. Çelikler sera koşulları altında (20±2 ºC hava sıcaklığı, 25±2 ºC köklendirme masası alt sıcaklığı, %70±2 nem) perlit ortamına dikilmişlerdir. Yaklaşık 4 ay sonra çelikler sökülerek köklenme oranı (%) ve kök uzunlukları (cm) belirlenmiştir. Çalışmanın sonucunda en yüksek köklenme yüzdesi (%60) IBA hormonunun 8000 ppm dozuyla işlem görmüş çeliklerinde elde edilmiştir. Çeliklerdeki en yüksek kök uzunluğu değerleri IAA 3000 ppm ve 5000 ppm dozla işlem görmüş çeliklerde tespit edilmiştir. Yapılan varyans analizi sonucuna göre hormon uygulamalarının köklenme üzerine anlamlı bir etkisi olduğu tespit edilmiştir (P: 0,000 ˂ 0,05)., Magnolia kobus DC. native to Japan is a small tree-shaped plant from the Magnoliaceae family, which sheds its leaves in winter. It is one of the plants preferred in Landscape Architecture planting designs with its form, aromatic leaves, abundantly blooming pinkish-white flowers and fruit beauty. In this study, our aim is to encourage the use of this plant, which is valuable with its aesthetic properties, by propagation with cutting production in the urban landscape. In this current study, the effect of different hormone applications on the rooting success of softwood cuttings of Magnolia kobus was investigated. 0 (control), 3000 ppm, 5000 ppm and 8000 ppm doses of hormones IBA (Indol-3-butyric acid), IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid) and NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid) were applied to the cuttings. Cuttings were planted in perlite medium under greenhouse conditions (20±2 ºC air temperature, 25±2 ºC rooting table lower temperature, 70±2% humidity). After about 4 months, the cuttings were removed, and the rooting rate (%) and root lengths (cm) were determined. As a result of the study, the highest rooting percentage (60%) was seen in cuttings treated with an 8000 ppm dose of IBA hormone. The highest root length values in cuttings were determined in cuttings treated with IAA 3000 ppm and 5000 ppm doses. According to the results of analysis of variance, it was determined that hormone applications had a significant effect on rooting (P: 0.000 ˂ 0.05).

The study focuses on in vitro effect of aqueous tinctures of 48 species of herbaceous, shrub and tree plants on the first-third stage larvae of Strongyloides papillosus (Wedl, 1856) and third-stage larvae of Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi, 1803) Cobb, 1898. The highest level of the effect was exerted by 3% aqueous tinctures of Wisteria sinensis (Sims) DC., Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Laburnum anagyroides Medik., Quercus petraea subsp. iberica (Steven ex M. Bieb.) Krassiln., Ginkgo biloba L., Colchicum autumnale L., Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom., Celastrus scandens L., Securigera varia (L.) Lassen, Magnolia kobus DC. Over 90% of the first and second non-invasive stage larvae of S. papillosus died at contact with these tinctures. The lowest parameters of LD50 were seen for L. anagyroides, Juniperus sabina L., C. scandens, M. kobus, A. manshuriensis, Wisteria sinensis (Sims) DC. and Securigera varia (L.) Lassen. Invasive larvae of S. papillosus and H. contortus were resistant to the effect of all the 48 surveyed species of plants. Third-stage larvae of H. contortus remained vital when exposed for 24 h to all the studied concentrations up to 3% aqueous tincture of plants. The results of the experiments and also the analysis of the literature indicate the necessity to continue the survey on nematocidial activity of aqueous tinctures and alcveshol extracts of plants.

In connection with global climatic changes, which are accompanied by sharp temperature fluctuations, it is important to study the heat resistance of relict plants in order to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of adaptation and survival of organisms in these conditions. Identification of rare and useful plant species more resistant to high temperatures will make it possible to recommend them for use in landscaping, agriculture, medicine, and the like. The work was carried out on magnolias and ginkgo, since these plants are not only important for landscape design all over the world, but are also valued for the content of biologically active substances that are used in medicine and agriculture. Plants of Ginkgo biloba L., Magnolia obovata Thunb., Magnolia kobus DC. and Magnolia denudata Desr. warmed up for three hours at + 40 ° C, the control group was at + 26 ° C. The stress response was analyzed for the level of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity, as well as the content of flavonoids and photosynthetic pigments in the studied plants. The photosynthesizing system of all studied species did not undergo any damaging effects due to the action of hyperthermia. Ginkgo biloba plants have shown very high resistance to high temperatures and stability of the antioxidant and pigment systems. Representatives of all the species of magnolia that we have considered can be positioned in the direction of decreasing resistance to sudden increases in temperature: Magnolia kobus → Magnolia obovata → Magnolia denudata. A higher resistance to hyperthermia was found in plants native to Japan. M. denudata was the least resistant species, possibly due to insufficient activity of antioxidant enzymes.

A gall midge species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inducing leaf bud galls on Magnolia kobus DC. var. borealis Sarg. (Magnoliaceae) was found in Hokkaido and northern Honshu, Japan.Based on its morphology, the species is regarded as an undescribed species of the genusPseudasphondyliaMonzen (Cecidomyiinae, Cecidomyiidi, Asphondyliini). The species is herein described asPseudasphondylia saohimeaMatsuda, Elsayed and Tokudasp. n.The new species is easily distinguishable from its congeners by the number of adult palpal segments and the shape of the male terminalia and larval spatula.

Magnolia kobus is a deciduous, broadleaved tree native to Jeju Island of Korea and Japan. The species has been introduced in mainland Korea as a landscape plant, and some individual plants have been found in forests of the mainland. The objective of the present study was to examine whether M. kobus individuals have spontaneously formed communities as part of a natural settlement process. Diameter at breast height (DBH), flower, fruit, and GPS coordinates were recorded for all M. kobus individuals in the study sites. Age of the trees was determined using an increment borer. A total of 158 M. kobus individuals were identified. The reverse J-shaped Diameter at breast height distribution trend was confirmed. DBH and age of M. kobus samples were positively correlated, confirming that the distribution of individuals with varying DBH classes suggested an uneven-aged forest with the coexistence of trees from different generations. In all the survey sites, individuals of M. kobus with small DBH that did not reach inflorescence formation and fructification stages coexisted with individuals that flowered and produced fruits, which suggested the presence of overlapping generations of trees. Therefore, we concluded that M. kobus individuals were forming populations in the forests of mainland Korea.

Species delimitations by morphological and by genetic markers are not always congruent. Magnolia kobus consists of two morphologically different varieties, kobus and borealis. The latter variety is characterized by larger leaves than the former. For the conservation of M. kobus genetic resources in natural forests, the relationships between morphological and genetic variation should be clarified. We investigated variations in nuclear microsatellites, chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences and leaf morphological traits in 23 populations of M. kobus over the range of species. Two genetically divergent lineages, northern and southern were detected and their geographical boundary was estimated to be at 39°N. The northern lineage consisted of two genetic clusters and a single cpDNA haplotype, while the southern one had multiple genetic clusters and cpDNA haplotypes. The northern lineage showed significantly lower genetic diversity than the southern. Approximate Bayesian computation indicated that the northern and southern lineages had experienced, respectively, population expansion and long-term stable population size. The divergence time between the two lineages was estimated to be 565,000 years ago and no signature of migration between the two lineages after divergence was detected. Ecological niche modeling showed that the potential distribution area in northern Japan at the last glacial maximum was very small. It is thus considered that the two lineages have experienced different population histories over several glacial-inter-glacial cycles. Individuals of populations in the central to northern part of Honshu on the Sea of Japan side and in Hokkaido had large leaf width and area. These leaf characteristics corresponded with those of variety borealis. However, the delimitation of the northern and southern lineages detected by genetic markers (39°N) was not congruent with that detected by leaf morphologies (36°N). It is therefore suggested that variety borealis is not supported genetically and the northern and southern lineages should be considered separately when identifying conservation units based not on morphology but on genetic markers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10265-019-01134-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Magnolia Flower is a crude drug used for the treatment of headaches, toothaches, and nasal congestion. Here, we focused on Magnolia kobus, one of the botanical origins of Magnolia Flower, and collected the flower parts at different growth stages to compare chemical compositions and investigate potential inhibitory activities against interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in murine splenic T cells. After determining the structures, we examined the inhibitory effects of the constituents of the bud, the medicinal part of the crude drug, against IL-2 production. We first extracted the flower parts of M. kobus from the bud to fallen bloom stages and analysed the chemical compositions to identify the constituents characteristic to the buds. We found that the inhibitory activity of the buds against IL-2 production was more potent than that of the blooms. We isolated two known compounds, tiliroside (1) and syringin (2), characteristic to the buds from the methanol (MeOH) extract of Magnolia Flower. Moreover, we examined the inhibitory activities of both compounds against IL-2 production and found that tiliroside (1) but not syringin (2), showed strong inhibitory activity against IL-2 production and inhibited its mRNA expression. Thus, our strategy to examine the relationship between chemical compositions and biological activities during plant maturation could not only contribute to the scientific evaluation of medicinal parts of crude drugs but also assist in identifying biologically active constituents that have not yet been reported.

Viable urban environment is largely dependent on the size, condition and distribution of urban green spaces within and around cities. Treerows in streets are one of the most essential elements of urban green spaces. The aim of this study was to evaluate tree taxa compositions and lifespan values of trees in tree-row system with special reference to five narrow streets (Garai, Jókai, Tanító, Csokonai and Zsák) of Debrecen. Tree numbers, tree taxa and the origin of tree taxa were determined in two years (2009 and 2017). As a next step, six selected taxa (Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer', Acer tataricum, Sorbus intermedia 'Browseri', Magnolia kobus, Acer platanoides 'Olmsted', and Crataegus x lavalleei 'Carrierei') were further estimated for the following lifespan parameters: i) trunk diameter (cm), ii) tree crown size (m), iii) trunk status (in 0–5 grades), iv) tree crown status (in 0–5 grades), v) estimated tree viability (in 0–5 grades), and vi) tree value in Ft. Our results showed that the numbers of tree taxa were 9 and 11 in 2009 and 2017 as well as an overall 279 and 282 trees were evaluated in 2009 and in 2017, respectively. More than 60% of the trees were native or similar to native taxa. The largest and the lowest trunk diameters were achieved for Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' and for Acer tataricum, respectively. The largest and the lowest tree crown diameters were achieved for Acer platanoides ’Olmsted’ and for Magnolia kobus, respectively. The best and the worst trunk statuses by 2017 were achieved for Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' and for Crataegus x lavalleei, respectively. The best and the worst tree crown statuses by 2017 were achieved for Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' and for Acer tataricum, respectively. The best estimated tree viability status was achieved for Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' and for Acer platanoides. Overall tree values were 2.73 times higher in 2017 compared to 2009. In conclusion, this study clearly demonstrated the importance of appropriate choice of tree taxa for an establishment of tree-row system in narrow street conditions.

Sucrose concentration in phloem sap was several times higher than in the cytosol of mesophyll cells. The results suggest that phloem loading involves active steps in the analyzed tree species. Phloem loading in source leaves is a key step for carbon partitioning and passive symplastic loading has been proposed for several tree species. However, experimental evidence to prove the potential for sucrose diffusion from mesophyll to phloem is rare. Here, we analyzed three tree species (two angiosperms, Fagus sylvatica, Magnolia kobus, and one gymnosperm, Gnetum gnemon) to investigate the proposed phloem loading mechanism. For this purpose, the minor vein structure and the sugar concentrations in phloem sap as well as in the subcellular compartments of mesophyll cells were investigated. The analyzed tree species belong to the open type minor vein subcategory. The sucrose concentration in the cytosol of mesophyll cells ranged between 75 and 165 mM and was almost equal to the vacuolar concentration. Phloem sap could be collected from F. sylvatica and M. kobus and the concentration of sucrose in phloem sap was about five- and 11-fold higher, respectively, than in the cytosol of mesophyll cells. Sugar exudation of cut leaves was decreased by p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid, an inhibitor of sucrose-proton transporter. The results suggest that phloem loading of sucrose in the analyzed tree species involves active steps, and apoplastic phloem loading seems more likely.

Alkaloids are basic nitrogen-containing chemicals that have important physiological and pharmacological characteristics. Many vascular plant species contain alkaloids, and their roles in planta are of interest. However, the detailed distribution of alkaloids remains unclear because of their low water solubility and low concentrations in plants. In this study, we visualized the distribution of salicifoline, a water-soluble quaternary ammonium alkaloid, in the freeze-fixed stems of Magnolia kobus by cryo time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Most of the salicifoline was distributed in living phloem tissues. In the xylem, salicifoline was detected in ray cells, lignifying wood fibres, and in vessels in the latest annual ring. The salicifoline distribution in the xylem varied with the cell wall formation stage. These results provide new insights into the storage, transportation, and role of the alkaloid salicifoline in M. kobus.

У статті висвітлено результати інтродукції магнолії кобус та Лебнера, особливості їх росту й розвитку в умовах Кременецького ботанічного саду. Цей вид і гібрид найчисельніші в колекції родини Magnoliacea Juss. Рослини щороку цвітуть та плодоносять, успішно розмножуються насіннєвим способом і використовуються в озелененні міст, селищ та приватних садиб нашого регіону. The article highlights the results of the introduction Magnolia kobus and Lebnera, especially their growth and development in the Kremenets Botanical Garden. This type of hybrid and are most numerous in the family collection Magnoliacea Juss. institutions. Plants flower and fruit every year, successfully breeding and seed method widely used in landscaping cities, towns and private estates of the region.

Article history: The aim of this work was to determine the volatile constituents of fresh and dried (shade dried) fruits of Magnolia kobus DC. using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Essential oils from fresh and dried fruits of M. kobus were obtained by steam distillation and the yields were 0.81 and 1.73% (v/w), respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed the identification of seventeen components from both the fresh and dried fruits of M. kobus, which were mostly monoterpene hydrocarbons (62.8-71.8%). A comparison of oils from fresh and dried fruits exhibited the changes in the amounts of several constituents. Major components of the essential oil were α- pinene (26.7-31.6%), β-pinene (20.2-27.9%) and limonene (8.6-10.0%). In the dried sample, concentration of α- pinene, β-pinene, caryophyllene, camphene, and α-humulene contents were decreased. On the other hand, limonene, α-terpineol, bornyl acetate and terpinen-4-ol contents were increased in the dried sample. The present investigation clearly suggested that the drying treatment decreased the concentration of major components in the essential oil of M. kobus fruit.

The insecticidal and repellent activities of the floral-derived constituents of Magnolia kobus, i.e., linalool, cinnamyl alcohol and farnesene, were investigated against the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse). The main constituents of M. kobus flowers in the early and full-bloom floral stages were obtained using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). The main compounds were the same at both floral stages, though their content ratios differed significantly. The larvicidal activity of the chemical constituents of the full-bloom floral stage caused higher mortality than did constituents of the early floral stage (48 h LC50 = 20.17 ppm and 36.68 ppm, respectively). Adulticidal activity was determined by a topical application method, but there was no significant difference between the materials. The fumigant activity against adult female Ae. albopictus was high in the early floral stage (48 h LD50 = 0.14 mg/cm3), which appeared to be due to the high linalool content (32.9 %) at this time, and the chemical constituents of this stage showed high repellency. All materials exhibited concentration-dependent activity after 2 h of treatment with N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) as a positive control. In conclusion, application of all M. kobus floral-derived materials described herein either as a mixture or as individual compounds may be useful for managing Asian tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus, populations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate lifespan values of trees in tree-row system in the streets of Debrecen in two years (2009 and 2017). Six selected taxa (Pyrus calleryana, Acer tataricum, Sorbus intermedia, Magnolia kobus, Acer platanoides and Crataegus x lavalleei) were estimated for the following lifespan parameters: i) trunk diameter (cm), ii) tree crown size (m), iii) trunk status (in 0-5 grades), iv) tree crown status (in 0-5 grades), and v) estimated tree viability (in 0-5 grades). Our results showed that the largest were achieved for Pyrus calleryana and the lowest for Acer tataricum. The largest tree crown diameters were achieved for Acer platanoides and the lowest Magnolia kobus. The best trunk statuses by 2017 were achieved for Pyrus calleryana and the worst Crataegus x lavalleei. The best tree crown statuses by 2017 were achieved for Pyrus calleryana and the worst for Acer tataricum. The best estimated tree viability status was achieved for two taxa (Pyrus calleryana and Acer platanoides). Overall tree values were 2.73 times higher in 2017 compared to 2009. In summary, this study demonstrated the role of appropriate choice of tree taxa for a tree-row system under city street conditions.

In traditional Korean medicine, flower buds of Magnolia kobus DC. plant is widely used for the treatments of various disorders. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of supercritical carbon dioxide extract (SFE) of M. kobus flower buds on electroencephalographic (EEG) changes of human brain. The extract from the flower buds of M. kobus was obtained by SFE and the yield was 0.27% at 40°C and 400 bar pressure. Subsequently, GC-MS analysis revealed that the major components of the SFE were caryophyllene (19.93%) and α-terpineol (12.49%). A large proportion of the oil was composed in the groups of hydrocarbons (55.09%) and alcohols (31.21%). In addition, fragrance evaluation of extract of M. kobus flower buds showed the characteristics of balsamic, floral, herbal, medicinal, minty, oily and spicy. In EEG study, the data were observed before and during the inhalation of M. kobus fragrance. During the inhalation of M. kobus fragrance, the EEG power spectrum values of absolute th...

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.

As an endangered species, Magnolia kobus is distributed in Jeju island in Korea with only about 500–1000 individuals. In this study, we presented a complete chloroplast genome of M. kobus which is 159,443 bp and has four sub-regions: 87,484 bp of large single copy and 18,783 bp of small single copy regions are separated by 26,588 bp of inverted repeat regions including 113 genes (79 unique genes, four rRNAs and 30 tRNAs). Phylogenetic analysis using chloroplast genomes showed that M. kobus is a sister of M. insignis and M. laevifolia clade.

The present study was conducted on six Magnolia species in the period 2006-2008 in the Botanical Garden of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin. The soil and leaves from the locations of the following species of Magnolia were subjected to evaluation: cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata L.), Kobushi magnolia (Magnolia kobus DC), purple lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora L.), Japanese willow-leaf magnolia (Magnolia salicifolia Siebold et Zucc. Maxim.), saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana Soul.-Bod.), and umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala L.). The studied plants were planted during the period 1968-1989 on grey-brown podzolic soil derived from loess. The significantly lowest content of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium as well as the lowest pH were recorded in the soil from the location occupied by the purple lily magnolia (M. liliiflora). The other sites were characterized by an optimal range of pH, high soil phosphorus and magnesium availability as well as medium potassium availability. An optimal content of nitrogen and calcium was found in the leaves of the cucumber tree (M. acuminata), of phosphorus and magnesium in the leaves of the Kobushi magnolia (M. kobus), and of potassium in the leaves of the Japanese willow-leaf magnolia (M. salicifolia). A low content of nitrogen and calcium was shown in the leaves of the purple lily magnolia (M. liliiflora), of phosphorus in the leaves of the saucer magnolia (M. x soulangiana), and of potassium in the indicator parts of the cucumber tree (M. acuminata). The study found that among the studied species the cucumber tree (M. acuminata) could be a good biostabilizer of nitrogen, while the Kobushi magnolia (M. kobus) a good biostabilizer of phosphorus and magnesium. In spite of significant differences in soil nutrient availability and clear variations in macronutrient contents in the indicator parts of the investigated plants, no visual symptoms of nutrient deficit were found in the Magnolia species under study.

Silver nanoparticles are used in many industries due to their disinfection and antibacterial properties. Biological methods of nanoparticle synthesis have been suggested as possible ecofriendly alternatives to chemical and physical methods. In this study, biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles using Magnolia kobus leaf extract were coated on the surface of latex foam products using dip coating (exposure to nanoparticle solution) or ultrasonic treatment. SEM image of the treated foam showed that silver nanoparticles were uniformly coated on the surface of latex foam. Antibacterial properties were tested by counting viable Escherichia coli cells after 24 h growth in shake flask cultures containing latex foams coated with silver nanoparticles. Foams coated with silver nanoparticles showed higher antibacterial activities compared with foams untreated. Smaller silver nanoparticles synthesized at higher temperature showed higher antibacterial activity due to the larger specific surface area and higher content of silver nanoparticles. The growth of E. coli decreased with increasing the concentration of silver nanoparticles. Ultrasonic treatment showed higher adsorption and lower desorption of silver nanoparticles to and from the foams compared with dip coating, resulting in higher antibacterial activity.

The utility of ginkgo leaves as biomonitors of airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was evaluated. We investigated PAH concentrations among tree species, the effect of variations in leaf position in a tree, tissue distributions, correlations between ginkgo leaves and air, and seasonal variations. Among the five species examined ( Ginkgo biloba L., Zelkova serrata Makino, Liriodendron tulipifera L., Prunus yedoensis Matsum, and Magnolia kobus DC.), ginkgo accumulated the greatest amount of PAHs from roadside air. Most PAHs (∼80%) were accumulated in the wax fraction, and most of the remainder (17%) penetrated the inner tissues of the leaves. PAH concentrations in ginkgo leaves decreased with increasing height and distance from the road, reflecting the derivation of PAHs from vehicle emissions. Seasonal time-series sampling showed that PAH concentrations in ginkgo leaves increased with time, attributable to the effects of temperature and accumulation through long-term exposure. Concentrations in ginkgo leaves collected from various roads showed a strong and significant correlation with those in air collected by a high-volume air sampler ( r 2 = 0.68, P

When iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method using aqueous ammonia as reducing agent, the synthesized particles were aggregated and thus precipitation occurred. Using Magnolia kobus leaf extract as reducing agent, spherical nanoparticles of 50~200 nm were synthesized with low yield. By using both Magnolia kobus leaf extract and aqueous ammonia as reducing and stabilizing agents, smaller nanoparticles of 40~120 nm could be synthesized with various shapes. The synthesized magnetic nanoparticles were characterized with field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). TEM and SEM images showed that the magnetic nanoparticles are a mixture of triangles, tetragons, rods and spherical structures.

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was separated from Magnolia (Magnolia kobus) flower by acetone precipitation and CM-Sepharose and Phenyl-Sepharose chromatographies. Molecular weight of the purified PPO from Magnolia flower was assumed to be just over 20 kDa on the sodiumdodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and around 40 kDa under non-boiling without β-mercaptoethanol. Magnolia flower PPO showed the highest enzyme activity with chlorogenic acid as a substrate.

Leaf extracts of two plants, Magnolia kobus and Diopyros kaki , were used for ecofriendly extracellular synthesis of metallic gold nanoparticles. Stable gold nanoparticles were formed by treating an aqueous HAuCl 4 solution using the plant leaf extracts as reducing agents. UV–visible spectroscopy was used for quantification of gold nanoparticle synthesis. Only a few minutes were required for >90% conversion to gold nanoparticles at a reaction temperature of 95 °C, suggesting reaction rates higher or comparable to those of nanoparticle synthesis by chemical methods. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were characterized with inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and particle analysis using a particle analyzer. SEM and TEM images showed that a mixture of plate (triangles, pentagons, and hexagons) and spherical structures (size, 5–300 nm) were formed at lower temperatures and leaf broth concentrations, while smaller spherical shapes were obtained at higher temperatures and leaf broth concentrations.

The Et2O-soluble fraction from the bark of Magnolia kobus led to the isolation of two new lignans, (+)-(7α,7′α,8α,8′α)-3′,4,4′,5,5′-pentamethoxy-7,9′: 7′,9-diepoxylignan-3-ol (1) and (+)-(7α,7′α,8α,8′α)-4,5-dimethoxy-3′,4′-(methylenedioxy)-7,9′: 7′,9-diepoxylignan-3-ol (2), along with five known lignans 3–7. Their structures were established on the basis of various spectroscopic analyses including 1D- (1H, 13C, and DEPT) and 2D-NMR (COSY, NOESY, HMQC, and HMBC) and by comparison of their spectral data with those of related compounds.

A new furofuran lignan (1) along with four knownones (2-5) were isolated from the bark of Magnolia kobus. Their structures were elucidated as (+)-2α-(3’,4’-dimethoxyphenyl)-6α-(3″-hydroxy-4″,5″-dimethoxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane (1), (+)-sesamin (2), (+)-yangambin (3), (+)-kobusin (4), and (+)-eudesmin (5) on the basis of their comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including 2D NMR, and by comparison of their spectral data with those of related compounds.

The present study reports the antiinflammatory activity of a methanol extract isolated from the stem bark of Magnolia kobus (MK). MK potently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage-like cell line. The secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was also suppressed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells although the magnitude of inhibition was weaker than that of nitric oxide and IL-1β. The mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β and TNF-α were also suppressed by MK in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Further study demonstrated that LPS-induced DNA binding of AP-1 and phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were inhibited by MK treatment in RAW 264.7 cells, whereas phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was unaffected. Moreover, topical application of MK suppressed ear swelling in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced skin inflammation model. Collectively, these results suggest that MK exerts antiinflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo and this might be mediated, at least in part, by blocking AP-1 and JNK activation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.