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Abstract Tea gray blight disease is a significant threat to the tea industry. In this study, a biological activity approach was utilized to investigate the efficacy of green fungicides from Magnolia officinalis stem bark against Neopestalotiopsis ellipsospora. The active compounds were isolated and purified, and their structures were elucidated. In vitro and in vivo activity screenings revealed that the n-hexane extract, which contained magnolol and honokiol, exhibited strong activity against N. ellipsospora, showing complete inhibition at 100 mg/L. The EC50 values of magnolol and honokiol were 5.11 and 6.09 mg/L, respectively. Mechanistically, magnolol was found to disrupt N. ellipsospora invasion by damaging the cell membrane, increasing permeability, and causing leakage of intracellular substances. Transcriptome analysis revealed that magnolol treatment downregulates membrane-related genes and leads to the enrichment of lipid metabolism pathway genes. This study revealed that magnolol inhibits N. ellipsospora growth by affecting lipid metabolism and compromising cell membrane integrity.

In traditional Korean medicines, Magnolia officinalis is commonly included for the remedy of atopic dermatitis, and magnolol is a major constituent of Magnolia officinalis. Its pharmacological effects include anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects. Using BALB/c mice repeatedly exposed to 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB), magnolol was evaluated in atopic dermatitis-like lesions. Administration of magnolol (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) markedly relieved the skin lesion severity including cracking, edema, erythema, and excoriation, and significantly inhibited the increase in IgE levels in the peripheral blood. A DNCB-induced increase in mast cell accumulation in atopic dermatitis skin lesions was reversed by magnolol administration, as well as a rise in expression levels of pro-inflammatory Th2/Th17/Th1 cytokines' (IL-4, IL-13, IL-17A, IFN-γ, IL-12A, TARC, IL-8, and IL-6) mRNAs in the lymph nodes and skin (n = 5 per group). In lymph nodes, magnolol reversed DNCB's increase in CD4+RORγt+ Th17 cell fraction and decrease in CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cell fraction. The results also showed that magnolol suppressed T cell differentiation into Th17 and Th2 cells, but not Th1 cells. Magnolol suppresses atopic dermatitis-like responses in the lymph nodes and skin, suggesting that it may be feasible to use it as a treatment for atopic dermatitis through its suppression of Th2/Th17 differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnolia officinalis is a tree whose parts (bark, leaves, flowers) are characterized by a content-rich in phytochemical compounds of great interest nowadays. Modern medicine relies on the replacement of conventional treatments or the completion of treatment schemes with plant extracts rich in different phytochemical classes for greater efficiency and to reduce side effects. In this work, the oil was extracted from the leaves of Magnolia officinalis, which was characterized by GC-MS, highlighting the majority of compounds from the class of monoterpenes (linalool and linalool derivatives) and sesquiterpenes (caryophyllene). These compounds have been described from the point of view of the action they can exert in different conditions, highlighting the main mechanisms of action. Magnolia officinalis leaves were also characterized by macro- and microscopic analysis. The obtained oil was tested from the point of view of antimicrobial activity on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and was included in biocompatible capsules through a quick and cheap method called the coacervation method. The need to encapsulate the oil is given by the fact that the properties of Magnolia oil are lost over time if it is preserved as such and due to the low bioavailability in the case of oral administration, the encapsulated form solves all these inconveniences. Future perspectives are related to testing the bioavailability of the encapsulated Magnolia oil by oral administration of the capsules and testing their properties over time during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial infections pose a significant risk to human health. Magnolol, derived from Magnolia officinalis, exhibits potent antibacterial properties. Synthetic biology offers a promising approach to manufacture such natural compounds. However, the plant-based biosynthesis of magnolol remains obscure, and the lack of identification of critical genes hampers its synthetic production. In this study, we have proposed a one-step conversion of magnolol from chavicol using laccase. After leveraging 20 transcriptomes from diverse parts of M. officinalis, transcripts were assembled, enriching genome annotation. Upon integrating this dataset with current genomic information, we could identify 30 laccase enzymes. From two potential gene clusters associated with magnolol production, highly expressed genes were subjected to functional analysis. In vitro experiments confirmed MoLAC14 as a pivotal enzyme in magnolol synthesis. Improvements in the thermal stability of MoLAC14 were achieved through selective mutations, where E345P, G377P, H347F, E346C, and E346F notably enhanced stability. By conducting alanine scanning, the essential residues in MoLAC14 were identified, and the L532A mutation further boosted magnolol production to an unprecedented level of 148.83 mg/L. Our findings not only elucidated the key enzymes for chavicol to magnolol conversion, but also laid the groundwork for synthetic biology-driven magnolol production, thereby providing valuable insights into M. officinalis biology and comparative plant science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional Korean medicines, Magnolia officinalis is commonly included for the remedy of atopic dermatitis, and magnolol is a major constituent of Magnolia officinalis. Its pharmacological effects include anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects. Using BALB/c mice repeatedly exposed to 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB), magnolol was evaluated in atopic dermatitis-like lesions. Administration of magnolol (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) markedly relieved the skin lesion severity including cracking, edema, erythema, and excoriation, and significantly inhibited the increase in IgE levels in the peripheral blood. A DNCB-induced increase in mast cell accumulation in atopic dermatitis skin lesions was reversed by magnolol administration, as well as a rise in expression levels of pro-inflammatory Th2/Th17/Th1 cytokines’ (IL-4, IL-13, IL-17A, IFN-γ, IL-12A, TARC, IL-8, and IL-6) mRNAs in the lymph nodes and skin (n = 5 per group). In lymph nodes, magnolol reversed DNCB’s increase in CD4+RORγt+ Th17 cell fraction and decrease in CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cell fraction. The results also showed that magnolol suppressed T cell differentiation into Th17 and Th2 cells, but not Th1 cells. Magnolol suppresses atopic dermatitis-like responses in the lymph nodes and skin, suggesting that it may be feasible to use it as a treatment for atopic dermatitis through its suppression of Th2/Th17 differentiation.

Neuropathic pain (NP) affects about 8% of the general population. Current analgesic therapies have limited efficacy, making NP one of the most difficult to treat pain conditions. Evidence indicates that excessive oxidative stress can contribute to the onset of chronic NP and several natural antioxidant compounds have shown promising efficacy in NP models. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the pain-relieving activity of honokiol (HNK)-rich standardized extract of Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E. Wilson bark (MOE), well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model. The molecular mechanisms and efficacy toward neuroinflammation were investigated in spinal cord samples from SNI mice and LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. MOE and HNK showed antioxidant activity. MOE (30 mg/kg p.o.) produced an antiallodynic effect in SNI mice in the absence of locomotor impairment, reduced spinal p-p38, p-JNK1, iNOS, p-p65, IL-1ß, and Nrf2 overexpression, increased IL-10 and MBP levels and attenuated the Notch signaling pathway by reducing Jagged1 and NEXT. These effects were prevented by the CB1 antagonist AM251. HNK reduced the proinflammatory response of LPS-stimulated BV2 and reduced Jagged1 overexpression. MOE and HNK, by modulating oxidative and proinflammatory responses, might represent interesting candidates for NP management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophthora nicotianae causes substantial economic losses in most countries where tobacco is produced. At present, the control of P. nicotianae mainly depends on chemical methods, with considerable environmental and health issues. We investigated the effects of ethanol extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) and Magnolia officinalis (MO). On mycelial growth, sporangium formation, and zoospore release of P. nicotianae. Both extracts inhibited the growth of P. nicotianae, with mycelial growth inhibition rates of 88.92% and 93.92%, respectively, at 40 mg/mL, and EC50 values of 5.39 and 5.74 mg/mL, respectively. The underlying mechanisms were the inhibition of sporangium formation, the reduction of zoospore number, and the destruction of the mycelium structure. At an SBG extract concentration of 16.17 mg/mL, the inhibition rates for sporangia and zoospores were 98.66% and 99.39%, respectively. At an MO extract concentration of 2.87 mg/mL, the production of sporangia and zoospores was completely inhibited. The hyphae treated with the two plant extracts showed different degrees of deformation and damage. Hyphae treated with SBG extract showed adhesion and local swelling, whereas treatment with MO extract resulted in broken hyphae. Mixture of the extracts resulted in a good synergistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to compare chemical composition and antibacterial activity of volatile oils of Magnolia officinalis var. biloba Rehd. et Wils. (MOB) and Magnolia officinalis (MO). The volatile oil was extracted by steam distillation, the chemical constituents of volatile oils of MOB and MO were analyzed and determined by GC-MS, and percentages of each component was identified by peak area normalization method, and the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus by MOB and MO volatile oil were studied by the turbidimetric method. The results of GC-MS showed that the percentages of 12 common components in volatile oil of MOB were higher than those of MO, such as linalool, α -terpineol, α -eudesmol and β -eudesmol. The total percentages of 12 common components in each oil were 58.25%、 46.02%, respectively. The results of bacteriostatic experiments showed that MOB and MO had inhibitory effects on 10 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, and effect of MOB against 8 strains such as ATCC25923 was obviously superior to MO. The experiment indicates that the experiment can provide some reference for the development and application of herbal additives and bacteriostatic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, for various reasons, the need for non-invasive treatment for localized fat has emerged. This study confirmed whether Magnolia officinalis (MO) pharmacopuncture reduces localized fat by promoting lipolysis and inhibiting adipogenesis. Methods: The network was built using genes related to the active compound of MO and the mode of action of MO was predicted by the functional enrichment analysis. Based on the result from network analysis, 100 µL of 2 mg/mL MO pharmacopuncture was injected into the inguinal fat pad for 6 weeks in obese C57BL/6J mice. Normal saline was injected into the right-side inguinal fat pad as a self-control. Results: It was expected that the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway would be affected by the MO Network. MO pharmacopuncture reduced the weight and size of inguinal fat in HFD-induced obese mice. The phosphorylation of AMPK along with the increases of lipases was significantly increased by MO injection. Also, the expression levels of fatty acid synthesize-related mediators were suppressed by MO injection. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that MO pharmacopuncture promoted the expression of AMPK, which has beneficial effects on activation of lipolysis and inhibition of lipogenesis. Pharmacopuncture of MO can be a non-surgical alternative therapy in the treatment of local fat tissue.

Bacterial infections pose a significant risk to human health. Magnolol, derived from Magnolia officinalis, exhibits potent antibacterial properties. Synthetic biology offers a promising approach to manufacture such natural compounds. However, the plant-based biosynthesis of magnolol remains obscure, and the lack of identification of critical genes hampers its synthetic production. In this study, we have proposed a one-step conversion of magnolol from chavicol using laccase. After leveraging 20 transcriptomes from diverse parts of M. officinalis, transcripts were assembled, enriching genome annotation. Upon integrating this dataset with current genomic information, we could identify 30 laccase enzymes. From two potential gene clusters associated with magnolol production, highly expressed genes were subjected to functional analysis. In vitro experiments confirmed MoLAC14 as a pivotal enzyme in magnolol synthesis. Improvements in the thermal stability of MoLAC14 were achieved through selective mutations, where E345P, G377P, H347F, E346C, and E346F notably enhanced stability. By conducting alanine scanning, the essential residues in MoLAC14 were identified, and the L532A mutation further boosted magnolol production to an unprecedented level of 148.83 mg/L. Our findings not only elucidated the key enzymes for chavicol to magnolol conversion, but also laid the groundwork for synthetic biology-driven magnolol production, thereby providing valuable insights into M. officinalis biology and comparative plant science.

【Objective】The study was carried out to develop new molecular markers and analyze the molecular phylogeny of Magnolia officinalis in Longshan Tree Farm, Lechang, Guangdong, with a view to facilitating subsequent researches on the selection of excellent plants and breeding of superior varieties.【Method】Fourteen Magnolia officinalis (provenances from Jiangxi Province) individual plants collected from Longshan Tree Farm were used as tested materials. By using Primer BLAST on NCBI (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), fixed primers of TRAP molecular markers were designed based on the sequences of M. officinalis cDNA in the GenBank. The fixed primers were matched with random primers (sequence related amplified polymorphism) to amplify genomic DNA and develop TRAP molecular markers. The electrophoretogram of TRAP markers and amplified products of M. officinalis SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) were counted. Then, NTSYSpc2.10e was used for cluster analysis to discover the genetic diversity and phylogeny of fourteen M. officinalis resources.【Result】Seven TRAP molecular markers showing good polymorphism and clear electrophoresis bands were successfully developed from seventy primer pairs formed by fourteen fixed primers and five random primers. The phylogenetic tree of M. officinalis plants was constructed. The genetic similarity coefficient of these M.officinalis plants was 0.75-0.88 and it was not the highest between mother plant and its offspring.【Conclusion】M. officinalis was rich in genetic diversity and gene exchange was frequent in M. officinalis population. The newly developed TRAP molecular markers will facilitate identification of superior plants, breeding of excellent varieties and marker-assisted selection of M. officinalis in the future.

Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell death with features of necrosis and apoptosis that occurs in the intestinal epithelium of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In addition, necroptosis has also been observed in enterocytes in animal models of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Thus, the discovery of natural products for regulating necroptosis may represent an important therapeutic strategy for improving IBD. We found that Magnolia officinalis bark extract (MBE) prevented weight loss and suppressed the activation of the proinflammatory cytokine IL6 in DSS-induced colitis. Furthermore, MBE restored the length of the damaged colon and decreased the expression of necroptosis markers in mice with DSS-induced colitis. In vitro, necroptosis-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was reduced by MBE, and the expression of COX2, a target protein of ROS, was simultaneously suppressed. Both magnolol and honokiol, the two major bioactive compounds in MBE, inhibited necroptosis in human primary intestinal epithelial cells and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of MBE in modulating enterocyte necroptosis and suggest that MBE may be developed as a natural, disease-targeting drug for the treatment of colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel strategy was proposed for the comprehensive analysis of Magnolia officinalis. • A total of 103 compounds were identified from the whole plant of Magnolia officinalis. • Multidimensional chemical-biological analysis of Magnolia officinalis was established. • The 6 parts of Magnolia officinalis were explored and compared for the first time. • Magnolol and honokiol were found to be synergistic α-glucosidase inhibitors. Magnolia bark is a traditional Chinese medicine used for hypoglycaemia. With the widespread use of Magnolia bark, its resources are facing a serious shortage. To address this issue, a strategy based on high-coverage mass spectrometry (HCMS) and multidimensional chemical-biological analysis (MCBA) was proposed for the comprehensive exploration of Magnolia officinalis which is the main source of Magnolia bark. The strategy is divided into three main steps. In the first step, the stem bark, stem xylem, root bark, root xylem, leaf and rootlet of Magnolia officinalis were comprehensively analyzed using high-coverage mass spectrometry. In the second step, multivariate statistical analysis was used to explore the heterogeneity of the six parts and detect differential chemical components. In the third step, a combination of experimental screening and molecular docking was used to explore α-glucosidase inhibitors from Magnolia officinalis. Multidimensional chemical-biological analysis (MCBA) of Magnolia officinalis was achieved by combining the last two steps. Finally, a total of 103 compounds were identified from the whole plant of Magnolia officinalis. Differential components of stem bark, stem xylem, leaf, root bark, root xylem and rootlet were systematically revealed. A pair of positional isomers, namely magnolol and honokiol, were found to be α-glucosidase inhibitors. The activity of their combination is superior to that of each single compound, indicating that magnolol and honokiol are in a synergistic relationship. This strategy contributes to comprehensive exploitation of functional plants and effective alleviation of resource shortage. This study also provides a research paradigm for other similar traditional Chinese medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fritillaria hupehensis, a well-known medicinal perennial herb, is used as an antitussive and an expectorant. Continuous cropping and monoculture cultivation usually negativly affect the growth of F. hupehensis. Compared with the monoculture system, the F. hupehensis-Magnolia officinalis intercropping system significantly increases the yield of F. hupehensis. However, changes in steroidal alkaloid metabolites (the most important bioactive components) and their molecular regulatory mechanisms in F. hupehensis intercropping system remain unclear. We performed comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of F. hupehensis bulbs grown in monocropping and intercropping systems. A total of 40 alkaloids were identified, including 26 steroidal alkaloids, 4 plumeranes, 3 phenolamines, 1 pyridine alkaloid, and 6 other alkaloids. The results showed that intercropping significantly increased the levels of peimine, peiminine, hupehenine, korseveridine, verticinone N-oxide, delafrine, tortifoline, pingbeinone, puqienine B, puqienine E, jervine, ussuriedine, hydroxymandelonitrile, Nferuloylputrescine, and N-benzylmethylene isomethylamine in F. hupehensis, but decreased the levels of indole, p-coumaroylputrescine, and Nbenzylformamide. Transcriptome sequencing identified 11,466 differentially expressed unigenes in F. hupehensis under the intercropping system, of which 5,656 genes were up-regulated and 5,810 genes were downregulated. We proposed a possible steroidal alkaloid biosynthesis pathway, in which 12 differentially expressed genes were identified. The higher expressions of these genes in the intercropping system positively correlated with the high accumulation of peimine, peiminine, and hupehenine, further validating our proposal. Moreover, the biological processes of oxidative phosphorylation and plant hormone signal transduction, cytochrome P450 enzymes, ATP-binding cassette transporters, and transcription factors may play pivotal roles in the regulation of steroidal alkaloid biosynthesis. This study revealed the underlying molecular mechanisms of intercropping in improving steroidal alkaloids in F. hupehensis at the transcriptome and metabolome levels. These findings provided a theoretical foundation for sustainable development of this ecological planting method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stem bark of Magnolia officinalis is a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of abdominal distention and functional dyspepsia. The pharmacokinetics of three glycosides (magnoloside A, magnoloside B, and syringin) and two lignans (honokiol and magnolol) in both normal and functional dyspepsia rats were firstly investigated by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method and the influences of the coexisting compounds on the pharmacokinetic parameters of honokiol and magnolol were also studied. It was found that all of the five target compounds were quickly absorbed and eliminated in both normal and functional dyspepsia rats, while, their residence time was significantly decreased in pathological states except magnoloside A. The coexisting compounds in the stem bark of M. officinalis significantly reduced absorption and increased elimination of honokiol in vivo. It's worth noticing that the volume of distribution of lignan was quite lower than that of a glycoside. Moreover, the metabolic profiling of magnoloside A, honokiol, and magnolol in vivo was analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method, from which three prototypes were identified and 35 metabolites were putatively characterized, and 18 unknown metabolites were reasonably characterized for the first time. The results indicated that sulfation and glucuronidation were the main metabolic pathways of honokiol and magnolol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Candidiasis is a fungal infectious disease caused by opportunistic Candida species. The incidence of candidiasis has improved, due to prolonged antibiotic therapy and an increased number of immunocompromised patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if decoctions and essential oil (EO) of neem (Azadirachta indica, Meliaceae family), coptidis (Coptis chinensis, Ranunculaceae family), magnolia (Magnolia officinalis, Magnoliaceae family), scutellaria (Scutellaria barbata, Lamiaceae family), and the EO of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium, Myrtaceae family), have antifungal activity in vitro against some clinically prevalent species of Candida. (2) Methods: The antifungal activity was studied by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) against five Candida strains. The effect in dimorphic transition of Candida albicans was also evaluated for the two plants with higher antimicrobial behavior. (3) Results: C. chinensis decoction and EO and L. scoparium EO exhibited antifungal activity in Candida spp. In addition to the fact that both C. chinensis decoction and EO proved strong antifungal activity, L. scoparium EO also displayed a relevant inhibitory effect on the dimorphic transition. (4) Conclusions: The results provided support for the potential use of C. chinensis and L. scoparium in the treatment of infections by Candida spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignant tumor of the digestive tract. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating CRC, with advantages such as effectiveness, multi-target, multi-pathway, and minimal side effects. TCM Magnolia officinalis (M. officinalis) refers to the dried bark, root bark, and branch bark of either Magnolia officinalis Rehd.et Wils. or Magnolia officinalis Rehd.et Wils. var. biloba Rehd.et Wils.. It is commonly utilized to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy for CRC, owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. However, current research primarily focuses on the individual components and does not take into consideration the characteristics of multi-component-multi-target action., Aim of the Study: Our aim is to study the new action characteristics of M. officinalis in the treatment of CRC., Materials and Methods: Utilizing network pharmacology to identify potential active ingredients, key targets, and main signaling pathways of M. officinalis for the treatment of CRC. The binding effect was further validated through molecular docking analysis. Furthermore, the aforementioned components were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and the cleavage pathways of the main components were analyzed. Subsequently, both in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to investigate the anti-CRC effect of the active ingredients of M. officinalis and its potential mechanism., Results: Network pharmacology and Molecular docking identified 5 main active ingredients and 6 core targets of M. officinalis for the treatment of CRC. Then, LC-MS identified the active components of M. officinalis. At the same time, both in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed the ability of Eucalyptol (Euc) and Obovatol (Obo)to inhibit inflammation and tumor cell proliferation. The possible mechanism involved is that Euc and Obo counteract CRC by inhibiting the over-activation of NF-κBp65/JAK and Bcl-2/Caspase signaling pathways, respectively. They also play a role in the anti-CRC effect of M. officinalis., Conclusion: Magnolol (MAG), Honokiol (HK), Euc, Obo, and Neohesperidin (NHP) in M. officinalis may be the pharmacological substance basis for its anti-cancer effect on CRC. The treatment of CRC with M. officinalis is characterized by its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approach. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further inspiring the clinical application of M. officinalis and the development of efficacy targets., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest I, ZhangHe, declare that there are no conflicts of interest in relation to the manuscript titled “Effect and mechanism of Magnolia officinalis in colorectal cancer: multi-component-multi-target approach” submitted to Journal of Ethnopharmacology. I confirm that the results and interpretations reported in the manuscript are original and have not been plagiarized. I certify that I have read and understand the Journal of Ethnopharmacology conflict of interest policy, and I understand that failure to disclose a conflict of interest may result in the manuscript being rejected or retracted. I also certify that I have disclosed any financial or non-financial relationships that may be interpreted as constituting a conflict of interest in relation to this manuscript. I understand that this information will be subject to peer review, and I am willing to provide further information or clarification if required. I confirm that I have no known conflicts of interest that would influence the results or interpretation of the data presented in this manuscript, and I understand that failure to disclose a conflict of interest is unethical and may result in sanctions being imposed on me., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Neuropathic pain (NP) affects about 8% of the general population. Current analgesic therapies have limited efficacy, making NP one of the most difficult to treat pain conditions. Evidence indicates that excessive oxidative stress can contribute to the onset of chronic NP and several natural antioxidant compounds have shown promising efficacy in NP models. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the pain-relieving activity of honokiol (HNK)-rich standardized extract of Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E. Wilson bark (MOE), well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model. The molecular mechanisms and efficacy toward neuroinflammation were investigated in spinal cord samples from SNI mice and LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. MOE and HNK showed antioxidant activity. MOE (30 mg/kg p.o.) produced an antiallodynic effect in SNI mice in the absence of locomotor impairment, reduced spinal p-p38, p-JNK1, iNOS, p-p65, IL-1ß, and Nrf2 overexpression, increased IL-10 and MBP levels and attenuated the Notch signaling pathway by reducing Jagged1 and NEXT. These effects were prevented by the CB1 antagonist AM251. HNK reduced the proinflammatory response of LPS-stimulated BV2 and reduced Jagged1 overexpression. MOE and HNK, by modulating oxidative and proinflammatory responses, might represent interesting candidates for NP management.

In order to investigate the good genes, cultivate the main superior cultivars and discover phylogenetic relationships of Magnolia officinalis, M. officinalis subsp. biloba and M. hypoleuca, we compared the differences among the cp（chloroplast） genomes of three Magnolia species and performed a phylogenetic tree of 14 species. Illumina HiSeq platform was used to sequence and assemble the cp genome of M. hypoleuca. Then the cp genomes of three Magnolia species were annotated by online platform and performed with three Magnolia species cp gene cycles. Moreover, the cp genomes of other 11 Magnolia species were downloaded from the NCBI database and phylogenetic tree of 14 all species cp genomes was constructed based on NJ method. The results were as follows:（1） Clean Reads of M. hypoleuca were 19 791 019, and Q30 was 91.33%. The total length of cp genome of M. hypoleuca was 160 051 bp, its GC content was 39.2%, including 37 tRNA and 8 rRNA.（2） Compared with the cp genome structures of three Magnolia species, three Magnolia species were found to have similar IR, LSC and SSC structures, GC content and tRNA number, but there were differences in the type and number of coding genes, the number and structure of introns and exons.（3） There were six and four more functional gene numbers of M. hypoleuca than the other two Magnolia species, respectively, which indicated that it had stronger viability, and the differential functional genes of three Magnolia species were mainly located in LSC region and IR region, involving large ribosomal subunits, small ribosomal subunits and unknown functional genes groups.（4） Based on NJ phylogenetic tree, M. hypoleuca was closely related to M. officinalis subsp. biloba, next to M. officinalis. In this study, M. hypoleuca has more abundant cp genome structure, composition and variation characteristics, which is the molecular mechanism of its adaptation to low light and low temperature environment in high latitude area. And it will also provide strong guidance for molecular breeding of excellent Magnolia varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke are one of the main causes of death in the world. At the same time, the incidence of psychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety has been increasing. Accumulating elderly and stressed people suffer from these brain disorders, which is undoubtedly a huge burden on the modern aging society. Neolignans, the main active ingredients in Magnolia officinalis cortex, were reported to have neuroprotective effects. In addition, the key bioactive ingredients of neolignans, magnolol (1) and honokiol (2) , were proved to prevent and treat neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders by protecting nerve cells and brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Furthermore, neolignans played a role in protecting nerve cells via regulation of neuronal function, suppression of neurotoxicity, etc. This review summarizes the neuroprotective effect, primary mechanisms of the leading neolignans and provides new prospects for the treatment of brain disorders in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and stroke are one of the main causes of death in the world. At the same time, the incidence of psychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety has been increasing. Accumulating elderly and stressed people suffer from these brain disorders, which is undoubtedly a huge burden on the modern aging society. Neolignans, the main active ingredients in Magnolia officinalis cortex, were reported to have neuroprotective effects. In addition, the key bioactive ingredients of neolignans, magnolol (1) and honokiol (2), were proved to prevent and treat neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders by protecting nerve cells and brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Furthermore, neolignans played a role in protecting nerve cells via regulation of neuronal function, suppression of neurotoxicity, etc. This review summarizes the neuroprotective effect, primary mechanisms of the leading neolignans and provides new prospects for the treatment of brain disorders in the future.

The production of synthetic polyploids for plant breeding is compromised by high levels of mixoploids and low numbers of solid polyploid regenerants during in vitro induction. Somatic embryogenesis could potentially contribute to the maximization of solid polyploid production due to the single cell origin of regenerants. In the present study, a novel procedure for establishing homogeneous tetraploid embryogenic cell lines in Magnolia officinalis has been established. Embryogenic cell aggregate (ECA) about 100–200 μm across, and consisting of dozens of cells, regenerated into a single colony of new ECAs and somatic embryos following colchicine treatment. Histological analysis indicated that the few cells that survived some colchicine regimes still regenerated to form a colony. In some colonies, 100% tetraploid somatic embryos were obtained without mixoploid formation. New granular ECA from single colonies with 100% tetraploid somatic embryos were isolated and cultured individually to proliferate into cell lines. These cell lines were confirmed to be homogeneous tetraploid by flow cytometry. Many tetraploid somatic embryos and plantlets were differentiated from these cell lines and the stability of ploidy level through the somatic embryogenesis process was confirmed by flow cytometry and chromosome counting. The establishment of homogeneous polyploid cell lines, which were presumed to represent individual polyploidization events, might expand the phenotypic variations of the same duplicated genome and create novel breeding opportunities using newly generated polyploid plantlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this study, it is aimed to examine the protective effect of magnolia extract (ME), a herbal material obtained from Magnolia Officinalis, which is claimed to have an important role in anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress and antiapoptosis, with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production due to aging and depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in cardiomyocytes and its suppressive effect on apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress at the molecular level. Materials and Methods: In the study, an in vitro aging model was created using rat left ventricular cell line H9c2. H9c2 cells treated with D-galactose (D-Gal; 50 mg/mL) for 48 hours were incubated with 5 µM ME for 24 hours and their effects on ROS production and MMP depolarization in aged cardiomyocytes were examined. ROS and MMP measurements were performed under confocal microscopy using fluorescent dyes dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA) and carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP). With the ER- stress markers Calregulin and glucose-regulated protein 78, qRT-PCR measurements of the change in expression of the apoptosis marker equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 after ME treatment were analyzed. Results: Incubation of aging-modeled cardiomyocytes with ME provides significant suppression of aging-related ROS production and regulation of depolarized MMP. In addition, we observed that ER-stress and apoptosis developed by mitochondrial dysfunction were suppressed by ME treatment, by examining the expressions of stress and apoptosis marker genes. Conclusion: Our findings show that Magnolia officinalis extract, known for its cardioprotective effects, can be applied as a new treatment approach in aging-related heart failure by regulating mitochondrion dysfunction that develops uncontrollably with cardiac aging at the functional and molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most frequent forms of dementia in neurological disorders is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by impaired learning and memory. Pathological symptoms as extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and intracellular accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles occur in AD. Due to the aging of the population and increased prevalence of AD, discovery of new therapeutic agents with the highest effectiveness and fewer side effect seems to be necessary. Numerous synthetic medicines such as tacrine, donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, memantine, glutathione, ascorbic acid, ubiquinone, ibuprofen, and ladostigil are routinely used for reduction of the symptoms and prevention of disease progression. Nowadays, herbal medicines have attracted popular attention for numerous beneficial effects with little side effects. Lavandula angustifolia, Ginkgo biloba, Melissa officinalis, Crocus sativus, Ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Magnolia officinalis have been widely used for relief of symptoms of some neurological disorders. This paper reviews the therapeutic effects of phytomedicines with prominent effects against various factors implicated in the emergence and progression of AD.

The production of synthetic polyploids for plant breeding is compromised by high levels of mixoploids and low numbers of solid polyploid regenerants during in vitro induction. Somatic embryogenesis could potentially contribute to the maximization of solid polyploid production due to the single cell origin of regenerants. In the present study, a novel procedure for establishing homogeneous tetraploid embryogenic cell lines in Magnolia officinalis has been established. Embryogenic cell aggregate (ECA) about 100–200 μm across, and consisting of dozens of cells, regenerated into a single colony of new ECAs and somatic embryos following colchicine treatment. Histological analysis indicated that the few cells that survived some colchicine regimes still regenerated to form a colony. In some colonies, 100% tetraploid somatic embryos were obtained without mixoploid formation. New granular ECA from single colonies with 100% tetraploid somatic embryos were isolated and cultured individually to proliferate into cell lines. These cell lines were confirmed to be homogeneous tetraploid by flow cytometry. Many tetraploid somatic embryos and plantlets were differentiated from these cell lines and the stability of ploidy level through the somatic embryogenesis process was confirmed by flow cytometry and chromosome counting. The establishment of homogeneous polyploid cell lines, which were presumed to represent individual polyploidization events, might expand the phenotypic variations of the same duplicated genome and create novel breeding opportunities using newly generated polyploid plantlets.

Nanotechnology is creating a bang in each and every field of life science. Scientists are mounting their interest of research towards gold nanoparticles as they are capable with bigger and advanced properties.Traditionally nanoparticles have been manufactured by various chemical and physical methods but have negative impact on the environment and are also highly toxic. Synthesis of nanoparticles by using plant extracts is substituting the conventional methods and it is eco-friendly too. In the current study, we prepared gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from Magnolia officinalis, which is identified as an eco-friendly and less toxic method. Incorporation of AuNPs was renowned by UV-absorbance and it shows peak values. Nanoparticle sizes are recognized by dynamic light scattering scrutiny and it shows a value of 128 nm. Besides, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) incorrigibly define the shape of the AuNPs which are present in the complex materials. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) findings display that the active molecules are positioned in the plane of the AuNPs. Similarly, anticancer efficacy of AuNPs have been assessed in A549 cells. our study show that AuNPs effectively provoke cytotoxicity, and apoptosis by inflecting apoptotic gene expressions in A549 cells.

Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell death with features of necrosis and apoptosis that occurs in the intestinal epithelium of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In addition, necroptosis has also been observed in enterocytes in animal models of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Thus, the discovery of natural products for regulating necroptosis may represent an important therapeutic strategy for improving IBD. We found that Magnolia officinalis bark extract (MBE) prevented weight loss and suppressed the activation of the proinflammatory cytokine IL6 in DSS-induced colitis. Furthermore, MBE restored the length of the damaged colon and decreased the expression of necroptosis markers in mice with DSS-induced colitis. In vitro, necroptosis-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was reduced by MBE, and the expression of COX2, a target protein of ROS, was simultaneously suppressed. Both magnolol and honokiol, the two major bioactive compounds in MBE, inhibited necroptosis in human primary intestinal epithelial cells and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of MBE in modulating enterocyte necroptosis and suggest that MBE may be developed as a natural, disease-targeting drug for the treatment of colitis.

Objectives The exposure of neurons to an excessive excitatory stimulation induces the alteration of the normal neuronal function. Mood disorders are among the first signs of alterations in the central nervous system function. Magnolia officinalis bark extract has been extensively used in the traditional medicine systems of several countries, showing several pharmacological activities. Honokiol, the main constituent of M. officinalis, is a GABA modulator and a CB1 agonist, which is deeply investigated for its role in modulating mood disorders. Methods Thus, we evaluated the possible neuroprotective effect of a standardized M. officinalis bark extract (MOE), enriched in honokiol, and its effect on animal mood behavioural tests and in an in vitro model of excitotoxicity. Key findings MOE showed neuroprotective effect using SH-SY5Y cells, by normalizing brainderived neurotrophic factor release. Then, we tested the effect of MOE in different behavioural tests evaluating anxiety and depression and we observed a selective anxiolytic-like effect. Finally, we confirmed the involvement of CB1 in the final effect of MOE by the co-administration of the CB1 antagonist, AM251. Conclusion These results suggest that MOE could be considered an effective and safe anxiolytic candidate with neuroprotective activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Candidiasis is a fungal infectious disease caused by opportunistic Candida species. The incidence of candidiasis has improved, due to prolonged antibiotic therapy and an increased number of immunocompromised patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if decoctions and essential oil (EO) of neem (Azadirachta indica, Meliaceae family), coptidis (Coptis chinensis, Ranunculaceae family), magnolia (Magnolia officinalis, Magnoliaceae family), scutellaria (Scutellaria barbata, Lamiaceae family), and the EO of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium, Myrtaceae family), have antifungal activity in vitro against some clinically prevalent species of Candida. (2) Methods: The antifungal activity was studied by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) against five Candida strains. The effect in dimorphic transition of Candida albicans was also evaluated for the two plants with higher antimicrobial behavior. (3) Results: C. chinensis decoction and EO and L. scoparium EO exhibited antifungal activity in Candida spp. In addition to the fact that both C. chinensis decoction and EO proved strong antifungal activity, L. scoparium EO also displayed a relevant inhibitory effect on the dimorphic transition. (4) Conclusions: The results provided support for the potential use of C. chinensis and L. scoparium in the treatment of infections by Candida spp.

Magnolia officinalis is a famous traditional medicinal plant, belonging to the Magnoliaceae family and Magnolia L. genus and being widely cultivated in China. Its barks, root barks, branch barks, leaves, flowers and fruits could be used as medicine or food. However, the whole genome information is little known for this plant species. In order to obtain the whole genome sequence information of M. officinalis, the leaf DNA was used as the material, and the third-generation sequencing technology of Pacbio Sequel was used to establish its nucleotide sequence database. Then genome assembly, function annotation and evolution analysis were carried out by bioinformatic methods. The results were as follows:(1)140.91 Gb the third-generation data were obtained after the original sequencing data, with the Read N50 about 13 784 bp. The assembled M. officinals genome size was 1.68 Gb, contig N50 being about 222 069 bp, and the integrity of single-copy gene being 81.0%.(2)98.40% of the genes from the assembled sequence got gene annotation after being compared with functional databases such as NR, KOG and KEGG. The result of KOG gene annotation was that the protein function of M. officinalis concentrated in the general functional prediction only, posttranslational modification, protein turnover, chaperones signal transduction mechanisms. GO functional classification indicated that the genes of M. officinalis concentrated on cell components and biological processes. KEGG analysis found that the M. officinalis genes mostly involved in metabolic pathways.(3)By comparative genomics analysis, the genomes of Vitis vinifera, Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Poplar trichocarpa, Ginkgo biloba, Amborella trichopoda, Camellia sinensis and Cinnamomum kanehirae were aligned. It was found that 20 801 of 23 424 genes in M. officinalis could be classified into 12 129 families, 515 gene families being unique to M. officinalis. The genetic evolution tree constructed from the genomes of the selected reference species pointed that the M. officinalis(Magnoliaceae)was closely related to Cinnamomum kanehirae(Lauraceae), and the divergence time between the two species was about 122.5 mya. It is the first time to use the third-generation sequencing technology to analyze the whole genome of M. officinalis in the study, which is conducive to its further development and utilization, and also provides the information for the study of the whole genome of other medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new oligomeric neolignans including two trimeric neolignans (1 and 2) and four dimeric neolignans (3 – 6) were isolated from the leaves of Magnolia officinalis var. biloba. Their structures were determined based on HR-ESIMS and NMR data, as well as electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compound 1 is formed from two obovatol moieties directly linked to an aromatic ring of the remaining obovatol moiety, which is an unprecedented type of linkage between monomers. All isolates were assessed for their inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Compounds 1 and 3 showed significantly inhibitory activities with IC 50 values of 6.04 and 3.26 μmol·L−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 5-HTR2A and DRD2 were immobilized in an orderly manner for CMC model construction. • Interactions between atypical antipsychotic drugs and receptors were studied by CMC model. • Honokiol and honokiol were screened out as potential active antischizophrenic compounds. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness with unknown etiology, and shows increasing incidence and high lifetime prevalence rate. The main receptors related to the disease are DRD2 and 5-HTR2A. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the interaction mode between antipsychotic drugs with relevant receptors is very important for developing more effective drugs. 5-HTR2A-SNAP-Tag/CMC and DRD2-SNAP-Tag/CMC models constructed in this work provided a new method for studying the interaction between atypical antipsychotics and the two receptors. The results of comparative experiments showed that the new models not only met the high selectivity and specificity of the screening requirements but were also more stable and long-lasting than the traditional CMC model. Binding assays showed that the effects of three atypical antipsychotics (including clozapine, olanzapine, and quetiapine) on 5-HTR2A were stronger than their effects on DRD2. Additionally, two potentially active components, magnolol and honokiol, were screened in Magnolia officinalis methanol extract using the 5-HTR2A-SNAP-Tag/CMC HPLC-MS system. Nonlinear chromatographic analysis and molecular docking were conducted to study the interactions between screened compounds and the two receptors. The binding constants (K A) of magnolol and honokiol with 5-HTR2A were 17,854 ± 1,117 M–1 and 38,858 ± 4,964 M–1, respectively, and K A values with DRD2 were 4,872 ± 1,618 M–1 and 20,692 ± 10,267 M–1, respectively. We concluded that the established models are reliable for studying receptor-ligand interactions and screening antagonists of schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional Chinese medicinal plant Magnolia officinalis has a wide range of applications; including more than 200 kinds of patented Chinese medicines. Currently well-known application of Magnolia is to extract magnolol from its bark as a bulk drug. However, considerably large amount of residue is generated after the extraction process. Hence, it is crucial to find alternative waste management mechanisms for this biomass resource for the sake of environmental and economic benefits. In this study, Magnolia bark extract residues (MBER) were studied by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses for natural fiber synthesis and its potential application for composite material production. The result revealed that prior extraction process has apparently cleaned the fiber surfaces and introduced more –OH groups. Applying the fiber characteristics, addition of 10–25% residue weight contents of MBER as the raw material was carried out, and their corresponding performance using biomass molding technology to prepare trash can products was compared and analyzed. In the end, it was found that the trash cans made by adding 20% MBER had certain performance advantages. Therefore, this study has provided a new use and method for the full utilization of Magnolia officinalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives To explore the intervention mechanism of combining Polygala tenuifolia (PT) with Magnolia officinalis (MO) on gastrointestinal motility disorders caused by PT. Methods Urine and faeces of rats were collected; the effects of PT and MO on the gastric emptying and small intestine advancing rates in mice were analysed via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) to determine the potential metabolites. Changes in the metabolic profiles of the urine and faeces were revealed by untargeted metabolomics, followed by multivariate statistical analysis. The integration of urine and faeces was applied to reveal the intervention mechanism of PT-MO on PT-induced disorders. Key findings PT + MO (1:2) improved the gastrointestinal function in mice suffering from PT-induced gastrointestinal motility disorder. Metabolomics indicated that the PT-MO mechanism was mainly associated with the regulations of 17 and 12 metabolites and 11 and 10 pathways in urine and faeces, respectively. The common metabolic pathways were those of tyrosine, purine, tricarboxylic acid cycle, pyruvate and gluconeogenesis, which were responsible for the PT-MO intervention mechanism. Conclusions The PT-MO (1:2) couple mechanism mitigated the PT-induced disorders, which were related to the energy, amino acid and fatty metabolisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this experiment was to compare conventional antioxidants and plant extracts for oxidative stress control in lambs fed a high-concentrate diet. Methods: Forty-eight male Dorper×Santa Ines lambs with an initial weight of 20±1.49 kg and 60 days of age, were used to evaluate the effects of feeding a combination of Macleaya cordata and Magnolia officinalis plant extracts (0 vs 320 mg/kg dry matter [DM]) in combination with selenium+vitamin E (0 vs 100 IU/kg DM of vitamin E and 0.1 mg/kg DM of selenium) in a completely randomized block design in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. The animals were housed in individual pens and received a high-concentrate diet consisting of 80% whole corn and 20% protein pellet for 60 days. The animals were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and every 14 days for performance monitoring. Three blood samplings were performed during the experimental period for the evaluation of oxidative and protein parameters. Results: The treatments with vitamin E and selenium as additives had a positive influence on final weight, daily weight gain, carcass weight, and selenium content in longissimus muscle (p = 0.01). Plant extracts tended to improve final weight (p = 0.064) and daily weight gain (p = 0.059), showing similar effect as selenium and vitamin E. There was no effect of treatment on blood proteins, indicating that the animals were healthy throughout the experiment. Conclusion: The use of plant extracts had a similar effect as the addition of selenium and vitamin E, with dietary inclusion of additives resulting in better performance of lambs but both supplements did not have strong influence on oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of methanol extract Magnolia officinalis (MEMO) on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) in the hypercholesterolemic rabbits and the involved molecular mechanisms. Male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into Control (normal diet), Cholesterol (0.5% w/w cholesterol diet), and Magnolia groups (0.5% w/w cholesterol diet plus 1% w/w MEMO). The animals were treated with the designated diet for 4 or 8 weeks. BRS in the control of heart rate was assessed by linear regression method. After 8 weeks of treatments, plasma total cholesterol (TC) was significantly elevated in the Cholesterol/Magnolia groups. The arterial blood pressure (aBP) was increased in the Cholesterol and Magnolia groups. The depression of BRS observed in the Cholesterol group was significantly ameliorated in the Magnolia group. After L‐NAME (Nω‐nitro‐Larginine methyl ester, 20 mg/kg, iv), the BRS of the Cholesterol group was significantly improved. Results from our in vitro study further indicated that honokiol, the principle component of MEMO, would protect human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from H2O2‐induced damages and inhibit H2O2‐induced vascular smooth muscles cells (VSMCs) proliferation, which was evident by the decreased expression of pFAK, and p‐Erk1/2. The results of the present study suggested that the improvement of BRS by MEMO in the hypercholesterolemic rabbits might be mediated by the antioxidant property of MEMO as indicated by the results from the L‐NAME and in vitro honokiol studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology is creating a bang in each and every field of life science. Scientists are mounting their interest of research towards gold nanoparticles as they are capable with bigger and advanced properties.Traditionally nanoparticles have been manufactured by various chemical and physical methods but have negative impact on the environment and are also highly toxic. Synthesis of nanoparticles by using plant extracts is substituting the conventional methods and it is eco-friendly too. In the current study, we prepared gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from Magnolia officinalis, which is identified as an eco-friendly and less toxic method. Incorporation of AuNPs was renowned by UV-absorbance and it shows peak values. Nanoparticle sizes are recognized by dynamic light scattering scrutiny and it shows a value of 128 nm. Besides, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) incorrigibly define the shape of the AuNPs which are present in the complex materials. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) findings display that the active molecules are positioned in the plane of the AuNPs. Similarly, anticancer efficacy of AuNPs have been assessed in A549 cells. our study show that AuNPs effectively provoke cytotoxicity, and apoptosis by inflecting apoptotic gene expressions in A549 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Early intervention with Magnolia officinalis exerts a long-term neuroprotective effects on epileptogenesis. • Magnolia officinalis decreases long-term excitability, neuronal damage, and reactive gliosis. • Model of recurrent status epilepticus , where antiepileptic drug can be evaluated. During critical periods of neurodevelopment, the immature brain is susceptible to neuronal hyperexcitability, alterations such as hyperthermia, hypoxia, brain trauma or a preexisting neuroinflammatory condition can trigger, promote and prolong epileptiform activity and facilitate the development of epilepsy. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the long-term neuroprotective effects Magnolia officinalis extract, on a model of recurrent status epilepticus (SE) in immature rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with kainic acid (KA) (3 mg/kg, dissolved in saline solution) beginning at day 10 P N every 24 h for five days (10 P N–14PN). Two experimental groups (KA) received two treatments for 10 days (14–24 P N): one group was treated with 300 mg/kg Magnolia Officinalis (MO) (KA-MO), and another was treated with 20 mg/kg of celecoxib (Clbx) (KA-Clbx) as a control drug. A SHAM control group at day 90 P N was established. Seizure susceptibility was analyzed through an after-discharge threshold (ADT) evaluation, and electroencephalographic activity was recorded. The results obtained from the ADT evaluation and the analysis of the electroencephalographic activity under basal conditions showed that the MO and Clbx treatments protected against epileptiform activity, and decreases long-term excitability. All rats in the KA-MO and KA-Clbx groups presented a phase I seizure on the Racine scale, corresponding to the shaking of a wet dog. In contrast, the KA group showed phase V convulsive activity on the Racine scale. Similarly, MO and Clbx exerted neuroprotective effects on hippocampal neurons and reduced gliosis in the same areas. Based on these results, early intervention with MO and Clbx treatments to prevent the inflammatory activity derived from SE in early phases of neurodevelopment exerts neuroprotective effects on epileptogenesis in adult stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Two major compounds, honokiol and magnolol, were knocked out by HSCCC to enrich minor ones. • HPLC–DAD–QTOF-MS/MS was developed for identification of minor lignans, alkaloids, and phenylpropanoid glycosides. • Detailed fragmentation patterns for each kind of components were investigated for rapid structural identification. • Thirty-one minor components were identified and eight of them were reported in M. officinalis for the first time. Abstract An effective strategy based on high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) knockout combination with HPLC–DAD–QTOF-MS/MS analysis were developed to identify minor lignans, alkaloids, and phenylpropanoid glycosides in M. officinalis. Petroleum ether/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (8:4:7:5, v/v/v/v) as solvent system was firstly selected to separate the crude extract of M. officinalis. Two major lignans, honokiol and magnolol were knocked out, and minor components were enriched. Then, five standards (honokiol, magnolol, magnocurarine, magnoflorine and acteoside) were used as examples to discuss their fragmentation patterns for structural identification. By comprehensive screening, sixteen lignans, nine alkaloids, six phenylpropanoid glycosides were unambiguously or tentatively identified by comparing their retention time, UV spectra, accurate mass and fragmentation patterns with standards or reported components. Eight of them, as far as was known, were discovered from M. officinalis for the first time. The proposed method might provide a model for the effective identification of minor components from complex herbs. Additionally, this study laid a foundation for the study of quality control, and clinical applications of M. officinalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (the dried bark of Magnolia officinalis), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, is also known as ' Houpo ' (Chinese: 厚朴). Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex has a wide range of pharmacological effects and has been used to treat conditions such as abdominal distention, vomiting, diarrhea, food accumulation, Qi stagnation, constipation, phlegm and fluid retention and cough resulting from asthma. Aims of the review The present paper reviews advances in research relating to the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex. Prospects for future investigation and application of this herb are also discussed. Materials and methods Information on Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex was obtained from published materials, including ancient and modern books; PhD and MSc dissertations; monographs on medicinal plants; the pharmacopoeia of different countries and electronic databases, such as SCI finder, PubMed, Web of Science, ACS, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, Taylor, AGRIS, Europe PMC, EBSCO host, CNKI, WanFang DATA, J-STAGE and Google Scholar. Results More than 200 chemical compounds have been isolated from Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, including lignans, phenylethanoid glycosides, phenolic glycosides, alkaloids, steroids and essential oils. The plant has been reported to have pharmacological effects on the digestive system, nervous system and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems, as well as antibacterial, anti-tumour, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Conclusions Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex is an essential traditional Chinese medicine with pharmacological activities that mainly affect the digestive system, nervous system and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. This review summarises its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. These information suggest that we should focus on the development of new drugs related to Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, including specific constituents, so that Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex can exert greater therapeutic potential. Meanwhile, it is important to pay attention to the rational use of Magnolia resources, avoiding over-harvesting which could lead to lack of resources. We should also pursue research on Magnolia substitutes and develop resources such as Magnoliae Officinalis Flos and Magnolia Leaf. Graphical abstract fx1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of malignant tumor worldwide. Current treatments, including chemo-/radiotherapy, only have limited efficacy on bladder cancer progression. Honokiol is an active component of Magnolia officinalis with multiple biological effects that may provide promising health benefits. In the present study, the anti-cancer properties of honokiol against bladder cancer cells were investigated by flow cytometric analysis. The results revealed that honokiol exhibited significant anti-proliferative effects on bladder cancer cell lines, particularly on BFTC-905 human transitional cell carcinoma cells. Furthermore, honokiol at low doses (≤25 µM) induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, while it induced significant apoptotic cell death at high doses (≥50 µM; P<0.05). Furthermore, a significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species was identified in honokiol-treated cells. In addition, honokiol induced hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, which may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, caspase-3/7 activation was identified in high-dose honokiol-treated bladder cancer cells. These results suggest that honokiol induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway and honokiol-containing traditional herbal remedies may have a potential clinical application in the treatment of bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most BRAF‐mutant melanoma patients experience a fulminate relapse after several months of treatment with BRAF/MEK inhibitors. To improve therapeutic efficacy, natural plant‐derived compounds might be considered as potent additives. Here, we show that magnolol, a constituent of Magnolia officinalis, induced G1 arrest, apoptosis and cell death in BRAF‐ and NRAS‐mutant melanoma cells at low concentration, with no effect in BRAF‐ and NRAS wild‐type melanoma cells and human keratinocytes. This was confirmed in a 3D spheroid model. The apoptosis‐inducing effect of magnolol was completely rescued by activating Akt suggesting a mechanism relying primarily on Akt signaling. Magnolol significantly downregulated the PI3K/Akt pathway which led to a global decrease of the active histone mark H3K4me3. Alongside, the repressive histone mark H3K9me3 was increased as a response to DNA damage. Magnolol‐induced alterations of histone modifications are reversible upon activation of the Akt pathway. Magnolol‐induced a synergistic effect in combination with either BRAF/MEK inhibitors dabrafenib/trametinib or docetaxel at a lower concentration than usually applied in melanoma patients. Combination of magnolol with targeted therapy or chemotherapy also led to analogous effects on histone marks, which was rescued by Akt pathway activation. Our study revealed a novel epigenetic mechanism of magnolol‐induced cell death in melanoma. Magnolol might therefore be a clinically useful addition to BRAF/MEK inhibitors with enhanced efficacy delaying or preventing disease recurrence. To improve treatment of BRAF/MEK inhibitors and chemotherapy in BRAF/NRAS mt melanoma, the benefit of the plant‐derived compound magnolol alone or in combination has been investigated. Magnolol decimated BRAF/NRAS mt cancer cells alone or in combination albeit at a lower dosage than magnolol alone. Mechanistically, magnolol‐induced cell death in BRAF/NRAS mt melanoma through PI3K/Akt dependent epigenetic remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Four new honokiol derivatives were isolated from the stem bark of Magnolia officinalis. • Compounds 1 – 11 were evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory activities against the AChE enzymes. • Compound 8 exhibited higher anti-AChE activity than that of the positive control. Abstract Four new honokiol derivatives, namely 8′,9′-dihydroxymagnaldehyde E (1), 8′,9′-dihydroxyhonokiol (2), erythro -7- O -methylhonokitriol (3), and threo -7- O -methylhonokitriol (4), together with seven known compounds, erythro -honokitriol (5), threo -honokitriol (6), magnaldehyde E (7), magnotriol B (8), magnaldehyde B (9), honokiol (10), and magnolol (11), were isolated from the stem bark of Magnolia officinalis. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments as well as HR-MS. All isolates were evaluated for their in vitro activities against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, the results demonstrated that compound 8 possessed potent inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In organic agriculture, the control of several diseases is largely depending on copper fungicides. Yet, copper can accumulate in the soil if the annual input exceeds annual uptake by plants, which can have a negative impact on soil fertility. Its use should thus be avoided or reduced. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a bark extract of Magnolia officinalis Rehder and Wilson to control three pathogens including Plasmopara viticola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Berl. & De Toni (causing grapevine downy mildew), Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) G. Winter (causing apple scab), and Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) De Bary (causing potato and tomato late blight) under controlled and field conditions, and to identify compounds responsible for the antifungal activity of the extract. Under controlled conditions, M. officinalis bark extract showed a mean efficacy of 97% (P. viticola) and 93% (V. inaequalis) at 1 mg mL−1, and EC 50 between 0.14 and 0.20 mg mL−1. Efficacy against P. infestans was comparatively low (52% at 1 mg mL−1). Magnolol and honokiol were identified as the main active compounds, both with EC 50 ≤ 0.08 mg mL−1 against P. viticola and V. inaequalis. Under field conditions, preliminary formulations reached efficacies up to 71% at 1–2 mg plant extract mL−1 against grapevine downy mildew, whereas activity against apple scab could not be confirmed. Magnolia officinalis is a promising candidate for the development of a sustainable plant protection product against grapevine downy mildew due to a combination of good efficacy, high availability of the raw material at affordable prices, reasonable extraction efficiency, and expected low human toxicity due to its longstanding use in traditional Chinese medicine. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A Magnolia officinalis extract was efficient against three important plant pathogens. • Pathogens included Plasmopara viticola , Venturia inaequalis and Phytophthora infestans. • Efficacy was shown under controlled and field conditions. • Magnolol and honokiol were identified as the main active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]