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The objective of this study is to explore the effect of plantamajoside on malignant properties of MHCC97H cells and its possible mediating molecular mechanisms. Effects of high, median, and low concentrations of plantamajoside on MHCC97H cell malignant behaviors were assessed. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis detected microRNA-3178 expression in tissue samples. Western blotting detected E-cadherin and N-cadherin protein levels. Plantamajoside led to a remarkable reduction in the proliferative, migrating and invasive capabilities of MHCC97H cells, which was accompanied with a diminution in N-cadherin protein levels as well as an augmentation in E-cadherin protein level and microRNA-3178 expression. Reduction of microRNA-3178 was noted in hepatocellular carcinoma samples vs. para-carcinoma tissues. Furthermore, microRNA-3178 overexpression demonstrated an ability to inhibit the effects on the invasion, metastasis, and proliferation of MHCC97H cells. Amusingly, microRNA-3178 silencing attenuated the plantamajoside-mediated inhibitory impact on malignant behaviours of MHCC97H cells. Plantamajoside treatment resulted in an upregulation of microRNA-3178, thus repressing MHCC97H cell invasion, metastasis, and proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Plantago asiatica L. is a representative individual species of Plantaginaceae, whose high reputation is owed to its edible and medicinal values. However, the phylogeny and genes of the P. asiatica chloroplast have not yet been well described. Here we report the findings of a comprehensive analysis of the P. asiatica chloroplast genome. The P. asiatica chloroplast genome is 164,992 bp, circular, and has a GC content of 37.98%. The circular genome contains 141 genes, including 8 rRNAs, 38 tRNAs, and 95 protein-coding genes. Seventy-two simple sequence repeats are detected. Comparative chloroplast genome analysis of six related species suggests that a higher similarity exists in the coding region than the non-coding region, and differences in the degree of preservation is smaller between P. asiatica and Plantago depressa than among others. Our phylogenetic analysis illustrates P. asiatica has a relatively close relationship with P. depressa, which was also divided into different clades with Plantago ovata and Plantago lagopus in the genus Plantago. This analysis of the P. asiatica chloroplast genome contributes to an improved deeply understanding of the evolutionary relationships among Plantaginaceae.

Plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV) infects ornamental lilies and causes severe necrotic symptoms. PlAMV has also been isolated from several perennial weeds, including Plantago asiatica. While multiple isolates from cultivated lilies have been identified and shown to share a high degree of sequence identity with one another, there have been few studies of PlAMV isolates from weeds. Furthermore, a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of PIAMV isolates from both lilies and weeds has not been performed. Here, we performed phylogenetic and population genetic analyses of the full-length genome sequences of 36 PlAMV isolates, including 14 new isolates obtained in this study. These analyses suggested intraspecific diversification of PlAMV isolates into five clades, including a clade consisting of ornamental lily isolates (Lily clade) and four other clades consisting of isolates from weeds or medicinal plants. The specific clade membership identified by the phylogenetic analysis was mainly correlated with the geographical location of the members of each clade. All PlAMV isolates except those in the Lily clade had a high level of genetic diversity. The Lily clade had a higher level of genetic differentiation from the other clades. The neutrality test suggested that genetic drift contributed to shaping PlAMV isolates in the Lily clade. Infectivity tests with infectious clones of the representative PIAMV isolates to four plant species, including lilies and P. asiatica, showed that isolates in different phylogenetic clades had variation in infectivity to the subset of plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are good sources of pharmacologically active compounds. The present study aimed to examine the neuroprotective potentials of the methanol extracts of Salix tetrasperma Roxb. leaf (STME) and Plantago asiatica L. (PAME), two edibles medicinal plants of Manipur, India against neurotoxicity induced by rotenone in SH-SY5Y cells. Free radical quenching activities were evaluated by ABTS and DPPH assays. The cytotoxicity of rotenone and the neuronal survival were assessed by MTT assay and MAP2 expression analysis. DCF-DA, Rhodamine 123 (Rh-123), and DAPI measured the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and apoptotic nuclei, respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities were also assessed. LC-QTOF-MS analysis was performed for the identification of the compounds present in STME and PAME. The study showed that both the plant extracts (STME and PAME) showed antioxidant and neuroprotective capabilities in rotenone-induced neurotoxicity by preventing oxidative stress through the reduction of intracellular ROS levels and reversing the activities of GPx, SOD, and CAT caused by rotenone. Further, both plants prevented apoptotic cell death by normalizing the steady state of MMP and protecting nuclear DNA condensation. LC-QTOF-MS analysis shows the presence of known neuroprotective compounds like uridine and gabapentin in STME and PAME respectively. The two plants might be an important source of natural antioxidants and nutraceuticals with neuroprotective abilities. This could be investigated further to formulate herbal nutraceuticals for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson's disease. [Display omitted] • Methanol extracts of Salix tetrasperma and Plantago asiatica have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. • It reduces rotenone induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells. • It prevents depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and disintegration of nuclear DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomy: Plantago asiatica mosaic virus belongs to the genus Potexvirus in the family Alphaflexiviridae of the order Tymovirales. Virion and genome properties: Plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV) has flexuous virions of approximately 490–530 nm in length and 10–15 nm in width. The genome of PlAMV consists of a single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA of approximately 6.13 kb. It contains five open reading frames (ORFs 1–5), encoding a putative viral polymerase (RdRp), movement proteins (triple gene block proteins, TGBp1‐3), and coat protein (CP), respectively. Host range: PlAMV has an exceptionally wide host range and has been isolated from various wild plants, including Plantago asiatica, Nandina domestica, Rehmannia glutinosa, and other weed plants. Experimentally PlAMV can infect many plant species including Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana. It also infects ornamental lilies and frequently causes severe necrotic symptoms. However, host range varies depending on isolates, which show significant biological diversity within the species. Genome diversity: PlAMV can be separated into five clades based on phylogenetic analyses; nucleotide identities are significantly low between isolates in the different clades. Transmission: PlAMV is not reported to be transmitted by biological vectors. Virions of PlAMV are quite stable and it can be transmitted efficiently by mechanical contact. Disease symptoms: PlAMV causes red‐rusted systemic necrosis in ornamental lilies, but it shows much weaker, if any, symptoms in wild plants such as P. asiatica. Control: Control of the disease caused by PlAMV is based mainly on rapid diagnosis and elimination of the infected bulbs or plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago asiatica, an herbaceous perennial species of Plantaginaceae, has been used as a traditional herbal medicine plant in China. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of P. asiatica was sequenced and assembled using genome skimming data. The cp genome was 165,045 bp in length including the large single-copy (LSC, 82,964 bp) and small single-copy (SSC, 4,633 bp) regions separated by two copies of inverted region (IR, 38,724 bp). The cp genome encoded 113 unique genes, consisting of 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes, additionally with 27 duplicated genes in the IR regions. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the representative species from Plantago was monophyletic and they were divided into four subgenera. P. asiatica belongs to the subgenus Plantago and was sister to P. rigida with high bootstrap value support.

‘Five-seeds’ formulation (Lycium barbarum, Cuscuta chinensis Lam, Rubus idaeus, Schisandra chinensis, Plantago asiatica) have been used by Chinese medicine practitioner for the treatment of male infertility for a long time. The present study aims to investigate the potential toxicity effects of the individual herb used in ‘five-seeds’ formulation and as a concoction on human HEK293 and Chang liver cells, using cell viability MTT assay and SubG1 flow cytometry analysis. Percentage of cell viability from samples (1, 25, 50, 75, 100 mg/mL) decreased as the concentration increased. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values indicated that Cuscuta chinensis, Rubus idaeus and Schisandra chinensis are among the most toxic herb samples on HEK293 cells, with the IC50 values less than 22 mg/mL. On the other hand, Rubus idaeus (IC50 value 20.1 mg/mL) and Schisandra chinensis (IC50 value 17.8 mg/mL) were found to have the highest toxicity effect on Chang liver cells. Plantago asiatica and Lycium barbarum (IC50 more than 67 mg/mL) are the least toxic herbs tested on both human HEK293 kidney and Chang liver cells. ‘Five-seeds’ herbal formulation had IC50 values of 33 mg/mL and 38.5 mg/mL on HEK293 and Change liver cells respectively, suggesting that ‘five seeds’ formulation has modulated the toxicity effect of the mixed herbs used in this formula. Apoptotic cells in SubG1 phase were also found to be significantly low for HEK293 (13.08%) and Chang liver cells (10.17%) with the treatment of 25 mg/mL of ‘five seeds’ formulation. Toxicity effect of five-seeds’ herbal formulation has seemingly been modulated when all the five herbs mixed as a concoction, and potentially non-toxic as a concoction to HEK293 kidney and Chang liver cells. However, more investigations should be done to draw a solid conclusion.

In August 2020, necrotic ringspots on leaves were observed on 20 from 143 Plantago asiatica plants in open fields in Eumseong, Chungcheongbuk-do. Eight symptomatic Plantago asiatica plants were subjected to investigation on viral infection by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. Impatiens necrotic spot virus, tomato spotted wilt virus and cucumber mosaic virus were detected from the symptomatic plants. Two impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) isolates (‘INSV-plantain kr1’ and ‘-plantain kr5’) were sequenced and analyzed by comparing L genomic segment, nucleoprotein (N) gene and non-structural protein S (NSs) gene sequences. The nucleotide sequence of ‘INSV-plantain kr1’ isolate (MW114834) was most closely related to that of a ‘Phalaenopsis’ isolate (GQ336991) from China in the L genomic segment. ‘INSV-plantain kr1’ and ‘-plantain kr5’ isolates shared the highest identities with those from ‘Pepe’ isolate (LC384872) and ‘J’ isolate (AB109100) in the NSs gene, respectively, and with that from ‘YSMi-SH’ isolate (FN400773) in the N gene. Phylogenetic analysis based on L genomic segment grouped the INSV-plantain kr1 isolate together with isolates from Korea (LC384870), China (GU112505, GQ336991), and Italy (DQ425094). This is the first report on INSV in P.asiatica from Korea.

The medicinal plant, Plantago asiatica have high selenium (Se) accumulation ability but is considered lower compared to other Se-hyperaccumulators. In this experiment, we evaluated the effects of different amino acid concentrations (600, 900, 1200, and 1500-fold dilutions) on the growth and Se uptake in P. asiatica for possible improvement of Se accumulation ability and medicinal value of P. asiatica. The 600, 900, and 1200-fold amino acid dilutions increased the root and shoot biomass of P. asiatica. Additionally, the photosynthetic pigments contents (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll) and antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) of P. asiatica were increased by the different amino acid concentrations. However, these amino acid concentrations reduced the soluble protein content of P. asiatica to some extent. The Se content and extraction from P. asiatica were also enhanced and had a quadratic polynomial regression relationship with the Se extraction tissues and their Se contents. In addition, there were significant correlations between the biomass of Se extraction tissues and their Se contents. Our findings indicate that various amino acid concentrations promote growth and Se uptake in P. asiatica, but 900-fold amino acid dilution is the best concentration for enhancing Se accumulation ability in P. asiatica shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago asiatica, an herbaceous perennial species of Plantaginaceae, has been used as a traditional herbal medicine plant in China. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of P. asiatica was sequenced and assembled using genome skimming data. The cp genome was 165,045 bp in length including the large single-copy (LSC, 82,964 bp) and small single-copy (SSC, 4,633 bp) regions separated by two copies of inverted region (IR, 38,724 bp). The cp genome encoded 113 unique genes, consisting of 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes, additionally with 27 duplicated genes in the IR regions. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the representative species from Plantago was monophyletic and they were divided into four subgenera. P. asiatica belongs to the subgenus Plantago and was sister to P. rigida with high bootstrap value support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcome of interspecific competition is affected by numerous abiotic and biotic factors. However, the effects of genetic relatedness of conspecific neighbours have not been elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that the genotype of a conspecific neighbour determines the outcome of interspecific competition. We investigated effects of genotype of neighbour sibling or non-sibling Plantago asiatica plants on competition with Trifolium repens plants. Pairs of P. asiatica, sibling or non-sibling, were grown in competition with T. repens. Sibling P. asiatica plants, but not non-sibling plants, increased leaf placement towards competitor T. repens plants, and that placement was correlated negatively with the biomass of T. repens and positively with seed production by P. asiatica. Seed production by P. asiatica plants competing with T. repens was greater in individuals paired with siblings than in those paired with non-siblings. Thus, our results show that the genotype of conspecific neighbours can alter the outcome of interspecific competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Anticoccidial effects of the Plantago asiatica extract (PAE) were evaluated in chickens following oral infection with Eimeria (E.) tenella. This study was conducted on the 3-day-old chickens (n=30). Those animals were divided with 3 groups; PAE 0.1% treated/infected (n=10), PAE untreated/infected (n=10) and non-infected control (n=10). Chickens were fed a standard diet supplemented with or without PAE for 1 week prior to infection with E. tenella (10,000 sporulated oocysts per chicken). The effects of PAE on E. tenella infection were assessed by two parameters; fecal oocysts shedding and body weights gain. The PAE-fed chickens produced significantly reduced fecal oocysts (P

Plantago asiatica L. is a representative individual species of Plantaginaceae, whose high reputation is owed to its edible and medicinal values. However, the phylogeny and genes of the P. asiatica chloroplast have not yet been well described. Here we report the findings of a comprehensive analysis of the P. asiatica chloroplast genome. The P. asiatica chloroplast genome is 164,992 bp, circular, and has a GC content of 37.98%. The circular genome contains 141 genes, including 8 rRNAs, 38 tRNAs, and 95 protein-coding genes. Seventy-two simple sequence repeats are detected. Comparative chloroplast genome analysis of six related species suggests that a higher similarity exists in the coding region than the non-coding region, and differences in the degree of preservation is smaller between P. asiatica and Plantago depressa than among others. Our phylogenetic analysis illustrates P. asiatica has a relatively close relationship with P. depressa , which was also divided into different clades with Plantago ovata and Plantago lagopus in the genus Plantago . This analysis of the P. asiatica chloroplast genome contributes to an improved deeply understanding of the evolutionary relationships among Plantaginaceae.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the dose-limiting side effects of cancer chemotherapy. Although the control of CIPN is important, it is difficult to manage with currently available therapeutic drugs. Therefore, there is a need for novel therapeutic agents for treating CIPN. Goshajinkigan (GJG) is a Kampo formula composed of ten crude drugs. While GJG has been used for the treatment of CIPN, the active constituents of GJG and their underlying mechanisms of pharmacological effects are still unknown. Our previous study revealed that repetitive oral administration of the water extract of Plantaginis Semen, a crude drug ingredient of GJG, inhibited the mechanical allodynia induced by an intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel in mice. To elucidate the active compounds of Plantaginis Semen, activity-guided separation of the water extract of Plantaginis Semen was performed. From the active fraction, four iridoids (1–4) were identified. Repetitive oral administration of aucubin (1) at 100 or 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of the fraction crude 3 [primarily comprised of pedicularis-lactone (3)], showed anti-allodynic activity, suggesting 1 and 3 could be some of the active compounds responsible for the anti-allodynic property of Plantaginis Semen and GJG. Our study establishes that oral administration of 1 has potent anti-allodynic effect in addition to the activity of intraperitoneally administered 1 reported previously. Identification of active anti-allodynic compounds found in Kampo formulations will support the development of novel therapies for the management of CIPN in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-BuOH fraction from aqueous extract of the herb of Plantago asiatica L. showed the best antioxidant activity by bioassay guided fractionation. Using column chromatography, fourteen compounds were isolated from the active fraction, including adenosine (1), uridine (2), thymidine (3), adenine (4), megastigmane-7-ene-3, 5, 6, 9-tetrol (5), 9-hydroxy-megastigman-4, 7-dien- 3-one-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), 2-(3, 4-dihydroxy)-phenyl-ethyl-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), plantainoside D (8), darendoside B (9), Savaside A (10), oct-1-en-3-ol-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1″→2′)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), linarin (12), syringaresinol-4'- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (13) and caprolactam (14), chemical structures of these compounds were identified on the basis of NMR spectroscopy evidence. Among them, compound 12 was obtained from this plant for the first time, and compound 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 were isolated from the genus of Plantago firstly, moreover, compound 5 and 6 belong to the kind of megastigmane, which was not found in the Plantago genus before. Moreover, by using DPPH radical scavenging assay, we knew that compound 1 exhibited the antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening of EtOAc soluble fraction of Plantago asiatica (Plantaginaceae) using HPLC–MS/MS coupled DPPH online assay suggested the presence of antioxidant compounds, which characterized as phenylethanoid glycosides. Twenty-nine compounds including three new compounds, plantalides A–C, a phenylethanoid ( 1 ), a phenolic compound ( 9 ) and an iridoid ( 10 ), were isolated from P. asiatica. Consistent with HPLC–MS/MS analysis, seven phenylethanoid glycosides ( 1–7 ) including a new phenylethanoid glycoside ( 1 ) showed antioxidant with ranging IC 50 values of 22.9–88.5 μM. These results suggested that phenylethanoid glycosides were contributed to the antioxidant activity of P. asiatica and HPLC–MS/MS coupled online assay is powerful tool for predicting active compounds with short time and limited amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the differences in phenology among plant species is important for understanding their physiological and reproductive responses to climate change and complex inter-species interactions. This study conducted a comparative analysis of the spatio-temporal variation in the phenologies of two herbaceous species ( Plantago asiatica and Taraxacum mongolicum ) and associated climatic driving factors on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) based on ground-observed phenology data during 2000–2012. The results indicated that both spring and autumn phenology of the two species showed strong dependences on altitude, latitude and longitude, although the magnitudes of the variation with geographical factors were different among species. Change in altitude contributed the most to the spatial variation in phenology for both species. In addition, strong dependences on altitude were also observed for the phenological differences between the two species. With the increase of altitude, the same phenophases of the two species tended to occur synchronously at first and then the chronological order of the same phenophases between the two species changed. Spring and autumn phenophases showed significant negative correlations with the growing degree-days (GDD) and the cold degree-days (CDD) ( p < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, the phenophases of T. mongolicum were more sensitive than those of P. asiatica in response to GDD or CDD, which explained the spatial variation in the phenological difference between the two species. The divergent phenological responses to climate change and the spatial variation in phenological differences between P. asiatic a and T. mongolicum may alter the inter-species interactions between the two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early stages of direct somatic embryogenesis in Plantago asiatica were observed by light microscopy. In calli of Plantago asiatica two phenomena occurred simultaneously: somatic organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis.

The herbs Plantago asiatica and Clerodendrum trichotomum have been commonly used for centuries in indigenous and folk medicine in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In this study, we show that extracts from these herbs have antiviral effects against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in vitro cell cultures and an in vivo mouse model. Treatment of HEp2 cells and A549 cells with a non-cytotoxic concentration of Plantago asiatica or Clerodendrum trichotomum extract significantly reduced RSV replication, RSV-induced cell death, RSV gene transcription, RSV protein synthesis, and also blocked syncytia formation. Interestingly, oral inoculation with each herb extract significantly improved viral clearance in the lungs of BALB/c mice. Based on reported information and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, the phenolic glycoside acteoside was identified as an active chemical component of both herb extracts. An effective dose of acteoside exhibited similar antiviral effects as each herb extract against RSV in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these results suggest that extracts of Plantago asiatica and Clerodendrum trichotomum could provide a potent natural source of an antiviral drug candidate against RSV infection.

Arterial pressure of each new breeding spontaneous Phase-1 hypertension (P1-HT) rat was recorded for 5 min by intravascular femoral artery catheter that served as a reference value prior to treatment. In the acute antihypertensive test, 0.36 g/kg Bwt of Plantago asiatica seed extract (PSE) was administered, via gavage feeding, to P1-HT rats, and the arterial pressures were continuously recorded for 1 h. The acute antihypertensive effects of PSE on P1-HT rats appeared within 15 min after PSE administration and lasted over 1 h with systolic pressure decreased 31.5 mmHg and diastolic pressure decreased 18.5 mmHg. The systolic pressure decreased 28 mmHg and diastolic pressure decreased 16 mmHg in P1-HT rats when simultaneously compared with verapamil hydrochloride (reference drug), whereas there were no significant differences in the pretreated reference values of acute PSE treatment and the untreated control. In the chronic test, P1-HT rats received 0.36 g/kg Bwt day of PSE or equal volume of water for 4 weeks via oral gavage, and the lower blood pressure tendencies of chronic PSE treatment were also found when compared with the controls. The antihypertensive values of PSE were also confirmed in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Oral administration with PSE can effectively moderate blood pressure within an hour, while taking PSE daily can control the severity of hypertension, suggesting PSE is a potentially antihypertensive herb.

Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were synthesized via a green method by using of Plantago asiatica leaf extract as natural solvent and reaction biomedia under environmentally benign reaction conditions. It was observed that use of Plantago asiatica leaf extract makes a simple, eco-friendly and cost effective method for the preparation of the Cu NPs and can reduce copper ions into Cu(0) within 5 min of reaction time without using any stabilizer or surfactant agent. The progress of the reaction was monitored using UV–Visible spectroscopy. Polyphenolics could be adsorbed on the surface of Cu NPs, possibly by interaction through π-electrons interaction in the absence of other strong ligating agents. The catalytic activity of the Cu NPs was evaluated by cyanation of aldehydes in the extract as a green solvent. This method provided several advantages such as cleaner easy work-up, shorter reaction time and higher yield. Cu NPs were characterized by FT-IR, UV–Vis, TEM, X-ray diffraction and the synthesized products were characterized by FT-IR and 1 H NMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disease with a variety of causes, is mainly characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, and ascites. This study was designed to evaluate the underlying mechanism of action of Plantago asiatica L. (PAL) in treating nephrotic syndrome induced by puromycin aminonucleoside. Methods: PAL has been used in Asia as a traditional medicine and dietary health supplement. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were intravenously injected with puromycin aminonucleoside (75 mg/kg/day), then treated with either Losartan (30 mg/kg/day) or PAL (200 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage for seven days. Results: PAL significantly decreased ascites, proteinuria level, and plasma lipid parameters. In addition, treatment with PAL attenuated histological damage and hypoalbuminemia. Treatment with PAL also restored podocin expression and reduced inflammation markers such as intracellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1). Lower expression levels of the apoptosis markers Bax, caspase-3 and capase-9 were documented in SD rats receiving PAL. PAL also significantly decreased the phosphorylation levels of MAPKs such as ERK, JNK and p38. Conclusion: As a multifunctional agent, PAL has a renoprotective effect in nephrotic syndrome rat models. The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties, along with reductions in hyperlipidemia and ascites, represent important therapeutic effects. These results indicate that Plantago asiatica is likely to be a promising agent in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven phenolic compounds, including a new phenylethanoid glycoside, were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of an aqueous ethanol extract of Plantago Herb (whole part of Plantago asiatica L.), which showed significant antioxidative activity. The new compound was characterized as 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl 3-O-β-D-allopyranosyl-6-O-caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence, and its antioxidant activity was comparable to that of tea catechins.

The ultrastructure of two lines of nonmorphogenic Plantago asiatica callus was compared. The ultrastructure of most organelles of cream-coloured and green-coloured lines of these callus lines was similar. Among the plastides no difference in prevalence and composition of proplastides and amyloplasts was observed. The main difference lies in the presence of chlororoplasts in green callus. The phenomena of vacuolisation and tracheogenesis in both lines were found.

Shoot-tip multiplication of the medicinal species - Plantago asiatica was carried on MS medium with IAA and BAP or kinetin. Best results in micropropagation were achieved by adding 0.1 mg/dm3 IAA and 1 mg/dm3 BAP. After 6 weeks shoots were transferred to MS medium for rooting. The resulting plantlets were transferred after 8 weeks into pots and after a period of adaptation into the ground (field culture). The species Plantago asiatica was propagated in vitro by shoot-tip multiplication for the first time.

Somatic seeds of Plantago asiatica L. were produced for the first time. Shoot-tips isolated from in vitro obtained 4-week shoots were encapsulated using sodium alginate and calcium chloride. Capsules with or without sucrose and with and without cytokinin - indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) were used. Sucrose presence in capsules very distinctly influences somatic seeds of Plantago asiatica germination and their conversion into plants. However, addition of IBA to capsules has not clear influence on the ability of plant regrowth. Plantlets transplanted to soil grew to phenotypically normal plants.

Plantago asiatica L. has been used as a vegetable and nutritious food in Asia for thousands of years. According to recent phytochemical and pharmacological research, the active compositions of the plant contribute to various health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer. This article reviews the 87 components of the plant and their structures, as well as their biological activities and molecular research progress, in detail. This review provides valuable reference material for further study, production, and application of P. asiatica , as well as its components in functional foods and therapeutic agents.

In this study, we examined the antiwrinkle effects of Plantago asiatica seed (PAS) on UV-induced human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and hairless mice models to determine if an anti-inflammatory agent could also be developed as an antiaging treatment. Acute UV irradiation induced matrix metallproteinase (MMP)-1 protein expression levels, but this was suppressed by PAS in HDFs. Next, we investigated the effect of PAS on UV-induced skin changes in hairless mice. Chronic UV exposure of the dorsal skin increased skin thickness and induced wrinkle formation. PAS significantly suppressed UV-induced morphologic skin changes. In addition, MMP-1 expression was dramatically attenuated by treatment with plantainoside D which was purely isolated from PAS, indicating that this is the principle compound inhibiting MMP-1 expression in HDFs. Taken together, our data suggest that PAS can prevent the harmful effects of UV that lead to skin aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amblyseius tsugawai Ehara (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a major predator of spider mites in orchards in Japan. To support populations in apple orchards in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan, we investigated whether it can use Plantago asiatica L. as a food resource. In laboratory tests, survival did not differ significantly between female adults given water only and those given a piece of P. asiatica leaf and water. However, A. tsugawai reproduces by feeding on P. asiatica pollen, and significantly more mites were reared on P. asiatica pollen than on tea pollen, which is commonly used for rearing phytoseiid mites. In orchards in 2013, female adults were observed on leaves of P. asiatica from late May; numbers peaked in mid-June and gradually decreased until late July. Most adults were found along veins on the hidden sides of the leaves. Female adults were also collected in Phyto traps attached to plants between late May and early August. Pollen production of P. asiatica peaked from mid-June to early July, when numbers of adults peaked on the plants. These results suggest that conservation of P. asiatica in apple orchards would sustain A. tsugawai populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] LC–MS method was developed for simultaneous determination of plantamajoside and acteoside in rat plasma. [•] The fully validated method was applied to pharmacokinetic study. [•] Pharmacokinetics of two analytes in rats administered with Plantago asiatica was firstly reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]