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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Phylogenetic relationships within Cornus (Cornaceae) based on 26S rDNA sequences.

Phylogenetic relationships within the dogwood genus Cornus have been highly controversial due to the great morphological heterogeneity. Earlier phylogenetic analyses of Cornus using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) data (including rbcL and matK sequences, as well as restriction sites) and morphological characters suggested incongruent relationships within the genus. The present study generated sequence data from the nuclear gene 26S rDNA for Cornus to test the phylogenetic hypotheses based on cpDNA and morphological data. The 26S rDNA sequence data obtained represent 16 species, 13 from Cornus and three from outgroups, having an aligned length of 3380 bp. Both parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of these sequences were conducted. Trees resulting from these analyses suggest relationships among subgroups of Cornus consistent with those inferred from cpDNA data. That is, the dwarf dogwood (subg. Arctocrania) and the big-bracted dogwood (subg. Cynoxylon and subg. Syncarpea) clades are sisters, which are, in turn, sister to the cornelian cherries (subg. Cornus and subg. Afrocrania). This red-fruited clade is sister to the blue- or white-fruited dogwoods (subg. Mesomora, subg. Kraniopsis, and subg. Yinquania). Within the blue- or white-fruited clade, C. oblonga (subg. Yinquania) is sister to the remainder, and subg. Mesomora is sister to subg. Kraniopsis. These relationships were also suggested by the combined 26S rDNA and cpDNA data, but with higher bootstrap and Bremer support in the combined analysis. The 26S rDNA sequence data of Cornus consist of 12 expansion segments spanning 1034 bp. These expansion segments evolve approximately four times as fast as the conserved core regions. The study provides an example of phylogenetic utility of 26S rDNA sequences below the genus level.

Journal Article↗

Characterization, quantification, and bioactivities of anthocyanins in Cornus species.

Cornus mas, Cornus officinalis, Cornus controversa, and Cornus kousa (Cornaceae) bear edible fruits that are consumed in parts of Europe and Asia. This study undertook the investigation of the presence and levels of anthocyanins in the fruits of these Cornus species by HPLC. The anthocyanins present in Cornelian cherries, C. mas, are delphinidin 3-O-beta-galactopyranoside (1), cyanidin 3-O-beta-galactopyranoside (2), and pelargonidin 3-O-beta-galactopyranoside (3). C. officinalis contains only anthocyanins 1-3, similar to C. mas, but in different proportions. However, C. controversa contains anthocyanins 1-3 among other anthocyanins, but Chinese dogwood, C. kousa, did not contain 1-3. The contents of pure anthocyanins 1, 2, and 3 in 1 kg of fresh fruits of C. mas, C. officinalis, and C. controversa were 280, 1079, and 710 ppm; 11, 77, and 230 ppm; and 600, 1000, and 700 ppm, respectively. In cyclooxygenase (COX)-I and -II enzyme inhibitory assays, anthocyanins 1-3 (all 40 microM) showed activities of 9.2 and 11.7%; 7.6 and 12.4%; and 5.3 and 7.8%, respectively, compared to Naproxen (54.3 and 41.3%; 10 microM), ibuprofen (47.5 and 39.8%; 10 microM), Celebrex (46.2 and 66.3%; 1.67 ppm), and Vioxx (23.8 and 88.1%, 1.67 ppm). In the antioxidant assay, anthocyanins 1-3 (all 40 microM) showed activities of 70.2, 60.1, and 40.3%, respectively. At 10 microM concentration, commercial synthetic antioxidants tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, and vitamin E gave 83.2, 79.7, 82.1, and 10.2% of antioxidant activity, respectively.

Anthocyanins↗

[Effect of alcohol extract of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc on GLUT4 expression in skeletal muscle in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic mellitus rats].

OBJECTIVE: Based on its effects of decreasing postprandial plasma glucose and increasing insulin level in non-insulin-dependent diabetic mellitus (NIDDM) rats, we studied the effects of Alcohol extract of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc on the GLUT4 expression in NIDDM model rats. METHOD: The rat model of NIDDM was made. The animals were divided into three groups(six for each group): group I: control; group II: NIDDM model; group III: NIDDM model + Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. The drug was given orally to animals one time a day, uninterrupted for a month. The GLUT4 mRNA and its protein expression in skeletal muscle were observed with Northern blot and Western blot method, respectively. RESULT: The GLUT4 mRNA expression in skeletal muscle was decreased remarkably in NIDDM rats (P < 0.01, compared to control group). Alcohol extract of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc increased GLUT4 mRNA expression in NIDDM rats(P < 0.01), compared to NIDDM model group). The result of GLUT4 protein expression was similar to GLUT4 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: This experiment demonstrated that alcohol extract of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc can increase GLUT4 mRNA and its protein expression in NIDDM rats through promoting proliferation of islet and increasing postprandial secretion of insulin and therefore accelerate glucose transport.

Animals↗

[A survey of Cornus officinalis varieties].

According to the survey of Cornus officinalis in the main planting areas of Henan, Zhejiang and Shanxi province, the fruit shape can be divided into seven types, cylindricform, ellipticform, long pear-shape, short pear-shape, long cylindricform, short cylindricform and spindlefrom. These fruit types, growth habit and dried pulp productivity can provide scientific basis for breeding cultivation of Cornus officinalis varietis.

Cornus↗

A substance isolated from Cornus officinalis enhances the motility of human sperm.

The effects of a Chinese herb, Cornus officinalis, on the motility of human sperm was studied. An aqueous extract was prepared from the dried fruits of the herb and used in this study. The crude extract at a final concentration of 0.5 microgram/microliter in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) increased sperm motility from 25.8 +/- 7.7% to 42.8 +/- 10.3% (i.e. 68% increase, n = 7), as determined by the computer-aided-sperm-analysis (CASA) method. The crude extract was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) into four fractions: C1, C2, C3 and C4. Their effects on sperm motility were further studied by CASA. Only the C4 fraction showed substantial stimulatory effects on sperm motility. At a concentration of 5 ng/microliter, C4 increased the sperm motility from 15.7 +/- 3.8% to 34.5 +/- 6.4% (i.e. 120% increase, n = 6) by CASA and from 14.9 +/- 4.3 to 28.5 +/- 8.1 (i.e. 91% increase, n = 8) by transmembrane migration ratio (TMMR) method. This result suggests that C4 is the active component in Cornus officinalis that enhances sperm motility.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Latitudinal trends in wood anatomy within species and genera: case study in Cornus s.l. (Cornaceae).

Latitudinal trends in wood anatomical characters in three Asiatic species of Cornus sensu lato (s.l.) were studied and compared with those for the whole genus based on an extensive sampling covering the specific distribution ranges and the generic data from a previous study. We studied 124 specimens of C. controversa growing between 31.5° and 45.3° N, 54 of C. kousa between 24.4° and 40.5° N, and 64 of C. macrophylla between 27.8° and 41.0° N. Characters studied were vessel element length, fiber length, vessel frequency, tangential vessel diameter, and vessel grouping index. At the species level no latitudinal trends were detected throughout the distribution ranges of the species. Neither tree size, altitude, nor climatic factors had a significant correlation with wood anatomical characters. In contrast, at the genus level, latitudinal trends were significant not just for the whole genus, but for both New and Old World species groups. At the genus level, latitude and three climatic factors all had a significant correlation with wood anatomical characters, but correlation coefficients with latitude were markedly high. The difference in latitudinal trends between the genus and species levels may be due to the radiation of Cornus along paleoclimatic gradients in the early Tertiary.

Journal Article↗

Antioxidative capacity of extracts and constituents in Cornus capitata adventitious roots.

Radical scavenging activities of extracts and constituents in Cornus capitata adventitious root cultures were evaluated by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion radicals. Inhibitory activity against peroxidation of linoleic acid was assayed by using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. Ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions were prepared from adventitious roots cultured in Murashige-Skoog liquid medium with 0.1 microM Cu(2+) (0.1CuMS) or 10 microM Cu(2+) (10CuMS). The highest scavenging activities on DPPH and superoxide anion radicals were observed in the ethyl acetate fraction from 0.1CuMS. In the inhibitory activity against linoleic acid oxidation, the ethyl acetate fraction from 10CuMS was highest among the fractions tested. The ethyl acetate fraction of adventitious roots cultured in 0.1CuMS contained mainly galloylglucoses (1,2,3,6-tetragalloylglucose and 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose). The ethyl acetate fraction of adventitious roots cultured in 10CuMS contained mainly ellagic acid derivatives [3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid 4-(5"-acetyl)-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside and stenophyllin H1]. Aqueous fractions prepared from both media contained iridoid glycosides (dihydrocornin and cornin). Tetra- and pentagalloylglucoses showed strong inhibitory activities (61.9 and 85.2%, respectively) against linoleic acid oxidation relative to those of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (91.1%) or alpha-tocopherol (49.5%) at 50 microM concentration. Although both ellagic acid derivatives had weak activities (<50%) on DPPH and superoxide anion radical scavenging, 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid 4-(5"-acetyl)-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside was stronger (74.7%) than alpha-tocopherol (49.5%) in inhibiting linoleic acid oxidation at 50 microM concentration. Iridoid glycosides exhibited little activity against DPPH and superoxide anion radicals or against oxidation of linoleic acid.

Acetates↗

Photoperiodic regulation of a 24-kD dehydrin-like protein in red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea L.) in relation to freeze-tolerance.

A predominant 24-kD dehydrin-like protein was previously found to fluctuate seasonally within red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea L.) stems. The current study attempted to determine what environmental cues triggered the accumulation of the 24-kD protein and to assess its potential role in winter survival. Controlled photoperiod and field studies confirmed that photoperiod regulates a reduction of stem water content (SWC), freeze-tolerance enhancement and accumulation of the 24-kD protein. Diverse climatic ecotypes, which are known to respond to different critical photoperiods, displayed differential reduction of SWC and accumulation of the 24-kD protein. A time-course study confirmed that prolonged exposure to short days is essential for SWC reduction, 24-kD protein accumulation, and freeze-tolerance enhancement. Water deficit induced 24-kD protein accumulation and enhanced freeze-tolerance under long-day conditions. In all instances, freeze-tolerance enhancement and 24-kD protein accumulation was preceded by a reduction of SWC. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that C. sericea responds to decreasing photoperiod, which triggers a reduction in SWC. Reduced SWC in turn may trigger the accumulation of the 24-kD protein and a parallel increase in freeze-tolerance.

Acclimatization↗

Seasonal regulation of a 24-kDa protein from red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) xylem.

Previously, we showed that an apparent cell wall-plasma membrane interaction in xylem ray parenchyma differed between cold acclimated and non-acclimated red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea L.) (Ristic and Ashworth 1994). For the present study, a calcium chloride extraction method was used to identify cell-wall-associated xylem proteins that accumulated during periods of cold acclimation. A 24-kDa protein represented the predominant protein in both total protein and CaCl2 extracts during cold acclimation of field-grown plants. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis separated the 24-kDa protein into four basic isoforms. The most abundant and basic isoform had a high glycine content. In-gel digestion of this basic 24-kDa isoform generated three partial peptide fragments, of which one exhibited homology to the dehydrin protein family. An anti-dehydrin polyclonal antibody cross-reacted with the 24-kDa protein, providing further evidence that this protein is related to dehydrins. The 24-kDa protein began to accumulate in late August, reached a maximum in midwinter, declined during the spring months and was absent in early summer.

Acclimatization↗

Novel plasmodesmata association of dehydrin-like proteins in cold- acclimated Red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea).

Dehydrins are proteins associated with conditions affecting the water status of plant cells, such as drought, salinity, freezing and seed maturation. Although the function of dehydrins remains unknown, it is hypothesized that they stabilize membranes and macromolecules during cellular dehydration. Red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea L.), an extremely freeze-tolerant woody plant, accumulates dehydrin-like proteins during cold acclimation and the presence of these proteins is correlated with increased freeze tolerance (Karlson 2001, Sarnighausen et al. 2002, Karlson et al. 2003). Our objective was to determine the location of dehydrins in cold-acclimated C. sericea stems in an effort to provide insight into their potential role in the freeze tolerance of this extremely cold hardy species. Abundant labeling was observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of cold-acclimated C. sericea stem cells. In addition, labeling was observed in association with plasmodesmata of cold-acclimated vascular cambium cells. The unique association of dehydrin-like proteins with plasmodesmata has not been reported previously.

Cornus↗

[Study on enrichment process of Cornus officinalis glycosides with macroporous resin and active carbon].

OBJECTIVE: To study the technological parameters of the enrichment purification of Cornus officinalis glycosides (COG) with macroporous resin and active carbon. METHODS: COG was isolated and purified by active carbon and macroporous resin HPD100. The enrichment of COG was evaluated by HPLC method. RESULTS: The optimum process was that 10 ml extract of Fructus Corni was absorbed with columns of macroporous resin and active carbon(R25 mm x H300 mm) and the columns were washed with 600 ml distilled water, then the morroniside and loganin was eluted from the macroporous resin and active carbon with ethanol. CONCLUSION: The elutive rate of morroniside and logann was about 85% by the macroporous resin, 96% by the active carbon. So this method enriching COG from Fructus Corni is practical.

Anion Exchange Resins↗

Insect growth inhibitor activity of arjunolic acid isolated from Cornus capitata.

Arjunolic acid (a pentacyclictrihydroxytriterpenic acid) isolated from the stem of Cornus capitata (Cornaceae) exhibited significant inhibitory activity towards 4th instar larvae of Spilarctia obliqua. A dose dependent relationship of both activities was observed. The effective concentration (EC(50)) to reduce feeding and growth of the larvae of S. obliqua was found to be 617.8 and 666.9 ppm, respectively.

Animals↗

A furan derivative from Cornus officinalis.

Dimethyltetrahydrofuran cis-2,5-dicarboxylate a furan derivative has been isolated from the fruits of Cornus officinalis, and it was isolated for the first time in the nature. The structure was elucidated by NMR spectroscopic techniques.

Dicarboxylic Acids↗

Separation of gallic acid from Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc by high-speed counter-current chromatography.

Gallic acid was separated from a n-butanol extract of the fruit of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc by high-speed countercurrent chromatography in two steps using two solvent systems composed of ethyl-acetate-ethanol n-butanol-water (5:1.8:6, v/v/v) and ethyl acetate-ethanol-water (5:0.5:6, v/v/v) successively. From 1 g of n-butanol extract the method produced 60 mg of gallic acid at a purity of 97%.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

An ellagic compound and iridoids from Cornus capitata root cultures.

An ellagic acid derivative, 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid 4-(5"-acetyl)-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside, and two iridoid glucosides, 6alpha-dihydrocornic acid and 6beta-dihydrocornic acid, were isolated from Cornus capitata adventitious roots cultured in Murashige-Skoog (Murashige, T., Skoog, F., 1962. A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassays with tobacco tissue cultures. Physiol. Plant. 15, 473-487) liquid medium containing 10 microM CuSO(4). Three known related metabolites, i.e. stenophyllin H1, dihydrocornin and cornin were also produced in the root cultures. The chemical structures were characterized by analysis of spectroscopic data.

Ellagic Acid↗

Phenolic compounds from the leaves of Cornus controversa.

Two novel phenolic compounds from the leaves of Cornus controversa (Cornaceae) were characterized as (-)-2,3-digalloyl-4-(E)-caffeoyl-L-threonic acid and (-)-2-galloyl-4-(E)-caffeoyl-L-threonic acid, using spectroscopic methods.

Phenols↗

Effects of consolidated tailings water on red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera Michx) seedlings.

As part of their tailings management, the oil sand industries plan on producing consolidated (composite) tailings (CT), in which an inorganic coagulant aid (gypsum) is added to create a non-segregating deposit. The water associated with this treatment contains potentially phytotoxic levels of sodium, sulfate, chloride, boron, aluminum, fluoride and strontium. Since CT water is expected to saturate deposits in the reclamation areas, it may affect successful reclamation of these sites. Red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera Michx) was demonstrated to be relatively salt resistant and to have high potential for the reclamation of mining areas. In the present study, we used red-osier dogwood to examine the effects of CT water on the accumulation of ions within plant tissue, growth, gas exchange, water potentials and chlorophyll concentration. CT water reduced shoot lengths and dry weights in treated plants. The roots of treated plants accumulated higher concentrations of sodium and chloride than did shoots. The accumulation of sodium and chloride was accompanied by an increase in magnesium and calcium and a decrease in potassium in the roots, while the levels of potassium increased in the leaves. CT water altered gas exchange and water potentials in seedlings, and resulted in a decrease in chlorophyll's a and b. The results suggest that the mechanisms of salt resistance in red-osier dogwood seedlings involve the restriction of sodium transport from roots to shoots.

Environmental Pollution↗

Metabolic inhibition of root water flow in red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) seedlings.

The short-term effects of sodium azide (NaN(3)) on water flow in red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera Michx.) seedlings were examined in excised roots at a constant pressure of 0.3 MPa. NaN(3) significantly decreased root water flow rates (Q(v)). It also induced a significant reduction in root respiration and reduced stomatal conductance to a greater extent in intact seedlings than in excised shoots. Apoplastic flow of water increased with the NaN(3)-induced decreases in Q(v). Mercuric chloride (HgCl(2)) was also used to characterize the water flow responses and respiration of dogwood roots. Similarly to NaN(3), 0.1 and 0.3 mM HgCl(2) decreased root respiration rates and Q(v). The lower, 0.05 mM HgCl(2) treatment, reduced Q(v), but had no significant effect on root oxygen uptake. The reduction of Q(v) in HgCl(2)-treated plants was only partly reversed by 50 mM mercaptoethanol. The mercurial inhibition of Q(v) suggested the presence of Hg-sensitive water channels in dogwood roots. The results indicate that root-absorbed NaN(3) metabolically inhibited water channel activities in roots and in shoots and resulted in stomatal closure. It is suggested that the inhibition of respiration that occurs in plants stressed with environmental factors such as flooding, cold soils, and drought may be responsible for the closure of water channels in root cells and inhibition of root water flow.

Aquaporins↗