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PubMed2004

Effects of benzyl glucoside and chlorogenic acid from Prunus mume on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and catecholamine levels in plasma of experimental menopausal model rats.

To investigate the effectiveness of benzyl beta-D-glucopyranoside (BG) and chlorogenic acid (CA), the constituents of the fruit of Prunus mume, for relieving tension in experimental menopausal model rats (M-rats) caused by ether stress, the effects of BG and CA on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and catecholamine (adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine) levels were examined in the plasma of M-rats. Caffeic acid, quinic acid, and rosmarinic acid, which are compounds structurally related to CA, were also examined. BG obviously recovered catecholamine levels decreased by ether stress and increased dopamine to high levels. On the other hand, CA significantly decreased the ACTH level increased by ether stress and showed the greatest effect of all compounds. These results suggest that BG and CA may contribute to relieving the tension in M-rats caused by ether stress.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed2003

Medicinal flowers. VIII. Radical scavenging constituents from the flowers of Prunus mume: structure of prunose III.

The methanolic extract and its fractions from the fresh flowers of Prunus mume SIEB. et ZUCC. were found to show scavenging effects on 1,1-diphenylpicryl-2-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide. The fragrance constituents of P. mume were analyzed by GC-MS and a new polyacylated sucrose, prunose III, was isolated from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction. The structure of prunose III was determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence as 4,3',4',6'-tetra-O-acetyl-6-O-p-coumaroylsucrose. In addition, the scavenging effects of the principal constituents on DPPH radical and superoxide were examined.

Acetylation↗

PubMed2004

A new pentacyclic triterpenoid glucoside from Prunus serrulata var. spontanea.

A new triterpenoid, 2alpha,3alpha,24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (4) along with four known triterpenoids, ursolic acid (1), 2alpha-hydroxyursolic acid (2), 2alpha,3alpha,24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (3), and 2alpha,3alpha,19alpha,24-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (5), were isolated from the leaves of Prunus serrulata var. spontanea (Rosaceae). Compounds 3-5 showed ONOO(-) scavenging activity, whereas compounds 1 and 2 were virtually inactive.

Free Radical Scavengers↗

PubMed2003

Characterization of the S-RNase promoters from sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.).

Genomic DNA fragments containing the S(3)-, S(4)-, and S(6)-RNase genes were isolated from the sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and sequenced. Comparison of the 5'-flanking sequences of these three S-RNases indicated that a highly conserved region (designated CR) existed just upstream from the putative TATA boxes. We postulate that CR contains cis-regulatory element(s) involved in pistil expression. To examine the activity of the isolated S-RNase promoters of sweet cherry in the pistil, we transiently introduced approximately 650-bp fragments of the S(4)- and S(6)-RNase promoters fused to beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene into the pistil of the petunia using a particle bombardment technique. Histochemical analysis showed that the 5'-flanking region of each S-RNase was active in the pistil. This suggests that cis-regulatory element(s) for pistil-specific expression may exist(s) within the 650-bp region upstream from the TATA box in the sweet cherry S-RNase promoter.

5' Flanking Region↗

PubMed2026

The genome sequence of Prunus padus L., 1753 (Rosales: Rosaceae).

We present a genome assembly of Prunus padus (bird cherry; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Rosales; Rosaceae). The genome sequence has a total length of 454.49 megabases. Most of the assembly (97.36%) is scaffolded into 16 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial sequences have lengths of 280.28 and 155.92 kilobases and the plastid genome assembly has a length of 158.96 kilobases. This assembly was generated as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project, which produces reference genomes for eukaryotic species found in Britain and Ireland.

Prunus padus↗

PubMed2006

Pharmacological characterization of orally active cholinesterase inhibitory activity of Prunus persica L. Batsch in rats.

Prunus persica L. Batsch water extract (PPE) is a potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor screened for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The effects of oral administration of the PPE were examined with comparison of those of selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors of 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine hydrochloride (tacrine) and tetraidopropylpyrophosphoramide (iso-OMPA) and a selective AChE inhibitor, donepezil, on the cholinesterase activity in the brain and plasma of rats. After the sequential solvent fractionation of the methanol extract of P. persica L. Batsch, the highest inhibitory fraction was that of chloroform (75%). The concentration that was required for 50% enzyme inhibition (IC(50) value) was 5.6 microg/mL for the chloroform fraction. Oral administration of PPE or tacrine caused a dose-dependent inhibition of brain and plasma cholinesterase activities. The ID(50) values of these compounds for brain cholinesterase activity were 2.7 g/kg and 8.9 mg/kg, respectively. On the other hand, the ID(50) values for plasma cholinesterase activity were 18.6 g/kg and 27.5 mg/kg, respectively. Thus, the ratios of the ID(50) (plasma < brain) were 6.0 and 3.1, respectively. These results suggest that orally administered PPE satisfactorily penetrates into the brain and inhibits cholinesterase there and that PPE is a potent inhibitor of brain cholinesterase in comparison with plasma cholinesterase in vivo.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

PubMed2005

Accumulation of nonfunctional S-haplotypes results in the breakdown of gametophytic self-incompatibility in tetraploid Prunus.

The transition from self-incompatibility (SI) to self-compatibility (SC) is regarded as one of the most prevalent transitions in Angiosperm evolution, having profound impacts on the genetic structure of populations. Yet, the identity and function of mutations that result in the breakdown of SI in nature are not well understood. This work provides the first detailed genetic description of the breakdown of S-RNase-mediated gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) in a polyploid species that exhibits genotype-dependent loss of SI. Genetic analyses of six natural sour cherry (Rosaceae, Prunus cerasus) selections identified seven independent, nonfunctional S-haplotypes with disrupted pistil component (stylar-S) and/or pollen component (pollen-S) function. A genetic model demonstrating that the breakdown of SI in sour cherry is due to the accumulation of a minimum of two nonfunctional S-haplotypes within a single individual is developed and validated. Our finding that sour cherry is SI when only one nonfunctional S-haplotype is present has significant evolutionary implications since nonfunctional S-haplotypes would be maintained in the population without causing an abrupt shift to SC. Furthermore, we demonstrate that heteroallelic sour cherry pollen is self-incompatible, which is counter to the well-documented phenomenon in the Solanaceae where SC accompanying polyploidization is frequently due to the SC of heteroallelic pollen.

Alleles↗

PubMed2004

Morphological changes in woody stem of Prunus jamasakura under simulated microgravity.

When the four-week-old woody stem of Prunus jamasakura was grown under simulated microgravity condition on a three-dimensional clinostat, it bent at growth, and width of its secondary xylem decreased due to the reduction of fiber cell numbers and a smaller microfibril angle in the secondary cell wall, as reported in our previous paper. Gravity induces the development of the secondary xylem that supports the stem upward against the action of gravity. In this study, morphological changes of the tissues and cells were microscopically observed. Disorder was found in the concentric structure of tissues that organize the stem. The radial arrangement of the cells was also disturbed in the secondary xylem, and in the secondary phloem secondary cell walls of the bast fiber cells were undeveloped. These findings suggest that differentiation and development of the secondary xylem and the bast fiber cells are strongly controlled by terrestrial gravity. These tissue and cells functions to support the stem under the action of gravity. Furthermore, clinorotation induced disorder in the straight joint of vessel elements and the lattice-like structure of radial parenchyma cells, which is responsible for water transportation and storage, respectively. Gravity is an essential factor for keeping the division and differentiation normal in woody stem.

Cell Wall↗

PubMed2006

Prune extract (Prunus domestica L.) suppresses the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of human colon carcinoma Caco-2.

Prunes are the dried fruits of certain cultivars of Prunus domestica L., and are recognized as a health food. The separated ethanol fraction from concentrated prune juice by DIAION HP-20 (PE) was investigated for cytotoxic effects on two different cancer cell lines in vitro. PE dose-dependently reduced the viable cell number of Caco-2, KATO III, but does not reduce the viable cell number of human normal colon fibroblast cells (CCD-18Co) used as a normal cell model. PE treatment for 24 h led to apoptotic changes in Caco-2 such as cell shrinkage and blebbed surfaces due to the convolutions of nuclear and plasma membranes and chromatin condensation, but this was not observed in CCD-18Co. PE induced nucleosomal DNA fragmentation typical of apoptosis in Caco-2 after 24 h of treatment. These results show that PE induced apoptosis in Caco-2. Furthermore, by Caco-2 treatment with H2O2 chelator catalase and Ca2+-chelator BAPTA/AM, the PE-induced cytotoxic pathway was completely blocked, and the viable cell number of Caco-2 was not affected.

Apoptosis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Quantitative determination of flavonoids in the flowers and leaves of Prunus spinosa L.

The content of flavonoids in the flowers and leaves of Prunus spinosa L. was determined by spectrophotometric and RP-HPLC method. Determinations included hydrolysis of flavonoid glycosides in extracts from raw materials and then quantitative analysis of the obtained aglycones. Results were calculated for the content of glycosides and statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed.

Calibration↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Flavonoids from the flowers of Prunus spinosa L.

Eight flavonoids were isolated from the flowers of Prunus spinosa: kaempferol, quercetin, kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside, quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside, kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-ramnopyranoside, kaempferol 7-O-alpha-L-ramnopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-(2''-E-p-coumaroyl)-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside. The last three have been found for the first time in this plant. The structure of the compounds was determined by means of chemical and spectral methods (UV, IR, LSI MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR).

Chromatography, Liquid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The extract of the flowers of Prunus persica, a new cosmetic ingredient, protects against solar ultraviolet-induced skin damage in vivo.

The flowers of Prunus persica Batsch have been used for skin disorders in East Asia from ancient times. In this investigation, the ethanol extract from this plant material was prepared and several major constituents were isolated. In addition, the protective effects of the extract were evaluated against solar ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin damage using in vivo animal models of UVB-induced erythema in guinea pigs and ear edema in ICR mice. From the extract, four kaempferol glycoside derivatives were successfully isolated and their contents were measured with HPLC. Among the derivatives isolated, the content of multiflorin B was highest (3.3%, w/w). The P. persica extract clearly inhibited UVB-induced erythema formation dose dependently when topically applied (IC(50) = 0.5 mg/cm(2)). It also inhibited UVB-induced ear edema (49% inhibition at 3.0 mg/ear). Moreover, multiflorin B inhibited UVB-induced erythema formation (80% inhibition at 0.3 mg/cm(2)), indicating that this compound is one of the active principles of the extract. All these results suggest that P. persica extract may be useful for protection against UVB-induced skin damage when topically applied.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Triterpenes and sterols in the flowers and leaves of Prunus spinosa L. (Rosaceae).

From the flowers of Prunus spinosa L. a mixture of alpha- and beta-amyrine, a mixture of ursolic and oleanolic acids, ursolic acid, a mixture of beta-sitosterol, gamma-sitosterol and stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside were isolated. Their structure was determined by spectroscopic methods (GC/MS, IR, 1H and 13C NMR). Chromatographic methods (GC, HPLC, TLC) were employed to determine the presence of the listed compounds in the leaves. Also, the content of beta-sitosterol, ursolic and oleanolic acids in the leaves and flowers of blackthorn was determined by GC/MSD method.

Phytosterols↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Further flavonoids from the flowers of Prunus spinosa L.

Further seven flavonoids were isolated from the flowers of Prunus spinosa L.: quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, 3-O-beta-D-xylo-pyranoside, and 3-O-beta-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3,7-di-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, kaempferol and quercetin 3-O-(4"-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosides. Four of them have been found for the first time in this plant. Structural elucidation was performed by means of chemical and spectral methods (UV, LSI MS, 1D and 2D NMR).

Flavonoids↗

PubMed1998

[Study on the supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction of Prunus mandshurica oils].

The paper reported technological study on extracting Prunus mandshurica oils by supercritical-CO2 fluid, mainly researched the influence of pressure, temperature, time and flow rate of CO2 on the oil yield, determined optimum technology of extracting the oils, compared the oils from SFE-CO2 and traditional technology.

Carbon Dioxide↗

PubMed2003

Purification and characterization of a beta-galactosidase from peach (Prunus persica).

A beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) from peach (Prunus persica cv Mibackdo) was purified and characterized. The purified peach beta-galactosidase was 42 kDa in molecular mass and showed high enzyme activity against a the beta-galactosidase substrate, rho-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside. The Km and Vmax values of the enzyme activity of the peach beta-galactosidase were 5.16 and 0.19 mM for rho-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside mM/h, respectively. The optimum pH of the enzyme activity was pH 3.0, but it was relatively stable from pH 3.0-10.0. The temperature optimum was 50 degrees C. The enzyme activities were not improved in the buffers that contained Ca2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Mg2+, which indicates that the purified peach beta-galactosidase did not require these cations as co-factors. However, the enzyme was completely inhibited by Hg2+. The purified protein was cross-reacted with an antibody against the persimmon fruit beta-galactosidase. A further comparison of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified protein showed high homologies to those of beta-galactosidase in apple (87%), persimmon (80%), and tomato (87%). Therefore, enzymatic, immunological, and molecular evidences in this study indicate that the purified 42-kDa protein is a peach beta-galactosidase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

[Identifying the S genotypes of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars].

This report identified S-RNase genes (S genes) of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), presented the sequences of S genes by using a pair of specific primers PruC2 and PruC4R based on the conserved regions C2 and RC4 of Rosaceous S-RNase genes and researched the S gene specific products from the genomic DNAs of different cultivars in which most of the S genotypese were unknown. The bands of PCR were cloned and their sequences were compared in GenBank. Four S genes were defined and the conclusion was made that all the same bands from PCR in the agarose gel had the same length and sequence of nucleic acid and were the same kind of S gene. The lengths of the amplified S genes are as follows: S1 is 677 bp, S3 762 bp, S4 945 bp, S6 456 bp. The S genotypes (S gene genotypes) of the tested self-incompatible cultivars were identified as follows: 'Hongdeng', 'Hongyan' and 'Early ruby', as same as 'Van', were S1 S3; 'Jueze', 'Hongfeng' and 'Napoleon' were S3S4; 'Dazi' was S1 S6; 'Changbahong' was S1 S4; 'Elton' was S3S6. The self-compatibile cultivars 'Waiyin No.7' and 'Stella' had the same S genotypes S3 S4'.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2005

Changes in aroma volatile compounds and ethylene production during "Hujingmilu" peach (Prunus persica L.) fruit development.

Changes in ethylene production rate, respiration rate, and aroma volatile composition was determined from the immature to mature stage in "Hujingmilu" peach (Prunus presica) fruit. Flesh firmness, fruit size, ground color of skin, and total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) in juice were analyzed, and ACC, ACC synthase and ACC oxidase activities were measured. With the increase of fruit maturity, fruit size, L* value, and TSS and major reducing sugar contents increased, whereas fruit firmness, skin hue angle (h degrees ), and juice TA and organic acid contents decreased. In immature fruits, a C(6)-aldehydes (trans-2-hexenal) and C(6)-alcohols (cis-3-hexenol) were the major components, corresponding to the low ethylene production and high respiration rates. With increasing of fruit maturity, the C(6)-C(12) lactonic compounds, particularly gamma- and delta-lactones became the dominant volatile constituents, which increased significantly at the climacteric stage. These facts suggest that ethylene production may be involved in the regulation of lactones production in maturing peach fruit. The activity of ACC synthase in the mesocarp declined during the climacteric rise of ethylene. ACC level and ACC oxidase activity in mesocarp were consistent with the onset of ethylene production in fruit. Major aroma volatiles are thought to form in conjunction with the initiation of climacteric rises in respiration and ethylene production. Detection of changes in aroma volatile compound synthesis rate in peach may be useful as index of maturity reflecting the current physiological stage of peach fruit development.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗