Root phosphatase activity is a competitive trait affiliated with the conservation gradient in root economic space

Background:The diversity of resource acquisition strategies of plant roots determines the species coexistence patterns to a certain extent.However,few root physiological traits have been investigated,such as root phosphatase activity(PA)that affects plant phosphorus(P)uptake.Methods:Root PA and classical root functional traits were investigated for 21 coexisting species in a deciduous broad-leaved forest in warm temperate-subtropical transition zone,China.We analyzed the root order variation of absorptive fine root PA,clarified the attribution of root PA in root economic space(RES)and the different P acquisition strategies of co-occurring species based on the multidimensional RES theory,and determined the dominant factors affecting interspecific variation in root PA.Results:There was no distinct pattern of PA variation with root order in the first three root orders of absorptive fine roots,and root PA was constrained by phylogeny.Root PA is a competitive trait affiliated with the conservation gradient in RES.The tight linkages among root PA,mycorrhizal colonization,diameter,specific root length,and nitrogen concentration suggested trade-offs among P acquisition strategies of co-occurring species,i.e.species with long and fine roots acquire inorganic P by actively exploring the soil and secreting phosphatase to mineralize and hydrolyze organic P,while species with short and thick roots obtain P mainly by investing C in mycorrhizal partners.Conclusions:Collectively,our study provides an insight into the forest species coexistence in climatic transition zones,i.e.species coexistence mechanisms based on diverse phosphorus acquisition strategies.

Characteristics of Retoon Rice Yield Components and Relationship of the Characteristics with Rate of Bud Emergence and Root Activity

[Objective] The aim was to study on characteristics of retoon rice yield components, and relationship of the characteristics with born bud rate and root ac- tivity of retoon rice before harvesting. [Method] Eighteen mid-season hybrid rice va- rieties approved recently were taken as materials in high-yield cultivation conditions. Characteristics of retoon rice yield components were analyzed, and relationship of yield components characteristics with the rate of bud emergence and root activity of retoon rice before harvesting was explored, based on related data. [Result] Highly- yielding retoon rice is characterized by high effective ear number （Xl） and high set- ting percentage （X4）; the number of germinated shoots the 5^＊ d after first-batch rice was cut is a key factor for retoon rice yield and was of positive correlation with re- toon rice seedlings and effective ears, with correlation coefficients at 0.80^＊＊ and 0.76^＊＊. In addition, bleeding sap was of positive correlation with grain number and setting percentage of retoon rice and correlation coefficients were 0.50^＊ and 0.48^＊＊, and of positive correlation with average panicle weight, with correlation coefficient at 0.63. [Conclusion] It is an effective way for the rate of bud emergence and root activity at lar ecological zones. mproving retoon rice yield to increase harvesting in the test sites and simi lar ecological zones.

Effects of Different Exogenous Hormones on Rooting of Syringa microphylla Cuttings and Change in Related Enzyme Activity During the Rooting Process

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of different exoge- nous hormones on the rooting of Syringa microphylla cuttings and the change in related enzymes activity during the rooting process. [Method] Three different exoge- nous hormones IBA, NAA and ABT, each with concentrations of 500, 1 000, 1 500 and 2 000 mg/L were used to treat S. microphylla cuttings, and changes in the ac- tivities of peroxidase （POD）, poiyphenol oxidase （PPO） and indoleacetic acid oxidase （IAAO） during the rooting process were also investigated. [Result] The most appro- priate concentrations of IBA, ABT and NAA were 1 500, 1 000 and 1 000 mg/L, respectively, and the 1 500 mg/L IBA treatment exhibited the best effect on rooting. Throughout the rooting process, POD and PPO activities showed the same trends in the treatment groups as those in the control group, but the POD and PPO activi- ties in the treatment groups were increased significantly, with greater amplitude of variation; at the early stage, IAAO activity exhibited an opposite trend between the control group and the treatment groups, which increased slowly in the former, but decreased rapidly in the latter, and it was significantly lower in the treatment groups compared to the control; additionally, higher POD and IAAO activities were con- ducive to the induction of adventitious roots, and lower POD and IAAO activities fa- vored their formation and elongation. [Conclusion] This study has preliminarily clari- fied the rooting mechanism of S. microphylla cuttings.

Effect of Deep Loosening on Soil Structure and Maize Root Activity

[Objective] This study was conducted to explore the effects of deep loos- ening on soil structure and the activity of maize root system, to provide a theoreti- cal basis for the efficient and rational use of water resources. [Method] Three differ- ent loosening treatments for maize in ridges were performed in field trials as fol- lows： conventional ridge tillage, loosening the cm in spring （deep loosening in spring）, and depth of 30 cm in autumn （deep loosening in soils between rows to a depth of 30 oosening the soils between rows to a autumn）. Then the soil properties and the development of root system were measured to evaluate the effects of different loosening methods. [Result] Soil compactness was significantly reduced after deep loosening in spring, There were significant differences in soil compactness in 0-20 cm depth and soil bulk density in 0-40 cm depth between deep loosening in spring and deep loosening in autumn, deep loosening in spring and conventional ridge tillage. The soil water holding capacity was also significantly different between the two deep loosening treatments and conventional ridge tillage. Moreover, the root ac- tive absorption area of maize of deep loosening in spring was higher than that of conventionai ridge tillage. [Conclusion] Deep loosening can reduce soil compactness, bulk density, and improve soil water holding capacity, soil water content and the root activity of maize. Deep loosening in spring is better in soil improvement be- cause spring is closer to the growth period of crops than autumn. So, deep loosen- ing is conducive to the improvement of soil compactness and structure.

Effects of Cinnamon Acid on Respiratory Rate and Its Related Enzymes Activity in Roots of Seedlings of Malus hupehensis Rehd.

This paper studied the effects of cinnamon acid treatments on the respiratory rate and related enzymes activity in the seedling roots of Malus hupehensis Rehd.It would provide information for understanding the mechanisms of inhibition damage caused by continuous cultivation of apple tree.20 mL of solution containing different concentrations of cinnamon acid was added into container with the tested seedlings.After treatment,the samples were taken periodically and the respiratory rates were measured by OXY-LAB oxygen electrodes under 25°C stable temperature and then the activities of related enzymes were measured.The rates of total respiration and other 2 pathways [tricarboxylic acid cycle （TCA） and pentose phosphate pathway （PPP）] appeared initially an increasing treads and late （on the 3rd d） began to decline.However,they again appeared an increase trend at the end period,on the contrast,the respiratory rate of embden-meyer- hot-parnas （EMP） pathway appeared a stead decline tread but it had a recover on the last day.The respiratory rate of total and 3 pathways were decreased under 125 mg kg-1 （soil）.The dynamic trends of the enzymes activities of pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructokinase （PFK）,glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase （G-6-PDH） and malate dehydrogenase （MDH） showed similarly.In conclusion,treatments of certain concentration of cinnamon acid would inhibit the respiratory rate and related enzymes activity of roots of M.hupehensis Rehd.And the inhibition degrees were positively related with concentration of cinnamon acid treatments.

Rice Grain Chalkiness Is Negatively Correlated with Root Activity During Grain Filling

Field and pot experiments were conducted using indica rice varieties with differential chalkiness. There were significant differences in root activity among the varieties. The percentages of chalky grains and chalky area were both negatively correlated with root activity expressed as α-naphthylamine oxidation ability （RA） per gram of fresh root （RAfw） , RA per spikelet （RAgrn）, or RA per sink capacity （RAsink）. The RAsink was more closely related to chalkiness than RAt, and RAgrn when varieties differed greatly in panicle size and grain weight. Application of NO3^--N fertilizer at heading resulted in higher root activity and reduced chalkiness. Application of 30 mg/L NaN3 （respiration inhibitor） resulted in reduced root activity and increased chalkiness for one variety ＇GD9501＇, but for the other variety ＇Qinluai＇ was in reverse. The percentages of chalky grains and chalky area were negatively correlated with root activity at 10 days after heading under different chemical treatments （r=-0.8567^＊ and r=-0.9211^＊＊, respectively）.

A Modified Method for Measuring Root Iron Reductase Activity Under Normal Laboratory Conditions

Based on the strong chelating property of bathophenanthroline disulfonic acid (BPDS) with root chelate reductase activity is usually measured with a spectrophotometer using MES (2-morpholinoethanesulfonic acid) or HEPES (2-(4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl) ethanesulfonic acid) buffer in the dark because of high autoreduction rate of in the presence of light. However, the exclusion of light is inconvenient, especially when analyzing a large number of samples. The objective of this study was to develop a new method for determination of root reductase activity under normal laboratory conditions using a suitable buffer composition and concentration to eliminate the autoreduction of A modified method using a Tris (2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol) buffer at pH 7.5 instead of MES or HEPES buffer and a decreased FeEDTA (Fe ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) concentration of 50 μmol L-1 was developed. The autoreduction of using the Tris buffer was undetectable for temperatures at 4 and 28 °C and was also much lower than that using the other buffers even with sunlight during measurement of reduction. Furthermore, the differences in reductase activity among 5 plant species and 14 red clover cultivars (Trifolium pratense L.) could be easily detected with the modified method. The method developed in this study to measure root Fe chelate reductase activity was not only effective and reliable but also easily managed under normal laboratory light conditions.

Evaluation of in-vitro antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory activity for different extracts of Rauvolfia tetraphylla L.root bark

Objective:To assess the in-vitro antihacterial activity and anti-inflammatory activity of orally administered different extracts(Hydro-alcoholic,methanolic,ethyl acetate and hexane)of Rauvolfia tetraphylla(R.tetraphylla)root bark in Carrageetiaii induced acute inflammation in rats.Methods:In-vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated for extracts against four Gram positive and four Gram negative bacteria by using cylinder plate assay.Hydro-alcoholic extract(70%v/v ethanol)at 200,400 and 800 mg/kg doses and methanolic,ethyl acetate and hexane extracts at doses 100,200 and 400 mg/kg were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in Carrageenan induced rat paw oedema model and paw thickness was measured every one hour up to 6 hrs.Results:All extracts of R.tetraphylla root bark showed good zone of inhibition against tested bacterial strains.In Carrageenan induced inflammation model,hydro-alcoholic and methanolic extract of R.tetraphylla root bark at three different doses produced significant(P<0.00l)reduction when compared to vehicle treated control group and hexane,ethyl acetate extracts.Conclusions:In the present study extracts of R.tetraphylla root bark shows good in-vitro antibacterial activity and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats.

In Vitro and in Silico Insights on the Biological Activities, Phenolic Compounds Composition of Hypericum perforatum L. Hairy Root Cultures

Three Hypericum perforatum hairy root lines(HR B,HR F and HR H)along with non-transformed roots were analyzed for phenolic compounds composition and in vitro enzyme inhibitory properties.In silico molecular modeling was performed to predict the interactions of the most representative phenolic compounds in HR clones with enzymes related to depression,neurodegeneration and diabetes.Chromatographic analyses revealed that HR clones represent an efficient source of quinic acid and hydroxybenzoic acids,epicatechin and procyanidin derivatives,quercetin and kaempferol glycosides,as well numerous xanthones.In vitro antidepressant activity of HR extracts through monoamine oxidase A(MAO-A)inhibition was attributed to the production of oxygenated and prenylated xanthones.The neuroprotective potential of HR extracts was related to the accumulation of quercetin 6-C-glucoside,epicatechin,procyanidins andγ-mangostin isomers as potential inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase(AChE)and butyrylcholinesterase(BChE).Vanillic acid and prenylated xanthones in HR clones as promising inhibitors of tyrosinase additionally contributed to the neuroprotective activity.Five preeminent xanthones in HR(γ-mangostin,mangiferin,garcinone C,garcinone E and 1,3,7-trihydroxy-6-metoxy-8-prenyl xanthone)along with the flavonol quercetin 6-C-glucoside effectively inhibitedα-amylase andα-glucosidase indicating the antidiabetic properties of HR extracts.Transgenic roots of H.perforatum can be exploited for the preparation of novel phytoproducts with multi-biological activities.

Effects of clump spacing on nutrient distribution and root activity of Dendrocalamus strictus in the humid region of Kerala,peninsular India

The humid agroclimatic conditions of Kerala,India permit the cultivation of an array of bamboo species of which Dendrocalamus strictus Roxb.(Nees.) is an important one on account of its high growth rate and multiple uses. Stand density, a potential tool in controlling the productivity of woody ecosystems, its effect on growth and root distribution patterns may provide a better understanding of productivity optimization especially when bamboo-based intercropping options are considered.Growth attributes of 7-year-old bamboo(D. strictus) stands managed at variable spacing(4×4 m, 6×6 m, 8×8 m,10×10 m, 12×12 m) were studied. Functional root activity among bamboo clumps were also studied using a radio tracer soil injection method in which the radio isotopeP was applied to soil at varying depths and lateral distances from the clump. Results indicate that spacing exerts a profound influence on growth of bamboo. Widely spaced bamboo exhibited higher clump diameters and crown widths while clump heights were better under closer spacing. Clump height was 30% lower and DBH 52%higher at the widest spacing(12×12 m) compared to the closest spacing(4×4 m). With increasing soil depth and lateral distance, root activity decreased significantly. Root activity near the clump base was highest(809 counts per minute, cpm; 50 cm depth and 50 cm lateral distance) at 4×4 m. Tracer study further showed wider distribution of root activity with increase in clump spacing. It may be concluded that the intensive foraging zone of bamboo is within a 50-cm radius around the clump irrespective of spacing. N, P and K content in the upper 20 cm was 2197,21, and 203 kg/ha respectively for the closely spaced bamboo(4×4 m) which were significantly higher than corresponding nutrient content at wider spacings. About 50% of N, P and K were present within the 0–20 cm soil layer, which decreased drastically beyond the 20 cm depth.The results suggest that stand management practices through planting density regulation can modify the resource acquisition patterns of D. strictus which in turn can change growth and productivity considerably. Such information on root activities, spatial and temporal strategies of resource sharing will be helpful in deciding the effective nutrition zone for D. strictus. Further, the study throws light on the spatial distribution of non-competitive zones for productivity optimization yields, especially when intercropping practices are considered.

The sensitivity of neurons with non-periodic activity to sympathetic stimulation in rat injured dorsal root ganglion

Objective The relationship between compressed dorsal root ganglion （DRG） neurons and firing pattern and sensitivity of neurons was studied in chronically the Hindmarsh-Rose （HR） neuronal model. Methods Spontane- ous activities from single fibers of chronically compressed DRG neurons in rats were recorded, and divided into periodic and non-periodic firing patterns. The sensitivity of the two kinds of firing pattern neuron to sympathetic stimulation （SS） was compared. Result It was found that 27.3% of periodic firing neurons and 93.2% of non-periodic firing neurons responded to SS respectively （ periodic vs non-periodic, P 〈 0.01 ）. The responses to SS with different stimulation time were greater non-periodic firing neurons than periodic firing neurons （P 〈 0.01 ）. The non-periodic firing neurons obviously responded to SS. After the firing pattern of these neurons transformed to periodic firing pattern, their responses to SS disappeared or decreased obviously. The HR neuronal model exhibited a significantly greater response to perturbation in non-periodic （chaotic） firing pattern than in periodic firing pattern. Conelusion The non-periodic firing neurons with deterministic chaos are more sensitive to external stimuli than the periodic firing neurons.

Pharmacological Activity and Application of Roots, Stems and Leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

The root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is traditionally used as medicine,and it has been confirmed that S.baicalensis Georgi has flavonoid chemical constituents,pharmacological activity and cosmetic efficacy.With the extensive application of S.baicalensis Georgi roots,the resource of S.baicalensis Georgi has been increasingly short.The above-ground part of stems and leaves of S.baicalensis Georgi has also been gradually recognized and developed.Studies have found that the chemical constituents from stems and leaves of S.baicalensis Georgi are also a group of flavonoids with a lot of pharmacological activity and have a great application value.Based on this,the present review will be reported on the chemical constituents and application of the roots,stems and leaves of S.baicalensis Georgi.

Delaying application time of slow-release fertilizer increases soil rhizosphere nitrogen content,root activity,and grain yield of spring maize

Application of slow-release fertilizer(SF)is a nutrient-management measure aimed at improving maize nutrient use and yield and saving labor cost.One-time application of SF at sowing usually results in nutrient deficiency during the post-silking stage,owing to the long growth period of spring maize.This study was conducted to investigate the effects on spring maize of SF application stage(zero,three-,and six-leaf stages,designated as SF0,SF3,and SF6,respectively)on grain yield,total soil rhizosphere nitrogen(N)content,and root activity,in comparison with the conventional fertilization mode(CF,application of compound fertilizer at sowing time,and topdressing urea at six-leaf and tasseling stages)at the same fertilization level as the control.Compared with no fertilization(F0)and CF,SF increased grain number and weight.The maize cultivars Suyu 30(SY30)and Jiangyu 877(JY877)produced the highest grain yield and net return under SF6 treatment over the three years.SF6 increased enzymatic activities including oxidoreductase,hydrolase,transferase,and lyase in rhizosphere soil at silking(R1)and milking stages(R3).SF6 increased the total N contents of rhizosphere soil by 7.1%at R1 and 9.2%R3 stages compared with SF0.The activities of antioxidant enzymes in roots were increased under SF6 treatments at R1and R3.The mean root activities of SF0,SF3,and SF6 increased by 7.1%,12.8%,and 20.5%compared with CF at R1 and by 8.8%,13.0%,and 23.5%at R3.Delaying the application time of SF could increase grain yield by increasing total N content of rhizosphere soil,delaying root senescence,and increasing root activity at the late reproductive stage.Applying SF at the six-leaf stage is recommended as an effective fertilization strategy for the sustainable production of spring maize in southern China.

Effect of Garlic Straw on Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Continuous Cropping Soil and Root Activity of Tomato in Solar Greenhouse

Taking tomato ＂Kate two＂ as the experimental material, the effects of different dosage of garlic straw on physical and chemical characteristics of continuous cropping soil and root activity of tomato in solar greenhouse were studied. The results showed that after applying with garlic straw, maximal and minimal temperatures in 0-15 cm soil layers were directly proportional to the amount of returned garlic straw, which were 2.39 ℃ and 1℃ higher than that of the control respectively. The unit weight was decreasing upon the amount of applied garlic straws of soils in different depths, but the porosity of soil was increasing. For example, unit weight and porosity changed the most significantly in soils in the depths of 0-10 cm, which went down by 6.71% and 6.18%, respectively. Besides, garlic straw returning to field improved soil pH, reduced soil conductivity and soil acidification and relieved soil secondary salinization, especially in 0-20 cm soil layers. In addition to that, the application of garlic straw increased the root activity of tomato （max 31.45%）, and delayed root system senescence in late stage. Therefore, garlic straw returning could improve the physical and chemical characteristics of soil by succession planting and root activity of tomato in solar greenhouse.

Mitigative Effect of <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>QM3 on Root Morphology and Resistance Enzyme Activity of Wheat Root under Lead Stress

Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant extremely toxic to plants and other living organisms including humans. In order to research the relieve effect of Bacillus subtilis QM3 on wheat roots (Triticum aestivum L.), after wheat seeds germination for two days, wheat root caused, the experimental materials were divided into four large groups and each large group was placed in 6 petri dishes as six small groups, and then four large groups respectively cultivated with sterile water (CK), 108 CFU/ml B. subtilis QM3 (B1), 107 CFU/ml B. subtilis QM3 (B2) and 106 CFU/ml B. subtilis QM3 (B3) for 2 days, after that stressed with lead nitrate, Pb (NO)2, Pb2+ concentration calculation at five concentrations (50, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 mg/L), sterile water and different Pb2+ concentration liquid respectively cultivated the 6 small groups in each large group measuring root morpholog and assaying changes of antioxidant enzyme activity. The results showed that: with the increase of the Pb2+ concentration, root morphology index and the activity of antioxidant enzyme increased first and then decreased. Root morphology index reached the maximum in 50 mg/L Pb2+ concentration. B. subtilis QM3 clearly promoted the growth of the root and the antioxidant enzyme activity (p 0.05). Without Pb stress, B. subtilis QM3 had the best improving effect on root morphology. When Pb2+ concentration was 50 mg/L, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) reached the maximum. SOD activity, compared with CK, B1, B2 and B3 respectively, increased by 8.05%, 27.41% and 9.79%. APX activity, compared with CK, B1, B2 and B3 respectively, increased by 52.70%, 111.15% and 14.16%. Catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) reached the maximum at the Pb2+ concentration was 500 mg/L. CAT activity, compared with CK, B1, B2 and B3 respectively, increased by 59.93%, 83.46% and 70.59%. POD activity, compared with CK, B1, B2 and B3 respectively, increased by 2.88%, 10.11% and 7.67%. Result suggested that B. subtilis QM3 could improve root growth and antioxidant enzyme activity of the wheat root under lead stress.

Study of Immunomodulating Activity of Rectal Suppositories with an Extract of Licorice Root

The article is devoted to the study of the immunomodulating activity of rectal suppositories with an extract of licorice root and essential oils of chamomile and tea tree. Taking into account that medicine is intended and prescribed for children, all the experiments were performed on immature nonlinear one-month rats with weight of 60.0-80.0 g. As a result, it was found out that rectal insertion of suppositories with an extract of licorice root causes an increase in the phagocytic function of neutrophils and increases the quantity of antibodies in the spleen and titers of hemagglutinins and hemolysins in serum, that indicating on the activation of nonspecific and humoral immunity of immature animals. Moreover, the prospects of possible application of suppositories with an extract of licorice root are showed for prevention and treatment of various immunodependent diseases, viral in particular.

Effect of Inoculation with Three Phytohormone Producers Phytobacteria with ACC Deaminase Activity on Root Length of Lens esculenta Seedlings

Plant-associated bacteria that inhabit the rhizosphere may influence the plant growth by their contribution to the endogenous pool of phytohormones and by the activity of ACC deaminase to decrease the ethylene concentration. The aim of this study was to analyse the root length growth by the promoting effect of indole acetic acid producers phytobacteria with ACC deaminase activity, on inoculated seeds of Lens esculenta as synergistic effect on root elongation. In this study, although the roots of L. esculenta seedlings do not show a significant promotion, these phytobacteria could be recommended to treat plants analyzing their added inoculum to increase plant biomass and retard the effect of ethylene on cultures supplied with Tryptophan and ACC.

Soil Urease Activity of Sundarban Mangrove Ecosystem, India

Vertical occurrence of soil urease activity along with ammonia content from three distinct regions viz. Deep forest region (No tidal action and wave attack occurs as it is furthest from river shore and it contains maximum content of organic carbon and minimum soil salinity and silicate concentration. In this zone plenty of pneumatophores, below ground root and dense vegetation are found), Rooted region (It is situated in between Deep forest region and Un-rooted region. This region contains only pneumatophores but it is devoid of long roots and vegetations. It faces wave attack and tidal action less than that of Un-rooted region) and Un-rooted region (It is closest to river shore and faces maximum wave attack and tidal action;it contains minimum organic carbon but maximum soil salinity and silicate concentration. This zone is totally devoid of any roots, pneumatophores and vegetations) of Sundarban mangrove forest ecosystem, India revealed an interesting explanation. Soil urease activity showed a decreasing pattern with increase in depth from the deep forest region of the Sundarban forest ecosystem. Soil urease activity was found to be more sensitive to soil temperature and pH rather than soil salinity. This ensured that soil urease along with the microbes present in the Sundarban forest ecosystem are more tolerant to fluctuation in salinity than that of temperature. Soil ammonia concentration was found to be directly governed by the soil urease activity [The regression equation is Ammonia in soil = -1.64 + 0.0402 Urease Activity (R-Sq = 62.9%, P < 0.001, n = 41)].

A novel phenol-bound pectic polysaccharide from Decalepis hamiltonii with multi-step ulcer preventive activity

AIM: To investigate H+, K+-ATPase inhibition, anti-H pylori , antioxidant, and the in vivo antiulcer potential of a pectic polysaccharide from Swallow root (Decalepis hamiltonii; SRPP). METHODS: SRPP, with known sugar composition [rhamnose: arabinose: xylose: galactose in the ratio of 16:50:2:32 (w/w), with 141 mg/g of uronic acid] was examined for anti-ulcer potency in vivo against swim/ ethanol stress-induction in animal models. Ulcer index, antioxidant/antioxidant enzymes, H+, K+-ATPase and gastric mucin levels were determined to assess the anti- ulcer potency. Anti-H pylori activity was also determined by viable colony count and electron microscopic studies. RESULTS: SRPP, containing phenolics at 0.12 g GAE/g, prevented stress-induced gastric ulcers in animal models by 80%-85%. Down regulation of gastric mucin 2-3 fold, antioxidant/antioxidant enzymes and upregulation of 3 fold of H+, K+-ATPase in ulcerous animals were normalized upon treatment with SRPP. Histopathological analysis revealed protection to the disrupted gastric mucosal layer and epithelial glands. SRPP also inhibited H+, K+-ATPase in vitro, at an IC50 of 77 μg/mL as opposed to that of 19.3 μg/mL of Lansoprazole and H pylori growth at Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 150 μg/mL. In addition, free radical scavenging (IC50-40 μg/mL) and reducing power (3200 U/g) activities were also observed. CONCLUSION: SRPP, with defined sugar composition and phenolics, exhibited multi-potent free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-H pylori, inhibition of H+, K+-ATPase and gastric mucosal protective activities. In addition, SRPP is non-toxic as opposed to other known anti-ulcer drugs, and therefore may be employed as a potential alternative for ulcer management.

Effects of salt-alkali stress on active oxygen metabolism in roots of Spiraea × bumalda 'Gold Mound' and Spiraea × bumalda 'Gold Flame'

Under artificially-simulated complex salt-alkali stress, the levels of active oxygen metabolism in roots were studied using three-year-old cutting seedlings of Spiraea × bumalda ‘Gold Mound＇ and Spiraea × bumalda ‘Gold Flame＇. The present study aimed at exploring the antioxidant capacity in roots of spiraeas and revealing their adaptability to salt-alkali stress. Results indicate that the oxygen free radicals contents, electrolyte leakage rates and MDA contents in roots of Spiraea × bumalda ＇Gold Mound＇ and Spiraea × bumalda ＇Gold Flame＇ show an increasing tendency with the increases of the salinity and pH value, whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, peroxidase （POD） and catalase （CAT） all increased firstly and then decreased. With the increase in intensity of salt-alkali stress, the CAT activity in roots of Spiraea × bumalda ‘Gold Flame＇ is higher and the increasing extents in the oxygen free radicals contents, electrolyte leakage rates as well as MDA contents are lower compared with Spiraea × bumalda ‘Gold Mound＇, indicating that Spiraea × bumalda ‘Gold Flame＇ has a stronger antioxidant capacity.