Pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Gastrodia elata and its active ingredients in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Gastrodia elata,a traditional Chinese medicine belonging to the Orchidaceae family,contains several major components such as gastrodin,polysaccharides of Gastrodia elata,and parishin.The pharmacological studies conducted on Gastrodia elata have revealed a variety of therapeutic properties,including antihypertensive,hypolipidemic,analgesic,and sedative-hypnotic properties.Thus,in this paper,we summarized the pharmacological effects of Gastrodia elata’s major components,namely gastrodin,polysaccharides of Gastrodia elata,parishin,and different types of Gastrodia elata extracts,on cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis,hypertension,hyperglycemia,myocardial ischemia,myocardial hypoxia,myocarditis,and heart failure.Additionally,we conclude the mechanisms through which these active ingredients exert their therapeutic effects,including antioxidants,anti-inflammatory,and nitric oxide regulation.We provide insights into the therapeutic potential of Gastrodia elata with a detailed review of its pharmacological effects and molecular targets in cardiovascular disease protection and therapy,and can better understand the effect of traditional medicines in cardiovascular disease.

红乌杂交天麻栽培及其不同海拔的质量比较

在海拔1800 m处栽培红乌杂交天麻(Gastrodia elata Blvme.)商品麻、麻种,分析红乌杂交天麻箭麻农艺性状相关性。在海拔1800、500 m处栽培红乌杂交天麻商品麻并进行产量、相关性分析。结果表明,在海拔1800 m处栽培红乌杂交天麻商品麻,箭麻的数量少、单个重、产量高,箭麻单个重量与块茎长、块茎形指数呈极显著正相关。与海拔500 m相比,在海拔1800 m处栽培的红乌杂交天麻,箭麻的单个块茎鲜重、干重、对羟基苯甲醇含量、天麻素与对羟基苯甲醇总含量均显著较高。在栽培红乌杂交天麻麻种时,麻种数量、产量、市场价格及栽培效益均较高。

Simple Culture Techniques for Germinationpromoting Fungi and Armillariella mellea in Artificial Planting of Gastrodia elata

This study aimed to explore simple culture techniques for symbiotic germination-promoting fungi and Armillariella mellea in artificial planting of Gastrodia elata, i.e., how to use a corner of ordinary house as inoculation room and cultivating site, how to use a pressure cooker for cooking food as sterilization tool, and how to use ordinary household heating as heating measures.

Advances in Research of Chinese Medicine Tianma in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

In this study,a systematic review was conducted on the experimental study as well as the clinical application of Tianma(Gastrodia elata Blume),a traditional Chinese medicine,in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's disease(PD).On this basis,a summary and outlook were made,so as to provide ideas and theoretical basis for the study,development and utilization of Tianma PD field.

Identification of Pathogen of Gastrodia elata White Silk Disease

[ Objective] The aim was to identify the pathogen of Gastrodia elata white silk disease and explore prevention and treatment of the disease.[ Method] Infected G. elata, collected from low-mountain regions in Yichang city of Hubei Province, were isolated and purified. Then, Koch＇s Postulate was adopted to inoculate the pathogen. Finally, the identification was carried out according to its biological characteristics. [ Result] The pathogen of white silk disease belongs to weak hyperparasite. Because of its poor direct invasion ability, the pathogen usually invades into host through wound infection. According to its hyphae morphology and pathogenicity, the pathogen of G. elata White Silk Disease has been identified as Sc/erotium ro/fsii Sacc., which belongs to deuteromycotina, hyphomycetes, agonomycetales, fungi of sclerotium genus. [ Conclusion ] The study will provide references for the control of G. elata White Silk Disease caused by S. rolfsii.

Gastrodia elata culture and its clinical application

Gastrodia elata （the tuber of an orchid） requires a fungus, Mycena osmundicola, to sprout the seeds, and Armillaria mellea mushroom mycelia incorporate into the tuber to maintain its maturation and growth. It prefers light （sandy）, medium （loamy） and heavy （clay） soils. Clinical trials for relieving the main symptoms of hypertension were conducted, with a dose of 1.0-10.0 grams daily of the pure compound （five active ingredients）. Normopress Capsules （250 mg/capsule, 0.5-2.0 grams daily） containing methyldopa were prescribed as a comparison. The results showed high effective rates （〉80%） for types of convulsions, including those that occur with tetanus, epilepsy, stroke, and headaches. In support of treating allergies, it alleviated headaches and general fatigue. It was helpful in clearing the heavy, congested feeling in the head described as the brain fag that accompanies allergies. It treated neurasthenia - weakness, nervous exhaustion and difficult concentrating. The necessity of Gastrodia elata cultivation to solve the rapid exhaustion of resourses was pointed out.

天麻病虫害及其防治研究进展

天麻(Gastrodia elata)为中国名贵药材,属药食两用品种,市场需求量大。病虫害的发生与防治是影响天麻质量和产量的关键性因素,通过查阅已经发表的相关文献,对天麻常见病虫害的发生与为害、主要症状、病原菌生物学特性及其防治方法进行总结,同时提出问题与展望,以期为天麻病虫害防治提供新的思路。

Therapeutic potential of Gastrodia elata Blume for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Several studies have demonstrated that the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata Blume can protect against amyloid beta-peptide （Ap）-induced cell death. To investigate the possible therapeutic effects of Gastrodia elata Blume on Alzheimer＇s disease, we established a rat model of AIzheimer＇s disease by injecting A325-35 into bilateral hippocampi. These rats were intragastrically administered 500 or 1 000 mg/kg Gastrodia elata Blume per day for 52 consecutive days. Morris water maze tests showed that Gastrodia elata Blume treatment significantly improved the spatial memory of Alzheimer＇s disease rats. Congo red staining revealed that Gastrodia elata Blume significantly reduced the number of amyloid deposits in the hippocampus of these rats. Western blot analysis showed that choline acetyltransferase expression in the medial septum and hippocampus was significantly increased by the treatment of Gastrodia elata Blume, while EIIman method showed significant decrease in the activity of acetylcholinesterase in all three regions （prefrontal cortex, medial septum and hippocampus）. These findings suggest that long-term administration of Gastrodia elata Blume has therapeutic potential for Alzheimer＇s disease.

Insight into Medicinal Chemistry Behind Traditional Chinese Medicines: p-Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol-Derived Dimers and Trimers from Gastrodia elata

From an aqueous extract of“tian ma”(the steamed and dried rhizomes of Gastrodia elata),ten new compounds gastrodiben-zins A−D(1−4)and gastrotribenzins A−F(5−10),along with known analogues(11−20),having structure features coupling between two and three p-hydroxybenzyl-derived units via carbon-and/or ether-bonds,were isolated and characterized by spectroscopic data analysis.Meanwhile,the new compounds 5a,6a,8a,22,and 23,as well as the known derivatives 13a,14a,15,17−21,24,25,and p-hydroxybenzyl aldehyde were isolated and identified from a refluxed aqueous solution of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol.Methylation of 5a and 6a in methanol and ethylation of 6a,8a,13a,and 14a in ethanol produced 5 and 6 and 7,8,13,and 14,respectively.using ultra-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution electrospray ioniza-tion mass spectrometry(UPLC-HRESIMS)analysis of the refluxed solutions of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and the refluxed extracts of the fresh G.elata rhizome and“tian ma”extracts indicated consistent production and variation of the dimeric and trimeric derivatives of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol upon extracting solvents and refluxing time.In various assays,the dimeric and trimeric derivatives showed more potent activities than p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol itself and gastrodin,which are the main known active constituents of“tian ma”.These results revealed for the first time that the more effective dimers and trimers can be produced through condensation of the co-occurring p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol during processing and decocting of the G.elata rhizomes,demonstrating insights into medicinal chemistry behind application protocols of traditional Chinese medicines.

Melatonin Receptors Agonistic Activities of Phenols from Gastrodia elata

Gastrodia elata is a famous traditional Chinese herb with medicinal and edible application.In this study,three new polybenzyls,gastropolybenzylols G-I(1-3)were isolated from the EtOAc extract of G.elata.Their structures were identified by extensive spectroscopic analyses involving HRESIMS,UV,IR,1D and 2D NMR.Compound 1 showed agonistic effects on MT1 and MT_(2) receptors with agonistic rates of 55.91±4.84%and 165.13±5.65%at the concentration of 0.5 mM,respectively,and an EC_(50) value of 76.24μM on MT_(2) receptor.

Gastrodin Derivatives from Gastrodia elata

Nine new gastrodin derivatives,including seven p-hydroxybenzyl-modified gastrodin ethers(1-7),6′-O-acetylgastrodin(8),and 4-[α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyloxy]benzyl alcohol(9),together with seven known derivatives,were isolated from an aqueous extract of Gastrodia elata(“tian ma”)rhizomes.Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction.Compounds 1-4,7,10,and 11 were also isolated from a reaction mixture by refluxing gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol in H2O.As both gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol exist in the plant,the reaction results provide evidence for the production and increase/decrease of potential effective/toxic components when“tian ma”is decocted solely or together with ingredients in Chinese traditional medicine formulations,though the isolates were inactive in the preliminarily cell-based assays at concentrations of 10μM.Moreover,using ultra-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(UPLC-HRESIMS),4,7,10,and 11,as well as component variations,were detectable in the freshly prepared extracts of different types of samples,including the freeze-dried fresh G.elata rhizomes.

Comparative Analysis on the Planting Effects of Four Varieties of Gastrodia elata

[Objective] The aim was to provide theoretical basis for the cultivation and medicinal exploitation of Gastrodia e/ata. [Method] With four varieties of G. elata （Wu G. elata, Hong G. elata, Lv G. elata, Wu-Hong G. e/ata） as test matedals, box planting method and capillary electrophoresis determination were used to conduct the comparative analysis on the planting effect and biochemical fingerprint of four varieties of G. elata which were planted in the same conditions. [Result] There were no significant differences in the number of juvenile tubers after planting for 5 months, and the variety with the best growth potential was Hong G. elata. At 17 months after cultivation, there were no significant differences in the number of im- mature tubers, but the difference in the weight of immature tubers reached the significant level among the 4 varieties, among which Hong G. elata had the largest weight with the average reaching 3 042.20 g. After planting for 17 months, immature tubers of the 4 varieties were determined using capillary electrophoresis, and 4 large peaks were obtained on the maps, in which the 4th peak and the 1st peak had significant specificity. The 4th peak and 1st peak area ratio of Wu G. elata BI. was greater than or equal to 1, showing no intraspecific variation. [Conclusion] The study on the suitable growth environment and variation occurrence period of G. elata could provide theoretical basis for icultivation of G. elata.

Determination of Gastrodin Content in Gastrodia elata in Bomi of China by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

[Objective] To select excellent varieties of Gastrodia elata and to determine the most suitable picking season of the plant. [Method] The gastrodin contents in fresh wild G. elata harvested in winter in Bomi County, artificially cultivated fresh G. elata harvested in winter in Bomi County, and nonlocal G. elata were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） under the following conditions., chromato- graphic column, AngilentTc-C18 （5 μm, 4.6 mm × 250.0 mm） ; mobile phase, acetonitrile-water （5：95, V/V） ; wavelength, 220 nm; flow rate, 1.0 ml/min; column temperature, 35℃; and injection volume, 10 μl. The gastrodin contents in G. elata respectively harvested in winter and summer were compared. [ Result] The gastrodin content was higher in the fresh wild G. elata harvested in winter in Bomi County （0.076%） than in the artificially cultivated fresh G. elata harvested in winter in Bomi County （0.045%） and nonlocal G. elata （0.025%）. Additionally, the gastrodin content was higher in G. elata harvested in winter than in those harvested in summer. [ Conclusion] G. elata from Bomi Country is an excellent variety and should be harvested in winter.

Influences of Different Habitats on Asexual Propagation of Wild Gastrodia elata f. glauca being Domesticated in Ganzi

[Objective] The influences of different habitats on asexual propagation of wild Geg(abbreviation for Gastrodia elata Bl. f. glauca S. Chow) being domesticated in Ganzi prefecture was studied. [Method] The research trial was carried out in the following three kinds of habitats at the same time: the plastic greenhouses, the birch forest of shady slope and the shrubbery of sunny slope, and the results were analyzed with group data average hypothesis test method. [Result] The overall tuber(the juvenile tuber, the immature tuber and the mature tuber) yield and the mature tuber yield were both very significantly higher in the plastic greenhouses than in the other two types of habitats, and respectively reached 9.52 and 6.70 kg/m2; the mature tuber drying rate was dramatically or very dramatically lower in the plastic greenhouses than in the other two types of habitats, and was 23.84%; the stabilities of the overall tuber yield, the mature tuber yield and the drying rate were all reduced in the order of greenhouses, birch forest and shrubbery; and the dry mature tuber yield of the plastic greenhouses was the highest in the three kinds of habitats, and was 1.60 kg/m2. [Conclusion] A good habitat had to be created or chosen in the domesticating cultivation of the wild Geg in Ganzi prefecture. The preferred choice was the plastic greenhouse, the alternative one was the deciduous broadleaved forest of shady slope. The imitating wild planting of the wild Geg should be done in the warm moist deciduous broad-leaved forest of shady slope.

Effect of Tree Species and Dosage of Rhizomorph Wood on Asexual Propagation of Wild Gastrodia elata. Bl. f. glauca S. Chow in Ganzi

The effects of the tree species and the dosages of Armillariella mellea rhizomoph wood on asexual propagation of wild Gastrodia elata Bl. f. glauca S. Chow were studied in Ganzi prefecture. The results showed that tree species had a very significant effect on asexual reproduction yield of wild Gastrodia elata Bl. f. glauca S. Chow. The drying rate and yield of Gastrodia elata Bl. f. glauca S. Chow cultured by close grained woods such as Quercus spinosa David ex Fr. was extremely significant higher than that cultured by coarse grained wood such as Betula platyphylla Suk. The dosage had a very significant effect on the yield of wild Gastrodia elata Bl. f. glauca S. Chow whereas it had no influence on the drying rate.

Isolation of a Gastrodia Antifungal Protein Gene from a Genomic Library of G. elata and Its Sequence Analysis

A new genomic DNA encoding a member of Gastrodia antifungal protein family is isolated and sequenced. This gene contains a 510 bp open reading frame and 531 bp promoter region without introns. Sequence analysis indicates that a 28 amino acids signal peptide exists at the N terminal. It shows high sequence homology with the mannose binding lectins from Epipactis helleborine, Listera ovata and Cymbidium hybrid. A putative TATA box and transcription start site is detected in the promoter region.

Development Situations and Countermeasures of Gastrodia elata Industry in Zhaotong City

With the rapid development of technology,people's living standards have been greatly improved,and more and more people have started to care more about the theory and health preservation function of TCM.Gastrodia elata,as a precious Chinese herbal medicine,is harmless to human health.Due to the high economic benefits and real benefits for farmers,the G.elata industry has developed rapidly.Zhaotong is the hometown of G.elata f.glauca in China,but the current situation of the G.elata industry lags behind other producing areas.Through field survey and literature review,this paper comprehensively analyzed the development status of the G.elata industry in Zhaotong City.Combined with the natural conditions,policy conditions,and socio-economic conditions of the G.elata industry in Zhaotong City to find countermeasures and recommendations to promote the further development of the G.elata industry in Zhaotong and provide recommendations for the sustainable development of G.elata industry.

The protective effects of Gastrodia elata Bl.decoction and Gastrodin on Acrylamide-induced DNA damage in mice

Acrylamide(AA)is ubiquitous in packaging materials,paints,cosmetics,food and drinking water.However,AA has obvious neurotoxicity,reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity,which seriously endangers human health.As one of precious traditional Chinese medicines,Gastrodia elata Bl.has been mainly used to lower blood pressure and resist myocardial ischemia.However,the antioxidant activity of Gastrodia elata Bl.on AA-induced DNA damage has not been reported.We found that AA(25,30 and 50 mg/kg)could cause DNA damage and the damage was time/dose dependent.After AA administration,Tail moment,micronuclei formation rate,8-OHdG and MDA level were significantly increased and SOD activity was decreased.Gastrodia elata Bl.decoction,gastrodin and vitamin C could reduce AA-induced DNA damage by decreasing AA-induced increment of tail moment and micronuclei formation rate.What’s more,Gastrodia elata Bl.decoction,gastrodin and vitamin C could lower 8-OHdG and MDA level and improve SOD activity.In conclusion,our research showed that Gastrodia elata Bl.decoction and gastrodin had protective effects on AA-induced DNA damage,and the potential protective mechanism might be related to anti-oxidative stress.

德江红天麻主要农艺性状的数量分析

研究638株德江红天麻(Gastrodia elata BI. f. elata)的18个农艺性状,并进行变异系数、相关性、因子和通径分析。结果表明,德江红天麻地上部分农艺性状中,花茎粗度、花被筒长度、花被筒宽度、子房长度、果实长度和果实宽度具有较高的一致性和特异性,其因子贡献率和通径分析的正向直接作用也较大;地下部分主要农艺性状中,纵长、横长和环纹数的变异系数较小,与单个块茎鲜重有极为显著的相关性,其因子贡献率和通径分析的正向直接作用也较大。上述主要农艺性状可作为德江红天麻品质控制和品种选育的关键性状指标。

Isolation of a Genomic DNA for Gastrodia Antifungal Protein and Analyses of Its Promoter in Transgenic Tobacco

A genomic DNA containing 5'-upstream region and complete open reading frame of a Gastrodia antifungal protein was isolated by screening of a genomic library from Gastrodia elata B1. To investigate the promoter activity, the 5'-flanking region - 1 157 lip upstream from the putative transcription start site was fused to the coding sequence of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene and transformed into Nicotiana tabacum. The strongest GUS activity was detected in the roots of transgenic tobacco, followed by stems. The leaves only showed a low GUS activity. Furthermore, the promoter established inducible expression pattern in transgenic tobacco upon fungus Trichoderma viride inoculation and jasmonic acid and salicylic acid treatments.