贵州特色药食同源资源开发利用策略研究

… Cultivated Gastrodia elata accounts for over 80% of commercial Tianma today, the best producers based at the salubrious province of Guizhou. Medicinal Dendrobium are cultivated, …

… This nearly depleted wild populations of Gastrodia elata. In 1960, total trade in shihu was … overcollection of Dendrobium from the prefecture of Xin Yi in southwestern Guizhou. Formerly, …

… ), and the next highest regions being Guizhou (about 80 species), … The current situation of Dendrobium industry in China and … Yunnan Gastrodia elata industry is another step forward in …

About a quarter of Chinese wild orchid species are used in traditional medicine or as health food supplements. The market demand for some species, such as those in the epiphytic genus Dendrobium, has diminished many wild populations to local extinction or dangerously small numbers. Conservation of these heavily exploited orchids currently relies on a two-pronged approach: establishing nature reserves and encouraging massive commercial cultivation in artificial settings. We argue that these measures are not sufficient to restore or maintain healthy wild populations, and augmentation and reintroduction of these species in natural forests are needed. We argue for an unconventional reintroduction approach, in which populations planted in natural forests are allowed to be sustainably harvested (restoration-friendly cultivation). Because Dendrobium orchids are epiphytic, restoration-friendly cultivation of these species will not be at the expenses of other native plants. In addition, market premiums on wild-collected medicinal plants will generate incentives for farmers who participate in restoration-friendly cultivation to preserve natural forests. With proper policy and oversight, the restoration-friendly cultivation of medicinal Dendrobium orchids will facilitate the conservation of these threatened species, encourage protection of natural forests, and benefit marginalized rural communities. Adding this restoration-friendly cultivation into the current mix of conservation approaches has the potential to turn deeply-entrenched traditional uses of orchids from a conservation challenge to a conservation success.

… values such as Gastrodia elata, Dendrobium offcinale, along with … the orchid industry and natural medicine industry developed … The best known example is Gastrodia elata which we will …

Gastrodia elata (GE) serves both edible and medicinal purposes. This study employed fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) technology to preliminarily analyze the chemical components of GE from 9 different geographical origins. The results showed that the spectral profiles of samples from Yunnan were distinctly different from those of Hubei and Guizhou. Phenotypic analysis based on L*, a*, and b* parameters further revealed differences in appearance traits, with results similar to the spectral characteristics obtained through principal component analysis (PCA), indicating a certain correlation between external traits and internal chemical components. To further uncover chemical compositional differences, non-targeted metabolomics using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) identified 810 polyphenol metabolites, including 257 differential metabolites (P < 0.05, VIP > 1), covering phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans and coumarins, and tannins. Correlation analysis between traits and metabolites showed that a* and b* were significantly negatively correlated with phenolic acids and flavonoids (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), while L* was significantly positively correlated with flavonoids (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Additionally, the study indicated that temperature and humidity are key environmental factors affecting the synthesis and accumulation of metabolites in GE.

Gastrodia elata (GE)is a traditional rare medicinal herb. Its geographical indication products attract much market attention due to their excellent quality and cultural connotations. This study used targeted and non-targeted metabolomics techniques. It compared differences in aroma components, polyphenols, and monosaccharide composition between Gastrodia elata f. glauca (G. elata f. glauca) and Gastrodia elata f. viridis (G. elata f. viridis) from Yunnan and Guizhou. The analysis showed that the two types of GE differed significantly in their chemical composition, G. elata f. glauca has higher overall chemical diversity and content, especially in volatile components and polyphenols. However, in terms of monosaccharides, G. elata f. viridis from Yunnan has the highest glucose content. Moreover, gastrodin and parishin concentrations are notably higher in the Yunnan G. elata f. glauca compared to its Guizhou. Based on fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy and the data-driven soft independent modeling of class analogy (DD-SIMCA) model, the origin traceability of Yunnan G. elata f. glauca was achieved, with the model achieving 100% recognition accuracy in the entire sample set. The study elucidated the correlation between the chemical characteristics of GE and its geographical origin and varieties, providing theoretical support for the quality assessment, origin traceability, and resource utilization of GE and other medicinal and edible substances.

Introduction Gastrodia elata f. glauca represents a superior cultivar of G. elata with considerable commercial value and broad market acceptance. The growth of its tubers and the accumulation of bioactive secondary metabolites in this variant are strongly affected by environmental temperature. Methods In this study, UPLC and targeted phytohormone metabolomics were used to investigate the effects of different temperatures on growth and metabolic processes in G. elata f. glauca. Results The results showed that biomass accumulation was greatest at 20 °C. Meanwhile, the contents of gastrodin, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, parishin A, parishin B, and parishin C were maintained at relatively elevated levels at 15 °C, whereas parishin E exhibited higher accumulation at 25 °C. Targeted metabolomics and correlation analysis indicated that increasing temperature upregulated auxin- and gibberellin-related metabolites, which may promote tuber growth, whereas lower temperature downregulated indole-related metabolites. In contrast, moderate plant hormone levels were more conducive to the accumulation of bioactive constituents. Discussion These results suggest a close association among temperature, plant hormones, growth, and bioactive secondary metabolites accumulation in G. elata f. glauca. They provide a basis for further investigation of temperature-related metabolic responses and may help optimize cultivation practices for improved yield and quality.

Facing wild resource depletion, artificial cultivation of Gastrodia elata (G. elata) is crucial. This study compared traditional wood (TW) and artificial mushroom grow kits (AM) cultivation impacts on G. elata quality. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) showed similar gastrodin levels, but TW G. elata had higher 4-hydroxybenzylalcohol (0.05–0.16%) than AM G. elata (0.02–0.04%), while AM G. elata had more parishin E (0.90–1.58%) than TW G. elata (0.68–0.96%). AM G. elata exhibited elevated crude protein (8.86–10.57%) and stable total polysaccharides (38.91–39.90%), contrasting with TW G. elata. Umami amino acids (glutamic acid, aspartic acid) were significantly higher in AM G. elata (6.03–7.37 mg/g, 1.24–1.88 mg/g). Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) identified thirteen differential volatile compounds, with AM G. elata showing increased esters and aromatics like (2S,3S)-2,3-butanediol and tetramethylpyrazine, contributing sweet/meaty notes. TW G. elata was rich in decanal and (2E,4E)-deca-2,4-dienal, yielding citrus/chicken-like aromas. AM cultivation enhances G. elata’s nutritional and aromatic profiles, supporting its refined application.

Gastrodia elata Blume is known for its "medicinal food homology", its chemical components include phenols, glycosides and polysaccharides. In China, the Anhui, Hubei, Guizhou, and Yunnan provinces are the primary G. elata-producing areas, among which Gastrodia elata Bl. f. elata (GR), Gastrodia elata Bl. f. glauca S. Chow (GB), and Gastrodia elata Bl. f. glauca S. Chow and Gastrodia elata Bl. f. elata (GR×GB) are essential varieties. This research employed metabolomics and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) to quantify 19 soluble sugars and six phenolic compounds in G. elata from various origins and varieties. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on 24 G. elata samples to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Key enzyme genes involved in the phenolic biosynthesis pathways were further analyzed through phylogenetic analysis, structural modeling and molecular docking. Sucrose, glucose, D-fructose, and D-xylose were identified as the major soluble sugar components in G. elata. The phenolic content of the same variety exhibited significant regional differences. In the GR, the largest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was identified in the AH-GR vs. GZ-GR comparison (4,866). In addition, 96 genes encoded 11 key enzymes in the phenolic biosynthesis pathways. In the phenolic synthesis pathway, we identified several alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and glucosyltransferase (GT) genes at the downstream level that potentially contribute to the variation in phenolic metabolism. Phylogenetic, structural modeling, and molecular docking analyses suggested that six GTs catalyze the production of gastrodin from p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol. This study provides a fundamental theoretical basis and data support for the selective breeding of G. elata varieties and aids in elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of phenolic active compounds.

Gastrodia elata Blume is a well-known medicinal and edible plant in China, celebrated for its extensive history in traditional medicine and functional food applications. Among its key bioactive components, polysaccharides have drawn significant attention from researchers in the fields of health food and medicine due to their potential health benefits. Recent studies have revealed various biological activities associated with G. elata polysaccharides, including antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-aging, immune regulation, and neuroprotective properties. However, a comprehensive overview of these polysaccharides remains elusive. Specifically, relationship between the structure and activity of G. elata polysaccharides, along with the mechanisms through which various types exert their biological effects, has yet to be fully elucidated. This knowledge gap may impede the further development and utilization of G. elata polysaccharides in medicine, health products, food, and cosmetics. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in extraction, separation, purification, biological activities, and applications of G. elata polysaccharides. Additionally, it delves into structure-activity relationships and pharmacological mechanisms of these polysaccharides, giving support for future research to enhance their application in medicine, food, health products, and cosmetics.

Introduction This study focuses on the traditional medical knowledge of the Tujia ethnic minority in Guizhou, particularly the use of traditional herbs with potential for development. The research documents and aims to protect this knowledge, which is vital for preserving the cultural heritage and enhancing the medicinal resources of the Tujia people. Methods This study was conducted in the Tongren region of eastern Guizhou, the primary settlement area of the Tujia people. We used ethnobotanical and ethnoecological research methods, including field surveys, interviews with local herbal doctors, and documentation of medicinal plant species. Results A total of 168 traditional Tujia medicinal plants from 70 families were recorded. The most represented families included Liliaceae (12 species), Crassulaceae (9 species), Asteraceae (9 species), Orchidaceae (9 species), Rosaceae (7 species), and Apiaceae (7 species). Among these, the three most frequently recorded medicinal plant species by our 124 informants were Artemisia lavandulifolia Salisb., Pyracantha (L.) Voss, and Urtica japonica Thunb. These plants are primarily used to treat injuries, insect and snake bites, rheumatic pain, and gastrointestinal diseases, reflecting the local climate and ecological conditions. We identified seven primary herbs that are also traditional wild edible plants crucial to the Tujia people’s daily lives. However, issues such as the aging of traditional Tujia herbal doctors, lack of successors, and unsystematic and unsafe medicinal practices were also identified. Conclusion The findings provide essential information for preserving the traditional cultures and developing the medicinal resources of the Tujia people. There is a need for systematic documentation and training to ensure the transmission of traditional knowledge to future generations. Future research should focus on the in-depth study and development of the valuable herbs identified in this study, aiming to integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches for better healthcare solutions.

Introduction The unique geographical environment of Guizhou Province, China, has nurtured rich resources of Lamiaceae. The Dong people have developed diverse medicinal and edible utilization methods for Lamiaceae plants through long-term practice. This study mainly aims to (1) document the medicinal and edible uses of Lamiaceae plants in the Dong community of Yangwei Village, Shangzhong Town, Liping County, Guizhou; (2) evaluate the chemical composition of five Lamiaceae species; and (3) provide a detailed account and assessment of the tea-making process of Elsholtzia rugulosa, a commonly used local plant, while exploring its potential for development as a specialty tea beverage. Material and methods Yangwei Village (Liping County), a representative Dong ethnic community with rich ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal and edible plants, was selected as main study site. Ethnobotanical knowledge of Lamiaceae plants was collected through semi-structured interviews with key informants and participatory observations. Five Lamiaceae plants were chemically analyzed, with E. rugulosa selected as the primary research subject due to its traditional applications, rich bioactive compounds, and good processing adaptability. The processing workflow of E. rugulosa tea was thoroughly investigated, with improvements based on standard green, oolong, and black tea procedures. The resulting three flavored tea broths were then subjected to sensory and compound evaluations. Results The survey documented 101 Lamiaceae species (39 genera), mostly herbs. Chemical analysis indicated significant development potential for Prunella vulgaris, Leonurus japonicus, and Perilla frutescens. Sensory evaluation showed optimized E. rugulosa infusions had translucent color, pure aroma, and mellow taste. The black tea flavored infusion exhibited higher total phenolics and flavonoids; the oolong tea flavored infusion excelled in free amino acids and dry matter; and the green tea flavored infusion contained the highest water extract. The optimized E. rugulosa tea enhanced taste and preserved bioactive compounds, aligning with the urban demand for health, naturally derived, and culturally meaningful beverage products. Conclusion The findings documents Dong-specific ethnobotanical knowledge in Yangwei Village Lamiaceae plants, which is valuable for both conservation and sustainable use. The medicinal plants from the Lamiaceae family have significant development potential, especially in urban use and commercialization.

Introduction: The Gelao ethnic minority of northern Guizhou, China have long possessed extensive traditional knowledge of medicinal herbs. This ethnobotanical study aimed to document and evaluate wild plants used medicinally by the Gelao people, providing insights into their traditional medicine and knowledge systems. Methods: Field research was conducted in Gelao communities of Daozhen, Wuchuan and Zheng’an counties using interviews, surveys and participatory rural appraisal. Results: Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were utilized to assess the cultural significance of 187 herbs identified. The herbs belonged to 84 families, primarily Compositae, and were mostly roots, rhizomes and whole plants. They were used to treat digestive, respiratory and inflammatory disorders, gynecological diseases, bites and other conditions, mainly through decoctions. 25 highly significant herbs (national plant cultural significance index > 1000) were known to protect health. Some function as food and are considered safe. However, the study revealed issues including a declining number of knowledgeable elders and inadequate hygiene controls. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the Gelao’s extensive medicinal plant knowledge and highlight the need for further ethnobotanical research to document and preserve this culturally important tradition. The identified herbs also represent an alternative medicinal resource with potential modern applications pending further investigation of their pharmacology and sustainable use. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into Gelao ethnobotanical knowledge and the potential of indigenous medicine for modern healthcare.

Background The Baiku Yao, primarily residing in Guangxi and Guizhou provinces of China, is a distinctive branch of the Yao ethnic group, known for their profound cultural preservation and unique ethnobotanical knowledge. This study investigates the Baiku Yao community’s utilization of traditional food plants, focusing on the relationship between their dietary practices and the local biodiversity within their mountainous living environment. It aims to illuminate the cultural significance and survival strategies embedded in their ethnobotanical knowledge, highlighting the potential for sustainable living and biodiversity conservation. Methods Through ethnobotanical surveys, key informant interviews, and quantitative analysis techniques such as the cultural food significance index (CFSI) and relative frequency of citations (RFC), this research systematically documents the diversity and cultural importance of edible plants in the Baiku Yao community. The study assesses how these plants contribute to the community’s diet, traditional medicine, and overall cultural practices. Results A total of 195 traditional edible plants were documented, belonging to 142 genera and 68 families, with a significant concentration in certain families such as Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Fabaceae. The Baiku Yao diet prominently features herbaceous plants, with wild (103 species) and cultivated (89 species) varieties as diverse food sources. They utilize various plant parts, particularly fruits and leaves, for multiple purposes, including nutrition, medicine, and fodder. Their processing techniques, from raw to fermented, showcase a rich culinary tradition and emphasize a holistic use of plants for enhancing diet and health in a concise overview. The RFC and CFSI analyses reveal a deep cultural reliance on a variety of plant species, with a notable emphasis on vegetables, fruits, spices, and medicinal herbs. Specific plants like Zingiber officinale , Zea mays , and Oryza sativa were highlighted for their high cultural significance. The study also uncovers the multifunctional use of these plants, not only as food but also for medicinal purposes, fodder, and other cultural applications, reflecting the Baiku Yao’s profound ecological wisdom and their harmonious coexistence with nature. Conclusion The findings emphasize the rich ethnobotanical knowledge possessed by the Baiku Yao, underscoring the importance of documenting, safeguarding, and transmitting this invaluable traditional knowledge. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and biodiversity conservation, advocating for concerted efforts to protect such traditional practices against the threats of modernization and cultural erosion.

Background The local Dong people in Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China, with rich biocultural diversity, have developed the traditional rice-duckweed-fish-duck agroecosystem (RDFDA) to support biodiversity conservation and to meet food and cultural needs. However, there is still not much research on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in this area. In particular, there is a lack of traditional knowledge of edible plants used by the Dong people as flavoring to grill fish ( Cyprinus carpio ) collected from RDFDA, which is extremely valuable in their traditional culture. The study focused on documenting plant species used in grilling fish and analyzing the status of its TEK. Methods Twenty-one sampling points of three Dong minority villages in Qiandongnan were selected for the research. The local TEK associated with plant resources for fish-grilling was recorded through free listing and semi-structured interviews. Fidelity level (FL) and ethnoecological importance value (EIV) indicators were designed to determine the socioeconomic influence of TEK. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) method was used to evaluate the differentiation of edible plant species distribution in dissimilar accessibility types. Results A total of 430 people were interviewed about grilled fish, of whom 75% were men and 85% were farmers. Thirty-four edible plants were documented for fish-grilling in three Dong villages. They belong to 16 plant families, such as Apiaceae, and Asteraceae. The life forms included herbaceous (76%), shrubs (18%) and trees (6%). Leaves are the most commonly used part of for grilling fish, followed by aerial parts, and whole plants. Among these edible plants, Allium hookeri , A. macrostemon and Houttuynia cordata with the highest fidelity level (100%) were cited as edible plants for grilling fish by all informants. The NMDS showed different accessibility types of collection sites, with different importance values. Paddy rice field edge (2.03) has the highest value, followed by forest-farming ecotone (1.74), streamsides (1.71) and woodland (0.48). Conclusion The purpose of this study was to investigate the traditional knowledge of edible plant materials used by the Dong people for grilling fish. The results demonstrate the strong connection between local people, the bio-environment and agroecosystem services. The survey and comparative analysis revealed that plant species with high FL values may be potential sources of natural flavors.

Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, located in southeast Guizhou, China, harbors rich biodiversity. As one of the indigenous minorities, the Miao people rely on …

This study aims to explore the content of (geniposidic acid, GPA) in the leaves, trunk bark and root bark of Eucommia ulmoides on Xingyi karst plateau mountains of Guizhou Province, China. There was no significant difference in the content of GPA in Eucommia ulmoides planted in different directions on the same slope. The content of GPA in leaves, trunk bark and root bark of Eucommia ulmoides planted on the sunny slope varied significantly, where the GPA content in root bark was the highest (32.7851 mg/g), There was no significant difference in GPA content in leaves and root bark of Eucommia ulmoides planted on the shady slope, but the GPA content in trunk bark was significantly different from that in leaves and root bark, where the GPA content in trunk bark was the highest (30.3958 mg/g), There was no significant difference in GPA content in trunk bark and root bark of Eucommia ulmoides planted in different slope directions, and the GPA content in leaves of Eucommia ulmoides planted on shady slope was significantly (36.71%) higher than that on sunny slope. The GPA content in different parts of Eucommia ulmoides on both sunny or shade slope was GAP content in roo t bark was the largest followed by that in leaves, and that in trunk bark was the lowest. These results expand the source sites and provide new ideas for the comprehensive utilization and further research of Eucommia ulmoides resources.

Dendrobium officinale Kimura & Migo (D. officinale) is a well-recognized traditional Chinese medicinal herb that is both medicinal and edible. Contemporary pharmacological studies have revealed that D. officinale contains abundant bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and dendrobine, exhibiting diverse pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. However, the industrial application of D. officinale faces many problems, such as the scarcity of wild resources, low natural reproduction rate, and slow growth rate as well as the lack of relevant industrial standards. Nevertheless, substantial advancements, including the exploitation of artificial propagation techniques and breeding of new varieties, have been achieved in recent years. These developments have effectively addressed the challenges associated with its low natural reproduction rate and the scarcity of wild resources. This review summarizes the progress in the industrial development, seedling cultivation, and pharmacological exploration of D. officinale in recent years. Furthermore, it analyzes current research inadequacies and offers strategic solutions to enhance its application in healthcare and medicine.

Dendrobium officinale is an orchid with medicinal and nutritional properties that has received increasing attention because of its health benefits; however, there is limited information about the metabolic basis of these properties. In this report, secondary metabolites and the antioxidant activity of D. officinale stem samples from three provenances were analyzed, using a UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS-based metabolomics approach. In total, 411 metabolites were identified including 8 categories such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, 136 of which were differential metabolites. These differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were mainly enriched in secondary metabolic pathways such as flavone, flavonol, tropane, piperidine, pyridine, isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis and tyrosine metabolism. The metabolomic profiling suggested that the quantity and content of flavonoid compounds accounted for the highest proportion of total metabolites. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the marker metabolites of D. officinale from the three provenances were mainly flavonoids, alkaloids and phenolic acids. Correlation analysis identified that 48 differential metabolites showed a significant positive correlation with antioxidant capacity (r ³ 0.8 and p < 0.0092), and flavonoids were the main factors affecting the different antioxidant activities. It is worth noting that quercetin-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-rhamnoside and dihydropinosylvin methyl ether might be the main compounds causing the differences in antioxidant capacity of Yunnan provenance (YN), Zhejiang provenance (ZJ), and Guizhou provenance (GZ). These finding provides valuable information for screening varieties, quality control and product development of D. officinale.

In order to investigate the differences in the chemical composition of Dendrobium officinale at different altitudes, we collected Dendrobium officinale from different altitudes in Guizhou Province, China, and firstly determined its polysaccharide content by using a sulfuric acid‐phenol color development method with reference to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and further determined its metabolites by using widely targeted metabolomics, and explored the differences in the chemical composition of Dendrobium officinale at different altitudes using multivariate statistical analysis. We found that the polysaccharide content was higher in plants growing at 1122 m, a total of 902 secondary metabolites were detected by wildly targeted metabolomics, and amino acids and their derivatives were more highly expressed at 1122 m, while other metabolites were more highly expressed at 835 m. Furthermore, we found that the phenolic acid compound nerugein was only present in plants at 835 m, and two lipid compounds, namely Lyso PE 20 : 4 and its isomer, were only present at 1122 m. Taken together, these results may provide a basis for the selection and clinical application of D. officinale cultivated at different altitudes.

Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale) is a valuable traditional Chinese herbal medicine with high commercial value. In Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Ch.P., 2020 edition), the quality of D. officinale is mainly evaluated by its polysaccharide content. However, varying growth and production conditions, such as cultivation environment, origin, harvesting process, or processing methods, resulting in highly variable yields, quality, and composition. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the content of secondary metabolites in D. officinale from different origins is consistent with the polysaccharide content. The results showed that the polysaccharide content and pass rate were ranked as GX > AH > GZ > YN. Based on the nontargeted metabolomics approach, we searched for differential components in 22 different regions of D. officinale, including amides, bibenzyls, disaccharide, flavonoids, organic nitrogenous compounds, and phenolic glycosides. The overall expression was opposite to the polysaccharide, and the most expressed was YN, followed by GZ, AH, and GX. These results indicated that the current quality standard for evaluating the quality of D. officinale by polysaccharide content alone is imperfect, and small molecule compounds need to be included as quality markers.

Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (D. officinale), one of the nine everlasting types of grass, has gained increasing attention owing to its important roles in alternative medicines and drug discovery. Due to its natural resources being in danger of being extinct, imitation wild planting is becoming increasingly common. To assess the product’s quality completely, an efficient ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) method was established to simultaneously quantify nine phenolic compounds in D. officinale samples. The extraction parameters, including solvent, solvent concentration, solid–liquid ratio, and extraction time, were systematically optimized with the single-factor test. The results demonstrated that extraction with a 1:200 solid-to-liquid ratio of 80% methanol for 1.5 h was the most efficient condition for the extraction of flavonoids. Satisfactory retention times and resolution of the nine analytes were acquired on the Thermo Scientific Hypersil GOLD column with multiple reaction monitoring in negative ion scanning mode. The method was validated to demonstrate its selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. Thus, the verified UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS method was successfully applied to the quantification of phenolic components present in D. officinale samples. The results indicated that the quantity and composition of phenolic components in D. officinale from various provenances were significantly different. This work provides a theoretical foundation for the cultivation and assessment of wild D. officinale quality.

The critically endangered orchid Dendrobium officinale, valued for its medicinal properties, depends on specific seedling-associated mycorrhizal fungi (SAMF) for successful early-stage seedling development. However, conservation efforts are often hindered by difficulties in obtaining suitable SAMF, leading to poor seedling establishment in both natural and cultivated environments. In this study, we explored the growth-promoting effects of SAMF and evaluated the performances of synthetic fungal combinations. Our results demonstrated that mycorrhizal fungi, widely distributed across multiple habitats with high isolation frequencies, significantly promoted the growth of D. officinale, with specific fungi favoring different growth parameters. Tulasnella sp. TP-2 and TP-3 significantly improved stem diameter and plant height by 2.622 mm and 4.621 cm, while Tulasnella sp. TP-8 significantly increased tillering by a factor of 4.47. Additionally, Tulasnella sp. TP-11 and TP-13 markedly increased the number of new leaves (4.45) and new roots (2.688), respectively, identifying them as essential core OMFs for D. officinale seedlings. Contrary to expectations, synthetic fungal combinations composed of core orchid mycorrhizal fungi (core OMFs) did not exhibit synergistic growth-promoting effects. Instead, pronounced offset effects were observed, indicating that interactions between fungi may introduce competition or inhibition, limiting their collective ability to enhance plant growth. Our results confirmed that the core OMFs significantly promoted the growth of D. officinale seedlings. These core OMFs can serve as essential components in specialized microbial fertilizers for D. officinale, improving growth efficiency and yield, and supporting the sustainable development of the D. officinale industry.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE A high proportion of species native to China from the genus Dendrobium (Orchidaceae) have been used as folk medicine for more than 2300 years. The fresh or dried stem of many Dendrobium species are regarded as "superior grade" tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for their traditional properties of nourishing the kidney, moisturizing the lung, benefiting the stomach, promoting the production of body fluids and clearing heat. AIM OF THE STUDY This review aims to provide comprehensive and updated information on the diversity of Dendrobium species used in TCM and the development of the Dendrobium industry. The supply and demand of the Chinese medicinal Dendrobium are investigated. Moreover, we discuss the problems the industry faces and the relationship between the cultivation and species conservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The available information on many Dendrobium species (especially D. officinale) was collected from the electronic databases (using Pubmed, CNKI, Baidu scholar, Google scholar and Web of Science). We also obtained information from communication with specialists with profound knowledge in related research field and industry practitioners. Information was also obtained from website of the Forestry Bureau or relevant government departments, online databases, books, Ph.D. dissertations and M.Sc. theses. RESULTS Approximately 41 species in genus Dendrobium have been recorded in TCM. The development of the Dendrobium industry could be divided into three phases: (a) the wild-collection phase, (b) the massive commercial artificial-sheltered cultivation phase and (c) the diversified ecologically-friendly cultivation phase. The development of seedlings production technology, the improvement of substrates and the integration of cultivation technology support the rapid increase of Dendrobium herbs in the Chinese TCM market. Doubts around the quality and efficacy of product in artificial-sheltered cultivation, the lack of product standards and the low level of product development have limited the utilization for TCM and hampered the development of the Dendrobium industry. Both the artificial-sheltered cultivation and ecologically-friendly cultivation contribute to the conservation of Dendrobium species, through the use seedlings derived from seeds of sexual reproduction rather than meristematic-based clonal propagation. CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes the species and cultivation history of medicinal herbs in the Dendrobium. The review can help inform future scientific research towards the TCM in Dendrobium, including mycorrhizal technology and microorganism fertilizer, pharmacological studies, the directed cultivation of varieties and diversified product. It is suggested that Dendrobium cultivation has a great potential to link the commercial TCM industry together with initiatives of biodiversity conservation.

Background: Orchids are highly dependent on mycorrhizae for survival and growth. Traditionally, to obtain orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMFs) for plant growth, fungi have been isolated from the roots of mature wild plants; however, the species of OMF may change as the plants undergo different developmental stages. In this study, we developed the idea of using in situ seedling baiting to capture seedling growth-promoting fungi from Dendrobium officinale, an overcollected medicinal orchid in China.Results: In vitro-produced seedlings of D. officinale were transplanted into their original habitats, and newly established roots of well-growing seedlings were sampled for fungal isolation. Roots were sampled at 6 different times over one year, and five Tulasnella species and one Fusarium species were obtained and identified morphologically and molecularly. The ability to promote seedling growth was tested in three Tulasnella species TPYD-1, TPYD-2 and TPYD-3, with high isolation frequencies by inoculation onto in vitro-produced D. officinale seedlings. Although the three fungi were closely related species and clustered together in the phylogenetic tree, they showed different efficiencies in promoting D. officinale seedling growth. Tulasnella TPYD-2 showed a strong ability to promote seedling growth and could be selected for use in restoration plantings of D. officinale.Conclusions: Our results suggest that using an in situ seedling baiting technique could be an efficient way to obtain seedling growth-promoting fungi, and this approach could have broad applications in orchid mycorrhiza studies and orchid conservation.

Metabolomics technology has enabled an important method for the identification and quality control of Traditional Chinese Medical materials. In this study, we isolated metabolites from cultivated Dendrobium officinale and Dendrobium huoshanense stems of different growth years in the methanol/water phase and identified them using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). First, a metabolomics technology platform for Dendrobium was constructed. The metabolites in the Dendrobium methanol/water phase were mainly sugars and glycosides, amino acids, organic acids, alcohols. D. officinale and D. huoshanense and their growth years were distinguished by cluster analysis in combination with multivariate statistical analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Eleven metabolites that contributed significantly to this differentiation were subjected to t-tests (P<0.05) to identify biomarkers that discriminate between D. officinale and D. huoshanense, including sucrose, glucose, galactose, succinate, fructose, hexadecanoate, oleanitrile, myo-inositol, and glycerol. Metabolic profiling of the chemical compositions of Dendrobium species revealed that the polysaccharide content of D. huoshanense was higher than that of D. officinale, indicating that the D. huoshanense was of higher quality. Based on the accumulation of Dendrobium metabolites, the optimal harvest time for Dendrobium was in the third year. This initial metabolic profiling platform for Dendrobium provides an important foundation for the further study of secondary metabolites (pharmaceutical active ingredients) and metabolic pathways.

Abstract The discovery of new edible flowers that are nontoxic, innocuous flowers having human health benefits, surveys of their phytochemicals and utilization are of great scientific and commercial interest. Dendrobium officinale and Dendrobium devonianum are precious Traditional Chinese Medicine. During the massive commercial cultivation, a lot of flowers were produced and certified as edible flowers, and the phytochemical profiles and bioactivities warrant evaluate. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemicals and antioxidative activities in flowers of D. officinale (DOF) and D. devonianum (DDF). In total, 474 metabolites were identified using a widely targeted metabonomics method, 16 amino acids and 6 flavonoids were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and 8 fatty acids were detected using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Both flowers contained various amino acids, including 7 essential amino acids, diverse flavonoids, especially quercetin, kaempferol and their derivatives, and high levels of methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate. The relative levels of quercetin, kaempferol and their glycosides were higher in DDF than in DOF, whereas the relative levels of several flavonoids C‐glycosides were high in DOF. Ethanol extracts of both DOF and DDF showed antioxidative capacities including the scavenging of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals. Both edible flowers contained flavonoids, amino acids, and fatty acids and have antioxidative activities, which should be explored for use in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

… repeat (SSR) markers were developed in Dendrobium officinale by screening a cDNA library… Dendrobium species. • Methods and Results: One hundred ten EST-SSRs were developed, …