Changes in Growth and Photosynthetic Parameters and Medicinal Compounds in Eleutherococcus senticosus Harms under Drought Stress

Abstract

<jats:p>In this investigation, changes in growth and photosynthetic parameters were used to explain the effects of drought stress on morphology and photosynthesis of <jats:italic>Eleutherococcus senticosus</jats:italic>. Liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectroscopy (MS) was used to determine the content of eleutheroside B, eleutheroside E, isofraxidin, hyperoside, rutin, and kaempferol under different drought stress conditions to explain the effects of drought stress on secondary metabolism of <jats:italic>Eleuthero</jats:italic>. Growth and photosynthetic physiological parameters showed that drought stress could inhibit the growth and photosynthesis of <jats:italic>Eleuthero</jats:italic>. The compounds studied showed the same cumulative trend in various organs of <jats:italic>Eleuthero</jats:italic> under different drought stress conditions, with the highest content in the moderate drought stress group and the lowest in the severe drought stress group. Among them, the content of eleutheroside B was found to be higher in the 5-year-old stem. The content of eleutheroside E was higher in the 3-year root. The content of isofraxidin was highest in the 5-year-old root. The content of hyperoside, rutin, and kaempferol were higher in the 3-year-old leaves. The results show that a wet soil environment was beneficial to growth and photosynthesis of <jats:italic>Eleutherococcus senticosus</jats:italic>, and moderate drought stress is conducive to the accumulation of its active ingredients.</jats:p>

Effects of light intensity on the growth, photosynthetic characteristics, and secondary metabolites of Eleutherococcus senticosus Harms

“…The quantitative conditions of determination of eight active compounds were the same as in our previous studies (Xu et al 2019). The UPLC-MS analysis was performed with an ACQUITY UPLC system (Waters Corporation, Japan) coupled with an LC-20AD pump, SIL-20A autosampler (Waters Corporation, Japan).…”

DNA methylation regulates the secondary metabolism of saponins to improve the adaptability of Eleutherococcus senticosus during drought stress

“…Additional studies on drought stress revealed that moderate drought stress was best for the accumulation of saponins in E. senticosus and that either sufficient water or severe water deficit showed a significant reduction in saponin synthesis in E. senticosus. Additionally E. senticosus biomass and photosynthesis consistently demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the soil water content [ 20 ]. This indicates that while moderate drought stress promotes the production of E. senticosus secondary metabolites, a moist soil condition is favorable for the plant’s development and photosynthesis.…”

“…Its primary active components, triterpenoid saponins, are critical metrics for assessing its therapeutic quality [ 17 – 19 ]. Recent studies on E. senticosus show the plant thrives in moist soil environments for growth and photosynthesis, and it accumulates secondary metabolites, such as triterpenoid saponins, under moderate drought stress [ 20 ]. Studies on other medicinal plants have shown similar results, with mild drought stress favoring the synthesis and build-up of secondary metabolites in plants [ 21 ].…”

Photosynthetic Characteristics and Yield Response of Isatis indigotica to Regulated Deficit Irrigation in a Cold and Arid Environment

“…Plant growth and metabolism are influenced by water deficit, which has a particularly prominent effect on photosynthesis [26]. Drought stress limits the photosynthesis and growth of plants, leading to wilting, leaf drop, and even death [27]. The root system of woad is relatively developed, and the requirements for climatic conditions and the soil environment are not strict when this species is planted.…”