Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on the Terpene Trilactones, Flavonoids, and Phenolic Acids in Ginkgo biloba L. Leaves: Relevance to Leaf Senescence

Abstract

The present study compared the effects of natural senescence and methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) treatment on the levels of terpene trilactones (TTLs; ginkgolides and bilobalide), phenolic acids, and flavonoids in the primary organs of Ginkgo biloba leaves, leaf blades, and petioles. Levels of the major TTLs, ginkgolides B and C, were significantly higher in the leaf blades of naturally senesced yellow leaves harvested on 20 October compared with green leaves harvested on 9 September. In petioles, a similar effect was found, although the levels of these compounds were almost half as high. These facts indicate the importance of the senescence process on TTL accumulation. Some flavonoids and phenolic acids also showed changes in content related to maturation or senescence. Generally, the application of JA-Me slightly but substantially increased the levels of TTLs in leaf blades irrespective of the difference in its application side on the leaves. Of the flavonoids analyzed, levels of quercetin, rutin, quercetin-4-glucoside, apigenin, and luteolin were dependent on the JA-Me application site, whereas levels of (+) catechin and (−) epicatechin were not. Application of JA-Me increased ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid esters in the petiole but decreased the levels of these compounds in the leaf blade. The content of p-coumaric acid glycosides and caffeic acid esters was only slightly modified by JA-Me. In general, JA-Me application affected leaf senescence by modifying the accumulation of ginkogolides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These effects were also found to be different in leaf blades and petioles. Based on JA-Me- and aging-related metabolic changes in endogenous levels of the secondary metabolites in G. biloba leaves, we discussed the results of study in the context of basic research and possible practical application.

Changes in Polar Metabolites Content during Natural and Methyl-Jasmonate-Promoted Senescence of Ginkgo biloba Leaves

“…The aim of this study was to examine changes in polar metabolite levels in the leaf blade and petiole of G. biloba during natural and JA-Me-induced senescence. This study is a continuation of our previous ones in this area [ 37 , 38 ].…”

“…JA-Me applied on the adaxial side was less effective in inducing leaf senescence compared to that on the abaxial side. JA-Me applied on the abaxial sides of leaves also substantially induced increases in the pharmaceutically valuable secondary metabolites, such as ginkgolides, bilobalide, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in leaf blades of G. biloba [ 38 ]. Thus, it is worthy to clarify the changes in endogenous polar metabolites in relation to senescence promoted by JA-Me application, as well as natural senescence in G. biloba leaves.…”

“…Furthermore, we have found that levels of the major TTLs, ginkgolides B and C, have been demonstrated to be significantly higher in naturally senesced yellow leaves compared with green leaves, and the application of JA-Me slightly but substantially increased the levels of TTLs in leaf blades, irrespective of the application side [ 38 ]. Some flavonoids and phenolic acids also showed changes in content related to maturation or senescence.…”

Competitive Relationship Between Cleistocalyx operculatus and Syzygium jambos Under Well-Watered Conditions Transforms Into a Mutualistic Relationship Under Waterlogging Stress

“…The interactions of some hormones can activate defense responses and regulate plant growth and development under stress. IAA and GA 3 play important roles in the regulation of plant growth and fruit development, and ABA and JA-Me can inhibit the growth-promoting effects of IAA and GA 3 (Horbowicz et al, 2021). In the present study, the mixed planting under well-watered condition significantly increased the levels of IAA, ABA, GA 3 , and JA-Me in C. operculatus but induced significant decrease in IAA content and increase in JA-Me content in S. jambos (Figure 6), suggesting that mixed planting exerted a positive effect on C. operculatus but caused some negative effects on S. jambos under well-watered condition.…”

Special Issue “Natural Plant Substances—Structural and Application Aspects: A Theme Issue in Honor of Professor Wieslaw Oleszek”

“…Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of a melatonin-containing plant preparation and the synthetic melatonin were compared by Kukuła-Koch et al [ 11 ]. The study of Horbowicz et al compares the effects of natural senescence and treatment with methyl jasmonate on levels of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpene trilactones in leaves of Ginkgo biloba [ 12 ]. In the second article associated with plant physiology research, Dashbaldan et al investigated changes in the distribution and composition of triterpenoids and steroids in developing Rosa rugosa hips [ 13 ].…”