ABSTRACT
Objective: To select the high altitude planting area for improving the quality of Angelica sinensis based on biomass, bioactive compounds accumulation and antioxidant capacity in rhizome. Methods: The experiments were conducted on dry weight (DW), bioactive compounds content and antioxidant capacity in two-year old rhizome of A. sinensis grown at different altitudes (2 100, 2 500, and 2 900 m), under controlling plants reproduced from the seeds of the same plant, the same levels of water and fertilizer in soil. Results: Higher altitude was adverse to rhizome biomass, however, the compounds content (DW and per plant basis) and antioxidant capacity were significantly promoted at higher altitude compared to lower altitude site; On a per plant basis, the content of ferulic acid, soluble sugar, phenolics and flavonoids in rhizome of un-bolted plants grown at 2 900 m respectively was 2.06, 1.13, 1.34 and 1.15 fold greater than that of 2 100 m; The antioxidant capacity also increased with higher altitude. Comprehensive analysis showed that total content of main bioactive compounds in rhizome of un-bolted plants increased with higher altitudes ranging from 2 100 to 2 900 m. Conclusion: Higher-altitude cultivation can significantly enhance bioactive compounds accumulation in rhizome. The biosynthesis and accumulation of bioactive compounds were regulated by low temperature and light. These findings will provide theoretical references for improving production and quality of rhizome as well as large-scale cultivation.
ABSTRACT
The dried roots of Angelica sinensis has been widely applied in clinical care due to its efficiencies in nourishing and activating blood, regulating female menstrual disorders and relieving pains, relaxing bowels, etc. The cultivated two-year-old plants normally harvested roots for medicinal uses emerge over 30% early bolting rate, which leads to the lignified roots that are useless in medicinal agents. The early bolting and flowering that are leading to serious yield reduction has been one of the most serious problems in the production of A. sinensis for many years. Here, based on previously published research articles, monographs, patents as well as practice experiences, the research progresses on the internal and external factors affecting bolting and flowering of A. sinensis, the pathways regulating bolting and flowering, the mechanism revealing bolting and flowering by biotechnological interventions were summarized, with the aim of providing effective pathways jointly internal and external factors for regulating bolting and flowering, as well as references for further revealing the mechanism of the bolting and flowering of A. sinensis.