Selection of high altitude planting area of Angelica sinensis based on biomass, bioactive compounds accumulation and antioxidant capacity / 中草药

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.