[Effect of different nitrogen concentrations on the growth and contents of berberine in rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch].
OBJECTIVE
Selecting the best N concentrations for the growth of the Chinese goldthread(Coptis chinensis).


METHODS
Employing sand culture procedures.


RESULTS
The symptoms of shortage of nitrogen were reduced in low N(1/5 N) solution, but the new roots and aerial parts were adversely affected in over nitrogen solution(2 N); the activity of NR in leaves and the content of berberine in rhizome were also low in 2 N solution; the range of optimum N concentrations for growth and high contents of effective components is 1/2 N to 1 N.


CONCLUSIONS
The consumption of nitrogen by Coptis chinensis is lower in the period of maximum contents of effective components in rhizome than in the period of luxuriant growing of the plant.
Zhang
L
L
Institute of Medicinal Plant, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100094.
Chen
Z
Z
Ma
X
X
Zhao
Y
Y
D001599:Berberine / Q000378:metabolism*; D000089042:Coptis chinensis; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D019684:Magnoliopsida / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D009565:Nitrate Reductases / Q000378:metabolism; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000378:metabolism; D018547:Plant Stems / Q000378:metabolism; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D001599:Berberine; C107393:Coptidis rhizoma extract; D009565:Nitrate Reductases; D009584:Nitrogen