Apocynum venetum: A newly found lithium accumulator
2014
Jiang, Li | Wang, Lei | Mu, Shu-Yong | Tian, Chang-Yan
Apocynum venetum has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects according to the traditional Chinese medicine. Lithium (Li) is a proven mood stabilizer. According to the similar drug efficacy, we hypothesized that A. venetum may contain high levels of Li. Here, we investigated Li tolerance and accumulation potential of A. venetum in the field and in greenhouse cultivation. Li concentration in leaves of A. venetum was substantially higher than that of its main accompanying plants. Under a soil Li supply of 50mgkg−1 the plant did not show obvious symptom of phytotoxicity. Rather, A. venetum could accumulate >1800mgkg−1 Li in leaf tissues, and survived still under 400mgkg−1 Li supply. The bioconcentration factor (except control) and translocation factor values were greater than 1.0. Thus, A. venetum has the characteristics of, at least, a Li-accumulator, if not a Li-hyperaccumulator. A. venetum may serve as an interesting model species to study the influence of Li on plants.
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