Genetic Variation of Bioactive Compounds and Phenotypic Responses in Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) Cultivars

초록

Peony is one of major medicinal plants that have been pharmacologically used for more than 1200 years in East Asia. Among Paeonia species, Paeonia lactiflora, in particular, has been reported for its effects on immune system, inflammation, oxidative stress, and so on. It is important to identify a better cultivar for industrialization of bioactive compounds associated with those effects. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between bioactive compounds and phenotypic responses in five cultivars of peony (Paeonia lactiflora) in order to find potential biomarkers of a promising cultivar having higher medicinal value, that is to say, containing more bioactive compounds than others, along with plant performance. Plant height, stem diameter, and root weight were highest in ‘Taeback’ cultivar, compared with other cultivars. Paeoniflorin content was highest in ‘Taeback’ cultivar, while albiflorin content was highest in ‘Sagok’, compared with the other cultivars. The combined level of both bioactive compounds was highest in ‘Taeback’ cultivar. Paeoniflorin was negatively correlated with the number of stem which was positively correlated with root diameter. In addition, paeoniflorin was negatively correlated with total phenolic compounds which was positively correlated with total carbohydrates. Albiflorin was positively correlated with fructose and glucose but negatively with sucrose. Therefore, the results suggested that ‘Taeback’ and ‘Sagok’ cultivars could have considerable potential for industrialization of Paeonia lactiflora. Also, stem number and the contents of total phenolic compounds and total carbohydrates might be associated with paeoniflorin and albiflorin contents in peony plants. This work was supported by the grant from Research Fund (PJ01709004) of Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.