Sasa quelpaertensis (Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai)

Sasa quelpaertensis is a dwarf, broad-leaved bamboo in the Poaceae (subfamily Bambusoideae), endemic to Jeju Island (Republic of Korea), particularly to the montane areas of Mt. Halla. It is a perennial, rhizomatous species forming dense ground-cover stands in the forest understorey, with relatively short culms compared with tree bamboos. Culms are slender, erect to slightly arching, bearing broad, lanceolate leaves of deep green colour, which together create a compact, continuous undergrowth layer.

From an ecological perspective, Sasa quelpaertensis typically colonises cool, moist montane forests on volcanic, well-drained but humus-rich soils, where it can dominate large areas in the montane to subalpine belt of Mt. Halla. The species tolerates cold winters, snow cover and marked temperature fluctuations, showing high cold hardiness compared with many other bamboos. Dense stands form a competitive understorey, often limiting regeneration of other plant species through shading, space occupation and possible chemical interactions. Where its cover is extensive, this bamboo can strongly influence plant community dynamics, understorey biodiversity and the overall functioning of the forest ecosystem.

In terms of land use and stand management, Sasa quelpaertensis contributes significantly to soil protection and erosion control, thanks to its extensive network of rhizomes and fine roots that stabilise slopes and reduce surface runoff. At the same time, its vigorous growth and competitive behaviour require careful management where natural regeneration of trees or other understorey species is a management objective.

From a compositional standpoint, the main focus is on the leaves, which are used for extracts and bamboo leaf tea. Leaves contain a high proportion of water, structural and storage polysaccharides, amino acids, polyphenols and other secondary metabolites. The phenolic profile includes phenolic acids (such as p-coumaric acid) and flavonoids (notably tricin and related flavone derivatives), along with other antioxidant constituents; in some extraction systems, compounds such as arbutin have also been identified. Leaf extracts show marked antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, with clear seasonal variation in phenolic content and radical-scavenging capacity. A mineral fraction rich in potassium, with calcium, magnesium and trace elements, is also present, with levels influenced by soil characteristics and harvest time.

In food and nutraceutical applications, leaves of Sasa quelpaertensis are used to prepare a traditional bamboo leaf tea, consumed in Korea for its functional and health-oriented properties. Standardised leaf extracts are being investigated as potential ingredients for functional foods and supplements, particularly in relation to their possible role in supporting the management of metabolic disorders (for example disturbances in lipid metabolism) and in maintaining redox balance via antioxidant action. Experimental studies have reported links between leaf extracts and modulation of inflammation, regulation of lipid metabolism and potential interactions with the gut microbiota, suggesting prospective use in targeted nutraceutical formulations.

In the cosmetic and technical sectors, Sasa quelpaertensis leaf extracts are considered as potential antioxidant and soothing ingredients, exploiting their phenolic content to help counteract oxidative stress at the skin surface and to provide calming, protective effects. The physicochemical characteristics of aqueous or hydroalcoholic extracts (for example stability, solubility, phenolic profile) are subjects of optimisation for use as functional plant-based ingredients in cosmetic and other technical products.

In animal nutrition, the biomass of Sasa quelpaertensis (leaves and young culms) has been evaluated as a possible local forage resource in extensive systems. Key parameters include nutritive value, fibre characteristics, digestibility and safe inclusion levels. The combination of fibre, polysaccharides and bioactive compounds makes the species potentially interesting for controlled inclusion in specific rations, although practical use must be guided by dedicated nutritional studies.

Quality assessment of Sasa quelpaertensis material used for tea, extracts or functional ingredients focuses on harvest stage, leaf appearance and colour, moisture content, microbial load, presence of impurities (other plant species, foreign matter, excess woody particles) and levels of polyphenols and other bioactives. For extracts, in addition to yield, key parameters include physicochemical properties (pH, solubility, stability), chromatographic profile of major phenolics, oxidative stability and the absence of contaminants above permitted limits. Traceability of the harvesting area, appropriate drying procedures and suitable storage conditions are essential to preserve the technological and sensory properties of the raw material and derived products.

Botanical classification (APG IV system)

• Common name: Sasa quelpaertensis (Jeju dwarf bamboo)

• Botanical name: Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Clade: Angiosperms → Monocots → Commelinids

• Order: Poales

• Family: Poaceae

• Genus: Sasa

• Species: Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai

Indicative nutritional values per 100 g (dried leaves)*

* Indicative values derived from available data on the forage value of Sasa quelpaertensis leaves and, by analogy, on similar fibrous forages. Values refer to dried leaves (dry matter basis). Fresh leaves contain much more water and therefore much lower values per 100 g for all nutrients.

Mini-glossary of acronyms

• SFA = Saturated fatty acids. When they predominate over unsaturated fatty acids in the diet, they are considered less favourable for cardiovascular health.

• MUFA = Monounsaturated fatty acids. Generally regarded as more favourable when they replace saturated fats.

• PUFA = Polyunsaturated fatty acids. Include omega-6 and omega-3; essential in small amounts and important for cell membrane structure and inflammatory balance.

Plant Characteristics

• Height: Typically grows to a height of 50–100 cm, making it a dwarf bamboo.
• Leaves: Green, lance-shaped leaves, approximately 10–15 cm long, with serrated edges. The leaves remain green year-round, giving the plant an evergreen appearance.
• Rhizomes: Spreads through underground rhizomes, forming dense mats of vegetation.
• Natural Habitat: Prefers cool temperate climates and well-drained soils but can tolerate poor, windy environments.

Chemical Composition

Sasa quelpaertensis contains several bioactive compounds, including:

• p-coumaric acid, Myricetin and Tricin perform cancer stem cell contrast action (1)
  
• Polyphenols: Antioxidants with potential health benefits.
• Flavonoids: Known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Silica: Present in the leaves, providing structural strength.
• Fibers: The leaves and stems are rich in fibers, suitable for industrial applications.

Habitat and Ecology

• Environment: Found primarily in mountainous and hilly areas, often in mixed woodlands and marginal soils.
• Adaptability: Cold-hardy and capable of growing in extreme climatic conditions, including strong winds and poor soils.
• Ecological Role:
  • Helps prevent soil erosion through its rhizomatous growth.
  • Provides habitat for small animals and insects.

How to Cultivate Sasa quelpaertensis

Sasa quelpaertensis is a low-maintenance plant, ideal for gardens and conservation projects:

1. Climate: Prefers cool temperate climates but tolerates both cold and moderate heat.
2. Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soils but can adapt to sandy or clayey substrates.
3. Light: Grows well in full sun or partial shade.
4. Watering: Requires regular watering during the early growth stages. Once established, it becomes drought-tolerant.
5. Growth Control: To prevent invasive spreading, use barriers to contain the rhizomes.

Uses and Benefits

• Soil Stabilization: Its rhizomes are used to prevent soil erosion, especially in hilly or coastal areas.
• Ornamental: Commonly planted in gardens and parks for its evergreen appearance and ability to form dense borders.
• Traditional Medicine: In some Asian cultures, the leaves of Sasa quelpaertensis are used in teas and decoctions, often for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Industrial Applications: The plant’s fibers can be utilized for paper production and other materials.

Applications

• Environmental Conservation:

  • Suitable for reforestation and soil management projects.
  • Effective in stabilizing slopes and embankments.

• Culinary and Medicinal:

  • The leaves can be brewed into herbal infusions.
  • Preliminary studies suggest immune-boosting benefits due to its antioxidant compounds.

• Ornamental Use:

  • Ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
  • Used as a border plant or to create green screens in outdoor spaces.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Environmental Benefits:

  • Promotes biodiversity by providing shelter for wildlife and insects.
  • Contributes to soil stabilization in fragile ecosystems.

• Safety:

  • Generally non-invasive in controlled conditions, but rhizomes may spread quickly without barriers.
  • No known risks to humans or animals.

References__________________________________________________________________________

(1) Min SJ, Lim JY, Kim HR, Kim SJ, Kim Y. Sasa quelpaertensis Leaf Extract Inhibits Colon Cancer by Regulating Cancer Cell Stemness in Vitro and in Vivo. Int J Mol Sci. 2015 Apr 30;16(5):9976-97. doi: 10.3390/ijms16059976. 

Abstract. A rare subpopulation of cancer cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), may be responsible for tumor relapse and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. The development of a non-toxic, natural treatment for the elimination of CSCs is considered a strategy for cancer treatment with minimal side effects. In the present study, the potential for Sasa quelpaertensis leaf extract (SQE) and its two bioactive compounds, tricin and p-coumaric acid, to exert anti-CSC effects by suppressing cancer stemness characteristics were evaluated in colon cancer cells. CD133+CD44+ cells were isolated from HT29 and HCT116 cell lines using flow-activated cell sorting (FACs). SQE treatment was found to significantly suppress the self-renewal capacity of both cell lines. SQE treatment was also associated with the down-regulation of β-catenin and phosphorylated GSK3β, while significantly enhancing cell differentiation by up-regulating CK20 expression and blocking the expression of several stem cell markers, including DLK1, Notch1, and Sox-2. In vivo, SQE supplementation suppressed tumor growth in a xenograft model by down-regulating stem cell markers and β-catenin as well as HIF-1α signaling. Compared with two bioactive compounds of SQE, SQE exhibited the most effective anti-CSC properties. Taken together, these results provide evidence that SQE inhibits colon cancer by regulating the characteristics of CSCs.

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Kim KM, Kim YS, Lim JY, Min SJ, Ko HC, Kim SJ, Kim Y. Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of Sasa quelpaertensis leaf extract by suppressing lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory mediators in intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells co-cultured with RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Nutr Res Pract. 2015 Feb;9(1):3-10. doi: 10.4162/nrp.2015.9.1.3. 

Abstract. Background/objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Previously, Sasa quelpaertensis leaves have been shown to mediate anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects, although it remains unclear whether Sasa leaves are able to attenuate inflammation-related intestinal diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Sasa quelpaertensis leaf extract (SQE) using an in vitro co-culture model of the intestinal epithelial environment.......Conclusions: SQE exhibited intestinal anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting various inflammatory mediators mediated through nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-kB) activation. Thus, SQE has the potential to ameliorate inflammation-related diseases, including IBD, by limiting excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators.

An SM, Lee SI, Choi SW, Moon SW, Boo YC. p-Coumaric acid, a constituent of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai, inhibits cellular melanogenesis stimulated by alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Aug;159(2):292-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08653.x. 

Abstract. Background: Recent study has demonstrated that Sasa quelpaertensis (Korean name, Jeju-Joritdae) extracts inhibit cellular melanogenesis implicating potential use in the control of skin pigmentation. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the active constituents of this plant inhibiting melanogenesis and the associated mechanism.....Conclusions: The present study identified p-coumaric acid as a main constituent of S. quelpaertensis inhibiting cellular melanogenesis. Because of its structural similarity, p-coumaric acid may interfere with l-tyrosine action in the control of tyrosinase expression in response to alpha-MSH.

Pyeon DB, Lee SE, Yoon JW, Park HJ, Oh SH, Lee DG, Kim EY, Park SP. Comparison of the improving embryo development effects of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai extract, p-coumaric acid, and myricetin on porcine oocytes according to their antioxidant capacities. Theriogenology. 2022 Jun;185:97-108. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.009.