Hypoxis Hemerocallidea Research Articles

Stress-related physiological responses and ultrastructural changes in Hypoxis hemerocallidea leaves exposed to cadmium and aluminium

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is a medicinal plant containing hypoxoside (a pharmacologically active phytosterol diglucoside). This study evaluated the elemental composition in leaves of H. hemerocallidea treated with cadmium (Cd) and aluminium (Al) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The impact of Cd and Al on photosynthetic pigments and performance, antioxidant activities and ultrastructure were also assessed. Corms of H. hemerocallidea were micropropagated, rooted and then exposed to varying concentrations of Cd, Al, and Cd + Al for six weeks. The SEM/EDX analysis indicated a two-fold increase in carbon content across all treated plants compared to the control. No/little Cd was detected in the leaves compared to a progressive increase in Al concentration with increasing Al treatment levels. This indicted that Al is more readily translocated to the shoots compared to Cd. Plants treated with Cd exhibited a significant decrease in total chlorophyll content accompanied by reduced photosynthetic performance and lower relative electron transport rates. Cd and Al exposure led to higher carotenoid, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde levels, indicating oxidative stress. Cd-treated plants displayed increased amylase activity and decreased carbohydrates content. Ultrastructural alterations occurred with exposure to Cd and Al, including abnormal swelling or disintegration of chloroplasts and thylakoid degeneration. An increase in starch grains and a decrease in plastoglobuli were also noted. In conclusion, this investigation provides evidence that both Cd and higher concentrations of Al exert detrimental effects on the ultrastructure, metabolism and photosynthetic performance of H. hemerocallidea, contributing to reduced growth and biological activity when stressed.

In vitro α-amylase/α-glucosidase, cytotoxicity and radical scavenging potential of Hypoxishemerocallidea synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles

The prevalence of diabetes has continued to increase over the past decade. Medicinal extract-synthesized nanoformulations incorporating trace elements found in the body have emerged as alternative therapeutic technology for the treatment of diabetes. In this study, magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles were prepared using Hypoxishemerocallidea (HH) and investigated for their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and antidiabetic potentials. MgO NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and zeta-potential techniques. TEM analysis confirmed the 2D nanosheet-like morphology of the nanoparticles with particle size (diameter; 300 nm and length of about 1 µm) while the FTIR spectra showed functional groups correlating to the bioactive compounds of HH in the MgO NPs. Moderate antioxidant activity of MgO NPs was observed against DPPH (IC50 = 57.35 ± 0.28 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 = 52.08 ± 0.24 µg/mL). The nanoparticles were shown to be less toxic to normal embryonic (HEK293) and human liver (HEPG2) cell lines, with IC50 of 48.63 ± 0.73 and 32.39 ± 0.95 µg/mL, respectively compared to a known cytotoxic drug, doxorubicin which exhibited IC50 of 2.70 ± 0.32 and 8.62 ± 0.57 µg/mL respectively. Besides, the anti-hyperglycemic potential of the MgO NPs as demonstrated by α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities were significantly high with IC50 values of 33.03 ± 1.43 and 52.38 ± 3.06 µg/mL, respectively. These results were compared with an FDA-approved antidiabetic reference standard Acarbose, which exhibited IC50 values of 24.54 ± 1.55 and 6.54 ± 0.27 µg/mL. The results indicated that the HH bioinspired MgO NPs are capable of inhibiting meditators of diabetes and oxidative stress. This study further suggests that the MgO NPs synthesized using HH could be a good candidate for the management of diabetes and other inflammatory diseases due to their strong enzyme inhibition, efficient antioxidant properties, and biocompatibility.

Compost tea improves growth, nutrients and antioxidants in corms of Hypoxis hemerocallidea

Compost tea improves growth, nutrients and antioxidants in corms of Hypoxis hemerocallidea

Characterization and chemometric based optimization of bioactive metabolites in Hypoxis hemerocallidea with the aid of UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS

β-sitosterol and solasodine are major bioactive ingredients in Hypoxis hemerocallidea (H. hemerocallidea) with significant pharmacological properties. As a result, developing a simple and efficient extraction method for simultaneous extraction of both analytes is critical. The purpose of this study was to identify and separate β-sitosterol and solasodine from ethanolic extracts of H. hemerocallidea using a modified QuEChERS method and subsequent analysis via UPLC triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Response surface methodology was carried out, which included numerical parameters such as ultrasonication time, centrifugation time, and ultrasonication power. The categorical factors included the type of salt used to facilitate extraction, which was (NH4)2SO4 and Na2SO4. Fitting the response surface model to the experimental data produced a quadratic model with a good fit (R2 = 0.9966 for solasodine and R2 = 0.9857 for β-sitosterol). The optimum conditions for extraction of β-sitosterol and solasodine were an ultrasonication time of 30 min, ultrasonication power of 300 W and centrifugation time of 12 min. The generally higher concentrations of analytes obtained for (NH4)2SO4 indicated that it had a superior salting-out ability compared to Na2SO4. In conclusion, for the first time, β-sitosterol and solasodine were simultaneously extracted using modified QuEChERS with good yields through the salting-out action of (NH4)2SO4 in the presence of environmentally friendly solvents, ethanol and water. This modified QuEChERS technique can potentially be applied on a large scale as a sustainable and quick method for enrichment of therapeutic compounds from natural products.

The Study of the Effectiveness of Modern Phytotherapy for Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Chronic Prostatitis

The objective: to analyze the effectiveness and tolerability of a dietary supplement, which includes: Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens), pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata), African tuber (Hypoxis hemerocallidea), stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica), African plum bark (Prunus africana), rye pollen extract (Secale cereale), in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis (CP) for 6 months. Materials and methods. 60 men were examined, they were divided into two groups: the main group (MG) – 28 patients who received the dietary supplement for 6 months, and the comparison group (CG) – 32 patients who used another combined herbal preparation for the treatment of BPH and CP. MG and CG patients were similar in terms of age, disease duration, and urination rate. Patients of both groups were examined using clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods before the start of treatment and after its completion in 6 months. Results. The main result of the research can be considered that the use of a dietary supplement based on Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens), pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata), African tuber (Hypoxis hemerocallidea), stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica), African plum bark (Prunus africana), extract of rye pollen (Secale cereale) gives an excellent long-term effect in 96.4% of patients with CP and BPH. As a result of the study, this dietary supplement demonstrated its effectiveness in the treatment of patients with BPH and CP for both subjective (IPSS and QOL, pain sensation) and objective indicators over a period of 6 months. During therapy the volume of residual urine in patients probably decreased and the maximum urinary flow rate increased. Conclusions. Dietary supplement, which includes Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens), pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata), African tuber (Hypoxis hemerocallidea), nettle root (Urtica dioica), African plum bark (Prunus africana), rye pollen extract (Secale cereale), is well tolerated by patients, has high therapeutic efficiency, does not cause side effects, does not disturb the sexual function of patients with BPH and CP, which allows to prescribe it for a long time.

Developing a Strategic Cost Management Model for a Potato Packing Facility

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to solve a real-life business problem by developing a new customised strategic cost management (SCM) model for the case study entity － a South African potato packing facility. Design/method/approach: The study followed a pragmatic philosophy where data were collected by observation and semi-structured interviews. The data focused on the following SCM techniques: Business process re-engineering, activity-based management, Kaizen costing, total quality management, and target costing. Findings: The investigation found that, except for target costing, all the SCM techniques belong in a SCM model. The investigation also revealed specific practical operational examples which were firstly analysed according to codes, and secondly aggregated, rewritten, and inductively reasoned in order to illustrate these processes in a new customised SCM model. Practical implications: After the operational processes were documented, a new customised SCM model was developed for the case study entity. The findings of the study could be helpful when other organisations manufacture, process, or pack various products to make informed management decisions. Originality/value: The value of the study lies in the likelihood to establish transferability － the process that was followed to develop a new customised SCM model could be replicated.

Plants of Commercial Importance in Lesotho: Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Insights

Several plants have been processed in Lesotho to manufacture various commercial prodcts, ranging from cosmetics and beverages (juice, tea) to traditional herbal mixtures and crafts. Even though plants of commercial importance have been documented in different regions and countries, this is not the case in Lesotho. Therefore, the aim of the study is to record plant species commonly used in the country for development of commercial products. A physical survey was undertaken in different places in the Maseru District of Lesotho between January 2019 and October 2021, taking a record of existing commercial products and identifying plants used in their development. A total of 15 plants of commercial importance in the country are recorded in the current study, namely Agave americana, Aloe ferox, Artemisia afra, Cannabis sativa, Helichrysum odoratissimum, Hemannia depressa, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Leudeboria cooperi, Mentha spp., Merxmuellera spp., Pelargonium sidoides, Opuntia ficus-indica, Rosa rubiginosa and Urtica urens. Most of the plants are used for production of commercial products in the country, whereas some are exported as raw materials, mainly to countries such as Germany, South Africa, Australia and America. The latter are C. sativa, Merxmuellera spp., P. sidoides and R. rubiginosa. Profiling of the plants provides important information about their commercial potential. However, conservation of the plants is encouraged to ensure their sustainable utilisation.

Prostate Cancer: Causes and Medicinal Plants Used in Africa for Twenty Years (2001-2021)

Prostate cancer is one of deadliest cancers in the universe especially in Africa. A lot of work has been done on the treatment and control of breast cancer, colon/colorectal cancer, skin cancer, etc. Only a few works on prostate cancer has been published in literature. The conventional method of treatment used is almost not affordable by many cancer patients due to high cost of drugs and therapy. Also, the cumulative side effects arising from the treatment is enormous to patients. Hence, there is need to exploit local herbs that contain active anticancer ingredients that are readily available and affordable with little or no side effects. The present review was carried out to evaluate published works on medicinal plant species used for treatment and control of prostate cancer in Africa for twenty years (2001-2021). A total number of 48 plant species with 40 families were retrieved from database using ScienceDirect, Google scholar, Web of Science, Springerlink, Scopus, PubMed, and BioMed. All the plant species were reported to possess cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. The most cited plant species according to literature sources are Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Plumbago zeylanica, Gongronema latifolium and Mangifera indica. Plant families that were used more in treating prostate cancer were Apocynaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Bignoniaceae, Lamiaceae. We conclude that more research be carried out on the medicinal plants’ usage on the treatment of prostate cancer and further bio-prospecting drugs from the enlisted plants should explored by the pharmaceuticals in Africa.

Consumer acceptability of fried chips made from South African sweet potato cultivars

In South Africa, the processing of sweet potatoes has a high potential for economic gain, therefore, chips were prepared from six sweet potato cultivars with varying flesh colours for consumer preference evaluation. Scoring was based on colour, crispness, taste and overall ranking by four groups of a total of 159 people at distinct locations. Instrumental assessment included colour measurement of chips, and dry mass and total carotenoid content of fresh roots. Analysis of variance, principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were performed. Significant differences were found in taste/flavour, crispness and overall consumer ranking as well as for all instrumental measurements among chips made from the different cultivars. Orange-fleshed cultivars Bophelo, W-119 and Beauregard had values of 108.27, 112.37 and 113.33 µg/g for total carotenoids, respectively. The six cultivars were grouped into three clusters based on overall consumer rating, crispness, carotenoid content, colour a*, taste/flavour, oxidation and dry mass, colour L* and appearance. The results indicate that cultivars Beauregard and Bophelo can be recommended for making fried chips for South African consumers.

NADES Compounds Identified in Hypoxis hemerocallidea Corms during Dormancy.

Soaking Hypoxis hemerocallidea corms in distilled water improved the propagation and development of cormlets, suggesting the potential leaching-out of inhibitory chemical compounds. To investigate the presence of inhibitory compounds, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data of the leachate from dormant H. hemerocallidea corms were obtained using a 600 MHz 1H-NMR spectrometer. The 1H-NMR analysis led to the identification of choline, succinate, propylene glycol, and lactose, as inhibitory compounds. These four chemical compounds are part of the “Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents” (NADES) that protect plant cells during stress periods, each of which has the potential to inhibit bud growth and development. These compounds are supposedly leached out of the corms during the first rain under natural conditions, possibly accompanied by changes in the ratios of dormancy-breaking phytohormones and inhibitory compounds, to release bud dormancy. The identified chemical compounds heralded a novel frontier in the vegetative propagation of H. hemerocallidea as a medicinal plant, and for its enhanced sustainable uses.

Potato Cultivar Identification in South Africa Using a Custom SNP Panel.

DNA fingerprinting is a molecular technique applied to identify genetic differences between plant cultivars or lines and is used for genetic purity testing. The suitability of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels for the fingerprinting of tetraploid potato were investigated as a new high throughput, objective, and cost-effective method instead of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). One-hundred and ninety (190) potato cultivars, including various cultivars currently important in South Africa, were genotyped at 500 SNP positions utilising SeqSNP by LGC Biosearch Technologies. An optimal panel of 25 SNP markers was identified that could discriminate between South African potato cultivars on genetic allele dosage. The genotypes of these SNPs were validated on selected potato genotypes using KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) SNP assays. A database of SNP genotype profiles was compiled for all the entries of the germplasm database. The panel of 21 successful SNPs accurately identified the unique potato cultivars in the database. The KASP SNP assays of the successful SNP panel are therefore available for potato DNA fingerprinting as new germplasm, or purity test requests are submitted to ARC-VIMP. This panel provides an objective method for assigning putative cultivar identity to unknown samples submitted for fingerprinting.

Characterization and Toxicity of Hypoxoside Capped Silver Nanoparticles.

The reducing potential of plant extracts in the green synthesis of nanoparticles has been associated with their phytochemicals. Although pharmacologically inactive, a norlignan diglucoside “hypoxoside” (HP) occurs in large quantities in the extract of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (HE). In this work, HP was isolated from HE where both were used in the biosynthesis of the corresponding silver nanoparticles (HP-AgNPs and HE-AgNPs). The AgNPs were fully characterized using various physicochemical techniques and their antimicrobial and anticancer properties were evaluated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed sizes of 24.3 ± 4 nm for the HE-AgNPs and 3.9 ± 1.6 nm for the HP-AgNPs. The HE-AgNPs demonstrated enhanced anti-bactericidal effects on Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 1.95 µg/mL, competing well with the standard drug. The cytotoxic activity showed that the HE-AgNPs reduced cell viability with an IC50 of 0.81 and 4.0 µg/mL, respectively, for the U87 and U251 cells, while the HP-AgNPs displayed 0.20 and 0.55 µg/mL for both cell lines, respectively. Furthermore, while the HE-AgNPs were selective to U87 alone, the HP-AgNPs were selective to both glioblastoma cells tested. The study demonstrated the ability of a single phytoconstituent (hypoxoside), not only as the chief bioreductant in the extract, but also as a standalone reducing and capping agent, producing ultra-small, spherical, and monodispersed AgNPs with enhanced biological properties.

Traditional uses of wild and tended plants in maintaining ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa

BackgroundMany communities in developing countries rely on ecosystem services (ESs) associated with wild and cultivated plant species. Plant resources provide numerous ESs and goods that support human well-being and survival. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize wild and tended plant species, and also investigate how local communities in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa perceive ESs associated with plant resources.MethodsThe study was conducted in six local municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, between March 2016 and September 2021. Data on socio-economic characteristics of the participants, useful plants harvested from the wild and managed in home gardens were documented by means of questionnaires, observation and guided field walks with 196 participants. The ESs were identified using a free listing technique.ResultsA total of 163 plant species were recorded which provided 26 cultural, regulating and provisioning ESs. Provisioning ESs were the most cited with at least 25 plant species contributing towards generation of cash income, food, traditional and ethnoveterinary medicines. Important species recorded in this study with relative frequency of citation (RFC) values > 0.3 included Alepidea amatymbica, Allium cepa, Aloe ferox, Artemisia afra, Brassica oleracea, Capsicum annuum, Cucurbita moschata, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Opuntia ficus-indica, Spinacia oleracea, Vachellia karroo and Zea mays.ConclusionResults of this study highlight the importance of plant resources to the well-being of local communities in the Eastern Cape within the context of provision of essential direct and indirect ESs such as food, medicinal products, construction materials, fodder, regulating, supporting and cultural services. The ESs are the basis for subsistence livelihoods in rural areas, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. Therefore, such body of knowledge can be used as baseline data for provision of local support for natural resource management initiatives in the province and other areas of the country.

Scalable Synthesis and Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity of Rooperol and Analogues.

Plant polyphenols, such as the African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea)-derived bis-catechol rooperol, can display promising anticancer activity yet suffer from rapid metabolism. Embarking upon a program to systematically examine potentially more metabolically stable replacements for the catechol rings in rooperol, we report here a general, scalable synthesis of rooperol and analogues that builds on our previous synthetic approach incorporating a key Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling strategy. Using this approach, we have prepared and evaluated the cancer cell cytotoxicity of rooperol and a series of analogues. While none of the analogues examined here were superior to rooperol in preventing the growth of cancer cells, analogues containing phenol or methylenedioxyphenyl replacements for one or both catechol rings were nearly as effective as rooperol.

Potassium Fertigation to Enhance the Performance of Hypoxis hemerocallidea

Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient in plant metabolism, ionic balance, and stress resistance. In this study, the effects of K on agronomic attributes and on mineral and primary metabolite content in African potato were determined. K was administered hydroponically at four concentrations (4.00, 6.00, 8.00, and 10.00 meq·L−1) using Steiner’s universal nutrient solution. Chlorophyll content (CHL), leaf area (LA), fresh corm mass (FCM), number of roots (NR), root fresh weight (RFM), and root dry mass (RDM) were measured 18, 32, and 40 weeks after transplanting. Mineral analysis data were collected at 18 weeks, and primary metabolite data were collected at 32 weeks. Significant effects of K were observed after 18 weeks, and all test concentrations had a positive effect on yield. Calcium and boron significantly accumulated in the corm at 4.00 meq·L−1 K. Alanine and malic acid were the only metabolites affected by K concentrations. More minerals accumulated in the corm at 4.00 meq·L−1 K, whereas at 10.00 meq·L−1 K, more minerals clustered in the leaf. K applied at 4.00 meq·L−1 is recommended when growing African potato using a nutrient solution to improve corm mineral and metabolite accumulation.

Laboratory and Greenhouse Evaluation of Melia volkensii Extracts for Potency against African Sweet Potato Weevil, Cylas puncticollis, and Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

The African sweet potato weevil, Cylas puncticollis, and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, are insect pests of economic importance that have a negative impact on sweet potato and maize production, respectively. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of Melia volkensii extracts to protect sweet potato and maize plants against damage by both insect pests. We evaluated extracts from the bark, leaves, pulp and nuts of Melia volkensii for antifeedant activity against C. puncticollis and S. exigua (used as a substitute for S. frugiperda), under laboratory conditions. Interestingly, extracts of all plant parts showed antifeedant activity. These results led us to investigate the effectiveness of nut and pulp extracts to protect sweet potato and maize crops in greenhouse conditions. Against C. puncticollis, the sweet potato plants treated with nut extracts showed the lowest tuber damage (18%) when compared to pulp extracts (30%), positive control (33%) and negative control (76%). Nut extracts, pulp extracts and positive control reduced maize leaf and whorl damage by S. frugiperda compared to the negative control. Altogether, this study highlights the potential of M. volkensii extracts and their application in integrated insect pest management

Benzoylcyclopropane Derivatives from Hypoxis hemerocallidea Corms.

Two monobenzoylcyclopropane (hypoxhemerol A (1: ) and hypoxhemeroloside G (2: )) and three dibenzoylcyclopropane (hypoxhemerol B (3: ), hypoxhemeroloside H (4: ), and hypoxhemeroloside I (5: )) derivatives were isolated from the hydro-alcoholic extract of Hypoxis hemerocallidea corms. This is the first instance where benzoylcyclopropane analogs were isolated from any natural source. Structure elucidation was mainly based on 1D- and 2D-NMR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration (2R, 4R) of 1: was determined via NOESY NMR and experimental and calculated ECD data analyses. Compounds 1: -5: and 11 recently reported metabolites (hypoxoside, obtuside A, interjectin, acuminoside, curcapicycloside, and hypoxhemerolosides A - F) were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against various bacterial and fungal strains. Curcapicycloside and acuminoside exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with 78 and 79% inhibition at 20 µg/mL, respectively. Hypoxhemeroloside A showed mild antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans with 63% inhibition at 20 µg/mL.

Synergistic broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of Hypoxis hemerocallidea-derived silver nanoparticles and streptomycin against respiratory pathobionts

Respiratory tract infections arise due to the introduction of microbes into the airway, disrupting the normal, healthy, complex interdependent microbiome. The selective disruption of this community can be either beneficial or dangerous. Nanoparticles are a potential tool for modifying this population. Coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using ethanolic extracts of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (EEHH), a Southern African plant used extensively in traditional medicine and the source of many bioactive secondary metabolites. The room temperature reaction between silver nitrate and EEHH forms largely spherical AgNPs with an average diameter of 6–20 nm. These nanoparticles show similar levels of antibacterial activity as the broad-spectrum antibiotic streptomycin against Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, and Moraxella catarrhalis. However, the AgNPs synergistically increase the antibacterial activity of streptomycin when they are applied in combination (30–52%). AgNPs are reiterated to be promising dual-function antibiotics, synergistically enhancing activity while also acting as delivery agents for small molecules.

Transcriptome and proteome of the corm, leaf and flower of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (African potato)

The corm of Hypoxis hemerocallidea, commonly known as the African potato, is used in traditional medicine to treat several medical conditions such as urinary infections, benign prostate hyperplasia, inflammatory conditions and testicular tumours. The metabolites contributing to the medicinal properties of H. hemerocallidea have been identified in several studies and, more recently, the active terpenoids of the plant were profiled. However, the biosynthetic pathways and the enzymes involved in the production of the terpene metabolites in H. hemerocallidea have not been characterised at a transcriptomic or proteomic level. In this study, total RNA extracted from the corm, leaf and flower tissues of H. hemerocallidea was sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. A total of 143,549 transcripts were assembled de novo using Trinity and 107,131 transcripts were functionally annotated using the nr, GO, COG, KEGG and SWISS-PROT databases. Additionally, the proteome of the three tissues were sequenced using LC-MS/MS, revealing aspects of secondary metabolism and serving as data validation for the transcriptome. Functional annotation led to the identification of numerous terpene synthases such as nerolidol synthase, germacrene D synthase, and cycloartenol synthase amongst others. Annotations also revealed a transcript encoding the terpene synthase phytoalexin momilactone A synthase. Differential expression analysis using edgeR identified 946 transcripts differentially expressed between the three tissues and revealed that the leaf upregulates linalool synthase compared to the corm and the flower tissues. The transcriptome as well as the proteome of Hypoxis hemerocallidea presented here provide a foundation for future research.

Spices and herbs as immune enhancers and anti-inflammatory agents: A review

Spices and herbs have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, with research starting to accumulate on their beneficial properties. Of these properties, the immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory capabilities of many spices and herbs have led to promising results. The current review article aims to explore the current research of several spices and herbs as immune-enhancers and anti-inflammatory agents. The spices and herbs examined are African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea), allspice (Pimenta dioica), basil (Ocimum basilicum), black pepper (Piper nigrum), chili powders (Capsicum species), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Devil’s claw (Harpagophytem procumbens), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), oregano (Origanum vulgare), rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), rosemary/sage (Salvia rosmarinus/officinalis), saffron (Crocus sativus), South African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides), and turmeric (Curcuma longa). All the spices and herbs exhibited immune-enhancing or immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capabilities through various processes. Rooibos and oregano had the most contradictory results, with some studies finding pro-inflammatory properties, especially at high doses regarding oregano. Turmeric had the most extensive research with positive results.