Alba Root Research Articles

Analiza fitochemiczna gatunków Melilotus officinalis i Melilotus alba

Introduction. All over the world, natural medicine uses species of the genus Melilotus due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, spasmolytic, astringent, diuretic and anticoagulant effects. In the Polish Pharmacopoeia, only the yellow melilot herb (Meliloti herba) has a monograph. Aim. The research was aimed at a comparative analysis of the content of the sum of polyphenolic compounds, including the sum of flavonoids and phenolic acids, and antioxidant activity in water extracts of M. officinalis and M. alba herb and root. Material and methods. The research was carried out for two species of Melilotus officinalis and M. alba. The raw material was herb and melilot root, collected during flowering period from natural sites. In aqueous extracts from raw materials, the following methods were determined by colorimetric methods: the sum of polyphenolic compounds using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, the sum of phenolic acids using the Arnov reagent, the sum of flavonoids using the Christ-Müller method and the antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-radical hydrazyl (DPPH). Results. Meliloti alba herb has a much higher content of polyphenols, including phenolic acids and flavonoids than M. officinalis. In the yellow sweet clover the sum of polyphenols in the samples ranged from 2.101 to 2.438%, while in the white sweet clover from 2.765 to 3.540%. The content of phenolic acids in the samples of yellow sweet clover herb was 0.617-0.766%, and in the samples of white sweet clover herb was 0.646-0.900%. The content of flavonoids in the samples of yellow sweet clover herb ranged from 0.748 to 0.975%, and in the case of white sweet clover herb it was at the level of 0.801-1.192%. The samples of the commercial yellow sweet clover herb had the lowest content of phenolic compounds; the sum of polyphenols was 1.579%, phenolic acids 0.361%, and flavonoids 0.441%. The determined content of total polyphenols in the roots of both melilot species was low and amounted to 0.450% in MORA1 and 0.362% in MARA2. Despite the lower content of polyphenolic compounds (2.438%), the yellow melilot showed higher antioxidant activity (IC50 = 4.35 mg/ml) compared to the white melilot herb (IC50 = 5.31) with a higher content of polyphenols (3.010%). Conclusions. A higher content of the sum of polyphenols as well as phenolic acids and flavonoids was found in the white melilot. In both the yellow and white sweet clover herb extract, significantly more polyphenolic compounds were determined compared to the content in their root extract.

Improvement of stilbene production by mulberry Morus alba root culture via precursor feeding and co-elicitation.

Large amounts of Morus alba L. (MA) roots are needed as the source of active stilbenes in the industrial production of traditional medicines and cosmeceuticals. A recent investigation demonstrated resveratrol and its derivatives to be promising anti-COVID-19 agents. However, conventional cultivation of MA does not meet the demand for its stilbenes, and root quality usually varies between crops. This study established the in vitro non-GMO root culture of MA and optimized the root density, precursor feeding, and elicitors for stilbene productivity. A root culture with optimal inoculum density (3 g/flask of 30 mL medium) accumulated mulberroside A, oxyresveratrol, and resveratrol at 18.7 ± 1.00 mg/g, 136 ± 5.05 µg/g, and 41.6 ± 5.84 µg/g dry weight (DW), respectively. The feeding of L-tyrosine shortened the time required to reach the stilbene productive stage. Root cultures co-treated with 200 µM methyl jasmonate and 2 mg/mL yeast extract accumulated the highest contents of mulberroside A (30.3 ± 2.68 mg/g DW), oxyresveratrol (68.6 ± 3.53 µg/g DW), and resveratrol (10.2 ± 0.53 µg/g DW). In summary, root culture is a promising and sustainable source of stilbenes for the development of health products and agents for further investigation as potential anti-COVID-19 agents.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00449-020-02474-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Inhibition of PTP1B by farnesylated 2-arylbenzofurans isolated from Morus alba root bark: unraveling the mechanism of inhibition based on in vitro and in silico studies.

Among the 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives isolated from Morus alba, the farnesylated 2-arylbenzofuran is a rarer constituent. The derivative has been reported to exert anti-obesity effect; however, its inhibitory effect on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has not been investigated. In the previous study, the presence of the farnesyl group in the structure of 2-arylbenzofurans was found to have positive influences on their pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. In the present study, we have confirmed the authenticity of the notation based on the PTP1B inhibitory activity of farnesylated 2-arylbenzofurans. Specifically, two farnesylated 2-arylbenzofurans [morusalfurans B (2) and C (3)] showed strong inhibitory effects on PTP1B with IC50 values of 8.92 and 7.26 µM, respectively, which was significantly higher than that of the positive controls [sodium orthovanadate (IC50 = 15.10 µM) and ursolic acid (IC50 = 11.34 µM)]. Besides, two 2-arylbenzofurans [morusalfurans A (1) and F (6)], one flavonoid [morusalnol B (9)], and one geranylated stilbene [morusibene A (11)] exhibited PTP1B inhibition with IC50 values ranging from 11.02 to 26.56 µM. Kinetic studies revealed compounds 2, 3, 6, and 11 as mixed type PTP1B inhibitors, while 1 and 9 are known as noncompetitive. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated that these active compounds can bind with the respective catalytic or/and allosteric sites of PTP1B with negative binding energies and the results are in accordance with that of the kinetic studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time, the PTP1B inhibitory activity of eleven compounds (1–11), as well as the mechanism of action underlying the effects on PTP1B enzyme of the active compounds, were investigated. In vitro and in silico results suggest that the farnesylated 2-arylbenzofurans from M. alba may potentially be utilized as an effective treatment therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated complications.

Seasonal Differences in Rural Particulate Matter Ecotoxicity

The composition of atmospheric particulate matter, including particle-bound polyaromatic hydrocarbons, generally shows a clear seasonal pattern which is reflected in its ecotoxicity as well. This study aimed at characterising seasonal differences in the ecotoxicity of rural aerosol samples applying both luminescent bacteria and higher plants as test organisms. Higher plant phytotoxicity was assessed by the Sinapis alba root growth inhibition test and the Vegetative Vigour Test. Different bioassays and end-points showed different sensitivity: while the Sinapis alba assay showed no toxic effect, luminescent bacteria proved an excellent screening tool, detecting no toxicity in the summer sample and the highest inhibition in the winter sample, with EC20 = 9.87%. In the case of Vegetative Vigour Test, parallel application of different end-points revealed that atmospheric particulate matter might have a Janus-faced effect: stimulation of photosynthetic pigments due to nutrient content and growth impairment due to toxic components.

Metabolomics profiling and biological properties of root extracts from two Asphodelus species: A. albus and A. aestivus

The pharmacological properties of Asphodelus species have been advocated previously. In this respect, the present study attempts to unravel the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity of root extracts of two Asphodelus species, namely, A. albus and A. aestivus. Data gathered demonstrated that the dichloromethane (25.49, 51.30, 104.31, and 81.58 mg Trolox equivalents [TEs]/g, for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH], 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) [ABTS], cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC], and ferric reducing antioxidant power[FRAP] assays respectively) and ethyl acetate (20.60, 41.86, 89.07, and 57.85 mg TEs/g, for DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays respectively) extracts of A. albus roots showed highest radical scavenging and reducing potential. These findings were in accordance with total phenolic content observed which showed the highest phenolic content of A. albus dichloromethane (30.74 mg gallic acid equivalents [GAEs]/g) and ethyl acetate (23.41 mg GAEs/g) extracts. Interestingly, A. albus and A. aestivus root extracts were active inhibitors of tyrosinase and lipase, with values varying from 56.52 to 71.49 mg kojic acid equivalent/g and 34.88 to 86.32 mg orlistat equivalent/g, respectively. Flavonoids, anthraquinones, and phenolic acids were identified as main individual compounds in chemical profile analysis. This is the first report of the presence of aloin A, aloin B, and aloesin in species other than in Aloe. Scientific evidences gathered from this study claimed the biological activity of the studied Asphodelus species and provided rationale for further investigations which might lead to the development of novel pharmacophores to alleviate oxidative stress related complications, obesity, as well as, skin hyperpigmentation complications.

PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND FORMULATION OF SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES LOTION FROM MULBERRY ROOTS (MORUS ALBA L.)

Objective: Tween 80 has been used as a solvent for the extraction of phenolic compounds because this surfactant has both hydrophilic and hydrophobicproperties. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have been developed to improve penetration through the skin layer. We investigated the efficacy of usingthe microwave-assisted micellar extraction (MAME) approach for extracting oxyresveratrol from Morus alba roots and also to develop an SLN lotion.Methods: The M. alba roots were extracted with Tween 80 in a microwave for 18 min, and the extract was used to develop SLN with differentconcentrations of glyceryl monostearate. The SLNs from M. alba root extracts were prepared by a high-speed homogenization technique (25,000 rpmfor 15 min). The SLNs produced were characterized as per particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. The SLNs with the bestcharacteristics were used to formulate a lotion using a high-pressure homogenizer.Results: Extraction using MAME showed improved extraction efficiency. The oxyresveratrol concentration from the extract was 2.77%. The SLN with2.5% glyceryl monostearate showed the optimum result, with a particle size of 130.20 nm, a PDI of 0.278, and a zeta potential of −21.8 mV. The SLNlotion exhibited a particle size of 285.9 nm and a PDI of 0.360. The SLN lotion also had good penetration, with a flux of 4.70 μg cm−2/h.Conclusion: MAME is an efficient method for extracting oxyresveratrol from M. alba roots. The SLN with 2.5% glyceryl monostearate exhibited theoptimum characteristics, and the SLN lotion showed good characteristics, including skin penetration.

Biological activities of Indonesian mangroves obtained by subcritical water extraction

Mangroves are still considered as underexploited marine resources in Indonesia, and functional materials from Indonesian mangroves are not characterized yet. In this study, different part of mangroves (Sonneratia alba leaves - SAL, Sonneratia alba roots - SAR, Sonneratia alba fruit - SAF, Rhizhopora mucronata - RMF, Rhizhopora lamarckii - RLF) were hydrolyzed using the subcritical water extraction (SCWE) system at 120 ºC. Mangroves hydrolysates (SAL, SAR, SAF, RMF and RLF) were further analyzed for total protein, sugar, reducing sugar, saponin and flavonoid content. The antioxidant capacity and functional material contents including total sugar, reducing sugar, protein, flavonoid and saponin contents. The highest flavonoid and saponin contents were obtained from RLF with the value of 20.13±0.17 mg/g and 31.83±0.18 mg/g, respectively. The antioxidant capacity and antibacterial properties of mangroves hydrolysates varied significantly based on the sample materials, with RLF showing the highest total antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity. The results of our study suggest that tropical mangroves especially R. lamarckii could be valorized efficiently, as a source of bioactive material using subcritical water extraction

Novel Diels-Alder Type Adducts from Morus alba Root Bark Targeting Human Monoamine Oxidase and Dopaminergic Receptors for the Management of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

In this study, we delineate the human monoamine oxidase (hMAO) inhibitory potential of natural Diels–Alder type adducts, mulberrofuran G (1), kuwanon G (2), and albanol B (3), from Morus alba root bark to characterize their role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and depression, focusing on their ability to modulate dopaminergic receptors (D1R, D2LR, D3R, and D4R). In hMAO-A inhibition, 1–3 showed mild effects (50% inhibitory concentration (IC50): 54‒114 μM). However, 1 displayed moderate inhibition of the hMAO-B isozyme (IC50: 18.14 ± 1.06 μM) followed by mild inhibition by 2 (IC50: 57.71 ± 2.12 μM) and 3 (IC50: 90.59 ± 1.72 μM). Our kinetic study characterized the inhibition mode, and the in silico docking predicted that the moderate inhibitor 1 would have the lowest binding energy. Similarly, cell-based G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) functional assays in vector-transfected cells expressing dopamine (DA) receptors characterized 1–3 as D1R/D2LR antagonists and D3R/D4R agonists. The half-maximum effective concentration (EC50) of 1–3 on DA D3R/D4R was 15.13/17.19, 20.18/21.05, and 12.63/‒ µM, respectively. Similarly, 1–3 inhibited 50% of the DA response on D1R/D2LR by 6.13/2.41, 16.48/31.22, and 7.16/18.42 µM, respectively. A computational study revealed low binding energy for the test ligands. Interactions with residues Asp110, Val111, Tyr365, and Phe345 at the D3R receptor and Asp115 and His414 at the D4R receptor explain the high agonist effect. Likewise, Asp187 at D1R and Asp114 at D2LR play a crucial role in the antagonist effects of the ligand binding. Our overall results depict 1–3 from M. alba root bark as good inhibitors of hMAO and potent modulators of DA function as D1R/D2LR antagonists and D3R/D4R agonists. These active constituents in M. alba deserve in-depth study for their potential to manage neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), particularly PD and psychosis.

Assisted phytostabilization of soil from a former military area with mineral amendments.

Due to the presence of toxic pollutants, soils in former military areas need remedial actions with environmentally friendly methods. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to investigate the aided phytostabilization of multi-heavy metals (HMs), i.e. Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, in post-military soil by Festuca rubra and three mineral amendments (diatomite, dolomite and halloysite). The amendments were applied at 0 and 3.0% to each pot filled with 5 kg of polluted soil. After seven weeks of the phytostabilization, selected soil properties, biomass yield of F. rubra and immobilization of HMs by their accumulation in plant and redistribution among individual fractions in soil were determined. In addition, ecotoxicology parameters of non-amended and amended soil were established using Phytotoxkit (Sinapsis alba) and Ostracodtoxkit (Heterocypris incongruens) tests. The addition of halloysite significantly increased F. rubra biomass. Diatomite significantly increased both the Cd, Cu, Pb and Cr concentrations in the roots and the pH of the soil. The application of halloysite significantly decreased the Cd and Zn contents of the soil after the completion of the experiment. Dolomite and halloysite were more effective in HM immobilization in soil by decreasing their content in an exchangeable fraction than diatomite. These soil amendments significantly differentiated the length of S. alba roots and had a positive effect on the development of H. incongruens.

Multiple In vitro biological effects of phenolic compounds from Morus alba root bark.

Morus alba L. is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various diseases, including bacterial infections and inflammation. As a rich source of phenolic compounds, the plant is an object of many phytochemical and pharmacological studies. The aim of the study was to isolate and evaluate possible parallel antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of phenolic mulberry compounds. Extensive chromatographic separation of mulberry root bark extract and in vitro biological screening of 26 constituents identified promising candidates for further pharmacological research. Selected compounds were screened for anti-infective and anti-inflammatory activities. Antiviral activity was determined by the plaque number reduction assay and by the titer reduction assay, antibacterial using broth microdilution method, and anti-inflammatory activity using COX Colorimetric inhibitor screening assay kit. One compound was evaluated in vivo in carrageenan-induced paw-edema in mice. Five prenylated compounds 1, 2, 8, 9, and 11, together with a simple phenolic ester 13, exhibited inhibitory activity against the replication of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), with IC50 values ranging from 0.64 to 1.93 μg/mL, and EC50 values 0.93 and 1.61 μg/mL. Molecular docking studies demonstrated the effects of the active compounds by targeting HSV-1 DNA polymerase and HSV-2 protease. In antibacterial assay, compounds 1, 4, 11, and 17 diminished the growth of all of the Gram-positive strains tested, with MIC values of 1-16 μg/mL. The anti-inflammatory ability of several compounds to inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) was tested in vitro, and compound 16 displayed greater activity than the indomethacin, positive control. Mulberrofuran B (11) showed anti-inflammatory activity in vivo against carrageenan-induced paw-edema in mice. Experimental investigation showed promising antiviral, antibacterial, and/or anti-inflammatory activities of the phenolic mulberry constituents, often with multiple inhibitory effects that might be used as a potential source of new medicine.

A PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND IN VITRO SKIN PENETRATION OF MORUS ALBA ROOT EXTRACT NANOEMULSION

Objective: White mulberry (Morus alba) root extract has terpenoid, flavonoid, and stilbene compounds. The stilbenes, oxyresveratrol and resveratrol, have antioxidant and antityrosinase activities. Nanocarriers can help active ingredients to be delivered in a more efficient manner. The advantages of nanoemulsion on products include increased penetration, biocompatibility, and low toxicity due to its non-ionic properties and have the ability to combine the properties of lipophilic and hydrophilic active ingredients. The objective of this study was to prepare, characterize, and evaluate the in vitro skin penetration of M. alba root extract nanoemulsion.
 Methods: The M. alba root extract was prepared by ionic liquid-based microwave-assisted extraction method. Nanoemulsion was optimized and prepared using virgin coconut oil (VCO), Tween 80, and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) by aqueous phase-titration method to construct pseudoternary phase diagram. M. alba root extract nanoemulsion was characterized for droplet size, viscosity, zeta potential, and physical stability tests for 12 weeks. In vitro skin penetration of oxyresveratrol from nanoemulsion was determined by the Franz diffusion cell and was compared by macroemulsion preparation, then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography method.
 Results: Based on pseudoternary phase diagram, nanoemulsion of white mulberry root extract contained of 2% VCO and 18% mixture of surfactant Tween 80 and PEG 400 (1:1) was chosen. Nanoemulsion has average globule size of 81.61 nm, with polydispersity index 0.22, and potential zeta −1.56 mV. The cumulative penetration of oxyresveratrol from nanoemulsion was 55.86 μg/cm2 with flux of 6.53 μg/cm2/h, while regular emulsion was 32.45 μg/cm2 with flux of 3.5501 μg/cm2/h.
 Conclusion: Nanoemulsion of white mulberry root extract was penetrated deeper than regular emulsion.

Potent anti-MRSA activity and synergism with aminoglycosides by flavonoid derivatives from the root barks of Morus alba, a traditional Chinese medicine

Infections of clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a very tough public health problem and a challenge of new drug development. Nearly 90 Diels-Alder adducts (DAAs) have so far been isolated from Morus plants, but only a few of them have been evaluated for their anti-MRSA activities. To study the antibacterial compounds of DAAs from the root barks’ section of Morus alba L. and their synergism with antibacterial agents against clinical MRSA strains, bioassay-guided phytochemical methods were used to screen the active components. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were assayed through broth serial microdilution. The synergism were evaluated by checker board microdilution and dynamic time-kill experiments. Three DAAs (multicaulisin (1), sanggenon G (2) and albanin G (3)) were isolated and identified from M. alba root barks. They were determined with potent effect against MRSA isolates with MICs/MBCs at 2–8/16–128 mg/L. They also showed synergy with conventional antibacterial agents, especially the aminoglycosides, with fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs) ranged from 0.19 to 0.50 and the dose reduction indices (DRIs) ranged from 16 to 2. The MRSA resistance to the antibiotics could be reversed by compounds 1–3. The dose-dependent bactericidal synergism against MRSA was observed as well. The study released for the first time the anti-MRSA synergism of DAAs from M. alba root barks with antibacterial agents and the reversal of MRSA resistance to aminoglycosides. The results may be valuable for further development of new antibacterial drugs and synergists against MRSA infections.

Optimization of Urea-Glycerin Based NADES-UAE for Oxyresveratrol Extraction from Morus alba Roots for Preparation of Skin Whitening Lotion

: Objective: The oxyresveratrol, polyphenol from Morus alba (Mulberry) roots has been known to have potential skin whitening activities. The application of urea-glycerin-based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent-Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (NADES-UAE) method was successful on extraction of polyphenols from plant material. The purpose of this research was to get optimum extraction conditions to enhance oxyresveratrol content and get the best lotion formula based on physical properties evaluation. Methods: The roots were extracted with urea-glycerin-based NADES-UAE method. The NADES-UAE method was employed to determine the optimal extraction condition for two parameters: the molar ratio of urea: glycerin and ultrasonic irradiation time. Oxyresveratrol concentration of the extracts was analyzed with HPLC. Morus alba roots extract was formulated into three formulas of lotion preparation and evaluated based on their physical properties. Results: The optimized conditions for the highest oxyresveratrol concentration from Morus alba roots extract were the molar ratio of urea-glycerin (1:3) and ultrasonic irradiation time as 15 mins. It showed that urea-glycerin UAE method produced Morus alba roots extract with higher oxyresveratrol content than conventional method. Based on physical evaluation from three lotion formulas, formula A was chosen as best formula. Conclusion: This urea-glycerin-based NADES-UAE method was suitable as a green alternative method for the extraction of oxyresveratrol from Morus alba roots because cheaper, faster and easier than conventional extraction method. The lotion preparation which has good physical properties can be applied as a skin whitening cosmetic.Key words: Natural deep eutectic solvent, Ultrasonic assisted extraction, Urea, Glycerin, Oxyresveratrol, Morus alba, Roots extract, Skin whitening.

Extraction of Phytochemical Constituents from the root of Eclipta Alba through Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry procedure

The higher herbal values of Eclipta Alba have a long history in the treatment of various ailments in traditional and folk medicine in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. Medicinal plants play a significant role in human culture and civilization. Eclipta Alba plant roots were powdered. By using simple soxhlation method, methanol extract was prepared. The powdered extract of Eclipta alba and methanol extract was concentrated and analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy to identify the biochemical components of Eclipta Alba root extract in the present study. A wide range of active ingredients such as 2- Thiophene carbaldehyde, 5-[5-(thien-2-yl) thien-2-yl]- 0.08%, Dodecanoic acid - 0.19, 9-Octadecenamide, (Z)- (CAS) OLEOAMIDE - 0.29, Loliolide – 0.37 and– 44.86. This study supports, methanolic extract of eclipta alba has potential antimicrobial, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities.

The potential of Brassicaceae biofumigant crops to manage Pleiochaeta setosa in sustainable lupin cultivation

Lupin is prone to infection by Pleiochaeta setosa (Kirchn.) Hughes causing brown spot and root rot in Lupinus species. The control of these diseases is crucial to limit yield losses, but an increased public awareness and European legislative restrictions have resulted in a drastic reduction of allowed pesticides and many research groups invest in alternative biocontrol strategies. In the current study, the inhibitory effect of volatiles, released by two members of the Brassicaceae family (white mustard (Sinapis alba) and fodder radish (Raphanus sativus)), on brown spot and root rot in Lupinus species was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro trial showed that root tissue of Brassicaceae was more effective in reducing the vegetative growth of Pleiochaeta setosa than leaf and stem tissues. Furthermore, R. sativus was more effective than S. alba. The GC–MS analysis revealed that dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide were predominantly emitted by the tissues of both Brassicaceae. Additionally, the ground root tissue of R. sativus emitted 4-isothiocyanato-1-(methylthio)-1-butene, whereas the stem + leaf tissue emitted benzyl isothiocyanate. Benzyl isothiocyanate was also released by the ground S. alba root tissue, whereas the leaf + stem tissue emitted 3-butenyl isothiocyanate. In vitro trials with pure dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide confirmed the antifungal effect of the volatiles released by these sulfides. For dimethyl disulfide 7.95 mg per Petri dish was necessary to (almost) completely inhibit mycelium growth, whereas for dimethyl trisulfide 1.20 mg per Petri dish was sufficient to prevent fungal growth. In addition, a trial with allyl isothiocyanate showed that for this compound even lower doses (0.50 mg per Petri dish) stopped the growth of the fungus. The results obtained with the pot trial illustrated that the amendment of Brassicaceae species significantly reduced the P. setosa infection level. Also in the field, incorporation of Brassicaceae species suppressed P. setosa. From this study, it can be concluded that Brassicaceae species are a powerful tool to manage P. setosa in lupin cultivation. However, it should be combined with other control practices since the amendment of these biofumigant crops could not completely inhibit symptom development.

Machine learning methods for estimation the indicators of phosphogypsum influence in soil

The full understanding of the effect of mineral waste-based fertilizer in soil is still unrelieved, because of the extreme complex chemical composition and plethora of their action pathways. The purposes of this paper is to quantify the input of PG into the soil ecosystem process, considering the direct effects of PG as a whole on soil environment using of a plethora of chemical, toxicological, and biological tests. Greenhouse experiment includes different PG doses (0, 1%, 3%, 7.5%, 15%, 25%, and 40%) and two-time collection points after treatments—7 and 28 days. For each treatment and each time collection point, we measure (i) soil pH, bioavailable (H20 and NH4COOH-extractable) element content (S, P, K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Sr, Ba, F); (ii) soil enzyme activities—dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, FDA; (iii) soil CO2 respiration activity with and without glucose addition; (iv) Eisenia fetida, Sinapis alba, and Avena sativa responses. Finally, we combine the ordinary chemical, toxicology, and biological measuring of soil properties with state-of-the-art mathematical analysis, namely (i) support vector machines (used for prediction), (ii) mutual information test (variable importance tasks), (iii) t-SNE and LLE algorithms (used for unsupervised classification). The results show similarity between the 0%, 1%, and 3% PG treatments in all collection times based on the toxicological and biological properties. Beyond 7.5% PG, some biological test was significantly inhibited in response to trace element stress. Among all tested parameters, soil urease activities, soil respiration activities after glucose addition, S. alba root lengths, and E. fetida survival rates show sensitivity to PG addition. Furthermore, the machine learning algorithms revealed that only several elements (mobile and water-soluble forms of Ca, Ba, Sr, S, and Na; water-soluble F) could be responsible to elevated soil toxicity for those indicators. SVR models were able to predict soil biological and ecotoxicity properties, and increasing numbers of randomly selected training examples from 50 to 90% of initial experimental data significantly improved model performance. At this study, we demonstrate benefits of unsupervised machine learning methods for investigating toxicity of man-made substances in soil that can be further applied to risk assessments of various toxins, which are of significant interest to environmental protection.

Response of Artemisia herba alba to hexavalent chromium pollution under arid and semi-arid conditions

The aim of this work is to study and evaluate in situ, the Artemisia herba alba responses to hexavalent chromium stress in the arid and semi-arid steppe Algerian soil. This metallic pollutant was selected to its high toxicity and to its great release from several industrial and agricultural activities emissions in the area of the study region. Artemisia herba alba is a medicinal plant but also a forage species widely used in pasture. It has dominated then adapted to the arid and semi-arid climate of Algerian steppe region, due principally to their morphological and physiological characteristics.To establish this work, A. herba alba species were selected in the Algerian steppe region, and their soils were treated weekly with K2CrO4 solution for about three months. Chromium concentrations were determined in the soil and in the different plants’ parts to verify its absorption and translocation with and without pollution simulation.This study demonstrated that A. herba alba has a strong resistance to high concentrations of hexavalent chromium. An increase in chromium concentrations at the different parts of plant’s has been noticed, without affecting its growth and vegetative development. The results of physiological and elementary analysis indicated that chromium was absorbed by A. herba alba. Cr (VI) accumulation in plant increase when they are increasing in soil. Translocation factor results indicated that Cr (VI) was mainly accumulated by A. herba alba roots. Particle size analysis showed that the soil is poor in organic substances and mostly sandy loams with 79.77% of sand and 9.76% of clay minerals.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive features of Bryonia alba L.: As a possible alternative in treating rheumatism

AbstractBryonia species have traditionally been used as a diuretic and laxative, to reduce edema and relieve joint pain. B. alba roots are used especially to treat rheumatic pain and applied to painful joints in Turkish folk medicine. B. alba roots were extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol, successively. The carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model and the Whittle method were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts in mice. The p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test and tail flick test were used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the extracts in mice. DPPH-radical-scavenging activity, ABTS radical–scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, and hydroxyl radical– scavenging activity were assessed. Furthermore, the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were calculated for all the extracts. The EtOAc extract prepared from B. alba roots had the most promising anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant activities. Moreover, it had high phenolic and flavonoid contents. Therefore, B. alba roots could be alternative treatment method for rheumatic disorders.

Effect of Morus alba root bark extract on gene-level expression of inflammatory markers in rats subjected to ethanol and cerulein induced pancreatitis- influence of heat shock protein 70.

Background Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a persistent inflammation of the pancreas clinically presented with severe abdominal pain, progressive fibrosis, and loss of exocrine and endocrine functions. Inflammasomes, cytosolic multiprotein complexes which regulate the formation of proinflammatory cytokines, are influenced by various factors including heat shock proteins (HSPs). Morus alba L., or white mulberry root bark is a valued traditional Asian medicine with a diverse array of phytochemicals. The aim of this investigation was to define the modulatory action of methanolic extract of Morus alba root bark (MEMARB) on NLRP3 inflammasome, and HSPs in pancreas subjected to inflammatory insult. Methods Pancreatitis was induced in male albino Wistar rats by ethanol (0-36%) and cerulein (20 µg/kg b.wt., i.p.) for 5 weeks with or without MEMARB administration. Serum lipase/amylase (L/A) ratio, oxidative stress index (OSI) and reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio in the pancreas were evaluated. Levels of serum HSP70 was quantified by ELISA. NF-kappa B, NLRP3-ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and HSP70 gene expression was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results L/A ratio and oxidative stress determined in terms of OSI and GSH/GSSG ratio were elevated in pancreatitis-induced rats. The levels were restored in MEMARB co-administered animals. Serum level of HSP70 was increased in pancreatitis-induced animals and dropped significantly in MEMARB co-administrated rats. Pancreatitis-induced group showed increased expression of NF-kappa B, IL-1β, IL-18, caspase-1, NLRP3-ASC and HSP70 mRNA than in MEMARB treated group. Conclusions It can be concluded that the M. alba root extract modulates the expression of HSP70 and NLRP3-ASC which might be attributed to its pancreato-protective effect.

Root-soil contact dynamics of Vicia faba in sand

AimsRoot shrinkage in drying soil has been shown repeatedly. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of root-soil contact and its relationship with plant water status during soil drying.MethodsThe development of root-soil contact of Vicia faba L. during a drying period was studied. Plants (N = 4) were grown in cylinders filled with a sandy soil. Samples were repeatedly scanned with an X-ray CT scanner to visualize root-soil contact. Soil matric potential, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance were measured daily.ResultsRoot-soil contact was lower in taproots than in lateral roots at any time. Transpiration rate and stomatal conductance decreased before roots started to shrink. Root-soil contact decreased significantly over the course of the drying period, starting at soil matric potentials below −20 kPa. Root shrinkage did not differ significantly between taproots and laterals.ConclusionsThis study confirms previous findings with Lupinus albus roots in that roots shrink after transpiration rate decreases. The dynamics of root shrinkage are governed by soil water availability and transpirational demand.