Seed Alkaloid Content Research Articles

Profiling the volatile compounds of Peganum harmala L. Based on multiple sample preparation coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and explored its antidepressants-like activity

Peganum harmala L., a traditional medicinal plant in China, is renowned for its significant alkaloid content in seeds and roots exhibiting a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antidepressant, antiseptic, and antiviral. However, the volatile composition of the herb remained unclear. Apart from that, the extraction of volatile compounds through essential oil presents challenges due to the low yield and the degradation of volatile active compounds at high temperatures. This study used multiple sample preparation methods including headspace (HS), needle trap device (NTD), and liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to analyze the volatile compounds from the areal part of P. harmala L.. A total of 93 compounds were identified with NTD facilitating the first detection of harmine among the volatile organic compounds. Through network pharmacology and protein interaction analysis, the compounds’ potential therapeutic targets of the compounds were explored, and 23 key targets were obtained (AKT1, ALB, PTGS2, MAOA, etc). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated significant involvement in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions and serotonergic synapses. The results enhanced the understanding of P. harmala’s pharmacological mechanisms and supported its ethnopharmacological use.

Evaluation of alkaloids in yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.): New insight to genetic resources diversity and future breeding perspectives

The agronomic potential of many species, including lupins, is underutilized due to poor characterization of the genetic resources conserved by genebanks. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the seed alkaloid content and alkaloid profiles of 292 yellow lupin (YL, Lupinus luteus L.) accessions from the Polish Lupinus Collection using gas chromatography, coupled to a flame ionization detector. The YL collection showed wide diversity, as indicated by a broad range of total alkaloid content (0.0004–1.8042%) and various qualitative alkaloids compositions in specific genotypes. A statistical approach allowed comparing classes at different domestication level and identifying divergent germplasm. Wild accessions had higher total alkaloid content, dominated by lupinine, whereas domesticated accessions had lower alkaloid content and alkaloid profiles mainly composed of sparteine and ammodendrine. The study identified accessions with promising breeding potential or for detailed research, such as wild, low-alkaloid germplasm or those with only one specific alkaloid detected. Furthermore, the study assessed the “breeding progress” toward reducing the total alkaloid content of YL cultivars in comparison with two other lupin crops (narrow-leafed and white lupin). This comparative study showed the significant progress in YL, which could be caused by lupinine synthesis inhibition. Overall, the study provides advanced knowledge on YL genetic resources and highlights the importance of their comprehensive characterization.

Evaluation of the Nutritional, Phytochemical, and Antioxidant Potential of Rourea minor Fruits: An Underutilized Species

The present study focuses on the nutritional, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant activities of the fruits of Rourea minor (Gaertn.) Alston., an underutilized plant species. The ripened seeds contained 0.28%, 12.39%, 25.70%, 1.4%, and 3.4% of fat, protein, carbohydrate, ash, and fiber, respectively, whereas ripened pulp possessed 0.19%, 0.34%, 0.90%, 0.35%, and 0.98% of fat, protein, carbohydrates, ash, and fiber, respectively. The ripened seed and pulp were also rich in mineral elements and especially microelements. The pulp, when ripe, had high levels of microelements such as boron, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese with values of 25.98, 2523.56, 499.12, 33.62, and 40.30 µg/g DW, respectively. Phytate and oxalate content were comparatively higher in ripened seeds (6.91 and 31.88 mg/g FW) than in the pulp. Acetone, absolute methanol, water, and 70% methanol were used for the extraction of phytochemicals, and 70% methanol extract contained the highest phytochemicals. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloid content of unripe seeds was 180.47 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/DW, 68.95 quercetin equivalent (QE)/g DW, and 0.35 atropine equivalent (AE)/g DW, respectively, and that of unripe pulp was 8.21 mg GAE/g DW, 2.97 mg QE/g DW and 1.20 mg AE/g DW, respectively. All the extracts showed remarkable antioxidant activity, proved by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, following a similar trend to the phytochemical composition. The study concludes that Rourea minor fruits, both seeds, and pulp, could be an excellent source of nutrients, microelements, and antioxidants.

Effect of ultrasound-accelerated debittering method on total alkaloid and total carotenoid content of lupin seeds (Lupinus albus L.) and storage stability of thermally treated lupin flours

Effect of ultrasound-accelerated debittering method on total alkaloid and total carotenoid content of lupin seeds (Lupinus albus L.) and storage stability of thermally treated lupin flours

Productivity and seed quality of the new white lupine varieties and lines in the Central Black-Earth region

The study of white lupine samples of grain-forage direction developed by the All-Russian Research Institute of Lupine were carried out for three years (2019–2021) on the fields of the collection farm of the of the department of plant production, breeding and olericulture of the Belgorod State Agrarian University named after V.Ya. Gorin. There have been studied 4 varieties and 26 lines, the variety ‘Michurinsky’ was the standard in the trial. According to the seed productivity in all years of study, most varieties and lines significantly exceeded the standard. On average for 3 years, the most productive lines were ‘SN 17-14’, ‘SN 54-08’ and ‘SN 12–13’, which increase ranged from 43 to 48 % in comparison with the standard variety. Productivity increase from 34 to 39 % was given by the lines ‘SN 816-09’, ‘SN 1735-10’, ‘SN 35-13’ and ‘SN 77-17’. The increase of the varieties ‘Pilgrim’ and ‘Aliy parus’ and four lines ‘SN 18-13’, ‘SN 15-13’, ‘SN 55-14’, ‘SN 138-16’ varied from 21 to 26 % compared to the standard. The variety ‘Timiryazevsky’ and lines ‘SN 1397-10’, ‘SN 78-16’ and ‘SN 25-11’ exceeded the standard on 13–18 %. At the same time, the lines ‘SN 76-16’ and ‘SN 1022-09’ produced the lowest yields, significantly inferior to the standard. The calculation of the adaptability coefficient has shown that the varieties and lines that provided high and stable seed productivity over the years are also highly adaptive to the arid conditions of the region, since this coefficient has exceeded 100 %. The protein percentge in seeds on average for 3 years ranged from 29.55 to 36.45 % with 32.27 % for the standard. Its percentage exceeded 35.0 % among 7 lines and the variety ‘Pilgrim’. The oil content in seeds of the white lupine varieties and lines on average for 3 years ranged from 10.00 to 11.54 %. Most varieties and lines in the trial according to the content of alkaloids in seeds belong to the group of low alkaloids (up to 0.099 %) and medium alkaloids (up to 0.299 %).

Prospects for obtaining low-alkaloid and adaptive forms of narrow-leafed lupinе based on the genome and transcriptome resources of the species

The narrow-leafed lupinе (Lupinus angustifolius L.) is considered as a crop of untapped opportunities. The food and forage potential of the species is not fully exploited due to the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids (QA) in plants, which are secondary metabolites that make the seeds bitter and toxic to humans and animals. Varieties with a low content of QA (“sweet” varieties) created over the last 50-60 years turned out to be more susceptible to damage by sucking insects and insect-transmitted viruses than high alkaloid ones (“bitter” varieties). Based on the rapidly developing genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of the species, some molecular determinants and features of alkaloid biosynthesis in narrow-leafed lupinе plants have been identified: alkaloids are formed in the vegetative organs of the plant and then transported to the seeds. This information substantiated the creation of “bitter-sweet” forms with a high content of alkaloids in the vegetative parts of the plant, which would make it possible to reduce the attack of pathogens, and a minimal content of alkaloids in the seeds. This review summarizes the existing prerequisites for obtaining such forms of narrow-leafed lupinе on the basis of the available scientific developments. Information on the creation of saturated genetic maps of the species, in which the iucundus (iuc) locus determining the overall low alkaloid content in seeds is integrated and is used in breeding programs. The use of the new generation sequencing allowed the identification of the RAP2-7 gene, encoding the transcription factor APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR, which is coupled to the iuc locus and located in the area with the main QTLs that affect the composition of the QA. It is a likely candidate gene for regulating alkaloid content in narrow-leafed lupinе seeds. The initial stages of QA biosynthesis and its regulatory factors have been revealed. Two reference assemblies of the genome of narrow-leafed lupinе have been carried out. All these achievements constitute a valuable resource for the creation of forms of narrow-leafed lupinе with a high content of alkaloids in the vegetative mass and low in the seeds, which are absent in nature.

Selection of an optimal method for screening the collection of narrow-leaved lupine held by the Vavilov Institute for the qualitative and quantitative composition of seed alkaloids.

Narrow-leaved lupine (Lupinus аngustifolius L.) is a widely cultivated leguminous forage and green manure crop with a potential for human nutrition. However, the presence of secondary metabolites – alkaloids – in lupine seeds considerably affects the quality of raw produce, reducing its nutritive value; in addition, high concentrations of alkaloids are toxic to humans and animals. Therefore, plant breeders working with lupine need to gain knowledge about the variability of alkaloid content in seeds of different genotypes and search for the sources of their low concentrations in the crop’s gene pool. The collection of narrow-leaved lupine genetic resources held by the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) offers wide opportunities for such search by means of mass screening. For its part, largescale gene pool screening requires the selection of an optimal technique to measure alkaloid content in seeds, so that it would be easily reproducible and as little labor-, time- and fund-consuming as possible. The results of the search for such method are presented. Qualitative and quantitative indices were compared when target compounds had been extracted with multicomponent mixtures and individual reagents (chloroform, methanol, etc.) and the extracts analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. High-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry was also employed. Five major alkaloids were found to be present in all types of extracts: lupanine, 13-hydroxylupanine (dominant ones), angustifoline, sparteine, and isolupanine. The fullest extraction of alkaloids was observed when the extractant with an added alkaline agent was used (425 mg/100 g). The lowest level of extraction was registered with chloroform (216 mg/100 g). The significance of the differences was confirmed statistically

Effects of gamma irradiation on the alkaloid content in seeds of Datura stramonium and the radiosensitivity of derived seedlings

Tropane alkaloids are a group of secondary metabolites occurring naturally in Solanaceae family as Atropa belladona, Datura stramonium, Mandragora officinalis, and Hyoscyamus niger. These molecules have valuable therapeutic applications, for example, atropine and hyoscyamine are utilized as antimuscarinic besides being stomach and intestinal diseases drugs. Plants of the Solanaceae family can provide a natural yet less expensive source of these compounds. Hitherto, in order to emphasize these metabolites biosynthesis, D. stramonium seeds were irradiated using a cobalt-60 source of gamma rays of 5 to 80 Gy and germinated in vitro on MS medium in growth controlled chamber. Mutagenesis of D. stramonium seeds was attempted aiming at obtaining plants from in vitro source that are genetically variable for enhancing the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, namely alkaloids. Results indicated that D. stramonium seeds exhibited a good radiosensitivity and the mutagen damage index GR (30-50) for D. stramonium was determined at 80 Gy. The Characterization of alkaloids (Atropine and hyoscyamine) was done by infrared spectroscopy which showed that alkaloids content of the irradiated seeds is altered by irradiation as the reference bands were not found with all doses used. In addition, seedlings grown from irradiated in vitro seeds exhibited remarkable morphological variations that varied based on the employed dose of gamma rays. These findings permitted the selection of the optimal irradiation dose (80 Gy) to induce mutations that are likely to prompt changes at genetic and metabolic level of the targeted alkaloids.

Элементы структуры урожая люпина желтого в условиях ценозов разной плотности

The article presents the impact of coenosis density of yellow lupin on yield, its structure elements and their variability. The non-determinant vars. Prestizh and Novozybkovskiy 100 produced the highest yield in coenosis with 1.3 mln. of plants per a hectare. The spike like var. Demidovskiy was more productive in coenosis with 1.6 mln. of plants per a hectare. First of all, coenosis density influenced pods’ number of the main stem. If the plants’ number increased pods’ number of the main stem decreased by 7–17%. It was noticed that influence level of coenosis density depended on a variety. Varieties’ differentiation for the weight of 1000 seeds was registered. Each structure index has a certain range of variability. The coefficient of economic use was the lowest one – less than 20%. Variability coefficients for other characters were about 25–38%. The variability of the characters as "plant weigh", "weight of 1000 seeds" of non-determinant lines demonstrated the tendency to decrease if coenosis density increased. The characters "productivity", "pods’ number of the main stem", "seeds’ number of the main stem" at the contrary have the higher variability. Variability coefficients of the economic valuable characters demonstrated that their variability increases if coenosis density of the yellow lupin is about 1.6 mln. plants per a hectare. It’s important for selection of perspective yellow lupin lines. The tested varieties haven’t clearly differentiation by the protein content in seeds. Coenosis didn’t affect the protein content. The var. Prestizh has the extreme instability of the character "alkaloid content in seeds" and strongly reacted to the increased coenosis density.

НОВЫЙ СОРТ ЖЕЛТОГО КОРМОВОГО ЛЮПИНА БУЛАТ

The article presents steps of development of a new yellow lupin variety 'Bulat'. Its pedigree and description for competition tests years are given. In 2009 five productive, tall plants without extern anthracnose symptoms have been selected from the hybrid 6-02-10-10 under heavy anthracnose epiphytoty. Later the line 09-3-50-2 has been selected for green mass and seeds yield. It was tested in a competition test nursery since 2013. The line named as 'Bulat' was included to The State List of Breeding Achievements Allowed for Use. The average seed yield for six tests years made 1.87 t/ha and the yield of its green mass made 60.4 t/ha. 'Bulat' is for universal use (grain forage, green fodder, and grass conserved forage). It is resistant to pods cracking and seeds shedding. Weight of 1000 seeds is 112 grams. Vegetation period is 90–99 days. Crude protein in seeds is 42%, in dry matter of green mass it is 18%. Seed alkaloid content is 0.06%, in green mass it is 0.02%. The variety is resistant to Fusarium and tolerant to anthracnose. It suits for cultivation on light and cohesive soils.

Chromatographic Fingerprinting of the Old World Lupins Seed Alkaloids: A Supplemental Tool in Species Discrimination.

The total contents and qualitative compositions of alkaloids in seeds of 10 Old World lupin species (73 accessions) were surveyed using gas chromatography. The obtained results, combined with those for three lupin crops, Lupinus angustifolius, Lupinus albus, and Lupinus luteus, provide the most complete and up-to-date overview of alkaloid profiles of 13 lupin species originating from the Mediterranean Basin. The qualitative alkaloid compositions served as useful supplementary tools of species discrimination. On the basis of the most abundant major alkaloids, lupanine, lupinine, and multiflorine, the Old World lupin species were divided into four groups. Those containing lupanine (L. angustifolius, L. albus, and Lupinus mariae-josephi), containing lupinine (Lupinus luteus, Lupinus hispanicus, and Lupinus × hispanicoluteus), containing lupinine and multiflorine (Lupinus atlanticus, Lupinus palaestinus, Lupinus anatolicus, Lupinus digitatus, Lupinus pilosus, and Lupinus cosentinii), and containing multiflorine (Lupinus micranthus). Within a given group, certain species can be, in most cases, further distinguished by the presence of other major alkaloids. The discrimination of species based on the total alkaloid content was found to be less reliable because of the significant intra-species variations, as well as the influences of environmental factors on the seed alkaloid content.

Lupin (Lupinus spp.) seeds exert anthelmintic activity associated with their alkaloid content

The growing range of drug resistant parasitic nematode populations threatens the sustainability of ruminant farming worldwide. In this context, nutraceuticals, animal feed that provides necessary dietary requirements while ensuring parasite control, could contribute to increase farming sustainability in developed and low resource settings. In this study, we evaluated the anthelmintic potential of lupin seed extracts against the major ruminant trichostrongylids, Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta. In vitro observations showed that seed extracts from commercially available lupin varieties could significantly but moderately inhibit larval migration. This anthelmintic effect was mediated by the seed alkaloid content and was potent against both fully susceptible and multidrug resistant H. contortus isolates as well as a susceptible T. circumcincta isolate. Analytical chemistry revealed a set of four lupanine and sparteine-derivatives with anthelmintic activity, and electrophysiology assays on recombinant nematode acetylcholine receptors suggested an antagonistic mode of action for lupin alkaloids. An in vivo trial in H. contortus infected lupin-fed ewes and goats failed to demonstrate any direct anthelmintic effect of crude lupin seeds but infected lupin-fed goats suffered significantly less parasite-mediated blood losses. Altogether, our findings suggest that the anthelmintic potential of lupin remains limited. However, the potent alkaloids identified could lead to the development of novel drugs or may be used in combination with current anthelmintics to improve their efficacy.

Development and Validation of a Gene-Targeted dCAPS Marker for Marker-Assisted Selection of Low-Alkaloid Content in Seeds of Narrow-Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.).

Low-alkaloid content is an important breeding target to improve the quality of lupin seeds. An APETALA2/ethylene response transcription factor, RAP2-7, is likely a candidate gene for the major alkaloid locus iucundus, and plays a crucial role in regulation of seed alkaloid content in narrow-leafed lupin (NLL; Lupinus angustifolius L.). Here, we exploited a single-nucleotide polymorphism within RAP2-7 credibly associated with seed alkaloid content, to develop the co-dominant derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (dCAPS) marker iuc_RAP2-7. Marker validation in 202 NLL accessions demonstrated that seed alkaloid content ≥0.9% of the seed dry weight was associated with the high-alkaloid marker band (Iucundus genotypes), whereas alkaloid content up to 0.5% of the seed dry weight was associated with the low-alkaloid marker band (iucundus genotypes). Within a given detection limit, iuc_RAP2-7 unambiguously identified all but three low-alkaloid accessions. The latter accessions apparently have a different regulatory mechanism for seed alkaloid content because the RAP2-7 gene/putative promoter sequence and expression of alkaloid-associated genes in the leaves of the three ambiguous accessions were similar to those of bitter Iucundus lines. We consider the iuc_RAP2-7 marker is a powerful tool that will facilitate NLL marker-assisted selection by rapid rejection of bitter Iucundus genotypes and thus accelerate development of new low-alkaloid cultivars.

Ecotypic differentiation reveals seed colour-related alkaloid content in a crop wild relative.

Crop wild relatives can be a useful source of genotypes that maximise crop survival and yield in specific habitats. Lupinus angustifolius is an annual forb with crop varieties derived from a narrow genetic basis but that are cultivated worldwide. Its seeds have high nutritional value, but they naturally contain alkaloids with anti-nutritive factors. The study of its wild populations can be useful to find genotypes that contribute to higher climate resilience and greater yield under stressing environmental conditions. Using a common garden, we evaluated ecotypic differentiation in four natural populations from two contrasting latitudes in terms of plant biomass, seed mass and number, alkaloid content in seeds for the three main alkaloids present in the plant and seed colour, including its possible influence on post-dispersal predation. Correlations among traits were also assessed. We found differences among populations for all traits except final biomass. Northern populations had lighter seeds and a tendency to yield more seeds when they produced white seeds, compared to southern populations and variegated seeds. Regardless of latitude, populations showed differences in alkaloid concentration, with all three alkaloids found generally in high or low concentrations in each population. Proportion of white seed morphs varied in each population. Seed colour did not influence predator preference. In addition, white seed colour was related to a low alkaloid content. Our results evidence the existence of natural ecotypic differentiation in L.angustifolius not only due to latitudinal range, but also to local environmental factors. White seed coat colour could be used as a visual clue for identification of low-alkaloid genotypes, a priority trait in L.angustifolius breeding programmes.

DROUGHT INFLUENCE ON THE CONTENT AND COMPOSITION OF ALKALOIDS FROM SEEDS OF THE CHAMAECYTISUS RUTHENICUS (FISCH. EX WOLOSZCZ.) KLASKOVA, GROWING AT THE MOUNTAIN-FORESTS ZONE OF SOUTHERN URALS

Quinolizidine alkaloid content of the Chamaecytisus ruthenicus (Fabaceae) seeds, collected in the period of drought in 2010 and in 2011 (last was normal in the number of precipitation), was determined by the chromato-mass-spectrometry method. Total sums of alkaloids from the seeds of Chamaecytisus ruthenicus were isolated in two stages. The first stage included preliminary "degreasing" of crushed seeds with hexane. Then resulting hexane extract was washed with aqueous solution of 3% hydrochloric acid, and acidic layer was treated by anhydrous Na2CO3 until pH 9. Alkaloids (in the form of bases) were extracted with chloroform. In parallel, the seeds are previously washed with hexane were thoroughly extracted with an acetone-water mixture (1 : 9), and then resulting water-acetone extract has been treated in accordance with the traditional method. Alkaloids obtained from hexane extract and fatless seeds were combined, concentrated and analyzed by chromato-mass spectrometry method. Individual alkaloids were identified by their full mass spectra using d-lupanine as a standard. On the base on obtained results, it was found that in drought conditions of 2010 the content of alkaloids in seeds of the Russian Broom (Ch. Ruthenicus) is significantly lower than in 2011, typical for its weather conditions (0.81% vs. 3.2%). However, the composition of alkaloids in the seeds of the Ch. ruthenicus, collected during the drought period, was more various: sparteine, methylcytisine, 17-oxosparteine, sophocarpine, d-lupanine, isoquinoline alkaloid salsolidine and pyridine alkaloid ammodendrine were found in these seeds. Only four quinolizidine alkaloids – sparteine, d-lupanine, 17-oxosparteine and sophocarpine were isolated from the seeds of Ch. ruthenicus 2011.

A high-density consensus linkage map of white lupin highlights synteny with narrow-leafed lupin and provides markers tagging key agronomic traits

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a valuable source of seed protein, carbohydrates and oil, but requires genetic improvement to attain its agronomic potential. This study aimed to (i) develop a new high-density consensus linkage map based on new, transcriptome-anchored markers; (ii) map four important agronomic traits, namely, vernalization requirement, seed alkaloid content, and resistance to anthracnose and Phomopsis stem blight; and, (iii) define regions of synteny between the L. albus and narrow-leafed lupin (L. angustifolius L.) genomes. Mapping of white lupin quantitative trait loci (QTLs) revealed polygenic control of vernalization responsiveness and anthracnose resistance, as well as a single locus regulating seed alkaloid content. We found high sequence collinearity between white and narrow-leafed lupin genomes. Interestingly, the white lupin QTLs did not correspond to previously mapped narrow-leafed lupin loci conferring vernalization independence, anthracnose resistance, low alkaloids and Phomopsis stem blight resistance, highlighting different genetic control of these traits. Our suite of allele-sequenced and PCR validated markers tagging these QTLs is immediately applicable for marker-assisted selection in white lupin breeding. The consensus map constitutes a platform for synteny-based gene cloning approaches and can support the forthcoming white lupin genome sequencing efforts.

Searching for low alkaloid forms in the Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) collection

The Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) is the only cultivated species of the genus Lupinus originating from South America. Attempts were made to introduce this species to European soil and climatic conditions. The main disadvantages of the Andean lupin include too long and non-uniform maturation of pods in a plant, dropping flowers and pod buds, and a high alkaloid content (up to 5%). The aim of this study was to identify in post-mutagen treated material genotypes with low alkaloid content in seeds, which would be useful for improving L. mutabilis by breeding. The iodine test was annually performed to test the presence of alkaloids in seeds, using Lugol’s solution (I in KI). Based on the turbidity of the test samples, the investigated plants were divided into four groups, labelled as follows: G – individuals with a high content of alkaloids (very bitter), P – individuals with an intermediate content of alkaloids (bitter), PS – individuals with a low alkaloid content (fairly sweet) and S – individuals with a very low alkaloid level (sweet). For further propagation, mainly individuals from the S and PS groups were selected, and by part from the group P, while all bitter forms (G group) were rejected. Thirty chosen lines were examined for the content and composition of alkaloids by gas chromatography. The alkaloid content did not exceed 0.1% in 13 favourable lines, and even two lines had less than 0.05%. The seeds of the studied material contained 7 to 9 different alkaloids. The prevailing alkaloids in the seeds of the Andean lupin were 4-hydroxylupanine and lupanine. Significant progress has been achieved in reducing the content of alkaloids in subsequent generations of the investigated representatives of Lupinus mutabilis from South America.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of alkaloids composition in the seeds of a white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) collection

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) has unexploited potential as a crop plant due to its high seed yield as well as protein and oil content in seeds. Well-characterized collections of gene resources are very important for breeding as a source of genetic variation. This paper presents the results of analyses for total content and qualitative composition of alkaloids in seeds of 367 L. albus accessions from the Polish Genebank. Accessions were divided into four classes of origin: wild collected material, land races, breeding lines, and cultivars. Apart from the expected broad variation as well as strong differentiation in the alkaloid content, a clear influence of domestication was observed. This was shown as an apparent decrease in the alkaloid content in breeding lines and cultivars classes. The total alkaloid content varies from 0.02 to 12.73% of the seed dry weight. Six major alkaloids (abundance >1%) were revealed: lupanine (28.22–94.49%, mean 76.06% in total content), 13-hydroxylupanine (0.10–32.78%, mean 8.23%), multiflorine (0.00–21.67%, mean 5.52%), albine (0.00–18.55%, mean 4.48%), angustifoline (0.24–12.14%, mean 2.07%), 11,12-seco-12,13-didehydromultiflorine (0.00–12.28%, mean 1.74%). Owing to its abundance, lupanine was found to be the most closely correlated to the total alkaloid content.

PAPAYA SEED EXTRACT LOWERS SPERM CONCENTRATIONS, MOTILITY AND VIABILITY IN MALE MICE

Indonesia is a developing country with a dense population, so the government carry on KB (Family Planning) program in which the targets are mostly women. Contraceptives are intended for women are birth control pills and IUD (Intra Uterine Device), whereas until now the contraceptive for men who are considered well-established are condom and vasectomy. Thus, the development of herbal medicine, which is cheap and affordable, makes it possible to be consumed in a long term with less meaningful side effects. Papaya seeds (Carica papaya) is one of the many plants used by communities to eradicate intestinal worms, menstrual laxative, and abortivum. Empirically papaya fruit, leaves, and seeds of papaya also contains carpaine, an alkaloid which is used as anthelmintic. Papaya seeds, which are edible and spicy in India are used for contraception. Alkaloid content in seeds of papaya can be antifertility herbal plants for males that can be measured from the quality of spermatozoa. Alkaloid compounds contained in papaya seeds can disrupt the hormone testosterone, which would interfere the sperm quality, making papaya seed potential to become a candidate for contraceptive.

Modulation of alkaloid content, growth and productivity of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. using irradiated sodium alginate in combination with soil applied phosphorus

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) belongs to family Fabaceae and has been used as medicinal herb since times immemorial. Fenugreek seed-alkaloid, known as trigonelline, controls diabetes through operation of the mechanism of insulin secretion, modulation of β cell regeneration and stimulation of activity of glucose metabolism related enzymes. Gamma-irradiated sodium alginate (ISA) elicits plant defence responses and biological activities in plants. A pot experiment was conducted to explore the effect of foliage-applied ISA (0, 40, 80 and 120mgL−1) alone and in combination with soil-applied phosphorus (40kgPha−1) on growth, yield and quality attributes of fenugreek employing the soil deficient in phosphorus. Un-irradiated sodium alginate (UN 40mgL−1) and de-ionized water were used as control. Of the treatments employed, 80mgL−1 of ISA applied with 40kgPha−1 (P40) proved the best. It increased the chlorophyll content by 24.85 and 27.40%, carotenoids content by 15.00 and 23.52% at 60 and 90days after sowing, respectively. Besides, it increased the seed yield by 131.0%, trigonelline content by 17.84%, trigonelline yield by 174.0%, seed alkaloid content by 32.98% and seed alkaloid yield by 208.64% over the control. Gel permeation chromatography of ISA revealed the formation of low molecular weight fractions which might be responsible for plant growth promotion in this study. Trigonelline content was determined by isocratic HPLC equipment (Model, LC-20AD).