Pokeweed Research Articles

Structural basis for substrate recognition in the Phytolacca americana glycosyltransferase PaGT3.

Capsaicinoids are phenolic compounds that have health benefits. However, the pungency and poor water solubility of these compounds limit their exploitation. Glycosylation is a powerful method to improve water solubility and reduce pungency while preserving bioactivity. PaGT3, a uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase (UGT) from Phytolacca americana, is known for its ability to glycosylate capsaicinoids and other phenolic compounds. While structural information on several UGTs is available, structures of UGTs that can glycosylate a range of phenolic compounds are rare. To fill this gap, crystal structures of PaGT3 with a sugar-donor analogue (UDP-2-fluoroglucose) and the acceptors capsaicin and kaempferol were determined. PaGT3 adopts a GT-B-fold structure that is highly conserved among UGTs. However, the acceptor-binding pocket in PaGT3 is hydrophobic and large, and is surrounded by longer loops. The larger acceptor-binding pocket in PaGT3 allows the enzyme to bind a range of compounds, while the flexibility of the longer loops possibly plays a role in accommodating the acceptors in the binding pocket according to their shape and size. This structural information provides insights into the acceptor-binding mechanism in UGTs that bind multiple substrates.

Micropropagation of pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.) and comparison of phenolic, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity between pokeweed callus and other parts.

BackgroundPokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.) is regarded as an invasive plant in many parts of the world but possesses therapeutic characteristics used for antitumor and rheumatism treatment. This study investigated the effects of auxins and four explants on pokeweed callus induction. The effects of cytokinins and combinations between cytokinins and NAA on shoot and root induction were also studied. TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity of calli were screened and compared with other pokeweed plant parts.MethodsFour explants were used to induce callus using 2,4-D and IBA at 1, 2, 3 and 4 mg/l for each auxin. Direct shoot organogenesis from nodal explants was investigated using BAP, kinetin and TDZ (1, 2 and 4 mg/l for each cytokinin). Combined effects between cytokinins and NAA at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/l were further simultaneously estimated with root induction. Calli derived from the leaves were compared with other plant parts for TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity using the Folin-Ciocalteu, AlCl3 colorimetric assay and DPPH assays, respectively.ResultsResults showed that MS medium containing 2 mg/l 2,4-D induced callus formation on leaf explants that provided highest fresh and dry weights. Three types of synthetic cytokinins as kinetin, TDZ and BAP were used for direct shoot organogenesis from pokeweed nodes. MS medium containing 2 mg/l kinetin was effective in stimulating normal shoots, with the largest number of shoots and leaves and the longest shoots. The combination between cytokinins and NAA showed no positive effect on shoot and root induction from pokeweed nodal explants. For TPC and TFC determination, pokeweed seeds and leaves possessed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents, respectively. Highest phenolic content of pokeweed seeds led to lowest IC50 by DPPH assay. Phenolic content was higher than flavonoid content.ConclusionResults suggested promising conditions for callus induction. Leaf explants cultured on MS medium with 2 mg/l 2,4-D and nodal explants cultured on MS medium with 2 mg/l kinetin provided the largest number of normal shoots and leaves. NAA did not show positive effects on shoot and root induction when combined with cytokinins. Chemical constituent screening indicated that seeds and leaves provided highest TPC and TFC, respectively, while pokeweed calli contained higher phenolic than flavonoid content. This is the first report describing chemical constituent screening and antioxidant activity of calli and other parts of the pokeweed plant. Results provided significant information to further enhance bioactive compound contents of pokeweed calli using elicitation methods.

Phytolacca americana, pokeweed, toxicity in pigs

This datasheet on phytolacca americana, pokeweed, toxicity in pigs covers Identity, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis.

In vivo Study of Proliferative Effect and Growth Promoting Effect of Ultra Diluted Phytolacca decandra in Chick Embryo by Using Cam Assay

Homoeopathy and complementary integrative medicine treatments aimed at decreasing the side effects of anti-cancer therapy and cancer symptoms, as well as providing nutritional and lifestyle advice to help patients with breast cancer and enhance their quality of life. Angiogenesis can be used to investigate phase-specific processes in both physiological and pathological situations. Phytolacca decandra has a specific effect on breast cancer ulceration and scar tissue. The current study deals with the angiogenesis activity by using CAM Assay. Phytolacca decandra was taken in account and it increases angiogenesis in a CAM assay, indicating that it is not hazardous to normal cells. It also improves blood supply, which aids in proliferation, and has no side effects on normal cells.

Phytoremediation of Rare Tailings-Contaminated Soil

In order to achieve the goal of circular economy and sustainable development of ecological environment, it is important to separate and recover associated elements from rare mineral resources. Compared with traditional physical and chemical remediation methods of contaminated soil, phytoremediation is regarded as the most promising green in-situ restoration technology. The purpose of this review is to effectively alleviate the environmental problems caused by rare tailings contaminated soil through phytoremediation and realize the recovery of uranium-thorium, rare earth elements (REEs) and tantalum-niobium. This review took rare tailings with uranium-thorium, REEs, tantalum-niobium in China as the research object, then the background, significance, mechanisms and application strategies of phytoremediation were elaborated. In addition, the cases of species with tolerance to uranium-thorium, tantalum-niobium as well as REEs and their remediation mechanisms were summarized, respectively. Particularly, the typical plants represented by Brassica juncea, Sunflower, Phytolacca americana, Dicranopteris dichotoma, Salix spp., etc., were very effective in the remediation of rare tailings. The influence factors of phytoremediation efficiency of tailings contaminated soil were discussed. Two main factors were the mobility of heavy metals in soil (external cause) and the enrichment ability of species (internal cause). Since the traditional phytoremediation also had some limitations, in view of this, the work discussed some auxiliary methods (such as chelating agents or microbial assisted restoration) to improve the efficiency of phytoremediation. Finally, the future development of phytoremediation and potential application directions were explored.

In Vitro Anti-Cancer, Anti Metabolic and Anti Proliferative Activity of Phytolacca decandra 6CH and 200CH in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

In Vitro Anti-Cancer, Anti Metabolic and Anti Proliferative Activity of Phytolacca decandra 6CH and 200CH in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Notes on the occurrence of Phytolacca americana L. in crop fields and its potential agricultural impact

Notes on the occurrence of Phytolacca americana L. in crop fields and its potential agricultural impact

Effects of Microplastics on Plant Performance of Invasive Species Phytolacca Americana and its Non-Invasive Congeners

Effects of Microplastics on Plant Performance of Invasive Species Phytolacca Americana and its Non-Invasive Congeners

Pilot Study: Evaluation of the efficacy of homeopathic anti-tumor protocols in Ehrlich tumor

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with breast cancer one of the tumors with the highest incidence in Brazil, with an estimated 57,120 new cases in 2014. Several forms of treatment and control of cancer symptoms has been studied, among them homeopathy. In the Banerji clinic in India, doctors have used a protocol consisting of 4 homeopathic medicines with relevant results that motivated this study. In our research the Ehrlich tumor was used, a transplantable tumor cell, whose features are similar a breast carcinoma, as discovered in 1905 by Paul Ehrlich. Objective: To analyze the clinical and immunomodulatory Ehrlich tumor in mice treated with the homeopathic medications found in the Banerji Protocol and with thymulin 5CH. Methodology: The project was approved under protocol 158/13 of the Paulista University Ethics Committee. BALB / c mice between 6 and 9 weeks old were used. Each mouse was inoculated with 1x10 7 tumor cells into the peritoneum cavity, to obtain the ascitic form of tumor. Mice were divided in 5 groups (N=6 animals per group), being the following treatments: control treated with sterile water, Conium maculatum 200CH, Thuja occidentalis 200CH, Phytolacca decandra 200CH, Carcinosinum 200CH, every day being 0.1mL/10g body weight. The animals were weighed and the consumption of water and feed was measured daily. Clinical signals and body temperature were also registered daily. The survival of each group was also analyzed. Results: All groups presented reduction of body temperature one day before death. The peak of clinical symptoms in the majority of groups was in the D18, while Carcinosinum treated group had its peak in D29. The observed clinical symptoms were apathy, prostration, cyanosis, priapism, tachydyspnea, genital edema and secretion, decreased general activity, hair bristling and trembling. The control group had loose stools as unique symptom, seen in 20% of mice; the Carcinosinum treated group showed trembling as the sole symptom, that affected 20% of mice. The group treated with Conium maculatum showed higher incidence of clinical symptoms, involving up to 80% of mice, while the group treated with Carcinosinum showed lower incidence of clinical symptoms, affecting no more than 40% of mice, with weight reduction (reduction of ascites) and longer survival, when compared to the other groups. Conclusion: The results of the pilot study directed us to the second stage of the research, in which the histopathological and immunohistochemical observation will be assessed, being Carcinosinum the treatment chosen to this next step.

Combined toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles and cadmium inducing root damage in Phytolacca americana L.

In recent years, nano-contamination in the soil environment has aroused concern. But it is still uncertain whether the interactions of nano- and metal-pollutants would have a combined toxic effect on plants. In this study, we investigated the effects of joint exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Cd on the root tissue of Phytolacca americana L. Spin-polarized density functional theory simulations assumed that the plant may undergo metal toxicity or acidosis upon joint exposure to ZnO NPs/Cd. Subsequently, experimental exposure of P. americana verified the combined toxic effects. The plant grew normally with a single treatment of ZnO NPs (500 mg/kg) or low doses of Cd (10 mg/kg). However, root growth was significantly inhibited with the combined treatments (up to 43% reduction); additionally, Cd ions were transported to the shoot, leading to shoot growth inhibition (translocation factor > 1). The antioxidant enzymes in the root (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) were highly activated to resist stress, accompanied by a greater than two-fold increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Corresponding to physiological indicators, biological transmission electron microscopy revealed severe damage to the root cells. Moreover, ZnO NPs/Cd accumulation was observed in the root cytoderm, which confirmed the toxicity of the combined effects. Our study provides insight into the potential combined toxicity of ZnO NPs and heavy metals in polluted environments, such as mining areas and electronic waste sites, and agricultural soils.

Enzymatic Synthesis of α-Tocopherol Derivative Glycoside, Daidzein Glycoside, Daidzein Oligosaccharide, Resveratrol Oligosaccharide, and Curcumin Oligosaccharides and Their Anti-Allergic Activity and Neuroprotective Activity

Enzymatic glycosylations of an α-tocopherol derivative, daidzein, resveratrol, and curcumin were investigated. The plant polyphenol, resveratrol, was incubated with glucosyltransferase from Phytolacca americana. The resveratrol glycoside obtained was then incubated with cyclodextrin glucanotransferase to obtain resveratrol oligosaccharide. Daidzein and curcumin were also converted into daidzein glycoside, daidzein oligosaccharide, and curcumin oligosaccharides. Also, α-tocopherol derivative, that is, 2, 5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8-dimethylnonyl)chroman-6-ol, was glycosylated. The glycosides and oligosaccharides had strong anti-allergic activity such as suppression of IgE formation, inhibition of histamine release, and inhibition of O2 - generation. In addition, the glycosides and oligosaccharides showed efficient neuroprotective activity by inhibition of phosphodiesterase.

Homoeopathy in Post-Surgical Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of Breast- A Case Report

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the world of which triple-negative breast cancers are with poor prognosis and limited survival rate. Management of breast cancer requires multidisciplinary treatment: surgery, radiotherapy, hormone, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. The adjuvant therapies after surgery have definite adverse effects which can affect the quality of life of the patient. This case report is meant to provide a testimony of a post-mastectomy case managed with homoeopathy. A 74-year-old female presented with pain and oedema along right upper arm 1 month after modified radical mastectomy of right breast, diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of triple-negative status and stage IIIA was treated with homoeopathically indicated remedy Calcarea Carbonicum in 200C potency repeated in an interval of 2 weeks along with a specific remedy for breast cancer Phytolacca Decandra in 200C potency administered in three pills twice daily. The pain assessment and follow up was done using the Visual Analogue Scale, quality of life assessment was done by validated questionnaire by WHO along with a comparison of clinical outcome and changes in CT Thorax. This case highlights the scope of homoeopathy in post-surgical cases of cancers.

The limited exclusion and efficient translocation mediated by organic acids contribute to rare earth element hyperaccumulation in Phytolacca americana

Organic acids play an important role in metal tolerance, uptake, and translocation in hyperaccumulators. Phytolacca americana is a rare earth element (REE) hyperaccumulator, but the underlying mechanisms on REE tolerance and accumulation mediated by organic acids are poorly understood. Here, we reported for the first time the strategy of P. americana to enhance REE tolerance and accumulation through organic acids from root external secretion to internal biosynthesis. Different from the exclusion of heavy metal by organic acid in the typical plants, the results showed that oxalate secretion (0.3–0.6 μmol h−1 g−1 root DW) induced by yttrium (Y) could not prevent Y from entering the roots, resulting in excess Y uptake by P. americana. Yttrium stress also stimulated the accumulation of malate and citrate by 1.4- and 2.0-folds in the root cortex. Exogenous malate and citrate promoted the redistribution of Y from the root cell walls to the shoot by 30% and 21%, respectively. Based on comparative transcriptome analysis, 6-fold up-regulation was observed in PaNIP1;2, whose homology AtNIP1;2 is responsible for the transport of Al-malate in Arabidopsis. These results suggested that the promoted formation of Y-malate complexes within the roots potentially accelerated the transport of Y from P. americana roots to shoots through PaNIP1;2. Our study revealed the potential mechanism of organic acids in the external exclusion and internal detoxification and translocation of REE in P. americana roots, which provided a basis for improving the efficiency of REE phytoextraction.

Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of Cd sorption onto MnOx-loaded biochar produced from the Mn-hyperaccumulator Phytolacca americana

Engineered biochar represents a promising material for green remediation practices. In this paper, we present an innovative approach to produce MnOx-loaded biochars by pyrolyzing the biomass of a Mn-hyperaccumulator species (Phytolacca americana). Batch sorption and stirred-flow kinetic experiments were combined with spectroscopic techniques to elucidate the mechanisms behind the Cd sorption onto those biochars, named here as PABCs. The incorporation of MnOx into the PABCs increased their surface densities of oxygen-containing functional groups. The average Mn leaching (< 9%) from PABCs was lower than that measured for the non-pyrolyzed biomass of P. americana (30–43%). PABCs pyrolyzed at 500 °C had Cd sorption capacities as high as 212–337 mg/g, which achieved by far the best performance reported for biochar materials. The stirred-flow experiments showed that MnOx loading was instrumental in increasing both the Cd sorption onto PABCs as well as its irreversibility. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy revealed that the Cd immobilization occurred mainly through its association with organic matter (Cd-OM) and, to a lesser extent, with carbonate (CdCO3) and MnOx (Cd-MnOx). In short, MnOx-loaded biochar prepared from the biomass of a Mn-hyperaccumulator species proved to be an effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly material for remediating Cd-contaminated waters.

Phytolacca decandra 30 CH dilution as an anticancer agent in murine mammary adenocarcinoma model

Homeopathy is an effective and safe therapy that provides better quality of life and reduces the adverse effects of conventional therapy used in different diseases. However, there are few published studies showing effects of homeopathic medicines in cancer models. Considering the principle "like cures like" the Phytolocca decandra causes similar symptoms to those presented in cancer subjects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of homeopathic preparations of Phytolacca decandra in the development of murine mammary tumor. For this, 4T1 mammary adenocarcinoma cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the inguinal breast of female BALB/c mice. Then, mice were blind treated with water containing only vehicle (control) or vehicle with Phytolacca decandra dilutions (6CH, 12CH, 30CH or 200cH). Tumor growth was monitored in alternated days during 21 days after tumor cells inoculation. Then, mice were euthanized and tumor, spleen, and lungs were removed to histological analyses. Results showed that animals treated with 30CH when compared with other groups exhibited tumor growth delay and smaller tumor weight, less vascularization and smaller relative weight of the spleen and pulmonary metastases. Together, results obtained in this pilot study demonstrated that treatment with Phytolacca decandra 30CH dilution induces delayed of breast tumor growth suggesting that this dilution may be a promising alternative therapy in the treatment of breast cancer.

The effects of plant-soil feedback on invasion resistance are soil context dependent.

There is growing interest in understanding the role that plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) may play in invasion resistance. However, recent studies have shown that there is great uncertainty in explaining community patterns by PSF studies regarding invasions. This uncertainty may be partly because soils used for PSF studies are usually collected from open areas rather than natural communities, thus ignoring the effects of community contexts that may specifically influence the soil feedbacks of community residents to invaders. We performed a two-phase pot experiment to study the soil feedback initiated by ten co-occurring native and exotic species to a forest invader, Phytolacca americana, and the experiments were performed in forest soil and open area soil. The context-dependent mechanisms were further explored by studying different components of PSF. The results showed that natives and exotics had positive and negative effects on P. americana in the open area soil, respectively, but both had negative effects in the forest soil. Nutrient limitation was more important for the PSF in open area soil, whereas biotic factors were likely the primary mechanisms explaining the PSF in forest soil. Additionally, the litter-mediated allelopathy of dominant Quercus acutissima caused the strongest inhibition of the invader. These results suggest that native species can effectively resist invasion by producing negative PSF depending on the community context. Evidence that exotic species promote invasion through positive PSFs was not obtained. This study provided preliminary insights into the possibility of bridging PSF studies and community patterns.

Effects of Phytolacca decandra on the viability of murine breast adenocarcinoma (4T1 cells) in vitro

Background: Comparative studies in cancer patients using conventional and alternative therapy have demonstrated that Phytolacca decandra in homeopathic potencies increases survival and improves quality of life of patients bearing breast cancer. In vitro studies show the induction of apoptosis pathways in MCF-7, a human breast cancer cells lineage, after treatment with Phytolacca decandra in different homeopathic dilutions (from 30C to 10M). Recently, we observed significant growth reduction of Ehrlich carcinoma in mice treated with Phytolacca decandra 30cH.&#x0D; Aims: To evaluate Phytolacca decandra effect in different homeopathic dilutions on the phenotypic features, apoptosis index, and cell morphology of 4T1 cells (murine carcinoma cell lineage) in vitro.&#x0D; Method: The potencies 6, 12, 30 and 200 CH prepared in sterile pure water were studied. Dynamized sterile pure water was used as control. The cytotoxicity was evaluated after different cell treatments in culture bottles (25ml) with the homeopathic medicines (equal to 10% of total medium volume). Cells were cultured in a cell density of 5 x 105 cells / ml, treated with the respective potency and, after 24 hours, analyzed for the apoptosis index using Annexin V kit and measured using the Countess® System. The morphology of the 4T1 cells was monitored by staining fixed cell smears with hematoxylin-eosin method. Cells were previously adhered to a glass cover slip and fixed with absolute methanol. The samples were evaluated in quadruplicate and the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.&#x0D; Results and discussion: The results obtained up to now show that the treatment with Phytolacca decandra 200cH induced increase of apoptosis index in relation to the control. Moreover, morphological changes were observed in the respective cell smears: the presence of multinucleated cells, some of them presenting up to 8 nuclei and the increase of eosinophilic staining pattern of cytoplasm, even in mononucleated cells.&#x0D; Conclusion: The increase in apoptosis index reproduced the results described in the literature with other cell lineages, but the changes in morphology still deserve further evaluation.

Similar seed dispersal systems by local frugivorous birds in native and alien plant species in a coastal seawall forest.

Frugivorous birds play an important role in seed dispersal. Alien plant species’ seeds are dispersed by local birds in order to establish populations in new habitats. Alien plant species that produce fruits similar to that of native species have the potential to attract local birds, creating new mutualistic systems that are similar to the local ones. In autumn 2018 and 2019, we studied the seed dispersal systems of an alien plant species, Phytolacca americana, and a native species, Cayratia japonica, in a coastal seawall forest. Both plant species’ fruit, frugivorous bird foraging behaviors, seed germination rates, and seedling microhabitats were examined to determine whether the alien species had a similar seed dispersal system to that of the native species. Our results showed that P. americana and C. japonica had similar fruit type, color, and ripening period. There was a positive correlation between the percentage rate of fruit ripening and the percentage rate of fruit missing for both plant species, indicating that local frugivorous birds have the potential to sufficiently disperse the alien seeds to enable its spread in the coastal seawall forest (simple linear regression, P. americana: β = 0.863 ± 0.017, R2adj = 0.978, P < 0.01; C. japonica: β = 0.787 ± 0.034, R2adj = 0.898, P < 0.01). Eleven bird species consumed the fruits of the alien species or native species during the study period. Similar results were shown across alien and native species in bird foraging behavior (feeding frequency, feeding duration and first stop distance) indicating that a similar seed dispersal relationship had been established between local frugivorous and both plant species. The alien plant had a higher number of fruits carried by birds, suggesting that P. americana had a slightly higher fruit consumption than that of C. japonica (t-test, P < 0.01). Alien plant seedlings grow more abundant in forest gap microhabitat (t-test, P < 0.01). Our results confirmed that bird digestion promotes seed germination success in both plant species. Our study suggests that in a narrow coastal seawall forest, alien plant species can successfully establish their populations by relying on similar seed dispersal systems as the local species.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of the hyperaccumulator plant Phytolacca americana in response to cadmium stress.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02865-x.

Simultaneous hyperaccumulation of rare earth elements, manganese and aluminum in Phytolacca americana in response to soil properties

The plant Phytolacca americana L. simultaneously hyperaccumulates manganese (Mn) and rare earth elements (REEs), but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, P. americana and the corresponding rhizosphere soil samples were collected from an ion-adsorption REE mine area in China, and the elemental composition and soil properties were analyzed in order to explore the relationship between metal accumulation and soil properties. The results show that P. americana accumulates high concentrations of REEs (up to 1040 mg kg−1), Mn (up to 10400 mg kg−1) and aluminum (Al) (up to 5960 mg kg−1) in leaves. The REE concentrations in leaves were positively correlated with those of Al, Fe and Zn, while light REE concentrations were negatively correlated with P concentrations (p < 0.05). The soil properties explained 81.7%, 72.9% and 67.1% of REEs, Mn and Al accumulated in P. americana, respectively. The variation of REE accumulation in P. americana was primarily explained by plant available P (24.4%), pH (12.9%), TOC (9.4%) and total P (7.7%). The accumulation of Mn was primarily explained by plant available REEs (42.9%) and available Al (13.1%) while Al in P. americana was primarily explained by soil pH (14.4%). This study suggests the potential by regulation of soil properties in improving the efficiency of phytoextraction for REEs by hyperaccumulators.