Small For Age Research Articles

Comprehensively assessing the effects of exogenous proline on nutritional and flavour quality of celery (Apium graveolens L.) under salt stress

Salt stress is one of the constraints limiting high-yield and high-quality cultivation of vegetables, currently, the effect of exogenous proline on the quality of celery under salt stress is rarely reported. The study aimed to explore the comprehensive effects of exogenous proline application on the quality of celery (Apium graveolens L.) under salt stress. The affiliation function method was used to comprehensively analyze the effects of foliar application of 0.3 mM proline on celery mineral nutrients, amino acids, organic acids, nitrate, dietary fiber, and volatile components under 100 mM NaCl stress. Results showed that exogenous proline application inhibited Na content and nitrate enrichment in celery, and promoted the accumulation of other mineral elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn), glycine, oxalic acid, malic acid, citric acid, lignin, dietary fiber, and aromatic compounds in leaves and petioles under salt stress. In addition, the results of a comprehensive evaluation analysis of the affiliation function indicated that the application of exogenous proline to salt-stressed seedlings was an effective treatment which significantly mitigated the salt-induced detrimental effects. Overall, exogenous proline played a positive role in regulating the balance of mineral elements, accumulation of glycine, accumulation of organic acids, and enrichment of aromatic substances in celery under salt stress. Results from this study provides a theoretical basis for cultivating cultivation of high quality celery under saline conditions.

Increased thermal sensitivity of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in sous vide cooked ground beef supplemented with celery (Apium graveolens L.) seed oil or root powder

Escherichia coli O157:H7, a major cause of foodborne illness, is primarily associated with undercooked ground beef. Celery root powder (CP) and celery seed oil (CSO), rich in bioactive compounds such as essential oils and phenolic compounds, can enhance bacterial susceptibility to heat treatments. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of CP (3 g/100 g) and CSO (2 mL/100 g) in reducing the thermal resistance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in sous vide-cooked ground beef. The D-values of E. coli O157:H7 at 55–62.5 °C in samples without CP or CSO ranged from 11.64 to 0.99 min. In samples with CP or CSO, D-values ranged from 10.59 to 0.35 min and 11.11 to 0.41 min, respectively. The effect of CP and CSO on D-values was temperature-dependent. The D-values at 55 °C reduced slightly by CP or CSO adding (p > 0.05); however, at temperatures equal to or higher than 57.5 °C, the D values reduced significantly (p < 0.05). The control samples had a z-value of 7.06 °C, whereas CP and CSO-added samples had z-values of 5.18 °C and 5.57 °C, respectively. These findings indicate that adding 3 g/100 g CP or 2 mL/100 g CSO to ground beef may shorten heating time or reduce the temperature needed to inactivate E. coli O157:H7.

A high yielding Celery (Apium graveolens) variety A-Cel-2 (Ajmer Celery-2) for better resistance, quality with higher essential oil content to grow in Rajasthan

A high yielding Celery (Apium graveolens) variety A-Cel-2 (Ajmer Celery-2) for better resistance, quality with higher essential oil content to grow in Rajasthan

Histological Study and Chemical Composition of Apium graveolens: In Vivo Antimicrobial Activity

The purpose of the current investigation is to evaluate the methanolic extract from Apium graveolens seeds for chemical composition and in vivo antimicrobial activity, supported by a histological study. The chemical profile of the methanolic extract was identified using high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector analysis. The toxicity and antimicrobial effects of the methanolic extract were examined through in vivo experiments on rats weighing 220 ± 5 g. The histological study was conducted using the rats’ ileum. The methanolic extract (80%) contained sinapic acid (49.9%), ascorbic acid (25.4%), butylated hydroxyanisole acid (6.1%), and quercetin (8.2%), with a yield ratio of 11.74%. The dose of 50 mg/kg of the methanolic extract did not lead to animal lethality or toxicity symptoms. Two days after treatment, the blood cultures of all females treated with the methanolic extract at 50 mg/kg showed sterility (100%). The same result appeared on the fifth day after treatment in all males of the same group. Histopathological examination revealed normal and well-preserved architecture of the ileum in both sexes. The study concludes that the methanolic extract of Apium graveolens possesses significant antimicrobial capacity. KEYWORDS Anatomopathology, celery, chemical compounds, enteric infection, HPLC, rats

Cluster and Principal Component Analyses of the Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Celery (Apium graveolens L.) Under Different Fertilization Schemes.

This research investigates the impact of various fertilization methods on the bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity of celery (Apium graveolens L.) root and leaf. Mineral fertilizer, poultry manure, cattle manure, sheep manure, supercompost, and molasses were applied. Total dry weight, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, and antioxidant activity were assessed, along with fiber, protein, fat, sugar, and starch in celery root. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were used to correlate production conditions with the parameters. The highest fiber and protein contents were found in mineral-fertilized roots, while total fat and sugar were highest in cattle-manure-fertilized roots, and starch was highest in supercompost-fertilized roots. Fertilization with supercompost yielded the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents in leaves, while mineral fertilizer resulted in the highest antioxidant activity in roots. Notably, the highest dry weight in leaves and the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents in roots were also observed with supercompost. PCA and cluster analysis demonstrated significant correlations between plant parts, i.e., the celery root and leaf samples, cultivation conditions, and the observed parameters, emphasizing the importance of selecting suitable cultivation methods to optimize celery's nutritional properties. Also, these findings suggest that supercompost, a byproduct of breweries, could potentially replace animal-based organic fertilizers, addressing the problem of reduced availability due to declining livestock numbers.

Efficacy and safety of a polyherbal formulation in the management of Escherichia coli urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most frequent reasons for prescribing antibiotics. Escherichia coli implicated in 75-90 % cases of UTI is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Finding alternative therapeutic agent for this infection is critical, for which herbal drugs may be an option. In Unani medicine, urinary tract infection (Ṭa'diya Majra-i-Bawl) is treated with herbal drugs possessing Da'fe Ufoonat (antiseptic), Muhallilat (anti-inflammatory) and Mudirrat (diuretic) properties. Polyherbal formulations of such drugs are expected to be beneficial in treating Escherichia coli infection. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a Unani polyherbal formulation aimed to develop a safe and efficacious drug for the treatment of urinary tract infection (Ṭa'diya Majra-i-Bawl) caused by Escherichia coli. This open-label, single armed clinical study was conducted on patients with clinical signs and symptoms of UTI and positive urine culture for E. coli. Patients were treated with the polyherbal formulation consisting of 50 % hydro-alcoholic extracts of Khar Khasak (Tribulus terrestris), Bhui Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Kabab Cheeni (Piper cubeba), Beekh -i-Kasni (Cichorium intybus), Beekh-i-Karafs (Apium graveolens), Asl-us-Soos (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) in a dose of one capsule (500 mg) thrice a day orally with plain water for 42 days. Maximum (83 %) urine cultures turned out negative for E. coli after the completion of therapy. Polyherbal Unani formulation was found to be very effective for the treatment of Urinary tract infection. Clinical and microbiological cure was achieved in maximum number of patients and drug was very well tolerated without any adverse/side effect.

Integrated Ethnomedicine Study in Silico of Medicinal Plants for Hypertension

This study aims to discover a new formula from natural ingredients that are effective as antihypertensive agents through ethnomedicine research and in silico testing. The study was conducted at the Beringharjo Jamu Market in Yogyakarta by identifying the three most commonly used plants by vendors: Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata), Akar Pule Pandak (Rauvolfia serpentina), and Seledri (Apium graveolens). Ethnomedicine studies used quantitative parameters such as Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). Subsequently, in silico tests were conducted with a network pharmacology and molecular docking approach to analyze protein-target interactions and test the potential of active compounds from these three plants. The results showed that Sambiloto had the best affinity through the compound Andrographolide with an affinity value of -561 kcal/mol. This study confirms that the three plants have the potential to contain key active ingredients for hypertension therapy using the Ethnomedicine Driven Reversal Approach System (EDRAS), which has proven to be effective and efficient.

Eвапотранспирация по фази на развитие при главеста целина (Apium graveolens)

The aim of the study is to determine the evapotranspiration by stages of development, with which, in an indirect way, quickly and easily predict and manage the irrigation regime of head celery. A field experiment was conducted with celery in the Plovdiv region, grown under irrigated conditions. There are six options, irrigated with different irrigation rates, are set as follows: option 1) 130%, option 2) 100%, option 3) 70%, option 4) 50% and option 5) 30% of the calculated rate, option 6) without irrigation. In the hypothetical optimal variant, a pre-irrigation humidity of 80% of the FC (field capacity) was maintained in the 0-40 cm layer. The development period is divided into three sub-periods: 1 - from the interception of seedlings to the beginning of root formation; 2 - beginning of growth of the root crop and 3 stage - Intensive growth until harvesting. ETc was established by phases of development for celery, and in the layer 0-0.4m a maximum (3.8 and 4.42) was recorded in phase 2 - the beginning of the formation of the root crop, respectively for the variants irrigated with 100% and 130 % of the norm. With the same options, but at a depth of 0-0.5m ETc is 4.81 and 5mm. In the first phase of development, celery spends about 155 mm in variants 1 and 2, between 110 and 95 in variants 3 and 4 and between 78 and 60 mm in variants 5 and 6.

Characterisation of the volatile compounds in nine varieties and three breeding selections of celery using GC–IMS and GC–MS

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a popular vegetable crop planted worldwide. In this study, the volatile compound characteristics of three A. graveolens var. dulce varieties (type D), and six A. graveolens var. secalinum varieties (type S), and three breeding selections were analysed and 41 and 73 volatile compounds were identified using GC–MS and GC–IMS, respectively. The results showed that type S emitted more terpenes and phthalides than type D varieties. Both GC–MS and GC–IMS could discriminate between type S and type D. Six potential biomarkers, i.e., sabinene, (E)-caryophyllene, α-phellandrene, limonene, γ-terpinene, and hexanal, were identified using both models. Both GC–MS and GC–IMS could discriminate between parent and breeding selection. The relative contents of seven (GC–IMS OPLS–DA model) and ten (GC–MS OPLS–DA model) volatile compounds showed over-parent heterosis. This study provides a technical reference for distinguishing celery varieties in the same habitat and preliminarily reveals the aroma relationship between breeding selections and their parents.

Effectiveness of acupuncture and a cumin-based herbal formula on anthropometric indices of overweight patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a Persian Medicine herbal formula and a Traditional Chinese Medicine intervention (acupuncture) on the improvement of weight and anthropometric indices of overweight patients. This study was a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. A total of 200 overweight patients were randomly divided into 4 groups receiving either (1) Herbal capsule, (2) placebo capsule, (3) acupuncture, or (4) sham acupuncture. Herbal capsules were filled with hydroethanolic extract of Cuminum cyminum L. seed, Apium graveolens L. seed, Ruta graveolens L. seed, Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague seed, Origanum majorana L. leaf, and sodium tetraborate and placebo capsules with avicel. Patients received two 500mg capsules or 12 acupuncture sessions over 8 weeks. Study outcomes, consisted of weight, body mass index (BMI), anthropometric indices including chest, arm, wrist, waist, hip, and leg circumferences, and waist/hip ratio (WHR), were evaluated 3 times: before treatment, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks. The herbal formula significantly reduced weight, BMI, WHR, and chest and waist circumferences compared to the placebo capsule (P < 0.05). Furthermore, acupuncture improved all study outcomes, except WHR, compared to sham acupuncture (P < 0.05). Despite the effects of herbal formula and acupuncture were the same on WHR and chest, waist, and leg circumferences (P < 0.05), acupuncture reduced weight, BMI, and arm, wrist, and hip circumferences more than herbal formula (P < 0.05). Complementary and alternative therapeutic methods, such as herbal treatments and acupuncture, show promising effects in improving weight and anthropometric indices of overweight patients.

Peroxyl Radical Trapping Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils and Their Phenolic Components.

Essential oils (EOs) are gaining importance as sustainable food antioxidants, but kinetic data on peroxyl radical trapping are missing. Thirteen EOs from 11 botanical species were studied in the inhibited autoxidation of cumene by oxygen-uptake kinetics. EOs of Juniperus oxycedrus, Syzygium aromaticum, Thymus vulgaris, Thymbra capitata, Betula alba, Pimenta racemosa, and Satureja montana, containing 23-86% phenolic components by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, afforded inhibition rate constants kinh in the order of 104 M-1 s-1 at 30 °C similar to reference butylhydroxytoluene (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) (BHT). They matched or outperformed BHT in the protection of olive oil. The EOs Daucus carota and Cedrus atlantica with <1% phenols and those of Apium graveolens and Tagetes minuta with no phenolics had no chain-breaking activity. Key components carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, dihydroeugenol, umbelliferone, conyferyl alcohol, o-cresol, m-cresol, p-cresol, 4-allylphenol, 2,3-xylenol, 2,4-xylenol, and phenol had kinh in the range of 103-104 M-1 s-1 and, along with EOs containing them, could potentially replace BHT in the protection of food products.

Egyptian aquaponic celery (Apium graveolens): Phenolic and volatile profiles analysed using HPLC-MS/ms and gc-ms/ms

Recently, water scarcity has been a substantial problem facing agriculture in Egypt, with a great impact on food security and hence makes it a challenge to satisfy food demand. An aquaponic system with minimum water needs is considered a substitute technique to meet the demand of food shortages. Celery (Apium graveolens) is a widely cultivated herb belonging to the family Apiaceae and widely consumed as a popular ingredient in a wide range of dishes and food recipes. A total of 13 phenolic metabolites were detected and quantified using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Chlorogenic acid was detected as the most abundant phenolic compound accounting for 3471.58 mg kg−1. Moreover, 65 volatile compounds belonging to 12 different classes were detected using GS-MS with an abundance of aromatic hydrocarbons at ca.68.15%. and the main constituents were 6-phenyltridecane, 6-phenyldodecane, and 5-phenylundecane at ca.6.78%, 6.62%, and 6.13% respectively. It is the first time to report metabolic profile in celery grown in an aquaponic system.

Underlying principles of Ge-induced early cluster-to-layer transition for ultrathin Ag layer formation on oxides

The fabrication of continuous Ag layers with thicknesses of <10 nm are challenging. Moreover, information on the crucial factors responsible for early cluster-to-layer transition is limited. Hence, this study focuses on the effects of thin Ge interlayers in forming Ag layers on SiOx substrates. Experimental and numerical analyses demonstrate the active migration and intermixing of atomic Ge in the Ag and SiOx matrices during the early Ag layering stages. The incorporation of Ge into Ag matrices facilitates a faster cluster-to-layer transition than those with Al and Cu. Ge-mediated Ag clustering reduces the rearrangement momenta of extremely small Ag clusters densely concentrated on SiOx substrates. This is attributed to the Ge-induced reduction in the diffusion of atomic Ag in the surfaces of volatile Ag clusters and consequently, the suppression of cluster coalescence. These findings provide insights into the unconventional role of Ge in Ag clustering dynamics. Thus, this study presents a crucial framework for optimizing Ag wetting on oxide substrates with ultralow optical and electrical losses via extreme dissipation of the residual amounts of metalloid wetting-inducing elements.

Biofabrication of GO-Ag nanocomposite using Cucumis callosus (kachri) fruits: Enhanced antibacterial properties and green synthesis approach.

This study presents a novel, environmentally sustainable method for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) sheets decorated uniformly with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) ranging in size from 4 to 34 nm. The reduction of AgNO3 is achieved using an extract derived from Cucumis callosus fruit, which serves as a dual-function stabilizing and reducing agent. Cucumis callosus, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family and native to regions such as India, South America, Thailand, Africa, and Egypt, is recognized for its substantial nutritional and medicinal value, encompassing antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we explore the utilization of Cucumis callosus extract for the first time in synthesizing Ag NPs, employing a green synthesis approach to produce GO-Ag nanocomposites. Comprehensive characterization techniques confirm the structural integrity and quality of the synthesized nanocomposites. The antibacterial efficacy of the green-synthesized Ag-decorated GO nanocomposites was evaluated using the disk diffusion method against Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria at varying dosages. The nanocomposites demonstrated dose-dependent antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains, with a notably heightened effect observed against Gram-negative bacteria. These findings underscore the potential of Cucumis callosus as a promising candidate for the sustainable preparation of GO-Ag nanocomposites with enhanced antibacterial properties, suitable for various biomedical and environmental applications. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This work presents a simple, environmentally free, and cost-effective green synthesis method to decorate uniformly small (4-34 nm) spherical Ag NPs on the GO sheets. Ag NPs were produced by reducing AgNO3 using Cucumis callosus fruit extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The nanocomposites show dosage-dependent antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but the antibacterial effect is higher against the Gram-negative bacteria. Synthesis of these nanocomposites via the green route using an herbal plant/fruit like Cucumis callosus will benefit the medical industry.

HARNESSING PHYTOTHERAPY: EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR MALE INFERTILITY

Purpose: The multifaceted nature of male infertility requires innovative approaches, leading researchers to explore the potential of phytotherapy to improve reproductive health. Phytotherapy offers a promising prospect for individuals seeking alternative treatments for male infertility, harnessing the natural therapeutic properties of plant-based compounds. The aim of this work is to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of phytotherapy as a promising alternative treatment for male infertility. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and clinical trials, this research aims to elucidate the potential benefits of phytotherapeutic interventions in improving sperm quality, enhancing reproductive parameters and addressing the underlying causes of male infertility. Methodology. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The search was conducted from 1970 to 2024, with no language restrictions. The following keywords and combinations of keywords were used: “phytotherapy”, “male infertility”, “herbal medicine”, “plant extracts”, “natural remedies” and “herbal supplements”. In addition, relevant articles were identified through manual searches of the reference lists of the retrieved trials and review articles. Articles were included if they met the following criteria: (1) original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical trials investigating the efficacy of phytotherapy in the treatment of male infertility; (2) studies reporting outcomes related to sperm quality, reproductive hormones, semen parameters or fertility outcomes; (3) human studies involving adult men diagnosed with infertility or subfertility; (4) studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Scientific novelty. While conventional treatments for male infertility often focus on hormonal therapies, surgery or assisted reproductive techniques, this manuscript highlights the potential of phytotherapy as an alternative approach. By exploring natural remedies derived from medicinal plants, this manuscript offers new insights into complementary strategies for the treatment of male infertility. The emphasis on alternative treatments reflects a growing interest in holistic and integrative approaches to reproductive medicine. In addition to discussing the broader concept of phytotherapy, this manuscript examines the efficacy of specific phytochemicals in the treatment of male infertility. By focusing on individual compounds and their pharmacological effects, this manuscript advances our understanding of the bioactive constituents responsible for the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants. This targeted approach allows for a more nuanced evaluation of phytotherapeutic interventions and facilitates the identification of potential drug candidates. Conclusions. The use of various medicinal plants with benefits for male reproductive health was discussed, including Tribulus terrestris, Apium graveolens, Withania somnifera, Cornus mas, Fumaria parviflora, Phoenix dactylifera and many others, was discussed. The mechanisms by which these herbal remedies may exert their effects on sperm quality, reproductive hormones and overall fertility were also demonstrated. The role of plants as adjunctive therapies to address underlying conditions associated with male infertility, such as oxidative stress, inflammation and hormonal imbalances, was discussed. Although promising, clinical evidence for the efficacy of herbal treatments for male infertility remains limited, highlighting the need for further well-designed clinical trials and studies. Nevertheless, the integration of medicinal plants into comprehensive fertility care protocols offers a promising avenue for improving male reproductive health outcomes and warrants further exploration.

Selective apigenin assay in plant extracts and herbal supplement with molecularly imprinted polymer-based electrochemical sensor

This study is the first successful application of a nanomaterial-supported molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based electrochemical sensor for the sensitive and selective determination of apigenin (API), which is a naturally occurring product of the flavone class that is an aglycone of several glycosides. Secondary metabolites are biologically active substances produced by plants in response to various environmental factors. The levels of these compounds can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil conditions and the season in which the plants are grown. Therefore, the analysis of these compounds is essential to properly understand the biological effects of plant extracts and to ensure their safe use. To increase the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface's active surface area and porosity, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were integrated into the MIP-based electrochemical sensor design. Tryptophan methacrylate (TrpMA) was selected as the functional monomer along with other MIP components such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA, basic monomer), 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone (initiator), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA, crosslinking agent). The morphological and electrochemical characterizations of the developed API/ZnO NPs/TrpMA@MIP-GCE sensor were performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The indirect measurement approach via 5.0 mM [Fe(CN)6]3–/4– solution was utilized to determine API in the linear range of 1.0x10−13 M − 1.0x10−12 M. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for standard solutions were found to be 2.47x10−14 and 8.23x10−14 M, respectively. In addition, the extraction processes were carried out using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and maceration (MCR) procedures. For Apium graveolens L., Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss and herbal supplement, the API recoveries varied from 98.79 % to 102.71 %, with average relative standard deviations (RSD) less than 2.25 % in all three cases. The sensor's successful performance in the presence of components with chemical structures similar to the API was also demonstrated, revealing its unique selectivity.

Butylphthalide mitigates traumatic brain injury by activating anti-ferroptotic AHR-CYP1B1 pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIncreasing evidence suggests that ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation, may play a substantial role in the traumatic brain injury (TBI) pathophysiology. 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), a compound extracted from the seeds of Apium graveolens Linn (Chinese celery) and used in China to treat ischemic stroke, has demonstrated encouraging anti-reactive oxygen species (ROS) effects. Ascertaining whether NBP can inhibit ferroptosis and its mechanism could potentially expand its use in models of neurological injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Methods and resultsIn this study, we used erastin-induced in vitro ferroptosis models (HT22 cells, hippocampal slices, and primary neurons) and an in vivo controlled cortical impact mouse model. Our study revealed that NBP administration mitigated erastin-induced death in HT-22 cells and decreased ROS levels, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial superoxide indicators, resulting in mitochondrial protection. Moreover, the ability of NBP to inhibit ferroptosis was confirmed in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and a TBI mouse model. NBP rescued neurons, inhibited microglial activation, and reduced iron levels in the brain tissue. The protective effect of NBP can be partly attributed to the inhibition of the AHR-CYP1B1 axis, as evidenced by RNA-seq and CYP1B1 overexpression/inhibition experiments in HT22 cells and primary neurons. ConclusionsOur study underscores that NBP inhibition of the AHR-CYP1B1 axis reduces ferroptosis in neuronal damage and ameliorates brain injury.

From farm to pharma: Investigation of the therapeutic potential of the dietary plants Apium graveolens L., Coriandrum sativum, and Mentha longifolia, as AhR modulators for Immunotherapy

Autoimmune diseases represent a complex array of conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. These disorders, affecting millions worldwide, encompass a broad spectrum of conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis to lupus and type 1 diabetes. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) translocator, expressed across immune and other cell types, plays crucial roles in immune disorders and inflammatory diseases. With a realm towards natural remedies in modern medicine for disease prevention, this study investigates the electronic properties and behaviors of bioactive compounds from dietary sources, including Apium graveolens L. (Celery), Coriandrum sativum seeds (Coriander), and Mentha longifolia, as AhR modulators. Through comprehensive analysis (HOMO-LUMO, ESP, LOL, and ELF), electron-rich and -poor regions, electron localization, and delocalization are identified, contrasting these compounds with the toxic AhR ligand, TCDD. Evaluation of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) properties reveals favorable pharmacokinetics without blood-brain barrier penetration, indicating drug-like characteristics. Molecular docking demonstrates stronger interactions of dietary flavonoid ligands with AhR transcription compared to TCDD. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm the stability of complexes and the sustainability of interactions formed. This research underscores the potential of natural compounds as effective AhR modulators for therapeutic interventions in immune-related disorders.

Voltammetric immunosensor based on oxidized carbon nanotubes/MnFe2O4 hybrid nanoplatform for amplified detection of celery (Apium graveolens)

Celery is a food allergen that must be included in the ingredient list of commercial food products in the European Union. This is a challenge for the food industry because of potential cross-contamination and undeclared ingredients because of their low concentrations. So, the food industry requires expedited high-performance analytical methods. The development, validation and application of a magnetic nanomaterial-based voltammetric immunosensor is reported to quantify a major celery allergen (Api g 1), achieving a low limit of detection (32 pg·mL−1, in a 40-μL sample). The applicability of the biosensor was evaluated by analysing twenty food products and the lowest Api g 1 content (1.1 ± 0.9 mg·kg−1) was quantified in a cooked sample. The selectivity of the method and the interference of similar fresh products (e.g., parsley, basil) were evaluated. This portable and easy-to-use biosensor can be a fit-for-purpose solution to tackle a major problem for the food industry.

Karrikinolide1 (KAR1), a Bioactive Compound from Smoke, Improves the Germination of Morphologically Dormant Apium graveolens L. Seeds by Reducing Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) Levels.

Smoke-water (SW) and Karrikinolide1 (KAR1) release dormancy and improve seed germination in many plant species. Therefore, we tested SW (1:2500 v/v) and KAR1 (10-7 M) to break the morphological dormancy of celery cultivar (Apium graveolens L.). In the first trial, seeds were subjected to a 21-day incubation period at 20 °C with SW and KAR1 applied as single treatments. KAR1 showed significantly improved germination (30.7%) as compared to SW (17.2%) and a water control (14.7%). In seed soaking experiments, SW, KAR1, and gibberellic acid (GA3) treatments showed higher germination percentages than the water control after 3 and 6 h of soaking. However, prolonged soaking (12 h) reduced germination percentages for all treatments, indicating a detrimental effect. Analysis of KAR1 content dynamics in 7-day- and 21-day-old celery seeds indicated its prolonged effects on germination and dormancy alleviation. Phytohormones, including auxins in 7-day-old and cytokinins in 7-day- and 21-day-old celery seedlings, along with their precursors and metabolites, were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) after treatment with KAR1 and SW. The analysis of auxin levels in 7-day-old seeds revealed a negative correlation between seed germination and auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) content. Notably, it was found that KAR1-treated seeds significantly reduced IAA levels in all treatments. SW and KAR1 did not significantly affect cytokinin levels during celery germination except for N6-Isopentenyladenine. Hence, further research is needed to understand their precise role in celery seed germination. This work will improve our understanding of the role of bioactive compounds from plant-derived smoke and how they regulate hormonal responses and improve germination efficiency in celery.