Apple Seeds Research Articles

Custard apple seeds (Annona squamosa)-induced bilateral toxic keratopathy

Custard apple seeds are a natural remedy for head lice infestation in some parts of India. We report a case of a patient with accidental bilateral ocular exposure to custard apple seeds powder. The patient developed toxic bilateral keratopathy, which was treated with topical antibiotics, lubricants, and low-dose steroids. The patient responded well to the treatment. This report is intended to educate the patients regarding the potential toxic effects of custard apple seeds and increase the awareness of public on traditional harmful practices in this regard.

Studies on fuels and engine attributes powered by bio-diesel and bio-oil derived from stone apple seed (Aegle marmelos) for bioenergy

Biofuel is an alternative fuel for diesel engines which is necessary to reduce exhaust emissions and helps to balance the depletion of fossil fuels. This study details the synthesis of bio-diesel and bio-oil from stone apple seeds ( Aegle marmelos) through transesterification, direct oxygenate additive, and pyrolysis processes. The diesel engine is powered by the resulting stone apple methyl ester bio-diesel/diesel and bio-oil/diesel mixtures. In a test engine rig, the effectiveness and emission uniqueness of test fuel mixes were examined at various engine loads (EL = 3 kg–12 kg) and compression ratios (CR = 16–17.5) while maintaining a steady speed of 1500 r/min. Furthermore, engine performance and emissions for bio-diesel and bio-oil are measured and compared. The oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission by bio-diesel and bio-oil opus were higher than neat diesel (FD). Also, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions were measured to be lower. The improvements of BTE by 4.87% and decrement of CO by 18.8%, HC by 13.26% were observed with the trans-esterified bio-diesel/diesel opus compared to diesel at a higher CR and rated load conditions. The engine analysis responses revealed that the FBD blend showed enhanced performance and lower emissions except NOx compared to diesel fuel. Hence, trans-esterified bio-diesel is a greater diesel alternative than FBDE and FBO.

Experimental analysis of tubular solar still with custard apple seeds a bio-waste material: An energy, exergy, economic, environmental and sustainability analysis

Solar desalination is emerging as a sustainable solution for addressing water scarcity and the lack of access to fresh drinking water in various regions worldwide. This experimental study has employed custard apple seeds (CAS) a biowaste substance in Tubular Solar Still (TSS) to attain maximum water yield, and improved energy and exergy efficiency, thereby addressing water scarcity issues. Furthermore, the research examines the economic feasibility, environmental impact, and sustainability of utilizing CAS biowaste medium in the TSS. Two separate TSS were used in the experimental work in which one TSS is provided with CAS, which is named as Enhanced Tubular Solar Still (ETSS). The other TSS is utilized without inclusion of biowaste substance and is named as Normal Tubular Solar Still (NTSS). The results indicated that ETSS system, using 600 g of CAS, has a water yield of 3.73 kg/m2/day while for NTSS without any biowaste materials, the yield is obtained as 2.45 kg/m2/day. The ETSS model demonstrates a significant improvement of 52.51 % compared to the NTSS model. Additionally, the thermal and exergy efficiencies of ETSS are achieved as 38.22 % and 1.96 %, respectively, whereas for NTSS, both are evaluated to be 23.78 % and 1.04 %, respectively. The energy and exergy efficiencies for ETSS show enhancements of 60.69 % and 87.37 % in comparison to the NTSS system. Moreover, economic investigation reveals that the Cost Per Liter (CPL) for NTSS and ETSS models is $0.024/L and $0.016/L, respectively, indicating a 33.33 % improvement in the ETSS model over the NTSS model. The Economic Payback Time (PBT) for NTSS and ETSS is 141.3 and 95.57 days, respectively. Environmental analysis indicates that the mitigation of CO2 in NTSS and ETSS is evaluated as 66.7 kg/year and 101.66 kg/year, respectively. Additionally, the Net Carbon Emission Mitigation (NCEM) for both models is 8 and 12.42 tons for the 10-year lifetime of both NTSS and ETSS, respectively. Carbon credits gained amount is $87.22 and $135.4 for NTSS and ETSS models, respectively.

Irradiation-induced modifications of apple seed protein isolate: Exploring techno-functional, structural, thermal, and morphological characteristics

Waste valorization of apple seeds for protein extraction is a sustainable approach to the management of apple seed waste in the apple processing industry. The purpose of the research is to study the modification of apple seed protein isolates under different doses of irradiation on functional, structural, thermal, and morphological characteristics. Different irradiation doses of 8, 15, 20 25, and 50 kGy showed significant variations in protein content (88.70%–86.45%), total phenolic content (774.13–285.42 mg GAE/100g), and color profile of the apple seed protein. Irradiation altered the apple seed protein isolates' functional properties with increased foaming properties and emulsifying properties and decreased water and oil absorption properties. Irradiation induces denaturation and cross-linking in the apple seed protein structures, which increase surface hydrophobicity (708.66–1740.66), decreased zeta potential (−18.60 to −39.39 mV), and alteration in protein secondary structures with decreased α-helix (11.52–10.43 %), β-sheet content (60.82–60.13%), and random coils (16.82–16.19%), and increased β turns (10.79–13.22 %). DSC and TGA analysis revealed improved thermal properties using irradiation doses of 8–20 kGy whereas reduction for 25–50 kGy in irradiated apple seed proteins. Scanning electronic microscopy showed pores and aggregated structures of irradiated apple seed protein isolates. The study revealed the potential of irradiation as one of the non-thermal techniques for modifying apple seed protein isolates for protein valorization in various food applications.

Reactive nitrogen species act as the enhancers of glutathione pool in embryonic axes of apple seeds subjected to accelerated ageing

Main conclusionReactive nitrogen species mitigate the deteriorative effect of accelerated seed ageing by affecting the glutathione concentration and activities of GR and GPX-like.The treatment of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) embryos isolated from accelerated aged seeds with nitric oxide-derived compounds increases their vigour and is linked to the alleviation of the negative effect of excessive oxidation processes. Reduced form of glutathione (GSH) is involved in the maintenance of redox potential. Glutathione peroxidase-like (GPX-like) uses GSH and converts it to oxidised form (GSSG), while glutathione reductase (GR) reduces GSSG into GSH. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of the short-time NOx treatment of embryos isolated from apple seeds subjected to accelerated ageing on glutathione-related parameters. Apple seeds were subjected to accelerated ageing for 7, 14 or 21 days. Isolated embryos were shortly treated with NOx and cultured for 48 h. During ageing, in the axes of apple embryos, GSH and GSSG levels as well as half-cell reduction potential remained stable, while GR and GPX-like activities decreased. However, the positive effect of NOx in the vigour preservation of embryos isolated from prolonged aged seeds is linked to the increased total glutathione pool, and above all, higher GSH content. Moreover, NOx increased the level of transcripts encoding GPX-like and stimulated enzymatic activity. The obtained results indicate that high seed vigour related to the mode of action of NO and its derivatives is closely linked to the maintenance of higher GSH levels.

Movement of ACC oxidase 3 mRNA from seeds to flesh promotes fruit ripening in apple

Xenia, the phenomenon in which the pollen genotype directly affects the phenotypic characteristics of maternal tissues (i.e., fruit ripening), has applications in crop production and breeding. However, the underlying molecular mechanism has yet to be elucidated. Here, we investigated whether mobile mRNAs from the pollen affect the ripening and quality-related characteristics of the fruit using cross-pollination between distinct Malus domestica (apple) cultivars. We demonstrated that hundreds of mobile mRNAs originating from the seeds are delivered to the fruit. We found that the movement of one of these mRNAs, ACC oxidase 3 (MdACO3), is coordinated with fruit ripening. Salicylic acid treatment, which can cause plasmodesmal closure, blocks MdACO3 movement, indicating that MdACO3 transcripts may move through the plasmodesmata. To assess the role of mobile MdACO3 transcripts in apple fruit, we created MdACO3-GFP-expressing apple seeds using MdACO3-GFP-overexpressing pollen for pollination and showed that MdACO3 transcripts in the transgenic seeds move to the flesh, where they promote fruit ripening. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MdACO3 can be transported from the seeds to fruit in the fleshy-fruited species tomato and strawberry. These results underscore the potential of mobile mRNAs from seeds to influence fruit characteristics, providing an explanation for the xenia phenomenon. Notably, our findings highlight the feasibility of leveraging diverse pollen genomic resources, without resorting to genome editing, to improve fruit quality.

Production and Characterization of Ackee Apple (Blighia sapida) Seeds and African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) Seeds Oil Mixtures and their Biodiesel

This paper focused on the characterization of oils and biodiesels derived from Ackee apple seeds and African star apple seeds obtained from local markets. The oils from individual seeds and their mixtures at varying ratios were characterised for relative density, free fatty acid, acid, iodine, and saponification, which yielded 0.91 g/cm3, 1.06 mg-KOH/g, 2.12 mg-KOH/g, 38.36mg-iodine/100g, and 195.74 mg-KOH/g of ackee seed oil, respectively. And 0.89 g/cm3, 2.105 mg-KOH/g, 4.2 mg-KOH/g, 52.49 mg-iodine/100 g, and 227.7 mg-KOH/g of African star apple seed oil, respectively. The highest relative density of 0.9064 g/cm3 and free fatty acid of 3.73 mg-KOH/g were achieved from the mixture of ackee apple and African star apple seeds’ oils at 80 and 20%, respectively, while the highest saponification of 221.264 mg-KOH/g and iodine of 49.66 mg-iodine/100 g were obtained from the oil mixture of 20 and 80%, respectively. Also, the oils extracted from the seeds, were subjected to a transesterification process to produce biodiesel. 144°C flash point, 206°C fire point, and 2.8°C cloud point were obtained from the biodiesel of the oil mixture of 20 and 80%, respectively. Further analysis of the mixtures showed low volatility and high resistance to fire due to their high flash and fire points. The highest value recorded for the flash point is lower when compared with some other seed oils flash points; however this value is higher than the standard flash point for biodiesels .Highest boiling point of 64°C was attained at an oil mixture ratio of 60 and 40%, respectively. This value is too low compared to the normal boiling point range of 315-350°C for biodiesels, and the high acid values recoded for the mixtures make the oils inedible. The oils, however, have advantages over other edible seed oils as they will serve as valuable ingredients in the soap-making industries since they are not competing with food resources

Anticholinergic Toxidrome due to Thorn Apple Seed Ingestion in an Elderly Couple.

Sudden onset of reduced consciousness, psychomotor agitation and mydriasis are all indicative of an anticholinergic toxidrome. It is important to note that numerous drugs, as well as certain herbs and plants, possess anticholinergic properties. An 84-year-old female patient had sudden nocturnal onset of uncoordinated hand movements and altered mental status. Shortly after, the patient's 83-year-old husband developed symptoms of dysarthria, gait ataxia, vertigo, and delirium. Anticholinergic syndrome consists of a combination of central and peripheral anticholinergic symptoms. Physostigmine given intravenously resulted in rapid reversal of symptoms. Thorn apple seeds had been accidentally ingested and were identified as the cause. The clinical presentation of an anticholinergic toxidrome includes both central and peripheral symptoms such as altered consciousness, mydriasis, dry mucous membranes and skin, and tachycardia.Prompt recognition of anticholinergic toxidrome and the administration of physostigmine can lead to rapid reversal of symptoms and improved patient outcomes.Treatment with physostigmine is indicated when a patient with an agitated delirium does not respond adequately to titrated benzodiazepines.

A pyridyl-benzimidazole based ruthenium(II) complex as optical sensor: Targeted cyanide detection and live cell imaging applications

An extreme toxicity of cyanide (CN−) ion in diverse environmental media has encouraged significant attention for scheming well-organised molecular probes for its selective and sensitive detection. Keeping in mind, we present here a monometallic Ru(II) complex (Ru-1) based on 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole moiety acting as a highly selective luminescent probe for CN− recognition in pure water. Besides, Ru-1 also acted as an efficient sensor for F−, AcO− and H2PO4− ions along with CN− when acetonitrile was chosen as solvent system. The binding constant (Kb) and detection limit (LoD) for CN− have been depicted as 3.05 × 106 M−1 and 12.8 nM, respectively, in water. The close proximity of N-H site with Ru(II) centre along with its remarkable acidity were identified as mainly responsible for the high selectivity of Ru-1 toward CN− in water. Job’s plot and DFT analyses were carried out to support the anion binding mechanism. Furthermore, the time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) spectroscopy was performed to assess the cyanide-induced emission lifetime change of Ru-1 in aqueous medium. In order to investigate applied potential, the probe Ru-1 was notably developed into paper-based strips that could readily detect CN− ion in mM range via naked eye under 365 nm light illumination, and also adequately employed to detect CN− in human breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines and natural food sources (such as apple seeds and sprouting potatoes).

Functionalized 2-Hydrazinobenzothiazole with Bithiophene as a Colorimetric Sensor for Lethal Cyanide Ions and Its Application in Food Samples.

A newly synthesized Schiff's base 2-(2-([2,2'-bithiophen]-5-ylmethylene)hydrazinyl)benzothiazole (BT) was obtained from the condensation reaction between 2-hydrazinobenzothiazole and 2,2-bithiophene-5-carboxaldehyde. The prepared probe BT was subjected to a confirmation of the structural arrangement through NMR, FTIR, ESI-HRMS, and single-crystal XRD spectral analysis. The BT colorimetric sensor showed selectivity and sensitivity toward the cyanide (CN-) ion over other common anions such as ClO4-, Cl-, Br-, F-, I-, NO2-, OH-, HSO4-, and H2PO4- in a partial aqueous system CH3CN/H2O (8:2, v/v). The probe BT detects CN- with the lowest detection range as low as 1.33 × 10-8 M (3.59 ppm); in comparison to that given by WHO guidelines, it is significantly lower. The stoichiometric interaction between the probe BT and analyte CN- was found to be 1:1 (BT/CN-) binding mode using Jobs plot, and further association binding affinity was calculated to be 6.64 × 10-3 M-1. Additionally, these results were further supported by the FTIR and DFT calculations, as well as the 1H NMR titration analysis, which complemented the binding data. The sensor probe BT was successfully employed in a cotton swab test kit approach and also in smartphone-assisted applications for the determination of CN- ions. Finally, the outstanding sensing properties of probe BT aided the quantitative detection of CN- ions, and it could be further applied to a variety of food samples, including apple seeds, sprouting potatoes, and cassava.

Viruses of Apple Are Seedborne but Likely Not Vertically Transmitted.

Many viruses occur in apple (Malus domestica (Borkh.)), but no information is available on their seed transmissibility. Here, we report that six viruses infecting apple trees, namely, apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), apple green crinkle-associated virus (AGCaV), apple rubbery wood virus 2 (ARWV2), apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), apple stem pitting virus (ASPV), and citrus concave gum-associated virus (CCGaV) occur in seeds extracted from apple fruits produced by infected maternal trees. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) assays revealed the presence of these six viruses in untreated apple seeds with incidence rates ranging from 20% to 96%. Furthermore, ASPV was detected by RT-PCR in the flesh and peel of fruits produced by infected maternal trees, as well as from seeds extracted from apple fruits sold for fresh consumption. Finally, a large-scale seedling grow-out experiment failed to detect ACLSV, ASGV, or ASPV in over 1000 progeny derived from sodium hypochlorite surface sterilized seeds extracted from fruits produced by infected maternal trees, suggesting no detectable transmission via embryonic tissue. This is the first report on the seedborne nature of apple-infecting viruses.

Seed moisture influence on some engineering properties of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) seeds

Seed moisture influence on some engineering properties of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) seeds

Apple tree Alternaria (malus domestica Borkh.) and ways to reduce its harmfulness in the non-chernozem zone of Russia

The research was conducted on the territory of the educational and experimental farm of the K.A. Timiryazev Russian State Agrarian University of Agriculture in Moscow in 2020-2023. The examination of apple-tree plantings, ornamental plantings, and weed vegetation was carried out for three years with determination of pathogens of the main diseases by microscopy method. The Alternaria fungi species membership were identified by morphological features of conidia and sporulation habitus, and the specific pathogen species was confirmed by PCR analysis. Two unspecified species of Alternaria tenuissima and Alternaria infectoria fungi were found to infect apple trees and other species of the surveyed plants with Alternaria blight. The fungus species Alternaria tenuissima was predominantly recorded on apple trees. Out of 186 examined apple cultivars, the development of Alternaria blight was found in 85.5% of the cultivars with different ripening periods. The apple cultivars most resistant to Alternaria blight were identified. The apple cultivars, in which the damage of fruits by Alternaria blight was recorded, were identified. Infestation of apple seeds by fungi of Alternaria genus obtained from fruits affected by this pathogen was determined. The possibility of high Alternaria blight infestation degree in apple tree seedlings was detected. A high degree of Alternaria tenuissima and Alternaria infectoria fungi development was recorded in a number of orchard-protecting and ornamental plants, as well as in weeds, and their possible role as reservoirs and transmitters of infection to fruit crops was established. The efficacy of fungicides: Luna Tranquiliti, KS; Skor, KE; Medea, ME; Zato, VDG; Horus, VDG; Coside Super, VDG in suppressing Alternaria blight development on apple cultivars of different ripening dates has been compared.

A simple and coast effective quinoline based Schiff’s base SS-2 as a colorimetric chemosensor for highly selective detection of cyanide ion in food samples

A simple, cost-effective, and highly selective colorimetric chemosensor was designed and synthesized (E)-2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-3-((2-(4-nitrophenyl) hydrazono) methyl) quinoline SS-2 from 2-(4-Chlorophenoxy) quinolin-3-carbaldehyde and 4-Nitrophenylhydrazine and confirmed by spectral techniques. The receptor SS-2 was found to exhibit a colorimetric response of the colour change from yellow to blue towards CN− ion, due to de-protonation and intra-ligand charge transfer. The receptor SS-2 interacts with cyanide in a 1:1 stoichiometric manner with a detection limit of 5.39 × 10−7 M. Receptor SS-2 could be recyclable by treatment of Tri fluoro acetic acid. The sensing behaviour of the receptor was further enunciated by computational studies and found to efficiently detect even the trace amounts of cyanide present in food samples such as flax seeds, apple seeds, kidney beans, sprout potatoes, and almond skin. In further SS-2 can be used for practical applications like visible colorimetric test kits such as dipsticks.

The development of a simple imidazole-based probe for the selective detection of cyanide ion in real samples

In the present work, a simple and highly selective colorimetric chemosensor (CS-02), was designed and synthesized from 5(4)-amino-4(5) -(amino carbonyl)-imidazole hydrochloride and 5-(4-chloro phenyl) furan-2-carbaldehyde. The formation of the CS-02 (E)-5-amino-N-((5-(4-chlorophenyl) furan-2-yl) methylene)-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide was confirmed by 1HNMR and Mass spectral techniques. The receptor CS-02 was found to show a colorimetric response of the colour change from Light yellow to Cyber yellow towards CN− ion, due to de-protonation and intra-ligand charge transfer. The receptor CS-02 interacts with cyanide in a 1:1 stoichiometric manner with a detection limit of 10.39 × 10−5 M. Receptor CS-02 could be recyclable by treatment with TFA. The sensing behaviour of the receptor was further enunciated by computational studies and it’s also be efficiently used to detect trace amounts of cyanide present in Real samples such as tobacco, flax seeds, apple seeds, cigarette and Indian cigarette. Moreover, a visible colorimetric kit such as a test paper strip would be used in the CS-02 for practical applications.

Apple extract protects against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats by suppressing oxidative stress – The implication of Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway: In silico and in vivo studies

Gastric ulcers represent a worldwide health problem, characterized by erosions with different degrees in the gastrointestinal mucosa. In the current study, we explore the protective effects of the extract of apple seeds (Malus domestica, family: Rosaceae), regarded as environmental wastes, against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats. The chemical composition of the seeds extract was investigated through liquid chromatography high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HR-ESI-MS). The metabolomics profiling resulted in identification of 17 compounds (1–17) of different chemical classes. The gene ontology analysis demonstrated that the total extract of M. domestica seeds possess an antiulcer activity through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway as the top identified signaling pathway. The present research work evidenced the reuse of apple seeds waste as an effective therapy to treat NSAIDs-induced gastric ulcer, attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is important to note that the extract does not cause the undesirable effects of traditional antisecretory drugs.

Custard apple seeds induced toxic keratoconjunctivitis

The patient developed severe symptoms of toxic keratoconjunctivitis within 6-12 h following accidental ocular exposure to custard apple seeds (Annona squamosa) which are used as a remedy for lice/dandruff in some parts of India. A 12 year-old female child was diagnosed with custard apple seed-induced toxic keratoconjunctivitis. A patient with informed consent was enrolled. She was advised to use topical antibiotics, lubricating agents and cycloplegic eyedrops. She responded well to treatment and keratoconjunctivitis resolved in 3 weeks with complete restoration of vision in both eyes. This case highlights the importance of prevailing traditional practices. Simple health education and more public awareness of harmful effects of custard apple seeds should be created to prevent such chemical injury.

Synthesis and Characterization of Natural Pesticides from Custard Apple Seeds

Synthesis and Characterization of Natural Pesticides from Custard Apple Seeds

Bioimaging and detecting endogenous and exogenous cyanide in foods, living cells and mice based on a turn-on mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe

A novel fluorescent probe, with advanced features including “turn-on” fluorescence response, high sensitivity, good compatibility, and mitochondria-targeting function, has been synthesized based on structural design for detecting and visualizing cyanide in foods and biological systems. An electron-donating triphenylamine group (TPA) was employed as the fluorescent and an electron-accepting 4-methyl-N-methyl-pyridinium iodide (Py) moiety was used as a mitochondria-targeted localization unit, which formed intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) system. The “turn-on” fluorescence response of the probe (TPA-BTD-Py, TBP) toward cyanide is attributed two reasons, one is the insertion of an electron-deficient benzothiadiazole (BTD) group into the conjugated system between TPA and Py, and the other is the inhibition of ICT induced by the nucleophilic addition of CN–. Two active sites for reacting with CN− were involved in TBP molecule and high response sensitivity were observed in tetrahydrofuran solvent containing 3 % H2O. The response time could be reduced to 150 s, the linear range was 0.25–50 μM, and the limit of detection was 0.046 μM for CN− analysis. The TBP probe was successfully applied to the detection of cyanide in food samples prepared in aqueous solution, including the sprouting potato, bitter almond, cassava, and apple seeds. Furthermore, TBP exhibited low cytotoxicity, clear mitochondria-localizing capability in HeLa cells and excellent fluorescence imaging of exogenous and endogenous CN– in living PC12 cells. Moreover, exogenous CN– with intraperitoneal injection in nude mice could be well monitored visually by the “turn-on” fluorescence. Therefore, the strategy based on structural design provided good prospects for optimizing fluorescent probes.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of oils from apple seeds: A comparative study with supercritical fluid and conventional solvent extraction

The aim of this study was to optimize the processing conditions for the extraction of apple seed oil by applying ultrasounds (UAE) using hexane as solvent. A response surface methodology with a central composite design identified the following optimized parameters: 56 W of power (64% amplitude), 30 min at 30 °C. The obtained oil presented a fatty acids profile rich in linoleic acid (35.5 ± 2.8 g/100 g) with an antioxidant activity equal to 0.22 ± 0.1 mg Trolox/g oil and a total phenolic content of 0.16 ± 0.1 mg GAE/o oil. The chemical characteristics of the UAE oil were then compared with those obtained for the oils extracted with Soxhlet (SE) and supercritical fluid (SFE). UAE gave similar yields (17.20 ± 2.3%) compared to SFE (19.3 ± 2.1%), and SE (19.1 ± 1.5%). Fatty acid profiles were also not significantly different (p < 0.05). The UAE oil was richer in antioxidants like phloretin and phloridzin. Amygdalin was detected in UAE and SE oils but not in SFE oil. The comparison among the processes showed that the UAE was a more efficient and time-saving technique, while SFE was able to provide an oil free from amygdalin suitable for possible further food applications.