Basella Alba Research Articles

Improvement of Productivity, Quality and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Indian Spinach (Basella Alba L.) by Organic and Inorganic Nutrition

Improvement of Productivity, Quality and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Indian Spinach (Basella Alba L.) by Organic and Inorganic Nutrition

Effect of cyclic vacuum-steam blanching on the quality characteristics and functional properties of Malabar spinach (Basella alba) dried by non-water infrared Refractance window drying

In the present work, an effluent-free novel method including cyclic vacuum-steam pulsed blanching (VSPB) pretreatment and non-water infrared refractance window drying (non-water IR-RWD) was employed to explore its effect on enzyme inactivation, drying behavior, quality and functional properties of dried Malabar spinach. The highest inactivation of peroxidase (90.23 %) and polyphenol oxidase (94.58 %) was observed in the 4th cycle of the VSPB pretreatment. With the increase in VSPB cycles from 1 to 5, the drying time was significantly reduced by 27.27 % to 55.45 % compared to the untreated sample. The color change values (ΔE) of VSPB pretreated non-water IR-RWD samples varied from 7.37 to 8.03. The findings in the current work indicated that vacuum-steam pulsed blanching combined with a non-water IR-RWD process is a promising technique for Malabar spinach powder production.

Bioaccumulation and health risks of chromium and cadmium in <em>Basella alba</em> with emphasis on Urea, muriate of potash and triple super phosphate mixtures

Basella alba is a commonly consumed green leafy vegetable in South Asian countries and it is considered as an economical source of essential vitamins and dietary fibers. Urea, muriate of potash (MOP) and triple super phosphate (TSP) mixture is the most commonly used inexpensive fertilizer mixture in the commercial cultivation of B. alba. This study was conducted to assess the effect of using a mixture of Urea-MOP-TSP on the bioaccumulation potential of cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) by the leaves of B. alba. Pots treated with the Urea-MOP-TSP mixture and compost were maintained in a greenhouse with controlled light and temperature settings. The concentrations of Cd and Cr in the root zone soil, roots and leaves of B. alba were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after acid digestion. The health risk of consuming B. alba was evaluated using the daily intake of metals, health risk index and cancer risk index. The results showed that Cd and Cr can bioaccumulate in the leaves of B. alba. The bioaccumulation potential of Cr was higher than that of Cd. Although the daily intake of Cd and Cr from B. alba were below the maximum values stipulated by the WHO, the cancer risk index indicated potential cancer risks based on Cd intake due to consumption of B. alba cultivated using the Urea-MOP-TSP mixture. Furthermore, the health risks associated with the hyper-accumulation of Cd and Cr in the edible parts of B. alba cultivated using compost were significantly less compared to that of the plants treated with the Urea-MOP-TSP mixture. Therefore, if B. alba is cultivated using chemical fertilizer, it is recommended to regularly monitor the concentrations of Cd and Cr in the cultivation soil, chemical fertilizer and in the edible parts of B. alba to prevent the excessive buildup of Cd and Cr along the food chain. In addition, it is recommended to identify the potential microbial assemblages that can be inoculated to the cultivation soil to reduce the bioavailability of Cd and Cr.

Kinetics of Chlorophyll Degradation in Malabar Spinach (Basellae alba) and Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) during Hydrothermal Processing

Hydrothermal processing of vegetables often results in a number of changes including degradation of chlorophyll, the green plant pigment that is considered to be of therapeutic benefits. This study was aimed at investigating the kinetic degradation of chlorophyll in Malabar spinach (Basella alba) and waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) during hydrothermal processing. Freshly harvested leafy vegetables-- Malabar spinach and waterleaf, were obtained and subjected to various hydrothermal conditions (60, 65, 70, 75 and 80˚C at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes) simulating typical cooking conditions. The chlorophyll of the crushed leaf was extracted using acetone. Changes in chlorophyll was determined using spectrophotometric analysis and the kinetics of degradation for each of the vegetables were determined at varying temperatures and times. Kinetics analysis revealed that the degradation of chlorophyll in Malabar spinach and waterleaf followed the first order reaction. The rate constant obtained from the kinetic analysis provided insights into the reaction rates and allowed for the prediction of chlorophyll degradation during hydrothermal processing. The results showed that the lowest percentage decrease in chlorophyll concentration during the blanching process was obtained at 65˚C for 5 minutes for Malabar spinach and for waterleaf at 60˚C for 5 minutes. Blanching temperature and time have significant effects on degradation of chlorophyll of Malabar spinach and waterleaf which could consequently determine the economic value and overall degree of acceptability of the green leafy vegetables. The findings provide baseline against which future work can be compared and importance of maintaining quality of the vegetables during processing.

Effect of Different Planting Material and Methods of Planting on Growth and Yield of Indian Spinach (Basella rubra L.)

Effect of Different Planting Material and Methods of Planting on Growth and Yield of Indian Spinach (Basella rubra L.)

Characterization of Pythium isolates causing leaf rot of Basella alba in Brazil

Characterization of Pythium isolates causing leaf rot of Basella alba in Brazil

A circular economy approach for utilization of tannery fleshing hydrolysate and kitchen wastes into organic fertilizer through enzymatic decomposition

This study presents a sustainable method for converting tannery fleshing waste (FH) into organic fertilizer using enzymatic decomposition with crude protease. After extracting fat from the enzymatic hydrolysis, the enzyme-rich residue was mixed with dried kitchen waste (KW) and allowed to decompose for 45 days, producing nutrient-rich fertilizer. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of important functional groups, including hydroxyl, aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, and amide-I linkages. The organic fertilizers had higher nutrient content, with nitrogen (1.08-1.67%), phosphorus (0.78–0.98 %), potassium (0.1–0.76 %), and magnesium (239–259.5 ppm) which is higher than commercial fertilizers. FESEM-EDX analysis revealed a dense, porous structure with a high surface concentration of calcium, which enhances nutrient release in the soil. Dissolution tests showed that nutrients from the organic fertilizer were released gradually over 36 hours, whereas commercial NPK fertilizers released nutrients within 150 minutes in simulated soil-water conditions. Field trials with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) demonstrated improved growth in Malabar spinach, particularly with fertilizer sample S-5, which had an optimal flesh to kitchen waste (FH to KW) ratio of 1:10. Although S-5 had a lower nitrogen content (1.08 %), it contained higher levels of phosphorus (0.98 %), potassium (0.765 %), and magnesium (259.5 ppm), contributing to enhanced plant growth. The organic fertilizer resulted in a shoot length of 38.8 ± 2.0 cm, root length of 16.33 cm, 31 ± 3 leaves, and 95.12 % dry matter of the plant. Heavy metal analysis of the plant confirmed that levels of chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) were within WHO safety limits. Phytotoxicity tests of the fertilizer also showed no negative impact on Malabar spinach seed germination.

Comparative metabolomics in gauging the quality of Embelia ribes Burm. f. fruits in the market trade

Adulteration and substitution in the market trade is a huge problem. Embelia ribes (ER) fruits are used as condiments and in drug formulations that claim substantial market demands. We assessed the trade of ER fruits across Maharashtra, India, for authentication and quality assessment. MaturaseK amplification identified ER’s close relatives E. tsjeriam-cottam (ET) and E. vestita (EV), (Primulaceae), and distant genera Basella alba (BA) (Basellaceae) and Cinnamomum aromaticum (CA) (Lauraceae) fruits in the market trade. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based comparative metabolomics revealed that ER fruits are metabolically diverse than others. Multivariate analysis showed that ET shares maximum compound similarity with ER and possesses all ER’s major compound classes. However, the percentage of benzoquinones, flavonoids, and furans is less in ET than in ER. Moreover, ER and ET metabolites are associated with different pathways. We conclude that although ET is deemed a good ER substitute, ER replacement by ET al.tered chemical synergy.

Combined Anti-Diabetic and Wound Healing Effects of Binahung Leaf (Basella rubra L.) and Snakehead Fish (Channa striata) Extracts in Alloxan-Induced High-Fat Diet Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that continues to increase in the world. Lifestyle factors cause diabetes cases to increase uncontrollably. The development of medicines based on natural ingredients has become a subject of study for researchers throughout the world. Meanwhile, binahong leaf extract contains flavonoids and saponins, which can reduce the absorption of glucose. Snakehead fish extract containing albumin also influences the reduction of diabetic wounds. The combination of binahong and snakehead fish extract is expected to synergistically lower blood glucose levels and cure diabetic wounds. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the anti-diabetic and wound healing activity resulting from the combination of binahong leaf and snakehead fish extract in rat models of diabetes induced with alloxan and fat diet. The test animals were divided into six groups with five per group, namely normal, positive, and negative control, as well as dose 1 (snakehead fish 250 mg/kg and binahong extract 100 mg/kg), dose 2 (snakehead fish 250 mg/kg and binahong extract 300 mg/kg), and a single dose of snakehead fish extract 500 mg/kg. The experiment was conducted for 21 days by administering the test solution once a day. The results showed that administering a combination of binahong extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg and snakehead fish at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats (p≤0.05). Treatment using a combination of the two extracts was more effective in lowering blood sugar levels compared to a single dose of snakehead fish extract.

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Basella alba: A Comprehensive Investigation into Its Anti-arthritic Properties, Phytochemical Profile, and Molecular Docking Insights.

Polyherbal antidiabetic tablets were formulated, evaluated and compressed by combining the powder extract of Nigella sativa, Trigonella foenum, and Glycyrrhiza Glabra. A number of tests were carried out, including a uniformity weight test, an assessment of the tablets’ hardness and friability, an ash value, moisture content, an extractive value that is soluble in water or alcohol, density (bulk and tapped), repose angle, Carr’s index, disintegration time with preliminary phytochemical screening. The tablet also had ex-vivo antidiabetic performance to enzymes alpha-amylase as well as glucosidase. To ensure the presence of active ingredients, thin-layer chromatography was performed. Column chromatography as performed using silica gel G as a stationary phase. The column of material was created using acetic acid, toluene, and ethyl acetate. As follows: (5.0:4.2:0.8) for 10 ml. The mobile phase of the sample, which contains toluene, ethyl acetate, acetic acid (50:42:8) and fractions, was isolated, collected and sent to IIT Bombay for GCHRMS analysis. In GCHRMS, the chemical constituent was found to be 2 H-Pyran-2-one, tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-4-methyl-, Tetrahydro [2 , 2’] bifuranyl-5-one, 1H-Benzimidazole, 2-(1-methylethyl)-, Bifenthrin, Propionamide, 2,2-diphenyl-N-(2-pyridinyl)-, Dihydromyristicin, 2-Dodecanone, di-p-Tolyl sulfone. The tablets showed promising results for alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition activities.

Impact of Nanoethosomes Loaded with Polyherbal Extracts on the Mechanisms Involved in Wound Healing In-vitro Research.

This study focuses on formulating and optimizing Polyherbal Nanoethosomes for controlled drug delivery, utilizing a polyherbal extract comprising Basella alba L., Portulaca oleracea L., Lawsonia inermis L., Trigonella foenum L., and Peristrophe paniculata L. Comprehensive characterization revealed a variety of secondary metabolites within the extract. The primary goal was to create poly herbal extract-entrapped ethosomes that could be integrated into a sustained-release transdermal gel dosage. We prepared nanoethosomes using phosphatidylcholine, ethanol, Tween 80, and SLS, and optimized them using Design Expert software. The characteristics included size (particle size: 121 ± 2.60 nm) and entrapment efficiency (81.91 ± 1.92%), followed by incorporation into a carbopol gel for skin application. We performed in-vitro permeation studies and cytotoxic assays on L-929 cells, which revealed favorable outcomes. Optimized nanoethosomes displayed desirable particle characteristics, highlighting their potential for controlled drug delivery. The nano vesicular gels had good rheological and physical properties (polydispersity index: 0.41 ± 0.04, zeta potential: -8.12 ± 1.25 mV), which meant they could be used topically. This research underscores the compatibility of plant extracts with formulation components, offering a foundation for Polyherbal Nanoethosomes in pharmaceutical formulations. The study emphasizes precise control over particle attributes and suggests potential applications in enhancing drug release and bioavailability.

Anti-Melanogenic Potential of Malabar Spinach (Basella alba) in Human Melanoma Cells with Oxidative Stress Suppression and Anti-Inflammatory Activities.

Basella alba has been used in Thai remedies to treat skin disorders, but scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is currently limited. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of B. alba extracts on melanin production using melanoma cells, as well as their impact on oxidative stress and inflammation in keratinocytes. The results demonstrate that B. alba extracts inhibited melanin content and cellular tyrosinase activity in 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-induced melanoma cells by downregulating MITF and the pigmentary genes TYR, TRP-1, and DCT. Interestingly, the MITF regulator gene was inhibited by both the 50% and 95% ethanolic extracts of B. alba with levels of 0.97 ± 0.19 and 0.92 ± 0.09 of the control, respectively, which are comparable to those observed in the arbutin treatment group at 0.84 ± 0.05 of the control. Moreover, after hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) exposure, pretreatment with B. alba reduced lipid peroxidation byproducts and increased the levels of antioxidant-related genes, including SOD-1, GPX-1, and NRF2. Notably, the suppression of the POMC promoter gene in keratinocytes was observed, which may disrupt melanogenesis in melanocytes involving the MC1R signaling pathway. MC1R mRNA expression decreased in the treatments with 50% and 95% ethanolic extracts of B. alba, with relative levels of 0.97 ± 0.18 and 0.90 ± 0.10 of the control, respectively, similar to the arbutin-treated group (0.88 ± 0.25 of control). A significant reduction in nitric oxide was also observed in the B. alba-treated groups, along with a decrease in genes associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2. These findings suggest that B. alba has potential in the prevention of skin-related problems.

Sustainable ultrasonic extraction of antibacterial Basella alba fruit dye for cotton, silk, and leather

Alternative to synthetic dyes containing harmful compounds, dyes derived from natural sources are gaining popularity due to their safer and eco-friendly nature. This study focuses on extracting red dye from Basella alba fruit and optimising the extraction methods, including ultrasonic bath, ultrasonic probe, and direct heating. The extracted dye was then used for dyeing cotton, silk, and leather without needing a mordant. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the extracted red dye were evaluated against skin bacteria. The UV–Visible spectrophotometric analysis revealed that the maximum red colour in the methanol extract (λmax 270 and λmax 542 nm) was achieved at 60 °C for 30 min using the ultrasonic water bath extraction method, followed by the ultrasonic probe and direct heating methods. The FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of flavonoids, betacyanin, and gomphrenin-I in the extracted dye. The ultrasonic dyeing process at 50 °C yielded a K/s value 6.3 for the dyed cotton, silk, and leather without using a mordant. Additionally, the fatness test indicated a high grade of 0.5–1.5 for the ultrasonic dyeing method compared to other dyeing techniques. The extracted dye exhibited significant antibacterial activity against all Pseudomonas sp. after extraction in methanol, with the highest inhibition observed against Pseudomonas sp. with a MIC of 1.56 mg/ml.

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Basella alba Leaf Extract and Their Antioxidant Activity

In this research, gold nanoparticles were synthesized using the green synthesis method with the bioreduction extract of Basella alba leaf infusion. This research aims to characterize gold nanoparticles synthesized using UV-Vis spectroscopy and TEM and assess their antioxidant activity, which is quantified by the IC50 value. The UV-Vis spectrophotometric characterization of the gold nanoparticles revealed an absorption peak at a maximum wavelength of 543 nm. TEM characterization indicated a particle diameter of 9.463 ± 2.273 nm. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reduction method with concentration variations of 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 ppm, resulting in reduction percentages of 40.6%, 44.3%, 57.4%, and 77.9%, respectively, and an IC50 value of 7.05 μg/mL, indicating very strong antioxidant activity. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Basella alba leaf infusion extract is effective as a biological reducing agent in synthesizing gold nanoparticles, and the resulting nanoparticles show significant potential as antioxidants for reducing free radicals.

Silk fabric dyeing with Basella alba (Sri Lankan green spinach fruit) natural dyes: Mordant-free dyeing approaches

The rising demand for natural dyes creates opportunities for farmers and artisans, boosting employment and local economies. This research investigates the utilization of a natural colourant derived from Basella alba fruit, commonly recognized as Sri Lankan green spinach, for dyeing silk fabrics without mordants. The methodology involved an aqueous extraction, acidic, and alkaline extraction process of natural dyes. Additionally, in this extraction process, a solution comprising Basella alba fruit extraction and Soy Milk Solution was mixed in ratio 4:1 enriching the dyeing affinity of the natural colourants. Basella alba was chosen as the primary colourant, with investigations conducted on the influence of varying pH levels and extraction temperatures. The results of this study suggest that Basella alba fruit extract can be used as a natural dye for silk fabric dyeing. CIE La*b* and K/S data have revealed excellent reflectance on Silk fabric. The extraction process of Basella alba fruit for natural dyeing showcases the potential to yield natural pastel shades, such as yellow, pink, and purple shades. The dyed samples were assessed for their light and washing fastness, receiving grades ranging from fair to excellent. Notably, the washing fastness 4:1 ratio of Basella alba fruit with Soy Milk Solution with extract dyeing yielded particularly impressive results. It reveals enhanced washing fastness properties particularly in low-temperature (40°C) dyeing processes. This study not only highlights the technical viability of employing Basella alba fruit extract for silk fabric dyeing but also highlights its socioeconomic significance in fostering sustainable livelihoods and niche market.

Growth and Yield of Basella alba L. in Relation to the Propagation Method and the Growth Media

Growth and Yield of Basella alba L. in Relation to the Propagation Method and the Growth Media

Polysaccharides from Basella alba Protect Post-Mitotic Neurons against Cell Cycle Re-Entry and Apoptosis Induced by the Amyloid-Beta Peptide by Blocking Sonic Hedgehog Expression.

The amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) is the neurotoxic component in senile plaques of Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. Previously we have reported that Aβ toxicity is mediated by the induction of sonic hedgehog (SHH) to trigger cell cycle re-entry (CCR) and apoptosis in post-mitotic neurons. Basella alba is a vegetable whose polysaccharides carry immunomodulatory and anti-cancer actions, but their protective effects against neurodegeneration have never been reported. Herein, we tested whether polysaccharides derived from Basella alba (PPV-6) may inhibit Aβ toxicity and explored its underlying mechanisms. In differentiated rat cortical neurons, Aβ25-35 reduced cell viability, damaged neuronal structure, and compromised mitochondrial bioenergetic functions, all of which were recovered by PPV-6. Immunocytochemistry and western blotting revealed that Aβ25-35-mediated induction of cell cycle markers including cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and histone H3 phosphorylated at Ser-10 (p-Histone H3) in differentiated neurons was all suppressed by PPV-6, along with mitigation of caspase-3 cleavage. Further studies revealed that PPV-6 inhibited Aβ25-35 induction of SHH; indeed, PPV-6 was capable of suppressing neuronal CCR and apoptosis triggered by the exogenous N-terminal fragment of sonic hedgehog (SHH-N). Our findings demonstrated that, in the fully differentiated neurons, PPV-6 exerts protective actions against Aβ neurotoxicity via the downregulation of SHH to suppress neuronal CCR and apoptosis.

Malabar spinach potentiates cytotoxic activity through apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines

Malabar spinach potentiates cytotoxic activity through apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines

Exploring the Ayurvedic Practice of Potaki Taila Pichu for Labor Facilitation among Rural Women in Northern Indi

Introduction: Childbirth is a profound experience in a woman's life, emphasizing the importance of promoting natural birthing processes to minimize discomfort and medical intervention. Ayurveda, an ancient holistic medical system, advocates for safe motherhood through herbal interventions like Potaki (Basella alba) Taila Pichu, which aims to alleviate imbalances in Apana Vayu and facilitate smooth labor. Methods: This study evaluated the efficacy of Potaki Taila Pichu in promoting easier labor by assessing its impact on cervical dilation and effacement. Sixty pregnant women meeting inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to a trial or control group. Various parameters, including cervical dilation, uterine contractions, and labor duration, were measured and compared between the two groups. Results: The trial group showed significant increases in cervical dilation and effacement compared to the control group, indicating the potential of Potaki Taila Pichu in facilitating labor progression. The intervention did not disrupt the natural rhythm of labor, as evidenced by consistent uterine contraction duration between groups. Moreover, the trial group experienced a significantly shorter latent phase of labor, suggesting accelerated onset of active labor. Discussion: These findings suggest that Potaki Taila Pichu may offer a safe and effective means of promoting smoother labor experiences while minimizing the need for medical interventions. Integrating traditional herbal remedies into modern obstetric care aligns with efforts to enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: Herbal interventions like Potaki Taila Pichu hold promise in optimizing childbirth experiences by promoting natural labor progression. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore long-term effects on maternal and neonatal health.

Ultrasound assisted green extraction of phenolic components from Basella alba

Ultrasound assisted green extraction of phenolic components from Basella alba