Bidens Pilosa Research Articles

Metabolite profiling, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of four medicinal plants from Eswatini and their relevance in food preservation

This research aimed to contrast the metabolite compositions of four medicinal plants (Bidens pilosa, Lippia javanica, Syzygium cordatum, and Ximenia caffra) and assess their relevance for food preservation. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry results indicated 52 metabolites such as gallic acid, quinic acid, bergenin, coumaric acid derivative and citric acid etc., amongst the investigated medicinal plants. Specifically, B. pilosa had 15 identified metabolites along with six unknown polyphenols; L. javanica contained 16 known metabolites and four unidentified polyphenols; S. cordatum contained 19 metabolites and three unexplored polyphenols, whereas X. caffra had 19 identified metabolites and six unknown polyphenols. In the DPPH assay, S. cordatum demonstrated the strongest EC50 radical scavenging ability of 6.28 µg/mL, while X. caffra exhibited the least potency (21.68 µg/mL). Against Escherichia coli strains (ATCC 35218 and 25922), S. cordatum displayed the highest antibacterial activity (21 and 17.5 mm, respectively), while L. javanica showed the least (9.5 and 8 mm, respectively). L. javanica was potent against Enterococci faecalis (39 mm), and S. cordatum exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococci aureus (23.5 mm). The distinct antioxidant and antibacterial properties of these medicinal plants highlight their potential as natural preservatives in food industries, particularly in extending the shelf life of perishable foods and combating foodborne pathogens.

A Bidens pilosa L. Non-Polar Extract Modulates the Polarization of Human Macrophages and Dendritic Cells into an Anti-Inflammatory Phenotype.

Different communities around the world traditionally use Bidens pilosa L. for medicinal purposes, mainly for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant properties; it is used as an ingredient in teas or herbal medicines for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and immunological disorders. Several studies have been conducted that prove the immunomodulatory properties of this plant; however, it is not known whether the immunomodulatory properties of B. pilosa are mediated by its ability to modulate antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as macrophages (MØs) and dendritic cells (DCs) (through polarization or the maturation state, respectively). Different polar and non-polar extracts and fractions were prepared from the aerial part of B. pilosa. Their cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects were first tested on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated PBMCs, respectively, via an MTT assay. Then, the non-cytotoxic plant extracts and fractions that showed the highest immunomodulatory activity were selected to evaluate their effects on human MØ polarization and DC maturation (cell surface phenotype and cytokine secretion) through multiparametric flow cytometry. Finally, the chemical compounds of the B. pilosa extract that showed the most significant immunomodulatory effects on human APCs were identified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The petroleum ether extract and the ethyl acetate and hydroalcoholic fractions obtained from B. pilosa showed low cytotoxicity and modulated the PHA-stimulated proliferation of PBMCs. Furthermore, the B. pilosa petroleum ether extract induced M2 polarization or a hybrid M1/M2 phenotype in MØs and a semi-mature status in DCs, regardless of exposure to a maturation stimulus. The immunomodulatory activity of the non-polar (petroleum ether) extract of B. pilosa on human PBMC proliferation, M2 polarization of MØs, and semi-mature status in DCs might be attributed to the low-medium polarity components in the extract, such as phytosterol terpenes and fatty acid esters.

Proteomics-based analysis on the stress response mechanism of Bidens pilosa L. under cadmium exposure

Bidens pilosa L. (B. pilosa) has great potential for the phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Cd tolerance and detoxification in B. pilosa is still unclear. In the present study, a 4D label-free quantification technique combined with liquid chromatography–parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry was used to explore the stress response mechanism of B. pilosa. Proteomic analysis revealed 213 and 319 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the roots and leaves of B. pilosa, respectively, and 12 target proteins were selected for further analysis. SWISS-MODEL was used to predict the 3D structures of the target proteins. The cation-ATPase-N structural domain and an ATPase-E1-E2 motif, which help to regulate ATPase function, were detected in the TR10519_c0_g1_ORF protein. In addition, the TR6620_c0_g1_ORF_1 and TR611_c1_g1_ORF proteins contained peroxidase-1 and peroxidase-2 motifs. The TR11239_c0_g1_ORF protein was found to belong to the Fe-SOD family, to have a dimeric structure and to contain a relatively high proportion of α-helices but few β-sheets, which play important roles in reactive oxygen intermediate scavenging. Thus, the current study provides an overview of the proteomic response of B. pilosa in scavenging of Cd-induced reactive oxygen intermediates and reveals key proteins involved in the stress response of B. pilosa under Cd exposure.

Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) perfection: Boosting yields with mulching

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of various mulching strategies on the growth and yield of peach crops, as well as on soil hydrothermal regimes, weed infestation, and microbial properties. A field experiment was conducted, implementing various organic residue mulches including locally available grass and pine needle mulch, as well as inorganic mulches such as black and transparent mulch, control treatment comprising blanket recommendation. Results indicated that plots with black polythene mulch showed the highest fruit productivity, fruit yield, fruit length and diameter. Furthermore, black mulch and mulch mat treatments demonstrated complete weed control efficiency. Weed species Anagalis arvensis showed the highest maximum frequency, density, relative frequency, and relative density, while Biden pilosa had the highest abundance and relative abundance. The study also found that the impact of grass and pine mulch was of interest, as it helped regulate soil hydrothermal regimes and significantly enhanced total viable count, microbial activity, and microbial biomass carbon. In conclusion, these findings emphasize the potential of mulching techniques to improve peach crop yield and soil health.

Effects of Exogenous Plant Hormone Spraying on the Phytoremediation by Bidens pilosa L. in Cadmium-contaminated Soil

To explore the effect of exogenous plant hormone spraying on the absorption of heavy metals by hyperaccumulated plants, Bidens pilosa L. was selected as the tested plant owing to the large biomass, short growth cycle, and high accumulation efficiency. Here, the effect of foliar spraying 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), salicylic acid (SA), and 24-epi-brassinosteroid (24-EBR) on the remediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil by B. pilosa L. was examined. The results showed:① the efficiency of the remediation in Cd-contaminated soil by B. pilosa L. was effectively enhanced after the spraying of all three kinds of exogenous plant hormones with appropriate concentrations. The spraying of the three exogenous plant hormones could promote the cadmium concentration in the leaves of B. pilosa L. to increase by 4.21%, 31.79%, and 14.89%; promote the translocation factor (TF) to increase by 9.67%, 18.83%, and 17.85%; promote the phytoextraction rates (PR) to increase by 15.36%, 32.33%, and 64.38%, respectively. ② The growth of B. pilosa L. was significantly promoted after the spraying of the three kinds of exogenous plant hormones with appropriate concentrations. The spraying of the three exogenous plant hormones could promote plant growth under cadmium stress, and the dry weight of the plant root, stem, and leaf was increased by 37.53%, 74.50%, and 104.02%, respectively. ③ The photosynthesis of B. pilosa L. was significantly enhanced after the spraying of the three kinds of exogenous plant hormones with appropriate concentrations. The chlorophyll concentration of the plant was significantly increased after foliar spraying with plant hormones, and the concentration of chlorophyll a was increased by 79.31%, 92.27%, and 51.12%; the photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) was increased by 11.32%, 89.16%, and 78.43%; and the non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) was increased by 51.71%, 241.12%, and 27.85%, respectively, after foliar spraying with appropriate concentrations of 6-BA, SA, and 24-EBR. ④ The antioxidant capacity of B. pilosa L. was significantly strengthened after the spraying of the three kinds of exogenous plant hormones with appropriate concentrations. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of the plant was reduced by 62.41%, 68.67%, and 46.76% after the application of 6-BA, SA, and 24-EBR, respectively. Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was increased by 68.33%, 10.28%, and 6.17%, and catalase (CAT) was increased by 31.43%, 37.87%, and 37.31%, respectively. Generally, the spraying of exogenous 6-BA, SA, and 24-EBR with the appropriate concentration under Cd stress could significantly increase the biomass of B. pilosa L. and promote the accumulation of heavy metals in the plant, improve the photosynthetic ability of the plant, reduce the oxidative damage of the plant under heavy metal stress, enhance the antioxidant capacity, and improve the absorption and tolerance of plants to Cd. It also could promote the transfer of Cd from roots to shoots, improve the phytoextraction rates of Cd from the plant, and effectively strengthen the phytoremediation efficiency. Among them, 30 mg·L-1 SA foliar spraying had the best effect.

Structural insights into modeling of hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase and identification of its inhibitors from potential medicinal plants of Western Ghats: an in silico and in vitro study

The present study was proposed to model full-length HBV-RT and investigate the intermolecular interactions of known inhibitor and libraries of phytocompounds to probe the potential natural leads by in silico and in vitro studies. Homology modeling of RT was performed by Phyre2 and Modeller and virtual screening of ligands implemented through POAP pipeline. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation (100 ns) and MM-GBSA calculations were performed using Schrodinger Desmond and Prime, respectively. Phytocompounds probable host protein targets gene set pathway enrichment and network analysis were executed by KEGG database and Cytoscape software. Prioritized plant extracts/enriched fraction LC-MS analysis was performed and along with pure compound, RT inhibitory activity, time-dependent HBsAg and HBeAg secretion, and intracellular HBV DNA, and pgRNA by qRT-PCR was performed in HepG2.2.15 cell line. Among the screened chemical library of 268 phytocompounds from 18 medicinal plants, 15 molecules from Terminalia chebula (6), Bidens pilosa (5), and Centella asiatica (4)) were identified as potential inhibitors of YMDD and RT1 motif of HBV-RT. MD simulation demonstrated stable interactions of 15 phytocompounds with HBV-RT, of which 1,2,3,4,6-Pentagalloyl Glucose (PGG) was identified as lead molecule. Out of 15 compounds, 11 were predicted to modulate 39 proteins and 15 molecular pathways associated with HBV infection. TCN and TCW (500 µg/mL) showed potent RT inhibition, decreased intracellular HBV DNA, and pgRNA, and time-dependent inhibition of HBsAg and HBeAg levels compared to PGG and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. We propose that the identified lead molecules from T. chebula as promising and cost-effective moieties for the management of HBV infection. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Weeds as an essential component of sustainable meliponiculture practices in organic agroecosystem

Knowledge of bee flora is key information for sustainable meliponiculture practices. Aiming to stablish the plant species used by the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula used as food sources during the year in an organic agroecosystem, this study identified the pollen grains in the pollen loads of worker bees. The pollen load of bees returning to hives was collected bi-monthly for one year, summing 240 pollen loads analyzed by optical microscopy. We found 76 pollen types in the pollen loads, of which 60% were of weeds. The plants most frequently identified in the pollen loads were: Alchornea, Arracacia xanthorrhiza, Baccharis, Bidens pilosa, Brassica juncea, Brassica oleracea, Byrsonima sp., Cecropia, Chamaecrista, Citrus sp., Crotalaria sp., Croton, Datura, Eucalyptus, Hyptis, Lippia alba, Mangifera indica, Melastomataceae sp., Momordica charantia, Myrsine, Pereskia aculeata, Persea americana, Piptadenia, Pisum sativum, Plinia peruviana, Pluchea, Poaceae, Prunus persica, Psidium guajava, Raphanus sativus, Rubus urticifolius, Schefflera, and Schinus. Bees foraged mostly on weeds, especially during winter and autumn, and so the presence of weeds can be very beneficial to meliponiculture practices. The by-products of meliponiculture in agroecosystems are derived from diversified botanical sources, that is, wild honey of good quality because it is from an organic system.

Biochar derived from invasive plants improved the pH, macronutrient availability and biological properties better than liming for acid rain-affected soil

Rapid development in industrialization and urbanization causes serious environmental issues, of which acid rain is one of the quintessential hazards, negatively affecting soil ecology. Liming has been investigated for a long time as the most effective amendment to alter the adverse effects of soil acidity resulting from acid rain. Herein, this study tested the biochar produced from invasive plants as an alternative amendment and hypothesized that biochar can maintain better availability of macronutrients under acid rain than liming by improving soil chemical and biological properties. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to compare the effects of lime and biochar at two rates (1% and 3%) on soil available nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) under simulated acid rain of two pH levels (4.5: pH4.5 and 2.5: pH2.5) as compared with tap water (pH7.1) as a control treatment. Biochar was produced using different invasive plants, including Blackjack (Biden Pilosa), Wedelia (Wedelia trilobata) and Bitter Vine (Mikania micrantha Kunth). Liming decreased the availability of soil N, P, and K by 36.3% as compared with the control due to the great increment in soil pH and exchangeable calcium (Ca2+) by 59% and 16-fold, respectively. Moreover, liming reduced the alpha diversity of soil bacteria and fungi by 27% and 11%, respectively. In contrast, biochar at different types and rates resulted in a fourfold increment in the available N, P, and K as an average under acid rain (pH4.5 and pH2.5) owing to maintaining a neutral pH (6.5–7), which is the most favorable level for soil microbial and enzymatic activites, and the bioavailability of soil nutrients. Furthermore, biochar caused balanced increments in Ca2+ by threefold, cation exchange capacity by 45%, urease activity by 16%, and fungal diversity by 10%, while having a slight reduction in bacterial diversity by 2.5%. Based on the path, correlation, and principal component analyses, the exchangeable aluminum was a moderator for the reductions in macronutrients’ availability under acid rain, which decreased by 40% and 35% under liming and biochar, respectively. This study strongly recommended the use of biochar from invasive plants instead of lime for sustainable improvements in soil properties under acid rain.Graphical

Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Using Bidens pilosa: Effect of Varying Concentrations of Sophorolipids.

The current study investigates the impact of biosurfactant (sophorolipids, SL) concentrations (0.1 to 1g kg-1) on the removal of cadmium (29mg kg-1) from soil using Bidens pilosa. The results showed that increasing concentrations of SL increased the plant biomass. The dry weight of plants was 0.87g, 0.77g, 0.65g, 0.85g, 0.91g, 0.92g, 1.06g in control, SL0 (No SL), SL1 (0.1g kg-1), SL2 (0.25g kg-1), SL3 (0.5g kg-1), SL4 (0.75g kg-1), and SL5 (1g kg-1), respectively. It was observed that root length was higher in SL augmented soil in comparison to treatments without SL. It was also found that, with increasing the SL concentration, total chlorophyll and proline concentrations increased as well. The SL2 treatment had the highest Cd accumulation (76.33µg pot-1) in the plant. Therefore, SL at 0.25g kg-1 was considered the most effective concentration for the phytoextraction of Cd from soil. Soil enzyme activities, i.e., alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase, and urease activity, increased with the increase in SL concentration. The results of this study concluded that SL promotes the removal of Cd from soil and supports plant growth as well as enzymatic activities in soil.

Bidens pilosa root exudates modulate Pteris multifida gametophyte development: A proteomic investigation

Invasive plant species pose a major threat to native flora, in part due to the allelopathic effects of root exudates. The Novel Weapon Hypothesis (NWH) implicates root exudates as a primary factor for successful take over and destruction of native flora by invasive species. However, the precise mechanisms by which invasive species root exudates mediate this impact are unclear. This study aims to compare and evaluate the specific allelochemical impacts of root exudates from the invasive Bidens pilosa on the native fern Pteris multifida under invasive pressure. Specifically, after 10 days’ exposure, label-free proteomics was applied to analyze the proteins and responsive pathway in Pteris multifida Poir. gametophytes upon exposure to two major Bidens pilosa L. root exudates, undecane and palmitic acid. The data show that 2183 proteins were detected in the untreated Pteris multifida gametophyte; 1911 proteins in the gametophyte treated with the undecane, and 2148 proteins in the gametophyte treated with palmitic acid. After exposure for 10 days, undecane treated gametophytes exhibited morphological anomalies and chlorosis; palmitic acid exposure induced no such effects, although development was delayed relative to the control. Using GO functional protein analysis and KEGG pathways detection, we found that the root exudates played different roles on gammopathy growth. Undecane down regulated fatty acid biosynthesis, damaging the cell and chloroplast membrane, and ultimately leading to cell death. Palmitic acid down regulated flavonoid biosynthesis, compromising the gametophyte photosystem and increasing oxidative stress risk. The specific exudate profiles likely facilitate Bidens pilosa invasion, indicating targeted management of key allelochemicals may mitigate invasive impacts on native species.

Combined Remediation towards Cadmium–Arsenic-Contaminated Soil via Phytoremediation and Stabilization

Using a phytoremediation technique for soil remediation usually takes many years, which increases the risk that heavy metals spread into the environment during the project period. Currently, the combined remediation technique (phytoremediation and stabilization) is known as the solution to reduce this risk. In this study, the combined remediation of cadmium–arsenic-contaminated soil via phytoremediation and stabilization was studied. The pot experiment was carried out using modified fly ash (MFA) and solid waste material (steel slag (SS): pyrolusite (PY): ferrous sulfide (FS) = 1:2:8) as stabilization materials and Bidens pilosa as the accumulative plant. The characteristics of B. pilosa, including its water content, biomass, root length, plant height, and heavy metal content, were obtained after harvesting, and the reduction rate of the bioavailability of Cd and As and their physico-chemical properties, including the pH, Eh, and Ec values of the soil, were also measured. The remediation effect was evaluated according to the above indexes, and the mechanism of combined remediation was studied through the FTIR, XRD, and XPS analyses. These experiments have shown that adding an appropriate amount of MFA can enhance the absorption of heavy metals by plants in the soil and reduce the bioavailability of heavy metals in contaminated soil. In addition, the mechanism study revealed that Cd2+/Cd(OH)+ was easily adsorbed on Si-OH and MnOOH, while AsO43− was more easily adsorbed on Fe-OH and Al-OH.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Miyako Bidens pilosa in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated BV-2 Microglia.

Neuroinflammation is a fundamental feature in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and arises from the activation of astrocytes and microglial cells. Previously, we reported that Miyako Bidens pilosa extract (MBP) inhibited microglial activation and prolonged the life span in a human ALS-linked mutant superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1G93A) transgenic mouse model of ALS (G93A mice). Herein, we evaluated the effect of MBP on microglial activation in the spinal cord of G93A mice and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. The administration of MBP inhibited the upregulation of the M1-microglia/macrophage marker (interferon-γ receptor (IFN-γR)) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6) in G93A mice. However, MBP did not affect the increase in the M2-microglia/macrophage marker (IL-13R) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-10) in G93A mice. BV-2 cell exposure to MBP resulted in a decrease in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) reduction activity and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, without an increase in the number of ethidium homodimer-1-stained dead cells. Moreover, MBP suppressed the production of lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in BV-2 cells. These results suggest that the selective suppression of M1-related pro-inflammatory cytokines is involved in the therapeutic potential of MBP in ALS model mice.

Accumulation behavior of heavy metals by Bidens pilosa L. from metallurgical slag: effects on plant physiology and absorption characteristics

Accumulation behavior of heavy metals by Bidens pilosa L. from metallurgical slag: effects on plant physiology and absorption characteristics

Management and control of coccidiosis in poultry - A review.

Poultry coccidiosis is an intestinal infection caused by an intracellular parasitic protozoan of the genus Eimeria. Coccidia-induced gastrointestinal inflammation results in large economic losses, hence finding methods to decrease its prevalence is critical for industry participants and academic researchers. It has been demonstrated that coccidiosis can be effectively controlled and managed by employing anticoccidial chemical compounds. However, as a result of their extensive use, anticoccidial drug resistance in Eimeria species has raised concerns. Phytochemical/herbal medicines (Artemisia annua, Bidens pilosa, and garlic) seem to be a promising strategy for preventing coccidiosis, in accordance with the "anticoccidial chemical-free" standards. The impact of herbal supplements on poultry coccidiosis is based on the reduction of oocyst output by preventing the proliferation and growth of Eimeria species in chicken gastrointestinal tissues and lowering intestinal permeability via increased epithelial turnover. This review provides a thorough up-to-date assessment of the state of the art and technologies in the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in chickens, including the most used phytochemical medications, their mode of action, and the applicable legal framework in the European Union.

Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae) invasion reshapes the pattern of plant communities and edaphic properties across the north-western Himalayan landscape

Development and economic growth, coupled with climate change and other environmental shifts, have made the unique and pristine mountainous regions vulnerable to plant invasions. While the effects of exotic plant invasions on community structure have been extensively studied in the lowlands, there is a dearth of such research in the altitudinal ecosystems. The objective of the present study was to investigate the ecological impact of Bidens pilosa (blackjack, Beggars tick; Asteraceae) on vegetation and soil dynamics across the north-western Himalayan landscape. Vegetation and soil sampling were conducted in paired invaded and control quadrats along an altitudinal gradient (300–1500 m asl) in the outer Himalayan region of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India. The presence of B. pilosa has a notable impact on reducing alpha diversity, with a more pronounced effect observed above 600 m asl. Pairwise beta diversity indices indicate that the invasion of B. pilosa has changed the natural species composition above 700 m asl, likely due to species turnover (i.e., species replacement). The results of NMDS and PERMANOVA analyses further support the notion that the invasion of B. pilosa has considerably homogenized the species composition along the selected elevational gradient. Further, significant variations in most of the soil parameters between the two invasion classes were observed within the elevation range of 600–1200 m asl. Overall, the results indicate that invasion by B. pilosa reshaped the patterns of floristic composition and soil properties in the north-western Himalayan landscape, leading to biotic and edaphic homogenization across an altitudinal gradient. The most substantial impact was noticed above the altitudinal range of 600 m asl, indicating that B. pilosa prefers mildly temperate climates over tropical ones in the studied area. It is pertinent to monitor and control the spread of B. pilosa in the Himalayan ecosystem to ensure the conservation of its unique biodiversity.

Nutritional Quality of Eleven Leafy Vegetables Consumed in the Malagasy Highlands

The Malagasy population generally consumes rice with "laoka" as a side dish. A diet that has become an atypical practice, a lifestyle well structured around the very common foods for typical Malagasy dishes. A nutritional analysis enabled us to determine their nutritional composition, and thus the energy intake that these foods can contribute to the proper functioning of the human metabolism for good health. A survey to assess the weekly consumption frequency of leafy vegetables by Tananarivians was carried out in 1,280 households. The constituent elements were then determined using TXRF for each elemental constituent of the solid samples. The macronutrient contents obtained from the analyses of these samples were used to determine overall energy values. Analysis of the extracts showed that most of them contained flavonoids and phenolic compounds respectively. Based on these results, Anatsinahy (Bidens pilosa) was found to be the most lipid-rich of the other brede species. Anamamy (Solanum nigrum) (38.88%) and Anandrano (Nasturtium officinale) (34.28%) are recommended for their high protein content. The carbohydrate content, ranging from 20.85% for Bidens pilosa to 52.69% for leaves of Ypomeas Batatas, could contribute to the nutrition, food security, and health of resource-poor people. The presence of these secondary metabolites in leafy vegetables may explain the particular pharmacological virtues of some of them, such as the alterative, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, and styptic properties of Bidens pilosa, and the anesthetic, diuretic, digestive, sialagogue, antiasthmatic and antiscorbutic properties of Spilanthes acmella Murr. The presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids reported in this study may induce antidiarrheal activity.

Responses of different invasive and non-invasive ornamental plants to water stress during seed germination and vegetative growth

Biological invasions represent a major threat to natural ecosystems. A primary source of invasive plants is ornamental horticulture, which selects traits related to invasiveness. This study evaluated the responses to water stress during germination and vegetative growth of six species used as ornamental or medicinal plants. Three of them are recognised as invasive weeds in many world areas. Seeds were exposed to increasing concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) mimicking drought stress, and young plants in the vegetative growth stage were subjected to two levels of water stress. Results indicated that in the absence of stress in control conditions, the most competitive species were those reported as weeds, namely Bidens pilosa L., Oenothera biennis L., and Centaurea cyanus L., the last regarding germination velocity. Under stress, only two species, Limonium sinuatum (L.) Mill. and C. cyanus, maintained germination at –1 MPa osmotic potential, but in the recovery experiment, an osmopriming effect of PEG was observed. The most tolerant species during growth were two natives in the Mediterranean region, L. sinuatum and Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv., both accumulating the highest proline concentrations. The sixth species studied, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench., proved to be more susceptible to stress in the two developmental stages. This study reveals that the most significant traits associated with invasiveness were related to germination, especially in the absence of stress.

Effects of resource availability on the growth, Cd accumulation, and photosynthetic efficiency of three hyperaccumulator plant species

Plants that hyperaccumulate heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) are important agents of phytoremediation. Availability of resources such as light, nutrients, and water can affect heavy metal accumulation by plants, but the responses of hyperaccumulators to different levels of resource availability remain little studied. To test such responses, three Cd hyperaccumulators, Solanum nigrum, Bidens pilosa, and Taraxacum mongolicum, were grown in Cd-contaminated soil; subjected to three levels of light, nutrient, or water availability; and measured for growth, Cd accumulation, and photosynthetic efficiency. All three species accumulated more total biomass and grew taller if given high than low water or light (each P < 0.001). Species accumulated four to eight times more Cd (190−309 versus 24−68 μg Cd g−1 mass) under high than low light. High water availability increased Cd accumulation by 89% in B. pilosa but decreased it by 31% and 40% in S. nigrum and B. pilosa, respectively. Effects of nutrients on both growth and accumulation varied between species; Cd accumulation by S. nigrum and T. mongolicum was respectively 14% and 54% lower at high than low nutrients, while it was 130% higher in B. pilosa. Light but not water or nutrient availability affected effective and maximum quantum yields and electron transport rate. Findings from this study suggest that low levels of light may constrain phytoremediation of Cd in soil and that testing species of Cd hyperaccumulators individually for responses to levels of water and nutrients will inform selection of species for phytoremediation.

Herbicide and Cytogenotoxic Activity of Inclusion Complexes of Psidium gaudichaudianum Leaf Essential Oil and β-Caryophyllene on 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin.

The present investigation aimed to develop inclusion complexes (ICs) from Psidium gaudichaudianum (GAU) essential oil (EO) and its major compound β-caryophyllene (β-CAR), and to evaluate their herbicidal (against Lolium multiflorum and Bidens pilosa) and cytogenotoxic (on Lactuca sativa) activities. The ICs were obtained using 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and they were prepared to avoid or reduce the volatility and degradation of GAU EO and β-CAR. The ICs obtained showed a complexation efficiency of 91.5 and 83.9% for GAU EO and β-CAR, respectively. The IC of GAU EO at a concentration of 3000 µg mL-1 displayed a significant effect against weed species B. pilosa and L. multiflorum. However, the β-CAR IC at a concentration of 3000 µg mL-1 was effective only on L. multiflorum. In addition, the cytogenotoxic activity evaluation revealed that there was a reduction in the mitotic index and an increase in chromosomal abnormalities. The produced ICs were able to protect the EO and β-CAR from volatility and degradation, with a high thermal stability, and they also enabled the solubilization of the EO and β-CAR in water without the addition of an organic solvent. Therefore, it is possible to indicate the obtained products as potential candidates for commercial exploration since the ICs allow the complexed EO to exhibit a more stable chemical constitution than pure EO under storage conditions.

Combining the Peptide RWQWRWQWR and an Ethanolic Extract of Bidens pilosa Enhances the Activity against Sensitive and Resistant Candida albicans and C. auris Strains.

The antifungal activity of palindromic peptide RWQWRWQWR and its derivatives was evaluated against clinical isolates of Candida albicans and C. auris. Also, Bidens pilosa ethanolic extracts of leaves and stem were evaluated. Furthermore, combinations of peptide, extract, and/or fluconazole (FLC) were evaluated. The cytotoxicity of peptides and extracts in erythrocytes and fibroblasts was determined. The original palindromic peptide, some derivative peptides, and the ethanolic extract of leaves of B. pilosa exhibited the highest activity in some of the strains evaluated. Synergy was obtained between the peptide and the FLC against C. auris 435. The combination of the extract and the original palindromic peptide against C. albicans SC5314, C. auris 435, and C. auris 537 decreased the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) by a factor of between 4 and 16. These mixtures induced changes in cell morphology, such as deformations on the cell surface. The results suggest that the combination of RWQWRWQWR and B. pilosa extract is an alternative for enhancing antifungal activity and decreasing cytotoxicity and costs and should be considered to be a promising strategy for treating diseases caused by Candida spp.