Blue Flowers Research Articles

Multivariate Analysis of Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) Genotypes With Potentially Healthy Nutraceuticals and Uses

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) is a legume used as tea, forage, ornamental, salad, and medicinal plant. The flowers range from white to dark purple with little known about the variation for seed and flower color in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit germplasm collection. Therefore, 26 butterfly pea accessions were analyzed using a principal component analysis (PCA) and average linkage cluster analysis (ALCA). These butterfly pea genotypes ranged from 56% to 99% for viabilities, 2.57 to 5.88 g for 100 seed weight, 34.07 to 226.26 g for total seed weight, and 1,326 to 3,874 for total seed numbers. PCA accounted for 40%, 57%, 70%, 79%, and 86% of the variation using principal components (PCs) 1 through 5, respectively. PC1 was most correlated with 100 and total seed weight, while PC2 correlated with blue, white, and purple flowers. PC3 correlated mostly with germination, purple flowers, and total seed weight. PCs 4 and 5 primarily correlated with blue and purple flowers, respectively. Several significant correlations were also observed. ALCA grouped the 26 butterfly pea genotypes into four distinct seed number–producing clusters. Clusters 1 to 4 represent the lowest to highest seed numbers produced by the butterfly pea genotypes. Several potential health benefits from butterfly pea flowers, leaves, seeds, and roots for human use were identified from the literature.

Effect of trellis orientation on Passiflora incarnata growth and production

Passiflora incarnata L., often referred to commonly as ‘maypops’, has showy flowers and large fruit. This species has been identified in historical documents as being a food crop, although it is not presently grown as a commercial crop. To better facilitate harvest, Passiflora vines must be trellised to keep flowers and fruit off the ground. There are different methods to accomplish this, but there is little consensus as to the best model. Simple trellis systems made from t-posts, wire fencing, and cement blocks were erected onto a crushed rock covered nursery pad. One trellis was made horizontal to the ground roughly 0.3 m off the pad. The other trellis was vertical (perpendicular to the ground) and reached a height of 1.5 m. Three Passiflora species were used: Passiflora caerulea L. (blue passion flower), Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa O. Deg. (yellow passion fruit), and Passiflora incarnata (maypop). There were no statistically significant differences between vertical and horizontal trellised passion fruit vines in our study. Overall, trellis orientation did not appear to significantly impact vine growth, fruit growth, or fruit quality of Passiflora incarnata. We recommend employing a vertical trellis system for this species.

Anthocyanins From Clitoria ternatea Flower: Biosynthesis, Extraction, Stability, Antioxidant Activity, and Applications.

Clitoria ternatea plant is commonly grown as an ornamental plant and possesses great medicinal value. Its flower is edible and also known as blue pea or butterfly pea flower. The unique feature of anthocyanins present in blue pea flowers is the high abundance of polyacylated anthocyanins known as ternatins. Ternatins are polyacylated derivatives of delphinidin 3,3′,5′-triglucoside. This review covers the biosynthesis, extraction, stability, antioxidant activity, and applications of anthocyanins from Clitoria ternatea flower. Hot water extraction of dried or fresh petals of blue pea flower could be employed successfully to extract anthocyanins from blue pea flower for food application. Blue pea flower anthocyanins showed good thermal and storage stability, but less photostability. Blue pea flower anthocyanins also showed an intense blue colour in acidic pH between pH 3.2 to pH 5.2. Blue pea flower anthocyanin extracts demonstrate significant in vitro and cellular antioxidant activities. Blue pea flower anthocyanins could be used as a blue food colourant in acidic and neutral foods. The incorporation of blue pea flower anthocyanins in food increased the functional properties of food such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Blue pea flower anthocyanins have also been used in intelligent packaging. A comparison of blue pea flower anthocyanins with two other natural blue colouring agents used in the food industry, spirulina or phycocyanin and genipin-derived pigments is also covered. Anthocyanins from blue pea flowers are promising natural blue food colouring agent.

POTENSI AKTIVITAS ANTIOKSIDAN UBI JALAR (Ipomoea batatas L.) UNGU DAN EKSTRAK BUNGA TELANG (Clitoria ternatea L.) DALAM PEMBUATAN PERMEN JELI

Jelly candy is a confectionery product that can be processed into various variations, both in colors, raw materials and flavors. The addition of food ingredients can be used to increase the nutrients in food products, like jelly candy. The purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the types of tubers that are commonly found in Indonesia. The use of purple sweet potatoes in Indonesia is still every low. The purple sweet potato also has a fairly high fiber content, which is equal to 4,59%. Apart from fiber, purple sweet potato extract also has antioxidant activity. Raw purple sweet potato extract had an IC50 value of 5,00 ppm, steamed purple sweet potato extract had an IC50 value of 47,82 ppm, and boiled purple sweet potato extract had an IC50 value of 86,22 ppm. In addition to purple sweet potatoes, a plant that has good antioxidant activity is blue pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.), with and IC50 value of 41,36 ppm. The Blue pea flower gets its blue color from the anthocyanin. The blue color of this flower can be used as a natural food coloring, which is much safer than use the synthetic one. Thus, these two ingredients that are high in antioxidants can be used as additional ingredients in the formulation of jelly candy as an addition to nutritional value and natural food coloring.

Safety Assessment of Cuticle Remover Cosmetics In Vivo and In Vitro

Recently, the issue of the harmful effects of nail care products has been posed. In case of cuticle remover, information on hazards of chemical substances is limited and product safety reports are also insufficient. This study evaluated the safety of the top three commercially selling cuticle removers that are widely used in nail care: Blue cross, Zero cleanser and Flower vita cuticle cares. To measure the pH level of cuticle remover cosmetics, distilled water and DMEM. The toxic effect of cuticle removers on cultured HaCaT was identified by MTT-assay. The patch test was performed to evaluate the occurrence of erythema on the patch area according to the criteria of ICDRG after applying the cuticle remover cosmetics (as is). Adherence to the cosmetic pH measurement guidelines, it w as confirmed that the blue cross product did not meet the pH standard of the final product of the domestic cosmetic method. When measuring the pH by diluting DMEM with a solvent, Flower vita product maintained a pH close to Neutral 7.0 overall. All three cuticle removers demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxic on HaCaT cell. The viability of cells treated with 10 μg/mL Blue cross or 10 μg/mL Zero cleanser was presented below 10%. Otherwise, Flower vita treatment at concentrations of 0.5~20 μg up to 20 μg/mL did not affect the viability (above 70%) in the HaCaT. Of the patch test, there was positive in one case (3.3%) at 2 weeks. It was observed that a doubful reaction (-/+) to Flower vita and weak positive reactions (+) to Blue cross, and zero cleanser. Taken together, it was shown that the Flower vita product have the lowest cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells and slight allergic reaction, proving more safer than other tw o products <i>in vivo</i> and <i>in vitro</i>.

How Much Pigment Should Flowers Have? Flowers With Moderate Pigmentation Have Highest Color Contrast

Floral pigments are a core component of flower colors, but how much pigment a flower should have to yield a strong visual signal to pollinators is unknown. Using an optical model and taking white, blue, yellow and red flowers as case studies, I investigate how the amount of pigment determines a flower’s color contrast. Modeled reflectance spectra are interpreted using established insect color vision models. Contrast as a function of the amount of pigment shows a pattern of diminishing return. Low pigment amounts yield pale colors, intermediate amounts yield high contrast, and extreme amounts of pigment do not further increase, and sometimes even decrease, a flower’s color contrast. An intermediate amount of floral pigment thus yields the highest visibility, a finding that is corroborated by previous behavioral experiments on bees. The implications for studies on plant-pollinator signaling, intraspecific flower color variation and the costs of flower color are discussed.

Identification and characterization of xanthone biosynthetic genes contributing to the vivid red coloration of red‐flowered gentian

Cultivated Japanese gentians traditionally produce vivid blue flowers because of the accumulation of delphinidin-based polyacylated anthocyanins. However, recent breeding programs developed several red-flowered cultivars, but the underlying mechanism for this red coloration was unknown. Thus, we characterized the pigments responsible for the red coloration in these cultivars. A high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, including flavones and xanthones, as well as the accumulation of colored cyanidin-based anthocyanins. The chemical structures of two xanthone compounds contributing to the coloration of red-flowered gentian petals were determined by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The compounds were identified as norathyriol 6-O-glucoside (i.e., tripteroside designated as Xt1) and a previously unreported norathyriol-6-O-(6'-O-malonyl)-glucoside (designated Xt2). The copigmentation effects of these compounds on cyanidin 3-O-glucoside were detected invitro. Additionally, an RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify the cDNAs encoding the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of these xanthones. Recombinant proteins encoded by the candidate genes were produced in a wheat germ cell-free protein expression system and assayed. We determined that a UDP-glucose-dependent glucosyltransferase (StrGT9) catalyzes the transfer of a glucose moiety to norathyriol, a xanthone aglycone, to produce Xt1, which is converted to Xt2 by a malonyltransferase (StrAT2). An analysis of the progeny lines suggested that the accumulation of Xt2 contributes to the vivid red coloration of gentian flowers. Our data indicate that StrGT9 and StrAT2 help mediate xanthone biosynthesis and contribute to the coloration of red-flowered gentians via copigmentation effects.

Toxicity From Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) After Ingestion or Inhalation: A Case Series.

Plant extracts and other novel psychoactives can be ingested, vaped, injected, or insufflated. This includes products such as extracts from the blue lotus flower (Nypmhaea caerulea), which is known to produce euphoria and hallucinations at high doses. Blue lotus is sold in several forms, including dried plant material, teas, and extracts for use in electronic cigarettes. Because newer generations of electronic cigarettes can deliver a variety of substances, practitioners need to be mindful of toxicity from a growing number of psychoactives, some of which are not detectable by standard urine drug screens. This case series describes five active duty patients who presented to the emergency department with altered mental status following the use of blue lotus products, four after vaping and one after making an infused beverage. Patients displayed similar symptoms, including sedation and perceptual disturbances. The patients in our series were successfully managed with supportive measures without the need for sedating agents. Recognizing and identifying new trends in substance use can help to provide directions in undifferentiated altered mental status.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of Flavonoid 3', 5'-Hydroxylase Gene from Brunfelsia acuminata.

The full-length cDNA sequence of F3′5′H gene from the Brunfelsia acuminata was obtained by RT-PCR and RACE, whose GenBank accession number is JQ678765. The sequence contains a 1521 bp open reading frame, 120 bp 5′UTR and 61 bp 3′UTR, encoding a total of 506 amino acids. The molecular mass of the predicted protein is 56.47 kDa with an estimated pI of 8.78, respectively. Sequence alignment showed that the amino acid sequence of F3′5′H was 91%, 87% and 84% with that of Petunia × hybrida, Nierembergia sp., Solanum tuberosum, respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression of F3′5′H gene was different in petals of different days, which was the highest expression level on day 0 and significantly higher than other days. The results indicated that F3′5′H might play key role in flower color regulation and provide a theoretical reference for blue flower molecular breeding.

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis on White and Blue Flowers of Platycodon grandiflorus to Elucidate Genes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Anthocyanins.

Background: Platycodon grandiflorus has long been used in Northeast Asia as a food and folk medicine to treat various diseases. The intense blue color of P. grandiflorus corolla is its characteristic feature.Objectives: By comparing deep transcriptomic data of P. grandiflorus and its white cultivar, we intended to elucidate the molecular mechanisms concerning the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in this plant.Material and Methods: We sampled blue mature flowers (PgB) and yellow young buds (PgY) of P. grandiflorus. Meanwhile, mature flowers (PgW) of P. grandiflorus white cultivar were also collected for RNA extraction and next-generation sequencing. After high-throughput sequencing, Trinity software was applied for de novo assembly and the resultant 49934 unigenes were subjected for expression analysis and annotation against NR, KEGG, UniProt, and Pfam databases.Results: In all, 32.77 Gb raw data were generated and the gene expression profile for the flowers of P. grandiflorus was constructed. Pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that genes involved in flavone and flavonol biosynthesis were differently expressed.Conclusions: The extremely low expression of flavonoid-3’,5’-hydroxylase in PgY and PgW was regarded as the reason for the formation of its white cultivar. Our findings provided useful information for further studies into the biosynthetic mechanism of anthocyanins.

<strong><em>Eryngium</em> (Apiaceae, Saniculoideae) in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil</strong>

Eryngium has about 220 species, mostly distributed in subtropical and temperate regions of all continents. With about 60 species, the genus is widely distributed in Brazil, being present in all states of the country. Its species are perennial or biennial plants that preferentially colonize terrestrial, aquatic and rocky substrates. They usually have an erect or creeping habit, with rosulate leaves and white, blue or purple flowers. Within Apiaceae, the genus can be easily distinguished from the other genera by its capitulate inflorescences and by having a single bract per flower. We present the first taxonomic treatment for the genus in the state of Paraná, which is based on herbarium collections and fieldwork across the state. In total, 25 species were recorded. Of these, seven are endemic to Brazil. Eryngium aloifolium and E. regnelli are new records for Paraná. Fifteen species grow in native grasslands at high elevations, whereas one species is restricted to remnants of savannas in the northern portion of the state (E. rochei). Identification key, descriptions, illustrations, distributions maps, and taxonomic comments are provided.

Propagation of Five Species in a Commercial-scale Submist System

The novel propagation system submist, which applies water to the bases of cuttings rather than overhead, is a promising alternative. We developed and tested a commercial-scale submist system to make this propagation system more accessible to commercial propagators. Five species, including blue star flower (Amsonia tabernaemontana), faassen nepeta (Nepeta ×faassenii ‘Six Hills Giant’), panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’), sweetgale (Myrica gale), and sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina), were propagated from cuttings in commercial-scale submist and overhead mist systems. Blue star flower and faassen nepeta cuttings had greater root length, root rating, and root number with the submist system. Panicle hydrangea cuttings had more roots in submist, but longer roots in overhead mist. There were no differences in rooting between the systems for sweetgale and sweetfern cuttings. The comparable or superior rooting of these five species in a submist system compared with traditional overhead mist systems is evidence that submist is a viable alternative propagation system. Water use in submist systems was 98% less than that for overhead mist systems.

Transculturalism and transcultural symbol of the blue flower

This article examines the problem of determining transculturalism as an independent supracultural phenomenon, the cognition of which requires the aesthetic subject adopt an attitude of outsideness and holistic consciousness. Transculturalism is described a specific cultural model that can represent transcultural symbols. Based on the image of the blue flower, the author examines transcultural symbol as a phenomenon with mythical basis, which is being formed through ceaseless process of cultural transfer. For determining transculturalism as an independent phenomenon, the author analyzes modern definitions presented in the scientific discourse and compares them with the definition of transculturalism given by M. N. Epstein. The formation of transcultural symbol is described via genetic method and from the perspective of the process of cultural transfer (M. Espagne). This article proves M. N. Epstein's theory on perception of transculturalism as a specific cultural model, a supracultural phenomenon. The author explores the peculiarities of development of transcultural symbol,  and provides the examples of variation of this symbol are given (using the image of the blue flower in the English-language literary discourse). This work contributes to the understanding of transculturalism as a supracultural, universal, national, and holistic phenomenon. In modern world, such definition of transculturism is essential for conducting cross-cultural dialogue and maintaining respectful attitude towards national code. Using the example of the blue flower, the author reviews the variations of transcultural symbol in the English-language literature; analyzes the contest of paradigms, peculiarities of the palimpsest of this image, overcoming the stereotypes of perception and transitioning through cultural space; finds the reflection of the idea of universality underlying the poetology of Novalis.

Martin McAinsh.

Martin McAinsh.

In-vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic properties of Strobilanthes kunthianus

Background: Strobilanthes kunthianus Nees T Anders (S. kunthianus, Neela kurinji) is a shrub in the grasslands of Western Ghats in India. The Nilgiris, which literally means the blue mountains got its name from the purplish blue flowers of Neelakurinji that blossoms gregariously once in twelve years. It is well known for its biological properties. However, so far there is no detailed antioxidant and cytotoxic studies has been carried out. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate in-vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of various parts of S. kunthianus extracts. Methods: Fourteen extracts were prepared in different parts of S. kunthianus including stem, leaves, flowers and roots. All the extracts were examined for in-vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities using standard methods. The total phenol content was estimated by Folin Ciocalteau method. Results: The crude methanol flower extract was found to contain very high total phenol content among all the extracts. Among the tested extracts, the ethyl acetate extracts of root and stem showed potent in-vitro antioxidant activity, when compared to ascorbic acid in ABTS method. These extracts showed better activity than other successive extracts of root and stem. In case of methanol extracts, the crude extracts showed potent antioxidant activity in ABTS, H2O2, and total antioxidant capacity methods. The crude methanol flower extract was found to be the most potent among the methanol extracts. Many natural products have served as anticancer agents in the treatment and also as lead compounds for further research. All the extracts were tested for their cytotoxic activity against Hep-2 and HeLa cell lines. But all the extracts showed weak activity in the tested cell lines. Conclusion: S. kunthianus merits further investigation in animal models to confirm its antioxidant and anticancer properties and to isolate the phytoconstituents that are responsible for their biological activities.

Addition of blue pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) extract increase antioxidant activity in yogurt from various types of milk

Blue pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) is known as the source of anthocyanin and has potential as a natural blue dye. The present study aimed to determine the effect of additional blue pea flower (BPFE) to yogurt from various types of milk. The study used dried blue pea flowers, extracted with water in 3:1 (g.L-1) ratio, at the extraction condition of 60 ˚C and 45 minutes. The fermentation was processed by adding BPFE to (A) liquid skim milk, (B) ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, (C) pasteurized milk, (D) UHT milk with skim powder, and (E) pasteurized milk with skim powder. Then, the yogurt starter was added to all milk samples, evenly mixed and incubated for 24 hours at 37 ˚C. The fermentation of all five different milk to make plain yogurt also processed with same method without addition of BPFE. The antioxidant activity and color intensity of yogurt are evaluated to investigate the effect of BPFE in yogurt. The result showed that the plain yogurt without the addition of BPFE has antioxidant activity and increases with the addition of BPFE. Skim milk BPFE yogurt has the highest antioxidant activity (437.04 ppm) with the values of L*, a*, b* was 37.35; 2.02; -1.32, respectively. Antioxidant activity of the other BPFE yogurt, which was added with skim milk, also increased. The BPFE yogurt made from skim milk or added skim milk had higher antioxidant activity than the other types of milk.

Gene cloning and analysis of the pattern of expression of the transcription factor HymMYB2 related to blue flower formation in Hydrangea macrophylla

Gene cloning and analysis of the pattern of expression of the transcription factor HymMYB2 related to blue flower formation in Hydrangea macrophylla

MdCIB1, an apple bHLH transcription factor, plays a positive regulator in response to drought stress

Drought restricts the plant growth and productivity worldwide. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors play key roles in response to various abiotic stresses. In this study, we identified and characterized a bHLH transcription factor, cryptochrome-interacting bHLH 1 (MdCIB1), from apple (Malus domestica). MdCIB1 had a typical bHLH domain and was localized in the nucleus. Moreover, MdCIB1 also interacted with MdCRY2, and participated in blue light response and flowering time regulation. RT-qPCR analysis showed that PEG 6000 notably induced the transcript level of MdCIB1. MdCIB1-overexpressing apple calli displayed improved tolerance to PEG 6000 treatment. Ectopic expression of MdCIB1 in Arabidopsis improved drought stress resistance, as reflected by better physiological indexes under drought stress, such as longer roots, higher chlorophyll levels and survival rate, and lower water loss rate of leaves than Col control. Further investigation demonstrated that MdCIB1 played a positive regulator in ABA sensitivity and ABA-mediated stomatal closure. In addition, MdCIB1 transgenic Arabidopsis exhibited higher proline content, lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and H2O2 and O2− accumulation, as well as increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes under drought stress, which were able to protect plants from osmotic and oxidative damages. Besides, the transcripts of ROS scavenging-related genes and stress-responsive genes were also significantly upregulated in MdCIB1 transgenic lines. In summary, our study demonstrated that MdCIB1 plays a positive role in drought resistance.

Chromosomal-Level Reference Genome of the Neotropical Tree Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don.

Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don is a deciduous tree widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics of the world. It is famous for its beautiful blue flowers and pinnate compound leaves. In addition, this tree has great potential in environmental monitoring, soil quality improvement, and medicinal applications. However, a genome resource for J. mimosifolia has not been reported to date. In this study, we constructed a chromosome-level genome assembly of J. mimosifolia using PacBio sequencing, Illumina sequencing, and Hi-C technology. The final genome assembly was ∼707.32 Mb in size, 688.76 Mb (97.36%) of which could be grouped into 18 pseudochromosomes, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 16.77 and 39.98 Mb, respectively. A total of 30,507 protein-coding genes were predicted, 95.17% of which could be functionally annotated. Phylogenetic analysis among 12 plant species confirmed the close genetic relationship between J. mimosifolia and Handroanthus impetiginosus. Gene family clustering revealed 481 unique, 103 significantly expanded, and 16 significantly contracted gene families in the J. mimosifolia genome. This chromosome-level genome assembly of J. mimosifolia will provide a valuable genomic resource for elucidating the genetic bases of the morphological characteristics, adaption evolution, and active compounds biosynthesis of J. mimosifolia.

Clitoria ternatea ethanolic extract prevents dental caries via inhibiting Streptococcus mutans growth and quorum sensing

Our previous study demonstrated that the blue butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) had several pharmacological effects to treat inflammatory-related diseases, including edema and diabetes. However, its benefit for preventing dental caries and protecting the tooth has not been explored yet. Here, we investigated whether C. ternatea ethanolic extract (CTEE) prevented dental caries through antibacterial and antiquorum sensing activities toward oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans in vitro. CTEE was made by using kinetic maceration in ethanol. Antibacterial activity of CTEE against S. mutans was tested using disk diffusion agar and microdilution assays. Quorum sensing system employed Chromobacterium violaceum bacteria to produce violacein, and CTEE at various concentrations was tested for its antiquorum sensing activity to inhibit the violacein production. Our results demonstrated that CTEE at 1 mg/mL showed a significant inhibition >90% against S. mutans, indicating its MIC value. For the quorum sensing system, CTEE at the lowest concentration (0.25 mg/mL) significantly inhibit up to 68% of violacein produced by C. violaceum. These data indicate that CTEE may act as a natural oral functional food with antibacterial and antiquorum sensing activities for the prevention of dental caries.