Celosia Cristata Research Articles

Biology of the potter wasp Delta esuriens (Fabricius, 1787) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) with details on its nesting and mating behaviours, development, and ecology

The biology of the potter wasp Delta esuriens (Fabricius) is studied in Vietnam. The eumenine built its mud nests in numerous sites, usually in shaded locations. The nest consisted of 1–8 pot-shaped cells and was sometimes covered with a lay of mud after it was provisioned completely. The egg was laid before provisioning. The female stored 3–10 caterpillars of Noctuidae, Geometridae, Pieridae, and Plutellidae per nest cell, and left nest cells open during egg-laying and provisioning. The developmental time from the egg to the emergence of the adult wasp was 20–30 days under laboratory conditions. Mating of D. esuriens was taken place at flowers of Bidens pilosa L. and Celosia cristata L., usually in the morning. The male seized a female, grasped her pronotum with his forelegs and quickly copulated with her for 4–10 s. Delta esuriens overwintered as prepupae and occurred in the wild for about eight months a year. The sex ratio was 1.17. The developmental mortality ratio was 25 % under laboratory conditions and 54.4 % under natural conditions. Chrysis dissimilis Dahlbom, Chrysis sp., Trichrysis lusca (Fabricius), Melittobia sosui Dahms, two Sarcophagidae satellite flies, and small red ants were predators of the eumenine. This study provides a better understanding of the biology and ecology of D. esuriens, can be used to aid in studies of phylogeny and evolution of the nesting behaviour in Delta, and can help in developing measures to exploit this predator in the biocontrol of insect pests in vegetable crops.

Characterization of vinyl ester–based biocomposites using grape stalk lignin biopolymer and Celosia cristata stem fibers: a characterization study

Characterization of vinyl ester–based biocomposites using grape stalk lignin biopolymer and Celosia cristata stem fibers: a characterization study

Tolerância à salinidade e respostas espectrais foliares em mudas de quatro espécies ornamentais herbáceas

ABSTRACT Studies on using brackish water for the irrigation of ornamental species are still scarce, mainly considering qualitative aspects of the plants. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify salt tolerance and characterize leaf spectral responses of herbaceous ornamental species at the stage of commercial seedling production. The research was carried out from December 2020 to February 2021, under greenhouse conditions, in Fortaleza - Ceará, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with split plots, with main plots consisting of irrigation-water salinity levels (0.5, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 dS m-1), and subplots by the species Catharanthus roseus, Celosia cristata, Celosia plumosa, and Chrysanthemum coronarium, with four replications. The evaluation parameters were dry mass production, visual sensory analysis, salt tolerance, and leaf spectral responses. Plant visual quality was maintained up to 2.0 dS m-1 for Chrysanthemum coronarium and 4.0 dS m-1 for Celosia cristata, Celosia plumosa, and Catharanthus roseus, which were classified as moderately tolerant at those respective salinity levels. Salinity caused noticeable changes in leaf spectral responses, especially in the visible region.

Sarwālī (Celosia cristata): Medicinal Importance in Perspective of Unani Medicine and Pharmacological Studies

Celosia cristata, commonly known as 'cockscomb,' is an annual erect herb belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. Locally referred to as 'Mawal,' it is cultivated in Kashmiri gardens for ornamental purposes and can be found growing naturally in the plains and up to an altitude of 5,000 ft. in the Himalayas. In traditional Unani Medicine, the seeds and inflorescence of Celosia cristata are utilized for treating various health conditions, including sexual weakness, leucorrhoea, haemorrhoids, haematuria, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, wounds, diabetes, and dysuria. Celosia species, including Celosia cristata, contains a diverse array of phytoconstituents such as phytosterols, saponin, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and steroids. Numerous pharmacological studies have been conducted on this plant, revealing its hemostatic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-nociceptive, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. This paper aims to shed light on the therapeutic applications of Celosia cristata based on both traditional Unani literature and scientific studies conducted on different parts of the plant.

In-vitro intervention modifies the outcome of induced mutagenesis using gamma-ray but not ethyl methanesulphonate in cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.)

The viability of conventional vis-à-vis in-vitro mutagenesis was investigated using EMS and gamma-ray in cockscomb (Celosia cristataL.) ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) was a better mutagen as compared to gamma-ray in terms of mutation frequency, effectiveness,efficiency, factor of effectiveness and mutation rate. The spectrum of mutants induced by EMS and the aforementioned parametersdecreased with the increase in its concentration. Moreover, the EMS treatment to dry seed was fructuous compared to the pre-soakedseeds. Although the effect of EMS treatment was similar in conventional and in-vitro mutagenesis; the gamma-ray treatment workeddifferently in these two modes of mutagenesis.

Contenu pollinique de l’atmosphère de la ville de Cotonou (Bénin) : cas des plantes ornementales

Aim of the studyThe present study consists in analyzing the pollen content of the atmosphere at three sites (Akpakpa, Cadjèhoun, and Vêdoko) of the city of Cotonou (Benin) to know the quantitative and qualitative composition of pollens. MethodPollens were trapped on a microscopic slide coated with silicone oil under the SLT sensor. The direct field observation method was used to identify flowering species from November 2019 to November 2020. ResultsIn total 19,921 pollen grains were counted. Ornamental plants pollens represent 28.23% against 71.76% for non-ornamental plants, and dominant in the air during rainy seasons. More than 50% of the species were always in flower, but the months from August to November 2020 are richer in flowering. The pollen spectrum showed that: Pithecellobium dulce, Acacia auriculiformis, Terminalia mantaly, Euphorbia milii, Celosia cristata, Acalypha wilkesiana, and Casuarina equisetifolia are the most common ornamental species in the atmosphere of Cotonou. ConclusionThe rainy and short dry seasons are the peak flowering periods for ornamental species in Cotonou City. Their pollen abundance in the atmosphere is low compared with non-ornamental species. As for temperature, it has a significant influence on pollen dispersal: when it rises, so does the number of pollens in the air.

First report of a begomovirus and associated betasatellite causing yellow vein mosaic disease of Celosia cristata

First report of a begomovirus and associated betasatellite causing yellow vein mosaic disease of <i>Celosia cristata</i>

The Analysis of Morphological Diversity and Polyphenols Content of Celosia cristata in M2 Population Induced by Ethyl Methane Sulphonate

Celosia cristata, an edible ornamental plant, is a potential floricultural commodity that needs further improvement to increase its agro-morphological characters and polyphenol content. Induced mutagenesis using ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) is an effective tool to increase genetic diversity that has been applied in many plant species. This study aimed to assess the morphological diversity, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activities of C. cristata mutagenized by EMS in the M2 generation. A total of 230 M2 plants generated from the M1 generation were evaluated in this study and the polyphenols content and antioxidant activities analysis were conducted on fifteen selected M2 plants. Polyphenols content was analyzed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and colorimetric method with slight modification, and the antioxidant activities investigated using 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay with minor changes. There are six subpopulations with the highest diversity of quantitative characters in the M2 population in quantitative characters, i.e. C2-17-1.0%, C2-1-0.7%, C2-20-2.0%, C2-25-0.7%, C2-1-0.9%, and C2-1-0.7%. Changes in the shape and color of leaves, stems, and flowers of C. cristata were also observed in the M2 population. C2.1, C2.6, and C2.12. 2.1, C2.6, and C2.12 are potential plants derived from EMS mutagenesis with the highest polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity in the M2 population. In conclusion, induced mutation using EMS can enhance the agro-morphological diversity, polyphenols content along with the antioxidant activities of C. cristata, and demonstrate the successful mutation breeding program.

Identification of molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Celosia Cristata on immunoglobulin nephropathy

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy also known as Berger's disease, is a silent monster and perhaps the most prevalent glomerulonephritis that often accounts for end-stage kidney failure, thereby signifying a growing public health problem worldwide. The limited amount of available data and a broad spectrum of dysregulated physiological processes of IgAN make it a challenging task and a disproportionate economic load on the community health sector. Celosia cristata is an Amaranthaceous plant with attractive colorful inflorescences that are used in various regions of earth for the treatment of numerous ailments. A list of studies evidences the therapeutic efficacy of C. cristata against complicated disorders, but the precise molecular mechanism is yet to be discovered. This study is attributed to the identification of bioactive compounds, pathways, and target genes for the better treatment of IgAN. In the current analysis, compound-target genes-pathway networks were explored which uncovered that isorhamnetin, stigmasterol, luteolin, amaranthin, and β-sitosterol may serve as a magic bullet against IgAN by influencing the targets genes involved in the disease pathogenesis. Later, the expression of hub genes was then further analyzed using a microarray dataset (GSE93798). Through expression analysis, it is worth noting that FOS, JUN, and EGFR were considerably upregulated, and at the same moment, AKT1 was considerably downregulated in IgAN patients. Lastly, docking analysis further strengthened the current findings by validating the effective activity of the active ingredients against putative target genes. In summary, we propose that five key compounds including, isorhamnetin, stigmasterol, luteolin, amaranthin, and β-sitosterol, aid in the regulation of JUN, FOS, AKT1, and EGFR, which may serve as a promising and enthralling therapeutic option for IgAN. The overall integration of network pharmacology with molecular docking unveiled the multi-target pharmacological mechanisms of C. cristata against IgAN. This study provides convincing evidence that C. cristata might partially alleviate the IgAN and ultimately lays a foundation for further experimental research on the anti-IgAN activity of C. cristata.

Perkecambahan Polen Bunga Jengger Ayam (Celosia argantea)

Celosia cristata is one of specialty cut flowers category. Celosia cristata has leaf color, leaf shape and stem color diversity. The diversity in Celosia cristata has attracted the attention of breeders to develop new varieties of this commodity by means of hybridization. Therefore, before the hybridization of Celosia cristata is being conducted, it is necessary to study the estimated time required for pollen to reach the embryo sac and fertilization occurs to ensure the probability of successful hybridization in plant breeding program. Pollen germination in this study was carried out by in vitro method using pollen germination media consisting of 12 grams of sucrose, 0.01 grams of H3BO3, 100 ml of distilled water, and 0.1 M HCl or 0.1 M NaOH (to maintain the pH of the media at pH 6.4). The germinated pollen was observed with a microscope until the germination reed reached its maximum length, then the length of the germination reed was measured. The measured growth of germination reeds was then compared with the length of the distance from the stigma to the embryo sac. After that, the estimated time required from pollination to fertilization was being predicted. Based on the results of the study, the estimated time needed by Celosia cristata from pollination (pollen fall to the stigma) to fertilization (fusion between male and female gamete cells) was 131.9 minutes.

PHENOTYPIC VARIATION AND THE POLYPHENOLS CONTENT ALTERATION OF CELOSIA CRISTATA DUE TO CHRONICALLY INDUCED MUTATION USING ETHYL METHANE SULPHONATE

Celosia cristata is one of the floricultural commodities which also beneficial as a medicinal plant. Mutation techniques can effectively increase the morphological diversity and biochemical content of C. cristata. Chronically induced mutation using ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) was first applied to C. cristata to increase morphological diversity and biochemical properties. This study proposes modifying the mutation induction technique that allows plant material to be exposed to a mutagen (a substance that causes mutations) for a long time, with minimum damage to genetic material and cell components. Thus, this modification method can produce more new plants with favorable traits for the breeding program. The present study aims to evaluate the morphological diversity and polyphenol content of C. cristata that emerge due to chronic mutation using EMS. C. cristata seeds were immersed in EMS solution which consisted of 4 treatment levels, namely: 0% (Control); 0.0278% for 6 hours; 0.00278% for 1 day; 0.000278% for 2 days. The polyphenol content analysis of C. cristata using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and analysis of the flavonoid content based on the colorimetric-AlCl3 method. The antioxidant activity of C. cristata was estimated through two assays, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Chronic mutation induction using EMS was shown to affect the growth of C. cristata. In addition, changes in plant morphology such as intensity of anthocyanin coloration at the base, leaf shape, leaf color, and flower shape also occurred due to chronic mutations. Chronically induced mutation increased flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity, according to the FRAP method, of C. cristata. In summary, the chronic mutation method using EMS is promising to increase the morphological diversity and biochemical content of C. cristata. Henceforth, this method can be applied in breeding programs to produce new plants with desirable traits.

Medicinal plants used by the tribal communities of Thanchi Upazila in Bandarban Hill District, Bangladesh

Medicinal plants play in an important role in the primary health care system. The paper deals with the indigenous knowledge related to ethnomedicinal knowledge and plant parts application for curing various ailments by the ethnic community of Thanchi Upazila of Bandarban Hill District. Semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, group discussions, and specific plant sample collection were done from July 2019 to December 2021 to procure ethno-medicinal data from local herbalists and elderly villagers for this study and from the forest areas. A total of 129 plant species under 110 genera and 63 families have been documented, which have been traditionally used by the ethnic people for the treatment of different ailments. Traditional knowledge and information about medicinal plants such as local names, scientific names, families, habits, habitats, plant-parts used, names of ailments, modes of use, etc. were recorded, validated, and documented. Plant families namely, Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae were represented by the highest (8) number of species, followed by Fabaceae, Verbenaceae, Apocynaceae, Araceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Lamiaceae, Rubiaceae and Zingiberaceae. The most widely used medicinal plants included Anacardium occidentale, Bombax ceiba, Calotropis gigantea, Terminalia chebula, Aegle mermelos, Ageratum conyzoides, Andrographis paniculata, Aristolochia indica, Blumea balsamifera, Bryophyllum pinnatum, Celosia cristata, Centella asiatica, Melastoma malabathricum, Mimosa pudica, Musa paradisiaca, Oroxylum indicum, Plumbago indica and Vitex negundo. Herbs (36%) were found to be the most used plant, followed by shrubs (33%), trees (17%), climbers (9%) and fern (5%). Most medicinal plants were used for the treatment of fever, skin diseases, cough problems, menstrual problems, body pain, indigestion, headaches, stomachaches, constipation, swelling problems, wounds and others. Among the plant parts, mostly leaves were used (43%), followed by roots (21%), whole plants (10%), stems (6%) along with fruit, rhizome, flower, bark, seed and latex for the treatment of diseases. The most common formulations prescribed to treat various diseases were juices. The findings will be useful for future research in the Bandarban Hill District. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2022, 8 (2), 123-140

Phenolic, Flavonoid and Antioxidant Capacities Evaluation of Celosia cristata Resulted from Induced Mutation Using Ethyl Methane Sulphonate.

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;Celosia cristata&lt;/i&gt; L. is an ornamental plant that has the potency to be developed as a medicinal plant. The mutation breeding of &lt;i&gt;C. cristata&lt;/i&gt; targets the increase of biochemical compounds that are potential as antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of the putative mutants of &lt;i&gt;C. cristata&lt;/i&gt; in the M1 generation. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; The samples used in this study were flowers and seeds. Induced mutation, using ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) was used to obtain M1 generation of putative mutants and twelve putative mutants were selected for polyphenol contents analysis composed of total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC) and antioxidant activities analysis using two approaches, i.e., 2,2-diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; This study showed that total phenolics were varied from 11.73-18.06 mg GAE g&lt;sup&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; DW and total flavonoids were varied from 2.34-3.11 mg QE g&lt;sup&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; DW. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity gain using the DPPH method ranged from 16.43-19.02 μmol TE g&lt;sup&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; DW and the FRAP method ranged from 40.72-59.61 μmol TE g&lt;sup&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; DW. The clustering analysis results formed three clusters with two clusters consisting of potential mutants with higher biochemical content and antioxidant capacities. It was found that total phenolic and flavonoids highly correlated with the antioxidant FRAP. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Induced mutation using EMS can increase the diversity of biochemical characters and antioxidant activity of &lt;i&gt;C. cristata&lt;/i&gt; and provide potential genetic material with higher chemical content for further development.

Seed Germination, Vegetative Growth and Flowering Performance of Cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.) in Response to Different Potting Media

The experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Garden, Department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan, during the cropping season March 2017 to May 2017. To estimate germination percentage, vegetative growth and flowering performance of Cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.) in response to different potting media. Aim of the research was to evaluate the best potting media and select the best segregating genotype of Cockscomb for superior performance on flowering traits. The trial was laid out in randomized complete block (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment consisted with two genotypes G1 (Amigo Red) and G2 (Prestige scarlet) were planted in different potting media T1 (100% Canal sediment), T2 (75% Canal sediment + 25% FYM), T3 (50% Canal sediment + 50% Coco peat), T4 (25% Canal sediment + 50% bagasse + 25% Coco peat) and T5 (25% Canal sediment + 70% bagasse + 5% Coco peat) in the earthen pots. Our present findings of genotype (G2) in potting media (T4) indicated highest seed germination percentage (87.50%), germination index (1.77), plant height (36.55 cm), seedling vigor index (3394.2), fresh weight of shoot (56.40 g), fresh weight of root (13.35 g), fresh weight of a single flower (16.97 g), days taken to initiate flowering (74.88 days), number of flowers per plant (5.05) and chlorophyll content of leaf (36.08%). To compare mean of the G2 obtained better results in comparison to genotype (G1). The interaction of the genotypes and potting media was highly significant in G2 from the plants grown in (T4) potting media. This study showed that based on the potting media performance of the Cockscomb genotypes found maximum performance in (T4) potting media at Tandojam location. Others potting media along with genotypes and geographical locations might be explored for future research activities.

EFFECT OF SEED PRIMING AND PELLETING ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH BEHAVIOUR OF COCK’S COMB (Celosia cristata L.) SEEDLING

Considering the goal to achieve uniform and synchronize germination in Cock’s comb, present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of seed priming and pelleting on seed germination. Seven treatments based on various priming techniques (hydropriming+ priming with moringa leaf extract) and different compositions of pelleting materials (gum arabic+bentonite + moringa leaf powder) were used to evaluate the germination and growth behavior of Cock’s comb (Celosia cristata L.). The experiment was laid out according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and the difference among treatment means were compared by using Tuckey’s test at 5% probability level. Data regarding various parameters like time to taken first germination, time to taken 50% germination, mean germination time, final germination percentage, germination energy, germination index, vigor index, root length, shoot length, root to shoot ratio, seedlings fresh weight and seedlings dry weight was recorded. Time to take first germination (3.25days), root length (3.27cm), vigor index (22.00), germination energy (8.75%),Time to take 50% germination (8.25), height of seedling (5.27cm) and number of leaves (9.00 count) were recorded maximum in T3 (Priming with 3% moringa leaf solution treatment) whereas final germination percentage (20.50%), germination index (3.55), shoot length (4.10cm), seedling fresh (4.85g) and dry weight (1.58g) were reported maximum in T5 (coating with 75% Bentonite + 50% Gum Arabic treatment). Control treatment showed minimum results in this experiment, So it can be concluded that seed priming and seed palleting both are highly effective to enhance uniform and rapid seed germination and growth quality in Cock’s comb. Such studies on priming and pelleting will be productive to enhance the rate of seedling emergence, to harmonize uniform flower growth along with flourishing developmental attributes even under extreme climatic conditions and in problematic soils. This investigation will also be helpful to synchronize seed germination and improve vigor at commercial level leading towards better crop establishment and yield.

A Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of Endometrial Hyperplasia via Regulating the HPO Axis in Rats.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding, accompanied by endometrial hyperplasia (EH), is a common gynecological disease that seriously affects female physical and mental health. Some drugs have been prompted to cure the disease, but most medications have certain side effects and limitations. In the present study, we demonstrated an unexploited Chinese traditional medicine, a combination of Saururus chinensis, Celosia cristata, and Spatholobus suberectus (SCS), which could be used for the treatment of EH and associated complications in rats. We identified the active components from the three Chinese herbs via thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography methods. In addition, serum biochemical indexes and histologic section results found that acute high-dose SCS exerted no adverse impacts on the rats. We then showed that SCS shortened coagulation time (p=0.018) and degree of swelling (p=0.021) on rats at 30 min compared to blank control. Further studies proved that recovered endometrial thickness was associated with the modulation of four hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone). Specifically, follicle-stimulating hormone and progesterone contents increased gradually with time, and estrogen was decreased, whereas luteinizing hormone content was returned to normal after a short-term elevation (p < 0.05). Besides, SCS increased uterine endometrium's mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (p < 0.001) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (p < 0.001), promoting the repair of proliferating endometrium in the rats. Collectively, our study indicates that SCS harbors a profoundly curative effect on the treatment of EH and relative complications and uncovers the mechanism at molecular and gene expression levels.

Effects and Mechanisms of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria on Enhancing Phytoextraction of Lead from Contaminated Soil by Celosia Cristata L

Effects and Mechanisms of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria on Enhancing Phytoextraction of Lead from Contaminated Soil by Celosia Cristata L

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL OVERVIEW ON CELOSIA CRISTATA LINN

Medicinal plants have been used basically in all cultures as a source of medicine. Medicinal plants play an important role in public health, especially in developed and developing countries, and leads to examination for therapeutic and pharmacological applications. Medicinal Plants have been used for thousands of years to flavor and conserve food, to treat different health issues, and to prevent diseases including epidemics. Active compounds produced during secondary metabolism usually possess the biological properties of plant species used throughout the globe for various purposes, including the treatment of infectious diseases. Based on the medicinal values, the Celosia cristata has been chosen for this review. Celosia cristata is a variety of species Celosia argentea (Celosia argentea var. cristata) plays an important role in traditional medicine to cure several disorders such as fever, diarrhea, mouth sores, itching, wounds, jaundice, gonorrhea, and inflammation. A variety of phytoconstituents are isolated from the Celosia species which includes triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, phytosterols, and phlorotannins. The plant has potential pharmacological values screened for its various pharmacological activities, namely, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, wound healing, antidiabetic, antinociceptive effect, and antibacterial activities which are reported in the extracts of different parts of the plant. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of the ecology, phytoconstituents, pharmacology of Celosia cristata and to confess their therapeutic potentials, and secure an evidence base for further research works on Celosia cristata.

Preparation, characterization and application of smart packaging films based on locust bean gum/polyvinyl alcohol blend and betacyanins from cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.) flower

Cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.) is an edible and ornamental plant rich in natural pigments of betacyanins. In this study, smart packaging films were developed based on locust bean gum (LBG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and betacyanins from cockscomb flower. Effect of cockscomb flower extract content (4 wt%, 8 wt% and 12 wt%) on the structural, physical and functional properties of LBG/PVA blend films was investigated. The addition of cockscomb flower extract elevated the immiscibility between LBG and PVA. Cockscomb flower extract interacted with LBG and PVA through hydrogen bonds, resulting in reduced film crystallinity. The film containing 8 wt% of cockscomb flower extract showed the lowest water vapor permeability (10.34 × 10−11 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1) and the highest tensile strength (23.63 MPa). The film containing 12 wt% cockscomb flower extract exhibited the lowest light transmittance and the highest elongation at break (41.12%) and antioxidant activity. Cockscomb flower extract made the films become reddish-purple and endowed the films with pH-sensitivity and ammonia-sensitivity. The films containing cockscomb flower extract showed obvious color changes from reddish-purple to brown/yellow when shrimp spoiled. Our results suggested LBG/PVA blend films with cockscomb flower extract were suitable smart packaging films for indicating shrimp freshness.

Immunostimulatory Activity of Polysaccharides Extracted from Celosia cristata Flowers

Macrophages play a major role in innate immune responses by producing a variety of immune mediators and cytokines. The stimulation of macrophages by natural products may lead to an enhanced innate immune system. This study evaluated the immunostimulatory effects of a polysaccharide-rich crude fraction of Celosia cristata L. flowers (CCP) on murine macrophages. CCP treatment induced the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and cytokines by macrophages. Mechanistically, the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, NF-κB and toll-like receptor 4 were found to be associated with the stimulatory functions of CCP. CCP was found to be primarily composed of galacturonic acid and glucose in addition to small amounts of arabinose and galactose. This study demonstrated that CCP may enhance the innate immune responses and potentially improve the immune functions in the body.