Ceylon Spinach Research Articles

Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of Alternaria perpunctulata GVKNSV7 causing leaf spot disease on Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb : A first report in India

Leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria perpunctulata (E.G. Simmons) poses a significant threat to Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb, commonly known as alligator weed and Ceylon Spinach, contributes to persistent weed proliferation in Indian paddy fields. This study focuses on the molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of the Alternaria perpunctulata strain GVKNSV7, which is responsible for leaf spot disease on A. philoxeroides. Diseased plant leaves were collected from Kakumanu Mandal, Guntur, and local vegetable markets of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, in December 2021, revealing symptomatic samples with pink to reddish spots on A. philoxeroides leaves. Employing a comprehensive approach that included morphological assessment, pathogenicity testing, and ITS region sequencing, the isolated fungus was conclusively identified as A. perpunctulata with a high sequence similarity of 98.54%. Molecular comparison with sequences in the NCBI database further validated this identification. The resulting genetic sequence, formally catalogued as "Alternaria perpunctulata GVKNSV7," with the GenBank accession number OQ073752, has been successfully submitted to the NCBI database. This study emphasized the utility of ITS sequencing and molecular analyses for accurately identifying and documenting emerging pathogens. Such documentation provides essential insights for developing future bioherbicides and effective weed management strategies. Furthermore, it highlights the potential use of A. philoxeroides as a leafy vegetable, contributing to food security and agricultural sustainability. Overall, this research contributes to understanding Alternaria perpunctulata and its implications for crop health and management practices.

Nutraceutical and antinutritional properties of wild edible plants consumed by pregnant women and school-age children (6-12 years) in Najjembe sub-county, Buikwe district, Uganda

Wild edible plants (WEPs) immensely contribute to the diets and livelihoods of rural and marginalised communities. In rural Uganda, they play an important role as break tea packages for school-age children and due to their perceived nutraceutical significance, they are always added to the diets of pregnant women. In this study, it was hypothesised that Basella alba L. (Malabar spinach, Ceylon spinach, Indian spinach, Vine spinach, Malabar nightshade), Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk. & Broome) R. Heim (Cendawan Tali; Cendawan Taugeh) Cucurbita pepo L. (Courgette, Marrow, Pumpkin, Summer squash, Table queen squash, Vegetable Marrow, Zucchini) and Solanum anguivi L. (Forest bitter berry, African eggplant) have high nutraceutical significance and could contribute to the diets of school-age children and pregnant women. Using the standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods (method 935.14 and 992.24), the nutraceuticals and antinutrients in B. alba, T. microcarpus, C. pepo, and S. anguivi were investigated. All analyses and measurements were done in triplicate to increase the validity and reliability of the results. Solanum anguivi had the highest crude fibre (25.22±0.08 %), fat (6.55±0.05 %), and energy (371.37±1.17 Kcal) content. Termitomyces microcarpus had the highest protein (21.99±0.16 %) and moisture (10.71±0.35 %) content. Basella alba and C. pepo had the highest ash (19.39±0.01 %) and total carbohydrate (69.15±0.62 %) content. In comparison with the recommended dietary daily intakes for pregnant mothers and school-going children, all the plants had high Potassium, Phosphorous contents (except for T. Microcarpus which had low K contents), iron, copper, zinc, and manganese., but with selenium content being below the detection limit. All the analysed species were good in antioxidants, C. Pepo being the best with an IC50 of 11.78±0.47 mg/ mL followed by B. alba (14.69±0.74 mg/ mL). Solanum anguvi and T. microcarpus had the highest amount of phenols (14.48±0.02 mg/g GAE) and tannins (0.42±0.00 mg/g GAE). Basella alba had the highest amounts of flavonoids (2.45±0.01 mg/g RAE). All the plant species had low contents of phytates ranging from (0.40±0.01 for S. Anguivi to 0.72±0.08 for B. Alba). Cadmium and lead concentrations were below the permissible limit recommended by FAO/WHO Expert Committee in Food Additives. Thus, the analysed WEPs are a rich source of important nutrients and can be used to complement staple foods to ensure balanced nutrition for pregnant women and school-age children. Nonetheless, further comprehensive antinutrients and heavy metals analyses should be conducted to ensure that they do not affect the bioavailability of the nutrients. For value addition, nutrient-dense cocktails / phytonutraceuticals should be developed to alleviate malnutrition-related illnesses in vulnerable groups of people. Key words: Wild edible plants, Nutraceutical, Antinutrients, Heavy metals, Pregnant women, School-age children

Impact of Different Drying Methods on Nutritional, Colour Change, Solubility and Microbial Count of Selected Herbal Plant Powders

The research aimed to study the effect of drying processes (spray and freeze drying), and feed concentrations (80%, 65% and 50% of plant in water, w/w) on physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of star gooseberry (Sauropus androgynus), ceylon spinach (Basella alba), and cowslip creeper (Telosma minor). After drying, the powder recovery of herbal plant powders was up to 77.47%. The aw and moisture content of spray-dried powder (SDP) were lower than that of freeze-dried powder (FDP). The drying method did not significantly affect nutritional values of both powders, whereas the feed concentrations markedly affected the nutritional values of the powders. The fibre and fat contents of powder prepared from 80% feed concentration had the highest values (p<0.05). The dried star gooseberry powder was rich in protein (13.01-16.81%) and fibre (5.03-5.52%). The colour of FDP represented a smaller change than that of SDP. The dried powders prepared by 80% showed the highest solubility, up to 85.44%. The microbial counts of SDP were lower than that of FDP. The colour might well have been preserved by freeze drying, whereas a low moisture and microbial count were likely due to the spray drying.

Nutraceutical Profile of the Ceylon Spinach (Talinum triangulare)

Abstract Objective This study appraises the nutraceutical potential of uncooked and cooked Ceylon spinach, the wild leafy vegetable Talinum triangulare occurring in southwest India. Materials and Methods Proximal properties (moisture, crude protein, total lipids, crude fiber, ash, total carbohydrates, and calorific value), mineral contents, amino acid composition, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), protein digestibility–corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), protein efficiency ratios (PERs), and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were evaluated by following standard protocols. Results Total lipids, crude fiber, total carbohydrates, and calorific value were higher in cooked than in uncooked samples. Among nine minerals assessed, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, manganese, and zinc were significantly higher in uncooked samples compared with cooked samples. Lysine, methionine, cystine, tyrosine, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and serine were higher and histidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, valine, glycine, and proline were lower in uncooked samples. Cooking improved IVPD, PDCAAS, and PER. Capric and linoleic acids were higher in uncooked samples, while palmitic, 1-pyrrolidinebutanoic, and ɑ-linolenic acid acids were higher in cooked samples. The total unsaturated fatty acids (TUFAs) were higher in cooked samples; however, the total saturated fatty acids (TSFAs) were lower in cooked samples. The ratio of TUFA to TSFA was higher in uncooked than in cooked samples. Conclusion The protein content of T. triangulare is comparable to those of legume seeds and consists of low fat, high fiber, and high carbohydrates along with increased calorific value. The Na/K (<1) and Ca/P (>1) ratios are favorable to combat blood pressure and prevention of calcium loss, respectively. The indispensable amino acids are comparable to or higher than soybean, wheat, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (FAO-WHO) standards. Improved IVPD, PDCAAS, and PER in cooked samples of T. triangulare support its nutraceutical potential in human diet to tackle the protein-energy malnutrition and supplement of its flour strengthens the value of fortified foods. The nutraceutical potential has possible roles to combat lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancers, and cardiac ailments.

Stability of Ceylon spinach (Basella alba L.) seed protein extract and its effect on the microbiological, chemical and sensory quality of sturgeon fillets stored at 4 °C

ABSTRACT The antimicrobial activity and preservative effect of Ceylon spinach (Basella alba L.) seed protein extract on sturgeon fillets stored at 4°C were investigated in this study. The results showed that Ceylon spinach seed protein extract (CSSPE) had inhibitory effect on 33 microorganisms, including 1 fungus and 32 bacteria (25 gram-negative bacteria and 7 gram-positive bacteria). In addition, CSSPE inhibited bacterial growth (total viable counts, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas and psychrotrophs), suppressed ATP degradation and retained good-quality characteristic of sturgeon fillets stored at 4°C. The shelf life of 30 mg/mL CSSPE treated fillets was around 7 days according to the results of total viable count, which extended around 2 days compared with that of the control group. The stability of CSSPE was also evaluated, and the results showed that CSSPE had excellent stability under UV irradiation, monovalent metal ions, surfactant and protease treatment. CSSPE could maintain high antimicrobial activity within the range of pH 2–8 and 12–13 and its thermal denaturation temperature was 70°C. The results suggested that CSSPE had the potential to be developed as a preservative for aquatic products.

Shelf Life Extension of Chilled Pork by Optimal Ultrasonicated Ceylon Spinach (Basella alba) Extracts: Physicochemical and Microbial Properties.

The effect of ultrasonication on the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Ceylon spinach (Basella alba) extracts (CE) and the shelf life of chilled pork with CE were studied. The CE were ultrasonicated at different power levels (60–100%) for 10–40 min in an ultrasonic bath with the rise of antioxidant activities (p ≤ 0.05) proportional to the ultrasonication time. The additional investigation of antibacterial activities showed that the ultrasonicated extracts (100 mg/mL) could inhibit and inactivate Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with the optimal condition of 80% power for 40 min. For shelf life testing, fresh pork treated with the ultrasonicated extracts at 100 and 120 mg/mL had lower values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) than the control (without dipping). For food safety as measured by the total microbial count, the fresh pork dipped with 100–120 mg/mL CE extract could be kept at 0 °C for 7 days, 2 to 3 days longer than control meat at 0 and 4 °C, respectively. A sensory evaluation using a nine-point hedonic scale showed that fresh pork dipped with 100-mg/mL CE extracts was accepted by consumers. It is suggested that CE extracts can be applied in the food industry to enhance the quality and extend the shelf life of meat products.

ASSESSMENT OF SUITABLE PLANTS AS BIOLOGICAL FILTER IN ROOFTOP FISH CULTURE

Exponential growth of urbanization increases the unused rooftop space in the city area. The rooftop fish culture is the alternative way to utilized rooftop space and increases the production. In rooftop fish culture foremost challenge is to maintain water quality deteriorated by feces and leftover feed. The study aim was to identify the suitable plants for evaluating the ability of the plants as a part of the biological filter by extracting toxic compound from the fish tank. Research was designed by setup seven treatments (Tws, Tc, Tts, Tcs,Twc, Tip and Tm) with three replicates each by using seven locally accessible plants (water spinach, coriander, taro stem, Ceylon spinach, water cress, Indian pennywort and mint) for biological filtration. Plant beds of the filter system were prepared by using sand, brick, coal and coir. In each fish tank 50 post larvae (PL) of prawn was stocked properly and 35-40 plants in each treatment bed. Water samples were collected to measure pH, DO, temperature, ammonia, phosphate and ammonium. The water temperature (24oC to 26°C), pH (7.78 to 8.8) and dissolve oxygen (DO) were in the optimum range for fish culture. Results showed that the significantly (P<0.05) highest phosphate absorption was observed in Tws (0.96 0.89 mg/l) which was followed by Tm (0.57 0.33 mg/l), Tcs (0.54 0.47 mg/l), Tts (0.38 0.35 mg/l), Twc (0.37 0.23 mg/l), Tc (0.26 0.21 mg/l) and Tip (0.18 0.11 mg/l), respectively. In case of ammonia, the significantly highest ammonia was observed in Twc (0.18 0.19) where lowest in Tws (0.04 0.05) mg/l. On the other hand the highest ammonium was observed in Twc where lowest in Tws & Tc. It was also found that the Tws (water spinach) was absorbed high amounts of phosphate, while Twc (water cress) absorbed high amount of ammonia and ammonium. The Tcs showed high yield of plants vegetables (3000 gm/bed), it might be the cause of higher nutrient absorption. The highest yield of the prawn was found in the Twc (321 gm/tank), because this treatment showed highest amount of ammonia and ammonium absorption the most toxic part for fish production. This research demonstrates that using of plants as biological filter provide significant nutrient recycling and increase the prawn and vegetables production.

An updated review on Malabar spinach (Basella alba and Basella rubra) and their importance

Recent studies have shown fruits from less-known and unexplored plants as an excellent source of nutrients and biologically active compounds for food and non-food applications (Khan et al. 2011, 2015). Basella plant is extremely heat tolerant and fast-growing perennial vine which is wildly cultivated as a cool-season vegetable. Basella alba is also known as Malabar spinach, Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach, climber spinach and vine spinach. In India, it is commonly known as “Poi”. Red-violet colour of leaves, stalks, petioles and fruits are due to the presence of betalains (Palada et al, 1999). This crop is suitable for both home and market garden in the lowland tropics. This plant is full of nutrition like normal spinach. Also, the oil obtained from its seeds can become the source of safe vegetable oil. This plant is good for health due to the presence of mineral, protein, oil, carbohydrate, fibre, carotenoid, organic acid, vitamins. In the winter season, Malabar spinach can be used in place of normal spinach as it has similar Nutritional and medicinal value. Basella plant species contain betacyanin, carotenoids, bioflavonoids, β-sitosterol and lupeol which are reported to have antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory activities etc. and help in curing various diseases, namely anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol, anti-ulcer, antimicrobial, anti-hypoglycemic, wound healing, androgenic from the ancient times. Leaf juice is used in to treat catarrh and it is also an as safe laxative for children, pregnant women and in a urinary diseased patient. In Ayurveda Malabar spinach is called as “Upodika”, “Potaki”, “Malvaa”, “Amritvallari”, and in Siddha/Tamil as “Vaslakkirai” (Khare, 2004). It used as a vegetable in many countries like Philippines, Thailand China, Mongolia, India, Sri Lanka and many African countries. In India, In Andhra Pradesh curry of Basella and Yam is made popularly known as Kanda Bachali Koora, in Odisha, it is used to make Curries and Saaga.

Florida Cultivation Guide for Malabar Spinach

Malabar spinach (Basella spp.) is a nutritious vegetable in the family Basellaceae. Malabar spinach goes by many names, including Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach, vine spinach, and climbing spinach. Malabar spinach has long been established in cultivation in China and India. This spinach is a novel crop to Florida and is currently grown only for niche markets. However, Florida’s suitable climate coupled with Malabar spinach’s great taste and nutritional quality suggest that this crop has great potential for commercial cultivation. This new 8-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department describes in brief how to grow Malabar spinach, manage pests, harvest, and market it. Written by Yuheng Qiu and Guodong Liu.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1371

Analysis of Proximate Composition and Functional Properties of Selected Edible Leaves: Nutritional and Therapeutic Implication

The present study was designed to document the nutritional and functional properties of Ceylon Spinach, Mustard as well as Pumpkin leaves. These samples were selected owing to their economic affordability and utilization within the local population. Proximate analysis revealed a significant percentage of minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and vitamin C in all the leaf extracts. Phytochemical screening displayed Ceylon Spinach, Pumpkin and Mustard leaves to be rich sources of polyphenols (106.6, 76.24 and 89.86 mg/100 g) and alkaloids (12.8 %, 13.2 % and 16.8 %) respectively. Furthermore, these edible leaves could effectively scavenge 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) free radicals with Mustard leaves showing the greatest efficiency, hence portraying antioxidant properties. Ceylon Spinach leaves depicted the highest reducing power compared to the other samples. Additionally, the edible leaf extracts were shown to possess anti-bacterial abilities with Mustard leaves displaying the strongest inhibition against growth of both Gram positive (ZOI 18.5mm) and negative bacteria (ZOI 25.5mm). Interestingly, the selected samples could also elevate the growth of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus in vitro thereby confirming their prebiotic potential. Therefore, inclusion of these edible leaves in the diet may promote good health owing to their nutritional and therapeutic benefits.

A biological active artificial saliva formulation containing flower mucilage from Ceylon Spinach (Basella alba Linn.).

Ceylon Spinach (Basella albe) is an edible perennial vine found in tropical Asia and Africa, known as vegetables containing mucilage. Its mucilage from flowers was extracted by microwaving and precipitated with 95% ethanol. Five artificial saliva formulations composing of mucilage from Ceylon Spinach, calcium chloride (CaCl2), potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium fluoride (NF) were developed. The best formulation No.5 containing 0.61% of the mucilage with the non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow (8.9 ± 0.2 cP) and the wetting time (12.50 ± 2.24 min) similar to the normal human saliva was selected. This artificial saliva formulation exhibited biological activities including an antioxidative activity by DPPH free radical scavenging with the SC50 of 14.26 ± 2.00 mg/ml (0.05 folds of ascorbic acid), and the adhesion inhibition of S. mutans on hydroxyapatite beads at 17.01 ± 7.75%, while the natural human saliva exhibited an increase bacterial adhesion of 33.10 ± 9.70%. The safety of this formulation which gave no cytotoxicity on normal human gingival fibroblasts at 99.20 ± 21.09% cell viability was also demonstrated. The results from this study have indicated high biological activity and safety of the developed formulation containing mucilage from Ceylon Spinach which is potential to be used as artificial saliva for xerostomia patients.

Effects of Packaging Materials and Disinfectants on Quality Changes of Ceylon Spinach (Basella alba L.) during Storage

Minimally processed fruits and vegetables are economically important commodities due to convenience, and healthiness, etc. These commodities are susceptible and shelf life limited as cut surfaces of vegetable result in microbiological and physiological spoilage. To extend the shelf life of Asian spinach vegetables, different washing treatments (i.e. tap water, chlorine dioxide, and peracetic acid) and packaging materials (i.e. Polypropylene-PP, High Density Polyethylene-HDPE and Low Density Polyethylene-LDPE) were evaluated in the study. The results obtained show that washing treatment of the Asian spinach with peracetic acid solution of 100 ppm for five minutes was effective due to reduced significantly E. coli and Coliforms counts. The Asian spinach was packed in HDPE material might optimally prolong the shelf life up to 7 days at 10±1oC.

Responses of soil microbial community and enzymes during plant-assisted biodegradation of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and pyrene

A pot experiment was conducted to explore the plant-assisted degradation efficiency of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and pyrene. Three plant species: Ceylon spinach, sunflower, and leaf mustard were cultivated in co-contaminated soils under three contamination levels: control (T0), 20 mg kg−1 (T20), and 50 mg kg−1 (T50). The results showed that a higher DEHP and pyrene degradation efficiency was observed evidently in planted cases, increasing from 42 to 53–59% (T0), 61 to 65–76% (T20) and 52 to 68–78% (T50) for DEHP, and from 22 to 30–49% (T0), 58 to 62–72% (T20), and 54 to 57–70% (T50) for pyrene. Under T20 contamination level, soil phospholipid fatty-acid analysis depicted the increased microbial biomass in rhizosphere, especially the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus that is effective for the degradation of organic pollutants. The study also revealed that the activities of dehydrogenase, acid phosphomonoesterase, urease, and phenol oxidase negatively correlated with pollutant concentration. In general, the removal rate of DEHP and pyrene was highest in the soil planted with leaf mustard for each contamination level considered. For soils at T20 level, sunflower and leaf mustard appeared as interesting phytoremediation plants due to the improved removal rates of organic pollutants and the soil microbial activity.

Plant biometric characterization and leaf micromorphometry of Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd cultivated under shade

ABSTRACT Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd, known as Ceylon spinach, Surinam purslane, or waterleaf, is cultivated for medicinal and food purposes. Among environmental factors, light is an important regulator of primary production, contributing to plant growth. However, the success of each plant species depends on its morphoanatomical responses to light. The aim of this study was to determine whether T. triangulare leaf micromorphometry is affected when grown in full sun and under shade, and if so, which plant biometric variables are affected. T. triangulare cultivation was tested in beds arranged in blocks under shade levels of 0, 18, 30, and 50%. Each bed was considered a basic experimental unit, totaling four replications per treatment. Plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, stem fresh weight, specific leaf area, leaf area ratio, abaxial epidermis, and mesophyll thickness were higher as shade levels increased. However, there was a decrease in the number of leaves, root to shoot ratio, stomatal density on abaxial and adaxial surfaces, and palisade parenchyma thickness. Nevertheless, root length, leaf and stem dry weights, leaf weight ratio, adaxial stomatal index, adaxial epidermis, and spongy parenchyma thickness remained constant. Plants responded differently to shade, with morphological and anatomical changes, suggesting a phenotypic plasticity and raising the possibility of being grown both in shaded environments and in full sunlight.

Health risks of leafy vegetable Alternanthera philoxeroides (Alligator weed) rich in phytochemicals and minerals

Abstract Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed) grows abundantly in polluted Peri-urban Greater Hyderabad, India. It is collected at no cost and sold in the market as a leafy vegetable in the name of “Ceylon Spinach”. The plant accumulates iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in roots and leaves. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, EC, available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and showed significant metal concentrations of Pb, Mn and Zn, which varied from one location to another. The metal accumulation order in the plants is root>leaf>stem in all the studied sites. The results revealed that the massive roots of alligator weed are effective in the bioconcentrating Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb and Cd, although the plant parts are rich in nutraceuticals like phenolics and antioxidants. Therefore, low income community prefers to consume it as vegetable. However, its consumption as a leafy vegetable can cause health risks.

Ceylon spinach: A promising crop for skin hydrating products

Ceylon spinach, or Basella alba, is a mucilaginous vegetable crop having high economic, nutritional and medicinal value. It has long been used in traditional skin remedies, although to date few reports have focused on the scientific basis of its skin hydrating properties, or protocols for extract quality control. Extracts of this crop were therefore prepared, and evaluated for their efficacy towards skin hydration. An extraction time of 3h provided the highest yield, and maximum total polysaccharide content, with the following extract specifications: yield (2.93±0.83%), moisture content (12.51±0.52%), total polysaccharide and total tannin contents (0.37±0.00mg glucose/g and 4.18±0.09μg tannic acid/g, respectively), astringency (245.86±0.05mg tannic acid/g), solubility and swelling capacity in water (0.02±0.00% and 4.17±0.58%, respectively), viscosity (1541.33±22.12 cps) and water and oil absorption capacities (1.13±0.03g/g and 2.82±0.12g/g, respectively). Evaluation in 22 Thai volunteers indicated that the extract caused no skin irritation, and that skin hydrating efficacy (0.05–0.10%) was 7–28% better than the control in the short term (0–210min; Corneometer® CM 825). These results highlight the potential for B. alba usage in healthcare products including pharmaceutics and cosmetics, and provide useful guidelines for extract preparation, quality control, standardization and specifications for industrial processing.

ANTHOCYANIN PROFILE AND ITS ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF WIDELY USED FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND FLOWERS IN THAILAND

Objective: Anthocyanins are the water-soluble pigments most commonly present in flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Anthocyanins have been reported for is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties and other health benefits in human. This study was performed to extract and determine the anthocyanin and to access the antioxidant properties of the most commonly used fruits, vegetables and flowers in Thailand.Methods: Extraction of anthocyanin and its aglycones from the selected samples and determination of anthocyanin and anthocyanidins using reversed-phase HPLC analysis. Determination of total antioxidant ability using ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assay.Results: Maximum distribution of tested anthocyanin and anthocyanidin contents was observed in the extracts of Jambolan plum, Ceylon Spinach, Purple Sweet Potato, Purple Lettuce followed by common plum and Red dragon fruit. The extracts of Ma-Kiang, Purple Eggplant, Red Grape, and Purple Lettuce showed the maximum amount of cyanidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, peonidin 3-glucoside, and malvidin 3-glucoside, respectively. Likewise, the maximum concentration of cyanidin, delphinidin, peonidin, and malvidin were found in Common plum, Red Khae, Red Cabbage, and Purple Lettuce, respectively. Ma-Kiang extract exhibited the maximum antioxidant activity followed by Red Cabbage, Common Plum, and Purple Eggplant extract compared to the other extracts.Conclusion: The present study, primarily profiled the anthocyanin content of selected fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Among the tested samples, Ma-Kiang extract showed the high cyanidin 3-glucoside content and antioxidant activity. Further, detailed study on the content of anthocyanins at different climate and geographical conditions and other factors are necessary to develop nutraceutical or cosmetic product with a functional ingredient.Keywords: Anthocyanin, Anthocyanidin, Antioxidant activity.

Contrasting plant–microbe interrelations on soil Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and pyrene degradation by three dicotyledonous plant species

ABSTRACTPlants and associated microbial communities can actively participate in the biodegradation of organic pollution. Potexperiments were conducted to explore the plant–microbe interrelations on Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and pyrene degradation in a soil culture system. Three dicotyledonous plant species, Ceylon spinach (Gynuracusimbua (D. Don) S. Moore), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and Shuidong mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Coss.var. foliosa Bailey), were cultivated for 45 days in DEHP and pyrene co-contaminated soils using three initial content levels: 0 (T0), 20 (T20) and 50 mg kg−1 (T50) with no plants (NP) as control. The results demonstrated that Shuidong mustard biomass and sunflower biomass had significantly positive correlations with the removal rate of DEHP (P < .05), respectively, while Ceylon spinach biomass has no significant correlation with the removal rate of DEHP. Shuidong mustard–actinomycetes and Ceylon spinach–actinomycetes accelerated the removal rate of pyrene, and sunflower–gram-positive bacteria could also enhance the removal rate of pyrene. Our results suggest that a better understanding of plant–microbe interrelations could be exploited to enhance the phytoremediation of organic co-contaminated soils.

Mapping the Climate Suitability Using MaxEnt Modeling Approach for Ceylon Spinach (Basella alba L.) Cultivation in India

Ceylon spinach (Basella alba L.) is a traditional leafy vegetable of multiple virtues largely underutilized and underexploited in India. Currently, it is of increasing value and utilization necessitating extending its cultivation for increased production by identifying potential areas through crop modeling. Mapping the potential pockets is an iterative process and this study is the first attempt to model state-wise climate suitability for Ceylon spinach cultivation in India. Geographical information on the current cultivation sites of Ceylon spinach together with bioclimatic variables, the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model were used to analyze and predict its distribution and to develop preliminary habitat suitability map for Ceylon spinach in India. The results show that the MaxEnt model can be used to study the climatic suitability for Ceylon spinach cultivation. The most suitable area identified in this study is slightly southward which includes parts of Tamilnadu, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The MaxEnt model performed better than random with an average training and test AUC values of 0.953 and 0.994, respectively. The constructed model had excellent goodness-of-fit and excellent predictive accuracy and therefore it is suitable and/or applicable for predicting the geographic distribution of Ceylon spinach cultivation in India.The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, vol.10, No 2, May 2015, pp. 87-97

Revisiting "Vegetables" to combat modern epidemic of imbalanced glucose homeostasis.

Vegetables have been part of human food since prehistoric times and are considered nutritionally necessary and good for health. Vegetables are rich natural resource of biological antioxidants and possess capabilities of maintaining glucose homeostasis. When taken before starch-rich diet, juice also of vegetables such as ridge gourd, bottle gourd, ash gourd, chayote and juice of leaves of vegetables such as radish, Indian Dill, ajwain, tropical green amaranth, and bladder dock are reported to arrest significantly the rise in postprandial blood glucose level. Juice of vegetables such as ash gourd, squash gourd, and tropical green amaranth leaves are observed to tone-down sweet-beverages such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose-induced postprandial glycemic excursion. On the other hand, juice of egg-plant and juice of leaves of Ceylon spinach, Joyweed, and palak are reported to augment starch-induced postprandial glycemic excursion; and juice of leaves of Ceylon spinach, Joyweed, and radish supplement to the glucose-induced postprandial glycemia. Vegetables possess multifaceted antihyperglycemic activities such as inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase, inhibition of protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1β in liver and skeletal muscles, and insulin mimetic and secretagogue activities. Furthermore, they are also reported to influence polyol pathway in favor of reducing development of oxidative stress, and consequently the development of diabetic complications. In the wake of emergence of modern maladaptive diet-induced hyperglycemic epidemic therefore, vegetables may offer cost-effective dietary regimen to control diet-induced glycemic over load and future development of diabetes mellitus. However, for vegetables have been reported to do both, mitigate as well as supplement to the diet-induced postprandial glycemic load, care is required in selection of vegetables when considered as medicament.