Chenopodium Ambrosioides Research Articles

PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOUNDS FROM DYSPHANIA AMBROSOIDES LEAVES: A REVIEW OF BIOACTIVE CONSTITUENTS PRESENT IN THE PHYTOCOMPLEX

Objective: Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (Amaranthaceae), is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of pain, skin inflammations, fractures, and cardiac diseases. This study aimed to review the main phytochemical constituents from D. ambrosoides leaves, and the structure-activity relation of different compounds. Methodology: literature review, carried out between December 2022 and April 2023, through a bibliographic survey, in accordance with the recommended guidelines of PRISMA. The following descriptors were used “Dysphania ambrosioides”, “Chenopodium ambrosioides”, “leaves”, “traditional uses”, and “phytochemical constituents”, combining them with Boolean operators “AND” e “OR”, using electronic databases PubMed, and Google Scholar, published in the last 20 years and that addressed the theme. Results: D. ambrosioides is a promising ethnomedicinal plant and its leaves are a source of bioactive compounds such as α-terpinene, α-terpinenyl-acetate, beta-cymene, p-cymene, piperitone, carvyl acetate, piperitol acetate, trans-ascaridol, carvacrol, thymol, and limonene. In addition, chrysin, patulin, piperoylpiperidine, and scopoletin are present in this species. For these, the literature reports different mechanisms of action: PPAR –y agonist, Inhibitor of aromatase, Activation of the L-arginine/NO/cGMP/KATP pathway, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase, Increase in glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. Final considerations: more extensive number of preclinical pharmacological studies are performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the components of the Phyto complex (bioactive constituents) isolated from D. ambrosioides leaves so that there is greater progress in the scientific validation for the use of the leaves as a source of therapeutic agents.

Transcriptomic, epigenomic and physiological comparisons reveal key factors for different manganese tolerances in three Chenopodium ambrosioides L. populations

Chenopodium ambrosioides is a manganese (Mn) hyperaccumulator that can be used for Mn-polluted soil phytoremediation. However, the mechanism of Mn tolerance of C. ambrosioides remains largely unknown. In this study, the key factors for Mn tolerance of C. ambrosioides was investigated from the aspects of DNA methylation pattern, gene expression regulation and physiological function. We found that the two genotypes of C. ambrosioides populations have differentiated tolerance to Mn stress (Mn-tolerant: CS and XC, Mn-sensitive: WH). Although there was no difference in Mn accumulation between two types under excess Mn, the biomass and photosynthetic systems were more severely inhibited in Mn-sensitive type, as well as suffering more serious oxidative damage. More differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were downregulated in the Mn-tolerant type, indicating that the Mn-tolerant type tends to inhibit gene expression to cope with Mn stress. DEGs related to metal transport, antioxidant system, phytohormone and transcription factors contribute to the tolerance of C. ambrosioides to Mn, and account for difference in Mn stress sensitivities between the Mn-sensitive and tolerant types. We also found that DNA methylation variation may help to cope with Mn stress. The global DNA methylation level in C. ambrosioides increased under Mn stress, especially in the Mn-sensitive type. Dozens of methylated loci were significantly associated with the Mn accumulation trait of C. ambrosioides, and some critical DEGs were regulated by DNA methylation. Our study comprehensively demonstrated the Mn tolerance mechanism of C. ambrosioides for the first time, and highlighted the roles of epigenetic modification in C. ambrosioides response to Mn stress. Our findings may contribute to elucidating the adaptation mechanism of hyperaccumulator to the heavy metal toxicity.

Kaempferitrin, a major compound from ethanol extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides, exerts antitumour and hepatoprotective effects in the mice model of human liver cancer xenografts.

This study aimed to investigate antitumour effect and possible toxicity of kaempferitrin, the major compound from ethanol extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides, in the mice model of human liver cancer xenografts. Forty mice bearing SMMC-7721 cells xenografts were divided into control group (not treated) and three groups orally administered with ethanol extract of C. ambrosioides, kaempferol (positive control) and kaempferitrin for 30 days. Antitumour effect was evaluated by measurement of tumour growth, histological examinations of tumours, flow cytometry detection of splenic CD19+ B lymphocytes and CD161+ Natural Killer cells, biochemical measurements of serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interferon-γ, malonaldehyde, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenz thiazoline-6-sulphonate) radicals. Toxicity was evaluated by histological examinations of livers and measurements of serum levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, malonaldehyde and hepatic malonaldehyde level. Kaempferitrin significantly (P < 0.05) decreased tumour volume, mass and cell number. Antitumour effect was due to induction of tumour cells necrosis and apoptosis, stimulation of splenic B lymphocytes, decreases of radicals and malonaldehyde. Kaempferitrin did not change liver structure, and decreased serum levels of transaminases, bilirubin, malonaldehyde and hepatic malonaldehyde level. Kaempferitrin exerts antitumour and hepatoprotective effects.

Antimicrobial Activities of Medicinal Plant on the Oral Diseases

Herbal therapy has long been used to treat and control human diseases including mouth diseases and disorders. Also, it can minimize the potential side effects of chemical drugs. However, may be a side effects appear from plants or herbs therapy. Most of the challenges with herbal therapy revolves around inadequate information about the effect of herbs in the mouth, the mechanism of action, and potential side effects. There are several herbs and plants described in this paper that have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-disorders and anti-inflammatory in oral cavity. It includes 31 medicinal plants and herbs: Alakata pepper, Aloe vera, Airy shaw, Banana plant, Bird eye view, Bitter leaves, Bush pepper, Camelina, Cashew nut, Castor, Cinnamon, Clove, Common coleus, Common wire weed, Cypress, Fennel, Garcinia, Garden eggplant, Garlic, Ginger, Holy basil, Maca, Mint, Mexican tea, Neem, Okra, Onion, Orange fruits, Purple coneflower, Sunset shrub and Turmeric that act as alternative management option to current treatments for oral conditions such as caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral ulcers. In addition to, inflammation treatment after extraction, reduction dry mouth, pain, anesthesia, ill-fitting dentures. The current review of literature provides a summary of secondary metabolites most commonly used medicinal herbs and plants in maintaining oral health. They can be used in different forms such as mouthwashes, toothpastes, topical agents or local drug delivery devices. These findings show the role of antioxidant secondary metabolites in inhibiting the growth of oral pathogens and reducing oral diseases and mouth disorders.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities and Acute Toxicity of Cedrus atlantica, Chenopodium ambrosioides and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Essential Oils

The essential oils yield of Cedrus atlantica, Chenopodium ambrosioides and Eucalyptus camaldulensis was different. C. ambrosioides gave a relatively higher yield (2.1 ± 0.1%), while that of C. atlantica was low (1.0 ± 0.1%) and that of E. camaldulensis was lower (0.75 ± 0.1% of dry matter). The active ingredients of the essential oils and some of their biological effects were also determined. The characterization of their chemical compositions showed that the three essences have different chemical profiles: C. atlantica was richer in sesquiterpenes (β-Himachalene (54.21%) and γ -Himachalene (15.54%)), C. ambrosioides was very rich in monoterpene peroxides and monoterpenes (α-Terpinene (53.4%), ascaridole (17.7%) and ρ-Cymene (12.1%)) and E. camaldulensis was very rich in monoterpene compounds and monoterpenols (p-cymene (35.11%), γ-Eudesmol (11.9%), L-linalool (11.51%) and piperitone (10.28%)). The in vitro measurement of antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) reduction assay showed a significant performance of the eucalyptus oil and average performance of the other two (C. atlantica and C. ambrosioides). The in vitro bio-test for their antimicrobial effects showed that the antibacterial activity differed depending on the essential oil and the concentration used, and that their bactericidal efficacy was similar or superior to that of synthetic antibiotics. The toxicity test on rats revealed that the LD50 of the three essential oils was 500 mg/kg body weight, which classifies them as category four cytotoxic natural products at high doses.

In vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and ex vivo nephroprotective activities of Chenopodium ambrosioides

Chenopodium ambrosioides is a medicinal plant used in Togo to treat nephropathy and other diseases. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity and the ex vivo nephroprotective capacity of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract. Antioxidant potential was determined in vitro by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, total antioxidant capacity and reducing power tests. Egg albumin denaturation and membrane stabilization tests were carried out to assess its anti-inflammatory effect. The ex vivo nephroprotective activity of the extract was performed in vitro using Fe2Cl2 to induce high levels of malonic dialdehyde (MDA) in kidney homogenate. Results showed that the extract significantly reduced MDA (P &lt; 0.001) and protein levels in the kidney. In vitro, the extract demonstrated its ability to scavenge DPPH (IC50 = 401.57±0.39), reduce ferric iron, and have a total antioxidant capacity of 49.49 ± 0.37 mg EAA/g. The extract also inhibited ovalbumin denaturation and prevented hemolysis, with IC50 values of 61.83 ± 0.69 µg/mL and 637.78 ± 0.26µg/mL respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponosides in the extract. This study concludes that Chenopodium ambrosioides extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and can be used in the treatment of nephropathy.

Assessment of Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin &amp; Clemants and Crassocephalum crepidioides Leaf Meal as Potential Feed Additives

This study analyzed the proximate, minerals, phytochemical profiles and antioxidant capacity of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin &amp; Clemants and Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) S.Moore leaf meals as potential feed additives. The result of the proximate analysis revealed that C. crepidioides contained higher moisture (6.66%), ash (21.04%), crude fibre (3.85%), crude fat (5.41%), crude protein (17.11%) contents and lower carbohydrate content (45.60%) than D. ambrosioide leaf powder which had 6.31% moisture, 13.69% ash, 3.09% crude fibre, 4.48% crude fat, 15.99% crude protein and 56.12% carbohydrate. The result of the mineral analysis showed that D. ambrosioides contained higher concentration of sodium (19.8ppm), potassium (51.05ppm), calcium (29.18ppm), magnesium (24.1ppm), iron (0.42ppm) manganese (0.33ppm) and zinc (0.91ppm) compared to C. crepidioides leaf meal at sodium (18.71ppm), potassium (41.87ppm), calcium (25.77ppm), magnesium (20.34ppm), iron (0.28ppm) manganese (0.13ppm) and zinc (0.36ppm). The result of the phytochemical analysis revealed that aqueous extract of C. crepidoides possessed higher total phenolic (13.34 mgGAE/g) and flavonoid (2.29 mgrutin/g)) contents than that of D. ambrosioides at (13.07 mgGAE/g) and (1.62 mgrutin/g) respectively. The Tannin and phytate contents were significantly higher in D. ambrosioides leaf meal at 2.39mg/g and 40.28 mg/g respectively, compared to that of C. crepidioides at 2.12mg/g and 29.4mg/g, respectively. The aqueous extract of D. ambrosioides exhibited higher that antioxidant free radical scavenging activity (24.83%) than that of C. crepidioides (16.42%). In conclusion, this study has shown that these two vegetables contained nutrients and antioxidant and could be used as alternative feed additives in animal nutrition.

Possible Mechanism of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants Seed Extract Suppresses the Migration and Invasion of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells SMMC-7721.

Mexican tea (Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants) is rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids and could be a potential medicinal herb that can be used for prevention of human hepatocellular carcinoma. The objective of this study was to elaborate the possible mechanism for the prevention or treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma using Mexican tea, and to provide new avenues for the utilization of the invasive plant. In this study, the D. ambrosioides seed extracts (CSE) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the effects of CSE on proliferation, migration, invasion, and gene expression of SMMC-7721 cells were investigated. Eight compounds were identified in CSE, and the compound with the highest content was ascaridole (25.82 %). The proliferation was significantly inhibited by CSE (p<0.05), and IC50 values were 0.587 g/L, 0.360 g/L, and 0.361 g/L at 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h, respectively. Migration and invasion were significantly inhibited (p<0.05). The network pharmacology and transcriptome analysis indicated that 2-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]heptan-3-one, cis-11-eicosenoic acid and 2-ethylcyclohexanone might be the active compounds. Transcriptome analysis indicated that the Wnt signaling pathway, which is related to migration and invasion, was significantly altered; this was verified by western blot assay. The expression of wnt11, lef1 and mmp7 genes in SMMC-7721 cells was significantly down-regulated (p<0.05), while gsk-3β was significantly up-regulated (p<0.05). These results indicate that CSE inhibits the invasion and migration of SMMC-7721 cells in hepatocellular carcinoma through the Wnt signaling pathway.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides for control of Neoechinorhyncus buttnerae in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

Neoechinorhyncus buttnerae is among the main causative agents of diseases in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) and has caused great losses in fish farming. Although important, there is still no effective treatment protocol for acanthocephalosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides (mastruz) in the control of Neoechinorhyncus buttnerae. Parasites were collected from the intestine of naturally infected animals and randomly distributed in Petri dishes containing the following treatments in triplicate and standardized in 5 mL of RPMI1640 medium: TR1 (RPMI+spray-dried extract of mastruz 10%); TR2 (RPMI+spray-dried extract 5%); positive control (RPMI+levamisole 15 mg/mL); negative control (RPMI). The parasites were kept at room temperature and observed every 15 min, and were considered dead when they remained motionless even after external stimuli. Body deformities were observed in parasites after exposure to treatments (TR1 and TR2), and both treatments with spray-dried extract of mastruz were effective in controlling acanthocephalans in the first 15 min of the experiment. Therefore, mastruz has been shown to be an effective alternative for the control of N. buttnerae and has the potential for continuing in vivo studies with the aim of developing a therapeutic protocol.

Qualitative and Quantitative Ethnobotanical Analysis of the Knowledge of Indigenous Populations on Medicinal Plants in the Meknes Region of Morocco

Plants constitute a major resource used for subsistence by people. Ethnobotany plays an important role in preserving plant diversity and in understanding and interpreting the knowledge that allows plants to be used effectively and sustainably to meet people's needs. Indeed, medicinal plants are a therapeutic resource that is frequently mobilized by populations for the treatment of various diseases in physiotherapy. In this study, based on 394 questionnaire forms, a series of ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in 2018. The surveys focused on the main medicinal plants used and their uses in traditional herbal medicine. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were used to assess the importance of plants in traditional medicine and the relationships between populations and the natural systems that surround and support them. The analysis of the results allowed the inventory of 84 species and 44 families, the most represented in the region being the Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae. The species shown to be most used by the local population were: Origanum compactum, Dysphania ambrosioides and Lavandula angustifolia. In particular, the local population was found to make use of the plants to treat dermatological, metabolic, respiratory, rheumatological, urological, cardiovascular, nervous system, nephrological and ENT diseases. Moreover, plant foliage was the most used part and the majority of the remedies are prepared as infusion and decoction. This study reveals that the population of the prefecture of Meknes has a thorough knowledge of medicinal plants and uses them traditionally for the treatment of a variety of diseases.

Prolonged Repellent Activity of Plant Essential Oils against Dengue Vector, Aedes aegypti.

Repellents are effective personal protective means against outdoor biting mosquitoes. Repellent formulations composed of EOs are finding increased popularity among consumers. In this study, after an initial screening of 11 essential oils (EOs) at the concentration of 33 μg/cm2, five of the most repellent EOs, Perovskia atriplicifolia, Citrus reticulata (fruit peels), C. reticulata (leaves), Mentha longifolia, and Dysphania ambrosioides were further investigated for repellent activity against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in time span bioassays. When tested at the concentrations of 33 μg/cm2, 165 μg/cm2 and 330 μg/cm2, the EO of P. atriplicifolia showed the longest repellent effect up to 75, 90 and 135 min, respectively, which was followed by C. reticulata (peels) for 60, 90 and 120 min, M. longifolia for 45, 60 and 90 min, and C. reticulata (leaves) for 30, 45 and 75 min. Notably, the EO of P. atriplicifolia tested at the dose of 330 μg/cm2 showed complete protection for 60 min which was similar to the commercial mosquito repellent DEET. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses of the EOs revealed camphor (19.7%), limonene (92.7%), sabinene (24.9%), carvone (82.6%), and trans-ascaridole (38.8%) as the major constituents of P. atriplicifolia, C. reticulata (peels), C. reticulata (leaves), M. longifolia, and D. ambrosioides, respectively. The results of the present study could help develop plant-based commercial repellents to protect humans from dengue mosquitoes.

Water quality in an aquaponics system interconnected with a biofilter

Objective: To determine the water quality of an aquaponics system interconnected by a biofilter, using sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) as an inert support. Design/Methodology/Approach: The organisms used in the aquaponics system were juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides). The following physicochemical parameters of the water were analyzed: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, NH4+, NO2-, and NO3-. Data generated in this work were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and to the comparison of means (Tukey’s test, p&lt;0.05). Results: Recirculating tank water through the biofilter and plants reduced NH4+ and NO3- by 31.6% and 18.5%, respectively. The total ammonia nitrogen in the tank did not exceed 0.022 mg L-1. The fish survival rate was 100% and 725.8 g of wormseed were harvested. The wormseed did not show symptoms of mineral deficiency. Study Limitations/Implications: Aquaponics production is still limited to small surfaces, as a consequence of the costs involved in its handling. Findings/Conclusions: Water quality parameters of the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)-wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides) aquaponics system —interconnected through a biofilter with Luffa cylindrica— fulfilled the recommendations for such system.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants Against Clinical Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants Against Clinical Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Diversity of Medicinal Plants Used by the Local Communities of the Coastal Plateau of Safi Province (Morocco)

Traditional herbal medicine is still used for basic healthcare by a significant portion of the population in developing countries. This study aimed to explore the medicinal plant's diversity and to document related traditional knowledge in the Safi region of Morocco. We used semi-structured questionnaires to interview 222 informants living in the study area. To perform data analysis, we used quantitative indices like use value (UV), family use value (FUV), fidelity level (FL), the relative popularity level (RPL), rank of order priority (ROP), and informant consensus factor (ICF). We reported the ethnomedicinal uses of 144 medicinal plants belonging to 64 families. According to the findings, the dominating families were Lamiaceae (17 taxa), Asteraceae (15 taxa), and Apiaceae (12 taxa). The most commonly utilized plant part (48%) was leaves. The decoction was reported as the main preparation method (42%). Highly cited plant species were Marrubium vulgare (UV = 0.56), Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. (UV = 0.47), Thymus serpyllum (UV = 0.32), and Dysphania ambrosioides (UV = 0.29). Papaveraceae (FUV = 0.26), and Urticaceae (FUV= 0.23), Geraniaceae (FUV = 0.17), Oleaceae (FUV = 0.17), Lamiaceae (FUV = 0.17) had the highest family use-values. Gastrointestinal disorders (88%), respiratory diseases (85%), and anemia (66%) have the greatest ICF values. This study reveals the indigenous people's reliance on plant-derived traditional medicine to prevent, alleviate, and treat a broad range of health concerns. Our findings will provide a scientific basis for ethnomedicinal legacy conservation and further scientific investigations aimed at new natural bioactive molecules discovery.

Epazote solar drying under different conditions: Kinetics, modeling, and colorimetry

Epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.) is a plant used as a condiment in food and has antioxidant properties promoting human health. Unfortunately, epazote is highly perishable due to its high moisture content. In this work, epazote solar drying is carried out using two different dryers: an indirect solar dryer with a titanium oxide cover (SIT) and a direct one with a polycarbonate cover (SDP) to increase its shelf life. Titanium oxide is a novel material with thermal properties helping solar drying by allowing the preservation of epazote's medicinal and organoleptic properties, which is very sensitive to solar radiation. The drying kinetics show that both dryings were carried out in 2.6 hours, obtaining a final humidity of 0.9 and 0.4 g water/g ss in SIT and SDP, respectively. The highest drying rate (27 g water/g ss∙ hr) was achieved with the SIT. The model that best fit the drying kinetics for both cases was the Weibull model, with a minimum r2 of 0.9979. The colorimetric study found that the SIT allows a superior quality in the product with an ∆E of 9.56

Bioactive compounds characterisation of PeruvianDysphania ambrosioides(L.) Mosyakin &amp; Clemants leaves byGC/MSandUPLC–ESI–Q/TOF–MSntechniques

SummarySome bioactive compounds in paico (Dysphania ambrosioides)leaves were characterised. By LC–MS/MS‐QToF, 20 polyphenols were found: vanillic acid, onep‐coumaroyl‐hexoside acid derivative, three quercetin‐rhamnoside derivatives, one quercetin derivative, two kaempferol acetyl‐furanoside‐rhamnoside derivatives and twelve kaempferol‐rhamnoside derivatives. The content of total phenolic compounds was 645.11 mg/100 g dry weight (DW) of which the highest content corresponded to kaempferol glycosides. Likewise, in the analysis of terpenes, α‐terpinene, limonene,p‐cymene, thymol, γ‐terpinene, carvacrol, isoascaridol and α‐pinene were found in amounts of 1489.65; 313.1; 104.8; 49.4; 45.1; 22.9; 8.19 and 4.32 mg/100 g DW, respectively. Analysis of lipophilic metabolites reported fatty acids in order of importance: linoleic = linolenic &gt; palmitic &gt; oleic (35.8; 35.4; 26.3 and 2.5%, respectively). α‐, β‐, γ‐ and δ‐tocopherols were found in amounts of 28.78, 7.19, 7.96 and 3.27 μg g−1, respectively. It is concluded that paico leaves of Peruvian origin present a varied source of bioactive compounds with potential applications for the pharmaceutical and food industry.

Phytochemical prospecting and cytotoxicity assays of potential bioproducts to control parasites in Colossoma macropomum Cuvier

With the aim of determining economic and environmental alternatives that support fish farming in the State of Rondônia, a phytochemical prospection of genetic resources of the Rondônia flora was carried out. Subsequently, cytotoxicity assays against Artemia salina L. nauplii, thus observing those herbal medicines supposedly with greater potential to control parasites in fish, with emphasis on Tambaqui (C. macropomum). With regard to cytotoxicity assays, at least four herbal medicines showed a high potential, reaching values of 100% mortality of microcrustaceans, for the tested concentrations. They were extracted from Chenopodium ambrosioides (herb of Santa Maria or mastruz), Crotalaria cf. micans (maraca), Davilla sp. (fire vine, sp. 1) and Duranta sp. (during). The bioprospecting of RFG is also positioned as a conservation strategy.

GC-FID and GC-MS profiling and &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of &lt;i&gt;Chenopodium ambrosioides&lt;/i&gt; L.

&lt;i&gt;Chenopodium ambrosioides&lt;/i&gt; is widely used in traditional medicines to manage several health conditions. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of the &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt;-hexane fraction and the &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of &lt;i&gt;C. ambrosioides&lt;/i&gt; L. The chemical composition was determined using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. &lt;i&gt;In vitro&lt;/i&gt; evaluations were assessed by evaluating the inhibitory potentials on the activities of α-glucosidase and antioxidants. A total of 58 phytochemicals were identified belonging to 11 classes of substances, of which aliphatic hydrocarbons (38.25%), diterpenes (20.54%), esters (16.33%), triterpenes (11.91%), diverse functional groups (3.74%), aromatic hydrocarbons (2.64%), sesquiterpenes (2.31%), alcohols (1.41%), ketones (0.29%), monoterpenes (0.16%), and fatty acids (0.14%). The major compounds were heptacosane (30.48%) (&lt;b&gt;46&lt;/b&gt;), phytol (20.94) (&lt;b&gt;35&lt;/b&gt;), and squalene (11.07%) (&lt;b&gt;56&lt;/b&gt;). The methanol extract and its fractions showed moderate α-glucosidase activity, but their IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; values were lower than the positive control 1-deoxynojirimycin. However, the methanol and methanol-water fractions exhibited more scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl with IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; values similar to butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The plant is rich in various phytoconstituents, and its α-glucosidase and antioxidant status may justify its use in traditional medicine, especially for preventing complications of diabetes.

Genetic and epigenetic variation separately contribute to range expansion and local metalliferous habitat adaptation during invasions of Chenopodium ambrosioides into China.

Invasive plants often colonize wide-ranging geographical areas with various local microenvironments. The specific roles of epigenetic and genetic variation during such expansion are still unclear. Chenopodium ambrosioides is a well-known invasive alien species in China that can thrive in metalliferous habitats. This study aims to comprehensively understand the effects of genetic and epigenetic variation on the successful invasion of C. ambrosioides. We sampled 367 individuals from 21 heavy metal-contaminated and uncontaminated sites with a wide geographical distribution in regions of China. We obtained environmental factors of these sampling sites, including 13 meteorological factors and the contents of four heavy metals in soils. Microsatellite markers were used to investigate the demographic history of C. ambrosioides populations in China. We also analysed the effect of epigenetic variation on metalliferous microhabitat adaptation using methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) markers. A common garden experiment was conducted to compare heritable phenotypic variations among populations. Two distinct genetic clusters that diverged thousands of years ago were identified, suggesting that the eastern and south-western C. ambrosioides populations in China may have originated from independent introduction events without recombination. Genetic variation was shown to be a dominant determinant of phenotypic differentiation relative to epigenetic variation, and further affected the geographical distribution pattern of invasive C. ambrosioides. The global DNA unmethylation level was reduced in metalliferous habitats. Dozens of methylated loci were significantly associated with the heavy metal accumulation trait of C. ambrosioides and may contribute to coping with metalliferous microenvironments. Our study of C. ambrosioides highlighted the dominant roles of genetic variation in large geographical range expansion and epigenetic variation in local metalliferous habitat adaptation.

Exploring Contact Toxicity of Essential Oils against Sitophilus zeamais through a Meta-Analysis Approach.

Sitophilus zeamais is a primary pest of maize. Our aim was to perform a qualitative review and meta-analyses with 56 scientific articles published from 1 January 2000 to 1 October 2022 dealing with direct (topical application) and indirect (impregnation of essential oils, EOs, onto filter paper or maize grains) contact toxicity of EOs against S. zeamais. Three independent meta-analyses of single means of LD50 (direct contact) and LC50 (indirect contact) were conducted using a random effect model. Essential oils more frequently evaluated were those belonging to Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, Piperaceae, and Rutaceae. The LC50 global mean values were 33.19 µg/insect (CI95 29.81-36.95) for topical application; 0.40 µL/cm2 (CI95 0.25-0.65) for filter paper indirect contact; and 0.50 µL/g maize (CI95 0.27-0.90) for maize grains indirect contact. The species Carum carvi, Salvia umbratica, Ilicium difengpi, Periploca sepium, Cephalotaxus sinensis, Murraya exotica, Rhododendron anthopogonoides, Ruta graveolens, Eucalyptus viminalis, Ocotea odorifera, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus dunnii, Anethum graveolens, Ilicium verum, Cryptocarya alba, Azadirachta indica, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Cupressus semperivens, Schinus molle, Piper hispidinervum, Mentha longifolia, and Croton pulegiodorus showed LC50 or LD50 values lower than the global means, indicating good insecticidal properties. Our results showed that EOs have great potential to be used as bioinsecticides against S. zeamais.