Content Of Secondary Metabolites Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Tawandakulo (Kleinhovia Hospita L.) On SGOT, SGPT Enzyme Levels, and Hepatocyte Regeneration in Paracetamol-Induced Rats

Background:Paracetamol is metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes into a highly toxic reactive metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinonimine (NAPQI), which can cause liver damage. Antioxidants play a crucial role in mitigating liver toxicity. Kleinhovia hospitaL. (also known as Tawandakulo) is a potent plant antioxidant due to its content of secondary metabolites, such as phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids. Objective:This study aimed to investigate the levels of SGOT and SGPT enzymes, as well as liver histopathology, as indicators of liver health. Methods:An experimental research design with a randomized post-test control group was used. The study involved 25 rats, randomly divided into five groups. Paracetamol was administered at a toxic dose of 2.5 g/kg body weight, dissolved in distilled water, and given orally through NGT no. 5. Results:The study found a decrease in SGOT levels in the treatment group and a significant reduction in SGPT enzyme levels between pre-intervention (P2) and post-intervention (P3). There was a significant change in enzyme levels in treatment group 2 (p = 0.00) and treatment group 3 (p = 0.03). However, no significant difference was observed in treatment group 4 (p = 0.09). Liver cells in treatment groups P1, P2, and P3 showed signs of regeneration, whereas cells in the control group did not regenerate. Group P4 exhibited slower liver cell regeneration than the other treatment groups. Conclusion:This study concludes that a decoction of Kleinhovia hospitaL. can stimulate liver cell growth and reduce SGOT and SGPT enzyme levels. Keywords: Kleinhovia hospitaL; SGOT; SGPT; Liver cell regeneration; Indonesia.

Biological characteristics of marine Streptomyces SK3 and optimization of cultivation conditions for production of compounds against Vibiriosis pathogen isolated from cultured white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

Antibiotic resistance in shrimp farms has emerged as an extremely serious situation worldwide. The main aim of this study was to optimize the cultural conditions for producing new antibiotic agents from marine Streptomyces species. Streptomyces SK3 was isolated from marine sediment and was identified by its 16S rDNA as well as biochemical characteristics. This microbe produced the highest concentration of bioactive secondary metabolites (BSMs) when cultured in YM medium (YM/2). It produced the maximum total protein (41.8 ± 6.36 mg/ml) during the late lag phase period. The optimum incubation temperature was recorded at 30 °C; BSMs were not produced at ≤10 °C within an incubation period of 3-4 days. The suitable agitation speed was found to be 200 rpm with pH 7.00. The proper carbon, nitrogen, and trace elements supplementation consisted of starch, malt extract, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). The ethyl acetate extract was found to act strongly against three vibriosis pathogens, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vunificus, as indicated by the inhibition zones at 34.5, 35.4, and 34.3 mm, respectively. The extract showed the strongest anti-V. harveyi activity, as indicated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 0.101 ± 0.02 and 0.610 ± 0.04 mg/ml, respectively. Basic chemical investigation of the crude extract using thin layer chromatography (TLC), bioautography, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) revealed that the active components were the terpenoid and steroid groups of compounds. They showed carboxylic acid and ester functions in their molecules.

El extracto metanólico de <i>Tillandsia recurvata</i> reduce los niveles de glucosa, triglicéridos y colesterol en sangre

Background: Tillandsia recurvata collected in San Luis Potosí does not have studies focused on its use as an adjuvant in treating diabetes mellitus. Questions and / or Hypotheses: Will Tillandsia recurvata L. (Bromeliaceae) have antidiabetic activity in vitro and in vivo? Studied species: Tillandsia recurvata L. (Bromeliaceae) Study site and dates: T. recurvata was collected in Guadalcázar municipality, San Luis Potosí, México, in December 2021. Methods: The antidiabetic potential of Tillandsia recurvata methanol extract (TRM) was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models, and its secondary metabolite content was analyzed using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Results demonstrate that extract reduces blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels in vivo. In addition, in vitro tests showed that extract diminished the formation of advanced glycation end products, methylglyoxal concentrations, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified several compounds in the extract, including 2-methylbenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-2-methylacetophenone, 3',5' dimethoxyacetophenone, pentanoic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, phytol, margaric acid, oleamide, cis-11-eicosenamide, stearic acid, 13-docosenamide, (Z), campesterol, and β-sitosterol. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of T. recurvata collected in San Luis Potosi as an adjuvant in treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Interactions between invasive pests and pathogens in a native chestnut forest

The introduction in the same area of different invasive species can result in novel interactions, with unpredictable consequences. We carried out a study in Galicia (northwestern Iberian Peninsula) with the aim of clarifying the interactions between two invasive species Cryphonectria parasitica and Dryocosmus kuriphilus. In 2018, we selected five chestnut plots affected by both species. We compared trees affected only by the insect and trees affected by both the insect and the fungus with respect to attack level, gall characteristics, female size and fecundity, and concentrations of nitrogen, water and secondary metabolites. We also evaluated female preferences in a greenhouse assay. There were higher levels of attack in trees affected by both invaders. However, the greenhouse assay showed that ovipositing females do not preferentially choose trees attacked by the fungus. The presence of the fungus had no effect on the size, wall thickness, or hardness of D. kuriphilus galls, but larvae were smaller in trees also affected by the fungus. The fecundity of females was strongly related to the presence of chestnut blight; the number of eggs per female was almost double in trees affected by the fungus. There were no relations between blight and the nitrogen or water content in the galls, where the insects feed. There were also no effects of chestnut blight on the concentration of terpenes or phenols, but condensed tannins were higher in trees with chestnut blight. The higher tannins induced by chestnut blight may directly or indirectly benefit gall wasps. Positive relationships between condensed tannin concentration and reproductive performance of other gall makers were previously reported. Tannins can also improve the negative effects of environmental conditions inside the gall. Our results indicate that the presence of chestnut blight can increase the suitability of chestnut trees for the invasive insect, D. kuriphilus, through the increase in tannins due to the presence of the fungus.

Biocidal function of Trichoderma-derived secondary metabolites against Fusarium wilt of pea

The current research investigates the potential of secondary metabolites extracted from Trichoderma species for managing Fusarium wilt in pea plants. Crude extracts of secondary metabolites from T. viride and T. harzianum were obtained using ethyl acetate and methanol through solvent extraction methods and evaluated for their antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. pisi under various experimental conditions. In vitro assays were performed using the poisoned food technique on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, employing Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three concentrations of secondary metabolites (250 ppm, 350 ppm, and 500 ppm). Greenhouse experiments were also conducted in a CRD setup, where pea plants were inoculated with a spore suspension (1×10⁶ spores/ml) of the pathogen and treated with different concentrations of metabolites through soil drenching. For field trials, a Randomized Complete Block Design was utilized to evaluate the most effective concentration (500 ppm) of metabolites, applied via hand sprayer and soil drenching. Results showed that the combination of T. viride and T. harzianum metabolites significantly reduced mycelial growth (10.11 mm) under laboratory conditions and decreased disease incidence to 27.08% in greenhouse trials and 28.15% in field trials. These findings highlight the potential of Trichoderma-derived secondary metabolites as a sustainable approach for managing Fusarium wilt in pea plants, offering promising prospects for integrated disease management strategies.

Chitosan and its derivatives regulate lactic acid synthesis during milk fermentation.

The influence of chitosan's physicochemical characteristics on the functionality of lactic acid bacteria and the production of lactic acid remains very obscure and contradictory to date. While some studies have shown a stimulatory effect of oligochitosans on the growth of Lactobacillus spp, other studies declare a bactericidal effect of chitosan. The lack and contradiction of knowledge prompted us to study the effect of chitosan on the growth and productivity of L. bulgaricus in the presence of chitosan and its derivatives. We used high molecular weight chitosan (350 kDa) and oligochitosans (25.4 and 45.3 kDa). The experiment was carried out with commercial strain of L. bulgaricus and the low fat skim cow milk powder reconstituted with sterile distilled water. After fermentation, dynamic viscosity, titratable acidity, pH, content of lactic acid, colony forming units, chitosan and oligochitosans radii were measured in the samples. Fermented dairy products were also examined using sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoretic analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and light microscopy. The results of the study showed that when L. bulgaricus was cultured in the presence of 25.4 kDa oligochitosans at concentrations of 0.0025%, 0.005%, 0.0075% and 0.01%, the average rate of LA synthesis over 24 hours was 11.0 × 10-3 mol/L/h, 8.7 × 10-3 mol/L/h, 6.8 × 10-3 mol/L/h, 5.8 × 10-3 mol/L/h, respectively. The 45.3 kDa oligochitosans had a similar effect, while the average rate of lactic acid synthesis in the control sample was only 3.5 × 10-3 mol/L/h. Notably, 350 kDa chitosan did not affect the rate of lactic acid synthesis compared with the control sample. Interestingly, interaction of chitosan with L. bulgaricus led to a slowdown in the synthesis of propanol, an increase in the content of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, and a change in the composition and content of other secondary metabolites. The quantity of L. bulgaricus in a sample with 0.01% chitosan exceeded their content in the control sample by more than 1,700 times. At the same chitosan concentration, the fermentation process was slowed down, increasing the shelf life of the fermented milk product from 5 to 17 days while maintaining a high content of L. bulgaricus (6.34 × 106 CFU/g).

Crotalaria quinquefolia L. Revealed as a Potential Source of Neuropharmacophore in Both Experimental and Computational Studies.

Herbal remedies have shown great promise for improving human health. The plant Crotalaria quinquefolia is used in folk medicine to cure different diseases, including scabies, fever, discomfort, and lung infections. The present research was designed to explore bioactive compounds and evaluate the neuropharmacological effects of C. quinquefolia through in vivo and in silico approaches. Different secondary metabolites as well as the antioxidant activity were measured. Furthermore, chemical compounds were identified by HPLC and GCMS analysis. The neuropharmacological activity was examined by hole cross, hole board, open field, Y-maze, elevated plus maze, and thiopental sodium induced sleeping time tests in mice at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight. Besides, an in-silico study was performed on proteins related to Alzheimer disease. The extract showed a significant content of secondary metabolites and antioxidant potential. The in-silico analysis showed that myricetin, quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol have good binding affinity with studied proteins, and QSAR studies revealed potential benefits for treating dementia, age-related macular degeneration, and more. The findings of the present neurological activity collectively imply that the extract has strong CNS depressant and anxiolytic activity. Therefore, C. quinquefolia can be a potential source of secondary metabolites to treat Alzheimer disease.

INHIBITORY EFFECT OF BASE GEDE ETHANOL EXTRACT AGAINTS BACTERIAL GROWTH OF Escherichia coli

Foodborne disease is a condition in which food is contaminated by microorganisms or chemicals, causing disease. One of the microorganisms that most often causes this condition is Escherichia coli. There is an assumption which states that, base gede/base genep has antibacterial properties which inhibit the growth of bacteria in typical Balinese food such as lawar. Various studies have proven that the basic ingredients of base gede have antibacterial activity obtained from secondary metabolites. The purpose of this study was to determine the phytochemical compounds contained in the base gede and the inhibitory power of the base gede in inhibiting the growth of the Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. This study examined the content of secondary metabolites qualitatively and the experimental test was the true experimental posttest only control group design. The method used was the disk diffusion (Kirby Bauer) with variations in the concentration of ethanol extract base gede as many as four groups (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and the negative control group was 96% ethanol and the positive control group ciprofloxacin 5g. The results of the phytochemical test found that the base gede ethanol extract contained phenols, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Inhibition test results observed inhibition zones formed at concentrations of 50%, 75%, 100% and K+ with diameters respectively 5.65+/-0.65 mm ; 7.00+/-1.35mm ; 7.78+/-1.18 mm dan 34.52+/-1.49 mm. Kruskal wallis test showed a value of p = 0.001 (p <0.05) which showed that the concentration group had an effect on the inhibition of E.coli ATCC 25922. There was a significant difference between the 50% and 100% concentrations obtained from the Mann-Whitney analysis with value of p = 0.043 (p<0.05). Keywords : Inhibition test, base gede, Escherichia coli

Impacts of paternal latitudinal origin on herbivore response strategies in Lythrum salicaria

Plants have evolved different strategies to withstand and respond to herbivore stress. The two main strategies plants employ under herbivore stress are known as tolerance and induced resistance. Tolerance is the ability to maintain high fitness despite experiencing high levels of herbivore damage. While induced resistance typically involves changing the concentrations of internal secondary metabolites as a response to initial herbivory and to prevent further damage. These strategies can lead to fitness differences between populations that vary by latitudinal origin. Previous studies have focused on the occurrence of herbivore response in general, whereas this study will make a direct comparison between response types and their fitness implications. Our study investigates whether eastern North American populations of Lythrum salicaria respond differently to herbivore stress. F1 crosses between L. salicaria individuals with different parental latitudinal ranges were grown in a common garden under two experimental herbivory treatments (pesticide sprayed vs. no pesticide) at the Queen’s University Biological Station. To identify differences in herbivore tolerance, we measured plant growth and development over 13 weeks and quantified herbivore damage, caused by the biocontrol beetle Galerucella calmariensis. A 48-hour feeding assay was then conducted to identify differences in herbivore resistance between populations. This assay provided beetles with a choice between young and old L. salicaria leaves from each experimental treatment. Our preliminary analysis of the feeding assay showed differences in leaf damage between parental lines. The initial analysis also showed that older leaves generally experienced more damage than younger leaves over the course of the 48-hour period. These results indicate population differences in herbivory stress response and differences in stress response effectiveness that varies with plant age. This experiment showed that L. salicaria individuals have varying degrees of herbivore stress response and effectiveness. However, further analysis that includes reproductive outputs and developmental differences will be completed to clearly identify the type of strategies L. salicaria populations with different parental latitudinal origins employ in response to herbivore damage.

Indole-3-acetic acid-producing Pantoea strain MTP 17 and Glomus mosseae synergistically improve the growth, yield and bacoside content of Bacopa monnieri

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of Indole-3-acetic acid-producing bacteria (IPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in compatible form for early establishment and higher growth, yield, and secondary metabolite content of vegetatively propagated Bacopa monnieri plants. Four species of Glomus, viz., G. mosseae (Gm), G. aggregatum (Ga), G. fasciculatum (Gf), G. intraradices (Gi), and two Indole-3-acetic acid-producing bacteria (IPB), Bacillus mojavensis (Bm), and Pantoea sp. (Pt) were evaluated individually and in combinations in a pot experiment. Various plant growth parameters like height, biomass, NPK uptake, mycorrhizal colonization, bacterial population in the rhizosphere, phosphatase activity, and bacoside-A content were determined and found to vary with different treatments. Among all the treatments, plants inoculated with Gm + Pt performed better than any other treatment or un-inoculated control. The performance of the consortium of Gm + Pt was further validated in a field experiment on the same parameters. A clear synergistic interaction between Gm and Pt was observed as Pt enhanced rooting and subsequently improved the colonization and spore population of Gm. On the other hand, the presence of Gm improved the population of Pt in the rhizosphere. The presence of both microbes improved the bacoside-A yields in B. monnieri. The results of this experiment indicate the compatibility and synergy between G. mosseae and Pantoea sp. and suggest using this microbial consortium for plant propagation and growth enhancement while improving soil biological health.

ANATOMICAL DEVELOPMENT AND HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF STERIL OVULE MELINJO (Gnetum gnemon L.)

In this section, the abstract must be written in English. Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) is a plant that grows and spreads throughout Indonesia. This plant is widely cultivated because of its economic value. The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical development of sterile melinjo ovule at the tip, middle and base of the female strobili and to determine the content of secondary metabolites in melinjo sterile ovule. The material used is sterile ovulum melinjo at the tip, middle and base of the female strobilus. In observing the anatomical development of sterile melinjo ovule, preparations were made using the paraffin method, single staining, and observed under a microscope. The anatomical data of the sterile ovule were analyzed descriptively. Observation of secondary metabolite content was carried out through histochemical tests, then observed with a light microscope and the results of the observations were documented using OptiLab. The results of observing anatomical development show that at different ages of melinjo sterile ovule there are structural differences in the constituent tissues. The results of observations on anatomical development show that at different ages the melinjo sterile ovule has structural differences in its constituent tissue, the more mature the melinjo sterile ovule, the constituent tissue is increasingly degraded. Histochemical test results showed that the sterile melinjo ovule contained secondary metabolites of phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and alkaloids.

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles: a synergetic combination of a drug delivery system and a source of natural bioactive compounds.

Exosomes are extracellular nanovesicles secreted by all cell types and have been studied to understand and treat many human diseases. Exosomes are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, intercellular communication, and the transfer of substances. Over the years, several studies have explored mammalian-derived exosomes for therapeutic and diagnostic uses. Only recently have plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) attracted attention for their ability to overcome many defects associated with using mammalian-derived extracellular vesicles, such as safety and scale-up issues. The ease of large-scale production, low toxicity, low immunogenicity, efficient cellular uptake, high biocompatibility, and high stability of these nanovesicles make them attractive for drug delivery systems. In addition, their native contents of proteins, miRNAs and secondary metabolites could be exploited for pharmaceutical applications in combination with other drugs. The present review intends to provide adequate tools for studying and developing drug delivery systems based on plant-derived EVs. Therefore, indications concerning extraction methods, characterisation, and drug loading will be offered. Their biological composition and content will also be reported. Finally, the current applications of these systems as nanocarriers for pharmacologically active substances will be shown.

UHPLC-QTOF-MS-Based Targeted Metabolomics Provides Novel Insights into the Accumulative Mechanism of Soil Types on the Bioactive Components of Salvia miltiorrhiza.

The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) has been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, the contents of secondary metabolites in the roots from different production areas are significantly different, and the impact of soil factors on this accumulation remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the regularity of variation between the active components and soil factors through targeted metabolomics and chemical dosimetry. Soils were collected from five different cities (A, B, C, D, and E) and transplanted into the study area. The results showed that there were significant differences in the soil fertility characteristics and heavy metal pollution levels in different soils. Ten water- and twelve lipid-soluble metabolites were identified in SMBs grown in all soil types. SMBs from D cities exhibited the highest total tanshinone content (p < 0.05). The salvianolic acid B content in SMBs from E cities was the highest (p < 0.05). Interestingly, correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the accumulation of lipid-soluble and water-soluble metabolites. Double-matrix correlation analysis demonstrated that available potassium (AK) was significantly negatively correlated with salvianolic acid B (r = -0.80, p = 0.0004) and positively correlated with tanshinone IIA (r = 0.66, p = 0.008). Conversely, cadmium (Cd) and cuprum (Cu) were significantly positively and negatively correlated with salvianolic acid B (r = 0.96, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.72, p = 0.0024) and tanshinone IIA (r = 0.40, p = 0.14 and r = 0.73, p = 0.0018), respectively. Mantel's test indicated that AK (r > 0.52, p < 0.001), Cu (r > 0.60, p < 0.005), and Cd (r > 0.31, p < 0.05) were the primary drivers of the differences in the active components of SMBs. These findings provide a theoretical framework for modulating targeted metabolites of SMB through soil factors, with significant implications for the cultivation and quality control of medicinal plants.

Influence of tree age on the wood color and compounds involved in the “golden-thread” wood color formation in Phoebe zhennan

Wood color plays a key role in the quality and commercial value of wood products. However, the mechanism underlying wood color formation has yet to be fully elucidated. The principal objective of this study was to determine the effects of tree age on the wood color and identify the key metabolites correlated with the golden-thread wood color formation in Phoebe zhennan. The results indicated that the golden-thread wood color of P. zhennan was significantly affected by tree age. Four polar organic solvents and water were tested for the extraction of the metabolites, and ethyl acetate was determined to be the most suitable solvent for the extraction of the golden-thread wood color-related metabolites. Based on the experimental data from the UVVIS-NIR spectral scanning and comparative metabolomics, 66 differentially accumulated metabolites were significantly enriched in older wood, and among these, 46 metabolites (e.g., prenol lipids, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, steroids and their derivatives, and benzene and its substituted derivatives) were closely related to the golden-thread wood color formation (r = 0.526–0.944, P < 0.05). In addition, compared to younger wood (10 years old), older wood (30 and 80 years old) had greater durability and a stronger fragrance because of the enrichment of sesquiterpenoids in older wood. In this study, the effects of tree age on P. zhennan wood color, fragrance, and durability were determined through the alterations in the composition and contents of the related secondary metabolites. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the special wood color formation and can be used for a wide range of applications in the wood industry, from quality control to marketing and product development.

Comprehensive Analysis of Microbiomes and Metabolomics Reveals the Mechanism of Adaptation to Cadmium Stress in Rhizosphere Soil of Rhododendron decorum subsp. Diaprepes

The toxicity of cadmium (Cd) not only affects the growth and development of plants but also has an impact on human health. In this study, high-throughput sequencing and LC-MS were conducted to analyze the effect of CdCl2 treatment on the microbial community and soil metabolomics of rhizosphere soil in Rhododendron decorum subsp. diaprepes. The results showed that CdCl2 treatment reduced the quality of the rhizosphere soil by significantly decreasing the soil organic carbon (SOC) content, urease, and invertase activities, increasing the percentage of the exchangeable Cd fraction. CdCl2 treatment did not significantly change the Chao1 and Shannon indices of bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil. R. decorum was more likely to recruit Cd-resistant bacteria (e.g., Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi) and increase the abundance of Cd-resistant fungi (e.g., Basidiomycota, Rozellomycota). Moreover, CdCl2 treatment decreased the content of secondary metabolites associated with plants’ resistance to Cd. Rhizosphere soil urease, invertase activities, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), SOC, total potassium (TK), Cd, and nitrate nitrogen (NN) were the main drivers of the composition of rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities. CdCl2 treatment weakened the relationships among bacterial/fungi, differential metabolites, and physicochemical properties in rhizosphere soil.

Variation in insect herbivory across an urbanization gradient: The role of abiotic factors and leaf secondary metabolites

Urbanization impacts plant-herbivore interactions, which are crucial for ecosystem functions such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. While some studies have reported reductions in insect herbivory in urban areas (relative to rural or natural forests), this trend is not consistent and the underlying causes for such variation remain unclear. We conducted a continental-scale study on insect herbivory along urbanization gradients for three European tree species: Quercus robur, Tilia cordata, and Fraxinus excelsior, and further investigated their biotic and abiotic correlates to get at mechanisms. To this end, we quantified insect leaf herbivory and foliar secondary metabolites (phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids) for 176 trees across eight European cities. Additionally, we collected data on microclimate (air temperature) and soil characteristics (pH, carbon, nutrients) to test for abiotic correlates of urbanization effects directly or indirectly (through changes in plant secondary chemistry) linked to herbivory. Our results showed that urbanization was negatively associated with herbivory for Q. robur and F. excelsior, but not for T. cordata. In addition, urbanization was positively associated with secondary metabolite concentrations, but only for Q. robur. Urbanization was positively associated with air temperature for Q. robur and F. excelsior, and negatively with soil nutrients (magnesium) in the case of F. excelsior, but these abiotic variables were not associated with herbivory. Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence for indirect effects of abiotic factors via plant defences on herbivory for either Q. robur or F. excelsior. Additional biotic or abiotic drivers must therefore be accounted for to explain observed urbanization gradients in herbivory and their interspecific variation.

Geographic variation in secondary metabolites contents and their relationship with soil mineral elements in Pleuropterus multiflorum Thunb. from different regions

Abstract Background Pleuropterus multiflorum Thunb cv. “Heshouwu” (HSW) has been used as a classical material for both medicine and food in China for millennia. Recently, the cultivation region of HSW has shifted from Guangdong to Sichuan, Guizhou, and other regions. The investigation of geographic variation in bioactive metabolite contents and their relationship with soil mineral elements holds academic significance. Objective This study aimed to investigate the variations in the distribution of active components in HSW across diverse planting regions and their relationship with soil mineral elements. Methods A reliable quantitative analysis based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS) was developed to assess the levels of 15 bioactive metabolites in 60 HSW samples collected from 4 distinct regions. A total of 43 soil mineral elements in corresponding 60 soil samples were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), heatmap analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and random forest (RF) regression were conducted based on the above quantitative data. Results The content of stilbene glycosides displayed a wider range of variation compared with emodin and physcion among different regions. Eight compounds were screened as the differential metabolites in HSW samples from various sources using the supervised OPLS-DA analysis. Among these, 2 important functional compounds including physcion and 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-(6″-O-acetyl)-glucoside (THSG-5) are the most abundant in HSW samples from Deqing, a geographical indicative production region. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the impact of soil mineral elements on the levels of stilbene glycosides is greater compared to that on anthraquinones. A negative correlation was observed between the levels of elements Na, Zn, Ba, Ti, and 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxysilbene 2-O-glucoside (THSG-1). Conversely, a positive correlation was found between the contents of elements Na, Ce, Ti, and physcion and THSG-5, 2 components that exhibited higher levels in Deqing. Furthermore, an RF algorithm was employed to establish an interrelationship model, effectively forecasting the abundance of the majority of differential metabolites in HSW samples based on the content data of soil mineral elements. Conclusions The variation of stilbene glycosides is wider than emodin and physcion in HSW. The levels of metabolites in HSW samples are influenced by soil mineral elements, with stilbene glycosides being more susceptible to such influences compared to anthraquinones. Specifically, THSG-1 shows a negative association with most soil mineral elements, notably Na, Zn, Ba, and Ti, whereas the content of physcion displays a positive correlation.

The natural variance of Arabidopsis secondary metabolism on extended darkness

In plants due to their sessile nature, secondary metabolites are important components against different abiotic and biotic stress, such as extended darkness. For this reason, the variation of secondary metabolite content of the Arabidopsis thaliana HapMap natural population following 0-and 6-d darkness treatment were detected and the raw data of different accessions at two timepoints were deposited in the Zenodo database. Moreover, the annotated secondary metabolites of these samples are presented in this data descriptor, which we believe will be a usefully re-usable resource for future integrative analysis with dark-treated transcripts, proteins or other phenotypic data in order to comprehensively illustrate the multiomic landscape of Arabidopsis in response to the stresses exerted by extended darkness.

Growth and productivity of stevia variety Cibodas Manis 3 (Stevia rebaudiana) in 40 days planting with agroforestry

Abstract. Choeriah MN, Wijayanto N, Batubara I. 2024. Growth and productivity of stevia variety Cibodas Manis 3 (Stevia rebaudiana) in 40 days planting with agroforestry. Biodiversitas 25: 3277-3283. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.) is a shrub plant that can be used as a substitute for sugar cane and has the potential to be cultivated in agroforestry ways. This study aims to analyze the growth and productivity of stevia in agroforestry systems compared to monocultures. Stevia was planted in 2 types of land, namely agroforestry and monoculture. The research location's soil and area's climatic conditions were observed stevia agroforestry was grown under pine, eucalyptus, and coffee trees. During stevia planting, the height was measured. Stevia was harvested 40 days after planting, and leaf area, number of leaves, leaf weight, and harvest productivity were measured. In addition, chlorophyll and stevioside yields were analyzed using UV VIS and LC-MS/MS spectrometry. Stevia in agroforestry land had higher chlorophyll and stevioside content than monoculture, although not as good as stevia in monoculture, which had higher height, number of leaves, leaf area, wet weight, dry weight, and productivity compared to agroforestry. The total stevioside produced from agroforestry land was 1.63 kg/ha, while it was 2.19 kg/ha from monoculture land. Stevia in agroforestry land also has a higher secondary metabolite content than in monoculture. This is related to the growing conditions that stress stevia. Pearson correlation test results also show a relationship between the amount of chlorophyll and the stevioside content in stevia plants.

Copper oxide nanoparticles mitigate cadmium toxicity in rice seedlings through multiple physiological mechanisms.

Heavy metal pollution poses a serious threat to crops growth and yield. Recently, nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate the negative effect of heavy metal on crop growth. This study investigated the beneficial effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on the morphological and physiological-biochemical traits of rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.) under cadmium (Cd) stress. The results demonstrated that the application of CuO NPs increased the contents of nutrition elements in shoots and roots as well as photosynthetic pigments, consequently improving the growth of rice seedlings under Cd stress, especially at low level of Cd stress. Meanwhile, CuO NPs obviously decreased the Cd accumulation in the rice seedlings and immobilized Cd in less toxic chemical forms and subcellular compartments. Moreover, CuO NPs modulated the antioxidant system, ameliorating oxidative damage and membrane injury caused by Cd. Multivariate analysis established correlations between physio-biochemical parameters and further revealed the mitigation of Cd damage to rice seedlings by CuO NPs was associated with inhibition Cd accumulation, altering Cd chemical form and subcellular distribution, increasing the contents of mineral nutrients, photosynthetic pigments and secondary metabolites and antioxidant enzyme activities, and reducing oxidative damage. Overall, the present study indicated that CuO NPs could effectively reduce the Cd toxicity to rice seedlings, demonstrating their potential application in agricultural production.