Dandelion Taraxacum Officinale Research Articles

Антофильные жесткокрылые (Insecta: Coleoptera) ценопопуляций одуванчика лекарственного (Taraxacum officinale) в период его «весеннего» цветения в Ярославской области

The beetle community (Coleoptera) on the flowers of the dandelion Taraxacum officinale (Yaroslavl Region, Borok vill.) during its “spring” flowering (05/17/2022 – 06/14/2022) is represented by 28 species from 13 families. The community has a pronounced anthophilic aspect and includes mainly pollinophages and nectarophages (Elateridae, Nitidulidae, Byturidae, Phalacridae, and Oedemeridae). Two species of beetles, Olibrusbicolor and Glocianus punctiger, develop on the dandelion. During the peak of the “spring” flowering of the dandelion, the community of flower – visiting beetles ) is polydominantic, and included species that feed on dandelions after wintering (Kateretidae, Nitidulidae, some Chrysomelidae, etc.). At the end of the flowering of Taraxacum officinale, the species diversity of adult beetles decreases and is almost completely (by number) replaced by the specimens of summer species Byturus ochraceus, which becomes superdominant (76.74–99.77%).

The dynamics of wild populations of Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata Motch. (<i>Coleoptera:Coccinellidae</i>) in Primorsky Krai

Relevance. Population dynamics (population waves) is an intrinsic quality of population systems. These fluctuations can be induced by various factors, e.g. environmental conditions and resource availability, elements of a food chain from the same or a higher level (competitors, parasites, predators), and diseases. Few researchers have addressed the issue of the population dynamics of Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata in the Russian Far East. This paper investigates the reasons why the potato ladybird beetle became a pest of introduced cultivated plants.Materials and methods. To collect data on imagines, all research sites were examined at intervals of eight days during the entire period of the study. The examination of the research sites was conducted within one day. All the imagines taken from host plants were marked at the first encounter by puncturing their elytra with a sewing needle (0.4 mm in diameter) according to Hirano. The next generation of beetles was marked with nail polish (in two-three days after emergence) to avoid traumatizing the insects. At the second encounter, these beetles were also marked by puncturing their elytra with a needle. The methods implemented did not have an adverse effect on the survivability of the studied imagines. The beetles were released to the same plants where they had been taken from. The research data were analyzed by Jolly’s method.Results. Overwintered imagines appeared in the fields and began ovipositing at the end of May. The first generation of imagines appeared at the end of June – the begging of July. The second generation of imagines could be observed at the end of July – the beginning of August. A part of the imagines migrated to overwintering sites without ovipositing approximately at the end of August. The overwintered beetles were observed to emerge on the Mongolian oak Q uercus mongolica, the greater celandine Chelidonium majus, and the bird cherry Prunus padus. A typical primary biotope of the potato ladybird beetle was a potato field at the stage of vegetative growth (5-7 leaves) surrounded by the couch grass Elymus repens, the common dandelion Taraxacum officinale, and the perennial sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis. Marking the overwintered and new generations of imagines showed that the presence of the potato ladybird beetle in an ecosystem depended on agricultural and agrometeorological conditions.

Analysis of the <sup>90</sup>SR content in grassland vegetation when placed in leached chernozem

Nuclear power continues to develop rapidly in the 21st century. Due to the growth of the population on the planet and the growth of its well-being, more energy is required, which nuclear energy can also provide. Currently, work to improve the reactors used at nuclear power plants is going on. However, unfortunately, there are no guarantees for their trouble-free operation. Therefore, in case of possible accidents and radioactive contamination of the soil, the question arises of its further use in agricultural production. The return of radioactively contaminated fertile lands to agricultural production is the most important task at the present stage of human life. The purpose of the research is to study the content of specific activity in grassland vegetation, depending on its type, when the nuclide is located in the soil at a depth of 50 cm. The migration and accumulation of 90SR in grassland vegetation located in the orchard in the soil at a depth of 50 cm has been studied. The study of the accumulation of radionuclides in agricultural plants and soil after its radioactive contamination is one of the most urgent problems of our time. A field experiment has been carried out in a fruit seed orchard. Grassland vegetation is the most valuable bioresource, that is, it is a potential food for domestic and wild animals, so it is important to make a forecast of its possible use. Accumulation of the radionuclide in grassland vegetation along the trophic chain can lead to its accumulation in the human body. The largest accumulation of 90SR in annual herbaceous vegetation, as a possible fodder bioresource, when the radionuclide is located in the soil at a depth of 50 cm, is distinguished by field bindweed. In 2019, the difference in the accumulation of the nuclide between field bindweed and couch grass was 2.5 times. A decreasing series is compiled for the accumulation of the radionuclide, when it is located in the soil at a depth of 50 cm: field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) > field dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) = field sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis L.) > creeping couch grass (Agropyrum repens L.) > common yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.).

Seasonal progression and differences in major floral resource use by bees and hoverflies in a diverse horticultural and agricultural landscape revealed by DNA metabarcoding

Abstract Gardens are important habitats for pollinators, providing floral resources and nesting sites. There are high levels of public support for growing ‘pollinator‐friendly’ plants but while plant recommendation lists are available, they are usually inconsistent, poorly supported by scientific research and target a narrow group of pollinators. In order to supply the most appropriate resources, there is a clear need to understand foraging preferences, for a range of pollinators, across the season within horticultural landscapes. Using an innovative DNA metabarcoding approach, we investigated foraging preferences of four groups of pollinators in a large and diverse, horticultural and agricultural landscape, across the flowering season and over 2 years, significantly improving on the spatial and temporal scale that can be achieved using observational studies. Bumblebees, honeybees, non‐corbiculate bees and hoverflies visited 191 plant taxa. Overall floral resources were shared between the different types of pollinators, but significant differences were seen between the plants used most abundantly by bees (Hymenoptera) and hoverflies (Diptera). Floral resource use by pollinators is strongly associated with seasonal changes in flowering plants, with pollinators relying on dominant plants found within each season, with preferences consistent across both years. The plants identified were categorised according to their native status to investigate the value of native and non‐native plants. The majority of floral resources used were of native and near‐native origin, but the proportion of horticultural and naturalised plants increased during late summer and autumn. Synthesis and applications. Plant recommendation lists for pollinators should distinguish between bees and hoverflies and provide evidence‐based floral recommendations throughout the year that include native as well as non‐native plants for use in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. Specific management recommendations include reducing mowing to encourage plants such as dandelion Taraxacum officinale and buttercups Ranunculus spp., and reducing scrub management to encourage bramble Rubus fruticosus.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF TARAXACUM OFFICINALE

Background. The oxygen is the ultimate electron acceptor in the electron flow system that produces energy. Problems appears when the electron flow becomes uncoupled thus, generating free radicals. While the majority of processes require oxygen, the last is a highly reactive molecule that can damage cells by producing reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radical, superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid, all together defined as triggers of oxidative stress. The last is involved in many types of pathologies, such as cancer, atherosclerosis and rheumatic arthritis. Antioxidants can stop formation of free radical by giving hydrogen atoms or scavenging them. The antioxidant can be defined any molecule capable of preventing or blocking oxidation of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. The reduced glutathione (GSH), as well enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GPO), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) represent antioxidants which prevent the formation of new free radicals, converting them into less harmful molecules. The present study was conducted to assess the antioxidant activity of Taraxacum officinale (TO) ethanolic extracts with different bioactive contents. This experiment was conducted with extracts prepared from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F. H. Wigg) leaves. A series (10%, 20%, 25%, 40%, 50% and 80%) of ethanolic extracts were made. The influence of TO extracts on RBC’s GPO, GR, GST, glutathione (GSSG, GSH and total-GSH) and thiols (native and total) was evaluated by measuring absorbance spectrophotometrically. Conclusions. Taraxacum officinale ethanolic extracts exhibit a strong antioxidant activity. This plant is capable of preventing damage of cells during oxidative stress process, by using different targets of glutathione system. But, this activity depends of ethanol concentrations, maybe due to different bioactive content.

Hyalesthes obsoletus is an active vector of Wood blackening in the Republic of Moldova

Hyalesthes obsoletus (Signoret) is an important vector of Wood Blackening in the Republic of Moldova. To identify the causes of the epidemiology of this disease in vineyards, the period of flight and the preference of the host plant H. obsoletus in the field were studied. Monitoring of vineyards showed that this species was found on the Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), and during the period of mass flight, the leafhopper was observed on Xanthium strumarium and Gorets bindweed (Fallopia convolvulus L.). The captured leafhoppers were diagnosed with the presence of Bois Noir stolbur phytoplasm (STOL). The adults of H. obsoletus were also caught from other herbaceous plants: Povoy fence (Calystegia sepium L.), Garden quinoa (Ariplex hortensis L.), Sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.), Medicinal dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.), as well as c Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.). Changes in climatic conditions in the region, causing premature drying of the grass cover, forces cicadas - vectors to switch to actively growing plants during this period, including grapes, which contributes to the widespread of the disease.

The USE OF INDICATORS OF PLANT PHOTOSYNTHETIC AND ENZYMATICE ACTIVITY IN BIOINDICATION STUDIES

In the context of increasing anthropogenic impact on the environment, the study of the mechanisms of plant adaptation is an actual problem. To diagnose ecological troubles, it is advisable to study the indicators characterizing metabolic processes in autotrophic plants. The change in the parameters of the photosynthetic apparatus and antioxidant system in silver birch (Betula pendula), European spruce (Picea abies) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.), depending on the intensity of anthropogenic load, was studied. The pigment composition of plants and the activity of antioxidant enzymes can be used as markers of the anthropogenic pollution level of a territory.

Comparison of Morphological Characteristics and Determination of Different Patterns for Rubber Particles in Dandelion and Different Rubber Grass Varieties

Russian dandelion Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) is one promising alternative crop for natural rubber production. However, it is easily confused with other dandelions. In this study, we performed a systematical comparison of the morphological characteristics for different TKS varieties and common dandelion Taraxacum officinale (TO). Our results demonstrated that several obvious differences in morphology can be found between TKS and TO. TO leaf is a pinnate shape, its margin is heavily jagged and its base is cuneate, but TKS leaf is more cuneate and its leaf margin is nearly smooth and round. There are obvious differences for the outer bracts of TO and TKS flower buds. TKS bracts are oblanceolate, apex obtuse, margin smooth and sinuate, and its outer layer of flower buds and faceplate involucre sepal is buckled inward to form a certain angle. TKS is self-incompatible, and its seeds are spindle-shaped achene and show upright plumpness. A large amount of laticifer cells and rubber particles can be detected from many TKS tissues, and dry roots of TKS contain high contents of natural rubber. Laticifer cells and rubber particles can only be examined in the vein, stem, and roots of TKS. Our statical results also revealed that the numbers of laticifer cells and rubber particles have a positive relationship with the rubber content in TKS roots. These morphological features can help us to easily distinguish TKS from common dandelion and approximately estimate the rubber content in the roots of different TKS varieties for TKS breeding in future.

BIOINDICATOR ASSESSMENT OF AIR QUALITY IN ARMIZONSKOYE VILLAGE, TYUMEN REGION

In the town of Armizonskoye, Tyumen Region, Russia, industrial enterprises emit more than 230 tons of various pollutants into the air, and only about 50% of that total is retained. In this work the quality of atmospheric air in Armizonskoye was studied using the bioindication method. The objectives of the study were to identify the main pollutants in the air and to determine the most sensitive test functions of woody and herbaceous plants. The chemical method was used to determine the quantity and array of substances, emitted by some enterprises in different parts of the town. The bioindicators were common dandelion Taraxacum officinale Wigg, great plantain Plantago major L., warty birch Betula pendula Roth, and boxelder maple Aceraceae nequndo. The chemical analysis showed that the air is mainly polluted with iron oxide, manganese compounds, and suspended solids. The main sources of pollution are utility companies, Armizonagrostroy, and road maintenance companies. The most sensitive indicator among woody plants was boxelder maple, and among herbaceous plants, common dandelion. The bioindication method helped to map more and less polluted territories.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Properties of Some Wild Plants with Potential Culinary Uses

Since ancient times, wild plants have widely been traditionally consumed by different communities but today are gaining relevance due to their healthy properties. Vegetables, including wild edible species, constitute an important source of active natural products: micronutrients, especially vitamins and minerals and phytochemical compounds with antioxidant properties important in the prevention of various pathologies including degenerative, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Some species of wild and cultivated edible plants were comparatively evaluated considering the content in bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity. Biochemical analysis of the fresh leaves indicated similar or even higher values of nutritive compounds (sugars, protids) and antioxidants (polyphenols, carotenoids, flavones, chlorophylls, ascorbic acid) in the species from spontaneous flora as dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), wild garlic (Allium ursinum) than in the green lettuce and garden rocket commonly consumed around the world. Therefore, these wild plants could be recommended for consumers not only as new ingredients to improve their diet diversity but also for providing potential health benefits.

Trace Metal Concentrations in Pleurozium Schreberi and Taraxacum Officinale Along the Road No. 7

Abstract The aim of this study is to test two plant species, the common dandelion Taraxacum officinale and moss Pleurozium schreberi, as bio monitors of trace metal pollution emitted by motor vehicles. The samples of the moss Pleurozium schreberi (green segments) and the common dandelion Taraxacum officinale (leaves) were collected within 12 transects along the state road No. E77 near Chyzne, Sothern Poland. The transects were located on the eastern and western side of the road (downwind and upwind towards prevailing winds), at the following distances from the road: 5, 50, 100, 300 500 and 600 m. Total concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn in the plant material were determined. The studied species accumulated trace metals in the similar amounts. Statistically significant differences in metal concentrations between two plant species were observed only in the case of Cu and Pb. Copper concentrations were higher in the common dandelion, while the moss Pleurozium schreberi accumulated considerably higher amounts of Pb. There is a statistically significant negative correlation between the trace metal concentrations in plants and the distance to the road. There are also statistically significant differences in concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the common dandelion between the samples collected from the opposite sides of the road: upwind/downwind towards the prevailing wind direction at the distance up to 300 meters. The concentrations are higher on the downwind side of the road.

Overwintering of the western flower thrips in outdoor strawberry crops

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a major pest of semi-protected strawberry crops in the UK. These crops are grown outdoors but sheltered by clear polythene tunnels during the growing season from about April to October. The aims of the study were (1) to test whether F. occidentalis overwinters in strawberry crops in central England, where overwintering in outdoor crops has not previously been demonstrated and (2) to test whether overwintering affects the thrips population during the following season. F. occidentalis was found breeding on several crop weeds that often flower throughout the year, including common chickweed (Stellaria media), groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). F. occidentalis female adults were found throughout the winter in flowers of these weeds and caught every month on blue sticky traps. Transparent emergence traps placed over various locations in a second-year crop in March caught adult thrips over the following month, showing that thrips survived within the crop. Second-year strawberry crops had earlier infestations and significantly more F. occidentalis adults per flower than nearby first-year crops at the start of the season, indicating that thrips that overwinter in and around retained crops contribute to pest build-up in the following season. Control of overwintering F. occidentalis after the end of first-year cropping before second-year cropping, or growing crops for only 1 year, is a potential strategy to improve thrips management in strawberry. The survival of F. occidentalis over winter on outdoor crops raises concerns that the species could in time become established on other outdoor crops.

An urban wildlife habitat experiment: conservation implications of altering management regimes on animals and plants along urban and rural rights-of-way

Abstract Biodiversity along rights-of-way (ROWs) can decline due to local-scale management, including frequent urban mowing and spraying, or with increasing amount of urban infrastructure surrounding those grassy spaces. Distinguishing effects of mowing regime from effects of surrounding urban land are necessary to determine what management strategies effectively conserve wildlife in different landscapes, and to justify changes in management that could increase populations of weeds. We used a manipulative Before/After-Control/Impact (BACI) experiment in 17 transmission line ROWs during 2007–2009, along an urbanization gradient, to disentangle effects of mowing frequency and the amount of urban land (buildings, hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt) surrounding ROWs. In the BACI study, we halted mowing and spraying for 1 year in five urban ROWs, introduced two rounds of mowing per year in three rural ROWs, and compared vegetation and arthropods found within these manipulated ROWs and within three urban and six rural control ROWs. European skipper butterflies Thymelicus lineola, lepidopteran biomass in herbaceous vegetation, milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) and Canada thistle Cirsium arvense increased when mowing and spraying were halted for one year. Conversely, monarch butterflies Danaus plexippus, legume cover and dandelion Taraxacum officinale increased when mowing was introduced to rural ROWs. To increase taller butterfly resource plants while still controlling weeds within urban ROWs, we recommend reducing management frequency within the interior of ROWs while maintaining frequent management along ROW borders that are adjacent to infrastructure.

Presence of war related elements in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a possible consequence of military activities in east Croatia

ABSTRACTThis is the first study on concentrations of war related elements in dandelion from war effected areas of Croatia. Previous research done on human subjects, soil and water has shown abnormalities in distribution of war associated metals and metalloids in war affected areas compared with peacetime locations. Dandelion, as wide spread perennial herb, is considered as very useful plant in determination of trace elements pollution in various ecosystems. Aim of the research was to try to determine whether concentrations of war related elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mg, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, U, V and Zn) concentrations in dandelion (Taraxacum officinalle) samples in areas of high intensity of combat activities differ from areas of low intensity of combat activities, and to clarify possible contamination in dandelion as an indicator (and edible) plant with it's role in food chain. Leaves of the dandelion were taken at locations (28 locations at 11 settlements) were divided into two major subgroups: high and low intensity of combat activities, at the locations of major explosions, former minefields, army trenches … Analysis was done using ICP-MS and data was interpreted using Mann Whitney test and PCA. Results have shown that there is difference in concentration of war related elements among different locations, with generally, higher concentrations of war elements in war areas compared with control group. Maximum concentrations of As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mg, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, U, V and Zn were higher in areas of high intensity of combat activities. When results are compared with similar researches, overall presence of metals and metalloids is legally acceptable, however, there are differences in concentrations between war and peacetime locations.

ID: 1015 Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) extract efficiently inhibited the breast cancer stem cell proliferation

Introduction:
 Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) play an important role in breast cancer initiation, metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance. Therefore, targeting BCSCs is an essential strategy to suppress cancer growth. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dandelion Taraxacum officinale extracts on BCSC proliferation in vitro in 2D and 3D cell culture platforms.
 Methods:
 The BCSCs were maintained understandard conditions, verified for expression of CD44 and CD24 surface markers, and transfected with GFP before use in experiments. In the 2D model, the BCSCs were cultured as adherent cells in standard culture plates; in the 3D model, the BCSCs were cultured on low-adherent plates to form spheroids. The effect of Dandelion extracts on proliferation of BCSC was assessed by evaluating induction of cell death, expression of genes of death receptor signaling pathways, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by BCSCs.
 Results:
 BCSCs formed spheroids as microtumors in vitro and exhibited some in vivo characteristics of tumors, such as increased expression of N-cadherin and Slug, decreased expression of E-cadherin, capacity to invade into the extracellular matrix (ECM), and presence of a hypoxic environment at the core of tumor spheroids. The dandelion extracts significantly inhibited BCSC proliferation in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) models of BCSCs. However, the IC50 value of dandelion extracts in BCSCs in the 3D model was much higher than that in the 2D model. The results also demonstrated that BCSCs treated with Dandelion extracts showed increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and TRAIL receptor 2 (TRAILR2; i.e. death receptor 5;DR5). Moreover, treatment induced expression of DR4. Treatment with methanol dandelion extract enhanced production of ROS in BCSCs.
 Conclusion:
 Dandelion extracts are promising extracts for the treatment of breast tumors. The effect of methanol dandelion extract was better than that for ethanol extract. Importantly, BCSCs in 3D exhibited stronger drug resistance than those in 2D. In summary, our results indicate the strong potential of dandelion extracts as anti-cancer agents and rational use for drug development.

Impacts of fire on non-native plant recruitment in black spruce forests of interior Alaska

Climate change is expected to increase the extent and severity of wildfires throughout the boreal forest. Historically, black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) forests in interior Alaska have been relatively free of non-native species, but the compounding effects of climate change and an altered fire regime could facilitate the expansion of non-native plants. We tested the effects of wildfire on non-native plant colonization by conducting a seeding experiment of non-native plants on different substrate types in a burned black spruce forest, and surveying for non-native plants in recently burned and mature black spruce forests. We found few non-native plants in burned or mature forests, despite their high roadside presence, although invasion of some burned sites by dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) indicated the potential for non-native plants to move into burned forest. Experimental germination rates were significantly higher on mineral soil compared to organic soil, indicating that severe fires that combust much of the organic layer could increase the potential for non-native plant colonization. We conclude that fire disturbances that remove the organic layer could facilitate the invasion of non-native plants providing there is a viable seed source and dispersal vector.

Temporal variability of the quality of Taraxacum officinale seed progeny from the East-Ural radioactive trace: is there an interaction between low level radiation and weather conditions?

Hypothesis: The multiple stressors, in different combinations, may impact differently upon seed quality, and low-level doses of radiation may enhance synergistic or antagonistic effects.Results: During 1991–2014 we investigated the quality of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale s.l.) seed progeny growing under low-level radiation exposure at the East-Ural Radioactive Trace (EURT) area (result of the Kyshtym accident, Russia), and in plants from areas exposed to background radiation. The viability of the dandelion seed progeny was assessed according to chronic radiation exposure, accounting for the variability of weather conditions among years. Environmental factors (temperature, precipitation, and their ratio in different months) can modify the radiobiological effects. We found a wide range of possible responses to multiple stressors: inhibition, stimulation, and indifferent effects in different seasons.Conclusion: The intraspecific variability of the quality of dandelion seed progeny was greatly increased under conditions of low doses of chronic irradiation. Temperature was the most significant factor for seed progeny formation in the EURT zone, whereas the sums of precipitation and ratios of precipitation to temperature dominantly affected organisms from the background population.

Tritrophic association on dandelion in a European capital city: a pilot quantitative study on the herbivore weevil Glocianus punctiger and its parasitoid wasp Entedon costalis

This study is a first attempt to estimate the degree of tritrophic association between the common dandelion Taraxacum officinale complex, the herbivorous weevil Glocianus punctiger and its parasitoid Entedon costalis, as an environmental marker in urban ecosystems. The study was conducted on 3926 dandelion flowering stems spread across 24 sample plots situated within the municipal borders of Kyiv (Ukraine). Eighteen plots were infested by the weevils, and 14 plots were infested by E. costalis. Of all the examined dandelion stems, 359 (9.1 %) were infested by weevils, and 21.4 % of these weevil-infested stems were parasitized by E. costalis. Thirty-two incidents of superparasitism were registered in nine sample plots. Seven environmental variables were chosen for characterization of the sample plots and for testing their possible effects on the tritrophic association. The results indicate that the infestation of dandelions by weevils is strongly limited by the grasslands’ mowing. Apart from that, the presence of anthropogenic barriers bounding the study areas negatively affected the parasitism of G. punctiger by E. costalis. This is regarded as an example of the crucial effect of habitat fragmentation on the specialist herbivore and the specialist parasitoid of this tritrophic system. Both the mowing and habitat fragmentation are linked with human land-use regimes on the sample plots.

Taraxacum officinale dandelion extracts efficiently inhibited the breast cancer stem cell proliferation

Background: Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) play an important role in breast cancer initiation, metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance. Therefore, targeting BCSCs is an essential strategy to suppress cancer growth. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dandelion Taraxacum officinale extracts on BCSC proliferation in vitro in 2D and 3D cell culture platforms. Materials and Methods: The BCSCs were maintained under standard conditions, verified for expression of CD44 and CD24 surface markers, and transfected with GFP before use in experiments. In the 2D model, the BCSCs were cultured as adherent cells in standard culture plates; in the 3D model, the BCSCs were cultured on low-adherent plates to form spheroids. The effect of Dandelion extracts on proliferation of BCSC was assessed by evaluating induction of cell death, expression of genes of death receptor signaling pathways, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by BCSCs. Results: BCSCs formed spheroids as microtumors in vitro and exhibited some in vivo characteristics of tumors, such as increased expression of N-cadherin and Slug, decreased expression of E-cadherin, capacity to invade into the extracellular matrix (ECM), and presence of a hypoxic environment at the core of tumor spheroids. The dandelion extracts significantly inhibited BCSC proliferation in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) models of BCSCs. However, the IC50 value of dandelion extracts in BCSCs in the 3D model was much higher than that in the 2D model. The results also demonstrated that BCSCs treated with Dandelion extracts showed increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and TRAIL receptor 2 (TRAILR2; i.e. death receptor 5; DR5). Moreover, treatment induced expression of DR4. Treatment with methanol dandelion extract enhanced production of ROS in BCSCs. Conclusion: Dandelion extracts are promising extracts for the treatment of breast tumors. The effect of methanol extract (with dandelion extract) was better than that for ethanol extract. Importantly, BCSCs in 3D exhibited stronger drug resistance than those in 2D. In summary, our results indicate the strong potential of dandelion extracts as anti-cancer agents and rational use for drug development.

Protective Effect of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Extract Against Gentamicin–Induced Reproductive Damage in Male Rats

Protective Effect of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Extract Against Gentamicin–Induced Reproductive Damage in Male Rats