Tuber Extract Research Articles

B-292 Detection of natural toxins derived from potatoes by biotin-streptavidin direct ELISA

Abstract Background α-solanine (SO) and α-chaconine (CHA) are natural toxins of potato and often cause food poisoning worldwide. We have previously developed a polyclonal antibody (anti-Sold antibody) that bind to SO and CHA and used it in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our previously constructed ELISA (conventional ELISA) has a weak point of low sensitivity in detecting SO and CHA, we have tried to improve it in this study. Methods Solanidine, a chemical compound found in both SO and CHA, was conjugated with bovine albumin, and this complex was repeatedly injected into two rabbits for two months. Anti-Sold antibody was then purified from rabbit serum using affinity column chromatography. In our ELISA method, named “B-S direct ELISA”, biotin-labeled anti-Sold antibody is bound to SO and CHA in the sample, followed by the binding of peroxidase-labeled streptavidin. To simulate biological samples from patients with potato food poisoning, SO and CHA powders were mixed with commercially available human serum and urine, and SO and CHA levels were then measured using ELISA. Lastly, SO and CHA levels were detected in extracts from rotten potato (Irish Cobbler) sprouts, peels, and tubers. Results The absorbance of the samples containing SO and CHA prepared in 10 mM phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was about 5-fold higher than that of the conventional ELISA. Furthermore, the absorbance of the samples containing SO and CHA prepared in human serum and urine was enhanced about 2.5- and 1.6-fold, respectively, compared to that of the conventional ELISA. The limit of detection in B-S direct ELISA was 0.32 ng/mL in 10 mM PBS, 2.08 ng/mL in serum, and 4.88 ng/mL in urine, respectively. Using this ELISA, it was also possible to measure the content of SO and CHA in extracts of potato tubers, peels, and sprouts. Both SO and CHA in the extracts from rotten potato tubers and peels were detected as approximately 1.4- and 2.2-fold higher, respectively, in each part than those in the extracts from fresh potatoes. Furthermore, the potato sprout extract contained approximately 50-fold more SO and CHA than the tuber and 9-fold more than the peel. On the other hand, B-S direct ELISA cross-reacted with solanidine and solasodine, which have similar chemical structures to SO and CHA, and also with cholesterol and vitamin D3 in serum. Conclusions Based on our results, B-S direct ELISA presented greater performance in detecting SO and CHA than our conventional ELISA. The non-specific reactions in the serum samples and influence of urea in the urine samples may underlie the reduced detection performance of SO and CHA in ELISA, respectively. Although this ELISA has a detection performance applicable to human biological samples, cross-reactivity should be fully considered when judging the results.

Preliminary pharmacological screening of <i>Eulophia herbacea</i> lindl. tubers extract for anti-inflammatory potential in experimental animals

Preliminary pharmacological screening of <i>Eulophia herbacea</i> lindl. tubers extract for anti-inflammatory potential in experimental animals

Effect of inulin from dahlia tubers (Dahlia variabilis) extract on insulitis severity and insulin expression in diabetic rats.

Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis), a widely cultivated ornamental plant in Indonesia, is known to contain 84.08% inulin in its tubers. Numerous studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic potential of inulin from various plant sources. However, most of the research is in the form of a mixture of inulin with other active substances, and no one has analyzed the effects of inulin derived from dahlia tubers. This study examines the effect of inulin from dahlia tuber extract on blood glucose levels, serum insulin expression, pancreatic tissue insulin expression, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the extent of insulitis in diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 20 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to five groups. Group I served as the control, Group II as the STZ-induced diabetic group, Group III as the STZ-induced diabetic group treated with inulin (0.5 g/kgBW), Group IV as the STZ induced diabetic group treated with inulin (1.0 g/kgBW), and Group V as the STZ-induced diabetic group treated with inulin (1.5 g/kgBW). The inulin was administered for 21 days. The degree of insulitis was evaluated using a scoring system, serum insulin concentration via ELISA, and insulin expression in the pancreas through immunohistochemistry. Administration of inulin from dahlia tubers significantly reduced serum glucose concentrations in diabetic rats. Notably, only inulin extracts at doses of 1 g/kgBW and 1.5 g/kgBW showed a significant reduction in insulitis and HOMA-IR index in diabetic rats, while the 0.5 g/kgBW inulin extract reduced insulitis without affecting HOMA-IR. Inulin extract administration did not affect insulin expression in serum or pancreatic tissue. Inulin from dahlia tuber can exert antidiabetic properties by improving insulin resistance and insulitis. These studies suggest the great potential of dahlia tubers as the source of inulin for prebiotic functional foods.

Larvicidal activity of Sauromatum venosum tuber extract against Culex spp.

Mosquitoes act as the vectors of a variety of diseases that have serious health consequences for humans. In order to stop the spread of disease through mosquitoes, plant extracts have been used as a secure and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Plants produce secondary metabolites that inhibit the growth of insects and exhibit larvicidal activities. In the current study, the Bioefficacy of ethanolic extract of Sauromatum venosum was tested against the fourth instar larva of Culex spp. The LC50 value of ethanolic extract of Sauromatum venosum was 55.571 ppm. The mortality of larvae was examined after 96hours of exposure. The results revealed the promising potential larvicidal properties of the ethanolic extracts of Sauromatum venosum plant against the fourth instar larvae of Culex spp. It has been concluded from this research that larvicidal activities of ethanolic extracts of Sauromatum venosum are due to the presence of phytochemical constituents in it which were confirmed by FTIR spectrum.

CRUDE INULIN DERIVED FROM DAHLIA TUBER AS NANOMATERIAL AND ITS CHARACTERIZATION

Objective: Dahlia tuber (Dahlia sp.) is one of the inulin sources that could be planted in Indonesia. Inulin is fructan-based polysaccharide. Therefore, the research aimed to investigate inulin from the extract of dahlia tuber as a drug excipient, especially for nanoparticles based on inulin-cysteamine thiomer. Methods: Crude inulin was isolated from dahlia tuber using ethanol for maceration. The resulting inulin was characterized using FT-IR and oxidized using sodium periodate (NaIO4) to increase solubility. Afterward, the oxidized crude inulin was further modified by conjugation with cysteamine to produce a cationic thiomer using reductive amination. The thiomer was evaluated regarding the number of thiol groups and solubility. The nanoparticles were prepared using ionic gelation methods. The resulting nanoparticles were evaluated for particle size and zeta potential. Results: Inulin can be isolated from dahlia tuber with its content of 18.60±4.45% and carbohydrate of 61.75±0.75%. Crude inulin can be conjugated with cysteamine to generate a cationic thiomer using NaCNBH3 as a reductant, which can increase its solubility with free thiol group content of 415.21±40.39 µmol/g. Nanoparticles were generated from crude inulin-cysteamine thiomer with sodium tripolyphosphate (NaTTP), leading to a particle size of 180 nm and zeta potential of-10.8 mV. Conclusion: As a potential nanoparticulate drug delivery system, a cationic thiomer could be synthesized from inulin derived from dahlia tuber grown in Indonesia.

Evaluation of the mineral and antinutritional composition of bottled and sterilized Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) milk

Nowadays, beverages are not just considered as thirst quenchers; specific functionality is the major ingredient expected in beverages, which has becomes a lifestyle. In recent years, these initiations have led to newly developed products in the beverages sector. Companies are learning the consumption styles of various individuals and making novel beverages through blends of milk and energy drinks. Tigernut milk is among the most valued plant-based beverages, obtained from the aqueous extract of tigernuts tubers. This study investigated the mineral and antinutritional components of bottled and sterilized tigernut milk. Two varieties of tigernut tuber (Yellow and brown) were processed using three methods (Boiling, soaking and malting), and the milk was bottled and further sterilized. The results obtained showed that Iron recorded the least value at (1.73mg and 2.24mg) for yellow and brown tigernut tubers; alsotigernut tubers were low in some antinutrients except flavonoids. The result for the tigernut milk elucidated that processing and sterilization had little effect on the mineral content of tigernut milk. The study also showed that the pre-processing treatment applied (Soaking, boiling and malting) to the tigernut either increased or caused a decline in the mineral content of the tigernut milk, whereas, processing and sterilization affected the antinutrient content of tigernut milk. All processing methods showed a significant difference (p<0.05.) as there was a decrease in the phytate and oxalate content. The study highlighted the possibility of processing tigernut tubers into milk extract that can be bottled and sterilized for a period of time.

A comprehensive investigation on female Wistar rats examining the therapeutic potential of Pueraria tuberosa on letrozole-induced Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) stands out as the most prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age with 5–10% of women experiencing its effects. Historically known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, its pathology involves various irregularities including heightened androgen levels, insulin resistance, diminished estrogen and progesterone levels, and irregular gonadotropin levels. However, the drugs commonly used to treat PCOS come with multiple side effects and limited efficacy in targeting the disorder’s underlying pathology. Indian kudzu tubers, specifically Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. tubers are a valuable source of phytoestrogens such as puerarin, daidzein, biochanin-A, and formononetin. Phytoestrogens are natural compounds derived from plants that stimulate estrogenic activity through estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), thereby increasing estrogen levels. Hence, the objective of this research was to assess the impact of the ethanolic extract obtained from Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. on the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway in a rat model with induced PCOS using letrozole. Objective To determine the hormonal parameters i.e. estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone level, as well as to evaluate body weight, ovarian weight, and histopathology of the ovary in female rats, we investigated a comprehensive investigation on female Wistar rats examining the therapeutic potential of Pueraria tuberosa on letrozole-induced PCOS. Materials and methods For this aim, animals were divided into six groups (n=6). Control group, untreated letrozole-induced PCOS group (1 mg/kg bwt) for 21 days, PCOS group treated with tuber extract of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC (100 200 and 400 mg/kg bwt) for 14 days, and PCOS group treated with clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg bwt) for 14 days. Finally, body and ovarian weight, and hormonal assays (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels) were conducted. Histomorphometric ovarian evaluation of cystic follicles was determined. Results and conclusion The ethanolic extract of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. tuber exhibited a significant enhancement in both body weight and ovarian weight when compared with the PCOS-induced group. It positively influenced hormonal levels by increasing estrogen and progesterone while decreasing testosterone levels. In addition, the extract normalized the ratio of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels and assessed histomorphometric changes, leading to a reduction in cystic follicles. In summary, the ethanolic extract derived from the tuber of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. demonstrates the potential to alleviate certain symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. This positive impact is attributed to its components, including puerarin, daidzein, biochanin-A, and formononetin, which exhibit estrogenic and antiandrogenic effects. Notably, in this study, doses of 200–400 mg/kg of the extract were identified as the most effective, suggesting their promise as a potential therapeutic intervention for PCOS.

Uji Aktivitas Ekstrak Etanol dan Akuades Umbi Rumput Teki (Cyperus rotundus L.) Sebagai Repellent Terhadap Nyamuk Aedes aegypti

The dengue virus is one of the causes of Dengue Fever (DF) and is transmitted through the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The tuber of the nutgrass plant contains flavonoid compounds known to have insect-repellent activity. This research aims to determine the repellent activity and % protection value of 96% ethanol and water extracts of nutgrass tubers (Cyperus rotundus L.). The research was conducted using male white rats with a repellent test method, and the data generated is the percentage of protection. The concentrations of 1.5%, 3%, and 6% of nutgrass tuber 96% ethanol extract exhibited repellent activity with percentage protection values of 42.7%, 54.02%, and 73.84%, respectively. The aqueous extract of nutgrass tubers showed percentage protection values of 46.34%, 58.66%, and 72.94%, respectively. These results were statistically significant (p<0.05). The research findings indicate that a concentration of 6% provides the highest protection against mosquito bites for both extracts.

Studies on In Vitro Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Anti-oxidative Inflammatory Response of Methanolic Tuber Extracts Derived From Terminalia chebula.

Aim This study aims to investigate the antibacterial, antifungal, and phytochemical properties of methanolic tuber extracts from Terminalia chebula. Additionally, the study seeks to assess the in vitro anticancer effects of these extracts on an oral cancer cell line, as well as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Materials and methods The research involves examining the antibacterial and antifungal properties of methanolic tuber extracts from Terminalia chebula. The phytochemical composition will be analyzed using standard techniques. The in vitro anticancer effects will be tested on an oral cancer cell line, while antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities will be evaluated through appropriate assays. Results The study demonstrated that Terminalia chebula methanolic tuber extracts exhibit cytotoxic effects on the oral cancer cell line (KB-1), reducing cell viability as evidenced by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. A concentration of 30 µg/mL induced notable morphological changes observed under an inverted fluorescence microscope. Antioxidant assays showed a maximum absorption of 85.3% with 50 µL of the extract, while anti-inflammatory tests revealed a 76.0% absorption. Antimicrobial activity, assessed via agar-well diffusion, indicated significant antibacterial effects, especially against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans at higher concentrations. The findings suggest promising therapeutic potential for Terminalia chebula extracts. Conclusion Terminalia chebula tuber extracts may treat diseases caused by studied organisms. The study suggests that methanolic extracts from Terminalia chebula tubers have potential commercial value due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. The extracts induced apoptosis in an oral cancer cell line at 30 µg/mL after 24 hours. Further research is needed to understand the active components and underlying molecular mechanisms.

Anti-colon Cancer Effect of Apio Tuber Extract

Anti-colon Cancer Effect of Apio Tuber Extract

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of nutgrass tuber (Cyperus rotundus L.) on extraction with different solvent polarity and particle sizes

Nutgrass tuber (Cyperus rotundus L.) is a wild weed often used as traditional medicine locally, having potential as an antioxidant and antibacterial. This study aimed to determine the effect of the type of solvent with different polarity and particle size on the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of nutgrass tuber (C. rotundus L.) extract and to determine the best type of solvent and particle size to produce nutgrass tuber extract with the highest antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity. The experiment design was a factorial randomized block design (RBD). A total of three different solvent treatments (ethanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane) was the first factor while the particle size with three treatment levels of 40-, 60-, and 80-mesh sieves was the second factor. Data were then analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test. The results showed that the type of solvent, particle size, and their interactions were highly significant on the antioxidant activity and the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli had a significant effect by the interaction. For the antioxidant activity test, the best treatment was ethanol with particle size produced using the 80-mesh sieve resulting in an IC50 value of 192.18±0.43 ppm. The best antibacterial activity was the extract using ethyl acetate and the particle size produced using the 80-mesh sieve. Meanwhile, the antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus was 3.53±0.19 mm2 /mL and 10.67±0.14 mm2 /mL (AU), respectively. This suggested nutgrass tuber extract with suitable solvent has the potency as an antioxidant and antibacterial.

Isolation and Identification of Yeasts from Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Fruit and Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Tuber

Different species of yeast inhabit various plant types and parts owing to variations in their nutrient needs. Thus, an effort to identify ideal yeast species for a given industrial process would require a certain level of research input directed toward their habitats. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and isolate yeast cells from the fruit and tuber of tomato and cassava respectively. Yeasts were isolated from the extract of cassava and tomato tuber and fruit respectively. Morphological, biochemical and microscopic assessments were determined using standard procedures. Results obtained from this study showed Saccharomyces constituted (66.7%) of the microbial populations, while Candida constituted (33%) of the sample. In conclusion, it can be deduced from this study that tomatoes can be relied upon as a dependable source of Saccharomyces for certain industrial processes such as the production of brewery products.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of phytocompounds isolated from Hydnophytum formicarum Jack tuber extracts.

Hydnophytum formicarum Jack is an epiphyte also known as “pokok sarang semut” or “pokok kepala beruk”. It is a traditional herbal remedy for hepatitis, rheumatism, diarrhoea, and lung cancer. There is a lack of information about the presence of phytochemicals in this plant, particularly those from Malaysia, and different extraction protocols indicate the presence of different chemicals. For this study, H. formicarum tuber were extracted using hexane, methanol, and ethyl acetate and the chemical compounds were identified using GC-MS. The extracts of H. formicarum tubers yielded 28 different compounds. The tuber of H. formicarum contains a wide range of chemical compounds with potential medicinal values.

The Effect of Using Aqueous Extract of Cyperus Rotundus Tubers on Characteristics and Shelf Life of Chicken Nuggets

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of the Cyperus ‎rotundus tubers ‎on fat oxidation and stored frozen chicken nuggets' physical and microbial ‎characteristics. The extract was incorporated into minced poultry meat at concentrations of 0% (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%, and the treated samples were stored for periods of 1 and 30 days at -18°C. The addition of Cyperus rotundus extract significantly improved the pH values and water-holding capacity of the treated nuggets (T2, T3, T4, and T5) compared to the control (T1) across both storage durations. Moreover, a notable reduction in lipid oxidation markers (peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA), free fatty acids (FFA), and total volatile nitrogen (TVN) was observed in the treated samples relative to the control. Additionally, a significant decrease in the total coliform bacteria count was evident in the treated nuggets, which inversely correlated with the concentration of the Cyperus rotundus extract. The findings suggest that the aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus tubers beneficially affects the quality and safety of chicken nuggets, enhancing their shelf life when stored at -18°C for up to 30 days‎‎‎.

Comprehensive Review of Cyclamen: Development, Bioactive Properties, and Therapeutic Applications.

Plants are being researched as potential sources of novel drugs, which has led to a recent acceleration in the discovery of new bioactive compounds. Research on tissue culture technology for the synthesis and processing of plant compounds has skyrocketed, surpassing all expectations. These plants can be bought either raw or as extracts, where some of the chemicals are extracted by mashing the plant in water, alcohol, or another solvent. The use of herbal medicine may open new chances for reducing the onset of infections and treating different diseases including cancer. A perennial plant that blooms in the winter, Cyclamen, is one of the most widely used potted flowers in many nations. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, sterols, and glycosides are the main active components of Cyclamen. Analgesic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties have all been demonstrated as potential effects of various extracts of Cyclamen tubers. However, the use of this medicinal plant in official medicine will require further research in the areas of pharmacology. Furthermore, it is necessary to create standard operating procedures for a crude herbal medication. In this regard, this review aims to highlight the key characteristics of the Cyclamen plant, such as its various parts, species, stages of development, and geographic range; pinpoint its intriguing bioactivities, its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and its anti-cancerous effects; and ascertain its potential medicinal uses and the main future perspectives.

Study of Total Phenols, Flavonoids, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities from Dioscorea hispida Tubers

The tubers of Dioscorea hispida Dennst., a Dioscoreaceae plant, contain flavonoid molecules and plant secondary metabolites that are antioxidants and antibacterials. In this study, the total phenolic content and flavonoids from the ethanol extract and fraction (n-hexane and ethyl acetate) of Dioscorea tuber were investigated for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Fractionation with n-hexane and ethyl acetate followed by diffusion with 96% ethanol. The Folin-Ciocalteau reagent measured total phenol at 765 nm, and the AlCl3 method measured total flavonoid at 440 nm using a visible spectrophotometer. The DPPH assessed the antioxidant activity, whereas the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was determined using agar diffusion on paper discs. The extract, n-hexane fraction, and ethyl acetate exhibited total phenolic content of 33.02, 5.95, and 156.33 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. Similarly, the total flavonoid content was measured at 20.26, 14.31, and 74.02 mg QE/g extract. The extract, n-hexane fraction, and ethyl acetate of the Dioscorea tuber exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8.25, 7.76, and 10.30 mg/mL against S. aureus and 8.51, 8.31, and 12.05, against E. coli, respectively. The findings of this study indicate that the ethanol extract and n-hexane fraction derived from Dioscorea tubers exhibited comparatively diminished antioxidant and antibacterial properties in comparison to the ethyl acetate fraction. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited elevated concentrations of total phenols and total flavonoids in comparison to the remaining fractions.

Enhanced Efficacy of Ciprofloxacin and Tobramycin against Staphylococcus aureus When Combined with Corydalis Tuber and Berberine through Efflux Pump Inhibition.

One way that bacteria develop antibiotic resistance is by reducing intracellular antibiotic concentrations through efflux pumps. Therefore, enhancing the efficacy of antibiotics using efflux pump inhibitors provides a way to overcome this type of resistance. Notably, an increasing number of pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus strains have efflux pump genes. In this study, the extract from Corydalis ternata Nakai tuber (Corydalis Tuber) at 512 mg/L was demonstrated to have an antibiotic synergistic effect with ciprofloxacin at 2 mg/L and tobramycin at 1024 mg/L against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid identified in Corydalis Tuber, was identified as contributing to this effect. Ethidium bromide efflux pump activity assays showed that Corydalis Tuber extract and berberine inhibited efflux, suggesting that they are efflux pump inhibitors. Molecular docking simulations suggested that berberine binds to S. aureus efflux pump proteins MepA, NorA, NorB, and SdrM. Additionally, berberine and Corydalis Tuber extract inhibit biofilm formation, which can confer antibiotic resistance. This study's findings suggest that Corydalis Tuber, a traditional herbal medicine, and berberine, a medicinal supplement, act as S. aureus efflux pump inhibitors, synergistically increasing the efficacy of ciprofloxacin and tobramycin and showing promise as a treatment for antibiotic-resistant S. aureus infections, including MRSA.

Effects of Aquatic Extracts of Cyperus Rotundus Tubers on the Level of Blood Sugar in Healthy and Diabetic Rats

In this investigation, the effectiveness of aquatic extracts of Cyperus rotundus tubers was examined. The aerial parts of the curly plant (Teucrium polium) and the fruits of the carob plant (Prosopis farcta) help reduce levels of glucose, cholesterol, and blood triglyceride levels of healthy male rats and those with induced diabetes. With alloxan and compared with the effect of insulin. It has been shown that aqueous extracts of saad, jaada, and carob caused the levels of the blood sugar decreasing significantly. In healthy plus rats with diabetes. The results of this study show that the aqueous extract of Saad tubers caused a significant decrease in the lipid and cholesterol content of all but the aquatic extract of carob fruits prompted a notable drop in the quantity of triglycerides only, while the aqueous extract did not change the aerial parts of the increase in the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in rats with diabetes.

Features of bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere of Gastrodia elata cultivated in greenhouse for early harvest.

Symbiotic microbes are essential for developing and growing Gastrodia elata, an achlorophyllous orchid of high medicinal value. Recently, the cultivation of G. elata in greenhouses has been adopted in Korea to produce mature tubers in a short time. However, no studies have been conducted on the microbial community structure of G. elata cultivated in greenhouse environments. Therefore, we analyzed the temporal features of bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere of G. elata at the juvenile [JT; 2 months after sowing (MAS)], young (YT; 6 MAS), and mature (MT; 11 MAS) tuber stages using culture-dependent and high-throughput sequencing technology. The richness and diversity of the bacterial and fungal communities decreased with tuber growth of G. elata. The symbiotic fungi Mycena sp. and Armillaria sp. as well as tuber extract inhibited the growth of various soil-inhabiting fungal and bacterial strains, indicating that G. elata and its symbiotic fungi play important roles in the selection of rhizosphere microbes. Mortierella rishikesha was the most abundant fungal species in the rhizosphere. We also identified the microorganisms potentially beneficial for G. elata development during greenhouse cultivation. Tubers and symbiotic fungi actively exert selective pressure on rhizosphere microbes, influencing the diversity and abundance of bacterial and fungal communities as G. elata grows. This study is a first report on the temporal microbial community structure of G. elata cultivated in greenhouse. The results on the associated microbiome of G. elata will help understand their beneficial interactions with G. elata and contribute to improvement in cultivation.

Systematic Evaluation of Aegle marmelos-Derived Compounds: Potential Therapeutic Agents Against Inflammation and Oxidative Stress.

Aim This study aimed to evaluate the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Aegle marmelos active compoundsthrough a multifaceted approach. The investigation encompasses molecular docking studies, computational pharmacokinetic predictions, and in vitro assessments, with a focus on understanding their physiochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and molecular interactions. Materials and methods This study was conducted in the Research Departmentof Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Tamilnadu, India. The study employed Soxhlet and methanol extraction techniques to obtain Aegle marmelos extracts, which were then subjected to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the H2O2 assay, while anti-inflammatory potential was determined via the egg albumin denaturation assay. Molecular docking studies were conducted with human heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and human zanthine oxidoreductase (XO) proteins to elucidate potential therapeutic interactions. Furthermore, computational tools like SwissADME, pkCSM, and ADMETlab 2.0 were utilized to predict physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, providing insights into the compoundabsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles. This integrated approach aimed to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic potential of Aegle marmelos-derived compounds against inflammation and oxidative stress-related disorders, paving the way for future drug development endeavors. Results In the antioxidant assay, Aegle marmelos methanolic tuber extracts showed exceptional absorption of 87.4%, surpassing the reference standard. In the anti-inflammatory assay, the extracts displayed an absorption of approximately 79%, indicating significant anti-inflammatory potential. Auraptene, imperatorin, luvangetin, and psoralen exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties and adherence to the Lipinski rule of 5, suggesting promising drug development potential. In molecular docking, imperatorin demonstrated the highest binding affinity to HHO-1 and XO. Conclusion The study on Aegle marmelos highlights its potential as a therapeutic agent due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Phytochemical constituents, such as auraptene, imperatorin, luvangetin, and psoralen, show promising pharmacokinetic profiles, suggesting their suitability for drug development. Molecular docking analysis reveals imperatorin as the most effective binder to key enzymes, emphasizing its therapeutic potential against inflammation and oxidative stress-related disorders.