Fragrant Flowers Research Articles

LiNAC100 contributes to linalool biosynthesis by directly regulating LiLiS in Lilium 'Siberia'.

The transcription factor LiNAC100 has a novel function of regulating floral fragrance by directly regulating linalool synthase gene LiLiS. Lilium 'Siberia', an Oriental hybrid, is renowned as both a cut flower and garden plant, prized for its color and fragrance. The fragrance comprises volatile organic compounds (VOCs), primarily monoterpenes found in the plant. While the primary terpene synthases in Lilium 'Siberia' were identified, the transcriptional regulation of these terpene synthase (TPS) genes remains unclear. Thus, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of monoterpene biosynthesis is crucial for breeding flower fragrance, thereby improving ornamental and commercial values. In this study, we isolated a nuclear-localized LiNAC100 transcription factor from Lilium 'Siberia'. The virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of LiNAC100 was found to down-regulate the expression of linalool synthase gene (LiLiS) and significantly inhibit linalool synthesis. Conversely, transient overexpression of LiNAC100 produced opposite effects. Additionally, yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that LiNAC100 directly activates LiLiS expression. Our findings reveal that LiNAC100 plays a key role in monoterpene biosynthesis in Lilium 'Siberia', promoting linalool synthesis through the activation of LiLiS expression. These results offer insights into the molecular mechanisms of terpene biosynthesis in Lilium 'Siberia' and open avenues for biotechnological enhancement of floral scent.

Isabella Whitney’s Bruised Brain: Taking Care of the Mind in Elizabethan Poetic Posies

ABSTRACT Sixteenth and seventeenth-century writers were preoccupied with reflecting on the nature of the mind. A vast array of authors seized upon the opportunities offered by new and established literary genres to explore the place that the mind held as a governing force of the human individual, but little attention has been paid to the portrayal of minds suffering from creative frustrations of a non-romantic nature. My article establishes the importance of this literary topos in respect to Isabella Whitney’s A Sweet Nosgay (1573), Nicholas Breton’s A Smale Handfull of Fragrant Flowers (1575), and George Gascoigne’s The Posies of George Gascoigne (1575). I explore the prefatory materials of each collection to reveal their shared concern with the ways that the mind can be corrupted, and perhaps cured, by the labor of poetry creation. More specifically, I trace the notion of the bruised brain as it appears in the prefatory poems of Whitney’s Nosgay to Gascoigne’s Posies to establish new points of connection and potential influence between these authors, in addition to shedding new light on an underappreciated aspect of Elizabethan poetic culture.

The first USA continental record of coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) on coffee (Coffea arabica) in southwest Florida, USA.

Coffee leaf rust (CLR), caused by Hemileia vastatrix Berk. & Broome (Zaghouaniaceae) is considered the most significant fungal disease of Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae), from which berries are harvested and processed to obtain coffee beverage (Talhinhas et al. 2017). In Florida, coffee plants are mainly used as ornamentals due to their fragrant flowers; however, there are ongoing field trials evaluating the adaptability of plants for coffee production to climate conditions in the state (Crane et al. 2005). In November 2021, young seedlings of C. arabica var. caturra from a residence in Naples (Collier County) in southwest Florida were discovered with signs of rust fungus. Minute, yellow, suprastomatal sori 53-81 µm in diam were formed on the abaxial leaf surface, forming blotches. Light-yellow urediniospores measured 29-31 × 20-29 µm, with a reniform or "hunchbacked" shape, had thick walls measuring 1.5-2.5 µm in height, and were dorsally echinulate, the individual spikes measuring 2.5-3.3 µm in height. Spikes were scattered over most of the dorsal surface and form a dense ridge separating the dorsal from the smooth ventral side. (e-Xtra Fig. 1). Symptoms and signs are consistent with published descriptions of CLR produced by H. vastatrix (Ritschel 2005). To confirm the identification, DNA sequencing of the large subunit (LSU) of the ribosomal repeat was done following the protocols of Aime (2006) (GenBank accession number OR296753-OR296754). The Florida specimen shares 100% sequence identity (887/728 bp) with other accessions of H. vastatrix in congruence with maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis performed in RAxMLv8.0.0 (Stamatakis 2014) (e-Xtra Fig. 2). In addition to CLR, Hemileia coffeicola Maubl. & Roger, causal agent of powdery rust of coffee, produces similar leaf spots on coffee but has a restricted geographical distribution. This agent is found only above 500 m a.s.l. in central Africa (Silva et al. 2006) and produces larger urediniospores (34-40 × 20-28 µm) (Maublanc & Roger 1934) in sori are scattered in abaxial leaf surface giving a powdery appearance. Hemileia vastatrix has been reported from almost every major coffee growing country of the world as well as Hawaii and Puerto Rico (Keith et al. 2022, Ramirez-Camejo et al., 2022). This is the first report of CLR in the continental USA, however, CLR poses a limited threat to the USA agriculture in view of the fact coffee is not commercially grown within the continental USA. A voucher was made of dried symptomatic leaves and deposited at Plant Industry Gainesville Herbarium (PIHG 15712, 16332) and the Arthur Fungarium at Purdue University (PUR N23473). The remaining infested coffee seedlings were destroyed after phytopathological diagnosis, and the pathogen has been absent from all additional screenings since November 2021.

A orquídea nativa brasileira Brassavola tuberculata Hook.: potencial ornamental e reintrodução

Abstract The use of native species in landscaping has gained prominence due to their adaptability and sustainability compared to exotic species. To introduce a new plant into landscaping, it is necessary to define desirable ornamental characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the ornamental potential and the feasibility of reintroducing the brazilian native orchid Brassavola tuberculata Hook. in natural environments, aiming for its use in sustainable landscaping with and without fertilization. The research was conducted in two main stages. In the first stage, the morphological characteristics of three individuals with floral buds were analyzed, focusing on quantitative aspects. The results showed that the species presents elegant inflorescences and fragrant flowers, with slightly yellowish white petals and a labellum articulated at the base. In the second stage, 20 plants originating from asymbiotic seeding, approximately 10 cm in height, were reintroduced into phorophytes of Hymenaea courbaril. A mixture of buriti palm fiber and coconut chips was used as the substrate. The plants were divided into two groups: one received 12 g of controlled-release fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15 + micronutrients) and the other received no fertilization. Evaluations were carried out on the day of reintroduction (day zero) and at 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 360 days after reintroduction. The results indicate that the morphological aspects of B. tuberculata attribute ornamental potential to the species, and it can be successfully reintroduced into natural environments, even without fertilization. The plant demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and survive, reorganizing its metabolism to cope with initial stress.

Componentes de aroma floral em Rhododendron fortunei e sua regulação pela expressão gênica de S-adenosil-L-metionina: ácido benzóico carboxil metil transferase (BAMT)

ABSTRACT: Rhododendron fortune belongs to a scented Rhododendron species native to China, which produces fragrant flowers of great ornamental and environmental values for landscaping or indoor beautification. However, the scents in Rhododendron fortuneihave not yet been investigated, let alone the mechanism of the formation of these fragrance in the flowers. In this study, we measured the scents in terms of its volatile components and contents (VOC) in Rhododendron fortuneiat four different flowering stages and in different tissues of the plant by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction combined (HS-SPME) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Then the characteristic aromatic values, which reflects the degree of scent perception by human, of each VOC in the plant was calculated according to its respective aromatic thresholds. Results showed that three main VOCs measured from highest to lowest are methyl benzoates, terpenes and fatty acid derivatives. Their content increased after the flower bud opening and reached the highest at half to full blossom. In a flower most VOC contents were measured in petals and only trace amount in other tissues such as stamen, pistil. A small amount of VOCs was determined in leaves as well.All aromatic values were almost corresponded to the contents of three main VOCs, indicating that the flower fragrance arises truly from these VOC components. S-adenosyl-L-methionine: benzoic acid carboxyl methyl transferase (BAMT) catalyzes the final step to form methyl benzoates. To understand the mechanism of the formation of this main type fragrance and its regulation, we firstly isolate a gene of RfBAMT from petal of Rhododendron fortuneiby using homologous cloning and RACE technology. The full length of its cDNA was 1383 bp，with an open reading frame of 1104 bp, encoding a total of 368 amino acids. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that RfBAMT was the closest to the BSMT of Camellia japonica, belonging to methyltransferases family. Then we measured the expression level of RfBAMT again at four flower developmental stages and in different flower tissues and leaves. The results showed that the expression level of this gene was highly positively correlated with the emitted content of methyl benzoates in the flowering, implying that RfBAMT plays a pivotal role in the formation and regulation of methyl benzoates in Rhododendron fortune.Thisresearchshowed that the RfBAMT was cloned and identified in our study and its expression level was highly positively correlated with the emitted content of methyl benzoates in the flowers and leaves, which indicated this gene may play an important role on regulation of methyl benzoate synthesis in Rhododendron fortunei.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Long Non-Coding RNAs Associated with Floral Scent Formation in Jasmine (Jasminum sambac).

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as curial regulators of diverse biological processes in plants. Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) is a world-renowned ornamental plant for its attractive and exceptional flower fragrance. However, to date, no systematic screening of lncRNAs and their regulatory roles in the production of the floral fragrance of jasmine flowers has been reported. In this study, we identified a total of 31,079 novel lncRNAs based on an analysis of strand-specific RNA-Seq data from J. sambac flowers at different stages. The lncRNAs identified in jasmine flowers exhibited distinct characteristics compared with protein-coding genes (PCGs), including lower expression levels, shorter transcript lengths, and fewer exons. Certain jasmine lncRNAs possess detectable sequence conservation with other species. Expression analysis identified 2752 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE_lncRNAs) and 8002 DE_PCGs in flowers at the full-blooming stage. DE_lncRNAs could potentially cis- and trans-regulate PCGs, among which DE_lincRNAs and their targets showed significant opposite expression patterns. The flowers at the full-blooming stage are specifically enriched with abundant phenylpropanoids and terpenoids potentially contributed by DE_lncRNA cis-regulated PCGs. Notably, we found that many cis-regulated DE_lncRNAs may be involved in terpenoid and phenylpropanoid/benzenoid biosynthesis pathways, which potentially contribute to the production of jasmine floral scents. Our study reports numerous jasmine lncRNAs and identifies floral-scent-biosynthesis-related lncRNAs, which highlights their potential functions in regulating the floral scent formation of jasmine and lays the foundations for future molecular breeding.

Floral volatile composition of Jasminum sambac variants developed through colchicine

Jasmines are commercially grown for their fragrant flowers and essential oil. The present study investigates the composition of the volatile compounds from flowers of Jasminum sambac cv. Ramanthapuram Gundumalli and its variants that were evolved through colchicine. GC-MS analysis revealed that the flowers possessed major terpenes and sesquiterpenes such as Linalool, α-farnesene, germacrene-D, geranyl Linalool and D-Limonene as well as benzenoids (including benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol and (Z)-Cinnamyl benzoate). The relative abundance of these volatile compounds in the variants have shown higher percentages than their wild-type (parent) which indicates that the variants possessed enhanced volatile composition. The new variations generated in floral volatile composition of J. sambac through polyploidisation are likely to have significant impact on the loose flower and perfume industries. Besides, the identified unique compounds can also be used as metabolic signatures to characterise the novel variants.

Targeted metabolite profiling and de novo transcriptome sequencing reveal the key terpene synthase genes in medicinally important plant, Couroupita guianensis Aubl

AbstractThe Lecythidaceae family tree, Couroupita guianensis Aubl, popularly known as Nagpushpa, is a widely cultivated ornamental tree with several uses in traditional medicine. The tree is revered as highly sacred in Indian traditional culture due to its uniquely shaped, fragrant flowers. Considering the significance, we were prompted to carry out the metabolite and transcriptome analysis of Nagapushpa. The flower, petals, stamen, stem and leaf of C. guianensis were metabolically profiled, and it was discovered that the flower tissue contained the highest terpenoid reservoir. A number of terpenoid pathway transcripts were also found in the flower tissue after transcriptome profiling. KEGG pathway mapping was carried out to correlate transcript sequences with the biosynthesis of different types of terpenes. We were able to clone three full-length terpene synthase gene candidates, i.e. monoterpene ocimene synthase, diterpene ent-kaurene synthase and sesquiterpene farnesene synthase. The transcript expression of selected terpene synthase genes was also verified in flower tissue. These cloned sequences were used for in silico structural investigations and protein function prediction at the level of 3D structure. The data presented in this study provide a comprehensive resource for the metabolic and transcriptomic profiles of C. guianensis. The study paves the way towards the elucidation of terpene biosynthetic pathway in C. guianensis and heterologous production of useful terpenoids in the future.

Geranyl diphosphate synthase large subunits OfLSU1/2 interact with small subunit OfSSUII and are involved in aromatic monoterpenes production in Osmanthus fragrans

Osmanthus fragrans is a famous ornamental tree species for its pleasing floral fragrance. Monoterpenoids are the core floral volatiles of O. fragrans flowers, which have tremendous commercial value. Geranyl diphosphate synthase (GPPS) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the formation of GPP, the precursor of monoterpenoids. However, there are no reports of GPPSs in O. fragrans. Here, we performed RNA sequencing on the O. fragrans flowers and identified three GPPSs. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that OfLSU1/2 belonged to the GPPS.LSU branch, while the OfSSUII belonged to the GPPS.SSU branch. OfLSU1, OfLSU2 and OfSSUII were all localized in chloroplasts. Y2H and pull-down assays showed that OfLSU1 or OfLSU2 interacted with OfSSUII to form heteromeric GPPSs. Site mutation experiments revealed that the conserved CXXXC motifs of OfLSU1/2 and OfSSUII were essential for the interaction between OfLSU1/2 and OfSSUII. Transient expression experiments showed that OfLSU1, OfLSU2 and OfSSUII co-expressed with monoterpene synthase genes OfTPS1 or OfTPS2 improved the biosynthesis of monoterpenoids (E)-β-ocimene and linalool. The heteromeric GPPSs formed by OfLSU1/2 interacting with OfSSUII further improves the biosynthesis of monoterpenoids. Overall, these preliminary results suggested that the GPPSs play a key role in regulating the production of aromatic monoterpenes in O. fragrans.

Moisture content of tea dhool for the scenting process affects the aroma quality and volatile compounds of osmanthus black tea

To improve the quality of osmanthus black tea, samples produced with different scenting methods were prepared. The sensory quality was assessed and the characteristic aromatic components were explored using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. According to the results, osmanthus black tea obtained by adding osmanthus scenting in the fermentation process had the strongest floral aroma. The major contributors to the aroma of osmanthus black tea were identified as β-ionone, dihydro-β-ionone, benzeneacetaldehyde, citral, geraniol, and linalool by calculating their relative odor activity values. An analysis of the causes revealed that the moisture content of tea dhool significantly affected the adsorption of fresh flower aroma by tea. The experimental results showed that osmanthus black tea produced using tea dhool containing 30% moisture content had the highest content of crucial aroma components, suggesting the tea dhool under this condition had the strongest adsorption capacity for osmanthus aroma.

Agro-mophological characterization, adaptational behaviour and flower abnormalities of Lilium L. cultivars in addition to a flower with stochastic flower formula

This experiment was undertaken to determine the adaptation of Lilium L. cultivars to North-Western part of Türkiye and to define morphologic plant growth characteristics at aboveground part, including flower life and flower abnormalities. The bulbs of the three Lilium L. cultivars, ‘Profundo’, ‘Valverde’, and ‘Vonq’, were sown to perlite in pots in June, 2021, and evaluated for emergence and flowering rates, stem and plant height, stem and flower diameter, leaf and flower number, flower abnormality rates, flower fragrance degree and flower life in 2022, after one year adaptation without removing the previous sown bulbs. As the results of the cultivars differences these were determined that, at the adaptive year; the emergence rates varied between 60.42-89.58%, flowering rates changed between 43.75-87.50%, stem heights changed between 40.63-48.25 cm, plant heights changed between 52.50-59.75 cm and these data showed statistically importance. In addition to the data in the adaptive year; stem diameters, leaf numbers, flower numbers flower fragrance degree and flower longevities also showed statistical importance between cultivars. The flower abnormality rates were found between 8.3-25% in cultivars although no statistical results. Interestingly a striking, stochastic case also was observed from a flower with 8 tepals, 8 stamen and 4 lobed stigma at ‘Valverde’ contrary to well-known flower formula. It has been concluded that ‘Profundo’ has more remarkable result in terms of longevity of flower compared to the other two varieties while ‘Valverde’ and ‘Vonq’ shared the same group with some precedence in most of the agro-morphologic characteristics e.g. plant height, stem height and stem diameter. Lilium L. ‘Vonq’ showed that the highest adaptive capacity among the cultivars with the highest emergence rate (89.58) in all sowed bulbs and flowering rate (87.50) in all emerged bulbs under the study conditions in the open-air.

Effectiveness of Rosella Flower Extract Addition (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on the Physicochemical Quality of Liquid Soap

Soap is one of the daily necessities that is often used, from household scale to industrial scale. Soap serves to kill germs so that the skin surface becomes clean. Therefore, soap usually contains Triclocarban which functions as an antibacterial agent. However, this substance can cause bacterial resistance to antibiotics if used for a long period of time. Therefore, it is necessary to substitute this chemical substance which is more natural such as red Rosella plant flower extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of the addition of Rosella flower extract on the physicochemical quality of liquid soap. The research method is experimental laboratory. The formulations of red Rosella flower extract used were 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%. Soap was tested for physical characteristics, namely color and aroma, while testing chemical characteristics with a pH test. Data analysis was carried out descriptively qualitative. The results showed that the addition of Rosella flower extract proved effective in changing the physical characteristics of soap, namely odor and color. The higher the percentage of red Rosella flower extract formulation added, the more red-colored the soap and the more the soap has a distinctive Rosella flower aroma. The higher the percentage of red Rosella flower extract formulation added, the pH of the soap is closer to neutral. Soap with a pH that tends to neutral pH is better for the skin because it does not damage the lipid layer of the skin surface. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that red Rosella flower extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is proven to effectively improve the physicochemical quality of liquid soap

Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Illuminates Unique Traits of Elusive Night Flowering Jasmine Parijat (Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis)

AbstractThe night‐flowering Jasmine, Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis also known as Parijat, is a perennial woody shrub belonging to the family of Oleaceae. It is popular for its fragrant flowers that bloom in the night and is a potent source of secondary metabolites. However, knowledge about its genome and the expression of genes regulating flowering or secondary metabolite accumulation is lacking. In this study, we generated whole genome sequencing data to assemble the first de novo assembly of Parijat and use it for comparative genomics and demographic history reconstruction. The temporal dynamics of effective population size (Ne) experienced a positive influence of colder climates suggesting the switch to night flowering may have provided an evolutionary advantage. We employed multi‐tissue transcriptome sequencing of floral stages/parts to obtain insights into the transcriptional regulation of nocturnal flower development and the production of volatiles/metabolites. Tissue‐specific transcripts for mature flowers revealed key players in circadian regulation and flower development, including the auxin pathway and cell wall modifying genes. Furthermore, we identified tissue‐specific transcripts responsible for producing numerous secondary metabolites, mainly terpenoids and carotenoids. The diversity and specificity of Terpene Synthase (TPS) and CCDs (Carotenoid Cleavage Deoxygenases) mediate the bio‐synthesis of specialised metabolites in Parijat. Our study establishes Parijat as a novel non‐model species to understand the molecular mechanisms of nocturnal blooming and secondary metabolite production.

He Inoa 'Ala: Scent, Memory, and Identity in Indigenous Comics

Abstract: More than any other of the bodily senses, Native Hawaiians rely on scent to navigate the world around us: it is the form through which we understand the language of the land and by extension, one another. It is the means through which we maintain memories and preserve stories, tucked away between the blossoms of fragrant flowers and billowing from plumes of volcanic sulfur and steam. How do we share these stories in a way more aligned with the worldview of our ancestors while still utilizing the power and pervasiveness of contemporary media? How do we confront the historiographical challenges of reproducing these storytelling landscapes radically altered by settler colonialism, including the loss of language and environmental destruction? My paper, "He Inoa 'Ala: Scent, Memory, and Identity in Indigenous Comics," is a graphic essay that explores the potential sensory aesthetics has in developing a uniquely Native Hawaiian approach to creating comics and graphic novels. Through real-time trial and error, this paper is an active series of experimentations to discover where the visual and pictorial language of comics and the layered storytelling experiences of Hawaiian mo'olelo–place-based storied histories–productively meld together and strengthen the formal qualities of one another. Spiraling through historical analysis of colonial deodorization in the form of the 19th century sandalwood trade and weaving in and out of personal narrative, "He Inoa 'Ala" is my attempt to push the boundaries of both cartooning and scholarly writing, all in the effort to discover creative methods that can be used to illustrate an entirely new genre of Indigenous graphic literature.

Pertumbuhan Tanaman Anggrek Cattleya (Cattleya eximia) secara In-Vitro pada Media MS dengan Subtitusi NAA dan BAP

Orchid plants are one of good prospects commodities for the floriculture business because they have high aesthetic value. Cattleya orchid has distinctive characteristics with large, beautiful, brightly colored and fragrant flowers. In vitro propagation is one way to meet the increasing demand for orchids. In vitro culture techniques require a lot of culture media to multiply plants in large quantities, so an alternative is needed to increase the effectiveness of using media such as the addition of plant growth regulators. Therefore, research was carried out on the growth of in vitro cattleya orchids on MS media with NAA and BAP substitutions. This study aimed to determine the effect of adding NAA and BAP to MS media on the growth of in vitro cattleya orchid explants. This research was conducted from June to September 2022 at the Jember State Polytechnic Tissue Culture Laboratory. This study used completely randomized design factorial. The first factor was the NAA concentration consisted of 3 levels, namely 0, 1 and 2 ppm. The second factor was the BAP concentration consisted of 3 levels, namely 0, 2 and 4 ppm. Observational variables included plant height, the number of shoots, leaves and roots. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level. Giving NAA 2 ppm + BAP 2 ppm was the best treatment for the number of leaves while giving NAA 2 ppm resulted in the best root growth.

Effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, α-naphthylacetic acid on the variant formation of Valentine Hoya (Hoya kerrii)

Valentine Hoya (Hoya kerrii) is favoured by many people for its richness in leaf shape, colour and flower fragrance. To increase the diversity and abundance of Hoya, leaf samples were transplanted into MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D and α-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) (concentration 4-7 mg/l) to create callus and induce mutations. Calli formation rate was observed at 100% after 15 days of culture in all treatments supplemented with growth regulators, while the control treatment showed no callus formation. The results of rapid callus multiplication showed that the callus-forming leaf sample obtained from the treatment of 5 mg/l 2,4-D gave the largest callus size (2.98 cm). The 45-day-old calli were transferred to MS + 1 mg/l IBA + 3.5 mg/l BAP regeneration medium, the time of shoot appearance for callus samples treated with NAA was 95 days after subculture with the highest regeneration rate of 66.67%, earlier than 2,4-D treated calli (225 days, 50% regeneration rate). The results of genetic divergence analysis using RAPD markers recorded a total of 330 DNA bands with molecular sizes ranging from 170 to 2700 bp. The polymorphism information content index was calculated in the 0.23-0.40 range. Samples treated with 5 mg/l NAA had the lowest similarity coefficient of 0.455, growth parameters such as petiole diameter, dermal tissue thickness, vascular bundle area, and a number of wood bundles recorded in samples treated with 5 mg/l NAA were superior to those of the control.Keywords:α-naphthylacetic acid, Hoya kerrii, polymorphisminformation content, variation, 2,4-D.Classification number:4.6

Optimization of the Mixing of Hibiscus Flower (Hibiscus rose sinensis) Extract as a Lip Balm Color with Variations in Concentration

Hibiscus rosa sinensis L. is widely used by the community to decorate the garden because of its splendor. In addition, Hibiscus flowers containing anthocyanin and flavonoids have antioxidants, which function as antioxidants against free radicals. This natural dye can be obtained by extracting Hibiscus flowers through maceration using 96% ethanol. In this research, Hibiscus flowers were obtained from Sendang Rejo Village, Lamongan Regency. In the extract process, the Hibiscus flower’s petals were blended until smooth, then added to 96% ethanol (1 liter) and stirred for 30 minutes. Filtrate results were taken, placed in a porcelain dish, and put in an oven at 60 °C for a day. Four formulas were made with varying levels of Hibiscus flower extract: F1 (0%), F2 (2%), F3 (4%), and F4 (6%). Physical evaluation included organoleptic, homogeneity, dispersibility, pH, and qualitative tests for the identification of anthocyanins. The results of the organoleptic, homogeneity, dispersion, pH, and identification of anthocyanins evaluations were then analyzed descriptively. The data from the organoleptic test indicated that F1 had an odorless white color, while F2, F3, and F4 had a red and white color with a distinctive Hibiscus flower aroma. The homogeneity test revealed that while F1 had good homogeneity, F2, F3, and F4 were not homogeneous (heterogeneous). The spreadability test on the four formulas did not fall within the range of requirements, namely 5-7 cm, with an average value of 3.53, but this was related to several significant reasons. In addition, the pH test results matched the requirements for topical preparations, namely 4.5–6.5, with an average value of 5.075. In conclusion, Hibiscus flower extract obtained through the maceration method with 96% ethanol could not give a homogeneous red color from the anthocyanin substance. Physical evaluation and anthocyanin identification tests also obtained good results.

Acteoside palliates d-galactose induced cognitive impairment by regulating intestinal homeostasis.

Acteoside, an important phenylethanol glycoside, is the main active component in Osmanthus fragrans flower. Our previous study found that acteoside showed high antiaging effect but its absorption rate was low. We speculated acteoside palliated aging-related cognitive impairment before being absorbed, that was intestinal homeostasis underlie the antiaging effect of acteoside. In this study, acteoside was confirmed to palliate cognitive impairment in d-galactose induced aging mice. Acteoside treatment dramatically reduced oxidative stress, alleviated intestinal inflammation, restored intestinal mucosal barrier, rebuilt gut microbiome structure and upregulated gut microbiome metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and amino acids (AAs). Furthermore, antibiotic treatment revealed that the antiaging ability of acteoside was abolished in microbiota depleted mice, which offered direct evidence for the essential role of gut microbiota in the attenuation of cognitive impairment of acteoside. Together, our study indicated that acteoside palliated cognitive impairment by regulating intestinal homeostasisand acteoside intake might be a promising nutritional intervention in prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

The Nighttime Fragrance of Guettarda scabra (Rubiaceae): Flower Scent and Its Implications for Moth Pollination.

Floral scent is crucial for attracting pollinators, especially in plants that bloom at night. However, chemical profiles of flowers from nocturnal plants with varied floral morphs are poorly documented, limiting our understanding of their pollination ecology. We investigated the floral scent in Guettarda scabra (L.) Vent. (Rubiaceae), a night-blooming species with short- and long-styled floral morphs, found in the threatened pine rocklands in south Florida, US. By using dynamic headspace sampling and GC-MS analysis, we characterized the chemical profiles of the floral scent in both morphs. Neutral red staining was also employed to determine the specific floral regions responsible for scent emission in G. scabra. The results revealed that G. scabra's fragrance consists entirely of benzenoid and terpenoid compounds, with benzeneacetaldehyde and (E)-β-ocimene as dominant components. There were no differences in the chemical profiles between the long- and short-styled flowers. Staining assays indicated that the corolla lobes, anthers, and stigma were the primary sources of the scent. These findings indicate that G. scabra's floral scent is consistent with that of night-blooming plants pollinated by nocturnal hawkmoths, providing important insights into its chemical ecology and pollinator attraction. This study demonstrates how floral scent chemistry can validate predictions based on flower morphology in hawkmoth-pollinated plants.

The R2R3-MYB transcription factor OfMYB21 positively regulates linalool biosynthesis in Osmanthus fragrans flowers

Osmanthus fragrans is a well-known landscape ornamental tree species for its pleasing floral fragrance and abundance of flowers. Linalool, the core floral volatiles of O. fragrans, has tremendous economic value in the pharmaceuticals, cleaning products and cosmetics industries. However, the transcriptional regulatory network for the biosynthesis of linalool in O. fragrans remains unclear. Here, OfMYB21, a potential transcription factor regulating the linalool synthetase OfTPS2, was identified using RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR analysis. Yeast one-hybrid, dual-luciferase and EMSA showed that OfMYB21 directly binds to the promoter of OfTPS2 and activates its expression. Overexpression of OfMYB21 in the petals of O. fragrans led to up-regulation of OfTPS2 and increased accumulation of linalool, while silencing of OfMYB21 led to down-regulation of OfTPS2 and decreased biosynthesis of linalool. Subsequently, yeast two-hybrid, pull-down and BiFC experiments showed that OfMYB21 interacts with JA signaling factors OfJAZ2/3 and OfMYC2. Interestingly, the interaction between OfMYC2 and OfMYB21 further enhanced the transcription of OfTPS2, whereas OfJAZ3 attenuated this effect. Overall, our studies provided novel finding on the regulatory mechanisms responsible for the biosynthesis of the volatile monoterpenoid linalool in O. fragrans.