HPTLC Research Articles

A Validated Method for Identification and Quantification of Anthocyanins in Different Black Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties Using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC).

Black rice (Oryza sativa L.) has gained prominence as a functional food because of its rich content of anthocyanins and polyphenols, offering potential health benefits. However, comprehensive research addressing the diverse anthocyanin compositions in black rice cultivars remains limited. This study aimed to quantify anthocyanin contents, specifically kuromanin, cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside chloride, and cyanidin-3-rutinoside chloride, in 150 rice varieties sourced from the North Eastern Region of India using a robust high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method. Rice grains of varying colors-black, orange-reddish, and white-were subjected to methanol extraction under dark conditions through cold maceration for 72 h. The resulting extracts underwent separation on HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 plates utilizing an optimized mobile phase of ethyl acetate, 2-butanol, formic acid, and water (9:6:3:3::v/v/v/v). Anthocyanins were found to be present, and they were most visible in white light compared with UV light at 254 and 366 nm. They were analyzed via densitometry under white light illumination in transmission mode following development. Notably, anthocyanins were absent in grains of white and orange-reddish rice varieties, except for specific lines of Joha (JN 71, JN 83, JN 77, and JN 78) and all black rice variants. Among these, BR 15 exhibited the highest kuromanin content (74.14 ± 0.82 μg/mg), while BR8 showcased the highest peonidin-3-glucoside chloride concentration (27.59 ± 0.83 μg/mg). This comprehensive analysis provides detailed insights into the anthocyanin compositions of 15 significant black rice cultivars, offering crucial data for breeding programs targeting enhanced anthocyanin-rich cultivars and the development of functional foods.

Application of predictive modeling tools for the identification of Ocimum spp. herbal products.

Species identification of botanical products is a crucial aspect of research and regulatory compliance; however, botanical classification can be difficult, especially for morphologically similar species with overlapping genetic and metabolomic markers, like those in the genus Ocimum. Untargeted LC-MS metabolomics coupled with multivariate predictive modeling provides a potential avenue for improving herbal identity investigations, but the current dearth of reference materials for many botanicals limits the applicability of these approaches. This study investigated the potential of using greenhouse-grown authentic Ocimum to build predictive models for classifying commercially available Ocimum products. We found that three species, O. tenuiflorum, O. gratissimum, and O. basilicum, were chemically distinct based on their untargeted UPLC-MS/MS profiles when grown in controlled settings; combined with an orthogonal high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) approach, O. tenuiflorum materials revealed two distinct chemotypes which could confound analysis. Three predictive models (partial least squares, LASSO regression, and random forest) were employed to extrapolate these findings to commercially available products; however, the controlled materials were significantly different from external samples, and all three chemometric models were unreliable in classifying external materials. LASSO was the most successful when classifying new greenhouse samples. Overall, this study highlights how growing and processing conditions can influence the complexity of botanical metabolome profiles; further studies are needed to characterize the factors driving herbal products' phytochemistry in conjunction with chemometric predictive modeling.

Development of a Combined 2D-MGD TLC/HPTLC Method for the Separation of Terpinen-4-ol and α-Terpineol from Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Essential Oil.

Tea tree oil (TTO), acquired from Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel, Myrtaceae, is a widely utilized essential oil (EO) due to its bioactive properties. The identification and quantification of TTO ingredients is generally performed by GC-MS, which provides the most accurate results. However, in some instances, the cost and time of analysis may pose a challenge. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) offer a simpler, faster, cost-effective alternative capable of simultaneously analyzing and quantifying multiple samples. In addition, for more complex oils, two-dimensional (2D) or multigradient development (MGD) TLC provide better separation. Nevertheless, further development is sometimes necessary for the isolation of comigrating components. This study showcases a combined 2D-MGD TLC/HPTLC method for the successful separation of TTO components of interest. While human error, limited separation, and the partial evaporation of volatile components may still present a challenge during the process, considerable recovery of mono- and sesquiterpenes was achieved. This protocol also resulted in the successful isolation of target oxygenated monoterpenes (OMs) producing highly pure terpinen-4-ol (100%) and α-terpineol (≥94%), confirmed by GC-MS. The accurate enantiomeric distribution of these major OMs was verified by GC-FID through the use of a chiral cyclodextrin-based stationary phase. The observed positive enantiomer range (area percent) as well as (+)/(-) ratio for each terpinen-4-ol and α-terpineol were within acceptable ISO criteria.

A sustainable and green method for controlling acidic corrosion on mild steel using leaves of Araucaria heterophylla

There are several studies that announce the inhibitory behavior of this sort of substance to strengthen the shield of metals, which is one of the positive benefits of green inhibitors. In the current investigation, Araucaria heterophylla studied as a green corrosion inhibitor to avert the mild steel during the acidic cleaning. The examination of this plant’s ability to control corrosion at different concentrations in the acidic solution used certain expert measures. The electrochemical results suggested that Araucaria heterophylla had a stronger inhibitory effect on mild steel protection from corrosion. After 12 h of immersion, 1000 ppm of A. heterophylla extract produced corrosion inhibition efficacy (about 83.94%). According to the polarization outcomes, the mild steel corrosion current density dramatically decreased with the addition of Araucaria heterophylla extract, going from 1.08 μA/cm2 for the sample without inhibitor to 0.17 μA/cm2 for the sample having 1000 ppm inhibitor and according to electrochemical study the inhibition efficiency was found around 83%. Flavonoids were found in the plant’s leaves according to the high-performance thin-layer chromatography profile. The FTIR picks analysis like N–H stretching secondary amine (3337.07 cm−1), CO–O–C–O stretching anhydride (1022.64 cm−1) defined that functional groups and heteroatom were present. By the help of a GC–MS, the suggested inhibitor’s components were identified. Scanning electron microscopy suggests that a thin layer or passive film form on the surface. Quantum chemical calculation also supports the experimental results.

Validation and Quantification of Key Markers in Ayush Kwath, an Ayurvedic Immunity Enhancer Polyherbal Formulation, Through High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography

Validation and Quantification of Key Markers in Ayush Kwath, an Ayurvedic Immunity Enhancer Polyherbal Formulation, Through High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography

Mechanistic insight into neuroprotective effect of standardized ginger chemo varieties from Manipur, India in scopolamine induced learning and memory impaired mice.

Alzheimer's disease is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive decline in cognitive function and behaviour. Ginger is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale Roscoe, has been an important ingredient of many Ayurveda formulations to treat neurological disorders. The present study aims to estimate the variation of 6-gingerol content in nine different ginger samples collected from Manipur, India, investigate the neuroprotective potential of the most potent ginger sample against scopolamine-induced cognitively impaired mice, and validate the therapeutic claim by molecular docking analysis. High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis suggested that the sample GV6 had the highest 6-gingerol content with potent in vitro acetylcholnesterase (AChE) (IC50 = 336.10µg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (IC50 = 411.73µg/mL) enzyme inhibitory activity. The neuroprotective potential of GV6 was tested in scopolamine-induced cognitively impaired mice (200 and 400mg/kg). The behavioral analysis showed that GV6 alleviated the spatial recognition, and short-term and long-term memory in the experimental mice model. GV6 significantly improved brain AChE and BChE activity, acetylcholine (ACh) level, markedly alleviated the antioxidant parameters, and reversed the neuroinflammation. Brain histopathological observations confirmed the presence of organized nerve fibers, improvement of neuronal cell density, and reverse the nucleus shrinkage. Further molecular docking analysis showed that 6-gingerol and galantamine exhibited stable interaction with AChE (-7.5 and - 7.3 kcaL/moL) and BChE (-7.3 and - 8.5 kcaL/moL). The present study emphasizes the quality-related therapeutic importance of ginger samples from Northeast India and demonstrates that administration of GV6 may improve brain cognitive functions by restoring neurotransmitter levels and inflammatory and antioxidant parameters in scopolamine-induced cognitively impaired mice.

New Insights into the Quality Control Strategies of Inula racemosa Hook. F. (Pushkarmula) and Saussurea lappa Decne. (Kuth): Medicinal Crops of Alpine Himalaya.

Adulteration and illegal trade of Saussurea lappa in the name of Inula racemosa is a major issue. Therefore, accurate and easy methods are required to control malpractice and define authenticity. The current study is focused on authenticating and defining quality control methods for I. racemosa and S. lappa. Reference and market samples of S. lappa and I. racemosa were used to develop methods, including high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photo Diode Array (UPLC-PDA). Multivariate analysis was used to define variations among samples. Costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone, isoalantolactone and alantolactone were used to develop and validate the quality control method. Phytochemical investigations and filter paper reagent tests clearly differentiate between Saussurea and Inula. HPTLC and GC-MS fingerprints were found significant to certify both species. From a quality control perspective, the UPLC-PDA method was found significant for the separation of targeted molecules. Altantolactones were found higher in I. racemosa while costunolides in S. lappa, whereas market samples closely resembled with Inula species and confirmed as I. racemosa. The current findings suggested that filter paper tests could be useful for farmers, traders and industries to check the authenticity of S. lappa and I. racemosa. Chemical fingerprints and UPLC-PDA method were found sufficient to define quality of both the species.

HPTLC-Bioautography-MS-Guided Strategy for the Detection of Phthalides With Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities From Ligusticum chuanxiong Essential Oil.

Antimicrobial resistance and free radical-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation involved in many pathological processes have become treatment challenges. One strategy is to search for antimicrobial and antioxidant ingredients from natural aromatic plants. This study established a rapid and high-throughput effect-component analysis method to screen active ingredients from Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil (CXEO). The study aims to screen phthalides with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities from CXEO by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-bioautography combined with HPLC-TOF/MS method. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion and micro broth dilution methods. Antioxidant capacity was performed by DPPH scavenging test. Phthalides in CXEO were identified using HPLC-TOF/MS method. HPTLC-bioautography technique was established to screen phthalides of antifungal and antioxidant activities. CXEO had significant inhibitory activity against Candida albicans, weak or undetected inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For tested strains of C. albicans, inhibition zone diameters ranged from 13 to 17 mm, and MICs were from 0.5 to 2 mg mL-1. CXEO also had strong antioxidant activity, IC50 value for scavenging DPPH free radicals was 1.014 ± 0.014 mg mL-1. Nine phthalides in CXEO were tentatively identified. Ligustilide and senkyunolide A were screened to have both antimicrobial activity against C. albicans and strong DPPH scavenging property. HPTLC-bioautography-MS-guided strategy is very practical for high-throughput screening of antifungal and antioxidant phthalides from CXEO. Invitro experiments have shown that phthalides and CXEO have good biological activities, which may be used to the treatment of C. albicans infection or oxidative stress damage caused by various diseases. The therapeutic potential should be validated invivo in the future.

Evaluation of Anti-Obesity Potential of Isolated Bioactive Fractions from Justicia Adhatoda Leaves: An In Vitro, In Vivo, and 3T3-L1 cell line Approach Using HPTLC-MS-MSn for Compound Identification.

This study was conducted to investigate the anti-obesity effects of bioactive fractions JAF2 and JAF3 from Justicia adhatoda (JA) in vitro using enzymatic assays, 3T3-L1 cells and in vivo using a monosodium glutamate-high-fat diet (MSG-HFD) model. High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (HPTLC-MS-MSn) was finally utilized to analyze bioactive fractions for the compounds responsible for the activity. In vitro, the anti-obesity effects of JAF2 and JAF3 were assessed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, revealing that JAF2 significantly reduced lipid and triglyceride levels. In the in vivo MSG-HFD-induced obesity model, JAF2 improved hepatic profiles, countered oxidative stress, enhanced lipid profiles, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, the assessment revealed a significant reduction in adipose tissue content in the treated groups, keeping other organ profiles safe. As per future perspectives, these cocktail fractions can be used in the context of genetically predisposed obesity in modern days.

Capsaicin content in chillies (Capsicum annuum L., Capsicum frutescens L., Capsicum chinense Jacq.) of Northeast India by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)

Capsaicin is the primary bioactive constituent in chillies, responsible for its incomparable pungent taste and many health advantages. In the current study, 32 samples of three different species of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L., Capsicum frutescens L., Capsicum chinense Jacq.) from various geographical regions in Northeast India were evaluated for their total capsaicin content by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). An excellent separation of capsaicin (Rf = 0.268 ± 0.02) was obtained using toluene and ethyl acetate as mobile phase at a 7:3 (v/v) ratio. The calibration curve was described by the equation Y = 5.661 × 10−9X + 1.225 × 10−4 with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.99894. The percentage of capsaicin was found to range from 1.99 to 24.48% w/w. The linearity range for the curve for capsaicin was found 200–1000 ng per spot. The limit of detection and quantification were determined to be 45.98 and 97.70 ng, respectively. The proposed validated HPTLC method may be used for routine quality testing and quantification of capsaicin in chilli samples.

Development and validation of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods for the simultaneous determination of myricetin and quercetin in Manilkara hexandra

Development and validation of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods for the simultaneous determination of myricetin and quercetin in Manilkara hexandra

Separation of polar and neutral lipids from mammalian cell lines by high-performance thin-layer chromatography.

The introduction of high-performance TLC (HPTLC) instrumentation that allows precise control of critical parameters has transformed the technique into an efficient and rapid tool for analyzing various metabolites, namely lipids. Although mass spectrometry (MS) has largely replaced lipid analysis techniques over recent decades due to its comprehensive lipidome profiling capabilities, it typically lacks the rapidity and simplicity of TLC. HPTLC remains advantageous due to its ease of use, simpler data interpretation, and compatibility with complementary techniques. In this study, we established a HPTLC protocol to fractionate both polar and non-polar lipids on a single normal phase plate. Twenty lipid standards were fractionated and the method was successfully applied to whole extracts from six mammalian cell lines. Standards and extracted lipids were applied with an automated sampler, and polar lipids were first fractionated in a 5-step automated gradient elution, followed by the fractionation of neutral lipids in a twin-trough chamber with three different elutions. Plates were automatically sprayed with a modified copper sulfate solution and charred to reveal lipids and obtain the respective chromatograms. LC-MS was used to identify ambiguous bands, thus ensuring the accuracy of lipid identification.

Immuno-enhancement activity of meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) and temu mangga rhizome (Curcuma mangga Val.) combination extract in cyclophosphamide-induced immunodeficient mice.

Immunomodulators play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and enhancing the body's defense against various diseases. In Indonesian traditional medicinal practices, meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) and temu mangga rhizome (Curcuma mangga Val) are well-regarded for their health benefits and therapeutic properties. Notably, meniran is utilized in jamu, an ancient Indonesian herbal tonic with widespread use in traditional healthcare. This study aimed to formulate a synergistic herbal blend by combining ethanolic extracts of meniran and temu mangga rhizome, assessing their efficacy against Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced immunosuppression in a murine model and elucidating potential mechanisms for immune restoration. We conducted quantitative and qualitative investigations of rutin and demethoxycurcumin composition in the combination extracts using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). An in vivo investigation was performed using a CYP-induced immunosuppressed murine model to assess the immunomodulatory effects of the combination extracts. The immunostimulant effect was investigated by analyzing hematology, macrophage activity (Nitric Oxide secretion, phagocytic capacity and index), lymphocyte proliferation (MTT assay), cytokine levels (IL-6 and TNF-α by ELISA), and analysis of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations using flow cytometry. Results demonstrated that the combined extracts effectively mitigated the immunosuppressive effects of CYP, significantly enhancing various immune indicators, including red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, macrophage activity, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine serum levels. However, negligible effects were observed on erythrocyte indexes compared to the CYP-induced group. In conclusion, the combination of meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) and temu mangga rhizome (Curcuma mangga Val) substantially enhances various aspects of immune function, such as red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and macrophage activity, suggesting promising potential for immunomodulation in therapeutic contexts.

Planar solid phase extraction for chlorinated paraffin analysis - irradiation chamber for standardized derivatization on planar thin-layers.

As an established analytical method, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) offers powerful capabilities. This study focused on its application to analyze chlorinated paraffins (CP) by planar solid phase extraction (pSPE). Based on previous work, an irradiation chamber was developed to investigate the derivatization process on planar thin-layers and ensure a robust and reproducible analysis. A simple-to-handle irradiation chamber was designed to initialize the reaction between CP and the derivatization reagents o-tolidine and tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). It was shown that the complete derivatization reaction is not significantly influenced by the chain length and only depends significantly on the chlorine content of the used standards. Regarding the reaction process, a relation between the chain length and chlorine content was obtained; however, quantitative correlations cannot be found. Furthermore, the derivatization solutions were investigated in terms of stability, different concentrations, and the optimal irradiation time. The method showed robustness regarding signal intensity at irradiation times of 1 to 36 min and amounts of 10-400 ng of the technical reference CP mixture C14-C17 52 % Cl. Its application to CP with chain lengths between C10 and C23 and chlorine content between 40 % and 70 % emphasized the method's versatility.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Delphinium denudatum Wall. Evaluated by validated high-performance thin-layer chromatography and in vitro assays

Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Delphinium denudatum Wall. Evaluated by validated high-performance thin-layer chromatography and in vitro assays

Phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of hemp co-products following green chemical extraction and ex vivo digestion

The valorisation of biomass generated along the agri-food chain into co-products represents a valid approach to produce alternative and sustainable feed ingredients. Although to date, some co-products have already been included in the diets of livestock animals, the characterisation of hemp co-products (Cannabis sativa L.) is still at an early stage. For this, the aim of this this work was to investigate the nutritional and functional profile [total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, FRAP)] of hemp co-products [mix flowers and leaves (MFL), hulls (HLs) and hempseeds cake], after green chemical extraction (0% EtOH; 50% EtOH; 100% EtOH) and ex vivo digestion process. High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography was performed on 50% EtOH chemical extracts to identify the main phenolic compounds. The results reported an interesting nutritional profile, although dependent on the processing to obtain the co-product. The functional aspect of the chemical extracts showed a higher TPC for MFL, especially after 50% EtOH extraction (3551.12 ± 98.54 mg TAE/100 g) identifying Quercetin, Kaempferol, Rutin, Chlorogenic acid, Ferulic acid, Cannabigerol and α-tocopherol as the main compounds present, a profile similar to that of HLs. This was also observed for ABTS (6950.10 ± 546.82 mg TE/100 g) and FRAP (130.05 ± 4.67 mg FeSO4/100 g). Ex vivo digestion confirmed the high functional profile of the two matrices. Despite this, it is important to emphasise that processing co-products are characterised by a high variability that may lead to different results and effects on the health and performance of monogastric animals.

Phytochemical and Bioactivity Evaluation of Bee Pollen and Androecia of Castanea, Salix, and Quercus Species.

Qualitative and quantitative differences in the chemical composition between bee pollen originated from Castanea sativa (Türkiye and Slovenia), Salix spp. (Türkiye and Slovenia), and Quercus spp. (Türkiye) and androecia of Castanea sativa, Salix alba, and Quercus pubescens (apetalous trees) were evaluated for the first time by new high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) methods using marker compounds. N1,N5,N10-tricaffeoylspermidine was isolated, and its structure was elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). It was the main and the marker compound common to bee pollen (≈3-41 mg/g) and androecia (≈3-6 mg/g) samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the identification of N1,N5,N10-tricaffeoylspermidine in bee pollen originated from Salix spp. and androecia of C. sativa, S. alba, and Q. pubescens. The botanical origins of bee pollen were determined via phytochemical profiling using HPTLC-image analyses showing that bee pollen from the same botanical source had almost identical profiles regardless of collection location, geographical differences, and the bee race. In vitro tests and HPTLC-effect-directed analyses (EDAs) were performed to assess antioxidant and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activities of bee pollen, androecia, and N1,N5,N10-tricaffeoylspermidine. HPTLC-EDA combined with image analyses was used for comparing the activities of bee pollen, androecia, N1,N5,N10-tricaffeoylspermidine, and also other marker compounds (quercetin, myricitrin, hyperoside, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, and rutin). The remarkable bioactivity of N1,N5,N10-tricaffeoylspermidine was for the first time evaluated by HPTLC-EDA and in vitro tests. This is the first study performing HPTLC-XO inhibitory activity analyses on the HPTLC NH2 F254S plates. Further bioactivity studies on botanically and chemically well-characterized bee pollen samples are needed to aid in the use of bee pollen-containing supplements in the prevention and treatment of diseases.

A comprehensive study on sitagliptin in the treatment of Type-II Diabetes

Sitagliptin is an oral antihyperglycemic drug classified as a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor; commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It works by promoting insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon levels through the inhibition of incretin degradation in a glucose-dependent manner. As of 2013; it was the second-highest selling medication in the United States. This review highlights various analytical techniques for the quantification of sitagliptin; either alone or in combination with other agents. These methods include spectrometry; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS); liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS); capillary electrophoresis (CE); ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC); high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC); and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Qualitative Analysis by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography–Bioautography of Ecuadorian Chenopodium quinoa Willd. Leaves: Influence of Variety, Phenological Stage, and Place of Cultivation on Free Radical Scavenging and α-Amylase Activity

The present study aimed to qualitatively assess the influence of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. varieties (INIAP-Tunkahuan, INIAP-Pata de Venado varieties and Chimborazo genotype), phenological stages (40, 60, and 80 days), and places of cultivation (Pichincha and Chimborazo Ecuadorian provinces) on the leaf and seed phenolic composition and biological properties. Their nutraceutical potential was assessed through qualitative analyses of (i) their polyphenols by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC); and (ii) their free radical scavenging (quenching of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical, DPPH•) and α-amylase inhibitory properties (iodine visualization of starch hydrolysis) by HPTLC–bioautography. Compared to seeds, the quinoa leaf methanolic extracts present a high content of polyphenols with free radical scavenging activity, and compounds with an α-amylase inhibitory property; both biological activities indicate a remarkable potential of quinoa leaves, which may be relevant for the treatment of diabetes but also for the chemoprevention and/or treatment of pathologies related to oxidative stress. In quinoa leaves harvested after 80 days of cultivation, regardless of the place of production and the variety, a high content of bioactive compounds was observed. Future research is undoubtedly needed to further promote quinoa leaves as a dietary vegetable or to develop them into a nutritional supplement. This would empower quinoa smallholders in Andean regions to promote the sustainable development of this culture in its places of origin.

Optimization and characterization of quercetin to enhance seedling vigour in greengram (Vigna radiata) under abiotic stress conditions

A field experiment was conducted during the zaid seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to study the effect of guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaf extract-treated greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] seeds under abiotic stress. The active ingredient, quercetin, was confirmed using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) with a peak area of 0.00039. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design (SPD) comprised of 3 treatments, viz. control (T0); Seeds coated with organic flax seed polymer (T1); Seeds coated with organic flax seed polymer + quercetin @1% (T2) with six replications. Subplots had different irrigation schedules, including weekly irrigation (control) (S0) and withholding irrigation for 15 days at different growth stages [25 DAS (days after sowing) (S1); 35 DAS (S2); 45 DAS (S3)]. Soxhlet-extracted guava leaves resulted in the highest seedling vigour, with 94% germination, 16.9 cm root length, 18.5 cm shoot length, 0.311 g/10 seedlings, and a vigour index of 3299 at 1% concentration. Under moisture stress (PEG 6000-0.2 MPa), quercetin @1% improved germination (62%), root length (13.7 cm), shoot length (15.3 cm), dry matter production (0.170 g/10 seedlings), and vigour index (1750). Enzyme activities, including peroxidase (0.165 U/mg protein/min) and superoxide dismutase (1.127 U/mg protein/min) were highest in this treatment. Significant increases in proline content were observed, ranging from 135–146 mg/g and 137–152 mg/g across both the seasons. Yield/plant increased to 16.7 g (4.4 kg/plot) in season 1 and 17.3 g (4.6 kg/plot) in season 2. Thus, quercetin @1%, infused in flax seed, effectively mitigates drought stress, offering a sustainable solution for organic cultivation.