Increase In Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Effects of inoculation with four mycorrhizal species on seed phenolic and fatty acids of sesame plants grown under different irrigation regimes

This study evaluated the interaction effects of irrigation level (well-watered and water stress conditions) and inoculation by different mycorrhizal species (non-inoculated, Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis, Claroideoglomus claroideum, and Glomus fasciculatum) on mycorrhizal colonization, antioxidant activity, seed yield and oil quality of two sesame cultivars (Yekta and Naz). Water deficit decreased mycorrhizal colonization, seed yield and oil concentration but increased antioxidant activity and seed total phenol and flavonoid concentrations. However, mycorrhizal inoculation increased antioxidant activity, seed yield, oil concentration and total phenolic and flavonoids. The lowest reduction by water stress and the highest increase by inoculation in seed yield were observed in Naz plants inoculated by Cl. claroideum. Principal component analysis showed the highest differentiation effect of water stress compared to mycorrhizal inoculation on both cultivars, indicating the relative sensitivity of the two cultivars to water deficit. However, the application of different species of mycorrhizal fungi versus the non-inoculation conditions was somewhat discriminative. In terms of fatty acids, in most cases, water stress increased oleic, palmitic and stearic acids and decreased linoleic and linolenic acids but inoculation increased oleic and linoleic acids and decreased linolenic, palmitic and stearic acids. Regarding phenolic and flavonoids components, the contents of chlorogenic and caffeic acids were increased by water stress but no consistent trend was noted in response to water stress for the other compounds. Mycorrhizal inoculation generally decreased chlorogenic acid but increased gallic, caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids. In conclusion, the results of the present study may help to increase the level of valuable compounds in sesame for further pharmaceutical purposes under water stress conditions and mycorrhizal symbiosis.

Brewers spent grain protein hydrolysate as a functional ingredient for muffins: Antioxidant, antidiabetic, and sensory evaluation

This study assessed the fortification of muffins with 2, 4, and 6 % of brewer's spent grain protein hydrolysates to enhance their in vitro antioxidant, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibitory activities. In addition, oxidative stability, hardness, color and sensory properties of fortified muffins were investigated. The fortification of muffin formulations with 6 % hydrolysates increased antioxidant activity six times higher than that of the control sample. As the hydrolysate increased to 6 %, the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition also increased to 88 and 40 %, respectively. The 6 % fortified muffins exhibited lower peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values during a 14 day storage than the control muffins, while higher hydrolysate levels darkened the color and softened the texture. Sensory evaluation indicated that muffins with 2% hydrolysates achieved similar overall acceptance as the control. It can be concluded that brewer's spent grain hydrolysate is suitable for functional bakery products.

A novel biochar-based composite hydrogel for removing heavy metals in water and alleviating cadmium stress in tobacco seedlings

A novel composite hydrogel (AM/CMC/B) synthesized from peanut shell biochar effectively adsorbs heavy metal Cd in water and reduces its toxicity to tobacco seedlings. The hydrogel, prepared via hydrothermal polymerization using acrylamide (AM), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and peanut shell biochar (B), exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 164.83 mg g−1 for Cd2+ and followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In pot experiments, the application of exogenous AM/CMC/B mitigated the inhibitory effects of Cd-contaminated soil on tobacco seedling growth. Addition of 10 mg kg−1 Cd resulted in improved phenotype, root system development, enhanced photosynthetic capacity, stomatal conductance (Gs), stomatal number, and increased antioxidant activity while reducing MDA content and leaf cell death. These findings highlight the potential of AM/CMC/B as an environmentally friendly adsorbent for Cd removal from water and for reducing Cd stress toxicity in tobacco and other plants.

Design of triple-layer films with blackseed protein as dispersion or emulsion

The aim of study was to produce the blackseed protein for applications as a protein dispersion alone or an emulsifier to design of multi-layer film based on furcellaran and chitosan. The protein extraction of blackseed by-product resulted in a blackseed by-product protein isolate (BBPI) with a yield of 73% protein. The obtained BBPI resulted in a high polyphenols content (1543 mg/ml), antioxidant property (DPPH, 67%) and emulsification properties (encapsulation up to 96%), leading to a stable emulsions at pH 10 and 12. For the first time, innovative, active triple-layer films have been developed in the 1st furcellaran layer with BBPI stabilised emulsion or BBPI aqueous extract alone, followed by a 2nd layer of furcellaran and citric acid matrix, and a 3rd layer of chitosan and gelatin matrix. Compared to the control, the tested films showed improved the water behaviour, UV–Vis barrier and increased antioxidant activity for the DPPH parameter (>70%).

Selenium in combination with a tomato lipid extract as a therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia and its alterations in rats with induced BPH.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common adenoma in old men. Tomatoes are a rich source of bioactive compounds that, as well as selenium (Se), possess antioxidant and antiproliferative activity. The aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Se in combination with a tomato extract in aged rats with BPH. Aged male Wistar rats were divided in the following groups (n = 10 rats/group): Control (C), BPH, BPH + Finasteride (BPH + F), BPH + Tomato Lipidic Extract (BPH + E), BPH + Selenium (BPH + S) and BPH plus E plus S (BPH + E + S). After 4 weeks of treatment, prostate weight, diuresis, antioxidants enzymes, prooxidants and inflammatory markers, growth factors and androgens were determined. BPH + E + S reduced prostate weight by 59.29% and inhibited growth by 99.35% compared to BPH + F which only decreased weight and inhibited growth by 15.31% and 57.54%, respectively. Prooxidant markers were higher with BPH + F (49.4% higher vs. BPH), but BPH + E + S decreased these markers (94.27% vs. BPH) and increased antioxidant activity. Finally, diuresis was higher with the BPH + E + S combination and markers of inflammation and growth factors were significantly lower with respect to BPH + F. Our findings provide a beneficial and protective therapeutic option of E + S directed against androgens, oxidative stress and inflammation that regulates cell proliferation in the prostate gland.

Effect of enzymolysis on the antioxidant activity and functional properties of the soluble soy proteins

Since multiple functionality of the protein derivatives is widely needed, identifying tools for modulating it is highly desired. The aim of the present study was to test the influence of three different endopeptidases, namely bromelain, Neutrase and trypsin, on the antioxidant and functional properties of the soy proteins. The soluble proteins content of the obtained hydrolysates varied with the hydrolysis degree, which ranged between 1.85% (in case of trypsin) and 10.27% (in case of bromelain). The resulting peptide mixtures exhibited higher antioxidant activity values compared to the native soluble proteins. Both DPPH and ABTS-based methods indicated that the sample hydrolysed with Neutrase was the most bioactive, whereas the sample prepared with trypsin exhibited the lowest antioxidant activity. The bioinformatics tools revealed that mainly the hydrophobic di- and tripeptides were responsible for the increased antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates. The impact of enzyme assisted hydrolysis on the functional properties was estimated by determining the foaming and emulsion forming properties of the hydrolysates. The best foaming properties were registered for the hydrolysate obtained with Neutrase (the overrun was by 25-50% higher compared to the native proteins). All tested emulsions exhibited predominant viscous like behaviour. The results indicated that soy proteins hydrolysis with bromelain, Neutrase and trypsin could be exploited for the knowledge-based improvement of the antioxidant activity or for modulating the functional properties of the protein derivatives.

Fermentation of Betaphycus gelatinum Using Lactobacillus brevis: Growth of Probiotics, Total Polyphenol Content, Polyphenol Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity.

Little information is available regarding polyphenol variations in the food processing of edible and medicinal red seaweed, Betaphycus gelatinum. This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus brevis fermentation on total polyphenol content (TPC), polyphenol profile, and antioxidant activity in Betaphycus gelatinum pretreated by ultrasound-assisted mild acid hydrolysis for the first time. During 60 h of fermentation, the viable colony number significantly increased, pH significantly decreased, and reducing sugar content significantly decreased initially, then significantly increased. Free TPC significantly increased to 865.42 ± 29.29 μg GAE/g DW (163.09% increase) with increasing antioxidant activity, while bound TPC significantly decreased to 1004.90 ± 87.32 μg GAE/g DW (27.69% decrease) with decreasing antioxidant activity. Furthermore, 27 polyphenol compounds were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with Xevo triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. In total, 19 and 23 free polyphenols and 24 and 20 bound polyphenols were identified before and after fermentation, respectively. Before fermentation, bound trans-cinnamic acid (56.75%), bound rosmarinic acid (26.62%), and free trans-cinnamic acid (3.85%) were the main components. After fermentation, free rosmarinic acid (43.57%), bound trans-cinnamic acid (15.19%), bound rosmarinic acid (13.33%), and free trans-cinnamic acid (5.99%) were the main components. These results provide information for the food processing of Betaphycus gelatinum.

Tissue-specific stilbene accumulation is an early response to wounding/grafting as revealed by using spatial and temporal metabolomics.

Grafting is widely used in horticulture. Shortly after grafting, callus tissues appear at the graft interface and the vascular tissues of the scion and rootstock connect. The graft interface contains a complex mix of tissues, we hypothesised that each tissue has its own metabolic response to wounding/grafting and accumulates different metabolites at different rates. We made intact and wounded cuttings and grafts of grapevine, and then measured changes in bulk flavonoid, phenolic acid and stilbenoid concentration and used metabolite imaging to study tissue-specific responses. We show that some metabolites rapidly accumulate in specific tissues after grafting, for example, stilbene monomers accumulate in necrotic tissues surrounding mature xylem vessels. Whereas other metabolites, such as complex stilbenes, accumulate in the same tissues at later stages. We also observe that other metabolites accumulate in the newly formed callus tissue and identify genotype-specific responses. In addition, exogenous resveratrol application did not modify grafting success rate, potentially suggesting that the accumulation of resveratrol at the graft interface is not linked to graft union formation. The increasing concentration of complex stilbenes often occurs in response to plant stresses (via unknown mechanisms), and potentially increases antioxidant activity and antifungal capacities.

Extraction yield and biological activity of phycobiliproteins from Porphyridium purpureum using atmospheric cold plasma discharge and jet systems

Phycobiliproteins (PBPs) extracted from Porphyridium purpureum (P.p) have bioactive properties and are widely used as ingredients in nutraceutical and food applications. This study investigated the use of two cold plasma systems, namely cold plasma discharge system (CPDS) and cold plasma jet system (CPJS), for the aqueous extraction of PBPs from P. p. Three types of PBPs, namely phycoerythrin (PE), phycocyanin (PC) and allophycocyanin (APC) were identified in the crude extracts obtained. The highest PBPs extraction yield (11.31 ± 1.02 mg/g DW P. p) was obtained from CPDS treated samples at 25 kV using N2 for 9 min. CPDS treatments were also shown to be more effective than CPJS treatments in increasing antioxidant activities of the PBPs crude extracts obtained. PBPs crude extracts obtained using CPDS (25 kV; 6 min; N2) had the highest DPPH (69.44 ± 0.10%) and FRAP (207.34 ± 12.96 μmol/L) antioxidant activities observed. PBPs obtained from samples treated with CPDS (25 kV; 9 min; N2) exhibited the highest cytotoxicity potential in Caco-2 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines. This study demonstrates that cold plasma treatments increase the extraction yield of PBPs obtained from P. p and also enhance antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of the PBP crude extracts. However, an increase in treatment time beyond 6 min for both plasma systems was shown to reduce the level of antioxidant activity in PBPs.

LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics approach identified novel antioxidant flavonoids associated with drought tolerance in citrus species.

Citrus fruits are cultivated around the world, and they face drought stress frequently during their growth and development. Previous studies showed that citrus plants biosynthesized flavonoid compounds in response to abiotic stress. In this study, we have quantified 37 flavonoid compounds from the leaves of three distinct citrus species including sour orange (drought-tolerant), pummelo 'Majia you pummelo' (drought-sensitive), and lemon (drought-sensitive). The 37 flavonoids consisted of 12 flavones, 10 flavonols, 6 flavanones, 5 isoflavanones, and 1 each for chalcone, flavanol, flavanonol, and flavone glycoside. Drought stress differentially altered the flavonoid metabolism in drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive citrus species. The kaempferol 3-neohesperidoside was 17-fold higher in sour orange (124.41 nmol/L) after 18 days of drought stress than lemon (7.33 nmol/L). In sour orange, neohesperidin (69.49 nmol/L) was 1,407- and 37-fold higher than pummelo and lemon, respectively. In sour orange, some flavonoids were significantly increased, such as vitexin, neohesperidin, cynaroside, hyperoside, genistin, kaempferol 3-neohesperidoside, eriocitrin, and luteolin, in response to drought stress, whereas in lemon, these flavonoids were significantly decreased or not altered significantly in response to drought stress. Moreover, the total contents of flavonoids and antioxidant activity were increased in sour orange as compared with pummelo and lemon. The genes associated with flavonoid biosynthesis (PAL, CHI, FLS, GT1, F3H, F3'M, C4H, 4CL, FLS, FG2, FG3, and CYP81E1) were more highly expressed in sour orange leaves than in pummelo and lemon after drought stress. These outcomes showed that pummelo and lemon failed to biosynthesize antioxidant flavonoids to cope with the prolonged drought stress, whereas the sour orange biosynthesized fortified flavonoid compounds with increased antioxidant activity to detoxify the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species produced during drought stress.

Aktivitas Antioksidan Nata dengan Substrat Dami Nangka (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) dan Kubis Ungu (Brassica oleracea L var. capitata)

Jackfruit straw and purple cabbage are ingredients that can replace coconut water as a substrate in making nata because they contain nutrients that can be used for the growth of Acetobacter xylinum bacteria. The aim of this research was to determine the characteristics of nata that produce the highest antioxidant activity. The experimental design used is a Completely Randomized Design with two factors. The first factor was the ratio of jackfruit straw to water, (1:1), (2:1), and (3:1), while the second factor was the ratio of purple cabbage to water, (1:1), (2:1), and (3:1). Test parameters included chemical (antioxidant activity, total anthocyanin, moisture, ash, and crude fiber content), physical (weight, yield, thickness, and color lightness (L), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), fermentation media (total sugar content and pH), and organoleptic (color and elasticity) on nata. The results with the highest antioxidant activity were the treatments with a comparison of jackfruit straw extract 3:1 and a comparison of purple cabbage extract 3:1, resulting in antioxidant activity of 41.72%, total anthocyanin of 80.32%, moisture content of 33.29%, ash content of 0.28%, fiber content of 3.10%, weight of 47.86 g, the yield of 9.71%, thickness of 1.34 cm, color L (lightness) 23.09, color a* (redness) 3.17, color b* (yellowness) -5.56. The total sugar content in the media before fermentation was 38.13% with pH 4.2, while after fermentation, the total sugar content was 14.37% with pH 3,1. Extracts of jackfruit straw and purple cabbage in this study were able to increase antioxidant activity in nata.

Enhancement of Antioxidant and Colon Anticancer Activity from Fermented Rice Bran Extract

This review focuses on the enhancement of antioxidant activity and the colon anticancer effect of fermented rice bran extract. Fermentation is a biological process that has been proven to significantly increase the content of bioactive compounds in various food sources, including rice bran. This study investigates how fermentation affects the antioxidant activity and colon anticancer potential of rice bran extract. The review highlights a positive correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity, indicating that fermented rice bran extract exhibits higher antioxidant properties compared to non-fermented ones. Additionally, this research explores the role of different fermentation microorganisms in promoting the release of phenolic compounds, contributing to increased antioxidant activity and colon anticancer effects. Understanding the potential health benefits of fermented rice bran extract can contribute to the development of functional food products with improved nutritional and therapeutic effects

Green synthesized Ag nanoparticles stimulate gene expression and paclitaxel production in Corylus avellana cells.

Synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) through plant extracts has been suggested as an effective and nature-friendly method. Paclitaxel is one of the most valuable secondary metabolites with therapeutic uses, and hazelnut has been suggested as one of the sustainable resources for producing this metabolite. In the present study, we synthesized Ag NPs using the ethanolic extract of C. avellana leaves and were characterized using UV-visible, FTIR, XRD, EDX, DLS, SEM, and TEM analyses. In addition, we investigated the effect of green synthesized Ag (GS Ag) NPs (5 and 10 mg/L), para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) (20 mg/L), and AgNO3 (10 mg/L) on cell viability, physiological characteristics, gene expression, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in hazelnut cell cultures. The results showed that 10 mg/L Ag NPs and AgNO3 significantly affected the cell viability, the content of ROS, peroxidation of lipids, antioxidant capacity, secondary metabolite production, and expression pattern of the genes involved in the taxanes biosynthesis pathway in the hazelnut cells. The cytotoxicity increased by increasing the GS Ag NPs concentration from 5 to 10 mg/L, which was associated with reduced membrane integrity and cell viability. Elicitation of the cells with 10 mg/L Ag NPs combined with 20 mg/L PABA (as a precursor) remarkably excited the expression of TAT and GGPPS genes and the production of secondary metabolites as well as paclitaxel. So that the highest expression of TAT and GGPPS genes (3.71 and 3.69) and the highest amount of taxol (230.21 μg g-1 FW) and baccatin (1025.8 μg g-1 FW) were observed in this treatment. KEY POINTS: • For the first time, we assessed and reported the molecular and physiological responses of C. avellana cells to GS Ag NPs, AgNO3, and PABA. • In hazel cells, GS Ag NPs stimulate several physiological and molecular responses. • In addition to increasing antioxidant activity, GS Ag NPs significantly increased the expression of genes involved in the paclitaxel biosynthesis pathway and the production of secondary metabolites.

Investigation of the effects of different processing methods on the selected nutritional properties of pumpkin and determining the appropriate process for pumpkin yogurt.

The processing methods, especially cooking, can cause quality losses, particularly in the nutritional value of the fresh product. This study investigated the effects of preprocessing methods on the nutritional properties of pumpkin and the physicochemical and sensory properties of pumpkin yogurt. Two different pumpkin varieties (Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita maxima) were subjected to three different preprocessing methods (freeze-drying, boiling, and baking). Boiling significantly increased antioxidant activity (p ≤ .05), followed by baking. C. maxima had higher TDF and TPC than C. pepo, but in both pumpkin varieties, TDF did not change with heat treatment (boiling and baking), while TPC decreased. Mineral contents remained the same or decreased with heat treatment, except for Mn and Fe. In particular, the addition of C. maxima significantly affected the color parameters (L*, a*, b*) of yogurt and improved WHC (from 68.9% to 91.6%) and hardness (from 58.0 to 193.5 g; p ≤ .05). The sensory evaluation concluded that heat-treated (boiled and baked) samples were preferred more than freeze-dried raw ones. In conclusion, the results revealed that adding boiled and baked pumpkins, especially the preference for C. maxima instead of C. pepo, improved the quality parameters of yogurt.

Silicon Improved Water Stress Tolerance in Rice Genotypes

Rice is an important cereal crop, is mostly grown as a staple food in developing nations. One of the main causes restricting rice productivity is drought, which has a detrimental effect on global food security. Silicon increases antioxidant activity and lessens plant oxidative damage. In the current study, eight rice cultivars were subjected to foliar silicon spray to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing water stress. The plants were foliar sprayed with silicon under well-watered and drought-stressed circumstances. The collected data showed that drought stress significantly reduced physiological parameters, growth, and yield. In comparison with control, silicon application (T2) has increased LAI by 50.13%, RWC by 0.24%, total dry matter by 18.86%, productive tiller number by 30%, number of panicles m-2 by 26.10%, number of grains panicle-1 by 24.60%, test weight by 29.26% and grain yield by 10.60%; water stress alone (T3) reduced LAI by 38.06%, RWC by 21.02%, total dry matter by 38.88%, productive tiller number by 30%, number of panicles m-2 by 33.45%, number of grains panicle-1 by 42.85%, test weight by 34.87% and grain yield by 40.88%; while silicon + water stress (T4) reduced LAI by 3.41%, RWC by 16.89%, total dry matter by 8.45%, productive tiller number 0.00%, number of panicles m-2 by 13.97%, number of grains panicle-1 by 18.25%, test weight by 24.50% and grain yield by 19.24% only. Overall, silicon application has ameliorated the negative impacts of drought stress on rice and improved the growth, physiological traits and yield under both well-watered and water stress conditions. To increase the quality of the yield and to generate rice cultivars that can withstand drought stress, silicon should be incorporated into breeding programmes.

Screening eco-friendliness tire antioxidants alternatives: functional 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline derivatives design and toxicity evaluation.

Antioxidants which are indispensable functional additives used in rubber tires, are released into aquatic habitats from tire wear particles (TWP), collected in water bodies, and threaten the aquatic ecosystem. This study aimed to design eco-friendly derivatives of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ) with increased antioxidant activity to use as tire antioxidants. Initially, seventy highly efficient derivatives of TMQ were designed by hydroxylation modifications at multiple sites. The antioxidant activity of hydroxyl derivatives was characterized based on DFT method and compared with TMQ. Twenty derivatives showing a significant (greater than 9%) increase in antioxidant activity compared to TMQ were selected for the next stage. The toxicity risk of these twenty TMQ derivatives was assessed using various toxicokinetic methods. Finally, six TMQ derivatives with significantly lower toxicity risk compared to that of TMQ were evaluated for potential developmental toxicity. They were characterized using molecular docking and molecular dynamics techniques to assess the developmental toxicity risk in silver salmon by absorption of their ROO·, HO·, O2·- and O3 derivatives. TMQ-6 and TMQ-48 showed the lowest toxicity among all TMQ derivatives by a rather large margin. The study throws light on the path of future endeavors to develop highly efficient and greener tire antioxidants.

Combination of rosemary oil and potassium sorbate controls anthracnose in mango fruit by triggering defense-related enzymes

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes anthracnose, a severe postharvest disease in mango fruit. Due to the ban on most fungicides, alternative methods are needed to control this disease and reduce postharvest losses. In this study, the effectiveness of rosemary oil (RMO) and potassium sorbate (PS) as organic alternatives was investigated. In in vitro experiments, 1000 μLL−1 RMO and 2% PS completely inhibited the growth of C. gloeosporioides. When applied to inoculated mango fruit, the RMO + PS treatment increased antioxidant activity and phenolic metabolism compared to control and synthetic fungicide. The treatment also up-regulated the activity of defense-related enzymes, such as peroxidase (POD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), indicating improved postharvest quality and reduced losses during storage at different temperatures. Further research is needed for successful commercialization of this organic edible coating in the mango fruit industry.

Antioxidant Activity Test of Sungkai Leaf (Peronema canescens Jack) Steeping Drink with the Addition of Honey

Background : Herbal Medicine in Indonesia have about 1,260 species in total. Mostly, many of the Indonesian from South Sumatra, use the sungkai plant (Peronema canescens Jack) to increase the body's immunity by making steeping drinks. Sungkai plants have secondary compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins which has function as antioxidants. The addition of honey as an alternative sweetener can be used to enhance the taste and also as an additional antioxidant.Objectives : This study aims to determine the antioxidant activity of sungkai leaf steeping drink with the addition of honey.Methods: This study was an experimental design and conducted in September-October 2021 at the Alma Ata University Food Laboratory and the Chemix Pratama Laboratory. Antioxidant activity analysis used the Dephenyl Picrylhydazil (DPPH) test on sungkai leaf steeping with the addition of honey. Fully randomized design and quantitative descriptive analysis with one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's test.Results : Sungkai leaf steeping drink was tested for antioxidant activity to obtain an IC 50 value. In the control group (F0) without the addition of honey yield an IC50 value of 10,626.62 ppm, in the F1 treatment group with 1 g of Sungkai leaves and 8 ml of honey yield an IC50 value of 8,397.31 ppm, in the F2 treatment group with 1g of sungkai leaves and 10 ml of honey yield an IC50 value of 7,795.69 ppm, in the F3 treatment group with 2 g of sungkai leaves and 8 ml of honey yield an IC50 value of 8,189.88 ppm and in F4 treatment group 2 g of sungkai leaves and 10 ml honey yield an IC50 value is 7390.23 ppm. The F4 treatment group had the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 7,390.23 ppm.Conclusion : Steeping Sungkai leaf drink has antioxidant activity, however in very weak status. Further research needs to be done by modifying additional component to increase antioxidant activity in sungkai leaf steeping drinks.

The shaping of onion seedlings performance through substrate formulation and co-inoculation with beneficial microorganism consortia.

Smart management in crop cultivation is increasingly supported by application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), which sustain soil fertility and plant performance. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the effects of consortia composed of (Claroideoglomus claroideum BEG96, Claroideoglomus etunicatum BEG92, Funneliformis geosporum BEG199, Funneliformis mosseae BEG 95, and Rhizophagus irregularis BEG140) and PGPM (Azospirillum brasilense - AZ, or Saccharothrix sp. - S) on onion cultivated in growing media with a composition corresponding to a degraded soil. Three types of substrate formulations were used, with peat:sand ratios of 50:50, 70:30, 100:0 (v:v). The analysis of substrate parameters crucial for its fertility (pH, salinity, sorption complex capacity, and elements' content) and characteristics reflecting onion seedlings' performance (fresh weight, stress biomarkers, and elements' content) was performed. AMF colonized onion roots in all treatments, showing increasing potential to form intercellular structures in the substrates rich in organic matter. Additionally, co-inoculation with PGPM microorganisms accelerated arbuscular mycorrhiza establishment. Increased antioxidant activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPOX) activity of onion roots sampled from the formulations composed of peat and sand in the ratio of 100:0, inoculated with AMF+S, and positive correlation between GPOX, fresh weight and antioxidant activity of onion roots reflected the successful induction of plant acclimatization response. Total phenols content was the highest in roots and leaves of onion grown in substrates with 70:30 peat:sand ratio, and, in the case of roots, it was correlated with AMF colonization parameters but not with antioxidant activity. AMF and PGPM efficiency in supporting onion growth should be linked to the increased onion root system capacity in mineral salts absorption, resulting in more efficient aboveground biomass production. AMF and PGPM consortia were effective in releasing minerals to soluble fraction in substrates rich in organic matter, making elements available for uptake by onion root system, though this phenomenon depended on the PGPM species. Microorganism consortia enhanced onion seedlings' performance also in substrates with lower content of organic carbon through plant biofertilization and phytostimulation.

Silicon Induces Heat and Salinity Tolerance in Wheat by Increasing Antioxidant Activities, Photosynthetic Activity, Nutrient Homeostasis, and Osmo-Protectant Synthesis.

Modern agriculture is facing the challenges of salinity and heat stresses, which pose a serious threat to crop productivity and global food security. Thus, it is necessary to develop the appropriate measures to minimize the impacts of these serious stresses on field crops. Silicon (Si) is the second most abundant element on earth and has been recognized as an important substance to mitigate the adverse effects of abiotic stresses. Thus, the present study determined the role of Si in mitigating adverse impacts of salinity stress (SS) and heat stress (HS) on wheat crop. This study examined response of different wheat genotypes, namely Akbar-2019, Subhani-2021, and Faisalabad-2008, under different treatments: control, SS (8 dSm-1), HS, SS + HS, control + Si, SS + Si, HS+ Si, and SS + HS+ Si. This study's findings reveal that HS and SS caused a significant decrease in the growth and yield of wheat by increasing electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production; sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) accumulation; and decreasing relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll and carotenoid content, total soluble proteins (TSP), and free amino acids (FAA), as well as nutrient uptake (potassium, K; calcium, Ca; and magnesium, Mg). However, Si application offsets the negative effects of both salinity and HS and improved the growth and yield of wheat by increasing chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, RWC, antioxidant activity, TSP, FAA accumulation, and nutrient uptake (Ca, K, and Mg); decreasing EL, electrolyte leakage, MDA, and H2O2; and restricting the uptake of Na+ and Cl-. Thus, the application of Si could be an important approach to improve wheat growth and yield under normal and combined saline and HS conditions by improving plant physiological functioning, antioxidant activities, nutrient homeostasis, and osmolyte accumulation.