Lepidium Sativum Research Articles

The Effect of Different Harvest Times on Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity in Some Microgreens

Microgreens, which have only become popular during the last decades, are rich in phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds, which act as antioxidants. The study aimed to examine the effects of two different harvest times (cotyledon [embryonic leaves] and 1.5-true leaf stage) of five microgreens on the bioactive compounds in terms of antioxidant capacity and total phenolics. The total phenolic components ranged from 60.9 to 2153.2 mg GAE g-1 in cotyledon leaves, whereas the value varied from 96.2 to 2113.9 mg GAE g-1 in the true leaves of microgreens. Increases in the phenolic content of the first true leaves in dill and chia were detected as 57.8% and 29.6% compared to the cotyledon leaf. Among the cotyledon microgreens, the maximum phenolic content was detected in the garden cress. The antioxidant capacity of the cotyledon and true leaf stages ranged between 485.4±2.3-1985.67±24.9 µg g-1 and 508.87±5.3-2393.56±12.6 µg g-1, respectively. The maximum antioxidant capacity was detected in radish, followed by garden cress. The biggest variation between the cotyledon and first true leaves in the study was observed for red beetroot. This study revealed the alteration in the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of five cultivars based on growth stages of cotyledonary and true leaves in microgreen form.

The Antimicrobial Effects of Myrosinase Hydrolysis Products Derived from Glucosinolates Isolated from Lepidium draba.

Lepidium draba (hoary cress) is a perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family that produces two dominant glucosinolates (GLSs): glucoraphanin (GRN) and sinalbin (SBN). They represent the stored form, which is converted upon the myrosinase (Myr) hydrolysis activity to active compounds, mainly isothiocyanates (ITCs) such as sulforaphane (SFN) or p-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate (pHBITC). Research on ITCs that have proven anticancer, antimicrobial, and chemoprotective properties is usually conducted with pure commercially available compounds. However, these are chemically reactive, making it difficult to use them directly for preventive purposes in dietary supplements. Efforts are currently being made to prepare dietary supplements enriched with GLS and/or Myr. In this study, we report a simple but efficient chromatographic procedure for the isolation and purification of GLSs from MeOH extract from hoary cress based on a combination of ion exchange and gel permeation chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-25 and Sephadex LH-20. To obtain the Myr required for efficient hydrolysis of GLSs into antibacterial ITCs, we developed a rapid method for its extraction from the seeds of Lepidium sativum (garden cress). The yields of GLSs were 22.9 ± 1.2 mg GRN (purity 96%) and 10.4 ± 1.1 mg SBN (purity 92%) from 1 g of dry plant material. Both purified GLSs were used as substrates for the Myr. Analysis of the composition of hydrolysis products (HPs) revealed differences in their hydrolysis rates and in the degree of conversion from GLSs to individual ITCs catalyzed by Myr. When GRNs were cleaved, SFNs were formed in an equimolar ratio, but the formation of pHBITCs was only half that of cleaved SBNs. The decrease in pHBITC content is due to its instability compared to SFN. While SFN is stable in aqueous media during the measurement, pHBITC undergoes non-enzymatic hydrolysis to p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and thiocyanate ions. Testing of the antimicrobial effects of the HPs formed from GRN by Myr under premix or in situ conditions showed inhibition of the growth of model prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. This observation could serve as the jumping-off point for the design of a two-component mixture, based on purified GLSs and Myr that is, usable in food or the pharmaceutical industry in the future.

The Effect of Lepidium Sativum L. Extract Loaded on Chitosan Nanoparticles in Experimental Rat Model of Osteoporosis

The Effect of Lepidium Sativum L. Extract Loaded on Chitosan Nanoparticles in Experimental Rat Model of Osteoporosis

Impact of gamma irradiation on phytochemical composition, and biological activities of Lepidium sativum seeds extract

Abstract The main objective of this research is to assess how gamma radiation influences the chemical composition and activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities of Lepidium sativum (L. sativum) seeds. Methanolic extracts were obtained through a 24 h maceration process from L. sativum seeds exposed to various doses of gamma irradiation. Phytochemical screening involved precipitation and staining reactions, with the antioxidant potential assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated through a diffusion test on agar medium, while the cytotoxic potential on the lung cancer line “A-549 cells” was examined using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Qualitative analysis of the extracts identified preserved bioactive constituents after irradiation. Additionally, quantitative analysis indicated a significant rise in the total content of polyphenols and flavonoids under radiation, accompanied by an enhanced reducing power compared to the control. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic capabilities also improved, evident in increased growth inhibition zones for certain microbial strains and reduced viability rates of A549 cells. These results show promise and warrant further investigation into the potential of gamma radiation to enhance additional biological effects of plants.

Dietary garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds mitigate the effect of aflatoxin B1 contamination on growth, antioxidant status, AFB1 residues, immune response, and tissue architecture of Oreochromis niloticus

The contamination of fish diets with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) poses a significant hazard to the aquaculture sector. This study investigates the efficacy of supplementing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets with garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds (GCS) to mitigate the adverse effects of AFB1. For this purpose, a factorial design was utilized, consisting of a 2×3 arrangement of treatments. This included two contamination levels of AFB1: (0 and 2 mg kg−1 diet). Within each contamination level, three dietary levels of GCS were used (0 %, 1 %, and 2 %). The study involved 270 healthy O. niloticus with an average weight of 25.14 ± 0.39 g (45 fish/group and 15 fish/replicate). The duration of the trial was 60 days. The study evaluated growth performance, hematological indices, hepatorenal function, immune and antioxidant indicators, histomorphology of organs, AFB1 residues in muscles, and fish resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila. The results indicated that GCS dietary supplementation significantly counteracted AFB1-induced growth retardation and reduced fish survival. Additionally, GCS effectively reversed the anemia, leukopenia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypoglobulinemia that were produced by AFB1. Moreover, GCS dietary supplementation significantly suppressed the AFB1-induced increase in serum bilirubin, hepatic enzymes, kidney damage products, cortisol, and glucose. Additionally, the inclusion of GCS in the fish's diet effectively eliminated the accumulation of AFB1 in their muscles. Moreover, GCS supplementation demonstrated significant restoration of depleted antioxidant and innate immune components induced by AFB1. Furthermore, GCS significantly reduced the degenerative changes in renal, hepatic, splenic, and small intestine tissues caused by AFB1. Fish fed a GCS-fortified diet and exposed to AFB1 displayed restored disease resistance when challenged with A. hydrophila. In conclusion, supplementing Nile tilapia diets with GCS at 2 %, even in the presence the AFB1 contamination, significantly enhanced the fish growth, improved health, and increased disease resistance while reducing AFB1 residues, thereby benefiting consumer health.

Анализ природных и антропогенных факторов, влияющих на способность Lepidium sativum L. адаптироваться к токсичности триазольных ксенобиотиков

The effects of natural factors (temperatures +34°C and +20°C) and anthropogenic xenobiotics (1,2,4-TriH; 1-(CH3SO2)-1H-1,2,4-Tri; 4-(PhSO2)-4H-1,2,4-Tri; 4-(TolSO2)-4H-1,2,4-Tri) on watercress Lepidium sativum L. was studied. For this, 4 series of experiments were carried out. In the first two series, the effect of concentrations was studied: 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 mg/ml during germination at different temperatures for three days. It was found that the ability of the triazole compounds to inhibit the germination of watercress seeds increased with increasing concentration of the solutions. The magnitude of lipophilicity was the determining factor in their toxicity. Differences between the influence of the studied temperatures on the energy of seed germination weren’t revealed. The ability of the synthesized triazoles to inhibit the growth of watercress roots and stems increased with increasing their concentration. At the same time, their toxicity was significantly higher at the higher of the studied temperatures. The next two series examined the ability of Lepidium sativum to adapt to the toxicity of triazoles. To do this, the seeds were germinated during the day at contrasting temperatures in solutions with a concentration of 0.001 mg/ml, then they were germinated in solutions of 0.1 mg/ml for two days. It turned out that triazoles had significantly different effects on the development of the adaptive response in plants. Only 4-(PhSO2)-4H-1,2,4-Tri; 4-(TolSO2)-4H-1,2,4-Tri caused a significant development of an adaptive response, the magnitude of which also depended on the cultivation temperature. We found that the value of lipophilicity of the studied triazoles was of significant importance during their direct action, and the values of their molecular weight and molecular volume were important for the development of preadaptation.

Garden cress seeds: a review on nutritional composition, therapeutic potential, and industrial utilization

AbstractThe growing preference for natural remedies has resulted in increased use of medicinal plants. One of the most significant and varied plants is garden cress (Lepidium sativum), which has large concentrations of proteins, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. It also contains a wide range of bioactive components, including kaempferol glucuronide, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, coumaric acid, caffeic acid, terpenes, glucosinolates, and many more. These substances, which include antioxidant, thermogenic, depurative, ophthalmic, antiscorbutic, antianemic, diuretic, tonic, laxative, galactogogue, aphrodisiac, rubefacient, and emmengogue qualities, add to the medicinal and functional potential of garden cress. An extensive summary of the phytochemical profile and biological activity of garden cress seeds is the main goal of this review. Research showed that garden cress is one of the world's most underutilized crops, even with its nutritional and functional profile. Consequently, the goal of this review is to highlight the chemical and nutritional makeup of Lepidium sativum while paying particular attention to its bioactive profile, various health claims, therapeutic benefits, and industrial applications.

Physicochemical and ecotoxicological approaches for Moknine Continental Sebkha in Tunisia

Abstract Degradation of water quality is an emerging issue in many developing countries. In this context, industrial and domestic effluents heavily contaminate the coast of Moknine Continental Sebkha in Tunisia. The present study aimed to biomonitor the seawater quality of the Moknine Continental Sebkha coast using physicochemical and ecotoxicological approaches. The ecotoxicological assessment was performed using three species representing different trophic levels, namely Vibrio fischeri, Selenastrum capricornutum, and Lepidium sativum. In the physicochemical analysis such as BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), COD (chemical oxygen demand), TSS (total suspended solids), TOC (total organic carbon), NO3− (nitrate), AOX (adsorbable organic halogen), the recorded levels of pH and total suspended solids did not comply with the Tunisian standard (NT.09.11/1983). The ecotoxicological data confirmed that the tested water samples displayed toxicity to two test indicators L. sativum and S. capricornutum. A targeted chemical screening of the Moknine Continental Sebkha coast previously performed revealed the presence of total mercury, four phthalate acid esters, and one non-phthalate plasticizer, a fact that could explain the observed ecotoxicological effects and therefore might harm the biotic area and the human health of the surrounding population.

Phytotoxicity, antioxidant activity and chemical profile of aqueous extracts from Moroccan caper (Capparis spinosa L.)

Due to its therapeutic and pharmaceutical benefits as well as its culinary applications, caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is quite interesting. This study aimed to evaluate some biological activities of the aqueous extracts of Capparis spinosa L. leaves, including the phytotoxic effect, antioxidant capacity, and the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The germination bioassay of the cress seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) was used to evaluate the phytotoxic effect. In addition, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical was used as a determinant of antioxidant capacity. The results obtained showed an important antioxidant capacity with an IC50 of 0.212 ± 0.096 mg/mL. Also, a total phenolic content of 116.3 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g DM and 18.9 ± 0.08 mg RE/g DM for flavonoids were obtained. In addition, the extract showed a very significant (p < 0.001) dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the germination and root length of Lepidium sativum L. seeds. The qualitative study carried out by HPLC measurement allowed the detection of chlorogenic acid (3.2 %), vanillin (1.3 %), rutin (1.2 %), and some quercetin derivatives (6.9 %). The results obtained in this study revealed the potential of caper in bioactive molecules. In addition, it could be a natural bioactive product for therapeutic purposes, such as the prevention of oxidative stress and related disorders.

Sodium alginate films incorporated with Lepidium sativum (Garden cress) extract as a novel method to enhancement the oxidative stability of edible oil

This study addresses the growing interest in bio-based active food packaging by infusing Lepidium sativum (Garden cress) seeds extract (GRCE) into sodium alginate (SALG) films at varying concentrations (1, 3, and 5 %). The GRCE extract revealed six phenolic compounds, with gallic and chlorogenic acids being prominent, showcasing substantial total phenolic content (TPC) of 139.36 μg GAE/mg and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 26.46 μg RE/mg. The integration into SALG films significantly increased TPC, reaching 30.73 mg GAE/g in the film with 5 % GRCE. This enhancement extended to DPPH and ABTS activities, with notable rises to 66.47 and 70.12 %, respectively. Physical properties, including tensile strength, thickness, solubility, and moisture content, were positively affected. A reduction in water vapor permeability (WVP) was reported in the film enriched with 5 % GRCE (1.389 × 10−10 g H2O/m s p.a.). FT-IR analysis revealed bands indicating GRCE's physical interaction with the SALG matrix, with thermal stability of the films decreasing upon GRCE integration. SALG/GRCE5 effectively lowered the peroxide value (PV) of sunflower oil after four weeks at 50 °C compared to the control, with direct film-oil contact enhancing this reduction. Similar trends were observed in the K232 and K270 values.

Auxin production and plant growth promotion by Microbacterium albopurpureum sp. nov. from the rhizoplane of leafless Chiloschista parishii Seidenf. orchid.

The strains of the genus Microbacterium, with more than 150 species, inhabit diverse environments; plant-associated bacteria reveal their plant growth-promoting activities due to a number of beneficial characteristics. Through the performance of diverse techniques and methods, including isolation of a novel Microbacterium strain from the aerial roots of leafless epiphytic orchid, Chiloschista parishii Seidenf., its morphological and biochemical characterization, chemotaxonomy, phylogenetic and genome analysis, as well as bioassays and estimation of its auxin production capacity, a novel strain of ET2T is described. Despite that it shared 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 99.79% with Microbacterium kunmingense JXJ CY 27-2T, so they formed a monophyletic group on phylogenetic trees, the two strains showed clear divergence of their genome sequences. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of ET2T differed greatly from phylogenetically close JXJ CY 27-2T. Based on the differences being below the threshold for species similarity, together with the unique chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain ET2T represents a novel species of the genus Microbacterium. Several genes, putatively involved in auxin biosynthesis were predicted. This strain revealed obvious plant growth-promoting activities, including diazotrophy and biosynthesis of tryptophan-dependent auxins (indole-3-acetic and indole-3-pyruvic acids). Microbial auxins directly stimulated the rhizogenesis, so that the ET2T-inoculated seeds of wheat, cucumber and garden cress showed evident promotion in their growth and development, both under optimal and under cold stress conditions. Based on phenotypic, chemotypic and genotypic evidences, the strain ET2T belongs to the genus Microbacterium, order Micrococcales, class Actinomycetes, and it represents a novel species, for which the name Microbacterium albopurpureum sp. nov. is proposed, with strain ET2T (VKPM Ac-2212, VKM Ас-2998) as the type strain.

Evaluation of total flavonoids, total phenolic content and biological activity of Iraqi Lipedium sativum L. crude extract obtained by optimized ultrasound assisted extraction conditions

Lepidium sativum L. also known as garden cress belong to the family Brassicaceae. The plant species composed of various phytochemicals as well as powerful nutraceutical potential and possess several bioactivities like, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, gastrointestinal and bone healing activities. This research paper presents an investigation into the total flavonoids (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC) and biological activity of Iraqi Lepidium sativum L. The study aimed to optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions to obtain a crude extract with enhanced bioactive components. Three variables were examined including methanol concentration, extraction time and ultrasound frequency. The optimum yields of extract, TFC and TPC were (3.22 ± 0.049 g/10 g of dry plant), (17.03 ± 0.060 mg RE/g) and (10.96±0.020 mg GAE/g) respectively. The optimal extraction conditions contributed to these values of experiment 2 and 3 were 70% methanol, 10 min and 40 KHz and 70% methanol, 15 min and 40 KHz respectively. The lowest IC50 values of optimized methanolic extracts of Iraqi Lepidium sativum aerial parts against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals were 31.84 µg/mL for TFC and 35.85 µg/mL for TPC . For the first time, the study provided data about the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the Iraqi plant and optimized conditions for extraction by UAE technique using single factor experiment. The plant can be acknowledged as a potential nutraceutical or functional food rich in antioxidants to combat many diseases.

Can LED Lighting Be a Sustainable Solution for Producing Nutritionally Valuable Microgreens?

With its quality, intensity, and photoperiod, light is a decisive abiotic factor that directly influences plant biomass and the accumulation of specialized metabolites (SMs). Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) has significant effects on primary and secondary plant metabolism and thus influences the morphological characteristics of plants and their antioxidant systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of blue, red, and a 50:50 combination of blue and red LED lighting on the SM content in broccoli, mustard, and garden cress microgreens grown in an indoor farm using the zero-acreage farming technique (ZFarming). This research aims to provide valuable insights into the optimization of light spectra to improve the nutritional quality of microgreens, with a focus on sustainable and space-saving cultivation methods. After eight days, the samples were cut in the cotyledon phenophase and analyzed in a fresh state. The microgreens grown under the blue spectrum LED lighting had the highest content of ascorbic acid (112.70 mg·100 g fw−1), total phenolics (412.39 mg GAE·100 g fw−1), and the highest antioxidant capacity (2443.62 µmol TE·L−1). The results show that the highest content of SMs in all the studied microgreens species was accumulated under the blue spectrum LED lighting. This study underlines the favorable influence of the blue spectrum (400–500 nm) on the nutrient content, especially the enhancement of SMs, in the microgreens investigated. Furthermore, the use of supplemental LED lighting proves to be a sustainable and effective means of producing microgreens with superior nutritional properties through the innovative practice of the zero-acreage farming technique.

The Volatile Constituents from Lepidium sativum and Tridax procumbens Shoots Exhibit Antimicrobial Effect and Inhibitory Activities Against α-Amylase Enzyme and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Radical

The Volatile Constituents from Lepidium sativum and Tridax procumbens Shoots Exhibit Antimicrobial Effect and Inhibitory Activities Against α-Amylase Enzyme and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Radical

Salt and heavy metal stress responses and metal uptake potentials of some leafy vegetables

AbstractAbiotic stress conditions caused by increasing anthropogenic activities over the years necessitate using marginal waters in agricultural irrigation and pose a risk to public health by causing salt stress and heavy metal pollution in the soil. The study exposed rocket (Eruca sativa L.), cress (Lepidium sativum L.), and parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.) plants to heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr at rates of 300, 140, 75, 300, 3, and 100 mg kg−1, respectively) and salt stress (3, 6, and 9 dS m−1). Both stress conditions affected plant growth negatively. Biomass losses reaching 88% occurred in the rocket, which was determined to be more sensitive to salt stress than heavy metal stress. In parsley, on the other hand, it was determined that the above‐ground organs were more affected by salt stress, but the negative effect of heavy metal stress on the roots was higher than salt stress. In cress, the cultivars produced different responses to stress factors. The Zeybek cultivar was more affected by salt stress, and Bahargülü was more affected by heavy metal stress. In general, an increase in macro‐ and micronutrients was found under stress conditions. In addition, it was determined that the plants were hyper‐accumulative in terms of lead absorption and were sorted as cress &gt; parsley &gt; rocket in terms of metal uptake. According to these findings, these plants should be grown taking into account the lead values in the soil, and consumers should be aware that they are a group of vegetables that accumulate lead.

Yield and morphology of mustard and garden cress microgreens grown under LED’s supplemental lighting

Yield and morphology of mustard and garden cress microgreens grown under LED’s supplemental lighting

Novel drug therapy of acute hepatic failure induced in rats by a combination of tadalafil and Lepidium sativum

BackgroundHepatocyte death and a systemic inflammatory response are the outcome of a complex chain of events mediated by numerous inflammatory cells and chemical mediators. The point of this study was to find out if tadalafil and/or Lepidium sativum (L. sativum) could help people who have been exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) and are experiencing acute moderate liver failure. This was especially true when the two were used together.Method and materialsTo cause mild liver failure 24 h before sacrifice, a single oral dosage of CCL4 (2.5 mL/kg b.w.) (50% in olive oil) was utilized. Furthermore, immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) as well as histological abnormalities were performed on liver tissue.ResultsThe results showed that tadalafil and/or L. sativum, especially in combination, performed well to cure acute mild liver failure caused by CCL4. This was demonstrated by a decrease in NF-κB expression in the liver tissue and an improvement in organ damage markers observed in the blood and liver tissues. Furthermore, such therapy reduced interleukin1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in the liver tissue. It’s worth noting that the tested combination resulted in greater liver improvement.ConclusionsAccording to the findings, tadalafil and L. sativum, particularly in combination, have the ability to protect the liver from the negative effects of CCL4 exposure. Because of its capacity to improve liver function, restore redox equilibrium, and decrease inflammatory mediators, it is a prospective option for mitigating the negative effects of common environmental pollutants such as CCL4.

Allelopathy and Identification of Five Allelochemicals in the Leaves of the Aromatic Medicinal Tree Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa.

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa is an economically and therapeutically valuable tree. It is cultivated as a fruit plant in southeast Asian countries. In this research, we investigated the allelopathy and possible allelochemicals in the leaves of A. marmelos. Aqueous methanol extracts of A. marmelos exhibited significant inhibitory effects against the growth of Lepidium sativum, Lactuca sativa, Medicago sativa, Echinochloa crusgalli, Lolium multiflorum, and Phleum pratense. Bioassay-directed chromatographic purification of the A. marmelos extracts resulted in identifying five active compounds: umbelliferone (1), trans-ferulic acid (2), (E)-4-hydroxycinnamic acid methyl ester (3), trans-cinnamic acid (4), and methyl (E)-3'-hydroxyl-4'-methoxycinnamate (5). The hypocotyl and root growth of L. sativum were considerably suppressed by these compounds. Methyl (E)-3'-hydroxyl-4'-methoxycinnamate also suppressed the coleoptile and root growth of E. crusgalli. The concentrations of these compounds, causing 50% growth reduction (I50) of L. sativum, were in the range of 74.19-785.4 μM. The findings suggest that these isolated compounds might function in the allelopathy of A. marmelos.

Biochemical and allelopathic features of Adonis vernalis, Allium ursinum, and Leucojum vernum in the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine

The article presents the results of a study on the content and dynamics of the accumulation of biogenic elements and brassinolides in plants of Adonis vernalis, Allium ursinum, and Leucojum vernum in Kyiv, Ukraine. Data is provided on allelopathic activity, content of macro- and microelements, phenolic compounds, and laccase activity in plants and the rhizosphere soil under the conditions of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NBG). The plants from the collection of the NBG were used as objects of study in field experiments. The content of biogenic elements in plant tissues and soil was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer. The allelopathic analysis of soil was conducted using a direct bioassay method with Lepidium sativum seedlings as the test object. Phenolic compounds were extracted from the soil using the ion exchange (desorption) method. The content of brassinosteroids was measured spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 450 nm. The content of laccase was measured spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 530 nm.The results demonstrate that model plant species employ a wide range of physiological mechanisms throughout the vegetation period to enhance their resistance to abiotic factors. These mechanisms include maintaining potassium and calcium balance and utilizing hormonal compounds. Plants have been proven to have compensatory mechanisms in response to stress factors, substituting one biochemical marker of resistance with another. Both, brassinosteroids and silicon, contribute to the adaptive capacity of organisms.

Uptake, translocation, and metabolization of amitriptyline, lidocaine, orphenadrine, and tramadol by cress and pea

The uptake, translocation, and metabolization of four widely used drugs, amitriptyline, orphenadrine, lidocaine, and tramadol, were investigated in a laboratory study. Cress (Lepidium sativum L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) were employed as model plants. These plants were grown in tap water containing the selected pharmaceuticals at concentrations ranging from 0.010 to 10 mg L−1, whereby the latter concentration was employed for the (tentative) identification of drug-related metabolites formed within the plant. Thereby, mainly phase I metabolites were detected. Time-resolved uptake studies, with sampling after 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 days, revealed that all four pharmaceuticals were taken up by the roots and further relocated to plant stem and leaves. Also in these studies, the corresponding phase I metabolites could be detected, and their translocation from root to stem (pea only) and finally leaves could be investigated.