Buglossoides Arvensis Research Articles

Dietary omega-3 fatty acids modulate the production of platelet-derived microvesicles in an in vivo inflammatory arthritis model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) enriched diets, including a novel renewable plant source of ω-3 fatty acids (Buglossoides arvensis), on the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA was induced in mice consuming experimental diets using the K/BxN model. The experimental diets consisted of either a western control diet (control), diets containing B. arvensis oil or fish oil. The effects of the diets on platelets, platelet microvesicles (PMVs), and inflammatory markers such as clinical index, ankle thickness and cytokine/chemokine release were measured. While ω-3 PUFA-enriched diets did not prevent the development of arthritis in the K/BxN model, a significant decrease in ankle swelling was observed compared to the control group. Platelets isolated from mice consuming either low content of B. arvensis oil or fish oil diets exhibited significantly decreased PMVs production compared to mice consuming the control diet. Our study provides insight into the contribution of ω-3 PUFA supplementation in modulating the pro-inflammatory phenotype of platelets in RA pathology. Furthermore, our study suggests that low concentrations of dietary B. arvensis oil may have similar anti-inflammatory potential seen with dietary fish oil supplementation.

Human gut microbiota and their production of endocannabinoid-like mediators are directly affected by a dietary oil

ABSTRACT Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and the gut microbiome affect each other. We investigated the impact of supplementation with Buglossoides arvensis oil (BO), rich in stearidonic acid (SDA), on the human gut microbiome. Employing the Mucosal Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (M-SHIME), we simulated the ileal and ascending colon microbiomes of four donors. Our results reveal two distinct microbiota clusters influenced by BO, exhibiting shared and contrasting shifts. Notably, Bacteroides and Clostridia abundance underwent similar changes in both clusters, accompanied by increased propionate production in the colon. However, in the ileum, cluster 2 displayed a higher metabolic activity in terms of BO-induced propionate levels. Accordingly, a triad of bacterial members involved in propionate production through the succinate pathway, namely Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Phascolarctobacterium, was identified particularly in this cluster, which also showed a surge of second-generation probiotics, such as Akkermansia, in the colon. Finally, we describe for the first time the capability of gut bacteria to produce N-acyl-ethanolamines, and particularly the SDA-derived N-stearidonoyl-ethanolamine, following BO supplementation, which also stimulated the production of another bioactive endocannabinoid-like molecule, commendamide, in both cases with variations across individuals. Spearman correlations enabled the identification of bacterial genera potentially involved in endocannabinoid-like molecule production, such as, in agreement with previous reports, Bacteroides in the case of commendamide. This study suggests that the potential health benefits on the human microbiome of certain dietary oils may be amenable to stratified nutrition strategies and extend beyond n-3 PUFAs to include microbiota-derived endocannabinoid-like mediators.

Stearidonic acid improves eicosapentaenoic acid status: studies in humans and cultured hepatocytes.

Ahiflower oil from the seeds of Buglossoides arvensis is rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA) and stearidonic acid (SDA). ALA and SDA are potential precursor fatty acids for the endogenous synthesis of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are n3-long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-LC-PUFAS), in humans. Since taurine, an amino sulfonic acid, is often associated with tissues rich in n3-LC-PUFAS (e.g., in fatty fish, human retina), taurine may play a role in EPA- and DHA-metabolism. To examine the capacity of the plant-derived precursor fatty acids (ALA and SDA) and of the potential fatty acid metabolism modulator taurine to increase n3-LC-PUFAS and their respective oxylipins in human plasma and cultivated hepatocytes (HepG2 cells). In a monocentric, randomized crossover study 29 healthy male volunteers received three sequential interventions, namely ahiflower oil (9 g/day), taurine (1.5 g/day) and ahiflower oil (9 g/day) + taurine (1.5 g/day) for 20 days. In addition, cultivated HepG2 cells were treated with isolated fatty acids ALA, SDA, EPA, DHA as well as taurine alone or together with SDA. Oral ahiflower oil intake significantly improved plasma EPA levels (0.2 vs. 0.6% of total fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES)) in humans, whereas DHA levels were unaffected by treatments. EPA-levels in SDA-treated HepG2 cells were 65% higher (5.1 vs. 3.0% of total FAMES) than those in ALA-treated cells. Taurine did not affect fatty acid profiles in human plasma in vivo or in HepG2 cells in vitro. SDA-rich ahiflower oil and isolated SDA led to an increase in EPA-derived oxylipins in humans and in HepG2 cells, respectively. The consumption of ahiflower oil improves the circulating levels of EPA and EPA-derived oxylipins in humans. In cultivated hepatocytes, EPA and EPA-derived oxylipins are more effectively increased by SDA than ALA.

70 Ahiflower (Buglosoides Arvensis) oil supplementation alters whole blood and muscle fatty acid profile in mature horses

The omega-3 (n-3) profile of common plant-based ingredients are derived from α-linolenic acid (ALA). Previous research has indicated that horses lack the ability to convert ALA or other short-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (SC-PUFA) into the biologically relevant docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Ahiflower (Buglossoides Arvensis) oil is a novel plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids derived from n-3 stearidonic acid (SDA), and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid (see Table 1 for fatty acid profile). The objective of this trial was to evaluate how supplementation of Ahiflower oil to horses would alter whole blood and muscle fatty acid composition. Mature Quarter Horses (n = 20) were balanced by age, BW, and BCS and assigned to one of 4 treatment groups. LOW (n = 5; BW = 507.12 ± 2.3kg; BCS = 5.4 ± 0.3) was offered 30mL/day of Ahiflower oil. HIGH (n = 5; BW = 517.45 ± 4.5kg; BCS = 5.7 ± 0.1) was offered 60mL/day of Ahiflower oil. FLAX (n = 5; BW = 497.25 ± 3.5kg; BCS = 6.1 ± 0.7) was offered a flaxseed pellet (CP = 15.42%, Total omega-3 = 3.75%) formulated to provide the same amount of total omega-3′s as LOW was offered. PAST (n = 5; BW = 508.14 ± 3.6kg; BCS = 5.2 ± 0.6) was allowed free-choice access to mixed grass pasture (CP = 16.0%, Total omega-3 = 0.79%). All horses were offered 1.81kg/d of Purina® Strategy GX® (CP = 14.24%, Total omega-3 = 0.44%) daily. LOW, HIGH, and FLAX were housed in drylots by treatment group and were offered 2.0% BW as Timothy grass hay (CP = 10.10%, Total omega-3 = 0.35%). On d 0, 30, and 60 blood samples were collected along with a mid-gluteal muscle sample (∼1g). Samples were analyzed for fatty acid profile via LC-HPLC (UF ATCL).Data were analyzed via ANOVA (SAS 9.4). Horses in the LOW group had a 12.5% increase in total omega-3, while horses in HIGH had a 40.1% increase. Similar differences were observed for EPA (LOW = 19.2%; HIGH = 40.1%), and GLA (LOW = 60.1%; HIGH = 167%). Horses in HIGH had a greater increase from baseline in muscle EPA + DHA compared with all other groups (250%). All differences were significant at P < 0.05. Taken together these data indicate that horses had the ability to convert the PUFA's in Ahiflower oil into EPA. Increased EPA in whole blood and muscle tissue potentially allows for increased production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and prostaglandins. Further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanism by which this conversion occurs.

Comparison of Ahiflower oil containing stearidonic acid to a high-alpha-linolenic acid flaxseed oil at two dietary levels on omega-3 enrichment of egg yolk and tissues in laying hens.

Enrichment of egg yolks with very long chain omega-3 fatty acids (VLCn-3 FA) is of interest because of their beneficial effects on human health. The ability of Ahiflower® oil (AHI; Buglossoides arvensis), which is naturally rich in stearidonic acid (SDA), and a high-alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) flaxseed (FLAX) oil to enrich eggs and tissues of laying hens with VLCn-3 FA was investigated. Forty 54-week-old Hy-Line W-36 White Leghorn hens were fed a diet that contained soybean oil (control; CON) or AHI or FLAX oils at 7.5 or 22.5 g/kg of the diet in substitution for the soybean oil for 28 days. Dietary treatments had no effects on egg number or components or follicle development. Total VLCn-3 FA contents of egg yolk, liver, breast, thigh, and adipose tissue were greater in the n-3 treatments compared to CON, with the greatest increase observed at the higher oil level, especially for AHI oil which had the greater VLCn-3 enrichment than FLAX in yolk (p < 0.001). Efficiency of VLCn-3 enrichment of egg yolks was decreased with n-3 oils and by increasing oil level with lowest efficiency at 22.5 g/kg FLAX. In conclusion, both SDA-rich (AHI) and ALA-rich (FLAX) oils increased VLCn-3 FA deposition into egg yolks and hens' tissues, but dietary AHI oil promoted a greater enrichment than comparative amounts of FLAX oil, especially in liver and egg yolks.

Lipidome analysis and characterization of Buglossoides arvensis acyltransferases that incorporate polyunsaturated fatty acids into triacylglycerols

Buglossoides arvensis is a burgeoning oilseed crop that contains an unique combination of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), constituting ~80–85% of seed triacylglycerols (TAGs). To uncover the critical TAG biosynthetic pathways contributing for high PUFA accumulation, we performed lipidome of developing seeds and characterized acyltransferases involved in the final step of TAG biosynthesis. During seed development, distribution of lipid molecular species in individual lipid classes showed distinct patterns from an early-stage (6 days after flowering (DAF)) to the middle-stage (12 and 18 DAF) of oil biosynthesis. PUFA-containing TAG species drastically increased from 6 to 12 DAF. The expression profiles of key triacylglycerol biosynthesis genes and patterns of phosphatidylcholine, diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol molecular species during seed development were used to predict the contribution of diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT1 and DGAT2) and phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferases (PDAT1 and PDAT2) to PUFA-rich TAG biosynthesis. Our analysis suggests that DGATs play a crucial role in enriching TAGs with PUFA compared to PDATs. This was further confirmed by fatty acid feeding studies in yeast expressing acyltransferases. BaDGAT2 preferentially incorporated high amounts of PUFAs into TAG, compared to BaDGAT1. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of TAG accumulation in this plant and identify target genes for transgenic production of SDA in traditional oilseed crops.

Buglossoides spp. seeds, a land source of health-promoting n-3 PUFA and phenolic compounds

Ahiflower oil© is extracted from the seeds of Buglossoides arvensis, which contains high amounts of stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3), while its phenolic composition still is unreported. Moreover, several Buglossoides taxa remain unstudied and could become natural sources of SDA. In this work, seeds of several Buglossoides taxa and Ahiflower oil© were screened for fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and in vitro antiproliferative activities against colorectal cancer cells. Four flavonoids and 16 phenolic acids were identified and quantified. Among Buglossoides taxa, the highest amounts of phenolic compounds were found in samples collected in Spain, under a warm Mediterranean climate. Rosmarinic and lithospermic acids were the main phenols found in Buglossoides seeds. The MTT assay showed dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effects of B. arvensis extracts on HT-29 cancer cells, with a GI50value of ∼280 μg/mL after 72 h of cell exposure to seed extracts. The latter showed lower antiproliferative activity than that of pure phenolics due to the simultaneous presence of other compounds in the extracts, as evidenced by 1H NMR. This work constitutes the first approach to evaluate the seeds of several Buglossoides taxa as functional oils-providers to use them as functional foods.

Evaluation of mineral, proximate compositions and anti-oxidant activities of some wild edible vegetables of District Kurram Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study was conducted to determine the mineral contents and some nutritional properties of five local wild vegetable; Allium griffithianum Boiss, Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M.Johnst., Caralluma tuberculata (N.E.Br.) D. C. H. Plowes, Chaerophyllum reflexum Aitch, and Stellaria media (L.) Vill., from district Kurram KP, Pakistan which are associated with folk knowledge in the region. This research is the first scientific report on the nutritional composition of the above mentioned species. Among five wild species, the Buglossoides arvensis had the highest carbohydrates content (71.99 ± 0.5%) and high lipid contents (4.8 ± 0.2%). Besides that, it has the highest total energy (349.024 kcal/100 g). Stellaria media was found to have the maximum ash (22.77 ± 0.1%) and lipids (4.87 ± 0.06%). Chaerophyllum reflexum showed the highest protein content (10.5 ±0.4%) and high total energy (332.68 ± 0.3 kcal/100 g). Mineral analysis showed that the local wild vegetables contained considerable amount of minerals; Calcium (2.20 ± 0.5-1506 ± 0.06 µg/g), Potassium (3.018 ± 1.7-1272.06 ± 0.005 µg/g), Phosphorous (2.98 ± 0.01-180.01 ± 0.1 µg/g), Chromium (0.98 ± 0.6-42.9 ± 0.5 µg/g), Cobalt (0.18 ±0.005-7.7 ± 0.2 µg/g), Sodium (0.78 ± 0.5-205.53 ± 0.4 µg/g) and Copper (5.5 ± 0.4-35.06 ± 0.7 µg/g). These data suggest that wild plants from district Kurram could be useful for nutrition or other applications. For instance, Caralluma tuberculata contains the highest number of mineral elements, which has been traditionally used as an anti-diabetic, blood purifier and for weight loss.

Comparison of Ahiflower oil containing stearidonic acid to a high-alpha-linolenic acid flaxseed oil at two levels on tissue omega-3 enrichment in broilers.

Enrichment of broiler meat with very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (VLCn-3 FA) is of interest because of their beneficial effects on human health. The ability of Ahiflower® (AHI) oil (Buglossoides arvensis), which naturally contains stearidonic acid (SDA), and a high-alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) flaxseed (FLAX) oil to enrich VLCn-3 FA contents in broilers tissues was investigated. Fifty-five Cobb 500 chicks were fed from days 12 to 35 of life either a control (CON) diet that contained 27.9g/kg soybean oil or AHI or FLAX oils, each individually at 7.5 or 22.5g/kg of the diet in substitution for soybean oil (all on an as fed basis). Total VLCn-3 FA contents were greater in breast, thigh, liver, adipose tissue, and plasma of all n-3 treatments compared to CON, with the greatest increase observed at the highest level of AHI and FLAX oils (p< 0.001). AHI oil at 7.5g/kg promoted the most efficient synthesis and deposition of VLCn-3 in broiler tissues measured as deposition of VLCn-3 FA in tissues relative to intake of n3 FA. In conclusion, both ALA and SDA oils increased VLCn-3 FA deposition in tissues, but there were diminishing returns when increasing dietary levels of the oils.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): Emerging Plant and Microbial Sources, Oxidative Stability, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits-A Review.

The omega−3 (n−3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid are well known to protect against numerous metabolic disorders. In view of the alarming increase in the incidence of chronic diseases, consumer interest and demand are rapidly increasing for natural dietary sources of n−3 PUFAs. Among the plant sources, seed oils from chia (Salvia hispanica), flax (Linum usitatissimum), and garden cress (Lepidium sativum) are now widely considered to increase α-linolenic acid (ALA) in the diet. Moreover, seed oil of Echium plantagineum, Buglossoides arvensis, and Ribes sp. are widely explored as a source of stearidonic acid (SDA), a more effective source than is ALA for increasing the EPA and DHA status in the body. Further, the oil from microalgae and thraustochytrids can also directly supply EPA and DHA. Thus, these microbial sources are currently used for the commercial production of vegan EPA and DHA. Considering the nutritional and commercial importance of n−3 PUFAs, this review critically discusses the nutritional aspects of commercially exploited sources of n−3 PUFAs from plants, microalgae, macroalgae, and thraustochytrids. Moreover, we discuss issues related to oxidative stability and bioavailability of n−3 PUFAs and future prospects in these areas.

Finds of Lithospermum Nuts at Archaeological Sites in Ukraine

Lithospermum officinale L. and Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M. Johnston [syn. Lithospermum arvense L.] nuts were found among the fossil grains and seeds in the materials of various archaeological cultures of the territory of Ukraine. These finds have attracted the researchers’ attention for their large number, which sometimes reaches tens of thousands. Why were our ancestors interested in these small, unattractive plants? They have neither brightly fragrant flowers, nor edible fruits. The oldest and largest find, more than 40,000 nuts of Lithospermum officinale L., was found in two pots from Trypillia settlement Ozhevo-Ostriv (the last phase of ВІ — В / I stages, Cucuteni A4) dated by the last third of the 5th millennium BC. For what purpose was such a number of nuts collected? In the article there is data on the finds of gromwell nuts in Europe and the reasons for their gathering. There are several of them: the usage of nuts for future crops and preparation of plants roots with red coloring; making beads from nuts; the usage of nuts in herbal medicine as diuretics, anesthetics and as an aphrodisiac. For what purpose was a large number of nuts collected by the residents of Trypillia settlement Ozhevo-Ostriv? The ancient population may have used nuts as a folk remedy and as a dye. However, the laying of vessels with nuts under the platform No. 4 at the Ozhevo-Ostriv settlement did not imply such household usage. Probably, these nuts were collected and placed in vessels for ritual purposes and they should be considered as ritual items. The finds in materials from other archaeological cultures are less numerous. It is possible that gromwell nuts were used as herbal medicine or as a dye. The gromwell nuts are also of interest to modern researchers. Thanks to recent studies by K. Pustovoytov and S. Riehl, the possibility of using biogenic carbonate from the shells of nuts for radiocarbon dating has been established. Thus, the biogenic carbonate of the nut shell is a new source of chronological information. The same researchers established the relationship between the isotopic composition of oxygen from the biogenic carbonate of nuts and climatic conditions.

Study of Boraginaceae plants for phytoremediation of oil-contaminated soil

Long-term field observations of the natural vegetation cover in industrial and adjacent areas has revealed that the Boraginaceae was one of the main plant family representatives of which were noted in oil-contaminated area. In this study against the background of the previously well characterized plant families Poaceae and Fabaceae, the phytoremediation potential of Boraginaceae plants was investigated under the field conditions and described. Among the members of this family, Lithospermum arvense, Nonea pulla, Asperugo procumbens, Lappula myosotis, and Echium vulgare were the most common in oil-contaminated areas. N. pulla was the most tolerant to hydrocarbons and, along with L. arvense and E. vulgare, actively stimulated the soil microorganisms, including hydrocarbon-oxidizing ones, in their rhizosphere. A comparative assay confirmed that the plants of the Fabaceae family as a whole more efficiently enrich the soil both with available nitrogen and with pollutant degradation genes. Nevertheless, the comparatively high ammonium nitrogen content in the rhizosphere of N. pulla and E. vulgare allows these species to be singled out to explain their high rhizosphere effect, and to suggest their remediation potential for oil-contaminated soil. Novelty statement Against the background of the previously well characterized plant families Poaceae and Fabaceae, the remediation potential of Boraginaceae plants was described for the first time. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the differences in remediation potential of plants at the family level and suggests the monitoring pollutant degradation genes as an informative tool to the search for plant promising for use in the cleanup of oil-contaminated soil.

Different Dietary n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Formulations Distinctively Modify Fatty Acid and N-Acylethanolamine Profiles in Rat Brain

Abstract Objectives Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) may influence the brain fatty acid (FA) profile and, thereby, the biosynthesis of FA bioactive metabolite, such as N-acylethanolamines (NAE). We investigated the influence of different dietary formulation of n-3PUFA from vegetable or marine oils on rat FA incorporation and modulation of NAE biosynthesis. Methods Rats were fed for 10 weeks with diets containing 12% of fat from milk + 4% soybean oil and 4% of oils with different n-3 PUFA species: soybean oil as control (MilkFat), linseed oil with α-linolenic (ALA) (LSO), Buglossoides arvensis oil with ALA and stearidonic (SDA) (Buglos), fish oil with EPA and DHA (FO), Nannochloropsis microalga oil with EPA (Nanno) or Schizochytrium microalga oil with DHA (Schy). Brain FA and NAE profile were assessed LC-DAD-MS/MS. Statistical Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's correction was applied. Results Different dietary n-3PUFA formulations induced FA change in the brain, compared to MilkFat group, DHA levels remained unchanged despite its elevated intake with FO and Schy diets. However, we found 9 fold (P &amp;lt; 0.001) increase of EPA with FO, arachidonic (AA) decreased significantly about 16% (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with LSO and FO diets. n-6 PUFA docosatetraenoic (DTA) (26% P &amp;lt; 0.05) and docosapentaenoic (DPA) (73% P &amp;lt; 0.05) were reduced with FO, probably due to a competition with EPA in the incorporation into phospholipids. We observed a 44% (P &amp;lt; 0.05) significant decrease of N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) with LSO and FO, and a reduction of N-linoleoylethanolamine (LEA) by 49% (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with LSO. On the other hand, we found an increase of N-eicosapentanoylethanolamine (EPEA), derived from EPA, by 225% (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with FO, compared to MilkFat group. Conclusions Our data indicate that reduction of AEA levels might attenuate its effects on the CB1 cannabinoid receptors, the main molecular target of the endogenous partial agonist AEA, which regulate physiological processes in the central nervous system. Therefore, in those pathophysiological conditions where is desirable to downregulate an overactive endocannabinoid system, a mixture of EPA and DHA as in FO, and ALA as in LSO, may potentially be a preferred nutritional source of n-3 PUFA. Funding Sources University of Cagliari (FIR 2019) and Fundação FCT (Portugal).

Effect of contrasting maternal nitrogen environments on Buglossoides arvensis seed germination response to gibberellic and abscisic acids

AbstractNitrogen availability in Buglossoides arvensis mother plants influences seed dormancy level. Abscisic acid (ABA) levels chiefly determine primary dormancy during embryo maturation and its maintenance depends on ABA/gibberellic acid (GA) balance. We hypothesised that soil nitrogen fertilisation of B. arvensis mother plants affects seed sensitivity to hormonal germination promotors and inhibitors. The purpose of the present work was therefore to investigate to what extent the changes that occur in seed germinability as a result of maternal nitrogen fertilisation (with ‐N(+)‐ and without ‐N(−)‐) are paralleled by changes in ABA or GAs de novo synthesis and embryonic sensitivity to ABA or GAs. Seed germinability was assessed under a gradient of ABA and GA3 and their corresponding de novo synthesis inhibitors (fluridone ‐FLU‐ and paclobutrazol ‐PBZ‐). B. arvensis seeds were incubated at suboptimal (7°C), optimal (15°C) and supraoptimal (20°C) temperatures. Results indicated a higher germination of N(+) seeds, irrespective of hormone type, dose or incubation temperature. N(−) seeds were more sensitive to FLU at 7°C and to GA3 at 15°C, whereas N(+) seeds were more sensitive to FLU at 15‐20°C and to PBZ at 7°C. At 20°C, N(+) seed germinability was stimulated by GA3 counteracting the thermo‐inhibitory effect. The higher seed germinability recorded from nitrogen‐fertilised plants could be associated to a decrease in seed dormancy levels due to lower ABA levels during embryogenesis, thus requiring a lower amount of GAs to germinate. Further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.

69 Palatability of Ahiflower oil versus flaxseed and fish oil

Ahiflower ( Buglossoides arvensis ) oil is a novel plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. Current sources of omega-3 fatty acids typically utilized in equine rations are derived from multiple origins, several of which have palatability challenges with horses. Fish oils are typically highly unpalatable without the use of flavoring agents, while classic plant-based sources do not have the robust omega profile commonly found in marine-derived sources. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the palatability of Ahiflower oil vs. flaxseed oil and various fish oils. A group of Quarter horse geldings (x¯ = 522.72 kg; n = 5) were offered a series of 2-choice evaluations over the course of 5 weeks. For 9 consecutive comparisons per week at AM (0700) and PM (1500) feedings horses were offered 0.9 kg of Purina Ⓡ WellSolve L/S Ⓡ top dressed with 30 mL of Ahiflower oil (ration A) along with 0.9 kg of the same feed top dressed with 30 mL of one of 4 other oils. Week 1 compared Ahiflower oil to flaxseed oil (ration B) while subsequent weeks compared Ahiflower oil to one of 3 commercially available fish oil supplements for horses (rations C, D, E). Horses were given enough time to consume approximately half of the feed offered (6.5 min). Individual feed location was switched from left to right at each offering. Feed was weighed before offering, then weighed again at the conclusion of the meal. The difference in feed offered vs. consumed was recorded to determine total consumption. Oils were stored as directed by the manufacturer. Horses were offered 1.5% BW as grass hay and had free-choice access to water and salt. Horses received daily turnout to drylot and were housed in individual stalls. Feed pans were cleaned between treatments to remove any residual oil from pans. Differences in intake were analyzed using a 2-tailed Student's t -test. Significance was set at P < 0.05. During wk 1 horses consumed 0.3 kg of Purina Ⓡ WellSolve L/S Ⓡ top dressed with Ahiflower Oil compared with 0.4 kg of ration B indicating no significant preference for either plant-derived oil ( P > 0. 05). Horses preferred ration A over ration D (1.78:1; P < 0. 05) and ration E (28.9:1; P < 0.05 ). No statistical preference was observed when comparing ration A and ration C ( P > 0.05 ). It should be noted that all fish oils utilized in this study contained artificial flavorants. These data indicate that Ahiflower has similar palatability to flaxseed oil and is more palatable than most of the fish oils tested. With a more varied omega profile than flaxseed oil, and the improved palatability to fish oil, Ahiflower Oil should be considered a preferred option to supply omega-3 fatty acids to equine diets.

Some Diagnostic and Anatomical Characteristics of Five Taxa from Boraginaceae Juss. Family Erbil, Sulemania and Duhok -Iraq.

Some anatomical characteristics of five taxa belong to Boraginaceae family (Asperugo procumbens L._Boiss, Buglossoides arvensis L._Boiss, B. tenuiflorum L. (fil)_Boiss, B. incrassatum Guss_Boiss and Symphytum kurdicum Boiss.et Haussk). The study was performed in the mountain region at the north of Iraq were examined the field trips have done at the growth period during the year 2019. Some parts of specimens were anatomically examined by paraffin method, the diagnostic characters of stems, leaves and leaf petioles were identified. Glandular and non-glandular hairs of each species have been determined, the different trichomes in adaxial and abaxial of both leaf surfaces and stems were present. The shapes of stem in cross sections were different between the species, lysigenous canals were present in the stem of B. tenuiflorum and S. kurdicum and the drusses were present only in stem of B. incrassatum. The main vascular bundle found in the midrib, the leaf margin shapes were different between species. &nbsp;&nbsp

Different Dietary N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Formulations Distinctively Modify Tissue Fatty Acid and N-Acylethanolamine Profiles.

We investigated the influence of different dietary formulation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on rat tissue fatty acid (FA) incorporation and consequent modulation of their bioactive metabolite N-acylethanolamines (NAE). For 10 weeks, rats were fed diets with 12% of fat from milk + 4% soybean oil and 4% of oils with different n-3 PUFA species: soybean oil as control, linseed oil rich in α-linolenic (ALA), Buglossoides arvensis oil rich in ALA and stearidonic acid (SDA), fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Nannochloropsis microalga oil rich in EPA or Schizochytrium microalga oil rich in DHA. FA and NAE profiles were determined in plasma, liver, brain and adipose tissues. Different dietary n-3 PUFA distinctively influenced tissue FA profiles and consequently NAE tissue concentrations. Interestingly, in visceral adipose tissue the levels of N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and N-docosahexaenoylethanolamide (DHEA), NAE derived from arachidonic acid (AA) and DHA, respectively, significantly correlated with NAE in plasma, and circulating DHEA levels were also correlated with those in liver and brain. Circulating NAE derived from stearic acid, stearoylethanolamide (SEA), palmitic acid and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) correlated with their liver concentrations. Our data indicate that dietary n-3 PUFA are not all the same in terms of altering tissue FA and NAE concentrations. In addition, correlation analyses suggest that NAE levels in plasma may reflect their concentration in specific tissues. Given the receptor-mediated tissue specific metabolic role of each NAE, a personalized formulation of dietary n-3 PUFA might potentially produce tailored metabolic effects in different pathophysiological conditions.

Long Term Comparison of Talc- and Peat-Based Phytobeneficial Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas synxantha Bioformulations for Promoting Plant Growth

Use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is an important strategy in sustainable agriculture. Among PGPR, manyPseudomonasstrains are of great interest due to their abilities to colonize and thrive in the rhizosphere, in addition to displaying mechanisms in plant growth promotion and biocontrol activities. However, asPseudomonasstrains are non-spore forming micro-organisms, their development into stable bioformulations for commercial applications can be difficult. This study examined over a long term period the effect of two different carriers, peat and talc, to prepare bioformulations using phytobeneficialPseudomonasstrains belonging to two taxonomical groups of interest:P. fluorescensandP. synxantha. Each strain has previously demonstrated plant growth promotion activity when inoculated in the rhizosphere. Each bioformulation was stored at ambient temperature and their viability was measured up to 180 days. In parallel, every 30 days (up to 180 days) each bioformulation was also applied in the rhizosphere of plantlets to validate their plant growth promotion activity, and their establishment in the rhizosphere was quantified by using strain-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. The viability of bothPseudomonasstrains in the bioformulations was found to decrease after the first 15 days and remained relatively stable for up to 180 days. When applying the bioformulations toBuglossoides arvensisplantlets, the expected plant growth promotion was observed when using up to 180 day-old formulations ofP. fluorescensand up to 120 day-old formulations ofP. synxantha, with similar results for both carriers. Establishment of bothPseudomonasstrains in the rhizosphere inoculated with the peat-based carrier bioformulations stored for up to 180 days was found to be stable. While a lower establishment ofP. fluorecensin the rhizosphere was observed when talc-based bioformulations were stored for 90 days or more, rhizosphere colonization byP. synxanthatalc-based bioformulations remained stable for up to 180 days. In conclusion, both peat and talc appear to be suitable carriers forPseudomonasbioformulations, however strain-specific variability exists and therefore the viability of eachPseudomonasstrain and its capacity to maintain its plant growth promotion activity should be validated in different substrates before determining which formulation to use.

γ-Linolenic and Stearidonic Acids from Boraginaceae of Diverse Mediterranean Origin.

Thirty Boraginaceae species from different tribes were evaluated in a search of γ-linolenic (GLA, 18:3n-6) and stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3)-rich oils. The high GLA percentages were found in the seed oils of Symphytum bulbosum and S. tuberosum subsp. tuberosum (27.6 and 27.2 % of total fatty acids (FA)), which are unusually high values for GLA-oils in the current literature. On the whole seed, noticeable GLA percentages were found in S. grandiflorum, S. tuberosum subsp. tuberosum and Borago officinalis (7.43, 4.90, and 4.51 g/100 g, respectively). The main SDA-taxa detected in this study were Buglossoides arvensis, B. incrassata and Glandora oleifolia (21.3, 18.9, and 16.3 % of total fatty acids). On total seed weight, Glandora rosmarinifolia showed the highest SDA content (3.57 g/100 g). Finally, the higher FA contents were found in S. grandiflorum and Paramoltkia doerfleri seeds (35.2 and 37.0 g/100 g, respectively). Principal component analysis showed that similarities in FA profiles allow grouping species as botanical criteria for Boraginaceae tribes do, while the FA groupings confirm the metabolic activities of desaturase and elongase enzymes. Data on the FA composition of the seed oils analyzed here suggest their potential use as functional foods and can be considered as novel sources of SDA and GLA.

Reintroduction of rare arable plants in extensively managed fields: Effects of crop type, sowing density and soil tillage

Vegetation of arable fields has changed significantly over the past decades as indicated by a marked decline in the abundance and diversity of arable plants. Thus, beyond the preservation of remnant populations, introduction of autochthonous seeds is a necessary measure to promote threatened arable plants and to restore agro-ecosystems. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the most suitable agricultural methods for plant establishment. This topic was investigated for three winter annuals (Legousia speculum-veneris, Consolida regalis, Lithospermum arvense) in a three-year field experiment in southern Germany. We established 14 management treatments with five replicates in a completely randomized block design. In year 1, arable plants were sown in a mixture of 850 seeds m−2 either without crop or with cereal crops in different sowing densities (25 %, 100 %). After crop harvest different types of soil tillage were applied (rotary cultivator, mouldboard plough). In year 2, four different crop types (autumn-sown spelt, spring-sown triticale, pea, clover-grass) were sown, and in year 3, rye was cultivated. Establishment was measured yearly as seed production of the rare arable plants, and their overall population growth rates were calculated at the end of the study period. Highest population growth rates were observed in L. speculum-veneris, followed by C. regalis and L. arvense. Population growth of the target plants decreased significantly with crop and weed cover averaged over the study period. Initial crop sowing densities had a significant impact on first-year establishment, with persisting effects in years 2 and 3. Best results were obtained without cover crop compared to cereals sown with 25 or 100 % sowing density. The establishment of target plants was also affected by crop type in year 2 (spelt > pea > spring triticale > clover-grass). However, establishment was overall high in year 3, when all plots were cultivated with rye. Type of soil tillage had no effect within the crop rotation ‘rye–clover-grass–rye’, while rotary cultivation in ‘without crop–rye–rye’ was positive for the establishment of L. speculum-veneris and L. arvense. The results indicate good opportunities for the reintroduction of rare arable plants under different crop rotations with best results for extensively managed fields with low crop competition.