Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn Research Articles

Potential hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory bioactive components in Nelumbo nucifera leaves explored by bioaffinity ultrafiltration with multiple targets

Leaf of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (N. nucifera) has been widely used as the main ingredient in lipid-lowering herbal teas and some prescriptions in China due to their excellent hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. However, the active components responsible for these beneficial properties and their mechanisms remain unexplored. In this work, the N. nucifera leaf extracts significantly promoted the glucose consumption of HepG2 cells, and also exhibited remarkable inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, and COX-2. Furthermore, the top four potential active compounds (N-nornuciferine, Nuciferine, 2-Hydroxy-1-methoxyaporphine, and Isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside) targeting the above three enzymes were screened out by bioaffinity ultrafiltration with multiple targets coupled with HPLC-MS/MS. The enzyme inhibitory activities of candidate compounds were verified by enzyme inhibition assay and molecular docking. In addition, molecular docking revealed the binding information between the candidate molecules and enzymes. The current study provided valuable information in discovering functional active ingredients from complex medicinal plant extracts.

Chemical and Microbial Characteristics of Blackening Disease in Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Caused by Hirschmanniella diversa Sher

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is widely cultivated in Asia, but a blackening disease in the lotus tuber, called “kurokawa-senchu-byo”, is a serious problem caused by the Hirschmanniella diversa Sher plant-parasitic nematode. To effectively control the disease, we must elucidate the blackening mechanisms; therefore, in this study, we performed a soil chemical analysis and an evaluation of the disease level in the lotus cultivation fields, identified the chemical components of the black spots on the lotus surface, and performed a 16S rRNA gene-based microbial community analysis of the black spots. Using linear regression analysis, a positive linear relationship with a strong correlation between the damage index values and fertilizer components such as P2O5 was observed. As a result of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) were found to be concentrated in the black spots of the lotus tubers. Furthermore, we found that the concentrations of P and Fe in the black spots were 1.5- and 2.7-fold higher, respectively, than those found in the healthy parts of the lotus tubers. A 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (DIRB) were predominant in the black spots, suggesting that these bacteria are important to the formation of P and Fe compounds in the black spots.

A review on Extraction of alkaloid from Nelumbo nucifera Embryos and Leaves for Production of Dietary Supplement

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) commonly distributed in low-lying and flooded areas like Southern Vietnam provides flowers, leaves, seeds, embryos, and edible rhizomes. All parts of the plant show good pharmacokinetic properties, especially lotus embryos and leaves. Studies have shown that lotus plums and leaves have many bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and polyphenols, in which alkaloids are one of mainly bioactive compound kinds. So that, there are many studies investigating extraction methods that increase the amount of alkaloid from lotus leaves, embryos. There are some conventional extract methods such as soak, heat reflux, Soxhlet, etc… and some modern extract methods as microwave, ultrasounds, enzyme assisted, supercritical fluids (S-CO2). At present, lotus leaves, embryos and their bioactivities can have application potential in the supplementary food such as protect-liver, anti-neurotic, etc.. The aim of this paper is to review a variety of develop methods used in the alkaloid extraction from lotus embryos, leaves. Besides, this study also introduces some pharmacokinetic properties of alkaloid which can use in functional foods.

Effects of different treatments of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the growth & physiological characteristics of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is an aquatic perennial plant with various values, such as ornamental flowers, vegetables, food, and herbal medicine. It is cultivated and consumed throughout the different regions in Vietnam as a symbol associated with local culture. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of four other treatments of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the growth of lotus in crop 2021. In the present study, we examined the effects of 4 treatments: control - no AgNPs (CT), treating the soil with AgNPs 4mg/L 5 days before planting (T1), treating plants with AgNPs 4mg/L before planting (T2), and a combination of soil treatment, plant treatment, and periodic foliar application at 4mg/L (T3). The results show that AgNPs application by different methods significantly increased plant height, leaf diameter, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf weight, and some biochemical aspects compared with the control. Furthermore, exposure to AgNPs elevated the activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD). Among the different of AgNPs applications, plants treated with T3 showed the highest efficiency. In addition, the chlorophyll content and diameter of floating and upright leaves were positively correlated with dry leaf mass. Thus, the current use of AgNPs in agricultural sciences offers the prospect of researching their impact on various plants in the future.

Study on the In vitro and In vivo Antifungal Activities of Nano-silver against Mycoleptodiscus indicus causing Leaf Blight on Lotus in Vietnam

Background: Lotus, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn is Vietnam’s symbol and Buddhism’s flower and plays an essential part in rural Vietnam’s economy as all aspects of lotus could bring benefits to farmers. But, unfortunately, lotus yield in Vietnam is seriously affected by various plant diseases. Among them, leaf blight is currently emerging as one of the primary diseases devastating lotus crops in Vietnam, in which there are large necrotic parts on lotus leaves, flowers and seeds. Methods: Aloe barbadensis extract was used for synthesizing silver nanoparticles. Leaf blight lotus leaves were collected to isolate pathogenic fungi-infection of isolated pathogenic fungi on the healthy lotus and then identify hidden mold by 28S rRNA sequencing. Determination of in vitro minimal inhibition concentration of nano-silver was conducted according to Azizi. The reduction of disease symptoms and biological characteristics of the treated lotus was observed. Result: Morphological analysis and molecular identification of 28S rRNA sequencing showed that the pathogenic microorganism was Mycoleptodiscus indicus (M. indicus). Both in vitro antifungal activity and in vivo treatment of leaf blight lotus using a nano-silver solution showed that 30 ppm of nano-silver was the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) for totally eradicating M. indicus growth. This was the first time M. indicus was reported to infect and cause leaf blight on a lotus. Previously, M. indicus was a well-known plant pathogen that could cross-kingdom infect humans and animals. Thus, the fact that lotus is widely cultured in Vietnamese rural could increase the chance for M. indicus to spread; hence, this raised the alarm about its potential harm to plants, humans and animals. And, significantly, it revealed nano-silver as a possible approach to prevent M. indicus.

Regulations and mechanisms of 1-methylcyclopropene treatment on browning and quality of fresh-cut lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) root slices

The quality of fresh-cut lotus root slices is greatly affected by enzymatic browning. In this study, we investigated the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene treatment on browning and quality deterioration of lotus root slices. When fresh-cut lotus root slices were immersed in 0.1 mg L−1 1-MCP for 1 h and stored at 10 ℃ for twelve days, microbial growth, respiration, total phenolic content, phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity, polyphenol oxidase activity, and soluble quinone levels in fresh-cut lotus root slices were suppressed. Furthermore, 1-MCP treatment improved the antioxidant capacities, peroxidase activities, superoxide dismutase activities, catalase activities, and DPPH free radical scavenging rates in fresh-cut lotus root slices. In addition, 1-MCP treatment inhibited the production of reactive oxide species, which delayed quality deterioration of fresh-cut lotus root slices. Based on transcriptomics and real-time quantitative PCR results, gene expression levels of NnmetK2, NnACO, NnETR2, NnEIN3, and NnERF1 were up-regulated while expression levels of NnEBF1 were down-regulated. These findings indicate that 1-MCP inhibits ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction, which suppresses a series of ethylene-induced physiological and biochemical reactions. Based on our findings, we propose a new strategy for inhibiting enzymatic browning in fresh-cut lotus root slices.

Isoliensinine induces cervical cancer cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by inhibiting the AKT/GSK3α pathway.

Isoliensinine is a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid that can be isolated from the lotus Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. It has been reported to exert a variety of anti-cancer properties. In the present study, the potential effects of isoliensinine on cervical cancer Siha, HeLa, Caski and C33A cell lines were investigated by using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, western blotting and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) to measure cell proliferation, the cell cycle and apoptosis, in addition to elucidating the underlying molecular mechanism. Protein levels of p21, CDK2, Cyclin E, Mcl-1, cleaved Caspase-9, AKT, phosphorylated-AKT, glycogen synthase kinase (Gsk)3α, PTEN, and mRNA levels of p21, p15, p27, CDK2, CDK4, Cyclin E, Cyclin D, Gsk3α, Gsk3β and PTEN were measured. Molecular docking assays were used to calculate the strength of binding of isoliensinine to AKT using AutoDock 4.0. Isoliensinine was found to induce cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase by upregulating p21 expression and downregulating CDK2 and cyclin E in cervical cancer cells. In addition, in previous research, isoliensinine promoted cell apoptosis by downregulating myeloid-cell leukemia 1 expression and activating caspase-9. Upstream, isoliensinine significantly downregulated AKT (S473) phosphorylation and GSK3α expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The AKT inhibitor AKTi-1/2 enhanced the function of isoliensinine on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through the AKT/GSK3α pathway. AutoDock analysis showed that isoliensinine can bind to the AKT protein. These findings suggest that isoliensinine can induce cervical cancer cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by inhibiting the AKT/GSK3α pathway, which represents a novel strategy for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Lotus root ( Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn ) flour a novel ingredient for the formulation of traditional unleavened flatbread: Rheological, physical and nutritional characteristics, and sensory attributes

Lotus roots (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) is a naturally rich source of bioactive compounds that have been known for the prevention of numerous diseases. In the present study, lotus root flour (LRF) was substituted as a wheat flour (WF) at different concentrations (5%,10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% w/w) and its effect on the functional properties, rheological characteristics, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), physical properties, nutritional profile, and sensory attributes on flour and unleavened flatbread samples were evaluated. The results showed that lower quantity of gluten content was found in flour blends, which correlates with the high water absorption (WA) of LRF which interfere in the gluten network development. The mixing profile of the dough as studied using farinograph showed an increase in WA (64.80% to 77.19%), dough development time (7.16 to 10.38 min), and dough stability (5.21 to 7.22 min) with increase in the LRF amount. Whereas, pasting profile of the blends showed an increase in maximum viscosity (1,152.11 to 1,177.21 BU) and break down values (401.21 to 477.11 BU), although, the setback values (577.13 to 450.22 BU) decreased with the addition of LRF. Furthermore, flatbread supplemented with higher amount of LRF were found to be less elastic and stiffer in texture. However, there was an overall improvement in softness, rollability, and spreadability of dough up to 15% substitution. The crude fiber and ash contents of LRF-WF flatbread samples were improved from to 0.31% to 3.87% and 0.95% to 1.89%, respectively. Their TPC increased from 14.43 to 74.16 mg GAE/100 g DW of sample. Although, baking decreased the TPC in comparison to flour blends. Sensory and textural performance exhibited that the unleavened flatbread samples were acceptable for substitution up to 15% LRF. Based on this study, LRF may be declared and commercialized as a highly antioxidative and nutritive edible flour, which can be prospectively used in the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods. Novelty impact statement Lotus root is an underused vegetable with numerous pharmacological properties. The present study was one of the first of its kind as lotus root flour (LRF) has not been incorporated before in formulation of traditional unleavened flatbread. LRF-enriched flatbread resulted in increased polyphenols, antioxidants and dietary fiber compared with control flatbread. Thus, increasing the nutraceutical value of our basic food, which ultimately address the health issues of consumers.

Nyctinastic herbs decoction improves para-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia by regulating the expression level of neurotransmitters.

BackgroundAs traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), nyctinastic herbs have been used in treating insomnia in China since ancient times according to its similar circadian rhythm as human beings. However, the pharmacodynamic characteristics and mechanism of these herbs have not been explored in depth.MethodsIn the study, we chose He Huan Pi (Albizia julibrissin Durazz.), Ye Jiao Teng (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.), Bai He (Lilium brownie F. E. Brown var. viridulum Baker), and Lianzi (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) to form a TCM compound decoction [nyctinastic herb decoction (NHD)] and to investigate its sedative and hypnotic effect on para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA)-induced insomnia rodents by pentobarbital-induced sleep test (PIST), behavior test [including locomotor activity (LMA), forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST)] and electroencephalograph (EEG). The expression of neurotransmitters were detected to explain the possible mechanism of NHD.ResultsNHD was found to have good sedative effects on reducing the moving distance, prolonging sleep time, improving the sleep quality and depression status. NHD attenuated the insomniac effect of PCPA by increasing the level of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and reducing the level of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), acetylcholine (ACh) in the hypothalamus.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study confirmed the sedative and hypnotic effect of NHD, and clarified its possible mechanism from neurotransmitters.

Molecular Cloning and Expression Profile of Class E Genes Related to Sepal Development in Nelumbo nucifera.

The lotus (Nelumbo Adans.) is an important aquatic plant with ornamental, medicinal and edible values and cultural connotations. It has single-, semi-double-, double- and thousand-petalled types of flower shape and is an ideal material for developmental research of flower doubling. The lotus is a basal eudicot species without a morphological difference between the sepals and petals and occupies a critical phylogenetic position in flowering plants. In order to investigate the genetic relationship between the sepals and petals in the lotus, the class E genes which affect sepal formation were focused on and analyzed. Here, SEPALLATA 1(NnSEP1) and its homologous genes AGAMOUS-LIKE MADS-BOXAGL9 (NnAGL9) and MADS-BOX TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 6-like (NnMADS6-like) of the class E gene family were isolated from the flower buds of the Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.). The protein structure, subcellular localization and expression patterns of these three genes were investigated. All three genes were verified to locate in the nucleus and had typical MADS-box characteristics. NnSEP1 and NnMADS6-like were specifically expressed in the sepals, while NnAGL9 was highly expressed in the petals, suggesting that different developmental mechanisms exist in the formation of the sepals and petals in the lotus. The significant functional differences between NnSEP1, NnMADS6-like and NnAGL9 were also confirmed by a yeast two-hybrid assay. These results expand our knowledge on the class E gene family in sepal formation and will benefit fundamental research on the development of floral organs in Nelumbo.

The optimization of ultrasonic-microwave assisted synergistic extraction of Lotus plumule extract rich in flavonoids and its hypoglycemic activity

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn), a kind of perennial aquatic plant, is widely cultivated and consumed by people in Asian countries. Lotus plumule flavonoids (LPF) have been recognized as a hypoglycemic agent. LPF was optimally obtained using novel ultrasonic-microwave assisted synergistic extraction (UMSE) method by response surface methodology (RSM) on the basis of the results of single-factor experiments. Furthermore, the hypoglycemic activity of LPF was investigated by measuring the body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and analyzing the physiological indexes in streptozotocin-diabetic mice model. The optimum extraction conditions consisted of microwave power 355 W, ultrasonic power 423 W, extraction time 15 min, solid-liquid ratio 1:40, ultrasound/interval time 1/0, and ethanol concentration 70% with the maximum LPF yield of 2.62%. LPF supplementation significantly decreased the body weight, FBG, OGTT, serum total cholesterol (TC), serum total triglycerides (TG), and insulin levels, indicating the antidiabetic activity of LPF. This research verified that the UMSE technique was highly efficient to extract LPF to the maximum extent and the flavonoids from L. plumule exhibited hypoglycemic activity, which showed broad development and application prospects.

Effects of pulsed electric field pretreatment on mass transfer kinetics of pickled lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)

This study investigated the mass transfer process, penetration of seasoning, texture and sensory quality of pickled lotus root slices with pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment and corresponding mechanisms. Samples were subjected to 10,000 pulses in 20s (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kV/cm), blanched in boiling water and then soaked in brine (3% dark soy sauce and 15% NaCl). PEF pretreatment significantly enhanced water loss and NaCl gain throughout the pickling process, and higher effective diffusion coefficient (De) of PEF-pretreated samples (PEF = 17.42 and Control = 9.51, 10^-7 m2/s) resulted in a shorter period to approach the theorical osmotic equilibrium of NaCl (0.12 w/w). Furthermore, better appearance, flavor and pickled degree of samples were also attributed to PEF pretreatment. The acquired results revealed that PEF can be used to pretreat foodstuffs before pickling processing considering its effects on improving mass transfer and potential for cost reduction.

Effect of Single and Dual Hydrothermal Treatments on the Resistant Starch Content and Physicochemical Properties of Lotus Rhizome Starches.

Heat-moisture treatment (HMT) changed the morphology and the degree of molecular ordering in lotus rhizome (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) starch granules slightly, leading to some detectable cavities or holes near hilum, weaker birefringence and granule agglomeration, accompanied with modified XRD pattern from C- to A-type starch and lower relative crystallinity, particularly for high moisture HMT modification. In contrast, annealing (ANN) showed less impact on granule morphology, XRD pattern and relative crystallinity. All hydrothermal treatment decreased the resistant starch (from about 27.7–35.4% to 2.7–20%), increased the damage starch (from about 0.5–1.6% to 2.4–23.6%) and modified the functional and pasting properties of lotus rhizome starch pronouncedly. An increase in gelatinization temperature but a decrease in transition enthalpy occurred after hydrothermal modification, particularly for hydrothermal modification involved with HMT. HMT-modified starch also showed higher pasting temperature, less pronounced peak viscosity, leading to less significant thixotropic behavior and retrogradation during pasting-gelation process. However, single ANN treatment imparts a higher tendency of retrogradation as compared to native starch. For dual hydrothermally modified samples, the functional properties generally resembled to the behavior of single HMT-modified samples, indicating the pre- or post-ANN modification had less impact on the properties HMT modified lotus rhizome starch.

Discovery of eight alkaloids with D1 and D2 antagonist activity in leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Using FLIPR assays

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDopamine receptors are long-standing primary targets in the treatment of mental diseases and there is growing evidence that suggests relationships between obesity and the dopamine system, especially dopamine D1 and D2 receptors. Leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus leaves) have been medically used for helping long-term maintenance of weight loss. Whether and how components of lotus leaves function through the dopamine receptors remains unclear. Aim of the studyThis work aimed to discover dopamine receptor-active alkaloids isolated from the lotus leaves, to evaluate their potencies and to analyze their structure activity relationship. Materials and methodsDried lotus leaves were prepared and total extract was divided into alkaloids and flavones. Eight alkaloids were separated and characterized by a combination of high-performance liquid chromatography, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, and assayed by a fluorometric imaging plate reader platform. Human embryonic kidney 239 cell lines expressing dopamine D1, D2 and serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, respectively, were cultured and used in the assay. ResultsAlkaloids in the lotus leaves were the bioactive phytochemicals and inhibited dopamine from accessing the D1 and D2 receptors. All eight compounds functioned as D1-receptor antagonists and except N-nornuciferine, seven alkaloids functioned as D2-receptor antagonists. (S)-coclaurine and (R)-coclaurine are optical isomers and antagonized both D1 and D2 with equivalent potencies, suggesting that the optical rotation of the methylene linker in the monobenzyl isoquinoline backbone did not influence their activity. Among the eight alkaloids, O-nornuciferine was the potent antagonist to both receptors (the lowest IC50 values, D1: 2.09 ± 0.65 μM and D2: 1.14 ± 0.10 μM) while N-nornuciferine was found to be the least potent as it moderately antagonized D1 and was inactive on D2. O-nornuciferine was also a 5-HT2A antagonist (IC50~20 μM) while N-nornuciferine had no activity. These hinted the importance of a methyl group attached to the nitrogen atom in the aporphine backbone. Armepavine showed a nearly 10-fold selectivity to D2. ConclusionsIn this work, eight alkaloids were isolated from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. and assayed on the D1 and D2 receptors. They were D1/D2 antagonists with IC50 values in the mid- to low-micromolar range and O-nornuciferine was the most potent alkaloid among the eight. This family of alkaloids was biochemically evaluated on the dopamine receptors by the same platform for the first time.

The potential of medicinal plant extracts in improving the phytoremediation capacity of Solanum nigrum L. for heavy metal contaminated soil

This study focused on the effects of eight medicinal plant extracts on Solanum nigrum L. potential to accumulate Cd and Pb from soil. These medicinal plants were common and relatively cheap. The eight 10% water extracts were made from the peel of Citrus reticulata Blanco (PCR), fruit of Phyllanthus emblica L. (FPE), root of Pueraria Lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (RPL), rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum Red (RPS), root of Astragalus propinquus Schischkin (RAP), bud of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (BHC), seed of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (SNN) and fruit of Prunus mume (Sieb.) Sieb.etZuce (FPM). The results showed that among all exposures, the treatment with FPE resulted in the significant increase (p < 0.05) of Cd and Pb concentration in shoots and roots of S. nigrum by 32.5% and 65.2% for Cd, and 38.7% and 39.6% for Pb. The biomasses of S. nigrum in all plant extract treatments were not significantly changed (p < 0.05) compared to the control (CK). The Cd and Pb extraction rates of S. nigrum in FPE treatment were increased respectively by 60.5% and 40.5% compared to CK. Though the treatment with EDTA significantly improved (p < 0.05) the concentration of Cd and Pb of S. nigrum, the Cd and Pb masses (ug plant−1) of S. nigrum did not show any significant difference compared to the CK due to the significant decrease in the shoot (20.4%) and root (22.0%) biomasses. The chelative role of FPE might be relation with its higher polyphenolic compounds. However, not sure if the contents of polyphenolic compounds was the only differences between FPE and other additives. Thus, some unknown organic matters might also play active role. This study provided valuable information on improving the phytoremediation potential of hyperaccumulator.

Physico-mechanical characterization of different grades of Lotus rhizome (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) for valorisation and smart post-harvest management

The debilitated attention in post-harvest management of lotus rhizomes (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) is of serious concern to the food industry. Far too often, exposure to mechanical damage during post-harvest handling, transportation, and valorisation of lotus rhizomes scores low in its quality and leads to post-harvest losses, hence the detailed profiling of this biomaterial is much needed. In this study, the data for physical and mechanical/ engineering properties of lotus rhizomes of varying sizes were generated to facilitate its utilisation in designing post-harvest and processing machinery and also planning its processing and valorisation. Lotus rhizomes were classified into different sizes for assessing the requirement of grading and sorting devices in the future. The significant difference (P<0.05) in length, width, thickness, L*, a*, and b* values ranged from 16.02 to 39.00 cm, 1.13 to 3.50 mm, 1.03 to 3.30mm, 49.10 to 64.20, 5.90 to 2.80, 6.77 to 18.01 respectively, which indicates less wastage with the increase in sizes. Besides, colour saturation, colourfulness, and purity improve with the increase in rhizome size. The mechanical properties are also influenced by the presence of air canals (pores) in the rhizome compared to other cylindrical vegetables and also suggest that the rhizomes of different sizes should be handled separately. The minimum pressure forces during handling should be in the range of 9.28 to 80.57 N depending upon the size and the shear force ranged from 100.40 to 167.62 N which increased with the increase in the size of rhizomes. Similarly, hardness values of TPsA have increased with the increase in size. The results obtained from observing these properties potentials to be useful in reducing wastages and manage smart postharvest operations in the future.

Differential specificities of polyphenol oxidase from lotus seeds (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) toward stereoisomers, (−)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin: Insights from comparative molecular docking studies

Lotus seeds are highly susceptible to browning because of the catalysis of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), which caused a tremendous waste of lotus resources, so it is urgent to investigate the PPO in lotus seeds. In this study, lotus seed PPO was gradually purified with 26.92 times fold and a 1.43% yield. The molecular weight of lotus seed PPO was tested at 58 kDa, and its three-dimensional (3D) model consisted of eight α-helices, ten β-sheets, and random coils. A total of 14 phenolic compounds were identified in lotus seeds. However, lotus seed PPO showed different affinity towards these phenolic substrates. Even the stereoisomers, (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin, demonstrated disparate Km and Vmax values. Thus, the catalytic mechanism between PPO and these stereoisomeric substrates was explored using comparative molecular docking. In contrast to (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin formed more Pi-Alkyl interactions and hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues in the hydrophobic pocket of PPO. (−)-Epicatechin had a lower HOMO-LUMO energy gap and higher molecular ovality after entering the active pocket of PPO than (+)-catechin. To conclude, the catalytic mechanism of lotus seed PPO was clarified by comparative molecular docking studies, and (−)-epicatechin was evidenced as the optimal substrate of lotus seed PPO.

Yield trials of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) grown for seed production

Yield trials of lotus (<i>Nelumbo nucifera</i> Gaertn.) grown for seed production

The antiandrogenic effect of neferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine by inhibiting 5-α-reductase and androgen receptor expression via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in prostate cancer.

Neferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine are bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids extracted from seed-embryos of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. In this study, we evaluated the anticancer activities and mechanism of action of these natural products in prostate cancer cells by MTT, wound healing, ELISA and Western blotting. Neferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine showed growth inhibition and displayed a significant anti-migration activity in prostate cancer cells. They induced apoptosis and autophagy by activating cleaved caspase-9, cleaved PAPR, Bax, LC3B-II, but decreased Bcl-2 and PARP protein expression in LNCaP cells 24 h after treatments. The apoptotic and cytotoxic effects of neferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine were significantly attenuated in the presence of the caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK. However, the effects were enhanced in the presence of Akt inhibitor (MK2206) and PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). Moreover, neferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine also downregulated the protein expression of androgen receptor, prostate-specific antigen, and type II 5-α-reductase. These results demonstrated that these bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids have the potential as promising therapeutics agents. They induced apoptosis via inactivation with the PI3K/AKT signal pathway.

Microwave vacuum drying of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) seeds: Effects of ultrasonic pretreatment on color, antioxidant activity, and rehydration capacity

Arguably the oldest method human use to extent the shelf life of food, drying inevitably inherits undesirable physiochemical changes due mainly to how the moisture in food is removed. The present study investigated how ultrasonic pretreatment (UP) affected the color, antioxidant capacity, and rehydration kinetics of lotus seeds (LSs) subjected to subsequent microwave vacuum drying (MVD). Samples of LSs were subjected to UP at intensities of 6.08, 8.39, and 10.84 W/cm2 for 10 min, followed by MVD. UP at the highest intensity (10.84 W/cm2) changed color by increasing L* and b* but decreasing a* and also improved antioxidant activities by enhancing hydroxyl and superoxide anion radical-scavenging activities of microwave vacuum dried LSs. These changes were correlated with the increasing of gallic acid by 17.57%, chlorogenic acid by 106.73%, caffeic acid by 47.80%, rutin by 105.07%, but decreasing the content of p-hydroxybenzoic acid by 15.47% as compared to Fresh-MVD (fresh LSs dried by MVD). Under higher ultrasonic intensity, more notches and grooves appeared on surface of dried LSs which were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, which increased rehydration rate. Therefore, ultrasonic technique can be employed as a pretreatment method before the drying operation in order to retain the quality of the dried products.