Nucifera Leaf Research Articles

Characterization and Molecular Engineering of a N-Methyltransferase from Edible Nelumbo nucifera Leaves Involved in Nuciferine Biosynthesis.

Lotus leaf, traditionally used as both edible tea and herbal medicine in Asia, contains nuciferine, a lipid-lowering and weight-loss compoud. The biosynthetic pathways of nuciferine in Nelumbo nucifera remain unclear. We characterized a specific N-methyltransferase, NnNMT, which had a novel function and catalyzed only nuciferine synthesis from the aporphine-type alkaloid N-nornuciferine. The expression profile of NnNMT was in agreement with BIA accumulation patterns in four tissues from three varieties, suggesting that NnNMT is involved in nucleiferine biosynthesis in Nelumbo nucifera. Protein engineering based on molecular docking and dynamic simulations revealed key residues (Y98, H208, F256, Y81, F329, G260, P76, and H80) crucial for NnNMT activity, with the F257A mutant showing increased efficiency. These findings enhance our understanding of aporphine alkaloid biosynthesis and support the development of lotus-based functional foods and medicinal applications.

Identification of Bioactive Compounds by GC-MS of Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract and Virtual Screening of EGFR/ VEGFR2 Dual Inhibitors

Identification of Bioactive Compounds by GC-MS of Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract and Virtual Screening of EGFR/ VEGFR2 Dual Inhibitors

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract against amyloid-beta-induced toxicity in the Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a critical global health challenge with limited therapeutic options, prompting the exploration of alternative strategies. A key pathology in AD involves amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation, and targeting both Aβ aggregation and oxidative stress is crucial for effective intervention. Natural compounds from medicinal and food sources have emerged as potential preventive and therapeutic agents, with Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NLE) showing promising properties. Methods: In this study, we utilized transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models to investigate the potential of NLE in countering AD and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Various assays were employed to assess paralysis rates, food-searching capabilities, Aβ aggregate accumulation, oxidative stress, lifespan under stress conditions, and the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins. Additionally, autophagy induction was evaluated by measuring P62 levels and the formation of LGG-1+ structures, with RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagy-related genes to confirm the mechanisms involved. Results: The results demonstrated that NLE significantly reduced paralysis rates in CL4176 and CL2006 worms while enhancing food-searching capabilities in CL2355 worms. NLE also attenuated Aβ aggregate accumulation and mitigated Aβ-induced oxidative stress in C. elegans. Furthermore, NLE extended the lifespan of worms under oxidative and thermal stress conditions, while concurrently increasing the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins, including SOD-3, GST-4, HSP-4, and HSP-6. Moreover, NLE induced autophagy in C. elegans, as evidenced by reduced P62 levels in BC12921 worms and the formation of LGG-1+ structures in DA2123 worms. The RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagy-related genes, such as bec-1 and vps-34, negated the protective effects of NLE against Aβ-induced paralysis and aggregate accumulation. Discussion: These findings suggest that NLE ameliorates Aβ-induced toxicity by activating autophagy in C. elegans. The study underscores the potential of NLE as a promising candidate for further investigation in AD management, offering multifaceted approaches to mitigate AD-related pathology and stress-related challenges.

Phytonano silver for cosmetic formulation- synthesis, characterization, and assessment of antimicrobial and antityrosinase potential.

Novel formulations of silver nanoparticles remain exciting if it is applicable for cosmetic purposes. This study proposes a value-added brand-new nanomaterial for improving skin complexion by inhibiting melanin development. This work aims to develop cost effective, efficient, natural silver nanoparticles phytomediated by aqueous extract of leaf sheath scales of Cocos nucifera (Cn-AgNPs) having potential as tyrosinase inhibitors hindering melanin synthesis. The formation of Cn-AgNPs was assessed spectrophotometrically and confirmed by the sharp SPR spectrum at 425nm. The chemical composition profiling was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The morphology was confirmed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and the thermal stability was assessed by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Pharmacological application studies supported the materialization of Cn-AgNPs with significant antityrosinase potential and considerably improved antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Cn-AgNPs showed potential antibacterial effects against gram-positive and negative strains, including prominent infectious agents of the skin. Antioxidant capacity was confirmed with an IC50 of 57.8μg/mL by DPPH radical scavenging assay. Furthermore, in vitro melanin content determination was performed using SK-MEL cells. Cell line studies proved that Cn-AgNPs decrease the melanin content of cells. The IC50 value obtained was 84.82μg/mL. Hence Cn-AgNPs is proposed to be acting as a whitening agent through lessening cellular melanin content and as a significant inhibitor of tyrosinase activity. The antioxidant properties and antibacterial effects can contribute to skin rejuvenation and can prevent skin infections as well. This evidence proposes the development of a new nanostructured pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulation from Cocos nucifera leaf sheath scales.

Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract ameliorated scopolamine-induced cognition impairment via enhanced adult hippocampus neurogenesis.

In this presentation, we explored the molecular mechanisms of N. nucifera leaf water extracts (NLWEs) and polyphenol extract (NLPE) on scopolamine-induced cell apoptosis and cognition defects. The administration of NLWE and NLPE did not alter the body weight and serum biomarker rs and significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced cognition impairment according to Y-maze test analysis. In mice, treatment with scopolamine disrupted normal histoarchitecture in the hippocampus, whereas the administration of NLWE and NLPE reversed the phenomenon. Western blot analysis revealed that scopolamine mitigated the expression of doublecortin (DCX), nestin, and NeuN, and cotreatment with NLWE or NLPE significantly recovered the expression of these proteins. NLWE and NLPE upregulated DCX and NeuN expression in the hippocampus region, as evidenced by immunohistochemical staining analysis of scopolamine-treated mice. NLWE and NLPE obviously elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and enhanced its downstream proteins activity. NLWE and NLPE attenuated scopolamine-induced apoptosis by reducing Bax and increased Bcl-2 expression. In addition, scopolamine also triggered apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells whereas co-treatment with NLWE or quercetin-3-glucuronide (Q3G) reversed the phenomenon. NLWE or Q3G enhanced Bcl-2 and reduced Bax expression in the presence of scopolamine in SH-SY5Y cells. NLWE or Q3G recovered the inhibitory effects of scopolamine on neurogenesis and BDNF signals in SH-SY5Y cells. Overall, our results revealed that N. nucifera leaf extracts and Q3G promoted adult hippocampus neurogenesis and prevented apoptosis to mitigate scopolamine-induced cognition dysfunction through the regulation of BDNF signaling pathway.

Exfoliation and physico-chemical characterization of novel bioplasticizers from Nelumbo nucifera leaf for biofilm application

Due to the extreme threats as environmental and health issues caused by the petroleum-based leachable plasticizers, researchers among different domains are more interested in finding unique biodegradable plasticizers from natural sources. The present study used Nelumbo nucifera leaf to extract novel biopolymers as viable substitutes for chemical plasticizers. The biopolymers extraction was carried out through chemical means and its physico-chemical and morphological characterization were carried out to confirm its plastic nature. The polymers extracted possess a low glass transition temperature (77.17 °C), good thermal stability (230 °C), low density (0.94 g/cc), good surface roughness (34.154 μm), low crystallinity index (25.1%) and moderate crystallite size (16.36 nm). The presence of an organic polymer with specific chemical groups as olefinic alkenes, epoxide, imino/azo groups, and hydrophobic organic siloxane groups, signify that the material is a condensed phenolic derivative. Furthermore, bio-film was formulated using NLP and poly lactic acid (PLA) matrix to evaluate its plasticizing effect and film-forming ability. Variation in specific properties of film was noted after bio-plasticizer addition, where tensile strength (20.94 ± 1.5 MPa to 19.22 ± 1.3 MPa) and Young's modulus (1.462 ± 0.43 GPa to 1.025 ± 0.52 GPa) was found to be decreased whereas increased the percentage of elongation at break (26.30 ± 1.1% to 39.64 ± 1.6%). In addition, decreased glass transition temperature (Tg) (59.17 °C), good surface compatibility, and increased flexibility of NLP-PLA film in contrast to pure PLA film authorizes the plasticizing effect of bio-plasticizers on PLA. Since the extracted bio-plasticizers could be a suitable replacement to harmful synthetic plasticizers for lightweight packaging applications in bioplastics sector.

Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Extract Induces Cytotoxicity in Osteosarcoma Saos-2 Cells.

Background Osteosarcoma is the eighth most common cancer and its prevalence in children makes it a global concern. Existing medications and treatments like high-dose methotrexate possess harmful side effects. Therefore, novel herbal drugs like Nelumbo nucifera are of utmost importance. Aim To analyze a novel anticancer herbal drug, Nelumbo nucifera leaf extractfor its cytotoxic potential against osteosarcoma. Materials and method Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract was prepared. Saos-2 Cells (human osteosarcoma cell line) were treated with Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 µg/ml) for 24 hours which were then subjected to MTT assay, morphological analysis and DAPI staining. Results The results suggested that Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract had a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect onSaos-2 cell line. The extract significantly reduced the number of viable cells, inhibited proliferation and induced morphological changes in Saos-2 cells. Conclusion Nelumbo nucifera has the potential to induce cytotoxicity against osteosarcoma cell lines and hence, this study provides a novel therapeutic regimen for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Physico-chemical, thermal, and morphological characterization of biomass-based novel microcrystalline cellulose from Nelumbo nucifera leaf: Biomass to biomaterial approach

Physico-chemical, thermal, and morphological characterization of biomass-based novel microcrystalline cellulose from Nelumbo nucifera leaf: Biomass to biomaterial approach

The Inhibition of Autophagy and Pyroptosis by an Ethanol Extract of Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Contributes to the Amelioration of Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy is characterized by a decline in muscle mass and function. Excessive glucocorticoids in the body due to aging or drug treatment can promote muscle wasting. In this study, we investigated the preventive effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaf (NNL) ethanolic extract on muscle atrophy induced by dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, in mice and its underlying mechanisms. The administration of NNL extract increased weight, cross-sectional area, and grip strength of quadriceps (QD) and gastrocnemius (GA) muscles in DEX-induced muscle atrophy in mice. The NNL extract administration decreased the expression of muscle atrophic factors, such as muscle RING-finger protein-1 and atrogin-1, and autophagy factors, such as Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3-I/II), and sequestosome 1 (p62/SQSTM1) in DEX-injected mice. DEX injection increased the protein expression levels of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), cleaved-caspase-1, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and cleaved-gasdermin D (GSDMD), which were significantly reduced by NNL extract administration (500 mg/kg/day). In vitro studies using C2C12 myotubes also revealed that NNL extract treatment inhibited the DEX-induced increase in autophagy factors, pyroptosis-related factors, and NF-κB. Overall, the NNL extract prevented DEX-induced muscle atrophy by downregulating the ubiquitin-proteasome system, autophagy pathway, and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway, which are involved in muscle degradation.

Amalgamation of copper nanoparticles of assorted size using Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) leaf and its bioelectrical assay

There are several potential uses for green nanoparticle amalgamated in the medicinal and environmental sciences. Green synthesis specifically tries to reduce the use of harmful chemicals. For instance, it is often acceptable to employ organic resources like plants. In a single green synthesis step, biomolecules found in plant extract may transform metal ions into nanoparticles. This naturally occurring conversion of a metal ion to a base metal may be carried out quickly, conveniently, and at ambient temperature and pressure. In the current study, the production of CuNPs utilizing different-sized Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract has been reported. In order to determine how CuNPs generated, several techniques including UV-Visible, XRD, SEM, EDAX, FTIR, and cyclic voltammetry studies were used. The UV-Visible spectra of the amalgamated CuNPs show a peak between 250 and 450 nm. The morphology of CuNPs are spike in shapes with sizes of 33nm for 10mM and 25nm for 50mM, and the nanoparticles are crystalline in nature, according to the XRD and SEM examinations. The amalgamated CuNPs contain 37.55% copper, according to EDAX, and FTIR shows the absorption peak of copper at 1640 and 576 cm-1.The oxidation and reduction of amalgamated CuNPs are visible by cyclic voltammetry. CuNPs have been put to the test against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for their antibacterial properties. CuNPs show the greatest zone of inhibition when used against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans have been used as test subjects for the antifungal testing of CuNPs. The CuNPs against Candida albicans show the largest zone of inhibition. CuNPs demonstrate strong antibacterial and antifungal efficacy, which means they have a considerable potential for application in the development of medications used to treat bacterial and fungal infections. The electrical potential difference of amalgamated CuNPs has been measured using a voltmeter and it is found that as concentration rises, so does the electrical potential difference.

SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. LEAF AND ITS CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY AGAINST T47D AND 4T1 CELL LINES

The cytotoxic activitiy of silver nanoparticles bio-functionalized by Nelumbo nucifera leaf extracts were examined in the current work. The nanoparticle (AgNPs) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, and a particle size analyzer. Cytotoxic activity of silver nanoparticles against T47D and 4T1 cells using the MTT method using concentrations of 100 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, and 25 µg/mL. For comparison, doxorubicin was used at the same dose. The size of the spherical nanoparticle was 66.4±0.93 nm and the polydispersity index was 0.23±0.05. Silver nanoparticles have anti-cancer properties against T47D and 4T1 cell lines based on inhibitory concentration. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of AgNPs on T47D and 4T1 cells were obtained at 12.10±0.08 𝜇g/mL and 98.77±1.27 𝜇g/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, the IC50 values of doxorubicin in T47D and 4T1 cells were 4.45±0.03 𝜇g/mL and 36.77±1.15 𝜇g/mL, respectively. Overall, the results revealed that the green-synthetized silver nanoparticle had cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells in comparison to doxorubicin.

Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Extract Regulates Lipid Metabolism and Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and db/db Mice

Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder that increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of Nelumbo nucifera leaf (NL) extract in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and obese db/db mice. NL extract among various parts (leaf, seed, and root) of N. nucifera most effectively reduced adipogenesis via inhibiting CCAAT enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The addition of NL extract enhanced the protein expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) as compared to untreated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The oral administration of NL extract (100 mg/kg BW) significantly reduced food efficacy ratio, body weight, and face or total cholesterol level in obese d b /db mice. Also, administration of NL extract significantly decreased adipocyte size and C/EBPα or PPARγ expression in the adipose tissues as compared with control (obese db/db mice). Therefore, our results suggest that NL extract among various parts of N. nucifera could be used as a functional food ingredient for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases including obesity and diabetes.

Preventive Effect of Nuciferine on H2O2-Induced Fibroblast Senescence and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Gene Expression

Human dermal fibroblasts play an important role in skin homeostasis by producing and degrading extracellular matrix components. They have more replicative senescence when exposed to environmental and oxidative insults, resulting in human skin aging. However, this phenomenon can be mitigated by antioxidant phytochemicals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of nuciferine (an alkaloid from Nelumbo nucifera leaf) in preventing stress-induced fibroblast senescence by using a hydrogen-peroxide (H2O2)-induced senescence model. We found that H2O2 treatment resulted in a significant increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal)-positive cells. Nuciferine-treated cells, however, showed a reduction in senescent phenotype. Furthermore, we observed the key molecular markers including the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and cell cycle regulators. The mRNA levels of CXCL1, CXCL2, IL-6, and IL-8 (pro-inflammatory cytokines) reduced significantly in nuciferine-treated cells. The extracellular IL-6 and IL-8 levels were also decreased in treated cells, whereas the key cell cycle regulators (p16 and p21) were markedly affected by nuciferine at the highest concentration. The results of the present study clearly show that the preventive activity of nuciferine against H2O2-induced senescence in dermal fibroblasts is fundamental and promising for further applications in anti-aging product research and development.

Bioactive properties of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using Cocos nucifera leaves.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03110-9.

Continuous Fixed-Bed Column Studies on Congo Red Dye Adsorption-Desorption Using Free and Immobilized Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Adsorbent.

The adsorption of Congo red (CR), an azo dye, from aqueous solution using free and immobilized agricultural waste biomass of Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) has been studied separately in a continuous fixed-bed column operation. The N. nucifera leaf powder adsorbent was immobilized in various polymeric matrices and the maximum decolorization efficiency (83.64%) of CR occurred using the polymeric matrix sodium silicate. The maximum efficacy (72.87%) of CR dye desorption was obtained using the solvent methanol. Reusability studies of free and immobilized adsorbents for the decolorization of CR dye were carried out separately in three runs in continuous mode. The % color removal and equilibrium dye uptake of the regenerated free and immobilized adsorbents decreased significantly after the first cycle. The decolorization efficiencies of CR dye adsorption were 53.66% and 43.33%; equilibrium dye uptakes were 1.179 mg g–1 and 0.783 mg g–1 in the third run of operation with free and immobilized adsorbent, respectively. The column experimental data fit very well to the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models for the free and immobilized adsorbent with coefficients of correlation R2 ≥ 0.976 in various runs. The study concludes that free and immobilized N. nucifera can be efficiently used for the removal of CR from synthetic and industrial wastewater in a continuous flow mode. It makes a substantial contribution to the development of new biomass materials for monitoring and remediation of toxic dye-contaminated water resources.

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.

Effects of Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Extract on Obesity

The two main components from a Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NnEx) were investigated for their ability to prevent triglyceride accumulation and promoting lipolysis. Sun-dried Nelumbo nucifera leaves were immersed in hot water to extract the soluble components, and the resulting solution was analyzed by LC-MS and nuclear magnetic resonance. The results showed that quercetin-3-O-ß-glucuronide (Q3GA) and quercetin were the key components of the NnEx. In vitro experiments confirmed that quercetin and Q3GA functioned in lipid metabolism by promoting triglyceride degradation through inhibition of the cAMP pathway. In vivo experiments showed that NnEx ingestion inhibited the accumulation of neutral fats in ICR mice and transitioned the hepatocytes of type II diabetic KK-Ay mice out of glycogenosis. These results highlight the ability of NnEx to control metabolism by modulating fat and sugar absorption and may provide an interesting novel treatment for obesity and related lifestyle diseases such as type II diabetes.

Continuous fixed-bed column study for removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solutions using Nelumbo nucifera leaf adsorbent

ABSTRACT The adsorption of Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solutions is conducted in a continuous fixed-bed column by using agricultural biomass of Nelumbo nucifera leaf adsorbent. The column performance is evaluated by varying the adsorbent bed height (2.5‒5 cm), influent dye concentrations (10–50 mg L−1), and inlet flow rate (1‒5 mL min−1). Column experimental data confirmed that the breakthrough characteristics of the adsorption system are dependent on bed height, flow rate, and initial adsorbate concentration. The results show that the decolourisation efficiency and equilibrium uptake (qe) of CR decreases with increasing flow rate and increases with increasing bed height and influent adsorbate concentration. The maximum absorption efficiency (83.12%) was obtained using 5 cm bed height, 15 mg L−1 inlet adsorbate concentration, and 1 mL min−1 flow rate. The increased flow rate and initial adsorbate concentration lead to a shorter column exhaustion time. The length of mass transfer zone increased with increasing bed height. Various mathematical models are applied to column experimental data to predict the breakthrough curve and to evaluate the column capacity and kinetic constants of the models. The correlation between the experimental and theoretical data is quantified by calculating the regression coefficients for the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models, an R 2 ≥ 0.954 at various operating conditions was obtained, which shows that the trend of experimental data fits well and the overall system kinetics are limited by solid-liquid interphase mass transfer. The N. nucifera leaf fine powder adsorbent is proven to be capable of removing CR efficiently from aqueous solutions in continuous fixed-bed systems at low flow rate and higher bed depth and it can be used effectively in wastewater treatment.

Adsorption of Reactive Red 195 from aqueous medium using Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaf powder chemically modified with dimethylamine: characterization, isotherms, kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanism assessment

Lotus leaf powder (LLP) was chemically modified with dimethylamine (DMA) to achieve a tertiary amine type powder, named DMA-LLP, and used as an adsorbent for the removal of Reactive Red 195 (RR 195) from the aqueous medium. DMA-LLP was characterized using field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), point of zero charge (pHPZC), and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The kinetic data exhibited a good correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.9916) for the pseudo-second-order model. To evaluate the equilibrium data at different temperatures, the non-linear Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal models were used. The Langmuir model best described the equilibrium data (R2 > 0.9931). The maximum adsorption uptake from the Langmuir model, qmax , was 131.5 mg/g (pH = 2.0, Co = 300 mg/L, dosage = 0.03 g/30 mL, and T = 298 K). The pHPZC of DMA-LLP was found to be 5.5. The obtained thermodynamic parameters demonstrated the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption. The regeneration findings indicate that DMA-LLP could be used up to five times, with maximum removal of 72% achieved after the fifth cycle. Thus, we conclude that the DMA-LLP was an efficient adsorbent for removing RR 195 from the aqueous environment. NOVELTY STATEMENT In the modern era, dyes are inevitable and their surging usage leads to colossal contamination of aqueous streams, thereby threatening both the land and aquatic species. One among such dye is anionic Reactive Red 195 (RR 195), and traceable even at minute concentrations of aqueous streams, posing a severe threat to living species. Moreover, RR 195 is highly recalcitrant offering resistance to biodegradation due to the presence of an azo (–N=N–) group within its structure. Thus, there is a definite need to address the issue of eliminating RR 195 from industrial wastewater effluents. In lieu of this, the primitive objective of this study is to test the effectiveness of the natural adsorbent lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) for the selective sorption of RR 195 from the aqueous stream. Although ample literature is available on the direct utilization of lotus leaf as adsorbent, yet no study was performed on the chemical modification (dimethylamine) of the aforementioned adsorbent. Hence, an attempt has been made in this direction to add a new sorbent into the adsorbents database.

Pectic polysaccharide from Nelumbo nucifera leaves promotes intestinal antioxidant defense in vitro and in vivo.

In this study, the Nelumbo nucifera leaf polysaccharide (NNLP) was isolated by hot water extraction and ethanol precipitation. DEAE anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration were further performed to obtained the purified fraction NNLP-I-I, the molecular weight of which was 16.4 kDa. The monosaccharide composition analysis and linkage units determination showed that the fraction NNLP-I-I was a pectic polysaccharide. In addition, the NMR spectra analysis revealed that NNLP-I-I mainly consisted of a homogalacturonan backbone and rhamnogalacturonan I, containing a long HG region and short RG-I region, with AG-II and 1-3 linked rhamnose as side chains. The biological studies demonstrated that NNLP-I-I displayed antioxidant properties through mediating the Nrf2-regulated intestinal cellular antioxidant defense, which could protect cultured intestinal cells from oxidative stress and improve the intestinal function of aged mice.