Nucifera Rhizome Research Articles

Physicochemical, in vitro antidiabetic and sensory characteristics of leavened functional bread made with Lasia spinosa and Nelumbo nucifera rhizome flours composited with wheat flour

Bread is considered one of the most popular bakery products consumed in several world regions including Sri Lanka. The potential of utilization of two rhizome flours (Lasia spinosa and Nelumbo nucifera) was evaluated in bread formulation with four different substitution levels (20, 40, 60, and 80%). After the incorporation of L. spinosa and N. nucifera flours, the alterations in compositional, functional, in vitro anti diabetic activity, in vitro starch digestibility and sensory attributes were observed. The results revealed that the total dietary fiber, resistant starch and ash contents were higher while protein, fat and starch contents were lower in the rhizome flour incorporated breads. The functional properties showed that the water absorption index and water solubility increased with increasing of rhizome or proportion. The results showed that 20% rhizome flour incorporated bread had the highest sensory score compared to other percentage ratios and contained a higher level of dietary fiber, resistant starch, antidiabetic activity, and low rate of starch digestibility compared to control bread. The mixture of Lasia spinosa and Nelumbo nucifera rhizome flours could be incorporated up to 20% substitution level with wheat flour to formulate functional bread with more nutritious and functional along with sensory acceptability.Graphical

Molecular mechanisms of antidiabetic effect of betulinic acid in lotus rhizome.

To explain the bio-physiological mechanisms of the antidiabetic effect of betulinic acid in Lotus rhizome. Even though Sri Lankan native medicine uses Lotus rhizome as a medicinal food for diabetes mellitus, its antidiabetic property has not been scientifically explained yet. It is found to compose several medicinally active components with antidiabetic properties, including Betulinic acid. A narrator review was conducted with a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the search terms "Nelumbo nucifera rhizome", "Lotus rhizome", "phytochemicals", "antidiabetic effect", "hypoglycaemic effect" "Betulinic acid", and "molecular mechanism". The triterpenoid, Betulinic acid exerts its antidiabetic effect via seven bio-physiological mechanisms including, inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase, upregulating the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 α, enhancing AS160 protein phosphorylation, stimulating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation, stimulating Glucose transporter type 4 synthesis and translocation, inhibiting Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1 B activity preventing dephosphorylation of insulin receptor and stimulating Takeda-G-protein-receptor-5 resulting in an increased release of insulin from insulin-containing granulesCONCLUSION: The available scientific knowledge explains that betulinic acid in Lotus rhizome can improve glucose homeostasis contributing to the antidiabetic effect of this root (Tab. 1, Fig. 6, Ref. 29).

The Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Rhizome Quality and Starch Physicochemical Properties in Nelumbo nucifera

Optimal nitrogen (N) supply significantly increases the starch content, components, and yield of Nelumbo nucifera. However, the underlying transcriptional mechanism and starch accumulation under dose-dependent nitrogen fertilizer are poorly understood. In this study, we found that the optimal nitrogen fertilizer (N2, 30 kg/667 m2) was more beneficial to improve the stomatal conductance (Gs), leaf intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr), net photosynthetic rates (Pn), chlorophyll content, starch content, and plot yield. What is more, N2-fertilizer treatment induced a higher number of starch granule, AP2 content, and RVA curve peaks. Then, the transcriptomic analyses performed in control (CK) and N2-fertilizer treatment (N2) showed that the expressions of many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly induced by N2. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, plant hormone signal transduction, and starch and sucrose metabolisms, suggesting that nitrogen fertilizer induced alterations of photosynthesis- and starch accumulation-related gene expression profiles. Finally, six photosynthesis-related genes and fourteen starch synthesis-related genes were confirmed to be required for starch accumulation in the Nelumbo nucifera development. qPCR analysis of six starch accumulation-related genes demonstrated the accuracy of the transcriptome. Hence, our study provides valuable resource for future studies on molecular mechanisms underlying starch accumulation in Nelumbo nucifera rhizome under N-fertilizer treatment.

Effect of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome extract in haloperidol induced Parkinson rat model

Effect of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome extract in haloperidol induced Parkinson rat model

Modification of physical and functional characteristics of chitin extracted from microwave-treated Nelumbo nucifera rhizome flour

Chitin, a cell wall polysaccharide, extracted from Nelumbo nucifera rhizome (NNR), was subjected to microwave treatment to modify its physical and functional characteristics. The NNR flour was irradiated at different levels of the microwave treatment period (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min). Chitin was extracted from the native and microwave-treated samples and analyzed for physical and functional characteristics. The microwave treatment resulted in some variations in the extract yield, structure, morphology, and composition of chitin that were directly correlated with its functional properties. Regression analysis of the data showed a significant ( p < 0.05) time-dependent linear decrease in extract yield, polynomial decrease in water-holding and swelling capacities, an exponential increase in oil holding, and an exponential decrease in iron-binding capacity of chitin extracted from microwave-treated flour. These variations in the studied functional properties may be due to microwave-induced hydrolytic degradation of chitin, structural rearrangements, and exposure of some lipophilic functional groups on the surface of chitin. The data would be a valuable contribution to the literature regarding microwave-induced modification in physical and functional characteristics of chitin present in N. nucifera rhizome and other plant-based biomaterials of industrial importance.

Effect of Freeze-Thaw Treatment on<i> </i>Free Radical Scavenging and Linoleic Acid Reducing Potential of <i>Nelumbo nucifera </i>Rhizome Starch: Response-surface Optimization

Background/Objective: Repeated freezing and thawing results in the structural, compositional, and functional modifications in food materials. The present study was designed to optimize the effect of Freeze-thaw treatment (FTT) on free radical scavenging and linoleic acid reduction potentials of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome starch (NNRS). Methodology: A 4-factorial response-surface central composite design (CCD) based on three levels of each of the four input factors including freezing temperature (FT: -40, -20, and 0°C), freezing time (Ft: 24, 48, and 72 h), thawing time (Tt: 2, 4, and 6 h), and number of freeze-thaw cycles (FTC: 2, 4, and 6) was constructed. The NNRS was treated at different combinations of input variables as selected by CCD. The Freeze-thaw-treated N. nucifera rhizome starch (FTT-NNRS) was analyzed for antioxidant potential. Principle Findings: A statistically significant main effect (p=0.0017-0.0029) of FTT was observed on free radical scavenging and linoleic acid reducing potential (LARP) of NNRS. The 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging potential was found to be a linear positive function of FT and Ft while hydroxyl radical scavenging potential showed a linear linear negative response towards FT and linear positive response towards FTC. The LARP also showed a linear positive response towards FT and Tt and quadratic positive response towards FT. Conclusion: FTT significantly affected the free radical scavenging potential and LARP of NNRS that may be attributed to the time-dependent variation in the structure of starch and exposure of some antioxidant residues after repeated freezing and thawing treatments.

Microwave-Induced Modification of Physical and Functional Characteristics and Antioxidant Potential of Alkali-Soluble Cell Wall Polysaccharides of Nelumbo nucifera Rhizome

The alkali-soluble cell wall polysaccharides (CWPs), extracted from Nelumbo nucifera rhizome flour (NNRF), were treated with microwave radiation to modify their physical characteristics, functional properties, and antioxidant potential. The NNRF was treated at different levels of microwave treatment time (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min) using the low-medium intensity (200 W). The cell wall was isolated and CWPs were extracted in 10% KOH solution followed by their physical, functional, and antioxidant characterization. Microwave treatment resulted in the morphological, structural and compositional modifications in CWPs that were directly correlated with their functional properties and antioxidant potential. A significant (p < 0.05) time-dependent exponential decrease in extract yield, exponential increase in water holding, oil holding, and swelling capacities, a polynomial increase in iron-binding capacity, and a linear increase in antioxidant properties including Trolox equivalent total antioxidant activity, ferrous reducing power, and free radical scavenging capacity of microwave-treated CWPs was observed. The increase in the studied functional and antioxidant potential of the treated samples may be due microwave-induced exposure of hydroxyl groups and uronic acid residues in CWPs. The data would be a valuable contribution to the literature regarding microwave-induced modification in physical, functional and antioxidant properties of CWPs of N. nucifera rhizome.

Characterization, Functional Properties, and Resistant Starch of Freshwater Macrophytes.

Several aquatic macrophytes such as Colocasia esculenta, Eleocharis dulcis, Nelumbo nucifera, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Trapa bispinosa, and Typha angustifolia possessed carbohydrate mainly in their storage and reproductive parts. Starch morphology, total starch, and amylose content of these six freshwater plant species were determined. Their functional properties, i.e., starch crystallinity, thermal properties, and rheological behaviour were assessed. Large starch granules were in N. nucifera rhizome (>15 μm), medium-sized was N. nucifera seed (8-18 μm), while the rest of the starches were small starch granules (<8 μm). Shapes of the starch granules varied from oval and irregular with centric hilum to elongated granules with the eccentric hilum. Eleocharis dulcis corm starch had significantly higher total starch content (90.87%), followed by corms of C. esculenta (82.35%) and S. sagittifolia (71.71%). Nelumbo nucifera seed starch had significantly higher amylose content (71.45%), followed by T. angustifolia pollen (36.47%). In comparison, the waxy starch was in N. nucifera rhizome (7.63%), T. bispinosa seed (8.83%), C. esculenta corm (10.61%), and T. angustifolia rhizome (13.51%). Higher resistant starch was observed mostly in rhizomes of N. nucifera (39.34%)>T. angustifolia (37.19%) and corm parts of E. dulcis (37.41%)>S. sagittifolia (35.09%) compared to seed and pollen starches. The XRD profiles of macrophytes starches displayed in all the corms and N. nucifera seed had A-type crystallinity. The T. bispinosa seed had CA-type, whereas the rest of the starches exhibited CB-type crystallinity. Waxy starches of C. esculenta corm had higher relative crystallinity (36.91%) and viscosity (46.2 mPa s) than regular starches. Based on thermal properties, high-amylose of N. nucifera seed and T. angustifolia pollen resulted in higher gelatinization enthalpy (19.93 and 18.66 J g−1, respectively). Starch properties showed equally good potential as commercial starches in starch-based food production based on their starch properties and functionality.

Microwave-Induced Modification in Physical and Functional Characteristics and Antioxidant Potential of Nelumbo nucifera Rhizome Starch

The microwave-induced modifications in physical characteristics, functional properties, and antioxidant potential of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome starch were studied. The rhizome flour was subjected to microwave irradiation at different treatment times (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min) at the low-medium intensity (200 W). The starch was obtained from the native and microwave treated flour and analyzed for its physical characteristics, functional properties, and antioxidant potential. The microwave treatment showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in total starch yield and oil holding, swelling, and iron-binding capacity of the starch. Microwave treatment resulted in disruption of morphology and conversion of C-type crystalline structure to CA and CB-type structures of starch. The variations in antioxidant properties of starch were associated with the microwave-induced modification in the structure and physical characteristics of starch. A significant time-dependent increase in the content of reducing monosaccharides, Trolox equivalent total antioxidant activity, and free radical scavenging capacity was observed in microwave treated starch. The data may be a valuable contribution to the literature regarding microwave-induced modification in physical, functional and antioxidant properties of lotus rhizome starch.

Effects of Nelumbo nucifera Rhizome Extract on Cell Proliferation and Neuroblast Differentiation in the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus in a Scopolamine‐induced Amnesia Animal Model

A large aquatic herb, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn, has psychopharmacological effects similar to minor tranquillizers and antistress agents. This study examined the effects of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome extracts (NRE) on cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of a rat model of scopolamine-induced amnesia. Immunohistochemical markers included Ki67, an endogenous marker for active cell cycle, and doublecortin (DCX), a marker for immature neurons and migratory neuroblasts. Scopolamine was administered for 28 days via an ALzet minipump (44 mg/mL delivered at 2.5 µL/h). NRE was administered by gavage, 1 g/kg per day for 28 days. The administration of scopolamine significantly reduced the number of Ki67- and DCX-immunoreactive cells in the DG, whereas scopolamine did not induce any significant changes in mature neurons in the DG. The administration of NRE significantly ameliorated the scopolamine-induced reduction of Ki67- and DCX-immunoreactive cells in the DG. In addition, the administration of NRE significantly restored the scopolamine-induced reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in DG homogenates. These results suggest that NRE can ameliorate the scopolamine-induced reductions of cell proliferation, neuroblast differentiation and BDNF levels.

Rapid validated HPTLC method for estimation of betulinic acid in Nelumbo nucifera (Nymphaeaceae) rhizome extract

Betulinic acid (pentacyclic triterpenoid) is an important marker component present in Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. rhizome. N. nucifera rhizome has several medicinal uses including hypoglycaemic, antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, diuretic, antipyretic, psychopharmacological activities. To establish a simple, sensitive, reliable, rapid and validated high-performance thin-layer chromatography method for estimation of betulinic acid in hydro-alcoholic extract of N. nucifera Gaertn. rhizome. The separation was carried out on a thin-layer chromatography aluminium plate pre-coated with silica gel 60F(254) , eluted with chloroform, methanol and formic acid (49 : 1 : 1 v/v). Post chromatographic derivatisation was done with anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent and densitometric scanning was performed using a Camag TLC scanner III, at 420 nm. The system was found to produce a compact spot for betulinic acid (R(f) = 0.30). A good linear precision relationship between the concentrations (2-10 µg) and peak areas were obtained with the correlation coefficient (r) of 0.99698. The limit of detection and limit of quantification of betulinic acid were detected to be 0.4 and 2.30 µg per spot. The percentage of recovery was found to be 98.36%. The percentage relative standard deviations of intra-day and inter-day precisions were 0.82-0.394 and 0.85-0.341, respectively. This validated HPTLC method provides a new and powerful approach to estimate betulinic acid as phytomarker in the extract.

Exploring the potential of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome on membrane stabilization, mast cell protection, nitric oxide synthesis, and expression of costimulatory molecules

Immunomodulatory activity of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome was evaluated for its standardized extract (NNRE) with respect to betulinic acid. Various key parameters including erythrocyte membrane stabilization, inhibition of histamine release, reduction in nitric oxide production and depletion of expression of costimulatory molecules of macrophages were estimated. The result displayed that NNRE stabilized erythrocyte membrane significantly at 10 (42.05%) and 100 μg/mL (44.31%). Although considering the protection of mast cells from degranulation, NNRE showed 38.66% (100 μg/mL) and 69.66% (10 μg/mL) degranulation against compound 48/80 (C 48/80). NNRE at 1 and 5 μg/mL inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of macrophages by decreasing the expression of costimulatory molecules. Expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86 by NNRE was seen significantly at 5 μg/mL compared to LPS-treated group. The extracts also inhibited the nitrite concentration at 1 and 5 μg/mL compared to LPS-treated group.

Effect of gamma irradiation on the microbial load, nutrient composition and free radical scavenging activity of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome

The assurance of microbial quality is necessary to make plant materials suitable for human consumption and commercialization. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possibility to apply the gamma radiation treatment on the rhizome samples of Nelumbo nucifera for microbial decontamination. The radiation processing was carried out at dose levels of 1, 2, 4 and 6 kGy. The irradiated and control samples were analyzed for microbial load, organoleptic acceptance, extraction yield, proximate composition, phenolic contents and DPPH scavenging activity. The results indicated that gamma radiation treatment significantly reduced microbial load and increased the storability of the irradiated samples. The treated samples were also acceptable sensorically. The extraction yield and phenolic contents increased with the increase of radiation dose. Gamma radiation also enhanced the DPPH scavenging activity.

Novel effects of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome extract on memory and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the rat hippocampus

Memory enhancement is a matter of concern in general, and in particular to people suffering from cognitive dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the effect of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome extract on learning and memory function. A step-through passive avoidance test was performed with Wistar rats. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to investigate cell proliferation and differentiation in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. The methanol extract of N. nucifera rhizome (MNR) resulted in significant improvements of memory functions and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. In the passive avoidance test, the retention time of MNR-treated rats was significantly longer than that of controls. Immunohistochemical analyses using BrdU, Ki-67, and DCX showed significantly increased cell proliferation and cell differentiation in the dentate gyrus. These results suggest that N. nucifera rhizome extract may improve learning and memory with enhancing neurogenesis in the DG of the hippocampus.

Effect of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome extract on blood sugar level in rats

Oral administration of the ethanolic extract of rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera markedly reduced the blood sugar level of normal, glucose-fed hyperglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, when compared with control animals. The extract improved glucose tolerance and potentiated the action of exogenously injected insulin in normal rats. When compared with tolbutamide, the extract exhibited activity of 73 and 67% of that of tolbutamide in normal and diabetic rats, respectively.