Pfaffia Glomerata Research Articles

Study on the fourof Pfaffia glomerata based on the metabolomics technology and comparison of Dangshen () in the equivalent substitution prescription.

To explore the four Qiof Pfaffia glomerata (PG) and endow this foreign folk herb with the properties of Chinese medicine, make it Chinese medicinal and localized, and could be used as a Chinese medicine. The normal group, six cold herb groups, six hot herb groups, six cool herb groups, PG prescription group (PGPG), and Dangshen (Radix Codonopsis) prescription group (CPPG) were prepared with corresponding concentrations of water extracts, these herb extracts were administered by gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats, and the 12 h urine at night on the 29th day of the SD rats in each group were collected, Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer system was used to analyze them, the best discriminant models for the medicinal properties of cold-hot and cold-cool were set up, so as to the medicinal properties of PGPG, CPPG and PG were predicted. Based on the Progenesis QI, Human Metabolome Database, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, MetaboAnalyst 5.0 database, we enriched metabolic pathway and classification mechanism of medicinal properties of cold-cool Chinese herbs and the molecular mechanism of PG prescription. We established a best model of cold-hot herbal discrimination in the positive ion mode, then the probability that PGPG was predicted cold property was 88.9%. Furthermore, a model of cold-cool herbal discrimination was established, then the probability of PGPG containing the cool property was 77.8%. In addition, typical cold and cool herbs mainly affected nine biomarkers such as tyrosine-proline, (R)-3',7-Dihydroxy-2',4'-dimethoxyisoflavane in rats. The regulation trend of PGPG on markers was basically as same as the cool herbs and mainly involved in regulating the two pathways of cytochrome P450 and purine metabolism. The results showed PGPG had a cool medicinal property as same as CPPG, and the regulation trend of PGPG on markers was consistent with cool herbs. Therefore, the medicine properties PG and CP should be consistent, and the Traditional Chinese Medicine property of PG was predicted to be neutral.

Pressurized liquid extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography for determination of beta-ecdysone extracted from Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen has among its main bioactive compounds saponins, with the phytoestroid β-ecdysone as its chemical marker. In this study, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), a green extraction technique used to obtain bioactive compounds from plants, was employed to extract beta-ecdysone from P. glomerata leaves, stems, and roots. The 22 factorial design was used with the variables temperature (333 K and 353 K) and flow rate (1.5 and 2 mL min−1), pressure (300 Bar), time (60 min), and solvent [ethanol and distilled water (70:30 (v/v)] were kept constant for all parts of the plant. The results of experimental responses demonstrated that the factors temperature and flow rate significantly interfere with the yields of leaf (0.499%), root (0.65%) and stem (0.764%) extracts. The latter presented presents the highest yield compared to the other parts of the plant. HPLC results showed the presence of beta-ecdysone in all parts of the plant with concentrations of β-ecdysone 86.82, 76.53 and 195.86 mg L−1 to leaf, root and stem, respectively. FT Raman results exhibited typical peaks of beta-ecdysone, such as 3310 cm−1, 1654 cm−1, and 1073 cm−1 for all plant parts. Another interesting result was the presence of the peak at 1460 cm−1 in the PLE root extract can be associated with selenium. This foundational knowledge confirms that the PLE extraction process was efficient in obtaining the chemical marker of Pfaffia glomerata in all plant parts.

Preparation of oyster peptide and Pfaffia glomerata pressed candy and its ameliorative effect on sexual dysfunction in male mice.

Oyster peptide (OP) and Pfaffia glomerata extract (PGE) were used as raw materials. The optimal formulation of the pressed candy (PC) was optimized by one-way experiment and D-optimal mixture experiment design, and animal experiment was used to evaluate the effect of PC on male sexual dysfunction. The results showed that PC intervention significantly improved the sexual behavior of male mice with sexual dysfunction, including a significant shortening of the mount latency (ML) and intromission latency, and a significant increase in the mount frequency (MF) and intromission frequency (IF). At the same time, the concentrations of serum testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in mice were restored, and the erectile parameters and pathological changes of penile tissue were improved. Further studies found that PC intervention increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in testicular tissue. In addition, PC intervention improved testicular tissue morphology. In conclusion, the obtained PC has good taste quality, and the relevant quality indicators are qualified. It has a good ameliorative effect on male sexual dysfunction and may be a potential dietary supplement.

Dynamic and optimal ash-to-gas responses of oxy-fuel and air combustions of soil remediation biomass

Given the global agenda of how to best meet carbon targets, how to scientifically and safely dispose post-harvest phytoremediation biomass on a large scale remains to be explored. This study sought to characterize the temperature-dependent ash-to-gas responses of the oxy-fuel (CO2/O2) and air (N2/O2) combustions of Pfaffia glomerata (PG). The two indices of thermal stability (RW) and comprehensive combustion (CCI) were weaker in oxy-fuel combustion, but with the oxy-fuel combustion reducing the activation energy required for the cellulose degradation from 290.07 to 98.83 kJ/mol. Both empirical indices and the SiO2–CaO–K2O method suggested that oxy-fuel combustion intensified the slagging and fouling risk. A combination of thermochemical equilibrium simulations and X-ray diffraction analysis verified the risk through ash-mineral transformations. The oxy-fuel conditions enhanced the stabilization of Zn in PG but without significant effect on Cd. The oxy-fuel combustion inhibited the formation of aromatics but enhanced the emission of gases, such as CO, CH4, C–O, CO, HCl, and SO2. The optimal conditions in terms of energy efficiency and reduced emissions were achieved between 522 and 1000 °C in the oxy-fuel atmosphere. This study can provide new insights into eco-friendly disposal options for soil remediation biomass in modern combustion systems.

Phytochemical composition of aerial parts and roots of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen and anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and antiglycation activities.

The Pfaffia glomerata, a plant popularly called Brazilian ginseng, is widely used in Brazil for the treatment of various pathologies, including those associated with the Central Nervous System. 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), a phytosteroid present in this plant, can promote adaptogenic effects in the organism, providing greater body resistance to stressors. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and the anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and antiglycation effects of extracts and fractions of aerial parts and roots of P. glomerata, also analyzing their possible cytotoxic effects. The fractions were obtained by partitioning methanol extracts from the aerial part and roots of P. glomerata with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water. The samples were initially tested in anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and antiglycation assays, and the most promising samples were submitted for cytotoxicity and chromatographic analyses. Mass spectrometry and chromatography methods revealed that 20E was the main compound in the dichloromethane fractions, there being 35% more 20E in the aerial part (APD) than in the roots (RD). Added to the higher concentration of 20E, the APD fraction also presented more promising results than the RD fraction in anticholinesterase and antioxidant analyses, indicating that their effects may be related to the concentration of 20E. These same fractions showed no hemolytic effects but were cytotoxic in high concentrations. These new findings contribute to scientific information about P. glomerata and open more perspectives for the understanding of its therapeutic properties, allowing the association of biological activity with the presence of 20E.

Phytoremediation and environmental effects of three Amaranthaceae plants in contaminated soil under intercropping systems

Intercropping is a widely used agricultural system; however, the effect of intercropping between accumulator plants on phytoextraction in heavy metal-contaminated soils remains unknown. Here, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the phytoextraction efficiency and related environmental effects of three Amaranthaceae plants (Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Celosia argentea, and Pfaffia glomerata) using mono- and intercropping models. In monocropping, the total biomass of A. hypochondriacus was only 51.2 % of that of C. argentea. Compared with monocropping, intercropping reduced the fresh weight per plant of A. hypochondriacus by 53.0 % (intercropping with C. argentea) and 40.5 % (intercropping with P. glomerata) but increased the biomass per plant of C. argentea and P. glomerata by 128.2 and 14.2 %, respectively. The Cd uptake of the three plants in the monocropping models showed the following trend: C. argentea > P. glomerata > A. hypochondriacus. Interplanting A. hypochondriacus and C. argentea further increased the phytoextraction efficiency by 361.2 % (compared with A. hypochondriacus monocropping) and 52.0 % (compared with C. argentea monocropping). Soil exchangeable Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, K, and P, soil N-NO3− and N-NH4+, soil common bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi, and soil total organic carbon (TOC) play key roles in Cd and Pb uptake by the three accumulator plants (p < 0.05). The biomass of common bacteria, Gm+, Gm− bacteria, fungi, AM fungi, and actinomycetes increased with the three accumulators planted in the mono- and intercropping models. Compared with C. argentea monocropping, the biomass of soil microbes in the rhizosphere soil was obviously increased in the intercropping A. hypochondriacus and C. argentea models. These results suggest that interplanting A. hypochondriacus and C. argentea can increase Cd removal efficiency from Cd-contaminated soils, and this model could be recommended to remediate Cd-contaminated soils on a field scale.

Pfaffia glomerata by‐product: drying, characterisation and utilisation in cereal bars

SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate the convective drying of a by‐product obtained by hydrodistillation of Pfaffia glomerata roots (PGB) and investigate the utilisation of the resulting powder in the preparation of cereal bars. Drying at 80 °C for 120 min was the selected condition for PGB due to the higher levels of phenolic acids (gallic, coumaric and ferulic) catechin and higher antioxidant activity than drying at 60 °C for 180 min, and, better technological properties and higher β‐ecdysone content than drying at 100 °C for 100 min. There was an increase in fibre content (110%), antioxidant compounds (97%) and compressive strength (377%) and a decrease in lipid content (31%) when the PGB content of cereal bars was increased from 0% to 9%. Colour parameters, purchase intention and most sensory parameters were similar among cereal bar formulations, indicating that PGB is a promising ingredient for the nutritional enrichment of cereal bars.

Extract of Pfaffia glomerata Ameliorates Paroxetine-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Male Mice and the Characterization of Its Phytoconstituents by UPLC-MS.

Pfaffia glomerata extract (PGE) has a variety of biological activities. However, its ameliorative effect on and exact working mechanism in male sexual dysfunction are still poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the ameliorative effect of PGE on paroxetine (PRX)-induced sexual dysfunction in male mice and uses molecular docking technology to investigate its underlying mechanism. In this work, PRX-induced sexual dysfunction was caused and PGE was gavaged in mice for 28 days. The results show that PGE significantly improved the sexual performance of mice and reduced the damage to testicular tissues. Further studies showed that PGE restored serum sex hormones to normal levels and increased nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels as well as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in penile tissues, while also decreasing phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) activity, thereby maintaining normal penile erection in mice. In addition, PGE improved the activities of enzymes (LDH, ACP, and ALP) related to energy metabolism in the testis and significantly increased sperm count and viability in mice. Furthermore, the molecular docking results show that all eight compounds in PGE could form a stable complex with PDE-5 and inhibit the activity of PDE-5. In conclusion, PGE had an ameliorative effect on PRX-induced sexual dysfunction, suggesting that PGE has a potential protective effect on male sexual health.

Pfaffia glomerata polyploid accession compromises male fertility and fetal development

Ethnopharmacological relevancePfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen has traditionally been used as a tonic and a stimulant by the Brazilian population. It shows higher biomass accumulation and production of secondary compounds, such as the phytosterol 20-hydroxyecdysone. AimsThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of the root of tetraploid P. glomerata (BGEt) on testicular parenchyma, and its implications on fertility. Material and methodsAdult Swiss mice were divided as: control (water) and sildenafil citrate (7 mg/kg), BGEt at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and BGEtD 200 mg/kg (treated with BGE every three days). Males (n = 4/group) were mated with normal untreated adult females to assess fertility rates, while other animals (n = 6/group) were euthanized for testis, epididymis, and oxidative stress analyses. ResultsIncrease in tubule diameter and epithelium height in the discontinuous group, in addition to an increase in the proportion of tubules with moderate pathologies was observed. The pre-implantation loss was lower in all treated groups. The post-implantation loss was significantly increased in all treated groups, except for the lowest BGEt dose. BGEt intake caused a decrease in daily sperm production, along with the number and quality of sperm in the epididymis. Changes were observed in protein carbonylation and hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide levels, characterizing oxidative stress. ConclusionsThe hydroalcoholic extract of P. glomerata tetraploid altered sperm and testicular parameters, compromising embryonic development after implantation.

Exposure to Pfaffia glomerata causes oxidative stress and triggers hepatic changes.

Medicinal plant species are genetically engineered to obtain higher production of biomass and specific secondary metabolites, which can be used in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen tetraploid hydroalcoholic extract on the liver of adult Swiss mice. The extract was prepared from the plant roots and given to the animals by gavage, for 42 days. The experimental groups were treated with water (control), Pfaffia glomerata tetraploid hydroalcoholic extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and Pfaffia glomerata tetraploid hydroalcoholic extract discontinuously (200 mg/kg). The last group received the extract every 3 days, for 42 days. The oxidative status, mineral dynamics, and cell viability were analysed. The liver weight and the number of viable hepatocytes were reduced, despite the increased cell's number. Increased levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and changes in iron, copper, zinc, potassium, manganese and sodium levels were observed. aspartate aminotransferase levels were increased while alanine aminotransferase levels were decreased due to BGEt intake. Our results showed that BGEt induced alterations of oxidative stress biomarkers leading to liver injury, which was associated with a reduction in the number of hepatocytes.

Pfaffia glomerata: Gallic acid and phenolic compounds determination

Pfaffia glomerata, known as ginseng-brasileiro, is a root widely used in folk medicine, being effective against inflammation, rheumatism, and fatigue, in addition to present aphrodisiacs and antidiabetics properties. Among the classes of substances reported for the specie, the phenolic acids, in special gallic acid, has shown positive activity to learning and memory, having a considerable effect against neurotoxic and pro-oxidant substances. Therefore, the article’s objective was to quantify gallic acid in the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions from P. glomerata. Thus, the aerial parts of ginseng were collected, dried and subjected to extraction with ethanol followed by fractionation with organic solvents in different polarities, obtaining the hexanic, dichloromethane (CHCl3) and ethyl acetate (AcOEt) fractions. Then, gallic acid was identified by TLC and quantified by HPLC in the ethyl acetate fraction. The total phenolic content was determined in the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions, presenting values of 70,3 mg/g and 118,6 mg/g, respectively. The gallic acid content determined by HPLC in the AcOEt fraction was 904,15 µg/g, while in the CHCl3 fraction it was not possible to quantify. So, the species can be a source of phenolic compounds for possible applications in the pharmaceutical area.

Optimizing co-combustion synergy of soil remediation biomass and pulverized coal toward energetic and gas-to-ash pollution controls

The co-combustion synergy of post-phytoremediation biomass may be optimized to cultivate a variety of benefits from reducing dependence on fossil fuels to stabilizing heavy metals in a small quantity of ash. This study characterized the thermo-kinetic parameters, gas-to-ash products, and energetically and environmentally optimal conditions for the co-combustions of aboveground (PG-A) and belowground (PG-B) biomass of Pfaffia glomerata (PG) with pulverized coal (PC). The mono-combustions of PG-A and PG-B involved the decompositions of cellulose and hemicellulose in the range of 162–400 °C and of lignin in the range of 400–600 °C. PG improved the combustion performance of PC, with the blends of 30 % PG-A and 70 % (PAC37) and 10 % PG-B and 90 % PC (PBC19) exhibiting the strongest synergy. Both PG-A and PG-B interacted with PC in the range of 160–440 °C, while PC positively affected PG in the range of 440–600 °C. PC decreased the apparent activation energy (Eα) of PG, with PBC19 having the lowest Eα value (107.85 kJ/mol). The reaction order models (Fn) best elucidated the co-combustion mechanisms of the main stages. Adding >50 % PC reduced the alkali metal content of PG, prevented the slagging and fouling depositions, and mitigated the Cd and Zn leaching toxicity. The functional groups, volatiles, and N- and S-containing gases fell with PAC37 and PBC19, while CO2 emission rose. Energetically and environmentally multiple objectives for the operational conditions were optimized via artificial neural networks. Our study presents controls over the co-circularity and co-combustion of the soil remediation plant and coal.

Pfaffia glomerata is a hyperaccumulator candidate: Cd and Zn tolerance, absorption, transfer, and distribution

Pfaffia glomerata is a candidate for phytoremediation due to its high biomass and high bioaccumulation efficiency of multiple heavy metals. It is essential to further evaluate its tolerance, absorption, transfer, and distribution to multiple heavy metals. In the current study, we evaluated the tolerance, absorption, transfer, and distribution of P. glomerata in a Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn combined-contaminated environment by two hydroponic experiments. The results demonstrated that P. glomerata was not affected by Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn exposure, except for the 50 μM Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn treatment, which significantly decreased the stem biomass. In a single Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn exposure, the root of P. glomerata absorbed Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn in the order of Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu. Almost all Pb and Cu accumulated in the plant roots and were hardly transferred to the aboveground parts. Therefore, the order of total Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn extraction of a single plant in multiple Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn exposures at the same concentration was Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of Cd and Zn in roots, stems, and leaves increased with the concentration of Cd and Zn in the solution, and was > 1. In contrast with Cd and Zn, the BCFs of Cu and Pb in the stems and leaves were < 1. The element distribution of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Mn in the stem of P. glomerata was dispersed, indicating that the stem of P. glomerata does not have a detoxification mechanism for distributing metals to the area of low biological activity. The total amount of tartaric acid, critic acid, and DOC secreted by P. glomerata roots decreased with the increase in Cd/Pb/Cu/Zn exposure. However, further investigation is needed to unravel the interaction between the LMWOAs secreted by the root of P. glomerata and heavy metals.

Physiological, epigenetic, and proteomic responses in Pfaffia glomerata growth in vitro under salt stress and 5-azacytidine.

Plants adjust their complex molecular, biochemical, and metabolic processes to overcome salt stress. Here, we investigated the proteomic and epigenetic alterations involved in the morphophysiological responses of Pfaffia glomerata, a medicinal plant, to salt stress and the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine (5-azaC). Moreover, we investigated how these changes affected the biosynthesis of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-E), a pharmacologically important specialized metabolite. Plants were cultivated in vitro for 40days in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with NaCl (50mM), 5-azaC (25μM), and NaCl + 5-azaC. Compared with the control (medium only), the treatments reduced growth, photosynthetic rates, and photosynthetic pigment content, with increase in sucrose, total amino acids, and proline contents, but a reduction in starch and protein. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed 282 common differentially accumulated proteins involved in 87 metabolic pathways, most of them related to amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, and specialized metabolism. 5-azaC and NaCl + 5-azaC lowered global DNA methylation levels and 20-E content, suggesting that 20-E biosynthesis may be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Moreover, downregulation of a key protein in jasmonate biosynthesis indicates the fundamental role of this hormone in the 20-E biosynthesis. Taken together, our results highlight possible regulatory proteins and epigenetic changes related to salt stress tolerance and 20-E biosynthesis in P. glomerata, paving the way for future studies of the mechanisms involved in this regulation.

Effects of La2O3 nanoparticles and bulk-La2O3 on the development of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen and respective nutrient element concentration.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been progressively applied in the last decades, which may impact the environment. Synthesis of pigments, growing, and nutrient element uptake by plants can also be affected by NPs. The influence of lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La2O3 NPs) on growth, pigment synthesis, and nutrient element uptake by Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, a medicinal plant native in South America, was evaluated in the present study. P. glomerata plantlets were cultivated for 28days in the absence (control) and presence of 100, 200, and 400mg L-1 of La2O3 NPs or bulk-La2O3 (b-La2O3) at the same cultivation conditions. Root development, aerial part growth, and pigment concentration in plants were affected by b-La2O3 and La2O3 NPs, mainly by La2O3 NPs. In spite of alteration of nutrient element concentration observed for the 100 and 200mg L-1 of La2O3 NPs or b-La2O3 treatments, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, P, S, and Zn determination in stems and leaves revealed drastically and similar decrease of these elements in plants cultivated in the presence of 400mg L-1 of La2O3 NPs or b-La2O3. Element distribution (mapping) determined by using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in leaves of plants submitted to treatment with 400mg L-1 of b-La2O3 or La2O3 NPs showed differences in the distribution of elements, indicating distinct effects of b-La2O3 and La2O3 NPs on P. glomerata. As such, this study demonstrated that La2O3 NPs may impact plant growth. However, more investigations are necessary for better understanding of the effect of La2O3 on plants, including a broader range of concentration.

Chemical characterization and bioactivities of fructans from Pfaffia glomerata roots

Pfaffia glomerata (Amaranthaceae), known as “Brazilian ginseng”, is traditionally used in folk medicine to promote health benefits. Recent studies have demonstrated that P. glomerata roots are a promising source of compounds, including fructan-type carbohydrates and β-ecdysone, which have interesting pharmacological activities. The objective of this study was to isolate, characterize and evaluate the prebiotic and antioxidant potential of fructans from P. glomerata ex vitro roots and adventitious roots cultivated in vitro in a roller bottle system. The chemical characterization of the samples by NMR and ESI-HRMS showed that it was possible to obtain inulin molecules in the ex vitro precipitated fraction with degree of polymerization (DP) of 15.33, while molecules of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) with a DP of 7.77 were characterized in the supernatant fraction. The in vitro supernatant fraction (DP = 2.89) was evaluated by the DPPH (558.61 μmoL Trolox/mg), ABTS (492.67 μmoL Trolox/mg) and FRAP (1132.19 μmoL Trolox/mg) methods, which together suggested high antioxidant potential. The prebiotic evaluation of these molecules demonstrated fermentation capacity of Lactobacillus and Bacillus. The data obtained indicate that roots of P. glomerata ex vitro and cultured in vitro in a roller bottle system represent promising sources for the sustainable production of FOS and inulin, which can have different industrial applications.

Photosynthetic and growth parameters of Pfaffia glomerata in zinc dose cultivation

The objective of the present work was to analyze the influence of zinc doses on biomass production, root biometry and photosynthesis in Pfaffia glomerata plants. A genotype of the species was used to obtain the seedlings through in vitro propagation. In a greenhouse, the plants were cultivated, using four doses of Zn as treatment: 0.5; 50 75 and 100 µM. The nutrient solutions were applied for 84 days, at the end of which photosynthetic parameters and biomass production were analyzed. From the root system, 25% were frozen for further analysis of root biometry. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Scott-Knott test with a 5% significance level. It was observed that the production of fresh biomass was reduced mainly in the aerial part for the treatments of 75 and 100 µM. Root length, surface area and volume were reduced in the 50 and 75 µM treatments. The transpiration and assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, carboxylation efficiency, were the affected photosynthetic parameters. Visibly, the plants showed variation in leaf color. It is concluded that P. glomerata tolerates small excesses of Zn, managing to survive under these conditions, despite showing small changes in its growth and development.

Effects of plant growth regulator and chelating agent on the phytoextraction of heavy metals by Pfaffia glomerata and on the soil microbial community

Pfaffia glomerata is a candidate for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil, but phytoremediation efficiency requires enhancement. In this study, we evaluated how application of DA-6, EDTA, or CA affected the growth and heavy metal accumulation of P. glomerata and soil microorganisms. We found that P. glomerata removed more Cd and Zn than Pb or Cu from contaminated soil. When compared to the control, application of DA-6, CA, or CA + DA-6 increased plant biomass and increased stem Cd concentration by 1.28-, 1.20-, and 1.31-fold respectively; increased leaf Cd concentration by 1.25-, 1.28-, and 1.20-fold, respectively; and increased the total quantity of Cd extracted by 1.37-, 1.37-, and 1.38-fold, respectively. When compared to the control, application EDTA or EDTA + DA-6 significantly increased the soil available metal and Na concentrations, which harmed plant growth. Application of EDTA or EDTA + DA-6 also significantly decreased the Cd concentration in roots and stems. 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that application of EDTA or CA alone to soil significantly reduced the richness and diversity of soil bacteria, while foliar spraying of DA-6 combined with EDTA or CA slightly alleviated this reduction. EDTA or CA addition significantly changed the proportion of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. In addition, EDTA or CA addition caused changes in soil properties (e.g. heavy metal availability, K concentration, Na concentration, soil pH, soil CEC, and soil DOC concentration) that were associated with changes in the bacterial community. EDTA addition mainly affected the soil bacterial community by changing soil DOC concentration, the soil available Pb and Na concentration, and CA addition mainly affected the soil bacterial community by changing the soil available Ca concentration.

Efeitos de diferentes técnicas extrativas na obtenção da β-ecdisona proveniente de Pfaffia glomerata: um estudo de revisão

A Pfaffia glomerata é uma planta da família Amaranthaceae, presente naturalmente em inúmeras regiões brasileiras, com propriedades medicinais e usualmente empregada como anti estresse, para o aumento da imunidade e como afrodisíaco. Estas características se devem à presença da β-ecdisona, uma saponina presente exclusivamente nesta espécie e que possui grande valor comercial. Sendo assim, torna-se de interesse industrial e científico metodologias que otimizem a extração da β-ecdisona. Este trabalho objetivou realizar uma revisão de literatura verificando a influência dos métodos extrativos e demais fatores no rendimento da extração da β-ecdisona. Assim, foi elaborado um estudo de levantamento bibliográfico em três plataformas digitais: Google Acadêmico, SciELO e Periódicos Capes, selecionando artigos publicados no período entre 2015-2020. Após adequada seleção de materiais científicos, analisou-se em 12 artigos científicos parâmetros relativos à extração da β-ecdisona, tais como métodos, tipos e concentração de solventes, além de condições de extração, tais como tempo, pressão e temperatura. Em seguida, identificou-se quais os parâmetros extrativos empregados nestas pesquisas resultaram em um maior teor de β-ecdisona. Verificou-se que a maioria dos autores empregaram solventes orgânicos polares devido à alta polaridade da molécula, que ocorre por conta das ligações entre átomos de hidrogênio e oxigênio, e extração por maceração, em função da facilidade e do baixo custo de operação. Pesquisas apontaram que temperaturas entre 333 e 393K aumentaram o rendimento da extração, mas que acima de 393K levam a degradação da molécula. Em relação à pressão da extração, pesquisas indicam que não houve aumento no rendimento em pressões acima de 10MPa.

Adventitious root culture of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen in a roller bottle system: An alternative source of β-ecdysone

• β-ecdysone was obtained from an in vitro cultured of Pfaffia glomerata. • The roller bottle system was favourable to the adventitious root of P. glomerata . • Presence of β-ecdysone in culture of P. glomerata means adaptation to the system. • Highest accumulation of β-ecdysone occurred after 8 weeks in a roller bottle system. β-ecdysone is the main compound of commercial interest produced by the roots of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, and is used in herbal medicines and dietary supplements. In-vitro root culture facilitates the continuous production of high-quality compounds, and uses sustainable production techniques. Adventitious roots of P. glomerata were cultivated in a roller bottle system and an orbital gyratory system, both in the absence of light. The quantification of β-ecdysone by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) revealed that the highest accumulation of metabolites occurred after 8 weeks in the roller bottle culture system, wherein 1.81 μg of β-ecdysone was recovered from 30 mg of dry root. These results suggest that adventitious root culture in-vitro may be an alternative strategy for β-ecdysone production, and demonstrates the potential use of bioreactors for practical applications.