Plant Latex Research Articles

Study on Active Components and Mechanism of Lettuce Latex Against Spodoptera Litura.

Plant latex is a sticky emulsion exuded from laticifers once the plant is damaged. Latex is an essential component of plant defense against herbivores. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in the Compositae family has relatively fewer insect herbivores compared with other leaf vegetables. The larvae of a generalist lepidopteran pest Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) avoided feeding on living lettuce plants. However, the larvae rapidly damaged the excised leaves that were unable to produce latex. Six compounds were isolated from lettuce latex. They were identified as 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (1), 3β-hydroxy-4,15-dehydrograndolide (2), annuolide D (3), lactucin (4), lactucopicrin (5), and hanphyllin (6). Bioassays showed that the inhibition rate of compound 1 (2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde) and 6 (hanphyllin, a sesquiterpene lactone) on the weight gain of S. litura were 52.4 % and 10 %, respectively, at the concentration of 100 μg/g. RNA-seq analyses showed that larval exposure to compound 1 down-regulated the genes associated with heterobiotic metabolism including drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, retinol metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and drug metabolism-other enzymes (mainly uridine diphosphate glucuronyltransferase, UGTs). RT-qPCR further confirmed that 33 genes in the family of carboxylesterase (CarE), P450s and UGTs were down-regulated by compound 1. The activities of CarE, P450s and UGTs in the larvae fed on diets containing compound 1 were significantly lower than those fed on control diets, with the inhibition for the three detoxification enzymes being 55.4 %, 53.9 %, and 52.9 %. These findings suggest that secondary metabolites including 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde in the latex play a key role in protecting lettuce from insect herbivory.

Carica papaya L. Latex Mediated Green Synthesis of Zno Nanoparticles for its Antimicrobial Activity

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have gained potential recognition because of their distinctive characteristics and wide utilizatrion in various fields. Therefore, development of novel biological techniques is significant for the biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using the latex of Carica papaya L. Plant latex is a natural product produced by a number of plant species which are used by different tribal communities in India as a folk medicinal treatment on natural wounds or cuts. Plant latex has a huge demand as herbal products in an aspect of clinical, therapeutical and also in agricultural sectors. Natural latex is composed of different important biomolecules like, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, sterols, saponins etc. These different active chemical constituents have versatile medicinal activities against different pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoans etc. This study reports on the biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (Zn NPs)using latex of C. papaya as an effective reducing agent. Green synthesis of nanoparticles has advantageous over conventional methodsbecause it does not require the use of toxic chemicals and therefore environmentally sustainable. The elemental composition of C. papaya latex was also analysed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) technique. Properties of synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using various methods such as ultra violet visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles also assessed for its antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial and fungal species.

Heat waves induce milkweed resistance to a specialist herbivore via increased toxicity and reduced nutrient content.

Over the last decade, a large effort has been made to understand how extreme climate events disrupt species interactions. Yet, it is unclear how these events affect plants and herbivores directly, via metabolic changes, and indirectly, via their subsequent altered interaction. We exposed common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus) to control (26:14°C, day:night) or heat wave (HW) conditions (36:24°C, day:night) for 4 days and then moved each organism to a new control or HW partner to disentangle the direct and indirect effects of heat exposure on each organism. We found that the HW directly benefited plants in terms of growth and defence expression (increased latex exudation and total cardenolides) and insect her'bivores through faster larval development. Conversely, indirect HW effects caused both plant latex and total cardenolides to decrease after subsequent herbivory. Nonetheless, increasing trends of more toxic cardenolides and lower leaf nutritional quality after herbivory by HW caterpillars likely led to reduced plant damage compared to controls. Our findings reveal that indirect impacts of HWs may play a greater role in shaping plant-herbivore interactions via changes in key physiological traits, providing valuable understanding of how ecological interactions may proceed in a changing world.

Exploring the interplay between host plant structural defences and origin on behavioural and life‐history traits of two Neotropical danaines

AbstractFactors that mediate insect herbivore sabotaging behaviour of host plant latex defences remain under debate. The most prominent hypothesis suggests that the anatomy of the host plant's laticifers determines trenching or vein‐cutting behaviour, but there are inconsistencies in the literature. In addition to latex, other plant defences have been shown to affect plant natural enemies, but experimental studies comparing the effects of multiple defences on herbivore performance and behaviour are scarce. In this study, we investigated the anatomy of the laticifers of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton (Apocynaceae), an exotic milkweed of southeastern Brazil, as well as the sabotaging behaviour of larvae of southern monarch, Danaus erippus (Cramer), and queen butterfly, Danaus gilippus (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) on this host plant. We also reviewed the sabotaging behaviour of larvae reared on the native milkweed Asclepias curassavica L. (Apocynaceae) from previous studies, as well as the description of the anatomy of its laticifers. As we found no correspondence between sabotaging behaviour of southern monarchs and queens and the anatomy of the host plants' laticifers, we tested whether structural defences of C. procera leaves (latex, waxes and trichomes) affected sabotaging behaviour and larval performance of southern monarch larvae. The structural barriers of this well‐defended host affected larvae in different ways: Southern monarchs developed more slowly on control leaves than on leaves from which wax had been removed, and only latex removal reduced the frequency of sabotaging behaviour. Regardless of the defence removal treatment, frequencies of trenching behaviour decreased and vein‐cutting behaviour increased as larvae developed. Overall, our results show that several factors in addition to the anatomy of laticifers affect sabotaging behaviour of southern monarchs and queens, including larval ontogeny, danaine species and latex outflow. This evidence suggests a behavioural plasticity in the sabotaging behaviour of larvae of both southern monarchs and queens.

Exploration of Novel Lipase from Plant Seeds and Plant Latexes

Exploration of Novel Lipase from Plant Seeds and Plant Latexes

Anti-anemic properties of Pterocarpus marsupium latex and its cytotoxic and embryotoxic effects.

Abstract Anemia is a hematological disorder, and a large number in the developing world are affected with significant morbidity and mortality. Among them, most depend on traditional medicine to strengthen the hematopoietic action. The availability, low cost, and minor side effects are thought to be associated with this high selection rate of traditional medicine. The Pterocarpus marsupium is a medicinal plant native to Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal. In which the different components are used by traditional medical practitioners in treating different disease conditions, specifically, latex in enhancing hemoglobin production in anemic patients. However, the scientific evidence for using the Pterocarpus marsupium latex as an anti-anemic agent is minimal. Therefore, this study is planned to evaluate its anti-anemic effect, erythropoietin (EPO)-like effect, toxicity, phytochemical composition, and bioactive ingredients. Consequently, we aim to apply in vitro and in vivo assays to investigate the toxicity and favorable anti-anemic and other hematopoietic potentials of the plant latex using normal human cell cultures, rat-derived hematopoietic stem cell cultures, zebrafish embryos, and phenyl hydrazine-induced anemic rats with identification of bioactive ingredients that might mediate such potentials. If we discover a similar action of EPO in this plant latex, it would be beneficial in the way of treating anemia-associated disease conditions such as chronic renal failure, myelodysplasia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, and cancer as a replacement for recombinant human EPO (rhEPO). This will be beneficial in the way of reducing the high cost of rhEPO treatment as well. Finally, an attempt to discover a therapeutic agent for anemia from a safe, natural source will considerably contribute to traditional medicine/herbalism due to the crucial role of traditional medicine in the prophylaxis or therapy of hematological diseases in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Pterocarpus marsupium; Indian kino; Anemia; Toxicity; Latex; Erythropoietin

Co(II)-Cu(II) mixed-oxide catalysts for single-step synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazole derivatives under microwave irradiation.

In this study, a catalyst composite of Co-Cu was prepared from chloride-containing precursor of Co(II) and Cu(II) metals using the milky latex of the Euphorbia neriifolia plant following green principles of synthesis. The catalyst composite was characterized using XRD, EDAX, SEM, HR-TEM, FTIR, XPS and TOF-MS. The crystallinity of the mixed-oxide composite with a distorted octahedral nature was confirmed from analysis. Chemical charge analysis of the Co-Cu mixed phase based on XPS revealed Co2+ and Cu2+ oxidation states. This material was used for synthesizing 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazole (TIMDZOL) derivatives. Analysis of reaction conditions revealed that EtOH : PEG at 8 : 2 ratio under microwave conditions showed better yields with less time and better reusability of the Co-Cu catalyst.

The Role of Plant Latex in Virus Biology.

At least 20,000 plant species produce latex, a capacity that appears to have evolved independently on numerous occasions. With a few exceptions, latex is stored under pressure in specialized cells known as laticifers and is exuded upon injury, leading to the assumption that it has a role in securing the plant after mechanical injury. In addition, a defensive effect against insect herbivores and fungal infections has been well established. Latex also appears to have effects on viruses, and laticifers are a hostile environment for virus colonization. Only one example of successful colonization has been reported: papaya meleira virus (PMeV) and papaya meleira virus 2 (PMeV2) in Carica papaya. In this review, a summary of studies that support both the pro- and anti-viral effects of plant latex compounds is provided. The latex components represent a promising natural source for the discovery of new pro- and anti-viral molecules in the fields of agriculture and medicine.

Characterization of an antifungal β-1,3-glucanase from Ficus microcarpa latex and comparison of plant and bacterial β-1,3-glucanases for fungal cell wall β-glucan degradation.

Each β-1,3-glucanase with antifungal activity or yeast lytic activity hydrolyzes different structures of β-1,3-glucans in the fungal cell wall, respectively. Plants express several glycoside hydrolases that target chitin and β-glucan in fungal cell walls and inhibit pathogenic fungal infection. An antifungal β-1,3-glucanase was purified from gazyumaru (Ficus microcarpa) latex, designated as GlxGluA, and the corresponding gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The sequence shows that GlxGluA belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 17 (GH17). To investigate how GlxGluA acts to degrade fungal cell wall β-glucan, it was compared with β-1,3-glucanase with different substrate specificities. We obtained recombinant β-1,3-glucanase (designated as CcGluA), which belongs to GH64, from the bacterium Cellulosimicrobium cellulans. GlxGluA inhibited the growth of the filamentous fungus Trichoderma viride but was unable to lyse the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In contrast, CcGluA lysed yeast cells but had a negligible inhibitory effect on the growth of filamentous fungi. GlxGluA degraded the cell wall of T. viride better than CcGluA, whereas CcGluA degraded the cell wall of S. cerevisiae more efficiently than GlxGluA. These results suggest that the target substrates in fungal cell walls differ between GlxGluA (GH17 class I β-1,3-glucanase) and CcGluA (GH64 β-1,3-glucanase).

A Comprehensive Review on Euphorbiaceae lectins: Structural and Biological Perspectives.

Euphorbiaceae, also known as the spurge family, is a large group of flowering plants. Despite being tropical natives, they are now widespread. Due to its medicinal and commercial importance, this family of plants attracted a lot of attention in the scientific community. The distinctive characteristic of the family is production of milky latex, which is a rich source of several lectins, the proteins that bind carbohydrates. Although their function is unclear, they are believed to defend plants against damaging phytopathogenic microorganisms, insects, and predatory animals. Additionally, they serve as crucial metabolic regulators under a variety of stressors. Detection, separation, purification, and characterization of lectins from the Euphorbiaceae family - mostly from the latex of plants - began over 40 years ago. This effort produced over 35 original research papers that were published. However, no systematic review that compiles these published data has been presented yet. This review summarizes and describes several procedures and protocols employed for extraction and purification of lectins belonging to this family. Physicochemical properties and biological activities of the lectins, along with their medicinal and pharmacological properties, have also been analyzed. Additionally, using examples of ricin and ricin agglutinin, we have structurally analyzed characteristics of the lectin known as Ribosome Inactivating Protein Type II (RIP-Type II) that belongs to this family. We anticipate that this review article will offer a useful compendium of information on this important family of lectins, show the scientists involved in lectin research the gaps in our knowledge, and offer insights for future research.

Biotechnological application prospects of latex proteases from Apocynaceae family

Plant latex proteases from different species find applications in diverse industries ranging from food to medicine. Family Apocynaceae consists of species producing large quantities of milky latex. Latex is known to be a rich source of proteolytic enzymes or proteases. Proteases, mainly of the cysteine and occasionally serine type, have been characterized from the latices of different species of Apocynaceae. Many of these proteases have also demonstrated stability under a wide range of parameters including temperature, pH and presence of metal ions. The current review is an attempt to elucidate on latex proteases belonging to Apocynaceae family, highlighting those properties that offer potential for their large-scale applications in different industrial sectors.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential of a Gel loaded with Silver Nanoparticles of Argemone mexicana for Topical Application

Argemone mexicana is widely known for its antibacterial potential in the traditional system of medicine. With this background, the present study was designed to formulate a gel incorporated with nanoparticles synthesized from Argemon mexixana for topical application. Green synthesis of nanoparticles was carried out from the whole plant extract and latex of A. mexicana. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by SEM-EDAX, HR-TEM, SAED, XRD before it was incorporated into the gel. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were found to be stable, uniform, spherical, and ranged from 9.21nm to 14.03nm in size. The SAED pattern reveals the presence of a varying degree of crystallinity of nanoparticles. The physicochemical parameters of the gel such as pH, homogeneity, grittiness, viscosity, spreadability, and extrudability were characterized. Both the formulation showed the nanoparticles are well dispersed in the gel with pH (6.90, 6.92), viscosity (1542 scps, 1583 scps), spreadability (5.7 cm/sec, 5.90.1 cm/sec), and extrudability of 86% and 89% respectively. The gel loaded with nanoparticles exhibited strong antimicrobial potential against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus as compared to the crude form of the plant extract and latex. Among the two formulations, the highest zone of inhibition (22mm, 16mm, 13mm) was observed by the gel incorporated with methanol extract nanoparticles. Our result demonstrates the nanoparticulate gel of A. mexicana can be effectively used as topical gel for gram positive and negative bacterial infection.

Ethno-Medicinal Plants Used for Respiratory Disorders among the Igala and Yoruba (Okun) People in Kogi State, Nigeria

Respiratory disorders are common problem and cause of death among the Igala and Yoruba (Okun) speaking people of Kogi State due to climatic conditions and scarce health care facilities. The people rely upon the indigenous plant resources to cure various respiratory disorders. The focus for this present study is to document available ethno-medicinal data of plants used for respiratory disorders among the Igala and Yoruba (Okun) speaking people of Kogi State. A total of 84 species belonging to 42 families used to treat respiratory disorders among the Igala and Okun people has been documented. Cough was the disorder treated by the highest number of species followed by asthma, bronchitis, cold, Tonsillitis, Convulsion, Throat infections, Tuberculosis, Epilepsy, Catarrh and then Hiccup respectively. The common plant parts and preparation methods of the medicinal recipes are from leaves, root, seeds, fruit, stem, bark, the whole plant, flower, rhizome, bulb and corm and latex in the form of infusion, decoction, extracts, pastes, juice and or chewed. A sample of 900 respondents from the study areas who have wealth of knowledge in plant use and traditional medicine were drawn using a stratified random sampling technique. A well organized questionnaire was the major source of instrument for data collection. Part of plants and their mode of application will also be sought. It is recommended that detailed phytochemical studies be carried out to ascertain the active ingredients.

Exploring Traditional Uses, Phytochemical Composition, and Antimicrobial Potential of Latex-Producing Plants in the Euphorbia Genus: A Comprehensive Review

The Euphorbia genus, ranking as the third largest among angiosperm plants, encompasses nearly 2026 species. The latex derived from these plants contains irritants to the skin and finds application in wart removal. Additionally, it serves as a source for crafting fish and arrow poisons. Literature substantiates the utilization of these plants in the treatment of diverse ailments including menstrual issues, diarrhea, colds, fevers, as well as an array of skin conditions such as warts, sores, boils, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and sunburn. Moreover, they contribute to wound healing. Certain species within the Euphorbia genus, classified under Euphorbiaceae, exhibit properties as anti-herpetic and antitumor agents against polio, rhinoviruses, and coxsackievirus. In the realm of Ayurveda, specific plant latex from select species is employed in the preparation of surgical threads for Kshara sutra therapy. This Ayurvedic approach serves as a minimally invasive para-surgical procedure in the management of anorectal piles or fistula. Remarkably, various di- and tri-terpenes obtained from the latex exhibit robust antimicrobial activity against both bacterial and fungal strains. Moreover, the di-terpenoids sourced from Euphorbia species display anti-inflammatory properties along with noteworthy cytotoxic and anticancer activities. The focal objective of this review is to present a contemporary overview encompassing traditional applications, phytochemical constituents, and the antimicrobial potential of ten latex-producing plants within the Euphorbia genus.

Lateral Flow Immunoassay As Novel Screening Tool For Potential Cross-Reacting Protein In Crude Plant Latex As Tested For Plasmodium, Dengue, HBV, HCV, HIV

Lateral Flow Immunoassay As Novel Screening Tool For Potential Cross-Reacting Protein In Crude Plant Latex As Tested For Plasmodium, Dengue, HBV, HCV, HIV

Potential of plant cysteine proteases against crop pests and animal parasites

Losses resulting from pest arthropods and plant or animal parasites present a significant threat to food security. The primary method for managing pests and parasites involves the use of pesticides and synthetic drugs. Nonetheless, these substances have raised concerns due to their detrimental effects on health and their decreasing effectiveness against resistant pests. Consequently, there is a growing interest in adopting more sustainable control methods. An alternative approach to pest control involves utilizing natural substances, specifically plant-derived molecules. Cysteine proteases (CPs), a type of hydrolase found in certain fruits and latex of plants like pineapple, papaya, kiwi, and fig, offer potential in this regard. These enzymes are renowned for their diverse industrial applications owing to their chemical properties. However, their application for controlling plant pathogen nematodes, insect pests, and animal parasites has received limited exploration. In this review, we examine several documented studies that highlight the potential of CPs in the control of these pests and parasites.

Anatomy of Pedilanthus tithymaloides with Special Reference to Laticifers

Plant latex is a sap that is exuded from damaged vein. It is kept in a tissue specialized in exuding latex called laticifer and is kept inside laticifer cells. It works as an efficient defence system against herbivorous insects. Laticifer is a general term applied to a large and heterogenous group of cell types. In Pedilanthus tithymaloides the laticifers are an elongated; anastomosing network of cells which are non-articulated branched and are commonly located in the outer part of the vascular cylinder. Laticifers extend throughout the length of the plants.

Green synthesis of nanohydroxy apatite using Calotropis procera and Wrightia tinctoria plant latex serum extract for biomedical application

Green synthesis of nanohydroxy apatite using Calotropis procera and Wrightia tinctoria plant latex serum extract for biomedical application

Potentials of Artocarpus altilis latex lectin (AaLL) as an antiproliferative, nematicidal, and insecticidal agent

Introduction and Aim: Plants are the most accessible and convenient source of lectins. Artocarpus altilis is a Moraceae plant utilized for its latex. The anti-proliferative, nematicidal, and insecticidal effects of this plant latex are unknown. The current study evaluates the antiproliferative, nematicidal, and insecticidal activity of pure AaLL on Triple Negative Breast Cancer cells, Meloidogyne incognita, and Spodoptera frugiperda, respectively.
 
 Materials and Methods: To assess AaLL's antiproliferative activity against MDA-MB-231, MTT and wound healing experiments were performed. Using juvenile mortality and feeding assays, the in vitro nematicidal and insecticidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita and Spodoptera frugiperda were evaluated.
 
 Results: The MTT experiment demonstrated that 5.4µg/ml AaLL effectively inhibited MDA-MB-231 growth by 50% compared to the control. Even at 40µg/ml, AaLL had no cytotoxic effects on NIH3T3 fibroblast cells. AaLL significantly reduced cell migration, with the wound area remaining at 41.95 percent as opposed to 4.57 percent in the control group. In vitro results on J2s exposed to AaLL for 72 hours demonstrated a death rate of 52% at a concentration of 30µg/ml. After 24 hours of incubation with 400µg/ml lectin, the insecticidal tests reveal that AaLL considerably reduces the weight of larvae. After 48 hours, a lectin concentration of 0.04% caused 69.44% larval death.
 
 Conclusion: This is the first report demonstrating the latex lectin from Artocarpus altilis's anti-proliferation, anti-migration, nematicidal, and insecticidal properties. Further research will be done on the signaling pathways and mechanism of action linked to these features.

Assessment of Cytotoxic Effects of Latex from <i>Cascabela thevetia</i> (L.) Lippold and <i>Plumeria alba</i> L. via <i>In vitro</i> and <i>In silico</i> Approaches

Plant latex has been found to occur in more than 40 families and among them, Apocynaceae is one. Two plants of this family i.e., Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold and Plumeria alba L. had been chosen for the current experimental work. The aqueous and methanolic latex extracts were evaluated for their phytochemical constituents and cytotoxic activities. To determine the cytotoxic effects of the latex extracts, MTT [3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay was performed by using cell lines A549 Human Lung Cancer and MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer. Further, for confirmation of the cytotoxic effects apoptosis assay was conducted. The richness of the latex extracts was determined by GC-MS and HPTLC methods. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the latex extracts was conducted using GC-MS methodology. The presence of cardiac glycosides was analyzed using High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography. Here, Digoxin was used as the standard. Studies have revealed that Na+ K+-ATPase can serve as a powerful target for developing anticancer drugs and cardiac glycosides have exhibited anticancer effects via inhibition of the Na+ K+-ATPase. Hence, molecular docking studies were conducted in which 6KPX served as the target and the compounds evaluated by the NIST library in GC-MS served as the ligands. Further, Molecular docking studies confirmed the best among the compounds based on their RF score, binding affinity, and as a binder whether these compounds were good or bad. These methodologies altogether helped in evaluating the richness of the plant latex extracts, and the potent cytotoxic molecules present in them.