Plant Parts Research Articles

Bioactive compounds, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Attributes of Cordia Sinensis Lam

The aim of this study is to discover the efficacy of various parts of Cordia sinensis plant against some particular pathogens that are recognized to cause diseases and to check antioxidant and bioactive compounds from different parts of plant C. sinensis. Plant extracts were examined by quantification of phytochemical compounds and antimicrobial activity. Phytochemicals and several secondary metabolites were quantified and also qualitatively analyzed in C. sinensis extracts such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, glycosides, and saponins. Similarly, biochemical primary metabolites like protein, total sugar, and reducing sugar were also estimated in different parts of C. sinensis and these results correlated with antimicrobial activity. This study reveals that acetone extracts of stems, leaves, and roots of the C. sinensis showed excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia and also against fungal species Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Penicillium notatum.

Iron oxide nanoparticle (Fe3O4 NPs) synthesized from B. subtilis reduced arsenic (as) toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant

Arsenic (As) is one of the most important water pollutant of global concern due to its extreme hazard. In the present study, B. subtilis synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) were used for mitigation of harmful metalloid As from the aqueous solution. Initially, the arsenic removal efficiency was tested in a batch culture experiment across various concentrations (5, 10 and 15 ppm) of B. subtilis synthesized Fe3O4 NPs at different pH, time interval and agitation speed. Optimal removal efficiency of As by using B. subtilis synthesized Fe3O4 NPs was observed at pH 7, after 80 min, and with agitation at 200 rpm. Additionally, hydroponic culture experiment was designed to assess B. subtilis synthesized Fe3O4 NPs efficiency in removal of As from As-contaminated water used to irrigate rice plants. Results revealed that B. subtilis synthesized Fe3O4 NPs effectively removed As from the contiminated water and reduced its uptake by the different parts of rice plants (root, shoot and leaf). Furthermore, these B. subtilis synthesized Fe3O4 NPs also reduced the bioaccumulation and enhanced plant tolerance to As, suggesting their potential in mitigating heavy metal toxicity, especially As and promoting plant growth. Thus, this study proposes B. subtilis synthesized Fe3O4 NPs as nano-adsorbents in reducing arsenic toxicity in rice plants.

Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils of seven Cultivated Apiaceae species

The Apiaceae family contains many species used as food, spice and medicinal purposes. Different parts of plants including seeds could be used to obtain essential (EO) oils from members of the Apiaceae family. In the present study, EOs were components obtained through hydrodistillation from the seeds of anise (Pimpinella anisum), carrot (Daucus carota), celery (Apium graveolens), dill (Anethum graveolens), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and cumin (Cuminum cyminum). EO constituents were determined with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and their antioxidant capacities were determined with the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) methods. The antimicrobial activity of EOs were tested against four pathogenic bacteria. Phenylpropanoids in anise (94.87%) and fennel (92.52%), oxygenated monoterpenes in dill (67.59%) and coriander (98.96%), monoterpene hydrocarbons in celery (75.42%), mono- (45.42%) and sesquiterpene- (43.25%) hydrocarbons in carrots, monoterpene hydrocarbon (34.30%) and aromatic hydrocarbons (32.92%) in cumin were the major compounds in the EOs. Anethole in anise and fennel, carotol in carrot, limonene in celery, carvone in dill, linalool in coriander, and cumin aldehyde in cumin were predominant compounds in these EOs. The high hydrocarbon content in cumin EO gave high CUPRAC activity (89.07 µmol Trolox g−1), and the moderate monoterpene hydrocarbon and oxygenated monoterpene content in dill EO resulted in higher DPPH activity (9.86 µmol Trolox g−1). The in vitro antibacterial activity of EOs against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli was evaluated using the agar diffusion method and the minimum bactericidal concentration was determined. Coriander, cumin and dill EOs showed inhibitory effect against all tested strains except P. aeruginosa. While fennel and celery EOs were effective against E. coli and B. cereus strains, respectively, anise and carrot EOs did not show any antibacterial effect against the tested bacteria. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) produced four groups based on EO constituents of seven species. The potential adoption of the cultivated Apiaceae species for EO extraction could be beneficial for the wild species that are endangered by over collection and consumption.

Dieldrin accumulation, distribution in plant parts and phytoextraction potential for several plant species and Cucurbita pepo varieties.

Dieldrin, an organochlorine pesticide (OCP) widely used for crop protection in the second half of the 20th century till the 70's, is worldwide still present in arable soils. It can be transferred to crops, notably cucurbits, depending on plant species and cultivars. Finding strategies to decrease OCP bioavailability in soil is therefore a main concern. Phytomanagement strategies could provide (i) ready-to-use short term solution for maintaining the production of edible plant parts with dieldrin concentrations below the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) and (ii) long-term solution for dieldrin phytoextraction reducing progressively its bioavailability in the soil. This field study aimed at determining dieldrin accumulation capacities and allocation pattern in 17 non-Cucurbitaceae species and 10 Cucurbita pepo varieties, and assessing the dieldrin phytoextraction potential of these plant species when grown to maturity in a historically dieldrin-contaminated soil. Out of the non-Cucurbitaceae species, vetiver was the only one able to accumulate significant amounts of dieldrin, which mainly remained in its roots. All C. pepo varieties were able to uptake and translocate high dieldrin amounts into the shoots, leading to the highest phytoextraction potential. Despite the intraspecific variability in dieldrin concentration in zucchini plant parts, mainly in the reproductive organs, the phytoextraction capacity for shoots and fruits was high for all tested varieties (147 to 275 μg dieldrin plant-1, corresponding to 5.6 % of the n-heptane extractable soil dieldrin), even for the one with low fruit dieldrin concentration. Both food safety and phytoextraction could be achieved by selecting productive zucchini varieties displaying low dieldrin concentration in fruits and high one in shoots.

Metabolomics combined with chemometric analysis to identify α-glucosidase inhibitors in Phaleria macrocarpa fruit extracts and its molecular docking simulation

Phaleria macrocarpa is a medicinal plant widely available in Malaysia. The plant parts have been traditionally used as an antidiabetic remedy. This study aimed to identify the putative inhibitors of the α-glucosidase enzyme from P. macrocarpa using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS)-based metabolomics approach and further subjected them to in silico molecular docking analysis to elucidate the possible mechanism of action. This study assessed the inhibitory potential of P. macrocarpa fruit extracts (aqueous, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, and 100 % ethanol) against the α-glucosidase enzyme using GC–MS and chemometric analysis. Orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) combined with GC–MS analysis were applied to correlate the inhibition of enzyme activity to the metabolites profile of P. macrocarpa. All the potential inhibitors identified were further docked to the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) protein crystal structure (PDB3A4A). The generated score scatter plot of OPLS showed a recognizable separation of all the extracts into six different clusters. GC–MS, incorporated with multivariate data analysis techniques, was used to identify significant chemical markers. Methyl α-d-glucopyranoside, squalene, palmitic acid, myo-inositol and isoquinoline metabolites were identified as putative inhibitors against α-glucosidase activity from P. macrocarpa. In conclusion, the GC–MS-based metabolomics approach identified potential chemical markers of P. macrocarpa that could be utilized in the development of herbal based medicine.

Zoophytophagous predator sex pheromone and visual cues of opposing reflectance spectra lure predator and invasive prey.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the invasive South American leafminer Phthorimaea absoluta is the most damaging tomato pest. Females of the pest can reproduce both sexually and through parthenogenesis and lay their eggs on all tomato plant parts. The mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis, a biological control agent for the pest, is also a tomato pest when prey population is low. To date, however, no study has developed an eco-friendly solution that targets both the predator and its host in a tomato farming system. To develop a bio-based management system for both pest and predator based on the combined use of sexual communication in the predator and visual cues. We collected volatiles from both sexes of the Kenyan population of the predator N. tenuis and identified candidate sex pheromone components by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We used electrophysiological assays to identify antennally-active odorants in the volatiles, followed by field trials with different pheromone-baited colored traps to validate the responses of both predator and prey. Thereafter, we compared the reflectance spectra of the colored traps with those of different tomato plant tissues. Our results reveal an interplay between different sensory cues which in the predator-prey interaction may favor the predator. Antennae of both sexes of predator and prey detect the predator sex pheromone identified as 1-octanol and hexyl hexanoate. Unexpectedly, our field experiments led to the discovery of a lure for P. absoluta females, which were lured distinctly into a pheromone-baited trap whose reflectance spectrum mimicked that of ripe tomato fruit (long wavelength), an egg-laying site for females. Contrastingly, N. tenuis males were lured into baited white trap (short wavelength) when the predator is actively searching for prey. Our results demonstrate the novel use of a predator sex pheromone and different visual cues to assess complex trophic interactions on tomatoes.

The nutrition and therapeutic potential of millets: an updated narrative review

Millets are ancient small grains grown in arid and semiarid regions of the world. They are staple food for many people in Asia and Africa. They are abundant sources of minerals and vitamins, giving them the name Nutricereals. Moreover, millets contain valuable phytochemicals that impart therapeutic properties for various disorders and diseases, thus giving them nutraceutical value. A wide array of biochemical compounds are present in the plant parts as well as the grains. In the oldest texts of medicine in India and China, millets are mentioned for use for their medicinal value. There has been expanding interest and emerging facts about millets and their therapeutic uses. Ample evidence shows that consumption of millets amounts to correction of life style and metabolic disorders. Therapeutic properties of millets can be viewed in two ways, supplementary nutrition through minerals and vitamins, and therapeutic value through the presence of phytochemicals and specialty compounds that include flavonoids, phenolics, anthocyanidins and others that have antioxidant potential. Millets are gluten free, have low glycemic index and the phytochemicals aid in correction of lifestyle disorders and prevention of ailments like carcinogenesis. Supplementary benefits include treatment of anemia and calcium deficiency especially for pregnant women and young children. With the improvements in analytical methods for detection of various compounds, it is possible to identify the compound-specific genotypes in millets that can cater to the pharmacy industry. End-use specific genotypes can be bred to meet the demand. Millets being climate resilient, can contribute to a healthier life and better world through economic usage of natural resources.

Chemical constituents of the essential oils from Uvariodendron mbagoi

Several Uvariodendron species are known for their scented leaves and stem bark, hence this study. The leaves, twigs, stem and root barks of the newly described Uvariodendron species, U. mbagoi Dagallier and Couvreur from Kwedijela forest (KF) and Kimboza Forest Reserve (KFR) collected in dry and wet seasons, were steam distilled to yield essential oils that was more abundant in the root bark (2.07-3.85%) than in the leaves, twigs and stem bark (0.09-0.71%). The essential oils from the root bark collected from KF in the wet season (2.07%) was slightly lower than that obtained from the plant part collected from the same locality during the dry season (3.85%). GC-MS analysis indicated that linalool was the most prominent constituent of the leaf (82.18%, KF) and (98.86%, KFR), twig (89.66%, KFR), and stem bark (97.97%, KFR) oil while methyl eugenol (41.08%, KFR) and elemicin (39.28%, KFR) were the major constituents of the root bark oil. The essential oil from the leaves, stem bark, twigs and root bark of U. mbagoi exhibited mild to moderate potency when screened for antioxidant, antibacterial, and protease (trypsin) inhibitory activities. KEY WORDS: Uvariodendron mbagoi, Annonaceae, Essential oil, Linalool, Elemicin, Methyl eugenol Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(3), 1027-1035.                                                    DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i4.17

POSITIVE IMPACTS OF PHYTOCHEMICALS AND THEIR BIOACTIVE COMPONENTS FROM PLANTS AGAINST HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA - REVIEW

The terrible nature of the condition and the lack of an effective, long-lasting treatment, anticancer therapy has become one of the biggest issues in the medical field. In light of this, it is believed that discovering an effective drug is a popular research issue in the field of medical science. There is a long history of using plant-derived extracts, mixtures, fractions, and phyto-chemicals to treat liver issues. The goal of this study is to assess the scientific research on the efficacy of various bioactive compounds that have been isolated from plant extracts over the past 20 years against the fatal disease, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The knowledge at hand includes a number of research and tests employing plant parts such as stems, leaves, roots, flowers, fruits, bark etc. And we could deduce from the literature that the researchers conducted in-vitro, in-vivo, ex-vivo, and other types of experiment using these extracts to obtain the best outcomes. This study aims to assess the level of progress made in the quest for a suitable, long-lasting natural treatment for HCC and makes an effort to compile a list of plants that have been shown to have hepato-protective properties. Finding new anticancer drugs derived from natural resources will receive more focus.

Maximizing Zygopetalum maculatum orchid yield through calcium nutrition: Unveiling calcium content and dynamics across different plant parts at different growth stages of the orchid

This study explores the pivotal yet often overlooked role of calcium (Ca) in Zygopetalum maculatum orchid cultivation. Six different treatments, featuring graded doses of Ca (ranging from 0 to 100 mg Ca L−1 nutrient solution), were used to assess the impact of Ca on growth, development, and physiological responses of the orchids. Notably, the Ca untreated control treatment (Ca0) exhibited a rapid decline in potting media pH (became acidic in reaction with time), whereas under Ca100 treatment potting media pH declined slowly and remained near neutral. Dehydrogenase activity in the potting media significantly increased under Ca100 treatment. Significant improvements in vegetative growth parameters, like, bulb length, bulb width, and leaf characteristics, were evident under Ca100 treatment compared to the Ca0 treatment. The economic yield, measured by the number of flower spikes and various floral attributes (i.e. number of florets per spike, spike length, florets size), displayed a remarkable enhancement under Ca100 treatment. The Ca100 treatment produced 100 % more number of flower spikes as compared to Ca0 treatment. The number of new shoot initiation, and overall flower biomass also substantially increased under Ca100 treatment. Ca content analysis in different plant parts revealed presence of elevated Ca concentrations in leaves, back bulbs, new bulbs, and roots under Ca100 treatment. The Ca content in back bulbs and roots decreased after flowering phase of the orchid, but the Ca levels in leaves and new bulbs remained statistically similar during both pre and post-flowering phases.These findings underscore the positive influence of Ca application on Zygopetalum maculatum orchids for enhancing its vegetative growth and economic yield. The study contributes valuable insights into Ca dynamics in different plant parts of the orchid, and recommends a 100 mg L−1 Ca application at 7-day intervals for improving Zygopetalum maculatum cultivation practices.

Prioritizing plants for conservation in forests over limestone in Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (GMRPLS), Samar Island, Philippines using a localized conservation priority index (LCPI)

Philippine landscapes and seascapes have been undergoing massive degradation especially with the onset of the Anthropocene epoch. The unique forests over limestone in Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscapes and Seascapes in Eastern Samar have never been exempted from ongoing deteriorating conditions leading to the diminishing ecosystem services for the nearby villages. Conservation plan and action are urgent. The current paper determines top-priority plants for conservation using the localized conservation priority index (LCPI), which considers the contexts of the locality. LCPI follows a point scoring procedure recognizing holistic social, cultural, ecological and biophysical variables, such as cultural use, frequency value of occurrences in study plots, species distribution, harvesting risk, and economic use. Research findings indicated Caryota rumphiana Mart., Saribus rotundifolius (Lam.) Blume Artocarpus blancoi (Elmer) Merr., Shorea negrosensis Foxw., Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., Calophyllum soulattri Burm.f., Artocarpus rubrovenius Warb., Nothaphoebe leytensis (Elmer) Merr., Shorea astylosa Foxw., Palaquium sp., Heterospathe intermedia (Becc.) Fernando, Hancea wenzeliana (Slik) S.E.C.Sierra, Kulju & Welzen, Aquilaria cumingiana (Decne.) Ridl., Wallaceodendron celebicum Koord., Palaquium luzoniense (Fern.-Vill.) Vidal, Mastixia sp., Wrightia sp., Lubi-lubi, Kuyakya and Neonauclea formicaria (Elmer) Merr. The leaves, stems, fruits, and flowers are the most-commonly harvested plant parts in high-priority level species, most of which are primarily used for housing and construction. The identified plants were geotagged to intensify onsite protection. The findings are of extreme relevance in providing guidance to protected area staff, local people organizations, and community residents in embarking on urgent conservation action in conserving locally vulnerable biodiversity in order to sustain ecosystem services.

Optimization of Sterilization Parameters for Isolation of Endophytes from Allium sativum and Exploring its Antibacterial Activity

Endophytic bacteria reside within the plant cell and are beneficial to it in a number of ways like growth, protection to environmental conditions and sustainability in favor of the hosts. Throughout the ages, Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has legendary therapeutic importance. The important step in endophyte isolation is the removal of plant tissue surface microflora, called as surface sterilization. Endophytes from medicinal plants may mimic the compound produced by the host plant and also plays an important role in production of bioactive compound, so it is necessary to isolate endophytes, not the epiphytic microbes. The present investigation was undertaken with an aim to optimize the sterilization parameters viz: time and concentration of ethanol and sodium hypochlorite for isolation of endophytic bacteria as well as exploring their antibacterial activity from Allium sativum. The results revealed that concentration and exposure time of sterilizing agent caused prominent surface sterilization but have negative effect on isolation of endophytes. Experimental results revealed that 70% ethanol (6 min), 2% sodium hypochlorite (1 min) followed by 70% ethanol (30 sec) is effective for surface sterilization of leaf and 70% ethanol (6 min), 3% sodium hypochlorite (1 min) followed by ethanol (30 sec) for bulb of Allium sativum. A total of 86 bacterial endophytes were recovered and screened for antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi and Proteus. Out of 86 bacterial endophytes, only (9%) endophytes were found to be inhibiting one or all test human pathogen. The findings of the present study suggest that use of optimized sterilization conditions are effective for removing surface bacterial strains without affecting endophytes as well as the Allium sativum plant of the Jaunpur district represents an excellent reservoir of endophytic bacteria and novel source of bioactive compounds. On the other hand different concentration and time of their exposure to different parts of plant is required for proper surface sterilization of that part and isolation of endophytes.

Evaluating the Metabolomic Profile and Anti-Pathogenic Properties of Cannabis Species

The Cannabis species is one of the potent ancient medicinal plants acclaimed for its medicinal properties and recreational purposes. The plant parts are used and exploited all over the world for several agricultural and industrial applications. For many years Cannabis spp. has proven to present a highly diverse metabolomic profile with a pool of bioactive metabolites used for numerous pharmacological purposes ranging from anti-inflammatory to antimicrobial. Cannabis sativa has since been an extensive subject of investigation, monopolizing the research. Hence, there are fewer studies with a comprehensive understanding of the composition of bioactive metabolites grown in different environmental conditions, especially C. indica and a few other Cannabis strains. These pharmacological properties are mostly attributed to a few phytocannabinoids and some phytochemicals such as terpenoids or essential oils which have been tested for antimicrobial properties. Many other discovered compounds are yet to be tested for antimicrobial properties. These phytochemicals have a series of useful properties including anti-insecticidal, anti-acaricidal, anti-nematicidal, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Research studies have reported excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria as well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Although there has been an extensive investigation on the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis, the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis on phytopathogens and aquatic animal pathogens, mostly those affecting fish, remain under-researched. Therefore, the current review intends to investigate the existing body of research on metabolomic profile and anti-microbial properties whilst trying to expand the scope of the properties of the Cannabis plant to benefit the health of other animal species and plant crops, particularly in agriculture.

Antioxidant Capacity Variation Across Different Parts of <em>Allamanda cathartica</em> (Golden Trumpet) Plant

Allamanda cathartica is a herbal plant in the Apocynaceae family, often known as "Wel Rukaththana" in Sinhala, "Thimble Lady," or "Golden Trumpet" in English. Traditional medicine has utilized this plant's leaves, roots, stems, blossoms, and entire plant to cure a variety of illnesses since ancient times. Even though A. cathartica is a commonly used herb, the literature review indicated that there is a scarcity of published scientific evidence about its therapeutic usefulness. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the comparison of antioxidant activity of fresh leaves, roots, stems and flowers of this pant by using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Fresh plant materials were collected from the Colombo district and authenticated. Hot aqueous extracts of fresh leaves (AEFL), roots (AEFR), stems (AEFS) and flowers (AEFF) were prepared with 3 g/mL concentrations. In-vitro antioxidant activity of the concentration gradients of each extract was evaluated by using a DPPH assay. Ascorbic acid (6.25 μg/mL- 25 μg/mL) was used as a positive control. The radical scavenging activity of test samples was expressed as an EC50. The hot aqueous extract showed antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 10.92 μg/mL, 22.10μg/mL, 23.76 μg/mL and 27.38 μg/mL for leaves, flowers, roots and stems respectively while the ascorbic acid showed an EC50 value of 13.40 μg/mL. In conclusion, the results showed that AFEL has a significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant potential than AEFR, AEFS and AEFF. Hence, fresh leaves of A. cathartica have been identified as the most potential part for antioxidant activity among tested plant parts.

Chickpea seed endophyte Enterobacter sp. mediated yield and nutritional enrichment of chickpea for improving human and livestock health

Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are used as a good source of proteins and energy in the diets of various organisms including humans and animals. Chickpea straws can serve as an alternative option for forage for different ruminants. This research mainly focussed on screening the effects of adding beneficial chickpea seed endophytes on increasing the nutritional properties of the different edible parts of chickpea plants. Two efficient chickpea seed endophytes (Enterobacter sp. strain BHUJPCS-2 and BHUJPCS-8) were selected and applied to the chickpea seeds before sowing in the experiment conducted on clay pots. Chickpea seeds treated with both endophytes showed improved plant growth and biomass accumulation. Notably, improvements in the uptake of mineral nutrients were found in the foliage, pericarp, and seed of the chickpea plants. Additionally, nutritional properties such as total phenolics (0.47, 0.25, and 0.55 folds), total protein (0.04, 0.21, and 0.18 folds), carbohydrate content (0.31, 0.32, and 0.31 folds), and total flavonoid content (0.45, 027, and 0.8 folds) were increased in different parts (foliage, pericarp, and seed) of the chickpea plants compared to the control plants. The seed endophyte-treated plants showed a significant increase in mineral accumulation and improvement in nutrition in the different edible parts of chickpea plants. The results showed that the seed endophyte-mediated increase in dietary and nutrient value of the different parts (pericarp, foliage, and seeds) of chickpea are consumed by humans, whereas the other parts (pericarp and foliage) are used as alternative options for forage and chaff in livestock diets and may have direct effects on their nutritional conditions.

Seriphidium herba-alba (Asso): A comprehensive study of essential oils, extracts, and their antimicrobial properties.

Seriphidium herba-alba (Asso), a plant celebrated for its therapeutic qualities, is widely used in traditional medicinal practices throughout the Middle East and North Africa. In a detailed study of Seriphidium herba-alba (Asso), essential oils and extracts were analyzed for their chemical composition and antimicrobial properties. The essential oil, characterized using mass spectrometry and retention index methods, revealed a complex blend of 52 compounds, with santolina alcohol, α-thujone, β-thujone, and chrysanthenone as major constituents. Extraction yields varied significantly, depending on the plant part and method used; notably, methanol soaking of aerial parts yielded the most extract at 17.75%. The antimicrobial analysis showed that the extracts had selective antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, and broad-spectrum antifungal activity against organisms such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus spp. The methanol-soaked extract demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial properties, indicating its potential as a natural antimicrobial source. This study not only underscores the therapeutic potential of Seriphidium herba-alba (Asso) in pharmaceutical applications but also sets a foundation for future research focused on isolating specific bioactive compounds and in vivo testing.

Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling Root Morphological Traits in an Interspecific Soybean Population Using 2D Imagery Data

Roots are the hidden and most important part of plants. They serve as stabilizers and channels for uptaking water and nutrients and play a crucial role in the growth and development of plants. Here, two-dimensional image data were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling root traits in an interspecific mapping population derived from a cross between wild soybean ‘PI366121’ and cultivar ‘Williams 82’. A total of 2830 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were used for genotyping, constructing genetic linkage maps, and analyzing QTLs. Forty-two QTLs were identified on twelve chromosomes, twelve of which were identified as major QTLs, with a phenotypic variation range of 36.12% to 39.11% and a logarithm of odds value range of 12.01 to 17.35. Two significant QTL regions for the average diameter, root volume, and link average diameter root traits were detected on chromosomes 3 and 13, and both wild and cultivated soybeans contributed positive alleles. Six candidate genes, Glyma.03G027500 (transketolase/glycoaldehyde transferase), Glyma.03G014500 (dehydrogenases), Glyma.13G341500 (leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase), Glyma.13G341400 (AGC kinase family protein), Glyma.13G331900 (60S ribosomal protein), and Glyma.13G333100 (aquaporin transporter) showed higher expression in root tissues based on publicly available transcriptome data. These results will help breeders improve soybean genetic components and enhance soybean root morphological traits using desirable alleles from wild soybeans.

Effects of Seasonal Variation on Nitrogen Use in Brazilian Cerrado Grass Communities

In savanna ecosystems, the seasonal effects of nitrogen forms and availability, as well as their utilization by plants, influence the abundance and distribution of herbaceous species in grassland communities. This study examines seasonal effects on nitrogen availability and utilization by native grass species in the Cerrado, a savanna ecosystem in Brazil. Ammonium and nitrate levels in soil, nitrate acquisition and transport, and Nitrate Reductase Activity (NRA) in different plant parts during dry and wet periods were assessed. Results indicated higher soil nitrate availability during the wet period, influenced by precipitation, with leaves showing a higher nitrate content compared to roots. There was seasonal modulation in nitrate reduction, with leaves being the primary site during the dry period and roots during the wet period. The studied grass species exhibited heterogeneous responses to seasonal nitrogen availability, potentially affecting community abundance patterns. Findings suggest that edaphoclimatic seasonality plays a crucial role in nitrogen distribution and utilization capacity by grass plants in the Cerrado, contributing to the understanding of these ecosystems’ ecology.

Effect of saline water on the vase life of Narcissus poeticus L. flowers

ABSTRACT The vase life of Narcissus poeticus flowers collected at the white bud stage was investigated in 13 different concentrations of NaCl (0–5–10–15–20–30–40–…–100 mM). Every 12 hr, the opening stage of the flowers was recorded, divided into 4 main categories (bud, opening flower, full open (FO) flower and wilting flower) and 14 subcategories. The salinity did not affect the flower opening speed, diameter or weight. The duration of the full flowering stage decreased from 92 hr to 44 hr, the sum of the daily ornamental value score (OVS) decreased from 120 by 3 scores per each 10 mM concentration increase. The scape chlorophyll content increased at low salinity (10–15 mM) and then decreased significantly. The carotenoid content in the scapes of wilted flowers increased in 30–100 mM solutions compared to the values in the flowering stage and flowers grown at lower salt concentrations. The Na and Cl contents in the plant parts increased significantly with the increase in salinity (at the end of the experiment, 100 mM NaCl: scapes: 44.1 g · kg-1 and 67.2 g · kg-1 Na and Cl; flowers: 16.8 g · kg-1 and 24.8 g · kg-1 Na and Cl, respectively). There was an inverse correlation between the Na and K contents in the scapes. The EC value of the vase solutions decreased during the experiment.

Potent bioactivity of Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.)

Introduction: Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) is a plant originating from North Sumatra, Indonesia which has traditionally been used as a treatment of toothache, cough, rheumatism, lumbago, stomach colic, asthma, fever. Various kinds of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids, steroids, and phenols in andaliman are known to have pharmacological activity. Method: This review discusses pharmacological activities of andaliman by using libraries from Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Pubmed with a maximum publication year of the last 10 years, namely from 2013–2023. Results and discussions: The results showed that plant parts in the form of fruits, leaves, bark, and roots of andaliman proved to have pharmacological activity of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.