Plant Secondary Compounds Research Articles

Deciphering Hyperammonia-Producing Bacteria (HAB) in the Rumen of Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and Their Inhibition through Plant Extracts and Essential Oils

Hyperammonia-producing bacteria (HAB) are a class of microbes present in the stomach of ruminants, responsible for the rapid rate of ammonia production from protein degradation beyond the capacity of these animals for their utilization. Thus, ruminant nutritionists are interested in decreasing ruminal protein degradation and ammonia genesis by focusing on controlling the activity of HAB. The investigations of the present study were carried out to determine predominant hyperammonia-producing bacteria in the rumen of buffaloes, their isolation and characterization, as well as the inhibition of these isolates with various sources of plant secondary compounds (tannins, saponins, and essential oils). Studies employing high-throughput sequencing of amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene from genomic DNA recovered from enrichment culture of HAB of buffalo rumina indicated that, at the phylum level, Proteobacteria (61.1 to 68.2%) was the most predominant HAB. Acidaminococcus was most predominant among the identified genera. In vitro experiments were conducted with enrichment culture of buffalo rumen contents incubated with different types of feed additives such as essential oils (eucalyptus oil, lemon grass oil, and clove oil) and extracts of plants (Sapindus mukorossi fruits and Ficus bengalensis leaves), each at graded dose levels. The reduction in ammonia production by clove and lemon grass oils was evident due to the presence of major bioactive compounds, especially eugenol and limonene, which have strong antimicrobial activity. However, clove oil and Indian soapberry/reetha (Sapindus mukorossi) fruit were found to be promising and effective in reducing the growth, protease production, and ammonia production of HAB culture.

Potential of Flavonoids as Promising Phytotherapeutic Agents to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Infections.

Considering the limited number of current effective treatments, Multidrug- Resistant (MDR) illnesses have grown to be a serious concern to public health. It has become necessary to look for new antimicrobial drugs because of the emergence of resistance to numerous kinds of antibiotics. The use of flavonoids is one phytotherapeutic strategy that has been researched as a potential remedy for this issue. Secondary plant compounds called flavonoids have been found to have an antibacterial effect against resistant microorganisms. This review seeks to give readers a glimpse into contemporary studies on flavonoids' potential to fight MDR infections. A systematic search was conducted on electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) using relevant keywords such as flavonoids, MDR infections, antimicrobial activity, and resistance microbes. Studies that investigated the antimicrobial activity of flavonoids against resistant microbes were included in this review. Most research found that flavonoids have antibacterial efficacy against resistant microorganisms, and some also showed that they have synergistic benefits with traditional antibiotics. The flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, and luteolin were the most often investigated ones. According to research, flavonoids affect microbial gene expression, inhibit microbial enzymes, and disrupt the integrity of microbial cell membranes. Additionally, a few studies have noted the flavonoids' low toxicity and safety. For the treatment of infections that are resistant to many drugs, flavonoids constitute a promising class of phytotherapeutic agents. To develop flavonoid-based treatment methods for treating MDR illnesses and assess the potential of flavonoids as adjuvants to conventional antimicrobial drugs, more study is required.

Cannabidiol exhibits potent anti-cancer activity against gemcitabine-resistant cholangiocarcinoma via ER-stress induction in vitro and in vivo

BackgroundFailure of treatment with gemcitabine in most cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients is due to drug resistance. The therapeutic potential of natural plant secondary compounds with minimal toxicity, such as cannabidiol (CBD), is a promising line of investigation in gemcitabine-resistant CCA. We aim to investigate the effects of CBD on gemcitabine-resistant CCA (KKU-213BGemR) cells in vitro and in vivo.MaterialsIn vitro, cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were assessed using MTT assay, clonogenicity assay and flow cytometry. The effect of CBD on ROS production was evaluated using the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe. The mechanism exerted by CBD on ER stress-associated apoptosis was investigated by western blot analysis. A gemcitabine-resistant CCA xenograft model was also used and the expression of PCNA and CHOP were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsThe IC50 values of CBD for KKU-213BGemR cells ranged from 19.66 to 21.05 µM. For a non-cancerous immortalized fibroblast cell line, relevant values were 18.29 to 19.21 µM. CBD suppressed colony formation by KKU-213BGemR cells in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 10 to 30 µM. CBD at 30 µM significantly increased apoptosis at early (16.37%) (P = 0.0024) and late (1.8%) stages (P < 0.0001), for a total of 18.17% apoptosis (P = 0.0017), in part by increasing ROS production (P < 0.0001). Multiphase cell cycle arrest significantly increased at G0/G1 with CBD 10 and 20 µM (P = 0.004 and P = 0.017), and at G2/M with CBD 30 µM (P = 0.005). CBD treatment resulted in increased expression of ER stress-associated apoptosis proteins, including p-PERK, BiP, ATF4, CHOP, BAX, and cytochrome c. In xenografted mouse, CBD significantly suppressed tumors at 10 and 40 mg/kg·Bw (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.0278, respectively), which was supported by an increase in CHOP, but a decrease in PCNA expression in tumor tissues (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe results suggest that CBD exhibits potent anti-cancer activity against gemcitabine-resistant CCA in vitro and in vivo, in part via ER stress-mediated mechanisms. These results indicate that clinical explorative use of CBD on gemcitabine-resistant CCA patients is warranted.

Impact of Dietary Isoflavones in Standard Chow on Reproductive Development in Juvenile and Adult Female Mice with Different Metabolic Phenotypes.

Two factors influencing female reproduction have been repeatedly studied in different animal species and humans, namely, 1. secondary plant compounds, especially phytoestrogens (mainly isoflavones (IFs)), and 2. the physical constitution/metabolic phenotype (e.g., obesity). So far, these research results have only been considered separately. In this study, we investigated the influence on reproduction of both phytochemicals, mainly dietary IFs, and the metabolic phenotype represented by three mouse models considered as three distinct genetic groups (a control group, a mouse model with high metabolic activity, and a mouse line with obese body weight). The IF content in different investigated standard chows with similar macronutrient profiles varied significantly (p < 0.005), leading to high mean total plasma IF levels of up to 5.8 µmol/L in juvenile and 6.7 µmol/L in adult female mice. Reproductive performance was only slightly affected; only an IF dose-dependent effect on gestation length was observed in all genetic groups, as well as an effect on pregnancy rate in obese mice. Dietary IF exposure, however, caused earlier onset of vaginal opening by 4-10 days in juvenile mice (p < 0.05), dependent on the genetic group, resulting in a slight acceleration of sexual maturation in the already precocious obese model and to a strong earlier maturation in the otherwise late-maturing sporty model, bred for high treadmill performance. Therefore, our results may help to draw the missing line between the effect of dietary secondary plant constituents, such as IFs, and metabolic phenotype on sexual development.

Rodents consuming the same toxic diet harbor a unique functional core microbiome

Gut microbiota are intrinsic to an herbivorous lifestyle, but very little is known about how plant secondary compounds (PSCs), which are often toxic, influence these symbiotic partners. Here we interrogated the possibility of unique functional core microbiomes in populations of two species of woodrat (Neotoma lepida and bryanti) that have independently converged to feed on the same toxic diet (creosote bush; Larrea tridentata) and compared them to populations that do not feed on creosote bush. Leveraging this natural experiment, we collected samples across a large geographic region in the U.S. desert southwest from 20 populations (~ 150 individuals) with differential ingestion of creosote bush and analyzed three gut regions (foregut, cecum, hindgut) using16S sequencing and shotgun metagenomics. In each gut region sampled, we found a distinctive set of microbes in individuals feeding on creosote bush that were more abundant than other ASVs, enriched in creosote feeding woodrats, and occurred more frequently than would be predicted by chance. Creosote core members were from microbial families e.g., Eggerthellaceae, known to metabolize plant secondary compounds and three of the identified core KEGG orthologs (4-hydroxybenzoate decarboxylase, benzoyl-CoA reductase subunit B, and 2-pyrone-4, 6-dicarboxylate lactonase) coded for enzymes that play important roles in metabolism of plant secondary compounds. The results support the hypothesis that the ingestion of creosote bush sculpts the microbiome across all major gut regions to select for functional characteristics associated with the degradation of the PSCs in this unique diet.

Secondary compounds increase litter removal by termites across 23 savanna grass species

Abstract Termites—one of the most abundant animal groups in tropical ecosystems—are vital in nutrient recycling, contributing significantly to maintaining ecosystem functioning. However, how selective they are in their litter food choice, and whether they prefer nutritious or less nutritious litter substrates, are still important unresolved questions. Here, we test the effect of litter traits on the removal of litter by fungus‐growing termites, a dominant group of macrodetritivores in the Serengeti‐Mara ecosystem. We used metal‐mesh litterbags to measure the mass loss of stem and leaf litter from 23 grass species after an incubation period of 61 days. Sheeting—soil deposits indicating termite presence—strongly increased with tannin and phenolic compounds, especially in leaf litter (R2 = 0.54), where highly aromatic species like Cymbopogon caesius and Bothriochloa insculpta exhibited the highest sheeting rates. Litterbags with sheeting displayed 66% higher mass loss on average compared to those without. Once termites had selected the substrate, mass loss increased consistently irrespective of litter traits. Quantifying the combined effects of sheeting frequency and differential mass loss, we found that fungus‐growing termites predominantly increased the mass loss of high‐nutrient litter. This was mainly due to additional mass loss in leaf litter, not stem litter, with tannin concentration being the primary predictor of enhanced overall decomposition by termites. This suggests termites ameliorate the otherwise adverse influence of plant secondary compounds on litter decomposition. Synthesis: Our results support the idea that fungus‐growing termites are generalists, as termites collected organic substrates with varying quality. The strong effect of phenolic compounds on sheeting rate implies that secondary compounds play an important role in termite substrate selection. The selective removal of substrates high in secondary compounds suggests fungus‐growing termites lift important constraints to microbial breakdown, potentially enhancing ecosystem‐level carbon and nutrient recycling rates. Termites play crucial roles in recycling organic matter across tropical biomes and our study highlights that the role of secondary compounds in their selection and detection in decomposition studies needs more attention

Effects of polyphenol-rich, berry supplementation on exercise performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background & AimsPolyphenols are plant secondary compounds that possess antioxidant properties associated with preventing inflammation-mediated ailments such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Recent studies hint at their capacity to enhance exercise performance. Berries, in addition to containing high amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, are extremely rich in polyphenols. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compile relevant human randomized controlled trials exploring the potential of polyphenol-rich berries to enhance exercise performance and associated biomarkers. MethodsThe PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched using keywords related to berry supplementation, exercise performance, and biomarkers of performance. In total, 2374 articles were screened and 14 were included in the analysis. ResultsThe results indicate no statistically significant effect of berry supplementation on exercise performance and its associated biomarkers. However, there is a trend towards a positive pooled effect size of berry supplementation on time to exhaustion (SMD: 0.57, Z: 1.51, p-value: 0.13). Furthermore, all pooled effect sizes favor berry supplementation. ConclusionsDue to variations in testing protocols and biomarkers of interest among the studies included, no more than 7 articles were included for any given outcome measure. This underscores the necessity for additional high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to strengthen the evidence and allow for recommendations to be made regarding the performance enhancing effects of berry consumption. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on Open Science Framework (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/NCAVJ).

An overview of alternative protein sources for ruminants in the tropical area

Abstract Investigating alternative protein sources for ruminants in tropical regions is crucial due to distinct climatic conditions and limited resources. Scientists, acknowledging the challenges, are exploring locally accessible alternatives to develop cost-effective and sustainable protein supplements for ruminant nutrition, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nutritional composition for advancing livestock husbandry sustainability. The aim of this research is to elucidate alternative local protein sources for ruminants in tropical areas and assess their effectiveness in promoting sustainable production and enhancing ruminant nutrition. Protein feed sources are essential for providing amino acids to animals and producing animal products such as meat, milk, and wool. Inadequate protein in animal feed may have a detrimental impact on rumen fermentation and animal output. Therefore, alternative protein sources have received increased attention in order to replace the main protein source. The alternative protein sources in this review were divided into five categories: agricultural biomass, fodder shrubs, biological protein and plant weeds, insect protein and agro-industry biomass. Furthermore, plant secondary compounds found in alternative protein sources might be used to modulate rumen fermentation and improve animal performance. By focusing on regional sources of protein, feed costs are reduced while availability is raised. Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that there are a number of alternative protein sources that might be used in place of primary protein sources and that they could support ruminant production in the face of several animal feed crises. However, the potential use of any protein source should be assessed in light of the country’s availability and animal production practices.

Using Metabolomics to Understand Selective Breeding of Goats that Enables Tolerance of Plant Secondary Compounds

The objective of this study was to determine aspects of liver function in goats with a divergent propensity to consume juniper ( Juniperus spp.), a terpene -containing woody plant. Goats represent a significant contribution to sustainable food production and local economies worldwide. Climate change in arid and semiarid regions has led to a transition of grasslands to woodlands. Goats ( Capra hircus) are adapted to utilize woody plants as a food source; however, herbivory can be limited by plant secondary compounds (e.g., monoterpenes). Estimated breeding values (EBV) have been determined for domestic goats based on their propensity to consume above (H: EBV = 13.1 ± 0.2) or below (L: EBV = −14.8 ± 0.5) the herd average for proportion of juniper in the diet of free-ranging animals. To investigate the physiological and metabolic mechanisms enabling increased intake and tolerance of juniper, H and L adult male Spanish goats within young (2-yr-old) and old (3-5-yr-old) groups that spent their life grazing pastures containing juniper were randomly selected from our research herd. Twenty goats (n = 5 of each age and juniper consumption combination) were weighed and harvested. Serum samples and multiple organs (i.e., liver, kidney, heart, spleen, adrenal, testis) were collected, weighed, and preserved for analyses. With an initial focus on the liver, samples (200 mg) were submitted to Metabolon, Inc. (Morrisville, NC) to identify metabolites by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem high resolution/accurate mass spectrometry chromatography methods. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Goat body weight (BW), relative organ weight (g/kg BW), and serum constituents were analyzed using a model that included age (O, Y), treatment (H, L), and the age x treatment interaction. Animals were the experimental unit and error degrees of freedom = 16. Statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05. Multiple differences in metabolites of the lipid and protein pathways were identified. For example, the relative intensity of 19 monoacylglycerol metabolites was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in H than L goats. This report, however, focuses on the gamma-glutamyl amino acid (GGAA) pathway due to its role in diagnosis of liver dysfunction. Relative liver weight (g/kg BW) was numerically greater (P = 0.15) in H (15.80 ± 0.75) than L (14.58 ± 0.39) goats. Serum gamma glutamyl transferase (U/L) was within the clinically normal range but was greater (P &lt; 0.0001) in H (59.2 ± 2.1) versus L (44.3 ± 2.2), and in Y (55.3 ± 2.9) versus O (48.2 ± 3.2) goats. Of the 18 GGAAs identified from the GGAA super- and sub-pathways, the relative intensities of 11 metabolites were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in liver from H than L; 8 were greater in HY versus LY, and only 2 were greater in OH versus OL goats. The increased expression of serum and liver components of the GGAA pathway for the goats with a positive estimated breeding value for juniper consumption may be indicative of metabolic mechanisms and biomarkers associated with increased tolerance of plant secondary compounds. Texas A&amp;M AgriLife Research. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Review: Metabolit Sekunder pada Kelapa Sawit

Oil palm is known as a plantation crop that produces vegetable oil which is widely used in human life. Palm oil is produced from fresh fruit bunches (FFB) which originate from female flowers. Another part of the oil palm plant that has not been widely utilized is the oil palm leaves. When these leaves have been pruned, they will become abundant garden waste. Apart from that, there are empty palm oil bunches (tankos) which are classified as factory waste. Further research is needed regarding the compound content, especially the secondary metabolite content of midrib and tankos so that their utilization is optimal. The aim of this review is to determine the content of secondary metabolite compounds in oil palm plants and the potential for wider use. The method used is collecting library data, reading, analyzing and writing it down. The data and references used are scientific articles in national and international journals, textbooks, literature reviews and other sources. Based on the review, information was obtained that oil palm leaves contain several secondary metabolite compounds, especially saponins and phenols, while tankos contains phenol compounds. The amount of secondary metabolite compound content is not yet known for certain and this could be an opportunity to conduct research to determine the content of secondary metabolite compounds, especially for oil palm plants.

Phytocompounds targeting epigenetic modulations: an assessment in cancer.

For centuries, plants have been serving as sources of potential therapeutic agents. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in investigating the effects of plant-derived compounds on epigenetic processes, a novel and captivating Frontier in the field of epigenetics research. Epigenetic changes encompass modifications to DNA, histones, and microRNAs that can influence gene expression. Aberrant epigenetic changes can perturb key cellular processes, including cell cycle control, intercellular communication, DNA repair, inflammation, stress response, and apoptosis. Such disruptions can contribute to cancer development by altering the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis. However, these modifications are reversible, offering a unique avenue for therapeutic intervention. Plant secondary compounds, including terpenes, phenolics, terpenoids, and sulfur-containing compounds are widely found in grains, vegetables, spices, fruits, and medicinal plants. Numerous plant-derived compounds have demonstrated the potential to target these abnormal epigenetic modifications, including apigenin (histone acetylation), berberine (DNA methylation), curcumin (histone acetylation and epi-miRs), genistein (histone acetylation and DNA methylation), lycopene (epi-miRs), quercetin (DNA methylation and epi-miRs), etc. This comprehensive review highlights these abnormal epigenetic alterations and discusses the promising efficacy of plant-derived compounds in mitigating these deleterious epigenetic signatures in human cancer. Furthermore, it addresses ongoing clinical investigations to evaluate the therapeutic potential of these phytocompounds in cancer treatment, along with their limitations and challenges.

Linear enamel hypoplasia in Homo naledi reappraised in light of new Retzius periodicities.

Among low-latitude apes, developmental defects of enamel often recur twice yearly, linkable to environmental cycles. Surprisingly, teeth of Homo naledi from Rising Star in South Africa (241-335 kya), a higher latitude site with today a single rainy season, also exhibit bimodally distributed hypoplastic enamel defects, but with uncertain timing and etiology. Newly determined Retzius periodicities for enamel formation in this taxon enable a reconstruction of the temporal patterning of childhood stress. Using high resolution casts of 31 isolated anterior teeth from H. naledi, 82 enamel defects (linear enamel hypoplasia [LEH]) were identified. Seventeen teeth are assigned to three individuals. Perikymata in the occlusal wall of enamel furrows and between the onsets of successive LEH were visualized with scanning electron microscopy and counted. Defects were measured with an optical scanner. Conversion of perikymata counts to estimates of LEH duration and inter-LEH interval draws upon Retzius periodicities of 9 and 11 days. Anterior teeth record more than a year of developmental distress, expressed as two asymmetric intervals centered on 4.5 and 7.5 months bounded by three LEH. Durations, also, show bimodal distributions, lasting 3 or 12 weeks. Short duration LEH are more severe than long duration. Relative incisor/canine rates of formation are indistinguishable from modern humans. We invoke a disease and dearth model, with short episodes of distress reflecting onset of disease in young infants, lasting about 3 weeks, followed by a season of undernutrition, possibly intensified by secondary plant compounds, spanning about 12 weeks, inferably coincident with austral winter.

7 Environmental sustainability of livestock systems in the southeastern U.S.: Opportunities and research gaps

Abstract According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), enteric methane (CH4) was the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture in 2021 behind nitrous oxide emissions from soil management. Cattle production in the southeastern U.S. represent a significant source of enteric CH4. In 2021, 31.5% of all cattle derived enteric CH4 arose from the southeastern U.S., representing 43.3% of cow-calf, 27.4% of stocker, 23.1% of feedlot, and 12.1% of dairy derived enteric CH4, according to the EPA. Previous work has demonstrated that reducing CH4 emissions represents the most promising means to limit climate change in the short-term, due to the short atmospheric lifespan of CH4. As such, developing enteric CH4 mitigation strategies for southeastern cattle producers is imperative. Enteric CH4 mitigation strategies can be grouped into diet formulations (e.g., lipid additions; feeding more grains; protein source and inclusion), feed management (e.g., grain and forage processing; grazing management; forage species), rumen manipulations [e.g., feed additives (ionophores or inhibitors); secondary plant compounds (tannins, essential oils, saponins)], and breeding strategies (e.g., selecting for low CH4 emitters; selecting for low residual feed intake). Of these options, the direct CH4 inhibitors appear to be the most promising. The largest source of enteric CH4 from the southeastern U.S. is from cow-calf production, representing 71.6% of the total. Furthermore, a 13.6% reduction in enteric CH4 from the southeastern cow-calf herd would offset more emissions than a 100% reduction in the southeastern dairy, stocker, or feedlot sectors. Despite the large gains in emission reductions that could be achieved by focusing on enteric CH4 mitigation strategies from southeastern pastoral systems, there has been relatively little research efforts in this area. For example, there has yet to be any investigation into the mitigation potential of CH4 inhibitors when fed to grazing cattle. This is especially important, because the mitigation potential of inhibitors is likely much greater for grazing than for confined fed cattle. Additionally, there are limited and aging research into grazing management strategies effects on enteric CH4 emissions. There also exists a gap-in-knowledge of how common (e.g., supplementation) or changes in management (e.g., selecting for smaller mature cow sizes) practices could potentially influence enteric CH4 emissions. Future research is still needed to further develop enteric CH4 mitigation strategies, with efforts needed in grazing systems, especially for the southeastern U.S.

Lipase Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Jombang Leaves Extract (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg)

Background: Obesity is a condition that occurs due to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Lipase enzymes play an important role in the process of fat metabolism, making it a target in obesity treatment strategies. Jombang plant has been used for generations as an alternative treatment for various diseases. The main content of secondary metabolite compounds in jombang plants are phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the activity and potential inhibition of jombang plant (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.) against lipase enzyme in vitro. Materials and Methods: The phytochemical screening was determined by a color change reaction with certain reagents, while total phenolic content was carried out using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent spectrophotometrically. The inhibitory activity of 96% ethanol extract of jombang leaves as well as orlistat as positive control was measured by titration method and using olive oil substrate. The extract concentrations used were 125 ppm, 250 ppm, and 500 ppm. Results: Jombang leaf extract contains alkaloid, phenolic, flavonoid and terpenoid compounds qualitatively. Determination of total phenolic content in 96% ethanol extract of jombang leaves was obtained at 12.69 ± 0.91 mgGAE/g. The highest percentage of inhibition was found at a concentration of 500 ppm which amounted to 103.85%. The difference in the percentage of inhibition in all groups showed no significant difference (Sig&gt;0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that jombang leaf extract is able to inhibit lipase enzyme activity with the highest percentage of inhibition was 103,85%.

Cinnamic Acid and Caffeic Acid Effects on Gastric Tight Junction Proteins Analyzed in Xenopus laevis Oocytes.

Analysis of secondary plant compounds for the development of novel therapies is a common focus of experimental biomedicine. Currently, multiple health-supporting properties of plant-derived molecules are known but still information on many mechanisms is scarce. Cinnamic acid and caffeic acid are two of the most abundant polyphenols in human dietary fruits and vegetables. In this study, we investigated cinnamic acid and caffeic acid effects on the gastric barrier, which is primarily provided by members of the transmembrane tight junction protein family of claudins. The Xenopus laevis oocyte has been established, in recent years, as a heterologous expression system for analysis of transmembrane tight junction protein interactions, by performing paired oocyte experiments to identify an effect on protein-protein interactions, in vitro. In our current study, human gastric claudin-4, -5, and -18.2. were expressed and detected in the oocyte plasma membrane by freeze fracture electron microscopy and immunoblotting. Oocytes were paired and incubated with 100 µM or 200 µM cinnamic acid or caffeic acid, or Ringer's solution, respectively. Caffeic acid showed no effect on the contact area strength of paired oocytes but led to an increased contact area size. In contrast, cinnamic acid-incubated paired oocytes revealed a reduced contact area and a strengthening effect on the contact area was identified. These results may indicate that caffeic acid and cinnamic acid both show an effect on gastric barrier integrity via direct effects on tight junction proteins.

Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Nanoparticles with Bioreductor Carica Dieng (Carica pubescens) Seed Extract

Secondary metabolite compounds in plants act as bioreductors in the metal reduction process and complement inorganic reductants. This study studied the characteristics of copper nanoparticles using Carica Dieng (Carica pubescens) seed extract. The synthesis of copper nanoparticles was carried out using the green synthesis method by reducing CuSO4 10 mM with distilled water extract from Carica Dieng (Carica pubescens) seeds. The Synthesis was carried out with the ratio of the composition of the extract and CuSO4 solution 1:3 at pH 10. Nanoparticles were then characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and PSA (Particle Size Analyzer) instruments. The characterization results using a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer showed a maximum absorption peak at a wavelength of 535 nm; the wavelength is included in the wavelength range of copper nanoparticles, which ranges from 500-700 nm. The particle size distribution analyzed using PSA shows an average size of 14.49 nm; this size is included in the range of nanoparticle sizes, which is between 1-100 nm, thus proving that nanoparticles have been successfully formed, the Poly Dispersity Index (PDI) value obtained is 0.1943 which indicates that the nanoparticle sample is categorized as homogeneous so that it has uniform size uniformity.

The beneficial role of plant secondary compounds in giant panda foraging ecology

The beneficial role of plant secondary compounds in giant panda foraging ecology

Plant Secondary Compounds Promote White Adipose Tissue Browning via Modulation of the Gut Microbiota in Small Mammals.

The browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) is a promising area of research for treating metabolic disorders and obesity in the future. However, studies on plant secondary compounds promoting WAT browning are limited. Herein, we explored the effects of swainsonine (SW) on gut microbiota and WAT browning in captive pikas. SW inhibited body mass gain, increased brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass, and induced WAT browning in pikas. The 16S rDNA sequencing revealed a significant reduction in the alpha diversity and altered community structure of the gut microbiota in captive pikas. However, the addition of SW to the diet significantly increased the alpha diversity of gut microbiota and the relative abundance of Akkermansia, Prevotella, and unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae, along with the complexity of the microbial co-occurrence network structure, which decreased in the guts of captive pikas. Functional profiles showed that SW significantly decreased the relative abundances of energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, and glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, which were enriched in captive pikas. Furthermore, SW decreased deterministic processes of gut microbiota assembly in July and increased them in November. Finally, the genera Prevotella and unclassified_f__Prevotellaceae were positively correlated with BAT mass. Our results highlighted that plant secondary compounds promote WAT browning by modulating the gut microbiota in small mammals.

Ultrastructural, Secondary Metabolite, and Antioxidant Modulation in Response to Salt-Affected Habitats Induced Oxidative Stress and Their Accumulation in Malva parviflora L. and Rumex dentatus L.

Salinity stress is a major abiotic factor that affects medicinal plant growth, performance, and secondary compounds. Malva parviflora L. and Rumex dentatus L. plants were collected from three habitats in the northeastern Nile Delta governorates of Damietta and El-Dakahlia. Conductivity (salinity) classified the habitats as mesophytic, moderately saline, and saline. Chemical and physical soil characteristics varied by habitat. Results show that M. parviflora L. and R. dentatus L. had high soluble sugars, total carbohydrates, electrolyte leakage, and proline in the saline habitat. In contrast, mesophytic habitats showed low content. In addition, R. dentatus L. had more antioxidant enzymes and elements in saline habitats than in mesophytic habitats. In saline habitats, M. parviflora L. and R. dentatus L. were characterized by more calcium and sodium increase than mesophytic habitats. Moreover, R. dentatus L. had more phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanin, and tannins under saline conditions than M. parviflora. Meanwhile, in the saline habitat, plant hormones, i.e., indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid, decreased significantly in both M. parviflora and R. dentatus than in the mesophytic habitat. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the tested plants showed the highest stomatal frequency and area on the lower surface of mesophytic plant leaves compared to either its upper surface or both leaf surfaces in saline habitat. Hence, it can be concluded that R. dentatus plant can mitigate the negative effects of salinity by improving the qualitative and quantitative performance under salinity stress more than M. parviflora plant.

A phylogenetic evaluation of non‐random medicinal plants selection around an African biosphere reserve

Abstract Theory in ethnobiology suggests that the selection of medicinal plants by local people in a given region is not random and evolutionary closely related species may have similar medicinal uses. Additionally, plants selection by local people is often driven by plant therapeutic efficacy, plant availability, plant versatility or local knowledge on medicinal plants. We tested the hypothesis of non‐random selection of medicinal plants as well as the potential mechanisms explaining such non‐random plants selection. We also tested for phylogenetic signal in medicinal plants. Our study was based in four villages across Benin, West Africa, where the local communities have deep knowledge about medicinal plants. We installed 91 plots around these four villages to establish the total list of plant species and their abundance. We then conducted ethnobotanical surveys in the same villages to identify medicinal plants used in the local pharmacopoeia. To test whether the selection of medicinal plants used in the region was non‐random and whether plant selection was driven by plant therapeutic efficacy, plant availability, plant versatility or local knowledge, we used a generalized linear model. Furthermore, we used the D‐statistic to test whether evolutionary closely related species are more commonly used as medicinal than other species. We found support for non‐random medicinal plant selection. Such a non‐random plant selection was driven by plant medicinal versatility. Plant availability and secondary compounds have no significant influence on plant selection. Local people's knowledge on medicinal plants was significantly affected by individuals' literacy but not by their gender, their age or the ethnic group they belong to. We found a weak phylogenetic signal in medicinal plant uses. Our study reveals that the most used families are not necessarily the ones that have more secondary compounds or that are the most available to the local people, but are the most versatile plants. The high level of medicinal flora used at the local scale, which contrasts with the country‐level analysis found by previous studies, suggests new methodological guidance in testing the theory of non‐random medicinal plants selection. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.