Pumila Var Research Articles

Spatheliachromen mitigates methylglyoxal-induced myotube atrophy by activating Nrf2, inhibiting ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, and restoring mitochondrial function

BackgroundMethylglyoxal (MGO) is a potent precursor of glycative stress that leads to oxidative stress and muscle atrophy in diabetes. Spatheliachromen (FPATM-20), derived from Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang, exhibited potential antioxidant activity. PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the potential impact and underlying mechanisms of FPATM-20 on MGO-induced myotube atrophy and mitochondrial dysfunction in mouse skeletal C2C12 myotubes. MethodsAtrophic and antioxidant factors were evaluated using immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting. Mitochondrial function was assessed using the ATP assay and Seahorse Cell Mito Stress Test. The glycogen content was determined using periodic acid-Schiff staining. Molecular docking was performed to determine the interaction between FPATM-20 and Keap1. ResultsIn myotubes treated with MGO, FPATM-20 activated the Nrf2 pathway, reduced ROS levels, enhanced antioxidant defense, and increased glycogen content. FPATM-20 improved myotube viability and size, upregulated myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression, modulated ubiquitin-proteasome molecules (nuclear FoxO3a, atrogin-1, MuRF-1, and p62/SQSTM1), and inhibited apoptosis (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved caspase 3). Moreover, FPATM-20 restored mitochondrial function, including mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, and mitochondrial biogenesis pathway (nuclear PGC-1α/TFAM/FNDC5). The inhibition of Nrf2 with ML385 reversed the effects of FPATM-20 on MGO. Furthermore, molecular docking confirmed the binding of FPATM-20 to Keap1, a suppressor of Nrf2, showing the crucial role of Nrf2 in protective effects. ConclusionsFPATM-20 protects myotubes from MGO toxicity by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant defense, reducing protein degradation and apoptosis, and enhancing mitochondrial function. Thus, FPATM-20 may be a novel agent for preventing skeletal muscle atrophy.

Corrigendum to “Composition decipherment of Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang and its potential on COVID-19 symptom amelioration and in silico prediction of SARS-CoV-2 interference.”

Corrigendum to “Composition decipherment of Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang and its potential on COVID-19 symptom amelioration and in silico prediction of SARS-CoV-2 interference.”

STUDY OF ANGIOTENSIN-I CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORY PEPTIDES DERIVED FROM Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang SEEDS HYDROLYSATE

Hypertension also known as high blood pressure that has associated with multi-metabolic pathways such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). There have been several synthetic ACE inhibitory drugs used clinically as therapeutics for hypertension. However, synthetic drugs showed side effects on human health after long-term use. Therefore, alternative natural ACE inhibitors from food-derived are necessary to develop. The study aimed to examine the activity of angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitory peptides derived from Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang seeds hydrolysate and to study the efficiency of enzymatic digestion. This study used four enzymes (trypsin, pepsin, thermolysin, and chymotrypsin) to release bioactive peptides from Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang seeds that could exhibit an antihypertensive effect. The results showed that Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang trypsin hydrolysate has the highest ACEI activity, 90.37%, and the IC50 reached 169±3.5 µg/mL. Then, the hydrolysate produced by trypsin has the highest degree of hydrolysis, 4%, after 8 hours of incubation. Hence, Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang seeds hydrolysate could develop as an alternative natural product that is responsible for ACE-inhibitory activity.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Polyphenols from Labisia pumila Leaves Extract

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) represent a class of pharmaceutical agents that are frequently misused and misconstrued within the medical landscape. While demonstrably efficacious in providing transient pain relief, NSAIDs do not effectively address the fundamental etiology of pain and are associated with a spectrum of potential adverse effects. Labisia pumila var alata also known as "Kacip Fatimah" has been traditionally used which is attributed to its antioxidant properties. Nonetheless, little attempt has been made to examine its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. This study determined the molecular interactions and inhibitory activity profiles of L. pumila methanolic extract (LPE) against the corresponding enzymes via in chemico and in silico approaches. In chemico analysis was done on antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory properties of L. pumila. The findings indicated that LPE exhibit the potent anti-inflammatory activity. Through high-performance liquid chromatography, it was shown that LPE had the highest gallic acid concentration at 10.74 ± 2.23 mg/mL. LPE did not exhibit cytotoxicity up to 100 µg/mL and displayed optimal protective against UVB-irradiation at 50 µg/mL towards HSF1184 Fibroblast cell line. LPE exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity as it inhibited elastase and COX-2. Molecular docking studies indicated that gallic acid has a good affinity for collagenase (˗5.68 kcal/mol), elastase (˗4.88 kcal/mol) and COX 2 (˗4.91 kcal/mol). These findings collectively suggested that L. pumila extract has significant potential for the formulation of the natural anti-inflammatory remedies which offer a safer alternative treatment for pain relief, especially for long-term use replacing the conventional NSAIDs medicines.

Ferdinand Schur's taxa of Iridaceae, their revision and effective typification of names

A taxonomic and nomenclatural account on taxa of Iridaceae proposed by Ferdinand Schur, a famous investigator of the flora of Transylvania (present‐day Romania), is presented. Types are designated for 12 names, namely lectotypes for Crocus banaticus var. niveus, C. exiguus, Iris fieberi var. monantha, I. × binata, I. × cucullata, I. pseudocyperus, I. transsilvanica, I. sibirica var. salina, and neotypes for C. banaticus var. concolor, C. banaticus var. pictus, C. banaticus var. versicolor and I. pumila var. albiflora. Based on a broad examination of Schur's original and authentic material, the taxonomic application of these names, as well as of his invalidly published and unpublished names (appearing only on herbarium labels), are clarified. It is proposed to treat I. fieberi var. monantha as a taxonomic synonym of I. aphylla, I. pumila var. albiflora and I. transsilvanica as synonyms of I. pumila, and I. sibirica var. salina as a synonym of I. spuria. The names I. × binata and I. × cucullata are accepted for the hybrids I. aphylla × pumila and I. × germanica × pallida, respectively. The treatment of I. pseudocyperus as a distinct subspecies within I. graminea is supported. All names validly published by Schur in Crocus are treated as synonyms of C. heuffelianus s.l. until an adequate taxonomic revision covering the southern Carpathian allotetraploid C. cf. heuffelianus (2n = 18) is implemented. If this polyploid deserves the rank of a distinct species, the name C. exiguus, which seems to be the earliest validly published, should be accepted for this taxon.

Analysis of flavonoid metabolism of compounds in succulent fruits and leaves of three different colors of Rosaceae

Red flesh apple (Malus pumila var. medzwetzkyana Dieck), purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehrhar f), and purple leaf peach (Prunus persica ‘Atropurpurea’) are significant ornamental plants within the Rosaceae family. The coloration of their fruits and leaves is crucial in their appearance and nutritional quality. However, qualitative and quantitative studies on flavonoids in the succulent fruits and leaves of multicolored Rosaceae plants are lacking. To unveil the diversity and variety-specificity of flavonoids in these three varieties, we conducted a comparative analysis of flavonoid metabolic components using ultra-high-performance liquid phase mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results revealed the detection of 311 metabolites, including 47 flavonoids, 105 flavonols, 16 chalcones, 37 dihydroflavonoids, 8 dihydroflavonols, 30 anthocyanins, 14 flavonoid carbon glycosides, 23 flavanols, 8 isoflavones, 11 tannins, and 12 proanthocyanidins. Notably, although the purple plum and peach leaves exhibited distinct anthocyanin compounds, paeoniflorin and corythrin glycosides were common but displayed varying glycosylation levels. While the green purple leaf peach fruit (PEF) and red flesh apple leaf (AL) possessed the lowest anthocyanin content, they exhibited the highest total flavonoid content. Conversely, the red flesh apple fruit (AF) displayed the highest anthocyanin content and a diverse range of anthocyanin glycosylation modifications, indicating that anthocyanins predominantly influenced the fruit's color. Purple PLF, PLL, and PEL showcased varying concentrations of anthocyanins, suggesting that their colors result from the co-color interaction between specific types of anthocyanins and secondary metabolites, such as flavonols, flavonoids, and dihydroflavonoids. This study provides novel insights into the variations in tissue metabolites among Rosaceae plants with distinct fruit and leaf colors.

Comparing Three Varieties of Labisia pumila (Primulaceae): Phytochemicals and Antioxidation

Labisia pumila is a traditional medicinal herb that is widely used by women to firm the uterus after childbirth. Recent scientific studies have also proven its pharmacological importance. However, the comparison of phytochemicals in the different varieties of the herb is very limited in literature. Therefore, 3 common varieties of L. pumila leaves were extracted in a reflux system, and consequently the crude extract was fractionated using reversed phase solid phase extraction (SPE) into individual fractions according to solvent polarity. L. pumila var. alata (LPA) showed the highest yield of crude extract and total phenolics content which was also in line with high DPPH radical scavenging activity. While, L. pumila var. pumila with red leaves (LPPR) exhibited higher total flavonoids and triterpenoids than its green leaves counterpart (LPPG). Higher antioxidant capacity was possibly due to the presence of plant co-pigments in LPPR. Glycosylated flavones including orientin were putatively detected in the intermediate polar fraction of LPA based on mass fragments. However, 0 % methanol (polar) and 100 % methanol (less polar) fractions notably contained compounds competing oxygen with nitric oxide radicals from the formation of nitrite ions. Proton NMR spectral analysis proposed N-[1-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-1-hydroxy-3-(morpholin-4-yl)propan-2-yl]decanamide and 4-[({1,3-bis[(2-ethylpenta-3,4-dien-1-yl)oxy]propan-2-yl}oxy)methyl]hexa-1,2-diene in the 0 % methanol and 100 % methanol fractions, respectively. This study concluded that the plant variety of alata was more antioxidative than pumila. The detection of orientin and its derivatives are first time reported in LPA. Glycosylated flavones are more likely to be hydrogen atom and/or electron donors contributing to the major antioxidant property of the herb. HIGHLIGHTS pumila var. alata (LPA) and L. pumila var. pumila (LPP) are two commonly used varieties LPA showed to have higher phenolics, but LPP had higher flavonoids and terpenoids content LPA exhibited higher antioxidant capacity because of higher phenolics content Many glycosylated flavones, especially orientin found in 50 % methanol fraction of LPA HPLC, tandem mass spectrometry and proton NMR discovered new phytochemicals in LPA GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Can SIF and NPQ be used in the photosynthesis rate simulation of plants subjected to drought?

Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) is a rapidly developed remote sensing technology and has been used to estimate leaf-level net CO 2 assimilation by a mechanistic light reaction (MLR-SIF) equation. However, the application of this model would be limited by the challenging measurement and estimation of input parameters (e.g., fraction of open PSII reaction centres, q L ). We modified the MLR-SIF model by replacing q L by the easily obtained parameters (non-photochemical quenching [NPQ]) to facilitate its application. We employed synchronous measurements of gas exchanges, ChlF parameters and SIF for Leymus chinensis , Populus tomentosa Carrières and Ulmus pumila var. sabulosa under the soil–water deficit and rehydration process to test the robustness of the modified MLR-SIF model. Our results demonstrated that for L. chinensis the net photosynthesis rate dynamics under severe drought stress and saturated water condition were effectively captured by the modified MLR-SIF model ( R 2 = 0.75–0.92, RMSE = 1.11–3.56) . For P. tomentosa Carrières and U. pumila var. sabulosa , the net photosynthesis rates were predicted by the modified MLR-SIF model with good accuracy ( R 2 = 0.86, RMSE = 9.44; R 2 = 0.88, RMSE = 4.16) across the water deficit and rehydration condition . However, the electron transport rate estimated by the modified MLR-SIF model uncoupled with the photosynthetic capacity ( r 2 = −0.13) and lowered the net photosynthesis rate simulation precision ( R 2 = 0.35, RMSE = 3.41) for L. chinensis under mild drought stress and saturated light intensities. The electron transport rate estimated by the modified MLR-SIF model downregulated the photosynthetic capacity for P. tomentosa Carrières ( r 2 = 0.32) and U. pumila var. sabulosa ( r 2 = 0.22) under mild drought stress. The shift of the Rubisco and RUBP limited state cross-points, the dynamic photosynthesis parameters across the plant species and the alternative electron sinks under soil–water deficit and rehydration process influenced the simulation precision of the modified MLR-SIF model. Our modified MLR-SIF model provided a basis for understanding and inferring the photosynthetic rate by SIF and NPQ under drought stress. • A mechanical link of SIF and NPQ to photosynthetic capacity was developed. • Carboxylation limitation state and photosynthesis parameters influence modified MLR-SIF simulation precision under drought and rehydration. • The electron transport rate estimated by SIF and NPQ uncoupled with the photosynthetic capacity under mild drought stress.

Thermostable ficin from jelly fig (Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang) latex: purification, identification and characterization

The achenes/seeds of endemic jelly fig (Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang) fruit have been applied to prepare a traditional beverage in Taiwan. Upon fruit harvest, jelly fig latex exuded from stalks was discarded. Protease activity was monitored in its latex. Proteases capable of hydrolyzing proteins have many application aspects based on diverse characteristics. Commercial plant proteases are frequently from latex. The latex protease of jelly fig, termed FaFicin, was purified to homogeneity with a molecular mass of ~32 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. According to liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric analyses, the expected protein band of protease was matched to ficin A, ficin B or chymopapain from common fig or papaya. Iodoacetamide, an inhibitor of cysteine protease, inhibited its protease activity completely. Hence FaFicin was identified as a papain-like cysteine protease (PLCP), exhibiting more than 80% and 70% activity as assayed at pH5-8 and 40-70 °C, respectively. It maintained ~89% of initial activity after 120 min at 55 °C and pH7. Moreover, FaFicin could degrade the myosin and actin of meat, and clot milk. The ficin FaFicin was obtained, purified and identified as a PLCP member from agricultural waste: jelly fig latex. It possessed activity under a wide range of pH values and temperature, and exhibited excellent thermostability. Based on its initial evaluation as a meat tenderizer and milk clotting reagent, the application of FaFicin was possible, which may extend utilization of jelly fig. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Composition decipherment of Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang and its potential on COVID-19 symptom amelioration and in silico prediction of SARS-CoV-2 interference.

The jelly from achenes of Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang (FPAA) is a famous beverage ingredient in Taiwan. In this work, ficumarin (1), a new compound was obtained from its twigs (FPAT) and elucidated with comprehensive spectroscopic data. The biosynthetic origin was proposed from the p‐coumaroyl‐CoA pathway. Alloxanthoxyletin, betulinic acid, and catechin were identified as the major and active constituents responsible for relieving neutrophilic inflammation by FPAT. Among them, the most potent alloxanthoxyletin was found to interact with PRO350 and GLU377 of human INOSOX. Further, Nrf2 activating capacity of the FPAT fraction and its coumarins was confirmed. With the analysis of LC-MS/MS data and feature-based molecular networking, coumarins were found as the dominant and responsible components. Notably, alloxanthoxyletin increased Nrf2 expression by up to 816.8±58% due to the interacting with the VAL561, THR560 and VAL420 residues of 5FNQ protein. COVID-19 Docking Server simulation indicated that pyranocoumarins would promisingly interfere with the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2. FPAT was proven to exert anti-inflammatory activity on neutrophils and to activate Nrf2, and may likely be developed as a complementary supplement in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Phosphine Fumigation Followed by Cold Treatment to Control Peach Fruit Moth, Carposina sasakii, Larvae on “Fuji” Apples Intended for Export

The fumigation of apples using methyl bromide (MeBr) can cause severe deterioration in fruit quality. Moreover, maintaining the quality of apples during postharvest storage and eradicating pests, especially those involved in quarantine issues, are important for facilitating the export of apples, including the “Fuji” apple (Malus pumila var. “Fuji”) in South Korea. In the present study, phosphine (PH3) fumigation as an alternative to MeBr was found to be more effective for the control of peach fruit moth larvae (Carposina sasakii), which had naturally infested Fuji apples, at a high temperature (25 °C) rather than at a low temperature (5 °C). To achieve the industry requirement of better-quality perishable commodities and meet quarantine guidelines for export, PH3 fumigation at the low temperature (5 °C) was followed by cold treatments at 3 ± 2 °C for 2 and 4 weeks, which led to higher efficacy than was achieved using PH3 at 5 °C alone. Given that chemical treatments, such as treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene, can inhibit ethylene synthesis, low-temperature PH3 fumigation for 72 h followed by 4 weeks of cold treatment could also extend the shelf life of apples and resolve known quarantine issues when used as an alternative to MeBr treatment.

Evolution of Castanea in North America: restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing and ecological modeling reveal a history of radiation, range shifts, and disease.

Although chestnuts and chinquapins are some of the best known and most widely loved of any plants in North America, relatively little genomic sequencing has been done, and much is still unknown about their evolution. We used double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing data to infer the species-level phylogeny for Castanea and assess the phylogeography of the North American species using samples collected from populations that span the full extent of the species' ranges. We also constructed species distribution models using digitized herbarium specimens and observational data from field surveys. We identified strong population structure within Castanea dentata (American chestnut) that reflects a stepwise northern migration since the last glacial maximum. Our species distribution models further confirmed this scenario and matched closely with the Castanea fossil pollen record. We also found significant structure within the Castanea pumila lineage, most notably a genetic cluster that corresponds to the frequently recognized Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis. The two North American Castanea species have contrasting patterns of population structure, but each is typical of plant phylogeography in North America. Within the C. pumila complex, we found novel genetic structure that provides new insights about C. pumila taxonomy. Our results also identified a series of distinctive populations that will be valuable in ongoing efforts to conserve and restore chestnuts and chinquapins in North America.

A quick glance at noteworthy articles for September 2021

A quick glance at noteworthy articles for September 2021

Chemical Fingerprint Using FTIR and HPLC as Qualitative Analysis in the Study of Propagation of Labisia pumila Var. Alata

Labisia pumila, known as kacip fatimah is a traditional herbs widely used for women. The herb was used as a post partum medicine to help contract the birth channel. From previous research, 120 clones of Labisia pumila var. alata was collected from three different locations and 30 clones of the herbs was found having high yielding of total phenolic content (TPC). In this study, one clone from each location was selected for further analyses, which are TA14 from Kuala Berang, TSA13 from Kemaman and DA20 from Gua Musang. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) associated with second derivative infrared spectroscopy was applied to identify the chemical fingerprint of each clone of Labisia pumila. This analytical method is highly rapid and effective for analysis of medicinal herbs. Second derivative IR spectroscopy could enhance the spectral resolution by amplifying tiny differences in the IR spectrum. In this method, the whole chemical property of the sample can be revealed and shown in the IR spectrum. A total of ten absorption peaks were obviously present in the IR spectra which can be used to characterize the species. The IR spectra shows the presence of broader peak at frequencies of range 3266 – 3338 cm-1 which attributable to the alcohol group. This study also attempts to develop HPLC fingerprint of the selected clones. Observation on HPLC spectra shows the presence of one distinct peak at retention time of 12.30, 12.99 and 12.93 min, respectively in each clone. This compound will be characterized and will be used as reference compound in quality assessment in plant breeding

Rheo-chemistry of gelation in aiyu (fig) jelly

We investigated the gelation characteristics of aiyu jelly derived from the polymeric extract obtained by washing the seeds of Ficus Pumila var. Awkeotsang. The main gel component is low methoxyl pectin, which forms crosslinks with divalent ions that bind the exuded polysaccharide chains. Unlike many fruit pectins used in jam and jellies that require heating, additional sugars, and acidic conditions to gel, the aiyu exudate gels at room temperature with just the addition of water. In this study, the time-resolved dynamics of the gelation process and the evolution of the viscoelastic relaxation spectrum with frequency and gel age are obtained via Optimally Windowed Chirp rheometry (OWCh), conventional time-sweep rheometry, and cryo-scanning electron microscope (cryo-SEM) microstructural characterization.During gelation, we observed distinctive frequency-dependent inflection points in both the time-evolving storage and loss moduli which occur nearly simultaneously in time. Close inspection of high resolution cryo-SEM images taken at different times during the gelation process showed that the gels initially form nano-fiber networks with mesh sizes on the order of tens of microns and the stiffer mature gels observed at longer times develop sub-micron mesh sizes. These observations suggest a progressive transformation between microstructures may accompany the progressive growth in the elasticity of the aiyu gels and the local inflection points in the viscoelastic moduli.We also developed a multi-species reaction kinetics model for calcium – pectin binding in aiyu gelation. By including methylesterase enzymatic conversion of pectin binding sites, combined with calcium binding and the slower formation of consecutively-bound junction zones, the distinctive inflection points in the viscoelastic moduli are captured by the kinetic gelation model. By combining rheological measurements, microstructural observations, and reaction kinetics modeling, this study not only characterizes a unique water-soluble natural extract that gels at room temperature with no additives or thermomechanical processing, it also demonstrates that the aiyu polysaccharide system is a safe and controllable model for gelation systems in which binding site activation is concurrently coupled to crosslink formation.

Shoot Multiplication and Callus Induction of Labisia pumila var. alata as Influenced by Different Plant Growth Regulators Treatments and Its Polyphenolic Activities Compared with the Wild Plant.

This study aims to investigate whether the in vitro-cultured L. pumila var. alata has higher antioxidant activity than its wild plant. An 8-week-old L. pumila var. alata nodal segment and leaf explants were cultured onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various cytokinins (zeatin, kinetin, and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP)) for shoot multiplication and auxins (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and picloram) for callus induction, respectively. The results showed that 2 mg/L zeatin produced the optimal results for shoot and leaf development, and 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D produced the highest callus induction results (60%). After this, 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D was combined with 0.25 mg/L cytokinins and supplemented to the MS medium. The optimal results for callus induction (100%) with yellowish to greenish and compact texture were obtained using 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D combined with 0.25 mg/L zeatin. Leaves obtained from in vitro plantlets and wild plants as well as callus were extracted and analyzed for their antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP methods) and polyphenolic properties (total flavonoid and total phenolic content). When compared with leaf extracts of in vitro plantlets and wild plants of L. pumila var. alata, the callus extract displayed significantly higher antioxidant activities and total phenolic and flavonoid content. Hence, callus culture potentially can be adapted for antioxidant and polyphenolic production to satisfy pharmaceutical and nutraceutical needs while conserving wild L. pumila var. alata.

Molecular mechanisms of mutualistic and antagonistic interactions in a plant-pollinator association.

Many insects metamorphose from antagonistic larvae into mutualistic adult pollinators, with reciprocal adaptation leading to specialized insect-plant associations. It remains unknown how such interactions are established at molecular level. Here we assemble high-quality genomes of a fig species, Ficus pumila var. pumila, and its specific pollinating wasp, Wiebesia pumilae. We combine multi-omics with validation experiments to reveal molecular mechanisms underlying this specialized interaction. In the plant, we identify the specific compound attracting pollinators and validate the function of several key genes regulating its biosynthesis. In the pollinator, we find a highly reduced number of odorant-binding protein genes and an odorant-binding protein mainly binding the attractant. During antagonistic interaction, we find similar chemical profiles and turnovers throughout the development of galled ovules and seeds, and a significant contraction of detoxification-related gene families in the pollinator. Our study identifies some key genes bridging coevolved mutualists, establishing expectations for more diffuse insect-pollinator systems.

An ethnobotanical study of forage plants in Zhuxi County in the Qinba mountainous area of central China

In the Qinba mountainous area of Central China, pig farming has a significant impact on the growth of the rural economy and has substantially increased farmer incomes. Traditional knowledge plays an important role in the selection of forage plant species for pig farming by local people. This study aimed to identify the forage plants used for pig feeding and to catalog indigenous knowledge regarding their use. During 2016 and 2017, ethnobotanical surveys and inventories were conducted in Zhuxi County, Hubei Province, China. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, key informant reports, free listings, guided field walks, and participatory observations with 77 households in 16 villages in 13 towns/townships. The obtained data were analyzed using a relative frequency citation (RFC) index. Overall, 145 wild forage plants from 91 genera and 31 families were recorded. The most cited families were Asteraceae, Polygonaceae, Urticaceae, Amaranthaceae, Fabaceae, Cruciferae, Caryophyllaceae, and Lamiaceae. Whole plants (75.9%) and tender leaves (12.4%) were the most frequently used parts of the plants. Most of the forage plants were herbaceous (88.9%). Almost all forage plants could be collected throughout the year (62.7%). Raw and cooked were the two main preparation methods. The most frequently cited species were Taraxacum mongolicum, Bidens pilosa, Sonchus oleraceus, Pilea verrucosa, and Pilea pumila var. obtusifolia. A total of 14 species were identified as the top forage plants in Zhuxi County based on their RFC values (RFC value greater than 0.5). Local people possess rich traditional knowledge about the utilization and management of forage plants for pig feeding. However, the maintenance of this traditional knowledge may be seriously threatened by changes in pig feeding modes and the lack of successors. Appropriate strategies and action plans have been suggested for the conservation of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity and the sustainable use of forage species resources. These include 1) taking targeted measures to protect forage resources and associated traditional knowledge; 2) strengthening research on the forage plants with the highest RFC values for nutritional value, digestibility, other functions, and ecological status; and 3) enhancing the identification of poisonous forage plants.

Assessment of relationship between biometric characteristics of stone and crown morphotype of Prunus Pumila L.

Prunus pumila is an introductory species with a disjunctive culturing area, which is caused by the instability of plants to rotting on waterlogged soils with unstable winters and high snow cover. One of the varieties of Prunus pumila in natural habitats grows on acidic soils and sometimes in wetlands. In the introduction population of the Chelyabinsk region, not all varieties could take part in the formation of the introduction population. In terms of stone shape and plant habit, no specimens matching the description of the P. pumila var. depressa variety could be identified. On the basis of the classification of plant morphotypes developed by us it was possible in some cases to obtain significant differences in the distribution of stone indices in groups with different types of crowns. The maximum differences were found in groups with the crown type of raised shrub and tree shrub for the index length / width and length / thickness of the stone. In the first case, a significant difference was obtained at the 1% significance level (tf = 2.81), and in the second even at the 0.1% significance level (tf = 3.78).

Teratogenic potential of traditional Malaysian vegetables (ulam) in the zebrafish model

PurposeTraditional Malaysian vegetables, also known as ulam, are believed to have healing properties among the local community. Ulam is commonly reported to have high antioxidant content which makes it a popular food. The purpose of this paper is to determine the teratogenic potential of eight ulam, using zebrafish model. The tested ulam were Cosmos caudatus, Gynura procumbens, Labisia pumila var. alata, Phaleria macrocarpa, Polygonum minus, Piper sarmentosum, Premna foetida and Sauropus androgynous.Design/methodology/approachMethanol extract of ulam was prepared using the maceration method. Various concentrations of extracts were tested against fish embryo short-term toxicity test. The lethal concentration (LC50) and teratogenic effect of the ulam were determined.FindingsAmong all tested species, L. pumila, P. foetida and S. androgynous showed 100% lethal effect towards zebrafish embryos at concentrations of 10 µg/mL, 1,000 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL, respectively. The three ulam have exhibited teratogenic effect on zebrafish embryos after 72 h post-fertilization. L. pumila had induced yolk sac edema at 1.0 µg/mL for normalized measurement of 108.3 ± 2.0% (which is higher than negative control, p < 0.05, median = 110.7%), while P. foetida had induced pericardial edema at 100 µg/mL for normalized measurement of 124.0 ± 4.6% (which is higher than negative control, p < 0.05, median = 124.3%). On the other hand, S. androgynus induced curve trunk at 30 µg/mL for the presence of 70.9 ± 4.2%.Originality/valueThe teratogenic effect of L. pumila, P. foetida and S. androgynous suggests the possible disruption in the embryogenesis in zebrafish, namely Notch, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and retinoic acid pathways. The results of ulam gave possible implications and insights on the cancer pathways involved, which could be a useful target for cancer research. This is the first report on teratogenicity evaluation of Malaysian ulam showing relationship to cancer pathways by using zebrafish embryo model.