Regnellii Research Articles

Orange passion fruit (Passiflora caerulea L.) as a new raw material for acetic fermentation: evaluation of organic acids and phenolic profile, in vitro digestion, and biological activities.

This study evaluated for the first time the potential of orange passion fruit as a base for alcoholic and acetic fermentations, with a view to assessing its profile of organic acids and polyphenols, in vitro digestion, and biological activities. In terms of aliphatic organic acids, malic acid was the majority in the wine (3.19 g L-1), while in the vinegar, it was acetic acid (46.84 g L-1). 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB) was the major phenolic compound in the wine and vinegar samples (3443.93 and 2980.00 μg L-1, respectively). After the in vitro gastrointestinal simulation stage, the wine showed high bioaccessibility for the compounds sinipaldehyde (82.97%) and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,4-DHBA, 81.27%), while the vinegar exhibited high bioaccessibility for sinipaldehyde (89.39%). Through multivariate analysis, it was observed that 3,4-DHB was highly concentrated in the different digested fractions obtained from the wine. In contrast, in the vinegar, the stability of isorahmenetin and Quercetin 3-o-rhamnoside was observed during the in vitro digestion simulation. Lastly, the vinegar stood out for its inhibition rates of α-amylase (23.93%), α-glucoside (18.34%), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (10.92%). In addition, the vinegar had an inhibitory effect on the pathogenic microorganisms Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Orange passion fruit has proved to be a promising raw material for the development of fermented beverages. Therefore, this study provides an unprecedented perspective on the use and valorization of orange passion fruit, contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge about fermented products and the associated nutritional and functional possibilities. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Machine learning-mediated Passiflora caerulea callogenesis optimization.

Callogenesis is one of the most powerful biotechnological approaches for in vitro secondary metabolite production and indirect organogenesis in Passiflora caerulea. Comprehensive knowledge of callogenesis and optimized protocol can be obtained by the application of a combination of machine learning (ML) and optimization algorithms. In the present investigation, the callogenesis responses (i.e., callogenesis rate and callus fresh weight) of P. caerulea were predicted based on different types and concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) (i.e., 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA)) as well as explant types (i.e., leaf, node, and internode) using multilayer perceptron (MLP). Moreover, the developed models were integrated into the genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the concentration of PGRs and explant types for maximizing callogenesis responses. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the importance of each input variable on the callogenesis responses. The results showed that MLP had high predictive accuracy (R2 > 0.81) in both training and testing sets for modeling all studied parameters. Based on the results of the optimization process, the highest callogenesis rate (100%) would be obtained from the leaf explant cultured in the medium supplemented with 0.52 mg/L IBA plus 0.43 mg/L NAA plus 1.4 mg/L 2,4-D plus 0.2 mg/L BAP. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed the explant-dependent impact of the exogenous application of PGRs on callogenesis. Generally, the results showed that a combination of MLP and GA can display a forward-thinking aid to optimize and predict in vitro culture systems and consequentially cope with several challenges faced currently in Passiflora tissue culture.

The Influences of Chrysin on Stress-Induced Changes of Melanin-Concentrating Hormone and Orexin Gene Expression in Rats

Introduction: Chrysin is a bioactive component of herbal medicines such as Passiflora incarnate, Passiflora caerulea, and Oroxylum indicum. Although evidence has demonstrated the neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects of chrysin, the intra-hypothalamic molecular mechanisms underlying the anxiolytic effects of chrysin are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of chrysin on hypothalamic orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) gene expression in a rat model of stress. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats (200±10 g) were segregated into four groups (n=5). For the induction of stress, the animals were placed in the restraint cage for 2 hours. The intact and stressed groups received saline. Thirty minutes before the induction of stress, chrysin was injected into the other two groups of the stress model at a dosage of 20 or 40 µg via the third cerebral ventricle. Hypothalamic samples were removed and frozen, and the relative gene expression of orexin and MCH was measured using the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: The induction of stress significantly increased mRNA levels of orexin and MCH compared to the control rats. The mRNA levels of MCH and orexin significantly declined in rats receiving chrysin compared to the stress group. Conclusion: The inhibition of the hypothalamic MCH and orexin neuronal circuits may be involved in the preventive effects of chrysin against stressful situations. Chrysin may be a potential target to manage anxiogenic behaviors due to the down-regulation of MCH and orexin gene expression upstream the hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone.

Nectar glands of Passiflora species growing in Absheron and relation with ants

The species P. edulis, P. incarnata, P. ligularis and P. caerulea belonging to the genus Passiflora L. of the Passifloraceae family were introduced in the experimental area of the Dendrology Institute, and bioecological characteristics were studied and it was determined that each of the species has extrafloral nectar glands. The presence of sugar in the exudate of the nectar glands was determined by the ACCU-Chek device, as a result P. edulis, P. incarnata species were rich in sugary substances. At the same time, the morphological arrangement and location of the nectar glands were very similar in both species. At the same time, in Passiflora caerulea L. it is completely different in size, shape and location. Thus, these glands are located at the edges of the divided parts of the pentalobed leaves and are very small in size. In the species of P. ligularis L., the leaf petiole is shorter than in other species, replaced by 3-4 pairs of trichomes 8-10 mm long, and ants were not found in this species due to the absence of sugar, which attracts ants. As, they usually have a protective nature.Among the studied species, P. edulis and P. incarnata have the closest relationships with ants. This has a positive effect on the protection of plants from diseases and pests.

Digest: Urbanization shapes selection altering food webs.

How has urbanization altered the relationships between species and selection on phenotypes? To address this question, Palacio and Ordano measured trait and frugivore selection in blue passionflower (Passiflora caerulea) in three different localities. Their analysis revealed changes in avian selection with urbanization, which altered population phenotypes.

Protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora caerulea aerial parts against lipid dysfunction induced by cadmium chloride in male rats

Protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora caerulea aerial parts against lipid dysfunction induced by cadmium chloride in male rats

Force Generation in the Coiling Tendrils of Passiflora caerulea.

Tendrils of climbing plants coil along their length, thus forming a striking helical spring and generating tensional forces. It is found that, for tendrils of the passion flower Passiflora caerulea, the generated force lies in the range of 6-140 mN, which is sufficient to lash the plant tightly to its substrate. Further, it is revealed that the generated force strongly correlates with the water status of the plant. Based on a combination of in situ force measurements with anatomical investigations and dehydration-rehydration experiments on both entire tendril segments and isolated lignified tissues, a two-phasic mechanism for spring formation is proposed. First, during the free coiling phase, the center of the tendril begins to lignify unilaterally. At this stage, both the generated tension and the stability of the form of the spring still depend on turgor pressure. The unilateral contraction of a bilayer as being the possible driving force for the tendril coiling motion is discussed. Second, in a stabilization phase, the entire center of the coiled tendril lignifies, stiffening the spring and securing its function irrespective of its hydration status.

Prediction and optimization of indirect shoot regeneration of Passiflora caerulea using machine learning and optimization algorithms

BackgroundOptimization of indirect shoot regeneration protocols is one of the key prerequisites for the development of Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation and/or genome editing in Passiflora caerulea. Comprehensive knowledge of indirect shoot regeneration and optimized protocol can be obtained by the application of a combination of machine learning (ML) and optimization algorithms.Materials and methodsIn the present investigation, the indirect shoot regeneration responses (i.e., de novo shoot regeneration rate, the number of de novo shoots, and length of de novo shoots) of P. caerulea were predicted based on different types and concentrations of PGRs (i.e., TDZ, BAP, PUT, KIN, and IBA) as well as callus types (i.e., callus derived from different explants including leaf, node, and internode) using generalized regression neural network (GRNN) and random forest (RF). Moreover, the developed models were integrated into the genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the concentration of PGRs and callus types for maximizing indirect shoot regeneration responses. Moreover, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the importance of each input variable on the studied parameters.ResultsThe results showed that both algorithms (RF and GRNN) had high predictive accuracy (R2 > 0.86) in both training and testing sets for modeling all studied parameters. Based on the results of optimization process, the highest de novo shoot regeneration rate (100%) would be obtained from callus derived from nodal segments cultured in the medium supplemented with 0.77 mg/L BAP plus 2.41 mg/L PUT plus 0.06 mg/L IBA. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed the explant-dependent impact of exogenous application of PGRs on indirect de novo shoot regeneration.ConclusionsA combination of ML (GRNN and RF) and GA can display a forward-thinking aid to optimize and predict in vitro culture systems and consequentially cope with several challenges faced currently in Passiflora tissue culture.

Distribution of photoactive β-carboline alkaloids across Passiflora caerulea floral organs.

This study reports valuable information regarding the presence and concentration of a series of photoactive β-carboline (βCs) alkaloids (norharmane, harmane, harmine, harmol, harmaline, and harmalol) and their distribution across the floral age and organs of Passiflora caerulea. UHPLC-MS/MS data reported herein reveal that the βCs' content ranged from 1 to 110 μg kg-1 , depending on the floral organ and age. In certain physiologically relevant organs, such as anthers, βCs' content was one order of magnitude higher than in other organs, suggesting a special role for βCs in this specific organ. βCs' content also varied in a structure-dependent manner. Alkaloids bearing a hydroxyl group at position C(7) of the main βC ring were present at concentrations one order of magnitude higher than other βC derivatives investigated. UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy of the flower extracts provided complementary information regarding other biologically relevant groups of chromophores (phenolic/indolic derivatives, flavonoids/carotenes, and chlorophylls). Since flowers are constantly exposed to solar radiation, the presence of photoactive βCs in floral organs may have several (photo)biological implications that are further discussed.

On the adequacy of fruit removal as a proxy for fitness in studies of bird-mediated phenotypic selection.

In fleshy-fruited plants, fruit removal is widely used as a proxy for plant reproductive success. Nevertheless, this proxy may not accurately reflect the number of seeds dispersed, an assumed better proxy for total fitness (fruit removal × mean number of seeds dispersed per fruit). We examined under what circumstances fruit removal can be reliable as a proxy for total fitness when assessing bird-mediated selection on fruit traits. In three populations of the Blue Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea), we used the number of fruits pecked per plant as a surrogate for fruit removal to estimate phenotypic selection on fruit and seed traits, and simulations of the effect of the fruit-seed number trade-off on the number of fruits removed. Fruit removal was a good indicator of fitness, accounting for 55 to 68% of the variability in total fitness, measured as total number of seeds removed. Moreover, multivariate selection analyses on fruit crop size, mean fruit diameter and mean seed number using fruit removal as a fitness proxy yielded similar selection regimes to those using total fitness. Simulations showed that producing more fruits, a lower number of seeds per fruit, andahighervariabilityinseednumbercan result in a negative relationship between fruit removal and total fitness. Our results suggest that fruit removal can be reliably used as a proxy for total fitness when (1) there is a weak fruit number-seed number trade-off, (2) fruit crop size and fruit removal correlate positively, and (3) seed number variability does not largely exceed fruit number variability.

Preliminary phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of leaf and leaf derived callus extracts of Passiflora caerulea: An important medicinal plant

In the current study the Preliminary phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of leaf and leaf derived callus extracts of Passiflora caerulea were carried out in different solvent extracts.MS medium showed a better response than B5 medium and White’s medium for callus induction. The plant and callus extracts showed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins and glycosides and leaf extracts showed the presence of carbohydrates, whereas stem extracts showed the presence of carbohydrates and phlobatannins. . The methanol, chloroform, leaf extract showed an inhibition zone of 8.00 mm against B. cereus and E. coli. Methanol and hexane Callus extract showed an inhibition zone of 7.00mm against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. The presence of antibacterial property of the solvent extracts against selected microorganisms might be due to the presence of some compounds. Further phytochemical studies are required to explore compounds responsible for the activity.

Preliminary phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of leaf and leaf derived callus extracts of Passiflora caerulea: An important medicinal plant

Preliminary phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of leaf and leaf derived callus extracts of Passiflora caerulea: An important medicinal plant

Phytochemical Profiles, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic cell lines activity of Passiflora caerulea L.

Passiflora caerulea L. (blue passion flower) is a member of the genus Passiflora, which contains over 500 species and is popular worldwide for its diverse medicinal properties. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out for the methanolic extract of the plant leaves and the tests revealed that the plant contains a wide range of medicinally important secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, cyanogenic compounds, phenolic compounds and glycosyl flavonoids. Among a host of organic solvents which were used for extraction, the methanolic extract was particularly found to possess high concentrations of carbohydrates, glycosides, free amino acids, glycosides, fats and alkaloids. Also, flavonoids, phytosterols, saponins, tannins and other phenolic compounds were present at lower levels in the methanolic extract. We tested the antioxidant potential of the P. caerulea methanolic leaf extract and discovered that it possessed nitric oxide scavenging activity of close to 80% w.r.t at 100 μg/mL against ascorbic acid control (100%). In the ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays, the extract (100 μg/mL) possessed antioxidant potential of 72.3% and 70%, respectively, w.r.t ascorbic acid control taken at 100 μg/mL. The plant powder was assessed quantitatively for presence of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, ascorbic acid, tannins and flavonoids and the concentrations of these compounds were found to be 14.26 mg/g, , respectively. MTT assay results showed that the crude methanolic extract of the plant possessed appreciable activity against breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. Although the IC50 values of the extract against MCF-7 cells were much lesser comparatively w.r.t control doxorubicin, the crude extract possessed considerable activity against MCF-7 cells when compared to the standard drug, doxorubicin. These results necessitate deeper investigations into the pharmacological and therapeutic usefulness of purified compounds from P. caerulea. Though P. incarnata is the most widely studied species in the Passiflora genus, P. caerulea is relatively poorly studied. This paper shows the phytochemical composition and biological activities of P. caerulea.

Machine Learning-Assisted In Vitro Rooting Optimization in Passiflora caerulea

In vitro rooting as one of the most critical steps of micropropagation is affected by various extrinsic (e.g., medium composition, auxins) and intrinsic factors (e.g., species, explant). In Passiflora species, in vitro adventitious rooting is a difficult, complex, and non-linear process. Since in vitro rooting is a multivariable complex biological process, efficient and reliable computational approaches such as machine learning (ML) are required to model, predict, and optimize this non-linear biological process. Therefore, in the current study, a hybrid of generalized regression neural network (GRNN) and genetic algorithm (GA) was employed to predict in vitro rooting responses (rooting percentage, number of roots, and root length) of Passiflora caerulea based on the optimization of the level of auxins (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indolebutyric acid (IBA), and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)) and the type of explant (microshoots derived from leaf, node, and internode). Based on the results, the GRNN model was accurate in predicting all in vitro rooting responses of P. caerulea (R2 > 0.92) in either training or testing sets. The result of the validation experiment also showed that there was a negligible difference between the predicted-optimized values and the validated results demonstrating the reliability of the developed GRNN-GA model. Generally, the results of the current study showed that GRNN-GA is a reliable and accurate model to predict and optimize in vitro rooting of P. caerulea.

Chrysin reduces hypercholesterolemia-mediated atherosclerosis through modulating oxidative stress, microflora, and apoptosis in experimental rats.

Chrysin (Chy) is known for various biological proprieties such as inhibitory effects on inflammation, cancer, oxidative stress, aging, and atherosclerosis. However, the hypolipidemic activity of Chy and its mechanistic action remains unclear in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this study, we focused on the hypolipidemic proprieties of Chy in hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis. Male Wistar rats (150-220 g) were divided into four groups as follows: Group I control was fed with standard laboratory chow. Rats in Group II were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 60 days. After 60 days of HFD, Group III rats received Chy (100 mg/kg body weight); Group IV rats received Atorvastatin (Atv; 10mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. Biochemical studies showed Chy, Atv treatment decreased the activities of liver marker enzymes and the levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and lipid profile. Gene expression analysis on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its regulated genes were significantly reduced in the intestine and increased in the aorta by Chy and Atv. Gut microbial species such as Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Clostridium leptum copy numbers were significantly increased by Chy and Atv treatment. In addition, Chy and Atv modulated the expression of inflammatory genes including TLR4, TNFα, NLRP3, and IL-17 in the aorta and intestine compared with hypercholesterolemic control rats. Chy and Atv effectively increased the caspase-3 mRNA expression in the intestine, but these decreased in the aorta. The present study concludes that by reducing oxidative stress and increasing gut microbial colonization, Chy may provide an effective therapeutic approach for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia-mediated atherosclerosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Our study focused on a therapeutic model representing the clinical presentation of atherosclerosis in humans. Statins are commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular complications, patients with hypercholesterolemia face difficulties in the continuation of statin therapy. The reason for statin discontinuation has been associated with toxicological effects. It is necessary to investigate the potentiality of the natural compound as an alternative medicine to statin with fewer side effects. The main theme of our study is to compare the therapeutic potential of Chy and Atv. Chy is a natural bioflavonoid that could be considered as an alternative medicinal compound to statins and to avoid toxicity problems associated with statins. Chy is a bioflavonoid present in Passiflora caerulea (blue passion flower), Oroxylum indicum (Indian trumpet flower), Pelargonium crispum, propolis, and honey. Consuming Chy-rich foods will reduce hypercholesterolemia-mediated cardiovascular complications. Overall, the present studies provided a key to developing bioactive compounds-based foods for CVD patients.

Chrysin impairs genomic stability by suppressing DNA double-strand break repair in breast cancer cells

ABSTRACT Chrysin, a natural compound isolated from various plants, such as the blue passion flower (Passiflora caerulea L.), exhibits multiple pharmacological activities, such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Accumulating evidence shows that chrysin inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and regulating cell cycle arrest. However, whether chrysin is involved in regulating genomic stability and its underlying mechanisms in breast cancer cells have not been determined. Here, we demonstrated that chrysin impairs genomic stability in MCF-7 and BT474 cells, inhibits cell survival and enhances the sensitivity of MCF-7 cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Further experiments revealed that chrysin impairs DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, resulting in accumulation of DNA damage. Mechanistic studies showed that chrysin inhibits the recruitment of the key NHEJ factor 53BP1 and delays the recruitment of the HR factor RAD51. Thus, we elucidated novel regulatory mechanisms of chrysin in DSB repair and proposed that a combination of chrysin and chemotherapy has curative potential in breast cancers.

KRİSİN: POTANSİYEL FARMAKOLOJİK ve TOKSİKOLOJİK ETKİLERİ

Recently, the use of pharmacotherapeutic agents of plant origin is increasing as an alternative to synthetic chemical drugs. Although quite a lot of plant-based bioactive ingredients have been reported, the bioactive molecule chyrisin, which is found in some products such as blue passionflower, honey and propolis, has become a remarkable phytochemical in recent years. Chrysin is an important flavonoid that stands out with its strong antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and anxiolytic properties as well as having many different pharmacological effects. In this review, it is aimed to give information about the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic properties of chrysin and its protective and beneficial properties in various diseases.

Effect of trellis orientation on Passiflora incarnata growth and production

Passiflora incarnata L., often referred to commonly as ‘maypops’, has showy flowers and large fruit. This species has been identified in historical documents as being a food crop, although it is not presently grown as a commercial crop. To better facilitate harvest, Passiflora vines must be trellised to keep flowers and fruit off the ground. There are different methods to accomplish this, but there is little consensus as to the best model. Simple trellis systems made from t-posts, wire fencing, and cement blocks were erected onto a crushed rock covered nursery pad. One trellis was made horizontal to the ground roughly 0.3 m off the pad. The other trellis was vertical (perpendicular to the ground) and reached a height of 1.5 m. Three Passiflora species were used: Passiflora caerulea L. (blue passion flower), Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa O. Deg. (yellow passion fruit), and Passiflora incarnata (maypop). There were no statistically significant differences between vertical and horizontal trellised passion fruit vines in our study. Overall, trellis orientation did not appear to significantly impact vine growth, fruit growth, or fruit quality of Passiflora incarnata. We recommend employing a vertical trellis system for this species.

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) feeding a fledgling with Blue Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea) fruit

The Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholichus) feeds mostly on flying insects, but it can also supply its diet with other arthropods, fruits, and even small vertebrates. Despite being one of the most common birds in the Neotropics, knowledge about its foraging behavior is scarce. In December 2020, we observed and videotaped an adult feeding a fledgling with pulp and seeds of Blue Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea) in Ranchos, northeastern Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The whole event lasted 3:37 min. This is the first time that this foraging and breeding behavior is reported for the Tropical Kingbird.

Teresa B. Fitzpatrick.

Teresa B. Fitzpatrick.