Acorus Calamus Research Articles

Genetic diversity evaluation of core collection gene bank using simple sequence repeat marker of Acorus calamus L.: An important aromatic species

Acorus calamus L. is an important medicinal and aromatic plant having economic and medicinal properties. In the present research, molecular diversity analysis was performed using 138 Acorus calamus accessions obtained from the varied regions of Northeast India. All the collected germplasm was maintained at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST) experimental farm, Jorhat, India. A molecular diversity study was conducted by employing 30 primers screened from 55 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers based on their polymorphic nature. An average of 99.58% polymorphism was exhibited with a total of 186 polymorphic alleles shown by the selected SSR primers. To estimate the variations among A. calamus accessions, an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was also performed. The genetic diversity among the population was found to be 28% and genetic variations of 72% were observed within the population. Genetic variations within and among populations were found significant with P value of 0.001. The analysis of population-based genetic diversity parameters revealed an average value of 1.84 for the observed number of alleles (Na), 1.48 for an effective number of alleles (Ne), 0.28 for Nei’s genetic diversity index (h), and 0.42 for Shannon's information index in four grouped populations. All the 138 accessions of A. calamus were subdivided into three clusters of dendrogram based on unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis. Principal component analysis (PCoA) was further performed and a biplot was constructed for the validation and confirmation of the clusters. Moreover, three genetically diverse populations were also detected by the use of structure harvester software. Until now, there are no such reports on the analysis of the genetic diversity of this industrially important crop using SSR markers. So, it can be considered as the first report on the molecular diversity of A. calamus which will be helpful for the crop improvement, conservation, and identification of the elite genotypes.

Larger presence of ectomycorrhizae detected from pygmy pine ecotype in the fire-frequent pine barrens ecosystem

ABSTRACT Pine barrens ecosystem has acidic, sandy, and nutrient-poor soil and is prone to drought and fire. In the New Jersey Pine Barrens, the predominant pitch pine (Pinus rigida) consists of two ecotypes: the regular pitch pines with heights of 4.6–12 m, and the pygmy pines of low stature (1.2–1.8 m) in the New Jersey Pine Plains. Previous ecological studies suggested that the dwarf pines in the Pine Plains that are embedded within the Pine Barrens were an evolutionary adaptation to frequent fire. Pines are obligate ectomycorrhizal (EcM) mutualists, and their root mycobiota may contribute to stress protection and plant health. However, information on the mycobiota associated with plants in the pine barrens ecosystem is lacking. To have a holistic understanding of the evolution and adaptation in this stressed environment, we used both culture-independent metabarcoding and culture-based method to characterize the mycobiota from soil and root of the two ecotypes and to identify core mycobiota. We found that Agaricomycetes, Leotiomycetes, and Mucoromycotina are predominant fungi in the New Jersey Pine Barrens ecosystem, which is rich in root mutualistic fungi. We observed that the pygmy pine roots had significantly higher density of EcM tips than the regular pine roots. This was corroborated by our metabarcoding analysis, which showed that the pygmy pine trees had higher ratio of ectomycorrhiza-forming fungi than the regular-statured pines. We hypothesize that symbiotrophic EcM fungi associated with pygmy pines are capable of mitigating high fire stress in the Pine Plains.

Role of Acorus calamus in preventing depression, anxiety, and oxidative stress in long-term socially isolated rats.

Social isolation stress (SIS) and individual housing have been shown to cause abnormal cognitive insufficiencies, altered anxiety levels, and signs of psychiatric diseases. Acorus calamus (AC), commonly known as Sweet Flag, has been widely used in India to treat neurological, metabolic, and respiratory disorders, indicating its potential therapeutic value. This study aimed to determine the antidepressant and antioxidative effects of AC on rats subjected to long-term, social isolation-induced stress. This study involved 2-month-old male rats (24) weighing approximately 180-200 g bred in-house. The rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): Group 1 received saline, Group 2 received SIS, Group 3 received only 50 mg/kg AC, and Group 4 received 50 mg/kg AC and SIS for 6 weeks. After this, behavioral, biochemical, and neuronal assays were conducted. Behavioral experiments showed significantly higher activity levels (p < 0.001) in AC-treated rats than in the SIS group. In addition, rats subjected to SIS with AC treatment exhibited enhanced total antioxidants, superoxide dismutase, and neuronal assays compared to rats subjected to SIS alone. Acorus calamus treatment improved the antidepressant and antioxidant potential against SIS in rat brain tissue. Moreover, we proved that AC can effectively reverse the neurotoxicity induced by SIS in animal models. As we battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and social isolation, AC could be considered a supplementary treatment to alleviate depressive-like symptoms in our present-day lifestyle.

The traditional food of meiteis from the aspects of medicine, cultural, spiritual and social value

The relationship between plants and human beings has been known since time immemorial. Nowadays, there is scientific study of the relationship that exists between people and plants. This includes plants used as food, phytochemicals, pharmacology, clothing, currency, ritual, medicine, dye, construction, etc. Manipur was a small princely state in North-East India, having a history of about 2000 years. As Manipur is under Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hot Spot of the Northeast region, diverse flora and fauna are available. Meiteis, the dominant community of these states and the other 35 ethnic schedule tribes of Manipur, also have traditional foods like Houttunia chordata, Elsholgia, Polygonum species (phakpai) as condiments, Acorus calamus, Plectranthus, Mimosa pudica (Lam ekaithabi), Vitex negundo (Uriksshibi) as medicinal Plants, Oscimum sanctum (Tulsi), Cedrela toona (Tairen) Eupatorium balmanicum (Langthrei) as spiritual plants, Nicotiana tabacum, Lycopodium phlegmaria (Leishang khekwaiba) as cultural plants, Siroy lily and Dzuco lily as social plants as it indicates the availability in Siroi hilltop, Ukhrul and Dzuco.

Computational Fragment-Based Design of Phytochemical Derivatives as EGFR Inhibitors.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a potential target with disease modifying benefits against Alzheimer's disease (AD). Repurposing of FDA approved drugs against EGFR have shown beneficial effect against AD but are confined to quinazoline, quinoline and aminopyrimidines. Futuristically, the possibility of acquiring drug resistance mutation as seen in the case of cancer could also hamper AD treatment. To identify novel chemical scaffolds, we rooted on phytochemicals identified from plants such as Acorus calamus, Bacopa monnieri, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Tinospora cordifloia, and Withania somnifera that have well-established records in the treatment of brain disorders. The rationale was to mimic the biosynthetic metabolite extension process observed in the plants for synthesizing new phytochemical derivates. Thus, novel compounds were designed computationally by fragment-based method followed by extensive in silico analysis to pick potential phytochemical derivates. PCD1, 8 and 10 were predicted to have better blood brain barrier permeability. ADMET and SoM analysis suggested that these PCDs exhibited druglike properties. Further simulation studies showed that PCD1 and PCD8 stably interact with EGFR and have the potential to be used even in cases of drug-resistance mutations. With further experimental evidence, these PCDs could be leveraged as potential inhibitors of EGFR.

Aquatic plant root exudates: A source of disinfection byproduct precursors in constructed wetlands

Aquatic plant-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) in water bodies is an important source of disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors. It is therefore very important to investigate DBP formation, and the main DBP precursors that enter drinking water during treatment processes. In this study, Lythrum salicaria root extract (LSRE) and Acorus calamus root extract (ACRE) were analyzed. The LSRE and ACRE were chlorinated and disinfected to generate trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, haloketones, and haloacetaldehydes. The DBP formation potential of LSRE, dominated by humus, was higher than that of Suwannee River natural organic matter (SRNOM), and trichloroacetic acid was the main DBP. It was calculated that 2.09 % of the increased DOC brought by the surface flow wetland planted with emergent aquatic plants, and the contribution rates of TCMFP, DCAAFP and TCAAFP in effluent were 3.34 %, 3.23 % and 3.05 %, respectively. A total of 706 chlorinated-formula were detected by FTICR-MS, among which mono- and di-chlorinated formulae were the most abundant. Macromolecular hydrophobic organics and tannins were the main precursors for LSRE. Unlike LSRE, the DOM composition of ACRE was dominated by protein or aliphatic compounds; therefore, the risk of DBP formation was not as high as that for LSRE. This study is the first to determine the risk of DBP formation associated with aquatic plant root extracts, and confirmed that tannins in plant-derived DOM are more important DBP precursors than lignins.

Phenolic secondary metabolites from Acorus calamus (Acorales: Acoraceae) rhizomes: the feeding deterrents for Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most destructive pests of various crops cultivated in Thailand. Spodoptera litura larvae, at early stages, attack the leaves and feed on every part of infested crops in later stages. Acorus calamus essential oil contains toxic asarones, which are generalistic cytotoxic compounds. However, the present study is the first attempt to look at safer metabolites from the rhizomes that could deter insect feeding. The objective was to use such compounds as safer residues on crops that would prevent the feeding of herbivorous lepidopterans. Accordingly, phenolic metabolites were isolated and evaluated to establish the feeding deterrence against polyphagous S. litura larvae. Methanol extract of A. calamus, chrysin, and 4-hydroxy acetophenone compounds were the most effective feeding deterrents with FD50 of 87.18, 10.33, and 70.77 µg/cm2, respectively, after 4 h of feeding on treated kale leaves in a no-choice leaf disc assay. Chrysin also reduced carboxylesterase activities (1.37-fold), whereas A. calamus methanol extract reduced glutathione-S-transferase activities (1.44-fold). Some larvae were also seen dead if they consumed the treated kale leaves. Feeding deterrent activity in the methanol extract of A. calamus was due to chrysin and 4-hydroxy acetophenone. The large-scale utilization of such compounds could help develop feeding deterrent strategies in the integrated pest management of lepidopterans.

Plant Effectiveness of Acorus calamus, Pistia stratiotes, Azolla pinnata as Hyperaccumulator Candidate of Phytoremediation Agent for Copper (Cu) Absorption

Metals are harmful pollutants because they cannot be broken down by living organisms. An excess of metal can become toxic. The metal in question is copper (Cu). This research aimed to determine the phytoremediation effectiveness of Acorus calamus, Pistia stratiotes, and Azolla pinnata as candidates for Cu metal absorption. This investigation employed a wholly random factorial design with two factors: plant absorbent materials comprised of three plant species (Acorus calamus, Pistia stratiotes, and Azolla pinnata) and absorption concentrations of 2 and 5 ppm. The ANOVA test was used to analyze the data, followed by the average difference test. According to the results of this study, three plants—Acorus calamus, Pistia stratiotes, and Azolla pinnata—are capable of reducing Cu metal in water. The Acorus calamus plant can reduce Cu concentrations in water from 2 ppm to 96.85% and from 5 ppm to 96.80%. Pistia stratiotes plants can reduce Cu level in water from 2 ppm to 96.50% and 5 ppm to 99.94% at concentrations of 2 and 5 ppm, respectively. The Azolla pinnata plant can reduce Cu level in water from 2 ppm to 98.50% and from 5 ppm to 96.54% at concentrations of 2 ppm and 5 ppm, respectively. The highest BCF value at a concentration of 2 ppm is in the roots of Azolla pinnata plants, at 6.77 mg/kg, followed by the leaves, at 8.88 mg/kg. The maximum BCF value at a concentration of 5 ppm for Pistia stratiotes plants is 2.26 mg/kg for the roots and 2.46 mg/kg for the foliage. The greatest concentration of TF at 2 ppm in Azolla pinnata is 1.31 mg/kg, while the maximum concentration at 5 ppm in Acorus calamus is 1.98 mg/kg

Effect of Light of Different Spectral Compositions on Pro/Antioxidant Status, Content of Some Pigments and Secondary Metabolites and Expression of Related Genes in Scots Pine.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of light quality (white fluorescent light, WFL, containing UV components), red light (RL, 660 nm), blue light (BL, 450 nm), and white LED light (WL, 450 + 580 nm) on the components of the cellular antioxidant system in Pinus sylvestris L. in needles, roots, and hypocotyls, focusing on the accumulation of key secondary metabolites and the expression of related genes. The qualitative and quantitative composition of carotenoids; the content of the main photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, flavonoids (catechins, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins), ascorbate, and glutathione; the activity of the main antioxidant enzymes; the content of hydrogen peroxide; and the intensity of lipid peroxidation (MDA and 4-HNE contents) were determined. RL resulted in an increase in the content of hydrogen peroxide and 4-HNE, as well as the total fraction of flavonoids in the needles. It also enhanced the expression of several PR (pathogen-related) genes compared to BL and WL. WFL increased the content of phenols, including flavonoids, and enhanced the overall activity of low-molecular antioxidants in needles and hypocotyls. BL increased the content of ascorbate and glutathione, including reduced glutathione, in the needles and simultaneously decreased the activity of peroxidases. Thus, by modifying the light quality, it is possible to regulate the accumulation of secondary metabolites in pine roots and needles, thereby influencing their resistance to various biotic and abiotic stressors.

Concept of dementia (Nisy ā n) in Unani system of medicine and scientific validation of an important Unani pharmacopoeial preparation 'Majoon Vaj' for its management: a review.

This review focused on the concept of dementia in the Unani system of medicine and comprehensive, updated information on Majoon Vaj about the phytochemistry, nootropic, CNS activities and provide insights into potential opportunities for future research. The classical literature on Majoon Vaj for its anti-dementic properties, and therapeutic uses were gathered from nearly thirteen classical Unani books including Unani Pharmacopoeia. The information of pharmacognosy, phytochemical and pharmacological activities of Majoon Vaj and its ingredient was collected by browsing the Internet (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley online library, Google Scholar, ResearchGate). The relevant primary sources were probed, analysed, and included in this review. The keywords used to browse were Majoon Vaj, Dementia, Nootropic, Acorus calamus, Piper nigram, Zingiber officinalis, Nigella sativa, Carum carvi, Plumbago zeylanica, and β-asarone. Relevant Sources were gathered up to July 2021, and the chemical structures were drawn using ACD/ChemSketch software. The species name and synonyms were checked with WFO (2021): World Flora online (http://www.worldfloraonline.org) an updated version of 'The Plant List.' Majoon Vaj contains an excess of bioactive compounds e.g., alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, diterpenes, coumarins, carbohydrates, and fixed oils and its ingredients possess broad pharmacological properties, including cognitive-enhancing, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The literature of Unani medicine is quite rich in discussing the pathophysiological basis of memory disorders. It argues that memory, retention, and retrieval are regulated by a complex process involving various faculties. Majoon Vaj seems to have great potential for therapeutic applications in the treatment of dementia and thus encourage more preclinical and clinical trials in this field.

CHARACTERIZATION OF FRACTION CONTAINING BETA ASARONE ISOLATED FROM ACORUS CALAMUS LINN. RHI- ZOMES AND STUDYING THE AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF JUGLANS REGIA KERNEL OIL ON ITS ANTIEPILEPTIC PO- TENTIAL

Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) has a long history of use in the treatment of a range of diseases, including inflammatory response, chest pain, digestive problems, and neurological disorders. The prime objective of the study is to isolate newer moieties from Acorus calamus (AC) rhizomes and to test their anticonvulsant potential with Juglans Regia Kernel Oil (Walnut Oil). Pharmacognostic standardization of AC rhizomes have been performed as per WHO guidelines of standardization. Methanolic extract of AC rhizomes was used for isolation of active moieties using column chromatography. Further, characterization of isolated moieties has been performed using UV, IR, 1H-NMR, C13- NMR and LCMS data. OECD 423 guidelines have been fol- lowed for the determination of oral acute toxicity. Swiss albino mice(n=6) were used for in-vivo studies. An- ticonvulsant study of isolated and characterized fraction of Beta Asarone was performed using scPTZ in- duced convulsion model. Pharmacognostic standardization of rhizomes showed results that fall within the pharmacopoeial limits. Spectral details of the fraction confirmed the identity as Beta Asarone. Juglans Regia Kernel oil and AC isolated fraction has shown a better ameliorative antiepileptic effect with prolonged time for seizure onset. Percentage protection has also been enhanced as compared to standard drug.

Efficacy of Some Plant Extracts against Root Rot Disease of Green Oak Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Crispa) Caused by Pythium sp. Grown in a Hydroponic System

An antifungal activity of the twelve plant extracts were tested against Pythium sp., the causal agents of root rot diseases grown in hydroponic systems. The crude extracts of Acorus calamus and Syzygium aromaticum completely inhibited the mycelial growth of Pythium sp. in the in vitro condition at 5,000 ppm, whilst Curcuma zedoaria and other plant extracts had show lesser inhibitory activity. Out of these twelve plant extracts selecting A. calamus, S. aromaticum and C. zedoaria for further in vivo test in nursery raising seedling in plastic tray of hydroponic system by inoculating Pythium sp. mycelial developed on agar medium, A. calamus rhizome extract exhibited highest inhibitory effect against % root tip colonized by Pythium sp. of 5.85 to 48 followed by S. aromaticum floral bud 9.97 to 60 and rhizome of C. zedoaria extract 28.32 to 90 at 2000 ppm on seven and twenty one days after inoculation respectively. The concentrations and application methods of these extracts should be further investigated to control the root rot disease of lettucein the hydroponic system.

Modification of media compositions for micropropagation of Acorus calamus L.

Modification of medium composition is a critical step in tissue culture to find out the best medium formulation for micropropagation. Furthermore, reduction of some nutrients as well as sugar and plant growth regulator concentrations are an effort often done to make the production of seedlings more economic. The aim of the study was to modify media composition by reduction of macronutrients and sugar concentrations in combination with BAP for micropropagation of Acorus calamus. Experiments of Calamus micropropagation was established by culturing single shoots to MS medium with 100, 50, 33.3 and 25% macronutrients added with sugar at 30, 20, and 10 g/l in combination with 0, 0.5, and 1 mg/l BAP. Each medium treatment had nine replicates. Growth of culture was determined every week until 6 weeks of culture. Growth variable recorded was shoots numbers, leaf length, leaf numbers and root numbers. At six weeks of culture, chlorophyll content was also observed. The results showed that reduction of macronutrients and sugar did not influence shoot and leaf numbers in MS medium but required 0.5-1 mg/l BAP. Rooting is best in medium with no addition of BAP. Chlorophyll content decreased in the medium containing BAP in all reduced macronutrients and sugar concentrations. All plantlets survived in the field. Reduction of macronutrients and sugar can be applied for Calamus shoot culture. Cytokinin BAP is critical for shoot growth but this could be omitted for rooting. Therefore, this finding offered more choices in micropropagation of Calamus with low-cost production.

EFFICACY OF BOTANICAL DUST AGAINST PULSE BEETLE OF BLACK GRAM (Vigna mungo L.)

The study aims to devise suitable and eco-friendly control measures for pulse beetle. For this, the experiment was carried out in Central Agricultural Laboratory, Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur from April 2020- June 2020. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with four replication and six treatments (Xanthoxylum armatum DC fruit dust@ 50gm kg-1; Acorus calamus L. rhizome dust@ 50 gm kg-1; Curcuma longa L. rhizome dust@ 50 gm kg-1; Azadirachta indica A. Juss. leaf dust@50gm kg-1; malathion dust@ 1gm kg-1 and control). Out of four botanical dust, bojho rhizome was found more effective than Malathion (positive check) with minimum insect build-up (0.00) and minimum loss (0.00%). It was effective in maintaining higher germination (92.5 percent) and lower moisture content (11.25). X. armatum fruit dust and A. indica leaf dust were found ineffective to cause adult mortality (56.25 and 59.37) in black gram. Thus, botanical materials such as A. calamus rhizome dust has been found as effective safe alternatives for the management of C. chinensis L. in the storage of black gram.

ISOLATION, CHEMICAL AND SPATIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ACIDIC POLYSACCHARIDES FROM SOME PLANTS OF SIBERIAN FLORA WITH IMMUNOTROPIC ACTIVITY

Plant polysaccharides have a wide range of biological activity, including an immunotropic effect, the degree and magnitude of which depends on the composition and tertiary structure of the macromolecule. Acidic polysaccharides (APS) were isolated by extraction with an acidic aqueous solution (pH=3) and characterized From the rhizomes of Acorus calamus L., the aerial part of Centaurea pseudomaculosa Dobrocz., the herb Conium maculatum L., and the leaves of Betula pendula Roth. The content of total carbohydrates was determined for all samples (&gt;90%), uronic acids (24.56–53.70%) and a small amount of impurity substances (protein and nucleic acids 0.81–1.02% and 0.016–0.035%, respectively); molecular weight distribution (Mn, Mw). Structural features were studied using physicochemical and instrumental methods, such as UV and IR spectroscopy, reaction with Congo red, and scanning electron microscopy. The polysaccharides of Acorus calamus, Conium maculatum, and Betula pendula have a triple-helical conformation and bulky ultrastructure; the polysaccharides of Centaurea pseudomaculosa are characterized by the absence of a triple-helical conformation and an amorphous ultrastructure.

Docking studies for screening antibacterial compounds of Red Jeringau (Acorus calamus L.) using Shigella flexneri protein as a model system

Alpha (a) and beta (β) asarone were identified as the main compounds of red Jeringau (Acorus calamus L.) and had antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to know these two compounds' antibacterial mechanism and toxicity prediction against the PBP 2 protein and 50S Ribosomal Protein of Shigella flexneri. Molecular docking protocol using PyRx device was performed with Exhaustiveness value= 106, grid x=38.738375, y=112.645792, z=46.926417 for PBP2, and grid x=71.721251, y=47.551601, z=9.663173 for 50S Ribosomal Protein. The molecular docking results on the α -Asarone compound obtained an affinity value of -5.7 kcal/mol for PBP2 and an affinity value of -5.6 kcal/mol for 50S Ribosomal Protein. In comparison, β-Asarone had an affinity value of -5.6 kcal/mol to PBP2 and an affinity value of -5.7 kcal/mol for 50S Ribosomal Protein. The α and β-Asarone affinity had better values than the control. Molecular docking of α and β-Asarone compounds results in ionic bonds to the TYR529 amino acid and polar bonds to the ASN552 amino acid of PBP2. However, only β-Asarone produces ionic bonds at the amino acid ILE17 and polar bonds at GLU13 from 50S Ribosomal Protein. Based on this study, the α and β-Asarone compounds were shown to have antibacterial activity by interfering with the permeability of the bacterial cell wall. Both compounds are also predicted to have carcinogenic and mutagen effects.

Complex Supplement Development for the Gastroenterological Diseases Prevention

The thesis concerns the primary gastroenterological incidence analysis in certain districts of the Kursk region and the identification of areas with a steady level decrease in primary morbidity. A man ranked the subjects of the Russian Federation on the incidence of acute intestinal infections of unknown etiology. According to the Aleksandr A. Spasov classification, the authors identified nine groups of biologically active additives supporting the digestive organs function; studied ingredients reducing the risk of gastrointestinal inflammatory and ulcerative processes; scrutinized the general chemical composition of plant ingredients of gastroenterological action. Roots of ginseng and calamus contain a significant amount of digestible carbohydrates (39.8 and 34.1 %, respectively). Spirulina and calamus root have an increased content of minerals, including antioxidants such as zinc, magnesium, selenium, copper (7.1 and 5.9 %, respectively). The paper presents the study results of the vitamin composition and the macro- and microelements content in plant ingredients, as well as ginseng root ginsenosides aged four, five and six years. A man developed three specialized food additive compositions based on the chemical medicinal plant composition analysis and justification of active substances for gastroenterological purposes, that included from 5 to 10 % ginseng root, from 60 to 65 % flax seeds, from 3 to 5 % calamus root, from 22 to 27 % spirulina. Against nutritiology, the food products enrichment with the developed additive will contribute to the gastroenterological disease prevention.

Chemical constituents from Acorus calamus with potent anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective activities

Three previously undescribed compounds, (+)-7S,8S-syringoylglycerol-7-O-3′,4′-dihydroxylphenylethanol (1), (+)-2S,3R-piscidic acid 1-methyl-5-ethyl ester (2), and 2′S-2-acetyl-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxyl)furan (3), together with one new natural product, 7S,8S-4,7,8-trihydroxyl-methyl phenylpropionate (4) and a known lignan (7S,8R)-methyl-4′,7-epoxy-3,3′-dimethoxy-4,9-dihydroxylignan-9′-oate (5), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Acorus calamus Linn. rhizomes. Their structures were determined based on extensive spectroscopic analyses and computational methods. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro GK activating and hepatoprotective activities, and compound 5 exhibited significant GK activating activity at 10−5 mol/L, compound 3 exhibited moderate protective effects to APAP-induced injuries of HepG2 cells at 10−5 mol/L. Furthermore, molecular docking of compound 5 bound with GK was carried out to investigate the possible structural insights into the potential binding patterns.

Isolation, identification, and characterization of α- asarone, from hydromethanolic leaf extract of Acorus calamus L. and its apoptosis-inducing mechanism in A549 cells

Due to the presence of several active secondary metabolites, the traditional Indian and Chinese medicinal herb Acorus calamus L. has been utilized for both medical and culinary purposes since ancient times. A recent report has underscored the promising cytotoxic effect of A. calamus leaves extract against non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. Thus, we want to separate the bioactive substance from the hydromethanolic extract of A. calamus leaves in the current investigation. Thin-layer chromatography was used to separate the compounds and different spectroscopic methods (UV, FTIR, NMR, and LCMS/MS) were used for the structure prediction. α-asarone was found to be the main bioactive compound present and it was isolated from A. calamus leaves extract. It exerted a good cytotoxic effect with an IC50 value of 21.43 ± 1.27 μM against A549 cells and IC50 value of 324.12 ± 1.32 μM against WI-38 cells. The induction of apoptosis in A549 cells by α-asarone was reaffirmed by the diverse differential staining methods including DAPI, Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide, and Giemsa staining. Additionally, α-asarone induced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) dissipation with a concomitant increase in the production of ROS. Furthermore, it also increased expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9, caspase-8, DR4, and DR5 genes in A549 cells. In conclusion, α-asarone-induced apoptotic cell death in non-small lung cancer cells (A549) as a result of loss of mitochondrial function, increased ROS production, subsequent activation of an internal and extrinsic caspase pathway, and altered expression of genes controlling apoptosis. As a whole, α-asarone is a plausible therapeutic agent for managing lung cancer. HIGHLIGHTS Isolation of bioactive compound from hydromethanolic leaves extract of Acorus calamus L. by thin layer chromatography. Structural elucidation of the bioactive compound was carried out using different methods like UV analysis, FTIR, NMR, and LC-MS/MS analysis. A plausible mode of action revealed that α-asarone can induce apoptosis in lung cancer cells (A549). Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Novel Chitosan-FeS@biochar-added constructed wetland microcosms for NH4+/NO3- and Pb removal: Performance and mechanism

Biochar has been proven to be efficient for enhancing purifying performance, however, studies on nitrogen (N) removal pathways and microbial community structure is far insufficient in modified-biochar-added constructed wetlands (CWs) for treating N and heavy metals co-existing wastewater. Therefore, the composite of Chitosan-FeS @ peanut shell biochar (CFP) was applied in CWs to assess its performance for treating N and Pb co-existing wastewater and investigate N removal pathways. It showed that adding CFP enhanced the nitrification and denitrification intensity and increased removal rates of NO3-, NH4+ and TN by 76.32%, 28.41% and 52.48% respectively, in CWs. CFP not only functioned as electron donor to drive denitrification but also increased the relative abundance of Thiobacillus, Sulfurimonas and Geobacter, thereby promoting N removal. Furthermore, CFP alleviated Pb stress on Acorus calamus L.Therefore, this study provides a promising and feasible strategy for treating N and Pb co-existing wastewater in CWs.