Rhizomes Of Plants Research Articles

Binary plant rhizome growth-based optimization algorithm: an efficient high-dimensional feature selection approach

Feature selection is a pivotal research area within machine learning, tasked with pinpointing the essential subset of features from a broad array that critically influences a model’s predictive capabilities. This process enhances model precision and drastically lowers the computational demands associated with training and predicting. Consequently, more advanced optimization techniques are employed to address the challenge of feature selection. This paper introduces an innovative intelligent optimization algorithm, the Plant Root Growth Optimization (PRGO) algorithm, inspired by the structure of plant rhizomes and the way they absorb nutrients.In the algorithm, the plant rhizomes are divided into two categories, the taproot and the fibrous root.the growth process of the taproot plants is associated with the global exploration search, and the growth process of the fibrous root plants relates to the local exploitation search.The global asymptotic convergence of the algorithm is proved by applying Markov’s correlation theory, and simulation results using CEC2014 and CEC2017 test sets show that the proposed algorithm has excellent performance.Moreover, a binary variant of this algorithm (BPRGO) has been specifically crafted in this research to tackle the complexities of high-dimensional feature selection issues. The algorithm was compared to eight well-known feature selection methods and its performance was evaluated using a variety of evaluation metrics on 16 high-dimensional datasets from the Arizona State University feature selection library. and the performance of the proposed algorithm was evaluated through feature subset size, classification accuracy, fitness value, and F1-score. The experimental results show that BPRGO achieves the best performance, which has stronger feature reduction ability and achieves better overall performance on most datasets. BPRGO can obtain extremely smaller feature subsets while maintaining much higher classification accuracy, and satisfactory F1-score.

Strengthened Effect of Surface-Active Ionic Liquids on Curcumin Solubility and Extraction Performance of Curcuminoids

As a kind of bioactive component in the rhizome of natural plant Curcuma longa L. (turmeric), curcumin is almost insoluble in water at neutral and acidic pH, which limits its further utilization and development. At the same time, traditional extraction and separation processes typically require the use of a large number of organic solvents. Ionic liquids (ILs) are organic molten salts with melting points below 100 °C. When an ionic liquid exists in a liquid state at or near room temperature, it is referred to as a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL). They have a temperature range, good physical and chemical stability, and good structural designability. They have a strong solubilization enhancement effect for many organic compounds. This study first explored the molecular forms of curcumin in ionic liquid aqueous solutions and the intermolecular interactions between curcumin and ionic liquids using spectral analysis and computational chemistry methods; furthermore, using an ionic liquid aqueous solution as an extraction agent, curcumin-like substances (curcuminoids) were extracted from turmeric powders under ultrasound assisted conditions, revealing the relationship between the structure of the ionic liquid and the extraction efficiency. After that, a kinetic study was conducted for the extraction of curcuminoids from turmeric powders, using second-order kinetics fitting to obtain the rate constant and initial extraction rate during the extraction process. Finally, the comparison with a ComplexGAPI tool and antioxidant experiment was performed on the extraction by using ionic liquids and traditional solvent. The full results can provide reference for the design of IL extractants and their application for natural products.

Deciphering the endomicrobiome of Podophyllum hexandrum to reveal the endophytic bacterial-association of in-planta podophyllotoxin biosynthesis.

Understanding the change in plant-associated microbial diversity and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in medicinal plants due to their cultivation in non-natural habitat (NNH) is important to maintain their therapeutic importance. Here, the bacterial endomicrobiome of Podophyllum hexandrum plants of natural habitat (NH; Kardang and Triloknath locations) and NNH (Palampur location) was identified and its association with the biosynthesis of podophyllotoxin (PTOX) was revealed. Rhizomes (source of PTOX) of plants of NH had highest endophytic bacterial diversity compared to NNH-plants. Presence of plant-location and tissue-specific distinct and common taxa were also identified. Acinetobacter, Ralstonia and Pseudomonas were identified as core taxa, present in plants of both NH and NNH. Predictive functional analysis of endophytic communities revealed abundant presence of genes encoding initial enzymes of PTOX biosynthesis and plant growth promotion in the rhizomes and roots of Kardang locations. Higher accumulations of secondary metabolites such as PTOX (2.78 and 2.11 folds in Kardang and Triloknath rhizomes, respectively; 1.48 and 1.71 fold in Kardang and Triloknath roots, respectively), Picropodophyllotoxin (3.08 fold in Kardang rhizomes), Quercetin (1.65 fold in Kardang and 1.32 fold in Triloknath rhizomes; 3.07-fold in Kardang and 1.60 fold in Triloknath roots) and Kaempferol (1.66 and 1.24-fold in Kardang and Triloknath rhizomes, respectively; 2.91 and 1.94-fold in Kardang and Triloknath roots, respectively) were also found in NH compared to NNH. This study provides novel insight into the change in the endomicrobiome of NH and NNH-plants and their correlation to secondary metabolites biosynthesis, and that must be considered for cultivation practices.

Formulation of Face Serum Combining Pedada Leaf Extract (Sonneratia caseolaris L.) and Kencur Rhizome Extract (Kaempferia galanga L.) As an Antioxidant Cosmetic Preparation

Plants containing natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity have the potential to be utilized and formulated into cosmetic products. Pedada (Sonneratia caseolaris L.) leaves, a type of mangrove plant and aromatic ginger (Kaempferia galanga L.) rhizomes are two plants known for their high antioxidant activity. This study aimed to formulate facial serum using a combination of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizome extracts and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the formulations. The extraction of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizomes was performed using the maceration method with 96% ethanol. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH method. The facial serum was formulated with combinations of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizomes in ratios of 1:1 (F1), 2:1 (F2), and 3:1 (F3). The serum formulations were evaluated for organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, stability, and irritation potential. The results indicated that the IC50 values of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizome extracts were 10.78 ppm and 634.41 ppm, respectively. The best combination was a 3:1 ratio, which yielded an IC50 value of 15.74 ppm. The most effective serum formulation was F2, with an IC50 value of 394.98 ppm. The pH values of serums F0, F2, and F3 were 6.23, 5.72, and 5.43, respectively, and the stability test at 5°C, 28°C, and 40°C for three months showed pH values ranging from 4.5 to 6.5. The viscosity values of serums F0, F2, and F3 were 655, 1810, and 2776 cps, respectively. Acute dermal irritation tests on rabbits indicated that serum formulations F2 and F3 showed no adverse responses

Growth, yield and secondary metabolite elicitation in response to chitosan application in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Curcuma longa L., is a rhizomatous, herbaceous plant belonging to Zingiberaceae family and has a wide range of pharmacological activities and cosmetic industrial value. Chitosan, extracted from fungal cell wall and crustacean shells is an emerging plant biostimulant that evokes growth promotion and metabolite elicitation. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different concentrations and frequencies of foliar application of chitosan on plant growth, yield and secondary metabolite production in turmeric varieties, Sobha and Sona. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The treatments included, F1: Chitosan 1 g/L monthly, F2: Chitosan 2 g/L monthly, F3: Chitosan 3 g/L bimonthly, F4: Chitosan 4 g/L bimonthly, F5: Chitosan 4 g/L trimonthly, F6: Chitosan 5 g/L trimonthly, Cp: Primed control and C: Unprimed control. The growth parameters were recorded at 6 months after transplanting (MAT) and yield at harvest. Curcumin content was analysed through HPTLC and expression profile of curcumin synthase gene was carried out by Quantitative Real-time PCR. Among the treatments, monthly application of Chitosan 2 g/L was observed to give better results in terms of plant height, leaf area, shoot weight and rhizome spread at 6 MAT. Monthly application of Chitosan 2 g/L, F2 and bimonthly application of Chitosan 4 g/L, F4 recorded significantly higher fresh rhizome yield per plant in variety Sobha (312.89 g and 322.85 g, respectively) and Sona (286.37 g and 284.06 g, respectively). Monthly application of Chitosan 2 g L-1 (F2) recorded a significantly higher curcumin content. The curcumin content enhanced by 89 % in Sobha and 54 % in Sona over the unprimed control. Chitosan treatment enhanced the expression of curcumin synthase gene by 1.48 fold in Sobha and 1.77 fold in Sona over control. Thus, monthly foliar application of chitosan 2 g/L gave better growth, yield, curcumin production and regulate curcumin synthase gene expression in turmeric in comparison to other frequencies and concentrations of chitosan.

Phytochemical profiling of Mango ginger (Curcuma amada): A comprehensive review of bioactive compounds and health implications

Mango ginger (Curcuma amada) is a rhizomatous plant of the Zingiberaceae family and has gained considerable attention because of its unique flavor and potential health benefits. The plant was widespread throughout the tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia in both wild and cultivated environments for its cure for respiratory, skin, and digestive diseases. Traditionally, mango ginger has been utilized in various ethnic medicinal practices and documented in classical medical texts such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha for its therapeutic properties, including the treatment of respiratory disorders, digestive issues, and skin ailments. Phytochemical analyses have shown various bioactive compounds, including curcuminoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which possess various biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. This review presents an in-depth review of the prevalence, distribution, traditional uses, and phytochemical characteristics of mango ginger while emphasizing its pharmacological potential. It also highlights the requirement for future research to uncover the molecular mechanisms involved in producing therapeutic effects to improve delivery methods, and to explore possible synergies with other bioactive compounds. Its findings provide evidence supportive of the development into a functional food, dietary supplement, and medicinal agent. This review synthesizes existing research on the phytochemical profiling of mango ginger, focusing on its bioactive compounds and applications in various industries.

K-means Clustering assisted ATR-FTIR study for rapid quality evaluation of arrowroot starch

To solve the issues, arise in quality evaluation of arrowroot starch due to substitution and adulteration, rapid and robust k means assisted Attenuated Total Reflectance -Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) method is developed. Arrowroot starch, locally known as “Aerukka” or “Hulankeeriya” is the rhizomes of plants, Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. (Zingiberaceae) and Maranta arundinacea Linn. (Marantaceae). Here, ATR-FTIR technique was used to assess the arrowroot starch samples. All the samples were first analyzed in transmittance mode and the spectrum of respective samples was recorded. Resultant unique fingerprint region data was then treated with K-means clustering of machine learning. Coding for K-means clustering was executed in python. K-means is the fastest unsupervised machine learning algorithm to break down data points into groups even when very little information is available and it effectively organizing and extracting insights from complex datasets. The results showcase the effectiveness of K-means clustering as a valuable tool in analytical procedures, aiding in data-driven decision-making, and facilitating meaningful data interpretations which has distinguished all the samples in three different groups. This rapid method can be used as a routine tool to differentiate samples of arrowroot starch from its adulterants and substitutes for their quality assessment.

Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential of Su‘ad Kūfī (Cyperus rotundus L.): An Insight

Background: Cyperus rotundus, an important medicinal plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family, is therapeutically used in many traditional systems of medicine, such as Unani medicine, Ayurveda, Siddha, Homeopathy, Chinese medicine, etc. Aim: The prime goal of this review is to provide a scientific basis and classical references for clinical use and further scientific exploration of Cyperus rotundus. Materials and Methods: This systemic review was carried out after searching Unani classical and other ethnobotanical literature and published research work available on PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Research Gate, etc. Results: Cyperus rotundus L. is the accepted botanical name of Su'ad Kūfī, Nagarmotha, or Nutgrass as referred in Unani and other traditional medicines. It is grown in India, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Pacific Islands, South America, Africa, the Middle East, North America, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Usually, the rhizome of this important medicinal plant is therapeutically used for various ailments, including indigestion, constipation, dysentery, neurogenic gastralgia, skin diseases, mental weakness, cardiac weakness, nervine weakness, palpitation, weakness of stomach, flatulence, retention of urine, amenorrhea, dribbling of urine, etc. It contains many important secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, sitosterol, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, essential oils, sugar, protein, amino acids, etc., which have been reported to possess antibacterial, anti-tumour, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, antimalarial, anti-obesity, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective pharmacological activities. Conclusion: It is concluded that abundant bioactive compounds identified and separated from Cyperus rotundus possess potential medicinal values on different systems of the body.

Unveiling flavonoids in Alpinia species indigenous to Thailand and their relevance with radical scavenging potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities

The rhizomes of plants in the genus Alpinia (Zingiberaceae) have been used as food, spices, and traditional medicine in Thailand. The crude ethanolic extracts from the fresh rhizomes of selected Alpinia species, including A. galanga var. galanga, A. galanga var. pyramidata, A. oxymitra, and A. siamensis, were proposed to be explored for their active principles and in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic performance. The fresh rhizomes were extracted with 95% ethanol using a Soxhlet apparatus, and crude extracts were subsequently analyzed for amounts of flavonoids using quercetin and kaempferol as chemical markers by high-performance liquid chromatography. All flavonoid-containing extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant and antidiabetic effects using free radical scavenging and α-glucosidase inhibitory tests. The results demonstrated that the examined extracts included active flavonoid markers, predominantly quercetin, which ranged from 11.05% to 13.79% w/w and was approximately 10 times more prevalent than kaempferol. Extracts that consisted of these active flavonoids exhibited strong antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Pearson’s correlation study was used to determine the association between flavonoid quantity and possessed activities. The findings indicated a substantial correlation between quercetin levels and free radical scavenging activity. This work implies that raw ethanolic extracts from the fresh rhizomes of these rare Alpinia plants have the potential to be developed into functional nourishment and remedies that could benefit diabetics in alternative ways.

Improving Dynamic Performance of a Small Rhizome Chinese Herbs Harvesting Machine via Analysis, Testing, and Experimentation

The small rhizome Chinese herbal medicine harvesting machine is used for excavating the underground rhizomes of Chinese medicinal plants. The reliability of an existing machine of this type was found to be suboptimal due to high vibration levels, as confirmed by direct measurements. To remedy this issue, the differential equation of motion was derived, solved, and visualized using MATLAB software (R2017a). The impact of various parameters on the equation of motion was analyzed through both time and frequency domain plots, as well as experimental analysis. The parameters studied included the rotational speed of the tractor’s power take-off (PTO) shaft, the machine’s overall mass and stiffness, the transmission ratio, and the excitation force generated by the machine’s reciprocating parts. To reduce vibration in the non-resonant state and avoid resonance as the natural frequency changes, several modifications were necessary: the PTO speed needed to be controlled, the stiffness of the machine had to be increased, and the mass of the reciprocating parts had to be decreased. Additionally, expanding the transmission-ratio range of the operational machinery was essential. Sandbags were added to the machine’s frame to increase its overall mass. The above measures have reduced the vibration speed of the harvester during operation. The vibration speeds Vmax and VRMS of the harvester under both working and non-working conditions have decreased by half compared to their original values, reducing the occurrence of resonance in the harvester and effectively mitigating vibration damage, thereby enhancing operational reliability.

Abiotic stress response of medicinally potential Curcuma spp. in changing climate: Do we have enough clues?

Abstract Changing climate imposes abiotic stress factors, including salinity, flood, drought, high and low temperature, and light as well as heavy metals on medicinal plants. Plants respond to stress in terms of growth and biosynthesis of metabolites. The rhizomatous genus Curcuma has been extensively used in traditional or folk medicine worldwide and its therapeutic potential relies on its phyto-constituents. A discrete array of literature depicts negative effects on growth and alterations in yield of secondary metabolites under abiotic stress. However, one complete and precise document on the response of Curcuma spp. towards abiotic stress and their molecular mechanism is lacking. Hence, this review has been prepared by pulling together the published information on the abiotic stress response as well as the future research prospects on the Curcuma spp. along with other related rhizomatous plants of the family Zingiberaceae, to obtain prospective clues on possible responses of these medicinally potential species in the verge of changing climate. We have also highlighted the stress mitigation strategies employed by these plants in the light of available literature and by comparing with information on related species of Zingiberaceae family. We have focused on the urgency of multiomics approaches to find out the genetic and biochemical strategies of Curcuma spp. to cope with stress as well as emphasized for conservation of rare and endangered species of Curcuma. This review will be helpful for plant physiologists, farmers, pharmaceutical industries, and policy makers, to implement better plans and policies regarding uninterrupted commercial yield of Curcuma secondary metabolites in changing climate.

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Activity against Acne-Causing Bacteria and Phytochemical Analysis of Galangal (Alpinia galanga) and Bitter Ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) Extracts.

Galangal (Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd) and bitter ginger (Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe) are aromatic rhizomatous plants that are typically used for culinary purposes. These rhizomatous plants have many biological properties and the potential to be beneficial for pharmaceutics. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, with a specific focus on acne-causing bacteria, as well as the phytochemical constituents, of different parts of galangal and bitter ginger. The rhizomes, stems, and leaves of galangal and bitter ginger were separately dried for absolute ethanol and methanol extractions. The extracts were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity using a DPPH radical scavenging assay (0.005-5000 μg/mL), antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria (0.50-31.68 mg/mL), and in vitro cytotoxicity toward human keratinocytes and fibroblasts (62.5-1000 μg/mL), as well as analyses of bioactive phytochemicals via GC-MS and LC-MS/MS (500 ppm). The ethanol and methanol extracts of bitter ginger and galangal's rhizomes (BRhE, BRhM, GRhE, and GRhM), stems (BStE, BStM, GRhE, and GRhM), and leaves (BLeE, BLeM, GLeE, and GLeM), respectively, showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The extracts of all parts of bitter ginger and galangal were greatly antioxidative with 0.06-1.42 mg/mL for the IC50 values, while most of the extracts were strongly antimicrobial against C. acnes DMST 14916, particularly BRhM, BRhE, GRhM, and GRhE (MICs: 3.96-7.92 mg/mL). These rhizome extracts had also antimicrobial activities against S. aureus TISTR 746 (MICs: 7.92-31.68 mg/mL) and S. epidermidis TISTR 518 (MICs: 7.92-15.84 mg/mL). The extracts of bitter ginger and galangal rhizomes were not toxic to HaCaT and MRC-5 even at the highest concentrations. Through GC-MS and LC-MS/MS analysis, phytochemicals in bitter ginger rhizome extracts, including zerumbone, tectorigenin, piperic acid, demethoxycurcumin, and cirsimaritin, and galangal rhizome extracts, including sweroside and neobavaisoflavone, were expected to provide the antioxidant and anti-microbial activities. Therefore, the results suggest that the bitter ginger and galangal extracts could be natural anti-acne compounds with potential for pharmaceutic, cosmetic, and aesthetic applications.

Enhancing Citrus Resilience: Strategies and Advances in Abiotic Stress Management: A Review

Citrus, a major global agricultural crop is highly valued for its nutritional benefits and widespread consumption. However, as a subtropical plant, citrus is particularly sensitive to abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, waterlogging, nutrient deficiency, high irradiance and cold temperatures. These stresses pose significant challenges to citriculture, reducing yield and fruit quality. Traditional methods like rootstock selection and plant breeding have been used to improve stress tolerance to some extent. Recent advancements in genetic engineering and biotechnology have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind stress tolerance. Identifying and isolating specific genes and transcription factors have led to novel agricultural practices that economically benefit citriculture and mitigate the adverse effects of abiotic stress. This review paper emphasizes and summarises the citrus responses to abiotic stress and strategies developed to enhance stress tolerance in citrus plants.

Eco-friendly Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Elephantorrhiza elephantina: Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Surrogate Models

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively-drug resistant (XDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains have scampered efforts to arrest the tuberculosis (TB) pandemic due to treatment failures based on current drugs. The need for novel therapeutics has never been more urgent. Research is leaning towards alternative composite antimicrobials such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Elephantorrhiza elephantina (E. elephantina) is an indigenous Southern African rhizomatous plant which has been used for eons in African traditional medicine for the management of TB. The purpose of this study was to biosynthesize and characterize AgNps using E. elephantina, and to evaluate their antimicrobial effectiveness against surrogate MTB species. The study also sought to screen for the participating secondary metabolites in E. elephantina acting as bio reducing, capping and stabilising agents; and to determine the toxicity of the lyophilised root extract in vivo. Qualitative phytochemical screening techniques confirmed the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites with functional groups capable of mediating in the biosynthesis of AgNPs. UV-Vis spectrometry established the identity of the nanostructures as AgNPs. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering confirmed the AgNPs to have an average size of 44 nm, with spherical and cubic morphologies. The biosynthesised AgNPs were potent inhibitors of the model MTB species with an MIC of 19.53 µg/mL, and inhibition zones of 20mm and 18mm against Mycolicibacterium aurum and Mycolicibacterium smegmatis respectively at their MICs. Oral toxicity evaluations based on OECD guideline 425 determined the LD50 of the lyophilised E. elephantina root extract to be safe above 4000mg/kg body weight. The study concluded that biosynthesized AgNPs from E. elephantina root extract, using a one-pot green-synthesis technique, were both safe and effective, offering a promising alternative therapeutic strategy for combating multidrug-resistant TB.

Investigating the Potential of Indica Canna Rhizome for Bioethanol Production

Madagascar's energy landscape is heavily reliant on finite fossil fuels and charcoal, raising concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. The burgeoning industrial sector and escalating energy demands necessitate a shift towards eco-friendly and renewable alternatives. This research delves into the potential of Canna indica, a rhizomatous plant, for bioethanol production.Bioethanol extraction was achieved by harnessing the starch content of Canna indica rhizomes through a multi-step process involving enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation. The starch content of the peeled dry extract was found to be 74.5% basis on dry matter, yielding 72.30 ml of bioethanol ranging from 6° to 45°. The unpeeled dry extract produced 64.67 ml of bioethanol ranging from 5° to 30°, while the fresh rhizome yielded 64.79 ml of bioethanol ranging from 6° to 44°. The remaining waste biomass, including leaves, stems, and distillation residues, was utilized for the production of biochar and briquettes, as detailed in another article.

Formulation of Lotion with Ethanol Extract of Curcuma manga Val. as UV B Sunscreen and Activity Test using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry

Temu mango (Curcuma manga Val) is a rhizome plant native to Indonesia that contains curcuminoid and flavonoid antioxidant compounds. These compounds are thought to have activity as UV light protectors, especially UV B. This study uses a qualitative test of the compound content in temu mango followed by formulation and activity testing of water in oil (w/o) sunscreen lotion of temu mango in vitro. Optimization of w/o lotion formulation uses Design Expert® (DE) software version 9.0.4.1 with the Simplex Lattice Design method. The DE software obtained 13 runs of w/o lotion formula and continued with physical properties evaluation to determine the optimum formula. The optimum formula of lotion w/o predicted by DE software was tested for physical stability for four weeks, SPF test, percent pigmentation, and percent erythema using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The results of the study show that temu mango extract was found to provide an SPF value at a concentration of 0.3 mg/mL with an SPF value of 16.62. The results of the optimum formula of lotion w/o were 7%glycerin, 7% cera alba, 5% cetyl alcohol with a value of stickiness of 0.70 ± 0.03 seconds, spreadability of 13.20 ± 0.83 cm2, and viscosity of 95.19 ± 3.06 dPa.s. Referring to the storage results, the optimum formula of w/o lotion from temu mango extract was stable during one month of storage. The w/o lotion in the optimum formula produced an SPF value of 15.06 ± 0.39, percent erythema of 10.95%, and percent pigmentation of 10.41%.

Karakter Morfologi Dan Hubungan Kekerabatan Pada Tanaman Jahe (Zingiber officinale) di Kabupaten Garut

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the spice plants used for cooking or traditional medicine in Indonesia. Ginger variations are highly diverse in the Garut region, hence there is a need for the characterization of ginger plants to identify the germplasm present in the Garut area. This research was conducted at several points in the Garut region by observing the morphological characteristics of ginger based on Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. The morphological characteristics observed include overall plant morphology, including stem, leaves, and rhizomes. After the data were collected based on predetermined criteria according to descriptors, the data were processed using NTSYS 2.1 to determine the relatedness of the ginger varieties found. Based on the analysis of the dendrogram results, it is shown that among the red ginger varieties (A1 and A5), there is a coefficient value of 0.65, indicating a high similarity in properties. Elephant ginger (A3, A2) and emprit ginger (A6) have a coefficient value of 0.45, indicating a close relatedness between elephant ginger and red ginger, while elephant ginger (A4 and A7) has a coefficient value of 0.50, indicating close relatedness.

Anti-inflammatory Capacity of a Medicinal herb extract, Anemarrhena asphodeloides, on In vivo and In vitro models-induced atopic dermatitis

Anemarrhena asphodeloides (AA) Bunge, a rhizomatous plant from the Liliaceae family, is traditionally utilized to manage inflammatory conditions. Nevertheless, its impact on atopic dermatitis (AD) and the associated molecular pathways have not yet been fully explored. This study explored the therapeutic effects of AA on AD both in vivo, using 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced NC/Nga mice, and in vitro, with tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. Topical application of AA ointment on the dorsal skin notably alleviated AD symptoms and skin lesions, enhanced the dermatitis score, and improved parameters such as the rate of trans-epidermal water loss, epidermal thickness, mast cell infiltration, systemic IgE levels, and cytokine expression. Furthermore, AA treatment significantly reduced serum levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and locally suppressed mRNA expression of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) along with other relevant cytokines in affected skin. Both in vivo and in vitro applications of AA curtailed TSLP levels by inhibiting the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6, a key regulator of pruritus and an initiator of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Additionally, AA affected the expression of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis/fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14, a pathway of interest in the study of cutaneous inflammatory diseases. Collectively, these findings propose that AA holds potential as an effective therapeutic agent for treating AD-induced skin inflammation.

Evaluation of the remediation effect of solid waste synergistic materials on heavy metal-contaminated soil

In this study, we investigated the effect of various solid waste materials such as fly ash (CFA), steel slag, and kaolinite on the simultaneous stabilization of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the soil of abandoned lead-smelting slag plant. Synchronous stabilization of HMs in highly contaminated soils was achieved using the application of 29 % formulated material Fe/Ca-Si based co-remediation material (FCS) with a ratio of FeSO4 + CFA + kaolinite of 14 %: 12 %: 3 %, the bioavailable content of HMs As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn was reduced by 71.55 %, 49.62 %, 91.35 %, 61.37 %, and 41.45 %, respectively, and had little effect on the pH of the soil. Leaching toxicity analyses guaranteed the safety of restorative materials. The results of the field validation experiments showed that the FCS was able to effectively reduce the content of HMs in plant rhizomes and stabilized with maintenance time. European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) and Wenzel sequential extraction procedures showed that FCS promoted the transformation of HMs in soil from unstable to stable phases. The analysis of soil microbial community diversity by FCS showed that it created a favorable soil living environment for microorganisms and was conducive to the stabilization of HMs. SEM, Surface scanning analysis, XRD, and FTIR results showed that FCS reacts with HMs to form a stable phase. Cost analysis showed that it has certain economic benefits. In conclusion, FCS is feasible for soil remediation in lead-smelting slag-polluted areas and also provides a way for high value-added utilization of solid waste.

An Efficient Aqua-Based Culture Method for the Propagation of High-Quality Arundo donax Seedlings

Arundo donax (family: Poaceae) is a perennial rhizomatous plant with considerable economic and ecological benefits. The plant is characterized by its fast growth, high yield, wide adaptability, and strong disease resistance. However, widespread cultivation is difficult because A. donax can only be asexually propagated. This study tested the efficacy of an aqua-based culture method with short duration and high rooting rate. The aqua-based culture protocol involved treating cane fragments with the commercial broad-spectrum rooting powder ABT-1 (No. 1 of the ABT series) at 100 mg/L for 24 h, followed by culturing in tap water for 19 days. We found that plant materials sampled from September to February of the following year were more suitable for aqua-based culturing than materials sampled from other months. Nodes on different parts of the cane did not vary significantly in the ability to form seedlings. The rooting percentage reached >95% after only 20 days, while the sprouting percentage was >93%. The seedlings obtained were strong, with high survival rates during cultivation and acclimation. No strict requirements for the growing media were necessary to achieve these results. In conclusion, this study provides an empirical foundation for a technique that could facilitate the factory production of high-quality A. donax seedlings.