Roseus Plant Research Articles

Exploring the potential of two Pseudomonas species to produce vincristine from vinblastine via biotransformation

A biotransformation pair consisting of vinblastine: vincristine present in the Catharanthus roseus plant is of immense pharmacological significance. In this study, we successfully transformed vinblastine into vincristine outside the plant using Pseudomonas aeruginosa 8485 and Pseudomonas fluorescens 2421 and evaluated the antiangiogenic potential of thus produced vincristine through the CAM assay. The toxicity assay showed that both Pseudomonas spp. can tolerate varying concentrations (25–100 µl of 1 mg/ml) of vinblastine. The biotransformation was performed in a liquid nutrient broth medium containing vinblastine (25–100 µl), and Pseudomonas spp. inoculums (50–150 µl) by incubating at 30 °C and 37 °C, respectively for 8 days. The process was optimized for substrate and culture concentrations, pH, temperature, and rotation speed (rpm) for the highest conversion. Analysis using LC–MS/MS confirmed the presence of vincristine as a product of the vinblastine biotransformation by two Pseudomonas spp. P. fluorescens 2421 showed a faster conversion rate with 95% of vinblastine transformed within 24 h than P. aeruginosa 8485, which demonstrated a conversion rate of 92% on the 8th day. From LC–MS/MS analysis, the optimal conditions for the reaction were determined as vinblastine (25 µl), microbial inoculums (150 µl or 200 × 106 and 210 × 106 CFU/ml), pH 7.4, rotation speed of 180 rpm, and temperatures of 30 °C and 37 °C with incubation time of 8 days. The vincristine produced exhibited potent antiangiogenic activity in the CAM assay reducing the thickness and branching of blood vessels in a dose-dependent manner. The study concludes that both Pseudomonas spp. showed promise for vincristine production from vinblastine, without compromising its antiangiogenic properties.

Comparative analysis of isonicotinic acid, l-ascorbic acid and calcium chloride on the induction of innate immunity and secondary metabolite production in Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don for management of biotic and oxidative stress

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don is an ornamental and pharmacologically important plant. It contains large amount of indole alkaloids having pharmaceutical activities. Production of vinblastine and vincristine, two important anti-cancerous secondary metabolites of C. roseus, are very less and hampered due to pathogen invasion. To overcome this problem here attempt has been made to boost innate immunity and secondary metabolite production in C. roseus by foliar application of three eco-friendly elicitors viz. Calcium chloride (CaCl2), l-Ascorbic acid (L-AA) and Isonicotinic acid (INA), each at two different concentrations. Augmentation of immune responses was observed in terms of increased production of defense related enzymes like PPO (polyphenol oxidase), PO (peroxidase), PAL (phenylalanine ammonia lyase assay), and β-1,3 glucanase; defense related compound production (total flavonoid and phenol content) and antioxidant enzyme activity (ascorbate peroxidase, APX and catalase, CAT) in C. roseus plant. Increased defense responses were noted in INA (1.25 mM), l-AA (5 mM) and CaCl2 (0.5 %) treated plants compared to control. Same concentrations of elicitors were also found effective in the induction of vinblastine and vincristine production which was detected by both qualitative (using dragendroff reagent) and quantitative methods using LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). During this study, nitric oxide (NO) production was also found increased in elicitor treated plants and indicating its signaling role. Finally, challenge inoculation with Alternaria alternata showed significantly reduced disease incidence in elicitor treated plants which indicates their potentiality to combat against this pathogen.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Plant Species against the Phytopathogens Ralstonia solanacearum, Phytophthora infestans, and Neopestalotiopsis javaensis

Plants are prone to be attacked by various pathogenic microorganisms, leading to significant crop yield losses. Pesticides are used to control agricultural pathogens; however, frequently, they are toxic synthetic products. This work evaluated the antibacterial and antifungal activity of Pernettya prostrata, and Rubus roseus plant extracts against three phytopathogens Ralstonia solanacearum, Phytophthora infestans, and Neopestalotiopsis javaensis responsible for causing banana bacterial wilt, late blight y scab diseases, respectively. The extracts were obtained in methanol. The phytopathogens were isolated from diseased plants grown in Ecuador, R. solanacearum was isolated from samples of Musa paradiasiaca, P. infestans from samples of Solanum lycopersicum and N. javaensis from diseased samples of Persea americana—morphological and molecular methods identified the isolated pathogens. The antibacterial activity was determined by the microtiter broth dilution method; six serial concentrations of the extracts were tested. The antifungal activity was determined based on the effects of the plant extracts on the inhibition of radial growth of fungi; five serial concentrations of the extracts were tested. The extracts of P. prostrata and R. roseus showed activity against R. solanacearum and P. infestans with a MIC of 22.5 and 31.25 mg/mL, respectively.

Investigating the Electrochemical Properties of Alkaloids Compound Derived from Catharanthus Roseus Extract

The Catharanthus roseus plant was extracted and converted to nanoparticles in this work. The Soxhlet method was used to extract alkaloid compounds from the Catharanthus roseus plant and converted them to the nanoscale. Chitosan polymer was used as a linking material and converted to Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs). The extracted alkaloids were linked with Chitosan nanoparticles by maleic anhydride to get the final product (CSNPs-Linker-alkaloids). The pure Chitosan, Chitosan nanoparticles, and CSNPs-Linker-alkaloids were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. X-ray results show that all samples have an orthorhombic structure with crystallite size in nanodimensions. FTIR spectra prove that the P=O is the cross-linkage between chitosan and phosphate groups by ionic bond, which indicate that the Chitosan nanoparticle has been formed in the solution. FTIR spectrum for CSNPs - Linker - alkaloids appear a new distinct band at 1708.93 cm-1 which demonstrates the presence of C = O esterification. Atomic Force Microscope images of the Chitosan nanoparticles and CSNPs-Linker-alkaloids show that they have almost spherical shapes with average sizes of 90 and 92.6 nm respectively. The electroactive surface area of glassy carbon electrodes (GCE), extract plant, and Linker-alkaloids were calculated in KCl solution containing K3[Fe (CN)6]. The presence of CSNPs-Linker-alkaloids in modified glassy carbon electrodes about 3 times. The successful synthesis of organic nanoparticles from the Catharanthus roseus plant can be used safely in biosensors, environmental monitoring, and biomedical applications.

Plant extract mediated approach towards the synthesis of NiO nanoparticles: Evaluation of its antibacterial, antioxidant and photocatalytic activity

AbstractBio‐extract based nanoparticles have now become a global phenomenon. Their superior properties to the bulk material, and low cytotoxicity has made them essential component of nanotechnology. The current research was based on the phyto‐synthesised NiO nanoparticles by using Catharanthus roseus plant leaf extract. Sol gel method was used for this synthesis. The plant extract plays a significant role in the fabrication of nanoparticles. For characterization UV‐Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, FT IR analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used. They were also examined for their antibacterial properties by using agar diffusion method (ADM) against different bacteria (gram negative strain of E. coli, Pseudomonas spp. and gram positive strain of Bacillus spp.). Photocatalytic degradation proficiency was studied for bromothymol blue dye. Phytochemicals‐coated Nickel Oxide nanoparticles demonstrated antibacterial properties against bacteria (gram negative strain of E. coli, Pseudomonas spp. and gram positive strain of Bacillus spp.) by showing highest zone of inhibition (19 mm, 22 mm, 15 mm).the antioxidant activity of the synthesized nanoparticles were also examined and the result show that the fabricated nanoparticles exhibited significant radical scavenging activity. Degradation proficiency of nanoparticles for bromothymol blue dye was found to be 2.76% in sunlight (for 90 min), and 1.76% in UV light (for 90 min).

Potentiating Biosynthesis of Alkaloids and Polyphenolic Substances in Catharanthus roseus Plant Using ĸ-Carrageenan.

Catharanthus roseus is a medicinal plant that produces indole alkaloids, which are utilized in anticancer therapy. Vinblastine and vincristine, two commercially important antineoplastic alkaloids, are mostly found in the leaves of Catharanthus roseus. ĸ-carrageenan has been proven as plant growth promoting substance for a number of medicinal and agricultural plants. Considering the importance of ĸ-carrageenan as a promoter of plant growth and phytochemical constituents, especially alkaloids production in Catharanthus roseus, an experiment was carried out to explore the effect of ĸ-carrageenan on the plant growth, phytochemicals content, pigments content, and production of antitumor alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus after planting. Foliar application of ĸ-carrageenan (at 0, 400, 600 and 800 ppm) significantly improved the performance of Catharanthus roseus. Phytochemical analysis involved determining the amount of total phenolics (TP), flavonoids (F), free amino acids (FAA), alkaloids (TAC) and pigments contents by spectrophotometer, minerals by ICP, amino acids, phenolic compounds and alkaloids (Vincamine, Catharanthine, Vincracine (Vincristine), and vinblastine) analysis uses HPLC. The results indicated that all examined ĸ-carrageenan treatments led to a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in growth parameters compared to the untreated plants. Phytochemical examination indicates that the spray of ĸ-carrageenan at 800 mg L-1 increased the yield of alkaloids (Vincamine, Catharanthine and Vincracine (Vincristine)) by 41.85 μg/g DW, total phenolic compounds by 3948.6 μg gallic/g FW, the content of flavonoids 951.3 μg quercetin /g FW and carotenoids content 32.97 mg/g FW as compared to the control. An amount of 400 ppm ĸ-carrageenan treatment gave the best contents of FAA, Chl a, Chl b and anthocyanin. The element content of K, Ca, Cu, Zn and Se increased by treatments. Amino acids constituents and phenolics compounds contents were altered by ĸ-carrageenan.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoparticles Extracted from <i>Catharanthus roseus</i> Plant

The Catharanthus roseus plant was extracted and converted to nanoparticles in this work. The Soxhlet method extracted alkaloid compounds from the plant Catharanthus roseus and converted them to the nanoscale. Chitosan polymer was used as a linking material and converted to Chitosan nanoparticles using Sodium TriPolyPhosphate (STPP). The extracted alkaloids were linked with Chitosan nanoparticles CSNPs by maleic anhydride to get the final product (CSNPs- Linker- alkaloids). The synthesized (CSNPs- Linker- alkaloids) was characterized using SEM spectroscopy UV–Vis., Zeta Potential, and HPLC High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis shows that the Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) have small dimensions with regular spherical and nanotube shapes of a diameter range of (49 - 70) nm. The final product (CSNPs- Linker- alkaloids) has two shapes (spherical particles and tubes) in nano dimensions and is close to each other compared to normal Chitosan. The absorption peaks for Chitosan (CS), Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs), Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs), and maleic anhydride revealed that converting Chitosan to Chitosan nanoparticles and mixing it with the plant extract, led to an increase in the absorption value and wavelength range. Also, the appearance of two peaks at 222 nm and 402 nm nano instead of the peak of Chitosan at 289.9 nm. Zeta Potential results of CSNPs- Linker- alkaloids showed that the extract of the nano-alkaloids bound to chitosan nanoparticles carries a positive charge of 54.4 mV. This surface charge is essential in maintaining the colloidal solution's stability in its natural form without changing. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to estimate qualitative and quantitative plants extracted from Catharanthus roseus. Quantitative HPLC results show that Catharanthus roseus contains a good and acceptable concentration of Vinblastine, Vincristine, Vinorelbine, Vincamine, and Vintafolide (66.75, 242.91, 0.7, 83.77, 42.34) ppm respectively. The qualitative results show a good match for the influential groups of pure standard vincristine and alcoholic extract and dry powder of the Catharanthus roseus plant. The successful synthesis of nanoparticles from the Catharanthus roseus plant can be used in biosensors and biomedical applications.

Mycotoxins Extracted from Exophytic and Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Catharanthus roseus Plant and Their Toxicity Effect

Mycotoxins Extracted from Exophytic and Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Catharanthus roseus Plant and Their Toxicity Effect

Effect Combination of Catharanthus roseus and Phyllanthus urinaria Extract on Mice BALB/c Breast Cancer Models Based on T-regulator Cells Expression

CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ is a regulatory T cell that plays a role in the body's tolerant system to control activated effector cells. T regulatory plays an important role as a trigger for tumor progressiveness, where an increase in the amount of T regulatory FOXP3 in the tumor state correlates with a poor prognosis. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that tends to increase every year. The purpose of this study was to study the influence of a combination of Phyllanthus urinaria and Catharanthus roseus plant extracts on CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ modulation. Mice was injected subcutaneously with the carcinogen compound DMBA for six weeks at 0.015 mg/kg weight. The study design was conducted using a complete random design (RAL) which was divided into six groups namely healthy (normal) control, cancer control (DMBA injection), Cisplatin and a combination of extracts with three different doses (dose 1 (Phyllanthus urinaria 500 weight and Catharanthus roseus 75mg/kg weight) and dose 3 (Phyllanthus urinary 2000mg/kg weight and Catharanthus roseus 375mg/kg weight). The relative number of T regulatory cells is measured using flow cytometry analysis. The measurements were made using the Cell Quest ProTM program. Statistics analyze using one way ANOVA (p<0.05). Tukey HSD analysis with SPSS 26 software used to analyze real differences between treatments. A relative increase in CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ occurs in cancer control. While the decrease occurred in every treatment except in the dose group 1. The optimal dose to reduce CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ amounts significantly occurred in the dose group 3. This indicates the influence of a combination of Phyllanthus urinaria and Catharanthus roseus on CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ differentiation. Keywords: breast cancer, Catharanthus roseus, CD4+CD25+FOXP3+, Phyllanthus urinaria,

Comparative study of green synthesised sulphur nanoparticles in different acidic media

Sulphur nanoparticles (SNPs) are of great importance, due to their tremendous use in agriculture and industries. In the present work, a comparative study has been conducted to find the most suitable combination to produce desired sulphur nanoparticles, using different acidic mediums along with different green surfactants. An eco-friendly and benign method has been discussed here for the synthesis of SNPs using two different acidic mediums (citric acid and oxalic acid). Catharanthus roseus and Aloevera plant extracts have been taken as stabilising and capping agents in the process. A series of characterisation techniques have been carried out such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–vis for morphological, structural and optical study. UV–vis absorption spectra have shown that the absorption peak is in the range of 287−296 nm for all the synthesised nanoparticles and confirm the formation of SNPs. XRD data has revealed the crystalline nature of SNPs and the smallest crystalline size of 69 nm for oxalic acid with Aloevera leaf extract. It has been observed that the size reduces due to the bonding/ adsorption of biomolecules at the surface of SNPs. Aloevera leaf extract gives the maximum adsorption as conveyed by the FTIR graph. The morphology and uniformity of SNPs are observed using the scanning electron microscope. SNPs synthesised using citric acid as a reducing agent have been found spherical in shape while the ones synthesised using oxalic acid are hexagonal. The study reveals that the SNPs synthesised using Aloevera and oxalic acid are more uniform and monodispersed.

Antibacterial and Dye Degradation Activity of Green Synthesized Iron Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles have a wide range of applications in various fields such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extract is a very efficient, cost‐effective, useful, and environmentally friendly method. A plant extract acts as a reducing agent in the formation of nanoparticles. Catharanthus roseus is one of the potential plants for biosynthesis of nanoparticles due to its easy availability. In the present study, the Catharanthus roseus plant extract was used to synthesize iron nanoparticles. UV‐vis spectroscopy, DLS, and FTIR were performed for characterization of synthesized nanoparticles. Further antibacterial and dye degrading properties of synthesized iron nanoparticles have been investigated. It was found that Catharanthus roseus‐synthesized iron nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and dye degradation activity against methyl orange dye.

Performance evaluation of the integrated hydroponics-microbial electrochemical technology (iHydroMET) for decentralized domestic wastewater treatment

Here we report on the performance of the integrated drip hydroponics-microbial electrochemical technology (iHydroMET) for decentralized management of domestic wastewater at the household level. The study focused on optimizing the iHydroMET reactor components, followed by its performance evaluation for domestic wastewater treatment at different feed volumes. Based on the reactor components optimization work, granular activated charcoal:cocopeat (20:80) combination for bed matrix, 75% immersed cathode in effluent configuration, and Catharanthus roseus plant were selected for further experiments. The iHydroMET system with the optimized reactor components achieved efficient removal of organic matter (up to 93%) and turbidity (up to 98%) but minimal total nitrogen (<24%) and total phosphorous (<8%) removal after 24 h with 10 L of feed volume. It also removed the contaminants of emerging concern, such as sterols, at >95% efficiency. The UV-treated effluent (<2 MPN/100 mL) with considerable concentrations of N (∼34 mg/L) and P (∼5 mg/L) nutrients qualifies the standards for agricultural use and landscape irrigation purposes and contribute to lowering the burden on freshwater usage. The system also produced a power density of 30.3 mW/m2. Cultivation of evergreen C. roseus, a high aesthetic value ornamental and medicinal plant, further adds to ecological and environmental benefits of the iHydroMET technology. Further modifications in system operation like creating a saturation zone in the reactor units might improve the electric output and result in sufficient removal of nutrients, making the use of effluent for flushing and other purposes possible in households.

Induction of Catharanthus roseus Secondary Metabolites When Calotropis procera Was Used as Bio-Stimulant.

Available information associated with Calotropis procera posted its phytotoxic effect as bio-herbicide scarce works studied its stimulatory/nutritive effect. A pot experiment was performed to assess the validity of using Calotropis procera (C. procera) leaves extract as a bio-stimulant for the growth and quality of a medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus) evaluated by some physio-biochemical indices. Different types of C. procera leaves extracts (CLEs) (methanolic, cold water and autoclaved water extracts) were delivered by two different modes of application. The results revealed that application of CLEs as irrigation or foliar spraying caused a stimulation effect on C. roseus plant. Root and shoot length, dry and fresh weight were significantly improved due to CLEs applications. C. roseus bioactive molecules such as anthocyanins, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione and α-tocopherol were abundance increased significantly with CLEs applications. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased explaining the involvement of CLEs in induction of antioxidant enzymes catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, guaiacol peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase for modifying cell oxidative status witnessed by lower lipid peroxidation that kept below the untreated plants’ baseline reflected the improvement of growth and quality rather than phytotoxic effect. The promotion of wholesome-promoting secondary metabolites by CLEs was closely correlated to elevated phenylalanineammonialyase activity. The comparable efficient effect induced by all treatments might be judged by the relation between C. procera phytochemicals and C. roseus metabolism (donor-receiver relation). It is concluded that application of CLEs can be a promising approach for improving the yield and quality of plants despite using polluting fertilizers. The current investigation may provide a matrix for coming studies to seek illustration of numerous plants’ response to C. procera extracts.

ZCTs knockdown using antisense LNA GapmeR in specialized photomixotrophic cell suspensions of Catharanthus roseus: Rerouting the flux towards mono and dimeric indole alkaloids.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01017-y.

ISOLATE ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI FROM LOCAL CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS AND ANALYZE THEIR EXTRACELLULAR ENZYME ACTIVITIES

Endophytic microbia are known as natural sources for producing valuable enzymes. In this study, four endophytic fungi were isolated from roots of local Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don var. roseus (purple flower) and C. roseus var. ocellatus (red stamens white flower) widely grown in Nha Trang. They were identified as Fusarium solani RN1, Chaetomium funicola RN3, Penicillium rugulosum RN4 and Chaetomium homopilatum WN1 based on morphologies colonies and spores. The activity analysis of their extracellular enzymes indicted all isolated endophytic fungi are able to produce protease, cellulose, xylanase as well as amylase. This is the first report on the endophytic fungi inhabited in C. roseus plant growing in the coastal regions of Vietnam, which could provide an attractive source for bioactive enzyme exploitation.

Endophytic consortium with growth-promoting and alkaloid enhancing capabilities enhance key terpenoid indole alkaloids of Catharanthus roseus in the winter and summer seasons

Catharanthus roseus produces medicinally important terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) such as vindoline, vinblastine, and vincristine, but in very small amounts. The various microbial consortium consisting of plant growth-promoting and alkaloid enhancing endophytes were developed in order to enhance the overall productivity of such pharmaceutically important alkaloids. Furthermore, we attempted to identify the endophytic consortia suitable to maximally improve the content and yield of TIAs in field-grown C. roseus cultivars during the winter and summer seasons. The consortium, CATDLF5 + CATPS2 (Curvularia sp.+Bacillus pumilis), improves leaf weight in all C. roseus cultivars during winter and summer. On the alkaloids front, the consortium, CATDLF5 + CATPS2, maximally enhanced the vindoline content and yield in C. roseus cvs. Prabal and Nirmal during both winter and summer seasons; but different consortia were effective for improving vindoline content and yield in cv. Dhawal during different seasons. Whereas co-inoculation of CATDLF6 + CATPR13 (Choanephora infundibulifera + Paenibacillus sp.) and CATDLF5 + CATPS2 consortium maximally enhanced vindoline content and yield, respectively, in C. roseus cv. Dhawal during winter; but during summer, CATDLF6 + V3 (Choanephora infundibulifera + Micrococcus sp.) maximally increased both vindoline content and yield in C. roseus cv. Dhawal. The presence of vincristine and vinblastine are maximally detected in C. roseus plants during summer season. The consortium of CATDLF5 + CATPR13 (Curvularia sp. + Paenibacillus sp.) maximally enhanced the content as well as yield of vincristine and vinblastine in C. roseus cvs. Prabal and Nirmal plants, while CATDLF6 + CATPR13 inoculation showed maximal improvement in the content and yield of vinblastine and vincristine in C. roseus cv. Dhawal plants. This study identifies the best combination of endophytes that can maximize the plant growth and TIAs yield in various C. roseus plant cultivars under field conditions for both winter and summer seasons.

Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles from Rumex roseus Plant Extract and Their Application in Electrochemical Sensors.

The room-temperature synthesis of silver (AgNPs) and gold (AuNPs) nanoparticles from aqueous solution of AgNO3 and HAuCl4 respectively, using Rumex roseus (RR) plant extract as a reducing agent, is reported here for the first time. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The formation of nanoparticles with spherical-shaped morphology was verified by TEM and confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy through the analysis of Ag and Au plasmon resonance peak and DLS measurements. New electrochemical sensors have been developed by employing the synthesized Ag and Au nanoparticles as modifiers of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), respectively. The AgNPs-modified GCE was investigated for the electrochemical determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Further enhancement of electrochemical performances was obtained using a nanocomposite made of AgNPs and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-modified GCE. The AuNPs-SPCE sensor was instead tested in the electrochemical sensing of riboflavin (RF). To our knowledge, this is the first paper reporting Rumex roseus plant extract as a source for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles and their use for developing simple, sensitive and reliable electrochemical sensors for H2O2 and RF.

Visualizing vinca alkaloids in the petal of Catharanthus roseus using functionalized titanium oxide nanowire substrate for surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry.

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is a powerful technique that enables analysis of various molecular species at a high spatial resolution with low detection limits. In contrast to the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) approach, surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI) can be more effective in the detection of small molecules due to the absence of interfering background signals in low m/z ranges. We developed a functionalized TiO2 nanowire as a solid substrate for IMS of low-molecular-weight species in plant tissues. We prepared TiO2 nanowires using an inexpensive modified hydrothermal process and subsequently functionalized them chemically with various silane analogs to overcome the problem of superhydrophilicity of the substrate. Chemical modification changed the selectivity of imprinting of samples deposited on the substrate surface and thus improved the detection limits. The substrate was applied to image distribution of the metabolites in very fragile specimens such as the petal of Catharanthus roseus. We observed that the metabolites are distributed heterogeneously in the petal, which is consistent with previous results reported for the C. roseus plant leaf and stem. The intermediates corresponding to the biosynthesis pathway of some vinca alkaloids were clearly shown in the petal. We also performed profiling of petals from five different cultivars of C. roseus plant. We verified the semi-quantitative capabilities of the imprinting/imaging approach by comparing results using the LC-MS analysis of the plant extracts. This suggested that the functionalized TiO2 nanowire substrate-based SALDI is a powerful technique complementary to MALDI-MS.

Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles from Catharanthus Roseus Plant Leaf Extract and Its Investigation

Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles from Catharanthus Roseus Plant Leaf Extract and Its Investigation

In Vitro Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Effects of Different Extracts of Catharanthus roseus and Its Indole Alkaloid, Vindoline.

The Catharanthus roseus plant has been used traditionally to treat diabetes mellitus. Scientific evidence supporting the antidiabetic effects of this plant’s active ingredient-vindoline has not been fully evaluated. In this study, extracts of C. roseus and vindoline were tested for antioxidant activities, alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory activities and insulin secretory effects in pancreatic RIN-5F cell line cultured in the absence of glucose, at low and high glucose concentrations. The methanolic extract of the plant showed the highest antioxidant activities in addition to the high total polyphenolic content (p < 0.05). The HPLC results exhibited increased concentration of vindoline in the dichloromethane and the ethylacetate extracts. Vindoline showed noticeable antioxidant activity when compared to ascorbic acid at p < 0.05 and significantly improved the in vitro insulin secretion. The intracellular reactive oxygen species formation in glucotoxicity-induced cells was significantly reduced following treatment with vindoline, methanolic and the dichloromethane extracts when compared to the high glucose untreated control (p < 0.05). Plant extracts and vindoline showed weaker inhibitory effects on the activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes when compared to acarbose, which inhibited the activities of the enzymes by 80%. The plant extracts also exhibited weak alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory effects.