Diurnal conditions, genetic background, and climatic factors, together with within-plant microenvironments, can alter the accumulation of secondary metabolites, leading to variability in plant volatile oils (VOs). In this study, the effects of time of day and vertical canopy position on VO yield and chemical profile were investigated in Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. (syn. Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves at the onset of flowering. Leaves were collected at 06:00, 12:00, and 18:00 from the lower, middle, and upper thirds of the canopy; composite samples were prepared per canopy stratum and sampling time, hydrodistilled, and analyzed by GC–MS. VO yield showed a clear positional pattern, increasing from the lower to the upper canopy across all sampling times, and ranged from 0.43% to 0.75% (v/w, DW basis). Overall, 71 constituents were identified, and the number of detected compounds varied across treatments (55–68), with the lowest richness observed in the upper third at midday. Across all samples, the VO profile was consistently dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons, whereas sesquiterpene-related fractions exhibited more pronounced time- and stratum-dependent variation. Among major constituents, camphor remained prominent but varied substantially (6.71–15.59%), with a marked minimum in the middle third at midday and a maximum in the upper third in the morning. Other abundant constituents also showed treatment-dependent redistribution, including cis-verbenone (10.48–17.94%), borneol (8.60–12.79%), α-pinene (4.91–11.61%), and 1,8-cineole (5.77–9.55%). These findings indicate that both harvest time and canopy sampling height are key determinants of S. rosmarinus VO yield and compositional consistency, underscoring the need for standardized harvest specifications when composition-oriented profiles are targeted.

Amphidinium carterae is a harmful bloom-forming dinoflagellate, a key source of polyketide metabolites-such as amphidinolides, amphidinols and amphidinins-and a producer of fatty acids. The biosynthesis of these compounds is mediated by polyketide synthases (PKSs) and fatty acid synthases (FASs). This study aimed to identify PKS and FAS genes present in the transcriptome of A. carterae and to understand the biosynthesis of polyketides and fatty acids, as well as the evolution of these secondary metabolites. A total of 24 transcripts encoding single-domain KS and seven multi-domain PKS transcripts were identified, including one with three KS domains and another comprising nine modules, the largest PKS reported in dinoflagellates to date. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a distinct clade separating single-domain and multi-domain PKSs in dinoflagellates, all of which resembled a type I PKSs. The modular architecture observed in A. carterae was like other dinoflagellates, suggesting a conserved domain structure likely shaped by gene duplication events. Seven transcripts were related to FASs; each transcript encoded an individual type II FAS, with a subcellular localization in the plastid. Gene duplication events appear to be a critical factor in the evolution of dinoflagellate PKSs. Furthermore, the similarity in multi-domain PKS architecture across different dinoflagellate species indicates that polyketide biosynthesis shares a common evolutionary origin within this group.

The fungal genus Diaporthe poses a significant threat to global food security by causing devastating crop diseases, including soybean seed decay and stem blight caused by D. longicolla. However, the molecular basis of its pathogenicity and the evolutionary mechanisms underlying its virulence remain poorly understood. Here, we present complete telomere-to-telomere genome assemblies of four Diaporthe species, revealing extensive chromosomal rearrangements correlating with phylogenetic divergence. Comparative analyses of 34 Diaporthe genomes identified secondary metabolism genes as the most variable fraction. Comprehensive genome exploration across fungi has revealed that Diaporthe harbors the largest repertoire of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (SMBGCs) reported to date. We demonstrate that frequent chromosomal rearrangements and rapid intra-cluster gene variation are key drivers of SMBGC diversification, thereby accelerating the evolution of these gene clusters. Interestingly, we identified horizontal gene transfer events that further expanded the metabolic potential of these clusters. Functional characterization of the five rapidly evolving SMBGCs identified demonstrated their direct role in mediating pathogenicity, underscoring the biological significance of their rapid diversification. Collectively, this study establishes chromosomal plasticity as a crucial mechanism for ecological adaptation and secondary metabolite arsenal expansion in plant pathogens, providing new insights into the evolution of fungal virulence.

Secondary volatile metabolite content of two Echi̇nacea species in two subsequent years in Ri̇ze, Türki̇ye.

The color of fruits is determined by the metabolic balance of chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins. This process is regulated in multiple ways and is closely related to human health, providing a theoretical basis for quality breeding and nutritional development. The external appearance of fruit serves as a direct visual manifestation of internally accumulated secondary metabolites, including anthocyanins, carotenoids, and chlorophylls, effectively acting as a "visual carrier" for these compounds. These pigments confer distinctive morphological characteristics to fruits, with their composition and concentration not only providing consumers with immediate cues regarding freshness and edibility but also closely correlating with fruit maturity and flavor quality. In recent years, the physiological activities associated with these pigments-such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects-and their implications for human health have garnered significant attention within the fields of plant physiology, food science, and nutrition. This paper systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit coloration, the regulatory networks involved, and the associated health benefits. Fruit color is primarily determined by the metabolic balance of pigments, including flavonoids (notably anthocyanins), carotenoids, and chlorophylls. Anthocyanin biosynthesis is precisely regulated by transcription factors such as the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex; carotenoid accumulation depends on the coordinated action of key enzymes like PSY and PDS alongside transcription factors including AP2/ERF and WRKY; meanwhile, chlorophyll degradation is modulated by factors such as ethylene and NAC proteins. Environmental stimuli and phytohormones influence pigment synthesis by modulating enzyme activities and gene expression, thereby participating in a complex network of genetic and environmental interactions that govern color regulation. The diversity of fruit coloration arises not only from variations in pigment types and concentrations-for example, red fruits are rich in anthocyanins, whereas orange-yellow fruits accumulate carotenoids-but also from the significant bioactive potential of these compounds in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory functions and in the prevention of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. This review seeks to identify molecular targets pertinent to the targeted breeding of fruit quality through an analysis of the genetic regulatory hierarchy governing pigment metabolism, environmental response mechanisms, and the correlation patterns between coloration and nutritional attributes. Furthermore, it aims to establish a theoretical framework to support the development and application of plant-derived bioactive compounds within the health industry.

Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) belongs to the monogeneric Erysimeae tribe of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is widely cultivated as an ornamental garden plant and appreciated for its diverse flower colors. However, the absence of a high-quality genome has hampered research on wallflower genome evolution and the mechanisms underlying variations in flower color. Here, we assembled a nearly gap-free telomere-to-telomere genome of E. cheiri. The assembled genome enabled the reconstruction of genome evolution in the genus Erysimum (274 species), tracing the changes from the ancestral n = 8 genome (in E. cheiranthoides) to the derived genomes with seven (in E. nevadense) and six (in E. cheiri) chromosome pairs. While the reduction from n = 8 to n = 7 was mediated by a nested chromosome fusion accompanied by inversions, the further decrease to n = 6 in E. cheiri resulted from an end-to-end translocation involving the other two non-homologous chromosomes. Compared with other Brassicaceae species, E. cheiri showed a notable expansion of gene families related to secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Its flower color variation was primarily determined by the biosynthesis and accumulation of carotenoids and flavonoids. We mapped the metabolic pathways for carotenoids and flavonoids, identifying the hub genes regulating their biosynthesis. This research lays an important foundation for understanding the chromosomal and genome evolution of the Erysimeae tribe and paves the way for future investigations into genetic studies and breeding applications of E. cheiri.

Fungal endophytes share a symbiotic relationship with the host plants. Endophytes from medicinal plants produce metabolites similar to plants as well as some new metabolites, which serve as a promising medicinal source with, significant potential in the field of biomedicine. Epigenetic modifiers, such as DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors, activate cryptic biosynthesis gene clusters, resulting in a significant increase in cryptic metabolite production. This study elucidated the alteration in the metabolite profiles of two endophytes isolated from the medicinal plant Embelia ribes after treatment with two epigenetic modulators. This study assessed the effect of epigenetic modifiers-Azacitidine (AZ) and Sodium butyrate (SB)-on the metabolite profiles of Phomopsis azadirachtae and Diaporthe phaseolorum. Different concentrations of AZ and SB (1, 10, 50, 100, and 500 mM) were employed to assess their impact on the fungal endophyte cultures. Metabolome analysis was performed to observe the alteration of metabolites. LC-MS analysis revealed 47 targeted metabolites in the AZ-treated P. azadirachtae culture. Treatment with AZ significantly affected the production of metabolites compared with the control. AZ treatment also altered the production of nine silent metabolites; namely dicerandrol B, phomosine A, epiepoxydon, taxol, cladosporine, phomonaphthalenone A, phomophyllin A, 3-indolepropionic acid (3-IPA) and ergosterol in P. azadirachtae culture. Two metabolites enhanced their production compared to the control. A total of 47 metabolites were identified in P. azadirachtae culture treated with SB, which also altered 11 silent metabolites and enhanced production of six metabolites; cytosporone B, phomophyllin A, phomosine A, phomosin B, laiolactol A, and ergosterol P by logarithmic analysis. Similarly, 41 metabolites were identified in D. phaseolorum culture treated with various concentrations of AZ. In D. phaseolorum culture treated with AZ, an epigenetic modification activated 11 silent metabolites-Cytochalasin N, bostrycoidin, phomonaphthalenone, phomopsterone, dicerandrol A, pinselin, indole-3-acetic acid, betulinic acid, phomophyllin A, dalienxanthone B and phomopoxide A. Two metabolites, phomosine A and zeatin riboside, were enhanced in majority of the AZ treatments compared to control by logarithmic analysis. SB treatment significantly modulated the metabolite profile of D. phaseolorum, with LC-MS analysis detecting 46 targeted compounds across different concentrations. The treatment activated 11 previously silent bioactive metabolites, including Ganodermaside D, lithocarpinol A, dalienxanthone B, cladospirone, dicerandrol B, libertellenone, phomonaphthalenone A, phomopoxide A, phomopsichin B, phomopsterone B, and cladospirone. Three metabolites, pinselin, dicerandrol A, and phmosine A was significantly enhanced in most of the SB treatments compared to control. AZ treatment induced significant, concentration, dependent alterations in the metabolite profile of P. azadirachtae, with the most pronounced effects observed at the P1AZ concentration. Multivariate and clustering analyses revealed clear metabolic differentiation between treated and control cultures. A total of 47 targeted metabolites were detected under AZ treatment, including nine previously silent metabolites consistently induced across all concentrations. Notably, AZ exposure enhanced the production of phomophyllin A and phaseolorine, indicating the selective activation of cryptic biosynthetic pathways in P. azadirachtae. SB treatment significantly altered the secondary metabolite profile of P. azadirachtae in a dose-dependent manner. Metabolomic analysis detected 47 compounds in SB-treated cultures, with the most pronounced metabolic changes observed at the P50SB and P500SB concentrations. SB exposure activated a previously silent biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for the production of 11 metabolites. Furthermore, log fold-change analysis demonstrated significant and consistent upregulation of six metabolites across most SB treatments, highlighting SB's effectiveness in activating cryptic secondary metabolism in P. azadirachtae. In AZ-treated D. phaseolorum cultures, epigenetic alteration triggered 11 metabolites. Log fold change analysis reported significant upregulation of two metabolites. In D. phaseolorum, SB treatments detected 46 targeted compounds across different concentrations. The treatment activated 11 previously silent bioactive metabolites. and significantly increased the levels of three metabolites compared with controls. These findings demonstrate that the epigenetic modulators AZ and SB altered secondary metabolite profiles in fungal endophytes, indicating their potential to activate silent biosynthetic pathways. These findings support their use as exploratory tools for metabolite discovery, while highlighting the need for multi-omics and structural validation in future work.

This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antibacterial efficacy, and molecular interactions of Anthocleista vogelii stem barks extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenes, phenols, saponins, and other bioactive compounds in 95 % ethanol and hydro-ethanol extracts, while coumarins, steroids, and anthraquinones were absent in aqueous extracts. The 95 % ethanol extract demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Esherichia coli (MIC: 64 μg/mL) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC: 8 μg/mL), withmoderate effects against Staphylococcus aureus, A.baumannii, and Salmonella Spp. (MIC: 512 μg/mL). Bactericidal activity (MBC/MIC≤4) paralleled ciprofloxacin, particularly against Gram-positive pathogens. LC-MS analysis identified nine bioactive flavone derivatives, including fabiatrin, kaempferitrin, quercitrin, and naringin. Molecular docking revealed these compounds exhibited superior binding affinities (-6.6 to-11.7 kcal mol-1) to S.aureus and Salmonella typhi targets compared to ciprofloxacin (-3.6 to-5.4 kcal mol-1), forming hydrogen bonds and π-interactions critical for inhibition. ADMET predictions indicated poor gastrointestinal absorption and AMES toxicity risks but favorable plasma protein binding and cardiac safety. Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO) analysis highlighted quercetin's high reactivity (ΔEgap: 3.70 eV) and naringin's stability. These findings position A.vogelii as a rich source of antimicrobial phytochemicals, though further optimization is needed to address pharmacokinetic limitations.

ABSTRACT Basidiobolus is a globally distributed genus of non-Dikarya fungi within Zoopagomycota, known for its presence in diverse ecological niches ranging from soil and decaying organic matter to vertebrate gastrointestinal tracts. Despite its ecological and medical relevance, the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships within the genus remain poorly resolved due to limited genomic resources. In this study, we present 19 newly sequenced Basidiobolus genomes, expanding the available genomic data. Using short-read Illumina sequencing, assembly, and annotation pipelines, we characterize gene content, assess completeness, and explore biosynthetic gene content across isolates, one with 14 genomes that includes B. ranarum and another with eight genomes that includes B. meristosporus; a single genome of B. heterosporus forms a distinct lineage. Several isolate groups exhibit deep divergence suggestive of novel species, underscoring the need for expanded sampling and taxonomic revision. Functional annotations reveal a rich repertoire of biosynthetic gene clusters, including non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, polyketide synthases, and hybrid clusters, pointing to an underexplored reservoir of secondary metabolite diversity. These findings position Basidiobolus as a compelling model for investigating fungal evolution, ecological adaptation, and natural product biosynthesis.

In defending against pathogens, plants deploy diverse secondary metabolites and signaling molecules. Among these, melatonin orchestrates plant growth and development, modulates stress responses, and regulates intracellular redox homeostasis and signaling. However, the mechanisms of melatonin in plant-pathogen interaction are rarely reported. Using Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) as model bacteria, we designed a two-step high-throughput screening strategy to screen the plant natural product library and the bacterial mutant library. This study reveals that melatonin is perceived by a bacterial receptor histidine kinase CpxA, which subsequently modulates bacterial virulence. In detail, bacterial CpxA senses melatonin through Glu48 and Thr51 sites located in the periplasmic sensor region. Thus, melatonin inhibits autophosphorylation of CpxA and decreases transphosphorylation of the response regulator CpxR. The DNA-binding capacity of CpxR to promoters of type III secretion system (T3SS) genes is weakened by reduced phosphorylation cascade of CpxA/R, inhibiting bacterial T3SS genes expression and virulence. We also showed that increasing melatonin synthesis in plants can enhance disease resistance and sustain crop productivity. This study illustrates a previously unknown mechanism by which plants disarm the pathogenicity of bacteria, as well as provide effective molecular targets for crop genetic improvement and biopesticides development.

The digestibility and protein availability of woody plants consumed by large herbivores, including livestock, is compromised by abundant secondary metabolites rarely found in grasses, such as condensed tannins, and lignin contents that are often higher than those of grasses. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which browse quality assessments published in the African Journal of Range & Forage Science over the past 25 years have measured such components, to highlight gaps, and to offer recommendations to guide sample collection, handling and analysis in future studies. Only 42.9% of 21 relevant papers included measurements of condensed tannin content. Most papers included acid detergent fibre (90.5%) and neutral detergent fibre (85.7%), while 57.1% included acid detergent lignin. Only two papers included digestible nitrogen or digestible CP, both showing that up to 40% of nitrogen could be unavailable. Prospective contributors of browse quality manuscripts should include analyses of condensed tannin content, available nitrogen (digestible protein) and all fibre fractions. Assessments can be enhanced further by adding metabolomic analyses when possible. Last, but not least, sufficient details of methods must be provided to allow for quality assurance and repeatability.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is predominantly cultivated in arid and semi-arid mountainous regions. However, existing studies predominantly focus on describing the natural metabolic changes and the regulation of stress resistance during the germination of Tartary buckwheat. In contrast, research on the systematic influence of calcium ions on the germination physiology and metabolic networks of plants has yet to be reported. In this study, we elucidated the physiological mechanisms underlying calcium-mediated effects on Tartary buckwheat seed germination using six concentrations of CaCl₂ (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5g·L⁻¹). Exogenous calcium application exhibited a concentration-dependent effect on seed germination, characterized by low-dose promotion and high-dose inhibition. An appropriate calcium supply significantly promoted the accumulation of osmoregulatory substances, including total sugars, reducing sugars, and free amino acids, by enhancing the decomposition of starch and soluble proteins. Furthermore, it facilitated the accumulation of active compounds, such as total phenols, flavonoids, and γ-aminobutyric acid, and enhanced the activities of key enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, glutamate decarboxylase, and α-amylase, thereby improving seed antioxidant capacity. Metabolomic analysis revealed that linoleic acid metabolism, D-amino acid metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism are the core pathways involved in calcium-regulated seed germination. Furthermore, exogenous calcium systematically improved stress resistance and germination capacity by modulating the levels of key metabolites in these pathways, thereby influencing lipid remodeling, nitrogen metabolism, and secondary metabolite synthesis. Exogenous calcium effectively promoted the germination of Tartary buckwheat seeds by mediating amino acid and lipid metabolism, thus regulating osmotic balance and the antioxidant defense system. The optimal treatment concentration identified was 3g·L⁻¹ CaCl₂. This study elucidates the multiple mechanisms through which calcium regulates the germination of Tartary buckwheat seeds at both physiological and metabolic levels, providing a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the rational application of calcium fertilizers in Tartary buckwheat cultivation.

Towards the targeted activation of silent biosynthetic gene clusters by chemical elicitors.

Microbial pollution disables the chemical defenses of sea fans.

Two novel actinomycete strains, AG03ᵀ and ODS28ᵀ, were isolated from worker ants Anochetus graeffei and Odontomachus simillimus, respectively, collected in Thailand. Strain AG03ᵀ exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.28%) to Nocardia grenadensis NBRC 108939ᵀ, whereas strain ODS28ᵀ showed the highest similarity (97.73%) to Actinacidiphila bryophytorum NEAU-HZ10ᵀ. Chemotaxonomic analysis of AG03ᵀ revealed the presence of meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall, glucose and mannose as whole-cell sugars, and MK-8(H₄ω-cycl) as the predominant menaquinone. In contrast, ODS28ᵀ contained LL-diaminopimelic acid, glucose, ribose, and xylose as whole-cell sugars, with MK-9(H₈) and MK-9(H₆) as the predominant menaquinones. Whole genome sequence-based relatedness values, including average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), supported the classification of both strains as representing novel species. Based on polyphasic taxonomic evidence, strains AG03ᵀ and ODS28ᵀ are proposed as the type strains of Nocardia anocheti sp. nov. (AG03ᵀ = TBRC 16206ᵀ = NBRC 115864ᵀ) and Streptomyces odontomachicola sp. nov. (ODS28ᵀ = TBRC 18345ᵀ = NBRC 116641ᵀ), respectively. The genomes of both strains contained biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) potentially responsible for the production of bioactive secondary metabolites. These findings suggest that social insects, such as ants, represent a promising source of novel actinomycetes.

Doxorubicin, a secondary metabolite of Streptomyces peucetius var. caesius and a member of the anthracycline family, exerts anticancer effects via DNA intercalation and topoisomerase II inhibition in tumor cells. However, its clinical application is limited by dose-dependent and cumulative cardiotoxicity. The mechanisms underlying doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) include oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium dysregulation, disrupted iron homeostasis, nitric oxide release, and inflammatory mediator production. Emerging evidence highlights autophagy dysregulation, with doxorubicin upregulating cardiac autophagy by suppressing GATA4 and ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1(S6K1). Mitochondria-dependent ferroptosis also plays a significant role, driven by downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), lipid peroxidation via DOX-Fe2+ complexes, and dysregulated iron metabolism. Additionally, DOX triggers pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes, involving proteins such as NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3), caspase-3, and gasdermin D (GSDMD). Epigenetic alterations, including DNA hypomethylation (via downregulation of DNMT1 (DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1), changes in microRNA levels (e.g., upregulation of miR-520h targeting HDAC19 (histone deacetylase 1), and histone deacetylase inhibition, exacerbate cardiac damage. Recent studies also emphasize the role of gut microbiota in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Doxorubicin induces dysbiosis, leading to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and elevated myocardial enzyme levels. Interventions such as dietary modifications, fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, and natural compounds like glabridin and emodin show promise. Glabridin reduces inflammation by modulating colonic macrophage polarization, while emodin inhibits ferroptosis via gut microbiota remodeling mediated by Nrf2. This review explores oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis, apoptosis, inflammation, autophagy, epigenetics, and gut microbiota in DIC, alongside promising pharmacological strategies to mitigate its effects.

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation plays a pivotal role in plant growth, metabolism, and the accumulation of bioactive compounds, but its effects under greenhouse conditions are highly species- and dose-dependent. This study investigated the responses of eggplant (Solanum melongena L., cv. Lunga Napoletana) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., cv. Rosplus) cultivated under greenhouse films transmitting 3–39% of ambient UV-B. Leaf temperature was monitored throughout the growth cycle using infrared thermography, while physiological parameters (chlorophyll, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and nitrogen index) and post-harvest nutritional traits (antioxidant activity, vitamin C, carotenoids, and total chlorophyll) were assessed. Comparative analysis revealed species-specific responses. Eggplant exhibited peak nutraceutical quality at higher UV-B levels (35–39%) with minimal changes in yield, whereas lettuce achieved maximal yield and secondary metabolite accumulation under intermediate UV-B (30–35%). At the highest UV-B transmittance (39%), both species exhibited stable or slightly reduced thermal and physiological parameters, indicating dose-dependent regulatory mechanisms that maintain photoprotection and metabolic activity under elevated UV-B exposure. Results suggest an apparent optimal range of UV-B transmittance in greenhouse systems under the tested experimental conditions, contributing to improved crop productivity and nutritional quality.

Lithocarpus litseifolius (L. litseifolius) is a valuable economic crop rich in dihydrochalcones (DHCs), with wide applications in medicines, tea, and sweeteners. By integrating multiomics approaches, the relationship between rhizosphere microecology and quality formation in L. litseifolius was systematically elucidated. Key bacterial groups, such as Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, Conexibacter, and Bradyrhizobium, were driven by soil physicochemical properties (available copper, exchangeable manganese, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, and organic matter) and rhizosphere metabolome and were strongly associated with the up-regulation of key genes in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (phenylalanine ammonia lyase, cinnamate 4 hydroxylase, chalcone synthase, phloretin 4'-O-glucosyltransferase), thereby promoting DHC accumulation. A pot experiment confirmed the functional contribution of Burkholderia in promoting the growth of L. litseifolius and the accumulation of its secondary metabolites. The mechanisms by which soil characteristics and microbial communities regulate DHC biosynthesis in L. litseifolius were elucidated, providing insights into the coupling mechanism of "soil-microbiome-metabolome-plant secondary metabolism".

Microalgae have gained increasing attention as multifunctional feed ingredients in poultry nutrition due to their rich content of bioactive compounds, including pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, and secondary metabolites. This review summarizes experimental evidence on the functional properties of major microalgal species such as Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), Chlorella spp., Haematococcuspluvialis, Nannochloropsis, Schizochytrium, and other marine microalgae in poultry diets. Emphasis is placed on their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and gut healthpromoting effects. Microalgal supplementation enhances endogenous antioxidant defence systems, modulates cytokine responses, suppresses enteric pathogens, and improves intestinal morphology and microbiota composition. These functional effects translate into improved stress tolerance, immune competence, nutrient utilization, and overall bird health. In addition, microalgae positively influence poultry product quality by enhancing yolk pigmentation, enriching eggs and meat with omega-3 fatty acids, and improving oxidative stability and sensory attributes. Variability in responses across studies is largely associated with differences in algal species, inclusion level, processing form, duration of feeding, and physiological status of birds. Overall, microalgae represent promising natural feed additives for sustainable poultry production, although further research is needed to optimize their practical application at commercial scale.

This study aimed to isolate secondary metabolites produced by the endophytic fungus Xylaria sp. derived from Andrographis paniculata and to evaluate their cytotoxic potential using in vitro and in silico methods. The fungus was cultivated on rice medium for three weeks, extracted with ethyl acetate, and purified by chromatographic techniques, yielding two compounds identified as 19,20-epoxycytochalasin C (1) and ergosterol (2) based on NMR and FT-IR analyses. Both compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, with IC50 values of 38.4 and 45.7 μM, respectively. Molecular docking against the HER2 protein supported the in vitro results, showing binding free energies of −8.023 and −7.310 kcal/mol for compounds 1 and 2, respectively. These findings suggest that both metabolites possess significant anticancer potential, particularly as candidate anticancer compounds against MCF-7 cancer cells. Notably, this is the first report of the chemical characterisation of Xylaria sp. associated with A. paniculata.