Senna Tora Research Articles

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Combined Effects of Methyl Jasmonate and Wounding on Flavonoid and Anthraquinone Biosynthesis in Senna tora.

Jasmonates, including jasmonic acid (JA) and its derivatives such as methyl jasmonate (MeJA) or jasmonly isoleucine (JA-Ile), regulate plant responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we applied exogenous MeJA onto Senna tora leaves subjected to wounding and conducted a transcriptome deep sequencing analysis at 1 (T1), 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 24 (T24) h after MeJA induction, along with the pretreatment control at 0 h (T0). Out of 18,883 mapped genes, we identified 10,048 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the T0 time point and at least one of the four treatment times. We detected the most DEGs at T3, followed by T6, T1, and T24. We observed the upregulation of genes related to JA biosynthesis upon exogenous MeJA application. Similarly, transcript levels of genes related to flavonoid biosynthesis increased after MeJA application and tended to reach their maximum at T6. In agreement, the flavonols kaempferol and quercetin reached their highest accumulation at T24, whereas the levels of the anthraquinones aloe-emodin, emodin, and citreorosein remained constant until T24. This study highlights an increase in flavonoid biosynthesis following both MeJA application and mechanical wounding, whereas no significant influence is observed on anthraquinone biosynthesis. These results provide insights into the distinct regulatory pathways of flavonoid and anthraquinone biosynthesis in response to MeJA and mechanical wounding.

Optimizing sensitizer concentration from senna tora leaves for enhanced interfacial interactions in dye-sensitized solar cells

A novel approach is adopted for the determination of the optimum concentration of natural dye powder extracted from the leaves of Senna Tora in the solvent ethanol and soak the TiO2 coated FTO substrate to be used as photoanode of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Various concentration (0.5 g/15 ml, 0.75 g/15 ml, 1 g/15 ml and 1.5 g/15 ml) of the dye powder in ethanol is subjected for UV–Visible, FTIR and PL Spectroscopic studies. Solar cells are fabricated with the sensitizer in Photoanode, I-/I3- electrolyte and counter electrode of graphite coated FTO are subjected for JV characterization to determine the best concentration of dye to give good photoconversion efficiency. From the study, it is found that, among the four concentrations of the dye in ethanol for the extraction of the dye, 1.5 g in 15 ml of ethanol has shown higher efficiency of 2.29 % with fill factor, short circuit current density and open circuit voltage of 0.84, 2.64 mA/cm2 and 1.03 V.

Twin Strep-Tag Modified CPT1A Mitochondrial Membrane Chromatography in Screening Lipid Metabolism Regulators.

Mitochondrial Membrane Chromatography (MMC) is a bioaffinity chromatography technique developed to study the interaction between target proteins embedded in the mitochondrial membrane and their ligand compounds. However, the MMC stationary phases (MMSP) prepared by chemical immobilization are prone to nonspecific binding in candidate agent screening inevitably. To address these challenges, Twin Strep-Tag/Strep Tactin was employed to establish a specific affinity system in the present study. We prepared a carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) MMSP by specifically linking Strep-tactin-modified silica gel with the Twin Strep-Tag on the CPT1A-oriented mitochondrial membrane. This Twin Strep-Tag/Strep Tactin modified CPT1A/MMC method exhibited remarkably better retention behavior, longer stationary phase lifespan, and higher screening specificity compared with previous MMC systems with glutaraldehyde immobilization. We adopted the CPT1A-specific MMC system in screening CPT1A ligands from traditional Chinese medicines, and successfully identified novel candidate ligands: ononin, isoliquiritigenin, and aloe-emodin, from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch and Senna tora (L.) Roxb extracts. Biological assessments illustrated that the compounds screened promote CPT1A enzyme activity without affecting CPT1A protein expression, as well as effectively reduce the lipid droplets and triglyceride levels in the high fat induction HepG2 cells. The results suggest that we have developed an MMC system, which is promising for studying the bioaffinity of mitochondrial membrane proteins to candidate compounds. This system provides a platform for a key step in mitochondrial medicine discovery, especially for bioactive molecule screening from complex herbal extracts.

Standardisasi dan Pengukuran Kadar Flavonoid Daun Ketepeng Kecil (Senna tora (L.) Roxb.) Menggunakan Metode Spektrofotometri UV-Vis

Sickle senna (Senna tora (L.) Roxb.) is a wild plant that is used by the community as a traditional medicine to treat diarrhea and intestinal worms. In the development of plants as traditional medicines, it is necessary to standardize the quality of plant materials to ensure their quality, stability, and safety. This study aims to determine the standadization of extracts both specifically and non-specifically and to determine the level of falvonoids in the fraction of sickle senna (Senna tora (L.) Roxb.) leaves. This study applies a phytochemical screening test, specific parameter test, non-specific parameter test, and flavonoid levels determination. The result of phytochemical screening shows that the fraction containing flavonoid compounds is 70% ethanol fraction. The results of standardization for specific parameter show the organoleptic ethanol fraction of 70% is in the form of semi-solid/viscous, black color and distinctive smell, with water soluble extract content is 19.08%, and ethanol soluble extract content is 23.35%. the standardization result for non-specific parameter shows that the total ash content is 1.76%, the acid insoluble ash content is 2.890%, drying shrinkage is 4.96%, and water content is 18.80%. meanwhile, metal and microbial contamination show no contamination in the 70% ethanol fraction. The result for the analysis of the flavonoid content of the 70% ethanol fraction. The result for the analysis of the flavonoid content of the 70% ethanol fraction of sickle senna leaves is carried out at a wavelength of 438.36 nm with an absorbance value of 0.0154. The total flavonoid level is calculated by the standard linear equation of quarcetin, which is y=0.0648x + (-0.0232) with a correlation coefficient (r2) = 0,9948 and a total flavonoid content of 4.713%

Development of highly discriminatory SCoT- and CBDP-based SCAR fingerprint for authentication of Indian senna (Senna alexandrina Mill.) formerly Cassia angustifolia Vahl.).

Indian senna (Senna alexandrina Mill.) (formerly Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) is an important medicinal plant of the family Fabaceae. The leaves and pods of Indian senna yield sennosides and rhein-based laxative. Adulteration of Indian senna is a serious issue as with most of the medicinal plants used in the Indian systems of traditional medicine. The bulk of dried leaves and pods of morphologically related species, such as Cassia fistula, Senna occidentalis, Senna sophera, and Senna tora, is usually mixed with those of the Indian senna, and the admixture is used in laxative-based formulations. The present investigation is a modest attempt at developing species-specific start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism- and CAAT-box-derived polymorphism (CBDP)-based sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers for the identification and authentication of Indian senna and four adulterant species (C. fistula, S. occidentalis, S. sophera, and S. tora species). In this study, genomic DNA extracted from 44 accessions of Indian senna and four adulterant species was subjected to SCoT and CBDP PCR. The polymorphic amplicons were identified, eluted, ligated, and transformed into Escherichia coli DH5 α strain. PCR, restriction analysis, and DNA sequencing confirmed the transformed recombinant plasmid clones. Post-sequencing, the sequence of the primary SCoT and CBDP primers was analyzed and extended into the unique signature sequence of the concerned accessions. This resulted in development of one SCoT-44- and two CBDP-25-based SCARs. SCoT-44 SCAR produced a signature amplicon of 287 bp for accession DCA120, and CBDP-25 SCAR yielded signature amplicons of 575 and 345 bp for accessions DCA13 and DCA119, respectively. The developed SCAR markers were validated across 48 samples (44 accessions of Indian senna and 4 adulterant species) and produced distinct amplicons in Indian senna only, while no such amplicon was observed in the other four adulterant species. The information generated using these markers have been faithfully converted to single-locus, unequivocal, highly reproducible, and informative sequence-based SCAR markers. These markers will enable discrimination of individual plants on the basis of unique sequence-specific amplicons, which could be used as diagnostic markers to settle issues pertaining to the true identity of Indian senna.

Floristic Diversity of Vascular Plants in Community Managed Forest of Sankhu village, Lalitpur District, Nepal

The plant diversity of an area reveals its biodiversity, usage patterns, and conservation status which play a significant role in shaping the country's conservation plans and strategies. The present study aims to describe the vascular plants diversity of Lakuribhanjyang community forest in Lalitpur, Central Nepal. This community forest comprises an area of 43.5 hectares and the altitude ranged 1763m to 1833m asl. The study recorded 111 plant species from 102 genera and 64 families in the Lakuribhanjyang community forest. Among the documented species, trees (49 species) were dominantly followed by herbs (33 species), shrubs (18 species), and climbers (11 species). A total of 90 dicots, 7 monocots, 4 gymnosperms, and 10 pteridophytes were documented. Plants from the Moraceae family (6 spp.) dominated the research area, followed by plants from Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae each with 5 species each. Ageratina adenophora, Ageratum conyzoides, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Bidens pilosa, Senna tora and Lantana camara were the invasive plant species that were found in the study area. Similarly, Choerospondias axillaris, Dioscorea deltoidea, Lithocarpus fenestratus, Senegalia catechu, Valeriana jatamansi and Zanthoxylum armatum were the endangered and threatened vascular plants listed in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) that was found in this region.

A Comprehensive Chemical Characterization of Leaves of Five Potential Medicinal Plants in Paschim Medinipur District, W. B., India

The physico-chemical and spectroscopic characterization of five selected medicinal plants viz., Acalypha indica, Senna tora, Euphorbia hirta, Physalis angulata and Ziziphus mauritina are the essence and has been carried out to assess bioactive potential and to establish traditional belief in the light of scientific interpretation. Fresh leaves were collected from Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India, dried and powdered for Proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and compositional analysis, FTIR and GCMS. The study revealed that the highest concentration of Volatile matter (75.452%), Bulk density (0.256 %), Swelling index (1.456 %), Cellulose content (61.727 %), Hemicellulose content (4.372 %) and Tannins (0.635 g/ 100g) was observed to occur in Acalypha indica leaf than other experimental plants. In Physalis angulata the percentage composition of fixed carbon (15.251%) and extractive content (1.974 %) was higher than others. Ash content (12.327 %), hemicellulose content (4.372 %), and lignin content (5.531 %) were observed to be higher in the Senna tora leaf than others. Total carbohydrate concentrations (9.619 gm/100 gm) and nitrogen content (2.050 %) were observed to be higher in Euphorbia hirta than others. Total protein (2.321 gm/100 gm), total fat (0.655 gm/100 gm), oxygen content (34.222 %) and Higher heat value (HHV) (16.546 %) were higher in Ziziphus mauritina than others. The existence of functional groups and the relevance of the presence of a specific bioactive component were determined using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) of the leaves of five plant samples. According to GCMS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy), five different medicinal plants contain significant bioactive chemicals. By using GC-MS analysis, a total of 10 bioactive compounds (Acalypha indica, Senna tora) and 8 bioactive compounds (Ziziphus mauritina, Euphorbia hirta, Physalis Angulata) were found in the peaks of methanolic extracts of five potential medicinal plants. The bioactive compounds like Cyclotrisiloxane, Hexamethyl-, Dodecane, 1-Fluoro-, Myo-Inositol, 4-C-Methyl obtained from Acalypha indica leaf extract, Palmitic Acid, Phthalic Acid, Cyclopentadecanol obtained from Senna tora leaf extract and 4-Tert-Octylphenol, TMS Derivative obtained from Euphorbia hirta leaf extract has no records of individual bioactivity as per Dr. Duke’s ethnobotanical and pharmaceutical database and are considered as novel bioactive compounds. Isolation of these compounds and successive bioactivity studies should be the thrust area for future researchers. Also, the current study confirms that specific plant leaves are a great source of important phytochemicals and can be used to make herbal formulations, practical medications, and complementary medicines.

Revealing the intricate microcosm: Advancing invasive species pollen analysis through scanning microscopy of ultra sculpture.

Micromorphological visualization of plant surface peculiarities provides valuable characters for the precise identification of plant species. Invasive alien species, introduced outside their native range, pose significant ecological, and health challenges. This study focuses on micromorphological investigations of selected invasive plant species belonging to the families Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Moraceae, Crassulaceae, Cannabaceae, Fabaceae, Commelinaceae, and Oxalidaceae. The study employs scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the species micromorphology of pollen structure in depth to characterize the sculpturing patterns. Additionally, the study examines the pollen characteristics of these invasive plants, including shape, size, and fertility, along with exine sculpturing. The maximum polar diameter was observed for Senna tora (41.2 μm). The spines in Achillea fragrantissima were measured to have dimensions of approximately 1.91 μm in length and 2.11 μm in width. The findings shed light on the allergy-causing potential of these invasive species, providing crucial information for accurate identification and effective management strategies to safeguard the indigenous flora of the region. The study contributes to the knowledge base for botanists, taxonomists, policy makers, climate experts, and biodiversity specialists. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Integrating SEM to analyze the pollen of invasive species. Unveiling pollen micromorphology of invasive species. Exploring the microscopic realm of invasive pollen to accurately identify the species.

Impacts of Biochar Treatments on Some Soil Properties and Micronutrient Availability

The application of biochar as a soil amendment has been recognized as an environmentally friendly and highly efficient strategy for restoring the fertility of the soil and increasing agricultural productivity. In this study, the impacts of Senna tora biochar treatments on soil properties and micronutrient availability in the farmlands of Misau, Bauchi State, Nigeria, were investigated. A complete randomized design replicated three times, which included control soil (no biochar/0 day), 30 days, and 60 days of biochar treatments, was adapted based on the fact that incubation time affects biochar application in soil. After treatments, the biochar was removed and the soil samples from each treatment were analyzed for pH, soil bulk density (BD), cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (OC) and micronutrient levels using various analytical methods. The results of the analysis show pH, OC and CEC values increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 6.66 to 7.89, 3.40 to 3.90 g/kg and 5.16 to 7.29 cmol/kg respectively, while BD decreased significantly from 1.56 to 1.48 g/cm3 after 60 days of biochar treatment. The levels of Mn, Cu and Zn increased from 188.25 to 286.12 mg/kg, 14.38 to 41.88 mg/kg and 68.63 to 140.19 mg/kg respectively, while levels of Fe decreased from 9460.00 to 4782.73 mg/kg after 60 days of biochar treatments. Application of Senna tora biochar has generally led to a significant improvement in the fertility of the soil. It is therefore recommended that Senna torabiochar be used in the field to demonstrate its practical application.

Gelation melioration with synergistic interaction between κ-carrageenan and senna tora gum mixed gel

This study aimed to explore the synergistic effect between κ-carrageenan (KC) and senna tora gum (STG). Firstly, we found that the texture parameters, freeze-thaw stability and viscosity of KC-STG mixed gel were obviously improved compared with KC and STG. After that, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that KC's structure is the main one in the KC-STG mixed gel, and the hydrogen bonding force between KC and STG molecules was enhanced. The results of thermal analysis showed a high gel-sol transition temperature in the KC-STG mixed gel. A reduction in the mobility of water molecules and a more uniform distribution of water in the KC-STG mixed gel could be observed in the low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) consequences. Finally, the microstructure of the gel was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), in which the STG network acted as a scaffold to fill in between the multilayered sheets of KC. The above results suggested an obvious synergistic effect between KC and STG.

Intercropping with legumes alleviates soil N limitation but aggravates P limitation in a degraded agroecosystem as shown by ecoenzymatic stoichiometry

Agroforestry is a commonly applied restoration practice in nutrient-poor or degraded soils, and knowledge of soil nutrient limitations is critical for its successful implementation. Ecoenzymatic stoichiometric theory (EEST) models have been proposed as easy and fast methods to estimate soil nutrient limitations in terrestrial ecosystems; however, a comprehensive application of different models in agricultural studies is still lacking. To bridge these gaps, in this study, we analysed the nutrient limitation of three plantation types, Camellia oleifera monoculture (CK), C. oleifera–Arachis hypogaea (peanut) intercropping (CP), and C. oleifera–Senna tora intercropping (CS), within a fully controlled C. oleifera agroforestry system in nutrient-poor purple soils. We compared the estimates of the nutritional limitations of each plantation type using three different EEST models: vector, vector-threshold element ratio (V-T), and threshold. Estimates of nutrient limitation calculated using the threshold model recapitulated those calculated using the other models. Further, N and P limitations existed in all three plantation types, C limitation was not detected in any plantation type, and the CP plantation type alleviated N limitation and aggravated P limitation. These results were consistent with the actual nutrient characteristics of the purple soil, indicating that the microbial metabolic limitation profile estimated by the EEST model was reliable. The results of this study suggest that EEST models are valuable tools for estimating soil nutrient limitation in the context of agricultural ecosystem restoration, such as in agroforestry.

Sub-acute nephrotoxicity of ethanol fraction of Senna tora on Wistar Albino Rats

Plant materials as sources of medical compounds continue to play a dominant role in the maintenance of human health since antiquity. The present study was designed to ascertain the toxicity of ethanolic extract of Senna tora leaves on Wistar rats. A total of twenty (25) Wistar rats were distributed into 5 group of 5 animals each. Group I, received normal saline, group II received 100 mg/kg, group III received 200 mg/kg, group IV received 400 mg/kg, and group V received 800 mg/kg of Senna tora leaf fraction respectively. The treatments lasted for 28 days of which the animals were sacrificed. Kidney test which includes the electrolyte like Sodium ion (Na+), potassium ion (k+), bicarbonate (HCO3 ˉ) Chloride ion (Cl-), Urea and Creatinine was done. The results revealed significant increase in the level of sodium ion (Na+), potassium ion (k+), and Chloride ion (Cl-) concentrations between and within the groups of the rats administered dose of 200 mg, 400mg and 800 mg when compared with Normal control. However, the result also revealed that there was no significant increase in the concentration of bicarbonate (HCO3 ˉ) and urea. In addition, the result revealed that there is significant (p≤0.05) increase in the level of serum urea and creatinine concentration between and within the groups of administered dose of 100 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg when compared with the normal control group. There is significant (p˃0.05) increase in total cholesterol (T.CHOL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and Triacylglycerol (TGs) on the treatment with Senna tora leaf fraction. The present study revealed that Senna tora as a traditional herb for the treatment and management of diseases associated with kidney toxicity is effective.

Biosorption of Fe (II) and Pb (II) on unmodified Senna tora: Isotherm and kinetic modeling

Contamination of environment by heavy metals has become a major concern worldwide. The role of conventional methods in remediating heavy metals has become ineffective and costly. Therefore, it becomes imperative to explore bioremediation using a cost effective, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative method of removing heavy metals. In this study, the adsorption behaviour of Senna tora, a low-cost adsorbents, with respect to Fe(II) and Pb(II) ions, has been studied in order to consider its application to the treatment of wastewater. The physicochemical properties of the unmodified Senna tora were predetermined. The batch experimental method was employed: parameters such as pH, contact time, dosage and initial metal concentration were studied. The influence of the pH of the metal ion solutions on the uptake levels of the metal ions by the adsorbent used was carried out between pH 4 and 10. The optimum pH for both Fe (II) and Pb(II) removals by Senna tora was 7. An equilibrium contact time of 60 min was required for the adsorption of Pb(II) ions onto Senna tora. Percentage sorption of Fe(II) increased from 94 to 99% and that of Pb (II) from 94.4 to 96% as adsorbent dose was increased from 2 to 10 g. The isotherms data provide information on the capacity of the adsorbent or the amount required to remove a unit mass of pollutant under the operating conditions. The equilibrium data of Fe(II) and Pb(II) adsorbed onto Senna tora pods were fitted by the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms. On the basis of correlation coefficients R2, it is concluded that the Fe(II) and Pb(II) biosorption is better fitted to the Freundlich model. This suggests that the biosorption of Fe(II) and Pb(II) on the surface of Senna tora pods occurs on heterogeneous binding sites with equivalent adsorption energies and multilayer coverage. The results demonstrated that Senna tora pod holds potential to remove cationic heavy metal species from industrial wastewater.

Biosorption of Cu (II) and Pb (II) ions using acid modified Senna tora pods with a focus on isotherms and kinetics studies

The removal of heavy metals by biosorption method using agricultural waste and plant materials has become a powerful technology that is been explored for the treatment of domestic and industrial waste water due to its easy operating requirements and low cost. This work reports the application of Senna tora pods for the elimination of heavy metals (Cu and Pb ions) by biosorption in batch system. The effects of pH, contact time, dosage and initial concentration were evaluated. The kinetic and isotherms models for the Cu(II)/Pb(II) biosorption were tested basically by the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second order kinetic models. Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms models have also been used to fit equilibrium adsorption data. The monolayer sorption capacity (qL) of Cu(II) was found to be 0.791 mg/g while that of Pb(II) was 0.51 mg/g.The low Langmuir constant (KL) values suggests that the adsorption process was largely due to physisorption mechanism. The adsorption kinetics follow a pseudo-first-order model for Cu(II) and pseudo-second-order model for Pb(II), and the equilibrium data is suitably fitted by the Langmuir models than the Freundlich due to the high R2 values of 0.989 and 0.97 for Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions respectively. Consequently, there exists a closeness of the calculated sorption capacity (qcal) to the experimental sorption capacity (qex). In conclusion, the study generally showed that Senna tora pods is a potential and efficient adsorbent that could be explore for the bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated industrial wastewater.

Diversity, Composition and Economic Importance of Herbaceous Plants within the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Campus, Zamfara State, Nigeria.

The diversity, composition and economic importance of herbaceous species within the federal polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State was studied. The study's objective was to identify, document and evaluate the diversity and abundance of herbaceous species in the study area. The point-centered quarter (PCQ) method was employed in each sampling point. All nearest living herb species encountered were listed. Data obtained were quantitatively analyzed for Relative density (RD) and relative frequency (RF). Species diversity was calculated using Simpson’s index and the Shannon-Weiner index. A total of 64 species of herb were identified belonging to 19 Families. Acanthaceae, Aizoaceae, Cleomaceae, Connaraceae, Laminaceae, Oxalidaceae, and Plantaginaceae had (1) species each. Convolvulaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Euphobiaceae had (2) species each. Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Pedaliaceae and Poaceae had (3) species each. Solonaceae is the only family with (4) species. Fabaceae is the only family with the highest number of species (32). A total of 494 individuals of herbaceous species were in the study area. Site A has the highest number of individuals (117), followed by Site D (103), Site C (95) and E (82). Tephrosia pedicellata has the highest species density of 3.2. Leptadenia hastata, Centaurea perrottetii, Gynandropsis gynandra, Euphorbia balsamifera, Senna obtusifolia, Abrus precatorius, Desmodium velutinum, Crotalaria goreensis, Crotalaria pallida var.obovata, Tephrosia pedicellata, Indigofera oblongifolia, Tephrosia vogelii, Tephrosia linearis, Biophytum petersianum, Sesamum radiatum, Solanum lycopersicum has the highest Frequency (100%). Senna tora has the highest relative abundance (5), and Euphorbia balsamifera has a Relative Density of 3.8. Euphorbia balsamifera has the highest relative density of 5, and Ipomea asarifolia has an IVI of 7. Shannon Weiner's diversity index for herbaceous species showed a total of 4.0097. Herbaceous plants are of economic importance; they serve as food, fooder, medicine, fuel, and other purposes. We recommended that there is a need for the conservation of herbaceous species within the Polytechnic to avoid harvesting the herbs for medicinal purposes and animals foraging on the grasses.

Morpho-anatomy and HPTLC Profiling of Senna Mill. Seeds Used in Traditional System of Indian Medicine

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,3,551-561.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.3.058Published:June 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Radha P, Divya KG, Udhayavani C, Murugammal S, Shakila R, and Sunil Kumar KN Author(s) affiliations:Radha P1,*, Divya KG2, Udhayavani C1, Murugammal S3, Shakila R3, Sunil Kumar KN3 1Department of Botany, Siddha Medicinal Plants Garden (Central Council for Research in Siddha, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India), Mettur Dam, Salem, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. 2Department of Pharmacognosy, Siddha Central Research Institute (Central Council for Research in Siddha, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India), Arumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. 3Department of Chemistry, Siddha Central Research Institute (Central Council for Research in Siddha, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India), Arumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. Abstract:Background: The present study was carried out to compare macro-microscopy, powder microscopy and HPTLC analysis of six species such as Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb., Senna alata (L.) Roxb., Senna alexandrina Mill., Senna occidentalis (L.) Link., S. uniflora (Mill.) Irwin and Barneby, S. tora (L.) Roxb. of the genus Senna Mill. belongs to the family Caesalpiniaceae. Materials and Methods: Six selected Senna species were collected, shade dried and pharmacognostic study were performed used techniques such as microscopy and HPTLC analysis. Results: Seed macro-morphology of the selected six species shows significant variations in size, shape, colour, ornamentation and number of seeds per pod. The basic cellular structure of six Senna species was anatomically similar but variation was observed in number of layers. Microscopic characters of the selected species revealed key diagnostic features that can help to determine the relationship between the closely related species; macrosclerieds and osteosclerdies were observed in Senna auriculata and S. occidentalis. Powder microscopy of selected six Senna species varied in colour, texture and odour. Numerous rosette crystals in cotyledonary cells were found only in Senna tora which is a significant variation from other five Senna species. HPTLC finger print profiling was performed with ethanol extract at 254 nm, 366 nm and 575 nm derivatization using vannilin-sulphuric acid and the results were documented. In 254 nm 14 bands were separated but the major peak at Rf 0.31 (22.24%) appeared in S. alexandrina. Conclusion: A detailed morphological and pharmacognostical evaluations play an important role to avoid misidentification and delimitation of selected six Senna species and HPTLC profiling is an additional analytical tool for species identification. Keywords:anatomy., S. alata, S. alexandrina, S. auriculata, S. occidentalis, S. tora, S. uniflora, SennaView:PDF (1.85 MB)

Genome-Wide Mining of the Tandem Duplicated Type III Polyketide Synthases and Their Expression, Structure Analysis of Senna tora

Senna tora is one of the homologous crops used as a medicinal food containing an abundance of anthraquinones. Type III polyketide synthases (PKSs) are key enzymes that catalyze polyketide formation; in particular, the chalcone synthase-like (CHS-L) genes are involved in anthraquinone production. Tandem duplication is a fundamental mechanism for gene family expansion. However, the analysis of the tandem duplicated genes (TDGs) and the identification and characterization of PKSs have not been reported for S. tora. Herein, we identified 3087 TDGs in the S. tora genome; the synonymous substitution rates (Ks) analysis indicated that the TDGs had recently undergone duplication. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the type III PKSs were the most enriched TDGs involved in the biosynthesis of the secondary metabolite pathways, as evidenced by 14 tandem duplicated CHS-L genes. Subsequently, we identified 30 type III PKSs with complete sequences in the S. tora genome. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the type III PKSs were classified into three groups. The protein conserved motifs and key active residues showed similar patterns in the same group. The transcriptome analysis showed that the chalcone synthase (CHS) genes were more highly expressed in the leaves than in the seeds in S. tora. The transcriptome and qRT-PCR analysis showed that the CHS-L genes had a higher expression in the seeds than in other tissues, particularly seven tandem duplicated CHS-L2/3/5/6/9/10/13 genes. The key active-site residues and three-dimensional models of the CHS-L2/3/5/6/9/10/13 proteins showed slight variation. These results indicated that the rich anthraquinones in S. tora seeds might be ascribed to the PKSs' expansion from tandem duplication, and the seven key CHS-L2/3/5/6/9/10/13 genes provide candidate genes for further research. Our study provides an important basis for further research on the regulation of anthraquinones' biosynthesis in S. tora.

Identification of chemical cues of Camellia sinensis (Ericales: Theaceae) and alternate host plants for preference by tea mosquito bug Helopeltis theivora (Hemiptera: Miridae)

The tea mosquito bug (TMB), Helopeltis theivora (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a polyphagous pest causing serious economic loss in tea plantations of north east India. The push-pull companion cropping system can be used as a component of integrated pest management system to control the pest. We examined the host plant choice of H. theivora for Duranta erecta (Lamiales: Verbenaceae), Senna tora (Fabale: Fabaceae), Lawsonia inermis (Myrtales: Lythraceae), Psidium guajava (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) and Melastoma malabathricum (Myrtales: Melastomataceae) including the primary host, Camellia sinensis (Ericales: Theaceae) using two-choice olfactometric bioassay. The growth index and relative growth index of H. theivora were calculated for different host plants. H. theivora preferred the odor released from the mechanically damaged leaves of C. sinensis and P. guajava. The further study on biochemical constituents of all the host plants reflected the role of soluble sugar, total flavonoids and terpenoids as cues for host preference by H. theivora which indicate a scope for electroantennographic assessment in future. The information generated for P. guajava preference can be utilized in trap cropping or trap formulating approaches for management of H. theivora.

Assessment of agro-biological characteristics and aurantio-obtusin contents in seeds of some samples of Senna tora L. grown in Hanoi

This study was carried out on 11 Senna tora L. samples grown in different ecological areas in Thanh Tri, Hanoi in 2021. These samples are used for assessment of agronomical characteristics, yield component, and aurantio-obtusin contents. The experiment was arranged in sequence with no replication. The experimental plot area was 50 m2, planting distance was 40x40 cm. The results showed that the plant height varied from 123.6 to 233.2 cm, the average number of firm fruits/plants varied from 253.4 to 464.0 fruits, the average number of seeds/fruits varied from 18.1 to 30.1 seeds, and the weight of 1,000 seeds reached 8.63 to 21.70 g. The individual yield of Senna tora L. samples varied from 33.2 to 108.6 g/plant. The promising varieties in term of yield are TQM 1 (108.6 g/plant), TQM 6 (55.6 g/plant), and TQM 4 (54.8 g/plant). The aurantio-obtusin content in the seeds of the Senna tora L. samples varied from 0.06 to 0.27%. Amongst them, the aurantio-obtusin content of TQM 11 is the highest (0.27%), followed by TQM 10, TQM 8, TQM 4, TQM 3, TQM 1 and TQM 2 (0.15 to 0.24%), and the rest of samples reached 0.06-0.09%.

Evaluation of Senna tora (L.) Roxb. leaves as source of bioactive molecules with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential

Senna tora (L.) Roxb. is an ethno-medicinal herb used by rural and tribal people of the Satpura region of Madhya Pradesh in India and the Phatthalung Province of Thailand for treating rheumatism, bronchitis, ringworm, itches, leprosy, dyspepsia, liver disorders and heart disorders. It is also used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of Senna tora (L.) Roxb. as a source of drug candidates against oxidants, inflammation, and bacterial infection. Preliminary phytochemical screening (PPS) and GC-MS were performed to identify the phytochemicals in the ethyl acetate extract of Senna tora (L.) Roxb. leaves (EAESTL). The in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)- and H2O2-scavenging tests; the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was determined by bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation and red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis inhibition; and the antibacterial activity was evaluated by agar-well diffusion methods. Cytotoxicity was estimated by Artemia salina larvae lethality, while acute toxicity was evaluated by oral delivery of the extract to mice. In silico antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities were predicted by the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) program. The pharmacokinetics related to ADME and toxicity tests were determined by the admetSAR2 and ADMETlab2 web servers, and drug-able properties were assessed by the SwissADME server. GC-MS detected fifty-nine phytochemicals that support the types of compounds (phenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides and reducing sugar) identified by phytochemical screening. EAESTL exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities without any adverse effects or fluctuations in body weight. The PASS program predicted that the identified phytochemicals have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Among 51 phytochemicals, 16 showed good ADME, and 8 fulfilled drug-able properties without toxicity. Altogether, four phytochemicals, viz., benzyl alcohol, 3-(hydroxy-phenyl-methyl)-2,3-dimethyl-octan-4-one, phenylethyl alcohol and 2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo [3.1.1] heptane-3-ol, showed good pharmacokinetics and drug-able properties without toxicity, along with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. The obtained results suggest that Senna tora (L.) Roxb. leaves contain bioactive phytochemicals that have the potential to fight against oxidants, inflammation, and bacterial infection as potential drug candidates.