Plant Sources Research Articles

Expression profiles of genes involved in lignan synthesis in developing flax seeds

Flax seeds are the richest plant source of lignans, which prevent the development of many diseases. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is the predominant lignan in seeds of the cultivated species Linum usitatissimum. We sequenced transcriptomes of flax seeds at five developmental stages for 8 varieties differing in lignan content grown under three different conditions and evaluated the expression of PLR1 and UGT74S1 genes, which play a key role in SDG synthesis. The co-expression of PLR1 and UGT74S1 genes was detected, and the expression level of these genes was observed to change tens and hundreds of times during seed development, confirming their role in SDG synthesis in flax seeds. Low temperature (16 °С) and abundant watering resulted in a shift of the maximum expression level of both genes to later dates (14th day after flowering) compared to poor watering and high temperature (24 °С) and optimal conditions (20 °С) (7th day after flowering). Meanwhile, the expression level of PLR1 and UGT74S1 genes was lower under high temperature and poor watering than under optimal conditions. No association was found between lignan content in seeds of the studied flax varieties and the expression level of PLR1 and UGT74S1 genes. Our results provide important information on the contribution of genotype and environment to the expression of key genes of SDG synthesis, which is also necessary for the development of optimal approaches to obtain lignan-rich flax seeds.

Regulation mechanisms of allergenic epitope sites in casein by microbial and plant-derived proteases

Casein (CN) is the primary factor leading to allergic reactions in infants to bovine milk, severely limiting the intake of bovine milk formula by allergic infants. This study investigates the conformational changes and regulation of linear epitopes during the hydrolysis of CN by five proteases derived from microbial and plant sources using multiple spectroscopic techniques combined with LC/MS-MS. The results showed that the IgE inhibition rates for SD (subtilisin hydrolysate), PD (papain hydrolysate), BD (bromelain hydrolysate), KD (proteinase K hydrolysate), and FD (ficin hydrolysate) were 43.19%, 41.99%, 35.45%, 48.15%, and 14.80%, respectively. The differences in antigenic residues remaining after hydrolysis by different proteases mainly result from the varying degrees of structural alteration of CN and the hydrolysis allergic epitope regions. This study provides theoretical basis for understanding the mechanism by which proteases reduce the allergenicity of CN. It also offers new insights into the development of multienzyme combinatorial hydrolysis strategies.

Redefining Chronic Disease Care: Unleashing the Potential of Phytomedicines.

Phytomedicines represent a diverse array of plant-derived compounds renowned for their therapeutic potential. Traditionally, these mixtures were extracted using water or ethanol, but simpler methods like tea infusions are gaining prominence. However, ensuring the efficacy and safety of phytomedicines demands high-quality plant material and stringent production processes. Advancements in biological screening techniques have shed light on the mechanisms of action of phytomedicines, emphasizing the significance of synergistic interactions among their constituents. Ten widely-used phytomedicines are outlined, detailing their applications, efficacy, and safety profiles, underscoring their global importance in healthcare. Moreover, ongoing research in phytomedicine development showcases the rich biodiversity's capacity to yield novel medicinal compounds. These studies highlight the potential of untapped plant sources in providing innovative solutions to medical challenges, offering promising avenues for future therapeutics. In essence, the utilization of phytomedicines underscores a fusion of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, emphasizing both the importance of respecting ancient remedies and harnessing contemporary advancements for improved healthcare outcomes.

Evaluating the Effect of Adding Natural Plant Sources of Unsaturated Fatty Acids without or with Seaweed on the Digestion of Sheep

Evaluating the Effect of Adding Natural Plant Sources of Unsaturated Fatty Acids without or with Seaweed on the Digestion of Sheep

Fava Bean Protein Nanofibrils Modulate Cell Membrane Interfaces for Biomolecular Interactions as Unveiled by Atomic Force Microscopy.

Functional amyloids (protein nanofibrils, PNF) synthesized from plant sources exhibit unique physicochemical and nanomechanical properties that could improve food texture. While environmental factors affecting PNFs are well-known, scientific evidence on how cells (focus on the oral cavity) respond to them under physiological conditions is lacking. Self-assembled PNFs synthesized from fava bean whole protein isolate show a strong pH- and solvent-dependent morphology and elasticity modification measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). After incubation of PNFs with an oral mechanosensitive model cell line at pH 7.3, difference in cell-surface roughness without significant changes in the overall cell elasticity were measured. The role of cell membrane composition on supported lipid bilayers was also tested, showing an increase in membrane elasticity with increasing fibril concentration and the possible impact of annular phospholipids in binding. Genetic responses of membrane proteins involved in texture and fat perception were detected at the mRNA level by RT-qPCR assay and both mechano- and chemosensing proteins displayed responses highlighting an interface dependent interaction. The outcomes of this study provide a basis for understanding the changing physicochemical properties of PNFs and their effect on flavor perception by altering mouthfeel and fat properties. This knowledge is important in the development of plant-based texture enhancers for sensory-appealing foods that require consumer acceptance and further promote healthy diets.

Comparative Analysis of Natural vs. Synthetic Antioxidants in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the comparative analysis of natural vs. synthetic antioxidants in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that natural antioxidants, derived from plant sources such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, are often preferred for their bioavailability and health benefits, including their ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. They are associated with lower toxicity and potential health-boosting properties, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases. On the other hand, synthetic antioxidants, which are chemically manufactured, tend to have a more stable and consistent potency, making them more effective in industrial applications like food preservation. However, concerns about their long-term health effects, including potential toxicity and adverse side effects, have led to a growing preference for natural alternatives. While both types play important roles in protecting cells from damage, natural antioxidants are often seen as safer, though their effectiveness can vary depending on the source and concentration. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Free radical theory of aging, phytochemical hypothesis and toxicology of food additives may be used to anchor future studies on the comparative analysis of natural vs. synthetic antioxidants in Nigeria. In practical terms, health professionals should advocate for the incorporation of natural antioxidants into dietary guidelines, emphasizing foods rich in these beneficial compounds, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. From a policy perspective, there is a pressing need for regulatory frameworks that impose stricter guidelines on the use of synthetic antioxidants in food products, prioritizing safety assessments and considering long-term health impacts.

Dietary Patterns of Healthy Underweight Individuals Compared to Normal-BMI Individuals Using Photographic Food Diaries.

Previously, we found that healthy underweight (HU) subjects, with BMI < 18.5, eat about 12% less food (by calories) each day. It is presently unclear whether this lower intake is associated with them making food choices that provide high satiation and satiety. Using 7-day photographic records of food intake, we analyzed 52 HU and 50 normal-weight participants. We included 52 HU and 50 normal-weight participants in the final analysis. HU individuals ate 25% fewer calories than normal-weight individuals. Their intake included a higher % of rice (p = 0.0013) and vegetables (p = 0.0006) and a lower % of livestock meat (p = 0.0007), poultry meat (p < 0.0001), and starchy roots (p = 0.0015), compared with the normal-weight population. The percent energy from carbohydrates was significantly higher (p = 0.0234), and the % energy from fat was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) in the HU group, with no difference in the % energy from protein. HU individuals sourced more of their protein from plants. Dietary patterns were grouped into three clusters, with 24 individuals grouped into cluster 1 (87.5% normal-weight population), 28 individuals into cluster 2 (64.3% normal-weight group), and 50 individuals into cluster 3 (78% HU group). The HU group ate less overall and had proportionally more rice and vegetables and less poultry and livestock meat, starchy roots, and drinks. With respect to macronutrients, they also ate a greater % carbohydrates and less % fat, and they sourced more of their protein intake from plant sources. HU individuals did not follow a low-carbohydrate lifestyle.

Enzymatic Glycosylation of 4'-Hydroxychalcones: Expanding the Scope of Nature's Catalytic Potential.

Chalcones, including 4'-hydroxychalcones, have garnered significant attention in the area of drug discovery due to their diverse pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticancer effects. However, their low water solubility and bioavailability limit their efficacy in vivo. Glycosylation presents a promising approach to enhance the water solubility, stability, and metabolic properties of chalcones. This study investigates the enzymatic glycosylation of eight chemically synthesized 4'-hydroxychalcones using a diverse set of sugar glucosyltransferases from bacterial, plant, and fungal sources, alongside Glycine max sucrose synthase (GmSuSy) in a cascade reaction. Among the tested enzymes, five exhibited a remarkable versatility for glycoside production, and for large-scale biotransformation, flavonoid 7-O-glucosyltransferase Sbaic7OGT from Scutellaria baicalensis was selected as the most effective. As a result of the experiments conducted, eight trans-chalcone glycosides were obtained. During the purification of the reaction products, we also observed the isomerization of the products by simple sunlight exposure, which resulted in eight additional cis-chalcone glycosides. This study highlights the novel use of a cascade reaction involving Glycine max sucrose synthase (GmSuSy) for the efficient glycosylation of trans-4'-hydroxychalcones, alongside the unexpected discovery of cis-chalcone glycosides during the purification process.

Preferential Carbon Allocation Into Vegetative Ramets and Belowground Organs During the Seed-Filling Stage Limits Seed Set in Leymus chinensis.

Clonal perennial grasses are the dominant species in almost all natural grasslands, however their seed production is typically low. The reasons why seed set is so low remains unclear. We studied a rhizomatous grass (Leymus chinensis) using 13C tracing the different photosynthetic organs to investigate carbon fixation and allocation during the seed-filling stage. We found that the vegetative ramet leaves are the largest (81%) source for total plant fixed carbon, whereas almost all carbon is allocated to vegetative reproduction. The spike is the largest (54%) carbon source for the seeds. However, the spike produced carbon only allocated 37% to the seeds, with the majority allocated to vegetative reproduction. This preferential carbon allocation to vegetative reproduction limits sexual reproduction. Nitrogen application significantly increased assimilated carbon. However, nearly all increased carbon accumulated in the vegetative reproduction rather than in the seeds. Only the carbon produced by the spike increased its allocation to the seeds by 13%. Taken together, we conclude that the predominance of vegetative reproduction, combined with self-incompatibility, results in low ovule fertilization and very weak seed sink strength for carbon competition, suggests that the weak seed sink strength is the key reason causing low seed set in L. chinensis.

The Application of Untargeted Metabolomic Approaches for the Search of Common Bioavailable Metabolites in Human Plasma Samples from Lippia citriodora and Olea europaea Extracts.

Lippia citriodora and Olea europaea are known for their shared common bioactivities. Although both matrices are rich in similar families of bioactive compounds, their specific phytochemical compounds are mostly different. Since these compounds can be metabolized in the organism, this study hypothesized that common bioavailable metabolites may contribute to their similar bioactive effects. To test this, an acute double-blind intervention study in humans was conducted with blood samples collected at multiple time points. Using an untargeted metabolomic approach based on HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, 66 circulating metabolites were detected, including 9 common to both extracts, such as homovanillic acid sulfate and glucuronide derivates, hydroxytyrosol sulfate, etc. These common metabolites displayed significantly different Tmax values depending on the source, suggesting distinct metabolization pathways for each extract. The study highlights how shared bioavailable metabolites may underlie similar bioactivities observed between these two plant sources.

Effect of incorporating plant and animal-derived protein sources into whole wheat flour on its physical, rheological, nutritional, and chapati-making attributes

Effect of incorporating plant and animal-derived protein sources into whole wheat flour on its physical, rheological, nutritional, and chapati-making attributes

De Novo Synthesis of Anticholinergic Hyoscyamine and Scopolamine in Nicotiana benthamiana Based on Elucidating Tropane Alkaloid Biosynthetic Pathway of Anisodus luridus

Anisodus luridus, a perennial herb belonging to the genus Anisodus of the Solanaceae family, is an important Tibetan medicinal plant that produces pharmaceutical tropane alkaloids (TAs) including hyoscyamine and scopolamine. Its high yield of hyoscyamine makes A. luridus a valuable plant source for commercially producing TAs. In this study, we conduct homologous gene research across transcriptome data of different tissues together with functionally tested sequences in Atropa belladonna as a reference and identify 13 candidate genes for TAs biosynthesis in A. luridus. The results show that these 13 TAs biosynthesis genes identified in A. luridus were highly conserved in terms of sequence similarity and gene expression patterns compared to A. belladonna, suggesting that the two species may share the same biosynthetic pathway for TAs biosynthesis. Furthermore, scopolamine was detected in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves when these 13 enzymes were co-expressed in N. benthamiana, which confirmed that these 13 TAs biosynthesis genes are involved in the biosynthesis of TAs. The results of our study not only systematically elucidate the tropane alkaloid biosynthetic pathway of A. luridus, but also realize the de novo synthesis of TAs in N. benthamiana for the first time. It is now possible to make N. benthamiana a potential source for TAs production through synthetic biology techniques.

Engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the Production of Punicic Acid-Rich Yeast Biomass.

Punicic acid (PuA), an unusual conjugated linolenic acid found in pomegranate, offers diverse health benefits and has potential applications in the food industry. Due to the limited availability of PuA from natural plant sources, there is growing interest in producing it through microbial fermentation. In this study, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is classified as "generally recognized as safe", was engineered to produce PuA using a results-driven approach. Genes potentially involved in PuA synthesis were integrated directly into the yeast genome, targeting Ty retrotransposon sites. Screening of the yeast transformants, followed by optimization of culture conditions, resulted in the production of 26.7% PuA within the yeast's total fatty acids. Further analysis revealed that the strain's triacylglycerol fraction contained over 22% PuA. By incorporating this health-promoting lipid into the nutritional profile of S. cerevisiae, the engineered strain could serve as a sustainable source of yeast biomass with enhanced nutritional value.

Proteins and Peptides from Food Sources with Effect on Satiety and Their Role as Anti-Obesity Agents: A Narrative Review.

Obesity, clinically defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher, is a medical condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat, which can lead to adverse health consequences. As a global public health issue with an escalating prevalence, controlling appetite and satiety is essential for regulating energy balance and managing body weight. Dietary proteins and peptides have gained interest in their potential to prevent and treat obesity by modulating satiety signals. This narrative review analyzes scientific evidence highlighting the role of dietary proteins and peptides in regulating satiety signals and investigates their therapeutic potential in preventing and treating obesity. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search focused on articles examining the impact of dietary proteins and peptides on satiety and obesity, encompassing both preclinical and clinical trials. Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between the intake of specific proteins or peptides from plant and animal sources and satiety regulation. These investigations identified mechanisms where amino acids and peptides interact with enteroendocrine cell receptors, activating intracellular signaling cascades that promote the release of anorexigenic gut hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY). Both in vitro and in vivo assays have shown that these interactions contribute to appetite regulation and the sensation of satiety. Using proteins and peptides in the diet may be an effective strategy for regulating appetite and controlling body weight. However, more research-including clinical trials-is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms better and optimize the application of these bioactive compounds in preventing and treating obesity.

Response Surface Methodology Optimization of Exosome-like Nanovesicles Extraction from Lycium ruthenicum Murray and Their Inhibitory Effects on Aβ-Induced Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in HT22 Cells.

Exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNs) derived from plants are nanoscale vesicles isolated from edible plant sources. Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM) has garnered growing attention for its dietary value and therapeutic benefits. In this study, a PEG6000-based method was developed to isolate LRM-ELNs. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction conditions to obtain the optimal extraction efficiency. When PEG6000 concentration was at 11.93%, relative centrifugal force was 9720 g, and incubation time was 21.12 h, the maximum LRM-ELN yield was 4.24 g/kg. This optimization process yielded LRM-ELNs with a particle size of 114.1 nm and a surface charge of -6.36 mV. Additionally, LRM-ELNs mitigated Aβ-induced apoptosis in HT22 cells by enhancing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lowering the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and reducing Cleaved Caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, LRM-ELNs alleviated Aβ-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells by promoting the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and upregulating the expression of HO-1 and NQO1. These findings indicate that LRM-ELNs exert protective effects against Aβ-induced damage in HT22 cells and may be considered as a potential dietary supplement for Alzheimer's disease prevention.

The use of alternative protein sources in quail diets: A review

The growth of the Earth’s population and people’s striving for healthy life style lead to an increase in the global demand for protein food. Quails are a valuable source of protein, which is thought to reduce the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Inclusion of alternative protein sources into the composition of feeds for quails is an answer to ecological problems associated with the use of traditional protein sources. Plants, insects, algae and mushrooms are among alternative protein sources that are mentioned most frequently in scientific studies. The aim of this review is analysis of scientific literature dedicated to the use of plants, insects, algae and mushrooms as alternative protein sources in feedstuff for quails. Plant sources of protein, such as soya and maize, are successfully used in feedstuff production. However, studies have shown that addition of other sources, including by-products of crop husbandry, will allow increasing sustainability and reducing the dependence of the industry on traditional raw materials. Flour from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae is the promising and most widely studied source of protein among insects and can positively affect productivity and health of quails. Among algae, it is necessary to mention spirulina (Spirulina platensis and Arthrospira platensis). Upon addition of 4% of the spirullina powder, productivity parameters in poultry increased. Mushrooms are described as a promising protein source in feedstuff that is also capable of ensuring an increase in productivity and quality of poultry meat. Today, however, there are few studies on this subject. It is recommended to focus further studies of the application of alternative protein sources in quail diets on questions of safety of their use and more detailed analysis of economic feasibility.

An Insight of Plant Source, Toxicological Profile, and Pharmacological Activities of Iridoid Loganic Acid: A ComprehensiveReview.

This study evaluates the pharmacological effects of iridoid glucoside loganic acid, a plant constituent with diverse properties, based on literature, and explores the underlying cellular mechanisms for treating several ailments. Data were collected from reliable electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, etc. The results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and other protective effects of loganic acid on metabolic diseases and disorders such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and obesity, in addition to its osteoprotective and anticancer properties. The antioxidant activity of loganic acid demonstrates its capacity to protect cells from oxidative damage and mitigates inflammation by reducing the activity of inflammatory cytokines involving TNF-α and IL-6, substantially upregulating the expression of PPAR-γ/α, and decreasing the clinical signs of inflammation-related conditions related to hypertriglyceridemia and atherosclerosis. Meanwhile, loganic acid inhibits bone loss, exhibits osteoprotective properties by increasing mRNA expression levels of bone synthesizing genes such as Alpl, Bglap, and Sp7, and significantly increases osteoblastic proliferation in preosteoblast cells. Loganic acid is an anti-metastatic drug that reduces MnSOD expression, inhibits EMT and metastasis, and prevents cellular migration, proliferation, and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. However, additional clinical trials are required to assess its safety, efficacy, and human dose.

Low-calorie, high-protein diets, regardless of protein source, improve glucose metabolism and cardiometabolic profiles in subjects with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity.

The aim was to study the effect of two low-calorie, high-protein (HP) diets, with most of the protein coming from animal or plant sources, on glycaemic and other cardiometabolic outcomes in subjects with overweight or obesity and glucose metabolism disorders. A total of 117 participants aged >18 years with body mass index over 27.5 kg/m2 and prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were randomized to one of two HP low-calorie diets (35% of total calories from protein), in which 75% of the protein was from either plant-based sources (HPP) or animal sources (HPA). For both diets, 30% and 35% of the total calories were from fat and carbohydrates, respectively. The dietary intervention lasted 6 months. Both diets improved body composition to a similar extent, including weight loss (-8.05 ± 5.12 kg for the HPA diet and -7.70 ± 5.47 kg for the HPP diet at 6 months) and fat mass, mainly visceral fat. Both diets had a similar beneficial effect on glucose metabolism, including fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index and glycated haemoglobin. Other biochemical parameters, including lipid profiles, liver enzymes, adipokines and inflammatory biomarkers, similarly improved in both groups. Fasting incretins, mainly glucagon-like peptide 1, decreased significantly in both groups, and this effect correlated with weight loss. Low-calorie HP diets improved body composition, glucose metabolism and other cardiometabolic outcomes, regardless of protein source (either animal or plant sources), in outpatients with prediabetes or T2DM. The clinical trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT05456347) https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05456347?term=NCT05456347&rank=1.

Unveiling the Power of Flax Lignans: From Plant Biosynthesis to Human Health Benefits.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is the richest plant source of lignin secondary metabolites. Lignans from flax have been applied in the fields of food, medicine, and health due to their significant physiological activities. The most abundant lignan is secoisolariciresinol, which exists in a glycosylated form in plants. After ingestion, it is converted by human intestinal flora into enterodiol and enterolactone, which both have physiological roles. Here, the basic structures, contents, synthesis, regulatory, and metabolic pathways, as well as extraction and isolation methods, of flax lignans were reviewed. Additionally, the physiological activity-related mechanisms and their impacts on human health, from the biosynthesis of lignans in plants to the physiological activity effects observed in animal metabolites, were examined. The review elucidates that lignans, as phenolic compounds, not only function as active substances in plants but also offer significant nutritional values and health benefits when flax is consumed.

Antibacterial Activity of Ocimum Basilicum L. and Thymus Vulgaris L. Extracts against Escherichia coli as a future method for decontamination and deodorization of compost-like mixtures

Ocimum basilicum L. and Thymus vulgaris L. are natural plant sources of antimicrobial activity, which is essential to determine their qualities as biological agents against pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of the study is the analysis of the antibacterial activity of plant extracts of basil and thyme against Escherichia coli for their subsequent application in agricultural practice as additives for decontamination and deodorization of compost-like mixtures. Plant extracts from roots, stems, leaves and whole plants of basil and thyme were obtained by various methods: decoction, tincture, medicinal vinegar, medicinal wine and medicinal oil. Agar diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against Escherichia coli. The analyzed essential oil cultures increase the microbiological and enzymatic activity of soils. Basil extracts showed stronger antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli than thyme extracts, differing for individual plant parts - roots variants showed higher antimicrobial activity compared to variants with leaves, stems and whole plant. In general, a lower antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts was found in the medicated wine and tincture variants (except for roots tincture), compared to the decoction, medicated vinegar and medicated oil variants. The antibacterial activity of the stem extracts depended significantly, and that of the root, leaf and whole plant extracts moderately, on the biogenicity of the soils. The analyzed essential oil cultures can be applied for decontamination (against Escherichia coli) and deodorization of compost-like mixtures. The use of basil and thyme extracts decontaminated composts from E. coli content in a repeated 4-month application.