Species Of Canavalia Research Articles

Gamma-Ray Radiation Effect on Two Species of Canavalia Performance

In Indonesia, sword beans are still only occasionally grown since the superior variety is not readily available. An alternative breeding technique to enhance plant characteristics is mutation. The goal of this study was to determine how gamma radiation affected the growth and performance of the two Canavalia species. Four accessions of two Canavalia species each received one of five gamma-ray treatments (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 Gy). Plant morphology during the germination phase, growth type, plant capacity to produce flowers and pods, flowering age, maturity age, seed weight per plant, seed weight per plot, and seed weight per hundred seeds were all observational factors. Using a factorial randomized complete block design, the data were examined. Microsoft Excel was used for the descriptive analysis, whereas STAR software was used for the analysis of variance and further analyses. Gamma-ray doses of up to 200 Gy have not been successful in altering the characteristics or reaching the LD50 in sword bean. The weight of the seeds per plant and per hundred seeds varied significantly, but the dose and accession variables were inconsistent, making it impossible to determine the ideal combination of the two parameters at this time.

Effect of Ripening Stage on Biochemical Composition of Seeds from three Species of Canavalia spp Consumed as Protein Substitutes in Côte d’Ivoire

Aims: The present study was aimed at investigating the nutritional properties of legume-seeds from Canavalia genus as a function of their ripening stage.
 Methodology: Seeds of three species of canavalia seeds notably Canavalia gladiata, Canavalia ensiformis and Canavalia rosea were obtained from an experimental plot located in Bouaké area’s (7°41′00″ N, 5°01′59″ W) in Côte d’Ivoire. The seeds of these three species were collected at different ripening stages. The seeds were sun dried and ground to obtain the crude flour. Chemical composition and functional properties were investigated using standard methods while amino acid profiles were performed by using HPLC analytical methods.
 Results: Results reveal that the profiles of nutrients in the three Canavalia species varied as a function of ripening stages. The highest fat (3.27 ± 0.01 %), protein (33.20 ± 0.17), fibre (7.51 ± 0.06 %), ash (6.67 ± 0.01 %) and total sugar (25.40 ± 0.05 %) contents were obtained at the last ripening stage. All the legume-seeds investigated are excellent sources of proteins mainly consisting of high amounts of essential amino acids such as lysine (100.23 ± 0.04 mg/g protein), leucine (103.51 ± 0.04 mg/g protein), valine (83.68 ± 0.04 mg/g protein), methionine (27.36 ± 0.04 mg/g protein), tryptophan (74.32 ± 0.04 mg/g protein), cysteine (44.24 ± 0.04 mg/g protein), isoleucine (63.61 ± 0.04 mg/g protein), threonine (40.22 ± 0.04 mg/g protein) and histidine (17.76 ± 0.04 mg/g protein). As regards mineral contents of these seeds, they were higher at penultimate ripening stage and, they partially meet dietary allowance of infants.
 Conclusion: These seeds could be ranked as protein rich food for human and then, used as valuable substitutes for meat or fish.

Effect of Cosmos, Crotalaria, Foeniculum, and Canavalia species, single-cropped or mixes, on the community of predatory arthropods.

Some plants can attract natural enemy by offering resources such as alternative food and refuge. However, studies need to be conducted before agricultural landscape diversification is implement. Our objective was to determine the best floristic compositions of cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus—Asteraceae), showy rattlepod (Crotalaria spectabilis—Fabaceae), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare—Apiaceae), and jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis—Fabaceae) to attract and maintain predatory arthropods, and know the potential of these treatments for future use in diversifying agricultural systems. The experimental design consisted in seven treatments of four species in single-crop, intercrops in three densities called mix1, mix2, and mix3, and the control (weeds). For the arthropod families classified as very frequent and constant, population dynamics in intercropping treatments was plotted according to the plant phenology. We conclude that all plants cultivated in single-cropping and intercropping treatments showed high predator richness and can potentially be used to diversify cultivated areas. Sulfur cosmos as a single crop and three mixes attracts higher numbers and greater family richness. Spider families—Oxyopidae, Araneidae and Thomisidae—and insects—Chrysopidae and Coccinellidae are more frequents. The dynamics of the predator populations varied according to the mixes treatment.

Potential Importance of Molybdenum Priming to Metabolism and Nutritive Value of Canavalia spp. Sprouts.

Molybdenum ions (Mo) can improve plants’ nutritional value primarily by enhancing nitrogenous metabolism. In this study, the comparative effects of seed priming using Mo were evaluated among sproutings of Canavalia species/cultivars, including Canavalia ensiformis var. gladiata (CA1), Canavalia ensiformis var. truncata Ricker (CA2), and Canavalia gladiata var. alba Hisauc (CA3). Mo impacts on growth, metabolism (e.g., nitrogen and phenolic metabolism, pigment and total nutrient profiles), and biological activities were assayed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to correlate Mo-mediated impacts. The results showed that Mo induced photosynthetic pigments that resulted in an improvement in growth and increased biomass. The N content was increased 0.3-fold in CA3 and 0.2-fold in CA1 and CA2. Enhanced nitrogen metabolism by Mo provided the precursors for amino acids, protein, and lipid biosynthesis. At the secondary metabolic level, phenolic metabolism-related precursors and enzyme activities were also differentially increased in Canavalia species/cultivars. The observed increase in metabolism resulted in the enhancement of the antioxidant (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging, 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) and antidiabetic potential (Glycemic index (GI) and inhibition activity of α-amylase, and α-glucosidase) of species. The antioxidant activity increased 20% in CA3, 14% in CA1, and 8% in CA2. Furthermore, PCA showed significant variations not only between Mo-treated and untreated samples but also among Canavalia species. Overall, this study indicated that the sprouts of Canavalia species have tremendous potential for commercial usage due to their high nutritive value, which can be enhanced further with Mo treatment to accomplish the demand for nutritious feed.

In silico analysis of carbohydrate-binding pockets in the lectin genes from various species of Canavalia

Legumes are endowed with an opulent class of proteins called lectins that can detect tenuous variations in carbohydrate structures and bind them reversibly with high affinity and specificity. The genus Canavalia, in the family of Leguminosae, is considered to be an affluent source of lectin. An effort has been made to analyse the sequences encoded by the lectin gene and its carbohydrate binding pockets from three species of Canavalia, including C. virosa, C. rosea, and C. pubescens. Crude seed extract showed highest haemagglutination titer against buffalo RBCs and has high affinity to mannose and trehalose. Amplification of the lectin gene by gene-specific primers showed the presence of an 870 bp amplicon. Physicochemical characterization using various bioinformatic tools showed that the isoelectric point was below 7, suggesting that lectin molecules were acidic. A high aliphatic index and high instability index were observed, which indicated that lectin molecules were stable towards a wide range of temperatures. The occurrence of N-glycosylation sites at two sites was also identified in all three species. Prediction of secondary structure showed that approximately 59.05 %, 56.76 % and 54.88 % of the elements were random coils in the case of C. virosa, C. pubescens and C. rosea, respectively. Comparative modelling of the proteins and docking of hypothetical models with sugar moieties that inhibited the agglutination activity suggested that asparagine, serine, alanine, valine, tyrosine and threonine were the major residues involved in hydrogen bonding and other stacking interactions. This can further provide insights on its prospective antibiosis property.

Antidiabetic, lipid lowering and antioxidant potentiating effect of Canavalia species in high fat diet-streptozotocin induced model

The leguminous plants Canavalia ensiformis (CE) and Canavalia gladiata (CG) though not eaten frequently but possess some desirable potential but widely used for lowering the glucose level in folkloric medicine. The current research aims for the fractionation of total triterpenoids (TT) and total flavonoid (TF) of ethanolic seed extract of Canavalia species shows significant hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic effect in High-fat diet +Streptozotocin induced rats and to explore the mechanism. Two fractions of Canavalia ensiformis (CE) total triterpenoids (CETT), total flavonoids (CETF) and two fractions of Canavalia gladiata (CG) total triterpenoids (CGTT), total flavonoids (CGTF) were subjected to Phytopharmacognostic study. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug. The body weight of control group increased significantly from 206 ± 0.98 to 240 ± 0.97 after STZ treated at 21st day diabetic rats showed significant decrease in body weight from 220 ± 0.78 to 168 ± 0.34. HbA1C level was raised in diabetic group 12.2% meanwhile treated groups summarized deceased levels. Elevated level of blood glucose > 386 mg/dl was considered as severe diabetic and further Diabetic induced rats, when treated with these four fractions of extracts, decreased the blood glucose level and serum levels of TC, TG, LDL has also lowered in treated rats than in diabetic rats and increased levels of HDL. The antioxidant indexes SOD, GSH showed decreased levels and LPx, NO levels elevated in diabetic group were also evaluated Histopathological effect of Pancreas of CETT, CETF, CGTT, CGTF has been studied The results obtained from this study showed significant hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant potential. Total four out of two fractions of ethanolic seed extract of Total Terpenoids and total flavonoids of Canavalia ensiformis (CETT, CETF), two fractions of Total Terpenoids and total flavonoids of Canavalia gladiata (CGTT, CGTF) showed significant to lower glucose levels and possess antioxidant potential by enlightening the mechanism behind it. All biochemical parameters and histopathological studies were estimated.

Antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of Canavalia species in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background:The present study is to enlighten the antioxidant effect of ethanolic seed extracts of Canavalia species in high-fat diet and streptozotocin (HFD + STZ)-induced diabetic screening model. Objectives: The dispute between free radicals and antioxidants plays a key role in causing alteration of normal physiological conditions. Inadequate antioxidant in body leads to multiple pathological diseases. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic seed extracts of Canavalia species have been investigated for its antioxidant activity in HFD + STZ-induced screening models. The potential of antioxidants on oxidative stress is measured through certain serum biomarkers such as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. Enzymatic markers include lipid peroxidation, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH). Enzymatic parameters were studied in liver and kidney homogenates by measuring these observed biomarkers. Results: SOD, GSH, and CAT were decreased in the diabetic group. However, restoration of SOD, GSH, and CAT levels by treatment with ethanolic seed extracts of Canavalia species was observed and tabulated. Histopathological studies of the pancreas of animals showed comparable regeneration of tissues with EECE. Conclusion: Further the characterization studies will be carried out to know the extract mechanism of antioxidant potential of Canavalia species.

Impact of Electron-Beam Irradiation on Functional Attributes of Seeds of Two Coastal Wild Legume Landraces of Canavalia

Vegetable proteins have widespread application in the food industry as functional ingredients in food formulations according to the recent patents. Requirement to develop less expensive protein-rich supplementary foods has resulted in shift of emphasis towards lesser known wild than popular legumes. The aim of this study is to expose seeds of two coastal sand dune wild legumes of the Southwest India (Canavalia cathartica and C. maritima) to different doses of electron-beam (EB) irradiation to assess changes in functional attributes. Intact dried seeds were exposed to EB irradiation (2.5, 5, 10, 15 kGy). Protein solubility, gelation concentration, water-absorption capacity, oil-absorption capacity, emulsion properties and foam properties of control and irradiated seeds were assessed by standard methods. Protein solubility of both seed flours attained the highest at 2.5 kGy, followed by gradual dosedependent decrease. The gelation concentration increased in C. cathartica only at 5 kGy, while it decreased in C. maritima at 2.5 kGy without further change at higher doses. The water-absorption capacity of C. maritima was significantly higher than C. cathartica in control sample, while at 15 kGy C. cathartica showed significantly higher absorption capacity than C. maritima. The oil-absorption capacity was significantly higher in C. maritima than C. cathartica in control as well as all doses of irradiation. Emulsion activity of C. maritima was slightly higher than C. cathartica in control and irradiated samples, while both seeds showed similar emulsion stability in control with significant increase in C. cathartica at 10 kGy and 15 kGy. The foam capacity in both seeds was similar up to 2.5 kGy followed by significant increase in C. maritima at 5 kGy and 10 kGy. The foam stability was significantly higher C. cathartica than C. maritima in control as well as in irradiated samples. The foam capacity was higher in C. maritima than C. cathartica in control and irradiated samples, which showed gradual time-dependent decrease in stability with higher stability at 8 hr in C. cathartica than C. maritima. Improved functional properties (protein solubility, emulsion stability and foam capacity) and decreased gelation concentration in seeds of C. maritima irradiated at 5 kGy is advantageous in the production of functional foods. Even though both species of Canavalia grew on the coastal sand dunes and their seeds were exposed to same doses of radiation, they differed in functional attributes confirm that it is species-specific. Canavalia seeds being rich in proteins, carbohydrates, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids and bioactive components, further studies on the impact of EB irradiation helps in optimization of nutraceutical potential as well as functional attributes for future applications.

Molecular cytogenetic characterization and comparison of the two cultivated Canavalia species (Fabaceae).

The two cultivated Canavalia (Adanson, 1763) species, Canavalia gladiata (N. J. von Jacquin, 1788) A. P. de Candolle, 1825 and Canavalia ensiformis (Linnaeus, 1753) A. P. de Candolle, 1825 are closely related based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic data. However, the similarities and differences in genome organization between them have not been evaluated at molecular cytogenetic level. Here, detailed karyotypes of both species were constructed using combined PI and DAPI (CPD) staining, rDNA-FISH and self-genomic in situ hybridization (sGISH). For further comparison, comparative genomic in situ hybridization (cGISH) and sequence analysis of 5S rDNA were applied. Their chromosomes were accurately identified by sGISH and rDNA-FISH signals. Both species had the karyotype formula 2n = 22 = 18m + 4m-SAT, but the karyotype of C. ensiformis was shorter and more asymmetric than that of C. gladiata. They displayed similar CPD bands at all 45S rDNA sites and centromeres. C. gladiata had ten centromeric 5S rDNA loci and two SC (secondary constriction)-associated 45S rDNA loci. C. ensiformis had nine centromeric and one interstitial 5S loci, two SC-associated and one proximal 45S loci. Their sGISH signal patterns displayed both basic similarities and distinct differences. Reciprocal cGISH generated prominent signals in all pericentromeric regions and 45S sites. There was lower level of sequence identity of the non-transcribed spacer between their 5S rDNA repeats. These data confirmed the evolutionary closeness between C. gladiata and C. ensiformis and demonstrated obvious differentiation between their genomes, and supported the opinion that C. ensiformis is more advanced in evolution than C. gladiata.

A new species of Canavalia (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) from Brazil with a specialized corolla suggesting bird pollination

During the development of a systematic study of the species of Canavalia from the New World a new species with floral morphology suggesting a bird pollination system was found, contrasting with the bee pollination pattern of the genus. Canavalia reflexiflora differs from the other species of the genus mainly by its flowers with a reflexed standard; in addition, it also has red flowers, wing and keel petals as long as the standard petal, and an oblong seed with the hilum surrounding nearly half the seed circumference.

Evaluation of Variability in Proximate Compositions among Accessions of Sword bean (Canavalia gladiata Jacq. DC) and Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis L. DC)

Exploitation of available germplasms particularly in the developing countries is still limited despite the availability of rich gene pools. Canavalia species are underutilized legumes of wide importance for humans and livestock feed. Field and laboratory studies were carried out on evaluation of variability in proximate compositions within and between fifteen genotypes of Canivalia species collected from Genetic Resources Centre, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. The study was a randomized complete block design replicated three thrice. Harvested mature seeds were analysed for proximate composition. The results revealed that moisture content ranged from 26.97 to 30.05, crude protein 15.45-21.85%, lipid 7.05-29.70%, ash 10.18-17.43%, sugar 0.75-1.37%, starch 7.40-0.26% and energy levels 1016.56-1825.82 kJ 100 g-1 DM. Significant (p<0.05) variability was observed in sugar, lipid and energy contents among the accessions based on analysis of variance (ANOVA). The first principal component analysis (PCA) had the highest contribution of 31.4% to the total variation. Based on proximate composition, the 15 accessions clustered into six main groups. Lipid varied widely and significantly (p<0.05) correlated to energy. Aggregation of accessions within the same species into a cluster revealed high similarity within a biological and taxonomic unit. The similarities among these 15 accessions could allow for inter specific hybridization.

Reproductive biology of two species of Canavalia DC. (Fabaceae)—A non-conventional wild legume

The reproductive biology of two important species of Canavalia, i.e. Canavalia gladiata and Canavalia virosa, was investigated in detail by studying floral phenology, floral biology including fruit and seed set, breeding system and pollinator's activity. Both the species flower and set their seed primarily from August to December. The study of pollen–-pistil interaction indicated the existence of morphological protandry in both species, and pollen germination occurred only after rupture of the stigmatic surface. This suggests that some form of self-incompatibility operates in these species. Ants were the common vectors tripping the stigma and transporting some foreign pollen. Campylomma verbasci (large black ants) were only seen on the flowers of C. virosa, while Monomorium minimum (small black ants) were restricted to the flowers of C. gladiata. Inadequacy of reliable pollinators and high rate of bud/flower drop may be the main factors for low fruit and seed set in both the species.

Characterization of Con C, a lectin from Canavalia cathartica Thouars seeds

Con C, a lectin from Canavalia cathartica, a wild species of Canavalia was isolated and partially characterized. Mannose–agarose resin was used as an affinity matrix for purification. The lectin showed strong agglutination activity (2.34 AU/ng protein) towards rabbit erythrocytes. Con C agglutinated A, B and O groups of human blood with a preference for A and O groups. The native molecular weight of lectin was 62 kDa and the subunit molecular weight was 31 kDa. No carbohydrate moiety was found to be associated with the lectin. Con C showed a broad pH optima of pH 4–8. Total inactivation of lectin activity occurred at 70 °C when heated for 10 min. The lectin was found to be mitogenic for mouse-spleen cells (total). N-terminal analysis revealed 94% homology with C. ensiformis lectin (Con A). C. cathartica is a legume with high nutritional values and less antinutritional factors and the potential of the same is yet to be exploited.

Effect of different ash medium on seed germination and seedling survival of Canavalia DC.

Seed germination study of two economically important Canavalia species viz., C. gladiata DC. and C. virosa W. & A. was carried out under different ratio of three different ash contents i.e. dry leaf ash, paper ash and coal ash at 28-32oC. The study was performed to find out relative impact of different ash contents on seed germination, shoot and root length and survival of the seedlings when administered into the soil in different ratio.

Nutrient composition and biological evaluation of an unconventional legume, Canavalia cathartica of mangroves

Seeds of an unconventional legume, Canavalia cathartica from the mangroves of the southwest coast of India, were screened for proximate composition, minerals, protein fractions, amino acid profiles, fatty acids and some anti-nutritional factors. The seeds consisted of 31.2%, 1.86%, 61.4% and 1580 kJ crude proteins, crude lipid, crude carbohydrates and calories, respectively. The crude protein content of seeds was higher than common cereals, whole-wheat flour (8.55%), parboiled rice (7.7%) and egg (12.6%). Essential amino acids, threonine, cysteine + methionine, isoleucine, tyrosine + phenylalanine and lysine were higher than Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations/World Health Organization patterns. On comparing the amino acid profile of mangrove and sand dune C. cathartica seeds, the latter were found to be superior (total amino acid content, 123.5% versus 60.8%), while the result was vice versa with respect to the polyunsaturated/saturated ratio (105.9 versus 2.52). The seeds possessed 1420 mg/100 g total phenolics and strong hemagglutination activity, while tannins and trypsin inhibition activity were absent. Physical, nutritional and anti-nutritional features of seeds of C. cathartica of the mangrove have been compared with those of C. cathartica of the sand dunes of the southwest coast of India. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the physical, proximal and mineral composition except for ash, magnesium and copper. The protein efficiency ratio, food efficiency ratio, net protein retention, protein retention efficiency, biological value, net protein utilization and true digestibility of C. cathartica seeds were significantly different (P < 0.05) from casein. In spite of the high protein content, animal-feeding trials indicated low nutritional quality. Nutritional, anti-nutritional factors and protein qualities of seeds C. cathartica have been discussed in comparison with other species of Canavalia.

Primary structures of concanavalin a-like lectins from seeds of two species of Canavalia

The amino acid sequences of two lectins from the seeds of Canavalia lineata and C. virosa have been determined by the manual Edman degradation method. Both proteins were found to be highly homologous to concanavalin A, a lectin from C. ensiformis. All the residues suggested to participate in binding to carbohydrates and metal ions are completely conserved in the proteins.

Nutritional and chemical evaluation of raw seeds of Canavalia gladiata (Jacq) DC. and C. ensiformis DC: the under utilized food and fodder crops in India.

In India, the seeds of Canavalia gladiata and C. ensiformis have traditionally been eaten by the aborigines, but they are less popular among the civilized people. The data on the chemical composition and nutritional quality of these seeds are not readily available. The proximate composition, mineral composition, the contents of total (true) proteins, seed protein fractions, profile of seed protein amino acids and certain antinutritional factors were analysed and reported in the present study. The seeds of C. ensiformis contain more crude protein, crude lipid and minerals like Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe and Mn than does C. gladiata. Both albumins and globulins together constitute the major bulk of seed proteins. In both the species of Canavalia investigated, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, isoleucine + leucine, tyrosine + phenylalanine and lysine are the major amino acids of seed proteins. The presence of certain antinutritional factors (total free phenols, tannins, lectins, L-DOPA, trypsin inhibitor activity) is also reported for both species of Canavalia.

Karyological studies in three Canavalia species.

Karyological studies in three Canavalia species.

Distribution and Metabolism of sym-Homospermidine and Canavalmine in the Sword Bean Canavalia gladiata cv Shironata

The unusual polyamines, sym-homospermidine (homoSPD) and canavalmine (CAN), were found in the seed of Canavalia species such as C. gladiata, C. ensiformis, and C. brasilensis, but not in those of other leguminous crops. To examine the distribution and metabolism of homoSPD and CAN in sword bean, C. gladiata cv Shironata, polyamine analysis was carried out throughout the life cycle of this plant. During seed germination, putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM) were accumulated in the radicle and hypocotyl. HomoSPD and CAN were, however, maintained at very low levels over a 6-day period of germination. In nodulated sword bean plants, a large quantity of homoSPD was found in the root nodule. CAN was detected exclusively in the senescent nodule at very low concentrations. These polyamines were not detected in any other organs including root, stem, leaf, vine, flower, and pod, while PUT, SPD, and SPM were always found in those organs. As plants reached the reproductive stage, homoSPD and CAN appeared in the immature seed and their concentrations increased as seed formation progressed. By contrast, the level of SPM continuously decreased during seed development. In developing seeds, considerable accumulation of canavanine, an analog of arginine, which is a precursor in polyamine biosynthesis, was also observed.

Some Observations on the Cytology and Cytomixis in &lt;i&gt;Canavalia&lt;/i&gt; DC

Cytological studies were carried on two species of Canavalia, C. virosa and C. ensiformis, to understand their relationships.Distinct cytological differences were observed in the two species, although the chromosome number was the same (n=11). C. virosa showed normal meiosis, except for the presence of a few univalents, whereas in C. ensiformis cytomixis during the pre-meiotic and meiotic stages was observed. Since only the nucleolus took part in the process of cytomixis, the chromosome number remained constant and subsequent stages of meiosis were normal resulting in fertile pollen grains.