Plant Substances Research Articles

A Review of Medicinal Plants in the Therapy of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Woman

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a neuroendocrine metabolic disorder, one of the symptoms of which is irregular menstrual cycles. Polycystic ovary syndrome treatment using chemical drugs has been effective, however, PCOS patients have received effective results from herbal treatment Methods: Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Crossref and Hinari databases were searched for the effect of medicinal plants in the treatment of polycystic syndrome. Result: The results showed that medicinal plants and their active substances are effective in the treatment of polycystic syndrome. Conclusions: This study showed that the search and isolation of effective substances in plants can be a good treatment alternative for polycystic syndrome.

Metabolites Obtained from Boraginaceae Plants as Potential Cosmetic Ingredients—A Review

One of the challenges of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries is to deliver biochemical compounds that can be advantageous for the skin. Research on Boraginaceae taxa has confirmed their use in traditional medicine and proved the potential biological importance of various molecules in cosmetology. The main classes of valuable compounds associated with Boraginaceae taxa are fatty acids, including γ-linolenic acid, essential oils, phenolic acids (e.g., rosmarinic acid), flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and saponins. Highly specific are naphthoquinone pigments (including shikonin) and allantoin. Another distinguishing feature is the accumulation of silica (silicon dioxide) in trichomes. Some taxa produce mucilages. However, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) with toxic properties are also found (mainly in Symphytum spp.); therefore, their applications should be avoided. Extracts or individual compounds of Boraginaceae plants are characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-irritant, antiaging, and photoprotective activities. Boraginaceae products are widespread in the cosmetic industry as ingredients of creams, balms, lotions, gels, shampoos, lipsticks, perfumes, and deodorants. The most valuable for the cosmetic industry are raw materials obtained from the genera Alcanna Anchusa, Arnebia, Borago, Buglossoides, Cerinthe, Cordia, Echium, Ehretia, Eriodictyon, Glendora, Lappula, Lithospermum, Lycopsis, Macrotomia, Maharanga, Mertensia, Messerschmidia, Myosotis, Omphalodes, Onosma, Pulmonaria, Rindera, Symphytum, Trachystemon, and Trigonotis. Further research should focus on the search for active substances in other plants of the family.

Seasonal dynamics of indicators of mineral metabolism in horses in the conditions of the Leningrad region

The article analyzes the seasonal dynamics of mineral metabolism indicators in adult horses kept in private stables in the Leningrad region. As a result of the research, knowledge of the concentration and dependence of indicators on the seasonality of the year was obtained. It is important to remember that macro- and microelements are not synthesized in the body, they come from food, water, and air. The degree of their assimilation depends on the state of the respiratory and digestive organs. The most difficult period for animals is winter, when there is a decrease in the resistance of the body as a whole due to poor climatic conditions and minimizing physical activity in the fresh air. All these are predisposing factors for the imbalance of indicators at the level of the whole organism.It is established that in the autumn-winter period there is a decrease in indicators relative to the average annual digital values. Thus, there is a linear relationship between the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in blood serum – the minimum values are observed in winter and are 2.53±0.27 mmol/l and 1.76± 0.11 mmol/l, respectively. And the maximum values are typical for the autumn period and are 3.63±0.29 mmol/l for calcium and 2.33±0.12 mmol/l for phosphorus. Similar dynamics is observed in other indicators of the body's mineral metabolism. Thus, for trace elements such as copper, iron, protein-bound iodine, the minimum values were noted in the spring period. This can be explained by a decrease in the mineral components of the feed itself, as a result of long-term storage, resulting in changes in the chemical composition of vegetable feed with fat oxidation. Microelementoses and osteodystrophic processes are observed in animals. The autumn period is characterized by the highest concentrations of minerals in the blood serum of horses, on average by 8-12% compared with the average annual figures, This is explained by the fact that it was in the summer period that the greatest benefit was obtained from juicy plant substances of feed and proper exercise.This knowledge is necessary to understand the processes occurring in the body of horses at different times of the year and the possibility of correcting mineral supplements based on the data obtained

A Soybean Pyrroline-5-Carboxylate Dehydrogenase GmP5CDH1 Modulates Plant Growth and Proline Sensitivity

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], as a globally commercialized crop, is an important source of protein and oil for both humans and livestock. With more frequent extreme weather disasters, abiotic stress has become one of the critical factors restricting soybean production. Proline (Pro) is a well-known substance in plants that responds to abiotic stress. To identify potential effector genes involved in soybean resistance to abiotic stress, we focused on the pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH) which is a key enzyme in the degradation process of Pro. Through homologous sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree, and predicted expression, we chose GmP5CDH1 (Glyma.05G029200) for further research. Tissue-specific expression assay showed that GmP5CDH1 had higher expression levels in soybean seed and cotyledon development. Subcellular localization assay revealed that GmP5CDH1 was a nuclear-membrane-localized protein. As the result of the predicted cis-acting regulatory element indicates, the expression level of GmP5CDH1 was induced by low temperature, drought, salt stress, and ABA in soybean. Next, we constructed transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing GmP5CDH1. The results showed that GmP5CDH1 also strongly responded to exogenous Pro, and overcame the toxicity of abiotic stress on plants by regulating the endogenous concentration of Pro. The interaction between GmP5CDH1 and GmSAM1 was validated through yeast two-hybrid, LUC fluorescence complementary, and BIFC. In conclusion, overexpression of a soybean pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase GmP5CDH1 regulates the development of Arabidopsis thaliana by altering proline content dynamically under salt stress, especially improving the growth of plants under exogenous Pro.

Oxidative Processes and Xenobiotic Metabolism in Plants: Mechanisms of Defense and Potential Therapeutic Implications.

Plants are continuously exposed to environmental challenges, including pollutants, pesticides, and heavy metals, collectively termed xenobiotics. These substances induce oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. To counteract this, plants have evolved complex metabolic pathways to detoxify and process these harmful compounds. Oxidative stress in plants primarily arises from the overproduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anions (O2•-), singlet oxygen (1O2), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH), by-products of metabolic activities such as photosynthesis and respiration. The presence of xenobiotics leads to a notable increase in ROS, which can result in cellular damage and metabolic disruption. To combat this, plants have developed a strong antioxidant defense mechanism that includes enzymatic antioxidants that work together to eliminate ROS, thereby reducing their harmful effects. In addition to enzymatic defenses, plants also synthesize various non-enzymatic antioxidants, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and vitamins. These compounds effectively neutralize ROS and help regenerate other antioxidants, offering extensive protection against oxidative stress. The metabolism of xenobiotic substances in plants occurs in three stages: the first involves modification, which refers to the chemical alteration of xenobiotics to make them less harmful. The second involves conjugation, where the modified xenobiotics are combined with other substances to increase their solubility, facilitating their elimination from the plant. The third stage involves compartmentalization, which is the storage or isolation of conjugated xenobiotics in specific parts of the plant, helping to prevent damage to vital cellular functions. Secondary metabolites found in plants, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, play a vital role in detoxification and the defense against oxidative stress. Gaining a deeper understanding of the oxidative mechanisms and the pathways of xenobiotic metabolism in plants is essential, as this knowledge can lead to the formulation of plant-derived strategies aimed at alleviating the effects of environmental pollution and enhancing human health by improving detoxification and antioxidant capabilities, as discussed in this review.

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.

Utilizing a medicinal plant and soil assays for heavy metal pollution assessment and its impacts in a Turkish Industrial Zone

Due to the worldwide growth in population, agricultural and industrial activities are expanding quickly, which pollutes the air, water, and soil and leads to the buildup of potentially hazardous substances in medicinal plants. The current study sought to determine the concentrations of various metals in Silybum marianum plants and soils in order to highlight the level of pollution in a Turkish Organized Industrial Zone in Dilovasi District, Kocaeli, and to investigate the effects of these heavy metals on plants. In order to determine the concentrations of elements evaluated within the scope of this study inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy was employed, due to the benefits of ICP that provides few or no organic molecules, few ionization interferences, as well as the ability to analyze many elements sequentially. Furthermore, in order to evaluate elemental analysis in terms of nutritional values, risk assessments using RDA, EDI, THQ, and HI parameters were conducted. The value of heavy metals in co-located soil samples is relatively high. However, except for Co, Mn, and Ni, it has stayed within the World Health Organization’s permitted limits. The evaluation of the co-located soil samples found that the highest contents (mg kg−1) of Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn, were recorded as 7825.10, 4365.86, 4768.59, 2.50, 30.45, 38.49, 8352.00, 17452.26, 1495.82, 1495.82, 163.53, 1452.23, 28.67, 136.55 and 125.45, respectively, belonging to Location 1. These findings are in accordance with the Industrial Status Report since the place specified as Location 1 in the current study is characterized by its pronounced industrial activity and the robust electrical plant station with an industrial facility for generating electric power. Furthermore, the hazard index, the estimated daily intake and target hazard quotient for potentially harmful components and recommended daily allowance values for mineral nutrients were computed. Therefore, even though mineral nutritional values in some areas were found to be higher than Buyukada control location, this should be ignored. Consequently, this study warns against using S. marianum plants as food or medicine collected from current regions. As a result, ongoing inspection is necessary to prevent an excessive buildup of metals in the area and other places with similar human life-related features.

The Nexus between Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota and Their Interplay in Human Health: A Brief Review

Polyphenols are a broad class of naturally occurring substances in plants and have drawn extensive attention as they may possess promising health-promoting benefits. Recently, gut microbiota and polyphenol interactions have been directly linked to the well-being of humans. The classification, sources, and interactions of polyphenols with the gut microbiota are presented in this review, highlighting their key health benefits in humans. Polyphenols undergo complex transformations within the gastrointestinal tract and interact with the gut microbiota, a varied collection of bacteria living in the digestive system. The interactions substantially influence the composition, functioning, metabolic activity, and gut microbiota diversity. Research indicates that polyphenols may possess prebiotic-like properties, favouring Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria growth, among other beneficial bacteria. The fermentation of polyphenols is aided by these bacteria, which produce bioactive metabolites that may improve human health and well-being in various ways. Moreover, the alteration of gut microbiology caused by polyphenols has been linked to improvements in several health outcomes, including enhanced metabolic health, fortified immunological function, and a decreased susceptibility to chronic conditions like heart disease and certain forms of cancer. In summary, the intriguing relationship between polyphenols and gut microbiota has significant health implications for humans. Understanding these relationships can open the door to tailored dietary treatments and the development of functional foods to support a balanced gut microbiota and general well-being.

Comparative Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Defense Mechanism of Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) against Plasmodiophora brassicae Infection.

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) ranks among the most cultivated and consumed vegetables in China. A major threat to its production is Plasmodiophora brassicae, which causes large root tumors, obstructing nutrient and water absorption and resulting in plant withering. This study used a widely targeted metabolome technique to identify resistance-related metabolites in resistant (DH40R) and susceptible (DH199S) Chinese cabbage varieties after inoculation with P. brassicae. This study analyzed disease-related metabolites during different periods, identifying 257 metabolites linked to resistance, enriched in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, and 248 metabolites linked to susceptibility, enriched in the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. Key metabolites and genes in the phenylpropanoid pathway were upregulated at 5 days post-inoculation (DPI), suggesting their role in disease resistance. In the arachidonic acid pathway, linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid were upregulated at 5 and 22 DPI in resistant plants, while arachidonic acid was upregulated at 22 DPI in susceptible plants, leading to the conclusion that arachidonic acid may be a response substance in susceptible plants after inoculation. Many genes enriched in these pathways were differentially expressed in DH40R and DH199S. The research provided insights into the defense mechanisms of Chinese cabbage against P. brassicae through combined metabolome and transcriptome analysis.

Microencapsulation of total saponins from stem and leaf of Panax notoginseng by freeze and spray drying: Process optimization, physicochemical properties, structure, antioxidant activity, and stability.

Ginsenosides are the primary active substance in ginseng plants and have a variety of benefits. However, its light and heat stability are weak and easy to decompose. This study used gum arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) as wall materials, and 1% Tween 80 was used as emulsifier. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the preparation process of total saponins in the stems-leaves of Panax notoginseng (SLPNs) (SSLP) microcapsules by spray drying and freeze drying techniques. Under optimal process conditions, the two microcapsules have better solubility and lower moisture content (MC). The color of spray-dried SSLP microcapsules was greener and bluer, and the color was brighter. In morphology, the spray-dried SSLP microcapsules were spherical with a slightly shrunk surface, whereas the freeze-dried ones were lamellar and porous. The two microcapsules have strong stability under different storage conditions and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion simulation. In addition, both microcapsules and free SSLP contained multiple ginsenosides. At the same time, both microcapsules had good free radical scavenging ability. These results indicate that the microencapsulation technology could improve the stability and bioavailability of SSLP, which is expected to provide a reference for the intensive processing of the SLPN. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: After microencapsulation, the stem and leaf extract of Panax notoginseng improved its stability and taste, which laid a foundation for making more nutritious and better tasting food of the stem and leaf of P. notoginseng.

Bio-control of soil-borne virus infection by seed application of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal

Main conclusionSeed-application of the natural products protects sugar beet and wheat plants against infection with plasmodiophorid-transmitted viruses and thus may represent an efficient, environmentally friendly, easy and cost effective biocontrol strategy.In times of intensive agriculture, resource shortening and climate change, alternative, more sustainable and eco-friendly plant protection strategies are required. Here, we tested the potential of the natural plant substances Glycyrrhiza glabra leaf extract (GE) and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal (Rha) applied to seeds to protect against infection of sugar beet and wheat with soil-borne plant viruses. The soil-borne Polymyxa betae- and Polymyxa graminis-transmitted viruses cause extensive crop losses in agriculture and efficient control strategies are missing. We show that GE and Rha both efficiently protect plants against infection with soil-borne viruses in sugar beet and wheat when applied to seeds. Moreover, the antiviral protection effect is independent of the cultivar used. No protection against Polymyxa sp. was observed after seed treatment with the bio-substances at our analysis time points. However, when we applied the bio-substances directly to soil a significant anti-Polymyxa graminis effect was obtained in roots of barley plants grown in the soil as well as in the treated soil. Despite germination can be affected by high concentrations of the substances, a range of antiviral protection conditions with no effect on germination were identified. Seed-treatment with the bio-substances did not negatively affect plant growth and development in virus-containing soil, but was rather beneficial for plant growth. We conclude that seed treatment with GE and Rha may represent an efficient, ecologically friendly, non-toxic, easy to apply and cost efficient biocontrol measure against soil-borne virus infection in plants.

Environmental fate and transport of PFAS in wastewater treatment plant effluent discharged to rapid infiltration basins

Fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent discharged to rapid infiltration basins (RIBs) is investigated using data from 26 WWTPs in Michigan, USA. PFAS were found to accumulate in groundwater downgradient from RIBs with median groundwater-effluent enrichment factors for ten commonly detected, terminal-form perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) ranging from 1.3 to 5.2. Maximum contaminant levels for drinking water were exceeded in groundwater at all WWTPs with available PFAS data. Numerical models of unsaturated fluid flow and PFAS transport honoring RIB site properties, such as median vertical separation distance to the water table and a realistic range of area-normalized effluent fluxes, show long-chain PFAS undergo significant delays from air-water interface (AWI) adsorption, requiring up to 15 times longer to reach maximum mass flux to the saturated zone under low-flux conditions, where AWI area is 2.5 times greater. Short-chain PFAS commonly detected in effluent are only minimally affected by AWI adsorption and show little to no attenuation under high-flux conditions. The nonlinear inverse relationship between water content and AWI area highlights the important role of AWI adsorption in modulating unsaturated transport of long-chain PFAS to underlying groundwater due to the broad range of flux rates applied to RIB systems.

Naturally Occurring Xanthones and Their Biological Implications.

Xanthones are chemical substances in higher plants, marine organisms, and lower microorganisms. The most prevalent naturally occurring sources of xanthones are those belonging to the families Caryophyllaceae, Guttiferae, and Gentianaceae. Structurally, xanthones (9H xanthan-9-one) are heterocyclic compounds with oxygen and a γ-pyrone component. They are densely packed with a two-benzene ring structure. The carbons in xanthones are numbered from their nucleus and biosynthetic construct. They have mixed shikimate-acetate (higher plants) and acetate-malonate (lower organisms) biosynthetic origins, which influence their classification. Based on the level of oxidation of the C-ring, they are classified into monomers, dimers, and heterodimers. While based on the level of oxygenation or the type of ring residue, they can be categorized into mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta- and hexa-oxygenated xanthones, bis-xanthones, prenylated and related xanthones, xanthonolignoids, and other miscellaneous xanthones. This structural diversity has made xanthones exhibit considerable biological properties as promising antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents. Structure-activity relationship studies suggest C-1, C-3, C-6, and C-8 as the key positions that influence the biological activity of xanthones. Furthermore, the presence of functional groups, such as prenyl, hydroxyl, glycosyl, furan, and pyran, at the key positions of xanthones, may contribute to their spectrum of biological activity. The unique chemical scaffolds of xanthones, their notable biological activities, and the structure-activity relationships of some lead molecules were discussed to identify lead molecules as possible drug candidates.

Exploring the Effects of Different Processing Techniques on the Antitussive Expectorant of Platycodon grandiflorus by Metabonomics and Pharmacologic Methods

Background and Purpose Platycodon grandiflorum is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which can disperse lung, promote pharynx, dispel phlegm and expel pus. Its processing history was first seen in the “Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang” of the Jin Dynasty in China. Through processing, effective substances in plants can be enriched and negative substances can be reduced. Therefore, this study explored the effects of different processing methods on the antitussive and expectorant effects of Platycodon grandiflorum through metabolomics and pharmacology, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for clinical application. Experimental Approach The changes of metabolites before and after processing of Platycodon grandiflorum were analyzed by Nexera UHPLC LC-30A-HILIC-Orbitrap-Q Exactive HF-X platform. The antitussive and expectorant effects of processed Platycodon grandiflorum were verified by mouse concentrated ammonia induced cough method and tracheal phenol red drainage method. Key Results After processing, some metabolites of Platycodon grandiflorum changed, among which 24 kinds of terpenoid metabolites changed significantly. Through the experiment of ammonia-induced cough in mice and phenol red expectorant experiment, it was found that fresh JZI 40%, fresh CZ 80%, dry JZZ 40% and dry JZI 80% had obvious antitussive effect, and dry JZZ 40% had obvious expectorant effect. Conclusions and Implications Some processing methods can indeed further improve the antitussive and expectorant effects of Platycodon grandiflorum, which may be due to the effect of increasing the content of triterpenoids after processing, but the mechanism of processing to improve the effect of relieving cough and expectorant needs further study.

Systematic Analysis of the BrHAT Gene Family and Physiological Characteristics of Brassica rapa L. Treated with Histone Acetylase and Deacetylase Inhibitors under Low Temperature.

Brassica rapa L. is an important overwintering oilseed crop in Northwest China. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) play an important role in epigenetic regulation, as well as the regulation of plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stresses. To clarify the role of histone acetylation in the low-temperature response of B. rapa L., we identified 29 HAT genes in B. rapa L. using bioinformatics tools. We also conducted a comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical properties, gene structure, chromosomal localization, conserved structural domains and motifs, cis-acting regulatory elements, and evolutionary relationships of these genes. Using transcriptome data, we analyzed the expression patterns of BrHAT family members and predicted interactions between proteins; the results indicated that BrHATs play an important role in the low-temperature response of B. rapa L. HAT inhibitor (curcumin; CUR) and histone deacetylase inhibitor (Trichostatin A; TSA) were applied to four B. rapa L. varieties varying in cold resistance under the same low-temperature conditions, and changes in the physiological indexes of these four varieties were analyzed. The inhibitor treatment attenuated the effect of low temperature on seed germination, and curcumin treatment was most effective, indicating that the germination period was primarily regulated by histone acetylase. Both inhibitor treatments increased the activity of protective enzymes and the content of osmoregulatory substances in plants, suggesting that histone acetylation and deacetylation play a significant role in the response of B. rapa L. to low-temperature stress. The qRT-PCR analyses showed that the expression patterns of BrHATs were altered under different inhibitor treatments and low-temperature stress; meanwhile, we found three significantly differentially expressed genes. In sum, the process of histone acetylation is involved in the cold response and the BrHATs gene plays a role in the cold stress response.

Основные группы биологически активных веществ в растениях видов Hemerocallis L.

Abstract. Wild species of the genus Hemerocallis L. – family Hemerocallidaceae Br. – are of value as ornamental, food and medicinal plants. Biologically active substances of the species composition of lilies growing in natural habitats have not been studied enough. There is no information on the quantitative content of the main groups of biologically active substances in the five types of lilac cultivated in the forest-steppe zone of the Novosibirsk region over the two growing seasons, which determines the originality and significance of this work. The purpose of the study is a comparative study of the content of the main groups of biologically active substances (BAS) in plants of five species of lilac cultivated in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia. Methods. A spectrophotometric method was used to determine flavonols, catechins, carotenoids; carbazole-free – for the determination of pectins and protopectins; titrimetric – for the determination of tannins. Results. Comparative analysis of BAV in flowers and leaves of five species of lilac allowed to establish that in leaves the content of catechins (1.1–1.3 times), flavonols (2.0 times), tannins (1.6–2.3 times) is higher than in flowers. The content of pectins is higher in flowers (1.7–3.3 times), protopectins (1.4 times), carotenoids (3.7–34.4 times). The concentration of protopectins in leaves and flowers of all species is 1,4–5.1 times higher compared to pectins. H. minor (flavonols, pectins), H. middendorffii (tannins, catechins, carotenoids), H. citrina (catechins), H. fulva (tannins), H. lilio-asphodelus (pectins) were distinguished by high indications for individual components in various organs. Species specificity of accumulation of these components in flowers and leaves during the period of mass flowering and specificity of their content over two growing periods has been established. Scientific novelty. For the first time in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Novosibirsk region, a comparative quantitative analysis of the content of phenolic compounds, pectin substances, carotenoids in the aboveground organs of H. lilio-asphodelus, H. minor, H. middendorffii, H. citrina, H. fulva during the growing season of 2019–2020 was carried out.

Effects of Ulmus macrocarpa Extract and Catechin 7-O-β-D-apiofuranoside on Muscle Loss and Muscle Atrophy in C2C12 Murine Skeletal Muscle Cells.

Muscle atrophy is known to be one of the symptoms leading to sarcopenia, which significantly impacts the quality of life, mortality, and morbidity. Therefore, the development of therapeutics for muscle atrophy is essential. This study focuses on addressing muscle loss and atrophy using Ulmus macrocarpa extract and its marker compound, catechin 7-O-β-D-apiofuranoside, by investigating their effects on biomarkers associated with muscle cell apoptosis. Additionally, protein and gene expression in a muscle atrophy model were examined using Western blotting and RT-PCR. Ulmus macrocarpa has been used as food or medicine due to its safety, including its roots, barks, and fruit. Catechin 7-O-β-D apiofuranoside is an indicator substance of plants of the Ulmus genus and has been reported to have various effects such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The experimental results demonstrated that catechin glycoside and Ulmus macrocarpa extract decreased the expression of the muscle-degradation-related proteins Atrogin-1 and Muscle RING-Finger protein-1 (MuRF1) while increasing the expression of the muscle-synthesis-related proteins Myoblast determination (MyoD) and Myogenin. Gene expression confirmation experiments validated a decrease in the expression of Atrogin and MuRF1 mRNA and an increase in the expression of MyoD and Myogenin mRNA. Furthermore, an examination of muscle protein expression associated with the protein kinase B (Akt)/forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway confirmed a decrease in the expression of FoxO, a regulator of muscle protein degradation. These results confirm the potential of Ulmus macrocarpa extract to inhibit muscle apoptosis, prevent muscle decomposition, and promote the development of functional materials for muscle synthesis, health-functional foods, and natural-product-derived medicines.

An Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Immunosensor for in Situ Detection of GABA in Plant Leaves

AbstractGamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is involved in the signal transduction and metabolism of various substances in plants. Its in vivo detection in plants is of great importance for understanding its physiological role. In this study, an ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor is developed for in vivo detecting GABA in plants based on screen printed electrode (SPE) electrode. Gold nanoparticles (Au NP) was electrodeposited on the SPE to improve the conductivity of the electrode. Nanocomposite of ferrocene‐Carboxylated graphene oxide‐carboxylated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (Fc‐GO‐MWCNT) was fabricated on the electrode to improve the electrochemical properties of the sensor, and Fc was used to generate electrochemical signals. Then polydopamine (PDA) was electropolymerized on the electrode to improve the electrochemical activity of the sensor and increase the loading amount of GABA antibody. The as‐prepared immunosensor shows the widest detection range of 10 fM to 10 mM, and lowest detection limit of 1.9 fM (S/N=3) for GABA. This immunosensor was applied for in vivo detecting GABA in the cucumber leaves under salt stress. Our sensor is the first electrochemical immunosensor for in vivo detecting GABA in plant. It proposes a new strategy for the development of immunosensor for in vivo detection of biomolecules in plants.

Smart wearable flexible sensor based on laser-induced graphene/gold nanoparticles/black phosphorus nanosheets for in situ quercetin detection

In situ detection of metabolic substances in plants is necessary for the development of smart agriculture. However, there is a mechanical mismatch between the traditional rigid sensing interfaces and the softness surface of plant leaves, which can reduce the reliability and accuracy of sensor. Stretchable and flexible sensors provide new solutions to this problem. Herein, using quercetin (Que) as a model, we developed a flexible electrochemical sensor for in situ monitoring of metabolite in plants. A light and thin laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes with good flexibility were obtained after polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) transfer. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and two-dimensional black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets were fabricated on the electrode to further improve the electrochemical performance. The sensor can detect Que concentrations in the range of 1–100 μM with a detection limit of 0.65 μM (S/N=3). The sensor can adapt well to the soft plant leaf surfaces, thus realizing the application of in situ and in vivo detection in the field. This innovative plant wearable biosensor is expected to be a next-generation electronic candidate for intelligent agriculture, paving the way for in-situ and in vivo detection, and facilitating the intelligentsias of modern agriculture.

Study on the Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of Coumarins in Peucedanum decursivum Based on Spatial Metabolomics Combined with Network Pharmacology.

Peucedanum decursivum (Miq.) Maxim (P. decursivum) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, the root of which is widely used as medicine. Determining the spatial distribution and pharmacological mechanisms of metabolites is necessary when studying the effective substances of medicinal plants. As a means of obtaining spatial distribution information of metabolites, mass spectrometry imaging has high sensitivity and allows for molecule visualization. In this study, matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MSI) and network pharmacology were used for the first time to visually study the spatial distribution and anti-inflammatory mechanism of coumarins, which are metabolites of P. decursivum, to determine their tissue localization and mechanism of action. A total of 27 coumarins were identified by MALDI-TOF-MSI, which mainly concentrated in the cortex, periderm, and phloem of the root of P. decursivum. Network pharmacology studies have identified key targets for the anti-inflammatory effect of P. decursivum, such as TNF, PTGS2, and PRAKA. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that coumarins in P. decursivum mainly participated in biological processes such as inflammatory response, positive regulation of protein kinase B signaling, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, pathways in cancer, and other biological pathways. The molecular docking results indicated that there was good binding between components and targets. This study provides a basis for understanding the spatial distribution and anti-inflammatory mechanism of coumarins in P. decursivum.