Apiaceae Research Articles

Nephroprotective effects of Foeniculum vulgare mill (Apiaceae Family) hydromethanol leaf extract against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity on Swiss albino mice

Nephroprotective effects of Foeniculum vulgare mill (Apiaceae Family) hydromethanol leaf extract against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity on Swiss albino mice

Phytochemical Research and Screening of Pharmacological Activity in Eryngium planum L. Herb Extracts

Species of the genus Eryngium L. of the Apiaceae family are successfully used in folk medicine in various countries worldwide, but they are hardly implemented in official medicinal and pharmaceutical practices. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct phytochemical and pharmacological research in E. planum L. herb extracts to develop and implement new phytomedicines based on this raw material. Purified water, and 40% and 70% ethanol were used for obtaining soft extracts. A total of seven hydroxycinnamic acids, six flavonoids, and three tannin metabolites were identified and quantified in the E. planum extracts by HPLC. These extracts were characterized as practically non-toxic medicines (V toxicity class, LD50 > 5000 mg/kg). The hepatoprotective activity of the E. planum extracts has been established. They were affected to reduce serum thiobarbituric acid (TBA) levels by 29.3%, 31.5%, and 32.4%, respectively, compared to untreated animals and in liver homogenate by 59.5%, 65.4%, and 66.8%, respectively. The alanine transaminase (ALT) activity decreased by 26.9%, 30.8%, and 33.8%, respectively. The aspartate transaminase (AST) activity decreased by 23.9 %, 25.7 %, and 30.5 %, respectively. The sedative activity of E. planum extracts was studied for the first time. The 70% ethanol extract has the most pronounced sedative effect due to a significant decrease in motor activity (by 2.4 times compared to the control group) in the «Open Field test» and reduction in concern in the «Cube tests», «Raised Cross Maze», and "Black and White Camera". This extract also demonstrates a moderate antibacterial effect against gram-positive microorganisms (8–10 mm), including staphylococci, streptococci, and bacilli. These results provide a foundation for further preclinical and clinical studies of the dry extract of E. planum herb (extractant: 70% ethanol) to integrate it into modern medical practice and develop new supplements.

Identification of a chordovirus hosted by Angelica lignescens

Summary Angelica lignescens, an endangered plant species endemic to the Azores Archipelago and member of the Apiaceae family, was subjected to Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) virome analysis. This analysis revealed the presence of contigs associated with a virus member of the Chordovirus genus. Through RT–PCR and additional Sanger sequencing, the complete genome of the virus was assembled and provisionally named angelica chordovirus (AChV). The AChV has a genome length of 8145 nt, exhibiting a similar organization to the Trivirinae subfamily (Betaflexiviridae family). Upon BLAST analysis, the highest genomic homology was uncovered with carrot chordovirus 4 (CChV4), displaying a nucleotide identity of 76%. Pairwise comparisons further emphasized this similarity, with 80% and 82% amino acid identity to the complete replicase and coat protein genes of CChV4, respectively. These values lie on the borderline of species demarcation criteria. Given that, to ensure precise classification, additional research is imperative to unravel the epidemiology and ecology of AChV. Furthermore, a more profound understanding of its impact on A. lignescens and its potential broader ecological implications is essential, especially concerning potential host crops.

Comparative Analysis of Metabolites of Wild and Cultivated Notopterygium incisum from Different Origins and Evaluation of Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity

The dried rhizome of Notopterygium incisum (NI) from the Umbelliferae family, genuinely produced in Sichuan, China, is a classic traditional Chinese medicinal herb for treating wind-dampness arthralgia. Due to scarce natural resources, wild NI is gradually being replaced by cultivated types. However, knowledge is limited regarding the differences in chemical composition and pharmacological effects between wild and cultivated NI and between Sichuan-grown and other-region-grown NI. In this study, a plant metabolomics strategy, based on GC–MS and UHPLC-Orbitrap MS, was employed to compare metabolic profiles between wild and cultivated NI and between cultivated NI from Sichuan and cultivated NI from Gansu and Qinghai. In total, 195 metabolites were identified, and the biosynthetic pathways of coumarins and phenolic acids, which were the most abundant secondary metabolites in NI, were summarized. Additionally, seven key metabolic intermediates were uncovered, revealing the reasons for the differences in metabolic profiles between wild and cultivated NI. The anti-inflammatory effect of wild and cultivated NI was verified by inflammatory gene expression and neutrophil count using a zebrafish yolk sac inflammation model. Overall, this study presents information on the types and synthesis of pharmacodynamic substances in NI and provides a basis for its cultivation and applications.

Physicochemical, Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical, Heavy Metal and Pesticidal Residue Analysis of Angelica glauca Edgew roots: An Approach to Establish Quality Standards Using Advanced Analytical Techniques

Background: Angelica glauca (AG) (family Apiaceae) is used by tribes as a spice and to treat various diseases. Before consumption, effective measures must be used for quality control tests. This study establishes quality standards for A. glauca. The study analyses A. glauca roots for physico-chemical, pharmacognostic, phytochemical, heavy metals, pesticidal residue, microbial load, and aflatoxin Methods: The standard procedure was used for powder microscopy and physiochemical parameters. Multiple culture media were used to measure microbial load. Aflatoxins were estimated using HPLC. Mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel were estimated using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. To identify 87 pesticide residues in A. glauca roots, LC-MS was used Results: On root powder microscopy, parenchymatous cells packed with yellow material, capillaries with reticulate thickenings, and simple oval to circular starch grains were found. Foreign matter, LOD, total ash, and extractive values were all within range. Salmonela, Pseudomnas, and Coliform (E. coli) were absent. The total viable aerobic bacterial count was 1.14 x 103 cfu/ml, compared to 1.0 x 105 permitted. Aflatoxins were absent in all samples. Heavy metal levels met the FSSR 2011 maximum residue standard for foods not specified. All 87 pesticides in the crude sample were below detection limits, indicating the safety and quality of the A. glauca root sample. Conclusion: The current findings can be utilized in quality control procedures and to assess the quality of A. glauca samples before incorporating them into formulations. Phytochemical tests, heavy metal analysis, and pesticide residue contents can be used to assess quality before using A. glauca raw materials.

Advances in the chromosome analysis of fennel Anethum piperitum and A. foeniculum

Fennel is a member of the Apiaceae family native to the Mediterranean area. The last taxonomic revision recognizes two species of fennel, Anethum foeniculum and Anethum piperitum corresponding, respectively, to the taxa previously classified as Foeniculum vulgare subsp. vulgare and Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum. In recent years research has dedicated interest to fennel, considering both its agronomic and pharmaceutical aspects but largely overlooking its cytogenetic characteristics. To fill this gap, the chromosome structure of A. foeniculum and A. piperitum was examined by applying a combination of FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization), GISH (Genomic In Situ Hybridization) and DAPI (4′-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) banding techniques. The FISH experiments revealed a similar distribution pattern of rDNA sites and telomeric repeats in both fennel species. An in-depth view of the chromosome structure of A. piperitum and A. foeniculum was obtained using the self-GISH procedure which revealed repetitive DNA sequences located in the centromeric and terminal regions of all chromosomes. The correspondence of s-GISH signals with DAPI banding suggests that these sequences are the principal component of the heterochromatin of fennel. These results could constitute the basic references for further molecular cytogenetic analyses to shed light on the evolutionary and taxonomic aspects of fennel.

A recent large-scale intraspecific IR expansion and evolutionary dynamics of the plastome of Peucedanum japonicum

Peucedanum japonicum (PJ), a member of the Apiaceae family, is widely distributed and cultivated in East Asian countries for edible and functional foods. In this study, we compared the plastid genomes (plastomes) and 45S nuclear ribosomal DNA (45S nrDNA) simultaneously from 10 PJ collections. Plastome-based phylogenetic analysis showed that the PJ accessions were monophyletic within the genus Peucedanum. However, ten plastomes were classified into two different groups according to their length of inverted repeat (IR) block, the short-type (S-type) plastome group containing the 18.6 kbp of the original IR and the long-type (L-type) plastome group containing the 35.7 kbp of expanded IR by duplication of the 17.1 kbp of the large single copy region. A total of nine single nucleotide polymorphisms and eight insertions or deletions were identified among the five L-type plastomes, whereas large variations were identified among the five S-type plastomes. Calculation of synonymous substitution rates and divergence time estimation suggested that the 17 kbp IR expansion occurred recently. Molecular markers were developed and validated to classify the 55 PJ germplasm according to their plastome types. Our study would be useful for unraveling the dynamic evolution of plastomes in the Apiaceae family and for the molecular breeding of PJ.

ЦИТОКИНОВЫЙ ПРОФИЛЬ МЫШЕЙ C57BL/6 С МОДЕЛИРОВАННОЙ ОПУХОЛЬЮ МЕЛАНОМЫ ПРИ ВВЕДЕНИИ ЭКСТРАКТА PHLOJODICARPUS SIBIRICUS

The article investigates the effect of Phlojodicarpus sibiricus extract on the cytokine status of C57Bl/6 mice with transplanted melanoma. Phlojodicarpus sibiricus, also known as the Siberian phlojodicarpus, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is widely distributed in Siberia and the Russian Far East. The extract was administered orally at a dosage of 100 mg/ml, and the concentrations of cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and GM-CSF were assessed. The experiment included three groups of mice: a control group, a tumor group, and a tumor plus extract group. The results of our experimental investigation indicate the complexity of changes in the cytokine profile of mice with modeled melanoma. Mice with tumors showed elevated levels of IL-4 and reduced levels of IL-5 compared to the control group, suggesting a predominance of the Th1/Th2 balance towards a Th2 immune response. Additionally, the high concentration of IFN-γ indicates active participation of the Th1 response, highlighting the intricate dynamics of cytokine interactions in the context of tumor growth. Analysis of the cytokine profile in mice receiving the extract orally showed that the level of IFN-γ was statistically significantly lower than that in the tumor group and remained similar to that of the control group. The mechanism underlying the suppression of this cytokine production may be related to the low level of IL-12. Overall, the cytokine levels in mice treated with the extract showed signs of a predominance of the Th2 immune response. These results open new prospects for the targeted use of the extract in melanoma immunotherapy and warrant further investigation into its mechanisms of action on various components of the immune system.

Investigation of Medicinal Plants Utilized by Indigenous People in Saptari District of Madhesh Province, Nepal

The study has been carried out to investigate the traditional knowledge of ethnomedicine among the indigenous people of Saptari district, Nepal. The study has identified 83 plant species from 46 plant families overall. Out of the total number of plant species, 41 were domesticated and 42 were wild. Herbs account for the largest percentage of the 83 species of plants, followed by trees (31.32%), shrubs (20.48%), and climbers (6.024%). The Fabaceae family includes up to nine plant species that are used medicinally. Malvaceae, Moraceae, Solanaceae, and Lamiaceae all have four species apiece. From the Amaranthaceae, Apocynaceae, Apiaceae, and Poaceae plant families, three plant species were noted. From the Rutaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Araceae, Meliaceae, Brassicaceae, Zingiberaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Myrtaceae, and Combretaceae plant families, two species are noted. The remaining families each represent a different type of plant. The plant species that have been collected are renowned for their ability to treat ailments like tonsillitis, elephantiasis, tonsillitis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, colds, arthritis, gastritis, gonorrhea, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, and leprosy. Plant species from the list are reported to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including arthritis, cancer, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, leprosy, tuberculosis, intestinal worms, anemia, syphilis, skin disease, and others

Multi-Omics Analysis in Mouse Primary Cortical Neurons Reveals Complex Positive and Negative Biological Interactions Between Constituent Compounds of Centella asiatica.

Background: A water extract of the Ayurvedic plant Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, family Apiaceae (CAW), improves cognitive function in mouse models of aging and Alzheimer's disease and affects dendritic arborization, mitochondrial activity, and oxidative stress in mouse primary neurons. Triterpenes (TT) and caffeoylquinic acids (CQA) are constituents associated with these bioactivities of CAW, although little is known about how interactions between these compounds contribute to the plant's therapeutic benefit. Methods: Mouse primary cortical neurons were treated with CAW or equivalent concentrations of four TT combined, eight CQA combined, or these twelve compounds combined (TTCQA). Treatment effects on the cell transcriptome (18,491 genes) and metabolome (192 metabolites) relative to vehicle control were evaluated using RNAseq and metabolomic analyses, respectively. Results: Extensive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were seen with all treatments, as well as evidence of interactions between compounds. Notably, many DEGs seen with TT treatment were not observed in the TTCQA condition, possibly suggesting CQA reduced the effects of TT. Moreover, additional gene activity seen with CAW as compared to TTCQA indicates the presence of additional compounds in CAW that further modulate TTCQA interactions. Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified 4 gene co-expression modules altered by treatments that were associated with extracellular matrix organization, fatty acid metabolism, cellular response to stress and stimuli, and immune function. Compound interaction patterns were seen at the eigengene level in these modules. Interestingly, in metabolomics analysis, the TTCQA treatment saw the highest number of changes in individual metabolites (20), followed by CQA (15), then TT (8), and finally CAW (3). WGCNA analysis found two metabolomics modules with significant eigenmetabolite differences for TT and CQA and possible compound interactions at this level. Conclusions: Four gene expression modules and two metabolite modules were altered by the four treatment types applied. This methodology demonstrated the existence of both negative and positive interactions between TT, CQA, and additional compounds found in CAW on the transcriptome and metabolome of mouse primary cortical neurons.

First report of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot on Saposhnikovia divaricata in China.

Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia divaricata) is a perennial plant belonging to the Umbelliferae family, and is widely cultivated as a traditional Chinese medicine plant used to treat various diseases in northern China. In August 2022, a widespread leaf spot disease emerged on the Fangfeng leaves across a 2.5-acre farmland located in the Naiman District of Tongliao City, China ( 44°17' N; 121°29' E), where 5,000 acres of Fangfeng had been cultivated. The incidence of the disease approached 100% in the two-year-old Fangfeng crops within the specific fields. Small, pale yellow spots were observed on the affected leaves of the Fangfeng plant. Diseased tissue pieces (5 mm) from symptomatic leaves were sterilized in 75% ethanol for 5 s and 1% NaClO for 25 s, then rinsed three times with sterilized distilled water and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 26°C in the dark for 7 days. Thirty-three isolates were obtained from 11 diseased leaf samples, representing one fungal species. The cultures had a dark olive color on both sides, accompanied by the presence of loose, cottony mycelium on the surface (Simmons, 1992). The conidiophores were light brown with clear separation, solitary or in clusters and ranged from 5.5 to 44.4 μm. Conidia are obpyriform with a cylindrical beak ( 0 to 22 µm in length) in short chains on Potato Carrot Agar (PCA). Conidia averaged 15.3 × 47.4μm with one to five transverse septa and zero or two occasional longitudinal septa. It is similar to those described as Alternaria sp. based on morphological characteristics (Simmons, 2007). The ITS, TEF1 and RPB2 gene fragments of isolates FFYB2 and FFYB4 were amplified with the primer pairs ITS5/ITS4, EF1-728F/EF1-986R and RPB2-5F/RPB2-7cR (White et al, 1990; Carbone and Kohn, 1999; Berbee et al., 1999; Liu et al., 1999) and submitted to GenBank (ITS, PP976058 and PP976059; TEF, PQ096003 and PQ096004; RPB2, PQ120838 and PQ120839). The three gene sequences ITS+ TEF1+ RPB2 were aligned in Clustal X 1.83 with equal weight and a phylogenetic tree was constructed in Mega 7.0.26 software (He et al., 2021). Finally, it was identified as A. alternata based on morphological and molecular characteristics. 36 Fangfeng leaves from six 8-month-old plants were utilized to assess the pathogenicity of the FFYB2 isolate, encompassing the control. All of PDA plugs (0.5 cm in diameter) colonized with the isolate and without the isolate were placed on the pinholes by a sterilized needle of the Fangfeng leaf surface sterilized with 75% alcohol-tampon, then removed after 48 h. On the fifth day, brown lesions (5 mm) appeared on 15 out of 18 Fangfeng leaves inoculated. No lesions were observed on 18 control leaves inoculated with PDA plugs. The fungi were re-isolated from the new lesions after a 7-day post-inoculation period, utilizing the aforementioned method, and their morphology was found to be identical to that of Alternaria sp.. Although A. divaricata was previously identified as a pathogen in Badong County (30°28'N; 110°29'E) of Yichang City, Hebei Province, China (He et al., 2021), the research results were deficient in providing details on the severity, symptoms, pathogenicity tests of the disease, and other relevant aspects. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. alternata causing Fangfeng leaf spot in China. Fangfeng Alternaria leaf spot has caused severe economic losses in the region. Effective management strategies for this disease were urgently needed.

Productivity of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) genotypes in response to varying sowing time and row spacing under Punjab conditions

Fennel, known as 'Saunf' and belonging to the Apiaceae family, is primarily cultivated in Gujarat and Rajasthan, contributing over 90 % of India's fennel production. Fennel is mainly grown as a winter spice crop. A field experiment was conducted at the School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana during the rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 to evaluate the productivity of fennel genotypes under varying sowing times and row spacing. The experiment was laid out in split plot design comprising three fennel varieties (Ajmer Fennel-1, Ajmer Fennel-2 and Local), 2 sowing dates (November 1st and November 15th) and 2 row spacing (45 cm and 60 cm) with 3 replications. The variety ‘Ajmer Fennel- 2’ (AF 2) recorded significantly higher branches and umbels per plant, while having a shorter plant height compared to ‘Ajmer Fennel-1’ (AF 1) and a local variety. The variety AF 2 also produced higher seed yields by 19.1 and 37.9 % than AF 1 and the local variety in 2020-21 and 13.6 and 44.4 % in 2021 -22, respectively. The sowing of fennel on November 1st resulted in higher plant height, number of branches and seed yield as compared to November 15th sown fennel. Further, the sowing with row to row spacing of 45 cm recorded higher plant height, branches as compared to wider sown rows of fennel (60 cm), which contributed to higher seed yield during both the years. Thus, 'Ajmer Fennel-2' sown on November 1st with 45 cm row spacing performed best under Punjab conditions.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum): Traditional Uses and Modern Scientific Aspects - A Review

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Umbelliferae family, widely known for its use as a spice in Indian, Middle Eastern, and other global cuisines. This aromatic spice contains powerful active compounds such as thymoquinone and cuminaldehyde, which have been linked to numerous health benefits. Recent scientific research has highlighted cumin's positive effects on digestion, inflammation reduction, blood sugar regulation, and even its potential anticancer properties. These attributes make cumin an important natural remedy for various health concerns. Furthermore, cumin possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective in combating skin infections and other microbial ailments. Laboratory studies have revealed additional promising findings regarding cumin extract. These studies have demonstrated its ability to inhibit tumor growth, reduce intestinal inflammation, and enhance gut health in animal models. Such results indicate cumin's potential as a therapeutic agent for addressing chronic and complex health conditions. Despite these encouraging findings, it is essential to note that most studies so far have been conducted in laboratory settings or on animals. To fully understand cumin’s medicinal potential and confirm its benefits for human health, further clinical trials on humans are necessary. Such trials will provide more comprehensive insights into the safety, efficacy, and dosage of cumin-based therapies. In addition to its culinary appeal, cumin stands out as a functional spice with significant health-promoting properties. Its multifaceted nature highlights the importance of integrating natural remedies into modern healthcare practices, though further research will solidify its role in clinical applications.

Evaluation of the anti-spasmodic activity of essential oils of Ammodaucus leucotrichus fruits and its main chemical component “perillaldehyde” on intestinal smooth muscle contractions of rodents: ex vivo and in silico approaches

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Moroccan traditional medicine, plants from the Apiaceae family are widely utilized in folk medicine to treat various diseases associated with the digestive system. Ammodaucus leucotrichus plays an important role as an antispasmodic that has been traditionally used, especially to treat digestive tract diseases in children.Aim of the studyThe aim of this research was to verify the traditional use by assessing the relaxant and spasmolytic activities of A. leucotrichus essential oil (ALEO) and then comparing them to the effects and potency of the major constituent of ALEO, which is perillaldehyde.Materials and methodsThe in vitro evaluation of ALEO’s relaxant and spasmolytic effects was carried out on isolated rats and rabbit jejunum in an organ bath setup. Intestinal contractility was recorded using an isotonic transducer connected to an amplifier. GC/MS analysis was conducted to identify components within ALEO. Subsequently, these compounds underwent in silico absorption, toxicity, and molecular docking studies.ResultsGC/MS analysis of this essential oil studied revealed seven compounds, which account for 98.67% of the oil, with the dominance of two compounds, namely, perillaldehyde (91.12%) and limonene (6.33%). ALEO and its main compound, perillaldehyde, reversibly relaxed the basal tone of rabbit jejunum, with the IC50 values 158.68 ± 13.89 and 95.03 ± 0.93 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, ALEO caused a dose-dependent spasmolytic effect on Carbachol (CCh) and KCl provoked jejunum contraction in rats. Furthermore, the decrease in contractions of pre-contracted jejunum by CCh was more pronounced for perillaldehyde compared to ALEO, with an IC50 value of 68.59 ± 6.57 μg/mL, which was half compared to that of ALEO. The pre-treatment of the tissue with concentrations ranging from 30 to 100 μg/mL caused a rightward and downward shift in the concentration–response curves for CaCl2 and CCh. These results suggest that the spasmolytic effect of ALEO is mediated possibly through a non-competitive antagonist of calcium channel or muscarinic receptors. Our results are confirmed by the fact that perillaldehyde exhibited the highest docking scores on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M2 and M3) and voltage-gated calcium channels, with D-limonene showing lower binding energies in comparison. These remarks confirm that the activity of ALEO is attributed to the presence of perillaldehyde. In addition, perillaldehyde exhibits a low degree of in silico acute toxicity and high percent of intestinal absorption.ConclusionIn summary, ALEO exhibits myorelaxant and antispasmodic effects by inhibiting muscarinic receptors and calcium channels, which can be attributed to the presence of perillaldehyde. This provides a scientific foundation for the traditional use of A. leucotrichus in treating gastrointestinal disorders and opens up possibilities for developing a more effective and less toxic drug-utilizing perillaldehyde.

Genome of root celery and population genomic analysis reveal the complex breeding history of celery.

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is an important vegetable crop in the Apiaceae family. It comprises three botanical varieties: common celery with solid and succulent petioles, celeriac or root celery with enlarged and fleshy hypocotyls and smallage or leaf celery with slender, leafy and usually hollow petioles. Here we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of a celeriac cultivar and a comprehensive genome variation map constructed through resequencing of 177 representative celery accessions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that smallage from the Mediterranean region represented the most ancient type of cultivated celery. Following initial domestication in this region, artificial selection has primarily aimed at enlarging the hypocotyl, resulting in celeriac, and at solidifying the petiole, leading to common celery. Selective sweep analysis and genome-wide association study identified several genes associated with hypocotyl expansion and revealed that the hollow/solid petiole trait directly correlated with the presence/absence of a NAC gene. Our study elucidates the complex breeding history of celery and provides valuable genomic resources and molecular insights for future celery improvement and conservation efforts.

Optimizing Sodium Azide (NaN₃) Mutagenesis for Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) Improvement

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), an anciently cultivated plant of the Apiaceae family, holds significance for its aromatic seeds widely used in culinary practices globally. Despite its culinary and medicinal value, cumin faces challenges in cultivation due to diseases, pests, and weed infestations, with Alternaria leaf blight and Fusarium wilt being notable threats. Mutation breeding, a favored technique among breeders, introduces genetic variation through chemical mutagens like sodium azide, enabling the development of cumin varieties resistant to herbicides and diseases while ensuring high yields. This study aims to optimize sodium azide application as a chemical mutagen to enhance cumin breeding programs, emphasizing the importance of dosage and treatment duration in achieving desired mutation efficiency. The experimental results demonstrate significant impacts of sodium azide on germination parameters, with an optimal treatment duration of 3 hours for 3 mM sodium azide. Further research is needed to determine the effects of other variables on mutagen action, as well as M1 plant survival and reproduction.

Centella asiatica Promotes Antioxidant Gene Expression and Mitochondrial Oxidative Respiration in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

Background/Objectives:Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (family Apiaceae) (C. asiatica) is a traditional botanical medicine used in aging and dementia. Water extracts of C. asiatica (CAW) have been used to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms in related animal models and are associated with increases in antioxidant response element (ARE) genes and improvements in mitochondrial respiratory function and neuronal health. Because multiple sclerosis (MS) shares its neurogenerative pathology of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction with aging and dementia, neuropsychiatric symptoms in MS may also benefit from C. asiatica. To determine whether CAW similarly benefits neuropsychiatric symptoms, ARE gene expression, and mitochondrial respiration in inflammatory models of MS, and to determine the effects of CAW on clinical disability and inflammation, we tested CAW using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods: C57BL/6J mice induced with EAE were treated with CAW or a placebo for 2 weeks. The outcomes were clinical disability, signs of anxiety (open field test), ARE gene expression, mitochondrial respiration, and inflammation and demyelination. Results: At the dosing schedule and concentrations tested, CAW-treated mice with EAE demonstrated increased ARE gene expression and mitochondrial respiratory activity compared to those of placebo-treated mice with EAE. CAW was also associated with reduced inflammatory infiltrates in the spinal cord, but the differences between the populations of activated versus quiescent microglia were equivocal. CAW did not improve behavioral performance, EAE motor disability, or demyelination. Conclusions: In the inflammatory EAE model of MS, CAW demonstrates similar neuroprotective effects to those it exhibits in aging and dementia mouse models. These benefits, along with the anti-inflammatory effects of CAW, support further investigation of its neuropsychiatric effects in people with MS.

Intracellular gene transfer (IGT) events from the mitochondrial genome to the plastid genome of the subtribe Ferulinae Drude (Apiaceae) and their implications

BackgroundIntracellular gene transfer (IGT) is a phenomenon in genome evolution that occurs between the nuclear and organellar genomes of plants or between the genomes of different organelles. The majority of the plastid genomes (plastomes) in angiosperms have a conserved structure, but some species exhibit unexpected structural variations.ResultsIn this study, we focused on the Ferulinae, which includes Ferula, one of the largest genera in the Apiaceae family. We discovered IGTs in the rps12-trnV IGS region of the plastome’s inverted repeat (IR). We found that partial mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequences, ranging in length from about 2.8 to 5.8 kb, were imported into the plastome. In addition to these, that are known from other Scandiceae subtribes, the Ferulinae plastomes contained two unique mitogenome sequences. We have named these sequences Ferula Mitochondrial Plastid sequences (FeMP). FeMP1 varies in length from 336 bp to 1,100 bp, while FeMP2 ranges from 50 bp to 740 bp in length, with the exception of F. conocaula and F. kingdon-wardii, which do not possess FeMP2. Notably, FeMP2 includes a complete rps7 gene of mitogenome origin. In the maximum likelihood (ML) tree constructed from 79 protein-coding genes, Ferulinae appears as a monophyletic group, while Ferula shows paraphyly. Dorema and Fergania are nested within the Ferula clade, sharing the unusual characteristics of the Ferula plastome. Based on these findings, a reclassification of Dorema and Fergania is warranted.ConclusionsOur results shed light on the mechanism of plastome evolution in the Scandiceae with a focus on the unique plastome structure found in the Apiaceae. These findings enhance our understanding of the evolution of plant organellar genomes.

Composition and antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae and P. eryngii var. elaeoselini.

The basidiomycetes Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae Lanzi and P. eryngii var. elaeoselini Venturella et al. belong to the P. eryngii species complex, acting as facultative biotrophs in association with members of Apiaceae family, i.e., Ferula communis L. and Elaeoselinum asclepium L., respectively. The consumption of these fungi has rapidly increased in recent decades, not only thanks to their nutritional properties and pleasant flavor, but also for their bioactive and medicinal properties. A quantitative study of their hydroalcoholic extracts was carried out by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The potential antimicrobial activity of the extracts was also tested against some phytopathogenic bacteria [Clavibacter michiganensis and Bacillus megaterium (Gram-positive), Pseudomonas viridiflava, Xanthomonas campestris, and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative)] and fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium italicum, Monilinia laxa, Botrytis cinerea, Cadophora sp., and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum). The chemical analysis allowed the identification of secondary metabolites belonging to different classes, as flavonoids, organic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, nucleic acids, fatty acids, and triterpenoids. Both extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity against of the most tested microorganisms. The results can broaden the knowledge on the possible use of these fungal species in the agricultural sector.

Investigating the antidiabetic properties of Apium graveolens extract and its inhibition of enzymes associated with hyperglycemia.

Apium graveolens Linn., also known as celery, is a member of the Apiaceae family and has shown promising pharmacological properties, including diabetes. Indeed, the current investigation aimed to investigate the potential inhibitory effects of A. graveolens seed aqueous extract on the digestive enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and its efficiency in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin. I administered oral doses of an aqueous extract from A. graveolens seeds to both normal and diabetic animals to evaluate acute toxicity and its potential antidiabetic effects. I observed the glycemia and body weight of the animals for four weeks. In vitro tests were also done to see how the seed extract affected the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Following administration of the extract, diabetic mice showed a notable reduction in blood glucose concentration. This reduction was similar to the standard metformin treatment after two and four weeks. Moreover, A. graveolens demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, with IC50 values of 840.15±0.02 and 114.81±0.05, respectively. At 500mg/kg/day, histological analysis indicated degenerative alterations in pancreatic islet cells. These results indicate that the aqueous extract derived from the seeds of A. graveolens possesses promising antihyperglycemic properties in diabetic mice, along with notable inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. Further investigation is needed to characterize the active compounds present in A. graveolens seeds.