Unexplored Plant Research Articles

Chemical Characterization and Bioactive Properties of Different Extracts from Fibigia clypeata, an Unexplored Plant Food.

Fibigia clypeata (L.) Medik. is a poorly studied plant species belonging to the Brassicaceae family, and usually used as cress in the salads. The current investigation aimed at assessing the antioxidant potential and inhibitory activity of ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts of F. clypeata against key enzymes targeted in the management of type II diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), Alzheimer’s disease (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase), and skin hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase). Cytotoxicity of the extracts was also determined using normal VERO and cancer FaDu and SCC-25 cell lines. Besides, LC-MS was employed to investigate the detailed phytochemical profiles of the extracts. The methanol extract showed potent enzyme inhibitory activity (4.87 mg galantamine equivalent/g, 3.52 mg galantamine equivalent/g, 126.80 mg kojic acid equivalent/g, and 24.68 mg acarbose equivalent/g, for acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase, respectively) and antioxidant potential (96.52, 109.10, 154.02, and 104.85 mg trolox equivalent/g, for DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays, respectively). Interestingly, caffeic acid-O-hexoside derivative, caffeyl alcohol O-glucopyranoside, and ferulic acid derivative were identified in all extracts. F. clypeata extracts showed no cytotoxicity towards VERO cell line and a weak cytotoxic potential against FaDu and SCC-25 cell lines. Interesting scientific evidence gathered from the present study support further investigation on F. clypeata in the view of designing and developing a novel therapeutic agent for the management of Alzheimer’s disease, type II diabetes, skin hyperpigmentation problems, as well as cancer.

Biodiesel production from Hiptage benghalensis seed oil

Increasing demand of fossil fuel and its depleting stock across the globe have necessitated a search for potential alternative sources of renewable energy. Recently focus has shifted to production of diesel from bio-oils derived from plant biomass as a potential source. However, it has been an endeavour to shift the exploration to non-edible oils produced by non-crop plants. Hiptage benghalensis is one such unexplored plant which stores ricinoleic acid in its seeds. In this report, analyses of various biochemical and biophysical parameters of H. benghalensis seed oil have been undertaken in order to explore the potential of this oil for biodiesel production. The plant was sourced from three different geographic regions of India. The total lipid and ricinoleic acid contents of seeds obtained from three locations varied from 54 to 69% and 69–87 %, respectively. Properties of various parameters of the H. benghalensis seed oil (HbSO), besides being non-edible prove its potential as a biodiesel feedstock. In order to test this potential, the seed oil was converted into biodiesel through the process of transesterification with an efficiency of ∼93 %. Analysis of various fuel properties like acid value, calorific value, viscosity, density, ash content, flash, pour and cloud point of the biodiesel in accordance with ASTM-D6751 standard and a comparison with the properties of other reported biodiesels showed its reasonable quality. Thus, this non-edible oil from H. benghalensis seeds has a potential to be utilized as an alternate green energy source for biodiesel production.

RBR-Type E3 Ligases and the Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme UBC26 Regulate Abscisic Acid Receptor Levels and Signaling.

The turnover of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling core components modulates the plant's response to ABA and is regulated by ubiquitination. We show that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) RING Finger ABA-Related1 (RFA1) and RFA4 E3 ubiquitin ligases, members of the RING between RING fingers (RBR)-type RSL1/RFA family, are key regulators of ABA receptor stability in root and leaf tissues, targeting ABA receptors for degradation in different subcellular locations. RFA1 is localized both in the nucleus and cytosol, whereas RFA4 shows specific nuclear localization and promotes nuclear degradation of ABA receptors. Therefore, members of the RSL1/RFA family interact with ABA receptors at plasma membrane, cytosol, and nucleus, targeting them for degradation via the endosomal/vacuolar RSL1-dependent pathway or 26S proteasome. Additionally, we provide insight into the physiological function of the relatively unexplored plant RBR-type E3 ligases, and through mutagenesis and biochemical assays we identified cysteine-361 in RFA4 as the putative active site cysteine, which is a distinctive feature of RBR-type E3 ligases. Endogenous levels of PYR1 and PYL4 ABA receptors were higher in the rfa1 rfa4 double mutant than in wild-type plants. UBC26 was identified as the cognate nuclear E2 enzyme that interacts with the RFA4 E3 ligase and forms UBC26-RFA4-receptor complexes in nuclear speckles. Loss-of-function ubc26 alleles and the rfa1 rfa4 double mutant showed enhanced sensitivity to ABA and accumulation of ABA receptors compared with the wild type. Together, our results reveal a sophisticated mechanism by which ABA receptors are targeted by ubiquitin at different subcellular locations, in which the complexity of the ABA receptor family is mirrored in the partner RBR-type E3 ligases.

DWT1/DWL2 act together with OsPIP5K1 to regulate plant uniform growth in rice.

Uniform growth of the main shoot and tillers significantly influences rice plant architecture and grain yield. The WUSCHEL-related homeobox transcription factor DWT1 is a key regulator of this important agronomic trait, disruption of which causes enhanced main shoot dominance and tiller dwarfism by an unknown mechanism. Here, we have used yeast-two-hybrid screening to identify OsPIP5K1, a member of the rice phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase family, as a protein that interacts with DWT1. Cytological analyses confirmed that DWT1 induces accumulation of OsPIP5K1 and its product PI(4,5)P2 , a phosphoinositide secondary messenger, in nuclear bodies. Mutation of OsPIP5K1 compounds the dwarf dwt1 phenotype but abolishes the main shoot dominance. Conversely, overexpression of OsPIP5K1 partially rescues dwt1 developmental defects. Furthermore, we showed that DWL2, the homologue of DWT1, is also able to interact with OsPIP5K1 and shares partial functional redundancy with DWT1 in controlling rice uniformity. Overall, our data suggest that nuclear localised OsPIP5K1 acts with DWT1 and/or DWL2 to coordinate the uniform growth of rice shoots, likely to be through nuclear phosphoinositide signals, and provides insights into the regulation of rice uniformity via a largely unexplored plant nuclear signalling pathway.

Nutrient foraging by mycorrhizas: From species functional traits to ecosystem processes

Abstract Plant roots and the associated mycorrhizal fungal hyphae often selectively proliferate into patchily distributed soil nutrient hotspots, but interactions between these two components of a mycorrhizal root system are usually ignored or experimentally isolated in nutrient foraging studies. From studies in which both roots and mycorrhizal hyphae had access to nutrient hotspots, we compiled data on root foraging precision (increase in roots in nutrient hotspots relative to outside hotspots) of plant species from different ecosystems, ranging from temperate grasslands to subtropical forests. We found that root foraging precision across the wide range of plant species was strongly influenced by root morphology and mycorrhizal type. The precision of root nutrient foraging, as a plant functional trait, may coordinate with other root traits that are related to the economics of nutrient acquisition. High foraging precision is expected to associate with the strategy of fast return on the investment in roots, such as low construction cost, high metabolic rate and rapid turnover. Nutrient foraging by mycorrhizal fungi alone may be influenced by functional traits such as hyphal exploration distance, hyphal turnover, and hyphal uptake capacity and efficiency, but such data are limited to a small portion of mycorrhizal fungal species. We propose a conceptual framework in which to simulate nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition from both nutrient hotspots and outside hotspots in mixed‐species plant communities. Simulation outputs suggest that plant species with varying root morphology and mycorrhizal type can be adaptive to a range of nutrient heterogeneity. Although there are still knowledge gaps related to nutrient foraging, as well as many unexplored plant and fungal species, we suggest that scaling nutrient foraging from individual plants to communities would advance understanding of plant species interactions and below‐ground ecosystem function. A plain language summary is available for this article.

Facile Aglaia elaeagnoidea Mediated Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles: Antioxidant and Catalysis Properties

A facile and green route for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is of significant intriguing, as it provides simple, rapid, clean, nontoxic, easily available, energy-efficient, cost-effective fabrication method. We reported environmentally benign and unexplored plant Aglaia elaeagnoidea flower extract for the synthesis of spherical and crystalline silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles with an excellent robustness against agglomeration. The resultant nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spec., FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDAX, and TEM techniques. The uniqueness of our method lies in fast synthesis (10 min for Ag NPs) and ultra rapid homogeneous and heterogeneous complete degradation of Methylene Blue and Congo Red within few seconds using the synthesized Ag and Au NPs as the catalyst, respectively. Whereas more than 90% conversion of 4-Nitrophenol to 4-Aminophenol within few minutes for homogenous and few seconds for heterogeneous method using Ag and Au NPs were obtained. Hence, the results of this study demonstrate the possible application of biosynthesized of Ag and Au NPs as nanocatalyst in waste water treatment.

Detailed cyto-anatomy and cytometry of Cassia mimosoides L. leaf - An unexplored plant.

Background:Cassia mimosoides L. is one of the nonclassical folklore plants of Gujarat, known as Aval ni jaat. Root and leaves of this plant are used in diarrhea, wound healing and mouth ulcers by tribal people.Aims and Objectives:Review revealed that the leaf part of this plant are unexplored from the pharmacognostical aspects. Hence, the present study focuses on the pharmacognostical study of leaf along with its powder.Materials and Methods:Collection, macroscopy and microscopy have been carried out as per standard protocol.Observation and Results:The leaves are alternate, compound with opposite glabrous leaflets. T. S. of rachis consists of epidermis, pericycle and vascular bundle. T. S. of dorsiventral leaflet shows epidermis and vascular region with 1/5 palisade ratio. Leaf powder is dark green in color. Palisade parenchyma cells, rhomboidal crystals and unicellular warty trichomes are present in the powder of leaf.Discussion:Yellow pentamerous flowers and paracytic stomata are key characteristics of genus Cassia. The value of stomatal index always remains constant even in different environmental conditions which play a very significant role in the identification of plant.Conclusion:Microscopy of leaf and its powder of Cassia mimosoides can be helpful in identifying the plant in powder form and the values can be helpful in further standardization.

GC-MS Analysis of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Whole Plant of Rostellularia diffusa

Introduction: To identify the various phyto constituents present in the unexplored plant Rostellularia diffusa (Willd.) by using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Methods: The whole plant of Rostellularia diffusa was extracted with ethyl acetate at room temperature for 72 h. The concentrated extract was subjected to GCMS analysis to detect the phyto constituents. Results: Totally 40 compounds were identified and the chromatograph showed 40 peaks with 40 individual compounds. The major constituents were identified in the extract were 16-Hentriacontanone (22.59%), Hexadecanoic acid (11.23%), Stigmast-5-en-3-ol (6.78%), 9-Octadecenoic acid (6.30%) and many other compounds were identified as low level. This preliminary study gives an idea to isolate the major active constituents present in the plant and also helps to develop potential pharmacologically active compounds

High-resolution PTP1B inhibition profiling combined with high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry–solid-phase extraction–nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: Proof-of-concept and antidiabetic constituents in crude extract of Eremophila lucida

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) constituted 90% of the global 387 million diabetes cases in 2014. The enzyme protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been recognized as a therapeutic target for treatment of T2D and its adverse complications. With the aim of accelerating the investigation of complex natural sources, such as crude plant extracts, for potential PTP1B inhibitors, we have developed a bio-analytical platform combining high-resolution PTP1B inhibition profiling and high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry–solid-phase extraction–nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, i.e., HR-bioassay/HPLC–HRMS–SPE–NMR. Human recombinant PTP1B enzyme was used for the microplate-based PTP1B inhibition assay, which was optimized for pH and substrate concentration to be compatible with rate measurements within the 10min incubation time. Subsequently, analytical-scale HPLC-based microfractionation followed by colorimetric microplate-based PTP1B bioassaying enabled construction of a high-resolution inhibition profile corresponding to the HPLC profile. The high-resolution PTP1B inhibition profiling was validated using an artificial mixture of known PTP1B inhibitors and non-inhibiting compounds as negative controls. Finally, a proof-of-concept study with a real sample was performed using crude ethyl acetate extract of the phytochemically hitherto unexplored plant Eremophila lucida. This led to the identification of the first viscidane type diterpene, i.e., 5-hydroxyviscida-3,14-dien-20-oic acid (9) as PTP1B inhibitor with an IC50 value of 42.0±5.9μM. In addition, a series of flavonoids, i.e., luteolin (1), dinatin (3a), tricin (3b), 3,6-dimethoxyapigenin (4), jaceidin (5), and cirsimaritin (6) as well as a cembrene diterpene, (3Z, 7E, 11Z)-15-hydroxycembra-3,7,11-trien-19-oic acid (8), were also identified for the first time from E. lucida.

Unexplored Amazonian diversity: rare and phylogenetically enigmatic tree species are newly collected

The Amazon is renowned to hold an unprecedented, yet poorly­known or unexplored plant diversity. This study aimed to report new collections on five rare or little­known and phylogenetically enigmatic trees, Aguiaria excelsa (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae), Hylocarpa heterocarpa (Humiriaceae), and the papilionoid legumes Monopteryx uaucu , Petaladenium urceoliferum , and Uleanthus erythrinoides , that became available after recent fieldwork in the western and central Brazilian Amazon region. All five genera, except for Monopteryx , are monospecific and represented in herbaria by only the type or at most few collections made more than 30 years ago. Comments on morphological affinities, never­seen­before photographs, and a distribution map of all species are given. A lectotype for U. erythrinoides is here designated. We also provide a complete taxonomic description for P. urceoliferum , whose pods until presently were unknown. Since these genera are missing branches in the molecular phylogenetic trees of Leguminosae, Humiriaceae, and Malvaceae, the opportunity to include them in future phylogenetic studies will certainly clarify the evolutionary history and taxonomy of their respective families.

Direct Organogenesis and Genetic Characterization of Solanum pseudocapsicum L. in vitro Regenerated Plants

Solanum pseudocapsicum L. is an unexplored plant of Solanaceae having horticultural and medicinal importance. Earlier the in vitro morphogenic potential of this plant species has not been explored. Induction of direct organogenesis was obtained from internodes, leaf bases and root explants from in vitro grown seedlings and plants in MS supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BAP (0.44 - 8.88 µM/l) and IAA (0.29 - 2.85 µM/l). Direct organogenesis was achieved in 90% of internodes, 65% of leaf bases and 75% of root explants. The optimum regeneration medium was MS supplemented with 4.44 µM/l BAP and 1.43 µM/l IAA. The regeneration rate observed six weeks after culture was approximately 20, 9 and 12 shoot buds/explants from internodes, leaf bases and root explants, respectively. cDNA RAPD analysis from organogenic stages was carried out and revealed distinct gene expression pattern. In vitro rooting in 100% shoots was achieved on MS within ten days of culture. Successfully hardened rooted plants (R0) on transfer to the field produced flowers, fruits and viable seeds (R1). Genetic characterization of R0 and R1 plants revealed stability and uniformity at the chromosomal and genomic DNA level. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(1): 65-76, 2014 (June) D. O. I. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v24i1.19201

Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory flavones from Actinocarya tibetica Benth.

Herein, we report the isolation and immunomodulatory activity of 11 phytoconstituents, viz. 7 flavonoids, 3 pentacyclic triterpenes and 1 phytosterol of an unexplored plant Actinocarya tibetica Benth. Three flavones, 5-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavone (6), mosloflavone (7) and negletein (8), showed promising anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of TNF-α and IL-1β with IC50 values of 0.22, 0.71, 16.4 μM and 10.8, 7.8, 6.4 μM, respectively. These flavones also showed dose-dependent inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β and iNOS levels in the supernatant of mouse macrophage cell line J774A. Molecular modelling studies revealed orientation and interactions of flavones 6–8 in the active site of TNF-α. These flavones can be used as a starting point to discover lead structures for treatment of inflammatory and immunomodulatory diseases.

Effects of Imported Intermediate Varieties on Plant Total Factor Productivity and Product Switching: Evidence from Korean Manufacturing

By utilizing previously unexplored plant–product data on Korean manufacturing, and detailed import data for 1991–1998, this paper empirically investigates whether greater access to imported intermediate varieties enhanced plant total factor productivity and product‐switching behavior. First, consistent with previous empirical studies, we find that a plant that belonged to industries with higher imported intermediate variety growth experienced higher productivity growth. Second, our empirical results suggest that increased imported intermediate varieties stimulated the product‐switching behavior of domestic plants. Because product‐switching behavior (i.e. simultaneously adding and dropping products) could be understood as a part of the continual process of ‘creative destruction’ within plants, our results imply that imported intermediate variety growth may be one of the channels through which resource reallocation within plants can be promoted.

Heavy Metals in Water, Sediments, and Aquatic Macrophytes: River Hindon, India

AbstractConcentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, Pb, and Ni) were investigated in water, sediments, and aquatic macrophytes (Eichhornia crassipes and Nelumbo nucifera) collected from the River Hindon, India. Quantitative analysis of data and evaluation of potential ecological risk index (RI) indicated that the river Hindon is suffering from serious metal contamination. Statistical analyses (cluster analysis and correlation analysis) suggested that heavy metal pollution in the river originates from anthropogenic sources, especially industrial and urban discharges. The study also revealed that the heavy metals were selectively accumulated in different parts of the aquatic macrophytes. Metal translocation factor (MTF) estimation of Eichhornia and Nelumbo sp. highlighted their phyto-remediation potential (Cd, Mn, Pb, and Ni), the latter being an unexplored plant species for such studies.

The highest-copy repeats are methylated in the small genome of the early divergent vascular plant Selaginella moellendorffii

BackgroundThe lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii is a vascular plant that diverged from the fern/seed plant lineage at least 400 million years ago. Although genomic information for S. moellendorffii is starting to be produced, little is known about basic aspects of its molecular biology. In order to provide the first glimpse to the epigenetic landscape of this early divergent vascular plant, we used the methylation filtration technique. Methylation filtration genomic libraries select unmethylated DNA clones due to the presence of the methylation-dependent restriction endonuclease McrBC in the bacterial host.ResultsWe conducted a characterization of the DNA methylation patterns of the S. moellendorffii genome by sequencing a set of S. moellendorffii shotgun genomic clones, along with a set of methylation filtered clones. Chloroplast DNA, which is typically unmethylated, was enriched in the filtered library relative to the shotgun library, showing that there is DNA methylation in the extremely small S. moellendorffii genome. The filtered library also showed enrichment in expressed and gene-like sequences, while the highest-copy repeats were largely under-represented in this library. These results show that genes and repeats are differentially methylated in the S. moellendorffii genome, as occurs in other plants studied.ConclusionOur results shed light on the genome methylation pattern in a member of a relatively unexplored plant lineage. The DNA methylation data reported here will help understanding the involvement of this epigenetic mark in fundamental biological processes, as well as the evolutionary aspects of epigenetics in land plants.