Vulgaris Seeds Research Articles

Eco-friendly bioprocess using agar plug immobilized Penicillium crustosum PWWS-6 biomass for treatment of wastewater contaminated with toxic Congo red dye for use in agriculture

Recycling and valorization of noxious dye contaminated industrial wastewater minimize prevailing agricultural water dearth. In this context, the current manuscript investigates and fabricates a rapid, ecofriendly, and cost effective treatment system using a potent dye degrading microbial agent. An agar plug immobilized Penicillium crustosum PWWS-6, a filamentous fungus isolated from veterinary clinical waste dump, for the first time reported to decolorize (81.86 ± 0.03 %) hazardous diazo dye, (Congo red, 100 ppm) in 24 h. Lignin peroxidase, azo reductase, veratryl alcohol oxidase, and NADH-DCIP reductase enzymes were induced significantly during mycoremediation bioprocess which is affected by incubation time, temperature, pH, inoculum volume, and dye concentration of aqueous medium. The one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and response surface methodology (RSM) were adopted to optimize these cultural parameters and generated optimized conditions (incubation time, 16 h; temperature, 27 °C; and inoculum volume, 6 fungal discs), for maximum degradation (99.85 %) of 100 ppm CR at pH 7.0. Further, using OFAT approach, P. crustosum also showed 72.14 % degradation of CR at much higher concentration of 1000 ppm in 72 h. UV–vis spectra verified complete disappearance of dye from colored broth. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy along with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) subsequently confirmed (–N=N–) bond destabilization following degradation. Furthermore, the non-toxic degraded metabolites showed improved percent germination, radical and plumule length of Cicer arietinum and Hordeum vulgare seeds compared with untreated CR contaminated wastewater.

Allelopathic Interactions between Seeds of Portulaca oleracea L. and Crop Species

Allelopathy is described as the interference to plant growth resulting from chemical interactions among plants and other organisms mediated through the release of bioactive secondary metabolites. Since only a few studies have been reported about the role of seed allelopathy, an experiment was designed to evaluate the interactions among seeds of Portulaca oleracea L. and the crop species common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), onion (Allium cepa L.), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), broad bean (Vicia faba L.), and pea (Pisum sativum L.) on seed and seedling growth parameters. The results indicated that P. oleracea seeds had a negative effect on the germination of P. vulgaris and A. cepa. Conversely, germination of P. oleracea in the presence of P. vulgaris, A. cepa, and B. vulgaris seeds was strongly reduced with a higher inhibitory effect found for the seeds of A. cepa. The highest negative effect on root and shoot length was observed in P. vulgaris. Seedling vigor of all crop species decreased in the presence of P. oleracea. Our results suggest that seeds of P. vulgaris, A. cepa, and B. vulgaris exhibited high allelopathic effects against seeds of P. oleracea and can be used as potential bio-herbicides in future screening programs.

Quality of calcium and magnesium silicate coated Phaseolus vulgaris seeds

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of bean seed coating with different doses of silicon (Si) on their physical, physiological and sanitary attributes, as well as to determine the amount of nutrients absorbed in the seedlings. BRS Expedito beans, 2014/15 harvest, were used, with an initial germination of 82%. Being used as a source of Si, calcium and magnesium silicate powder (Agrosilício®) (Si: 10.53%; Ca: 25.00%; Mg: 7.00%; Fe: 10.20%; Cr: 4 , 48%; Mn: 1.72%; Ti: 0.69%; S: 0.52%; K: 0.35%), previously sieved, with a density of 1.30g / cm³. The treatment consisted of covering bean seeds, in the equivalent doses of 0, 45, 90, 135 and 180g Si 100kg-1 of seeds, which corresponded to 0; 427.3; 854.7; 1,282; 1.709g of the product for 100kg-1 of seeds. The increase in doses of up to 116g of Si 100kg-1 of seeds positively influences the expression of vigor, providing a superior development of seedlings, as well as an increase in the concentration of Si in the leaves and root Ca. Doses other than Si do not control pathogens associated with seeds.

Effects of water restriction on carbohydrates concentration, starch granules size and amylolytic activity in seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris L. and P. acutifolius A. Gray

Background: Seed mass is a key component of adaptation in plants that are strongly affected by development and maturity, and, at the same time, all is modulated by the environment of cultivation.
 Hypotheses: The response to water deficit in seeds of P. vulgaris L. and P. acutifolius A. Gray is species-dependent and affects their biochemical and morphological characteristics.
 Studied species: The studied cultivars were Rosa Bufa ( P. vulgaris ) and cv. 10017 ( P . acutifolius ). Seeds were obtained from plants grown at 100 % and 25 % soil field capacity during their pod development. 
 Study site and dates: The experiments were performed during May and August 2018 in a greenhouse at the Colegio de Postgraduados, Texcoco, State of Mexico (altitude 2,353 m).
 Methods: The biochemical and morphological characteristics and the grain size of starch in seeds cotyledons were assessed.
 Results: Water restriction had no significant effects on the seed thickness, width, or mass only length decreased in P. acutifolius . In both species, the axis size of the starch granules decreased due to the stress, glucose concentration increased, sucrose and starch were not altered. Water imbibition increased six times in P. vulgaris seeds with no effect on the germination. The α-amylase activity was 25 - 35 % lower in both species due to the water restriction, particularly in P. acutifolius the activity was two-fold higher than in P. vulgaris .
 Conclusions: Comparing the carbohydrate concentration in germinating seeds of common and Tepary beans gave insights on the nutrient reserves mobilization during seed maturation and germination.

Study of Chemical Composition of Extract from Beta Vulgaris Seeds and its Cytotoxic Activity

Nowadays, a variety of plants is being investigated with the aim of developing new medicines with improved properties and expanding the range of efficient and safe preparations. Modern studies of representatives of the family Amaranthaceae (Beta vulgaris) have revealed medicinal properties in plants that were used previously only as food. Many medicinal properties are due to the presence of betalains and phenols in the roots and the stems of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. var. conditiva). Along with this, there is a lack of information on the chemical composition and biological activity of seeds of this species. The purpose of our research was to study the chemical composition of Beta vulgaris seeds and to assess the cytotoxic activity. The research objects: CO2 extracts of beetroot seeds: Thick POCO2 (1), liquid POCO2 (2) and liquid alcohol extract POC2H5. Determination of the component composition of the extract was performed on the gas chromatograph Clarus 580 (PerkinElmer) with the mass spectrometric detector Clarus-SQ. To determine the cytotoxic activity, the marine crustaceans Artemia salina were taken. Based on the results of the analysis of the chemical composition of the thick CO2-extract, 25 compounds were identified and the liquid CO2-extract-11 components were identified. The dominant compounds in both extracts are phenol and creosol. The results of determining the cytotoxic activity allow determining that liquid CO2 extract of beetroot seeds POC2H5 at a concentration of 10 mg/mL exhibits cytotoxicity (68%) and does not exhibit activity at concentrations of 5 and 1 mg/mL; thick CO2 beetroot seed extract POCO2 (1) at all tested concentrations does not exhibit cytotoxicity; liquid alcohol extract of beetroot seeds at all tested concentrations does not exhibit cytotoxicity.

Zinc-cadmium interactions instigated antagonistic alterations in lipid peroxidation, ascorbate peroxidase activity and chlorophyll synthesis in Phaseolus vulgaris leaves

Understanding the functional role of zinc interaction during cadmium-induced oxidative changes and photosynthetic response in the leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris plant was central in this study, as driven by Box-Behnken Design (BBD), a typified Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The design considered 0–50 mg each of CdCl2 and ZnCl2 per kilogram of soil contaminated daily in a time-dependent process, and for the post-germination of P. vulgaris seeds, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity and total chlorophyll content (TCC) were evaluated in seventeen “experimental runs” for nine weeks of study. The findings from the RSM-BBD study indicated significant generation (p<0.05) of response surface models with 87.08, 97.78 and 98.10 % r-squared values for MDA level, APX activity and TCC respectively, and these were validated in the laboratory through numerical optimization approach (NOA). The study also revealed that increasing dose of Cd significantly inhibited (p<0.05) the synthesis of TCC in plant leaves, which was significantly relieved (p<0.05) by increasing dose of Zn compound. The significant increase (p<0.05) in MDA levels, as a biomarker of Cd-induced oxidative stress, was ameliorated by marked increase in Zn concentration at p<0.05. The interaction also showed that the Cd-instigated inhibition of APX activity was significantly improved by increasing levels of Zn compound. Therefore, the present study resolved the controversies associated with previous conventional studies by establishing antagonistic effects from Zn-Cd interaction for the assessed responses in the leaves of P. vulgaris by RSM-BBD at defined optimal conditions.

Process optimization for the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. seeds aromatic extract with respect to yield and trans‐anethole contents using Box‐Behnken design

AbstractFennel (seeds of Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is the widely used aromatic and medicinal plant throughout the world. In this research, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction was carried out to extract the aromatic extract from F vulgare seeds under various operating conditions, and aromatic extract samples were characterized for properties such as yield and trans‐anethole content. A three‐level Box‐Behnken design from response surface method was applied to optimize the extraction parameters such as pressure, temperature, and extraction time with an aim to obtain high yield and rich trans‐anethole content. The optimum extraction conditions were found to be 177 bar, 40°C and 68 min where the predicted oil yield and trans‐anethole contents were found to be 3.798% and 95 mg/g, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the experimental oil yield was 3.85%, and the content of trans‐anethole was 94 mg/g. The results were very close to the values predicted by the model. At the same time, the chemical compositions of the oils from two different extraction methods, hydrodistillation and SC‐CO2, were compared. The chemical constituents of oils from two different extraction methods found to be the same, and they showed slight difference in terms of the quantity of the main chemicals. Antibacterial and antioxidant effects of the oils obtained by the two extraction methods were compared, and they showed similar effects.

Phytotoxic Effects of 4-Chlorophenol and 2,4-Dichlorophenol in the Germination of Seeds of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Phaseolus vulgaris&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Zea mayz&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

Soil contaminated with pesticides may reduce plant development due to their toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence on the germination of Zea mayz and Phaseolus vulgaris of the two main intermediates of the 2,4-D degradation, which are 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). Maize and bean seeds were treated with distilled water (control treatment) and increased concentrations of 4-CP and 2,4-DCP (0.006, 0.1, 1.0, 1.5 g·L-1). It was assessed seed germination and calculated various parameters. The parameter most affected by chlorophenols was the index of germination rate, being the P. vulgaris seeds most affected. 2,4-DCP was the compound most toxic for both plants. The germination index was dependent doses for both plant models tested. The results indicate that 4-CP and 2,4-DCP affected the index of germination rate but not influenced in other parameters of germination of Zea mayz and Phaseolus vulgaris. Maize was most tolerance to both chlorophenols in the assessed concentrations. 2,4-DCP was the most toxic of chlorophenols tested.

Prunella vulgaris L. seeds: a promising source of lipids, proteins, and original phenolic compounds presenting high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

Description of the subject. Prunella vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) is an edible herb used in Europe and Asia as herbal tea, food, dietary supplement or medicinal plant since several centuries. Although the composition and properties of the aerial parts are well documented in the literature, Prunella vulgaris seeds have never been investigated. Objectives. The aim of this work was to characterize the composition of these seeds to assess not only their nutritional potential (protein, lipid and minerals content), but also their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential as well as their specialized metabolites composition. Method. The protein, lipids and mineral content were determined. The phenolic compounds were isolated; elucidation of their structures was done by means of HR-MS and one- and two-dimensional NMR analysis. They were then evaluated for their biological activity, together with seed extracts. Results. Omega-3 rich oil and an interesting amino acids profile were detected in the seeds as well as the presence of a high content of polyphenolic compounds, including two structurally new compounds (phenylpropane derivatives) which were isolated and structurally characterized. The two compounds described here for the first time, were named amolsamic acids A&amp;B. The seeds and amolsamic acids showed an interesting antioxidant potential, and a strong anti-inflammatory activity on neutrophils, MPO and HRP models. Conclusions. These findings highlight the real health promoting potential of P. vulgaris seeds and make them a good candidate as super-food or food supplement.

Selection of carioca common bean lines with slow darkening

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the interaction between genotypes and environment for seed-coat darkening of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds, in order to select lines that combine slow darkening, upright plants, resistance to lodging, and higher yield and 100-grain weight, with good adaptability and stability for these traits. Forty four pre-selected lines, originating from crosses between one cultivar with slow darkening and prostrate plants and four cultivars with normal darkening and upright plants, were evaluated in field trials conducted in 15 environments (combinations of locations, crop seasons, and years). Considering the mean values, adaptability, and stability for each isolated trait, most of the lines presented satisfactory performance: 75% for slow darkening, 48% for high yield, 59% for upright plants, 84% for resistance to lodging, and 68% for 100-grain weight. The effects of environments and of the genotype by environment interaction are important for the five studied traits. The CNFC 16754 and CNFC 16820 lines present slow seed-coat darkening, high yield and 100-grain weight, more upright plant architecture, and greater resistance to lodging, besides high adaptability and stability for these traits, which shows their potential for recommendation as new cultivars and confirms that it is possible to join desirable phenotypes for the five traits evaluated.

Compositional analysis of Foeniculum vulgare seeds genotypes collected from Tarai region of Uttarakhand

Foeniculum vulgare is a known herbal spice, and is commonly used in traditional medicine. Our aim was to perform the compositional analysis of ten varieties of fennel genotypes collected from a Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Mineral content was performed by using AAS to find out elements present in fennel seeds. Present study demonstrated significant mineral contents, moisture content and ash content in fennel and is used as food additives. The fennel seed genotype contains Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Na, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr and Co elements present in it. 60.42 to 48.14 mg/100g K, 32.04 to 25.42 mg/100g Ca, 20.43 to 14.42 mg/100g Mg, 3.43 to 1.05 mg/100g Fe, 3.12 to 0.21 mg/100g Na, 0.78 to 0.10 mg/100g Cu, 0.79 to 0.31 mg/100g Ni, 0.62 to 0.07 mg/100g Mn, 0.23 to 0.07 mg/100g Cr and 0.07 to 0.03 mg/100g Co are present in substantial amount. 8.45 to 5.85 % moisture content and 12.8 to 9.5 % ash content are present in fennel genotypes. The above result inferred that Foeniculum vulgare may be a good source of minerals that need to develop and proper functioning of body.

Foeniculum vulgare seed extract induces apoptosis in lung cancer cells partly through the down-regulation of Bcl-2

The factors behind the pathogenesis of lung cancer are not clear, and treatment failure is generally caused by drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Development of new therapeutic agents to overcome drug-resistance remains a challenge clinically. Various extracts of Foeniculum vulgare have shown promising anticancer activity; however, effects on lung cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms of action are not clear. In the present study, we found that the ethanol extract of Foeniculum vulgare seeds (EEFS) significantly reduced lung cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. EEFS decreased the viability of and triggered apoptosis in the lung cancer cell lines NCI-H446 and NCI-H661. EEFS induced apoptosis mainly through inhibition of Bcl-2 protein expression, reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, and release of Cytochrome C. Moreover, EEFS significantly inhibited colony formation and cell migration in lung cancer cells. EEFS also effectively inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors derived from NCI-446 cells by reducing Bcl-2 protein expression and inducing apoptosis. Taken together, these findings suggest that EEFS exerts anti-lung cancer activity by targeting the Bcl-2 protein and may have potential as a therapeutic drug for lung cancer.

Binary Adsorption Studies of Toxic Metal Ions of Lead and Copper from Aqueous Solution by Modified Foeniculum vulgaris Seeds (Fennel Seeds)

Discharge of copper(II) and lead(II) ions into rivers and streams by industries and other human activities has gained serious consideration from regulatory bodies. These toxic metals are harmful to human beings and aquatic life when in high concentrations. Therefore, their removal from wastewater is very important. Hence, this work reports the binary adsorption of toxic metal ions of Cu(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution by pristine and modified fennel seeds. Pristine fennel seeds (PFS) were treated with acidic and alkaline solutions to develop modified adsorbents designated ATFS and BTFS, respectively. SEM images revealed that PFS had an amorphous surface with irregular cavities. However, upon acid and base treatment, the surface was more refined. The ATFS had interconnected pores while BTFS had somewhat honeycomb pores. The UV-Vis results confirmed that some of the components were removed from PFS during acid and base pre-treatment. FTIR spectra revealed that the adsorbents had functional groups such as (-OH) and (-C=O), which were involved in the uptake of the metal ions. It was observed that the uptake of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions onto all adsorbents progressively increased when the initial concentration of the solution was increased. The maximum adsorption capacity was obtained when the initial concentration of the solution was 100 mg/L. The uptake of Cu(II) and Pb(II) on PFS was 3.345 and 11.524 mg/g. While for ATFS 3.78 and 13.07 mg/g and BTFS 8.143 and 14.85 mg/g, respectively. It was observed that the isotherm data fitted Freundlich better for the uptake of both metal ions onto all adsorbents. It was observed that there was a rapid uptake when contact time increased from 5 to 60 min. However, when time increased above 60 min the uptake stabilized and reached equilibrium this was due to the saturation of active sites on the surface for all adsorbents. The kinetics study revealed that PSO fitted the data better than PFO. IPD data revealed that the uptake of metal ions was controlled by the synergistic of ESA and EPA. The ΔHº values for Cu(II) and Pb(II) uptake onto all adsorbents were all negative. This suggested that the reactions were exothermic.

Proximate composition and antinutritional factors of differently processed kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds

Kidney bean is an important source of high quality protein, as well as other nutritious substances. The higher the content of these nutritious substances in a given kidney bean, the higher it's quality. Proximate composition and anti-nutritional factors of raw and processed kidney bean seed were investigated with a view to finding alternative and cheaper source of protein. The study was conducted at plateau state college of agriculture livestock farm, Garkawa to investigate the proximate composition and anti – nutritional factors of differently processed kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds. The Processing methods investigated were raw, cooked, soaked, fermented and sprouted in (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) respectively. The results obtained indicates that Ether Extract (EE), Ash, Moisture contents and calculated Metabolizable Energy (ME) showed no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) between the processed and the raw sample. However, there were significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) in the crude protein (CP) and crude fibre (CF) contents for both raw and processed samples. Fermented kidney bean seeds had the highest CP level of 25.00%, compared to sprouted, raw, soaked and cooked with CP % of 22.94, 20.70, 20.31 and 20.13%, respectively. The fermented kidney bean seeds had the highest CF of 10.55% while others did not differ with value of the raw. Anti – nutrients composition showed that fermented seeds had significant reduction in the levels of oxalate, saponin, tannin, cyanide, and trypsin inhibitor, compared to the raw sample. These results suggest that fermentation of kidney bean seeds enhances its usage as proteins source in animal feed due to its increased protein content and reduction in some anti – nutritional factors. Le haricot rouge est une source importante de protéines de haute qualité, ainsi que d'autres substances nutritives. Plus la teneur en ces substances nutritives d'un haricot est élevée, plus sa qualité est élevée. La composition immédiate et les facteurs anti-nutritionnels des grains de haricots rouges crus et transformés ont été étudiés en vue de trouver une autre source de protein qui seramoins chère. L 'étude a été menée à la ferme d'élevage de College d'Agriculture, dans l'etat de Plateau, à Garkawa, au Nigeria, pour étudier la composition immédiate et les facteurs anti - nutritionnels des graines de haricot rouge (Phaseolusvulgaris) traitées différemment. Les méthodes de traitement étudiées étaient crues, cuites, trempées, fermentées et germées en (T1, T2, T3, T4 et T5) respectivement. Les résultats obtenus indiquent que l'extrait d'éther (EE), les cendres, les teneurs en humidité et l'énergie métabolisable (EM) calculée n'ont montré aucune différence significative (P&gt; 0.05) entre l'échantillon traité et l'échantillon brut. Cependant, il y avait des differences significatives (P &lt;0.05) dans les teneurs en protéines brutes (PB) et en fibres brutes (FB) pour les échantillons bruts et traités. Les graines de haricots rouges fermentés avaient le niveau de PB le plus élevé de 25.00%, comparativement aux graines germées, crues, trempées et cuites avec des PB% de 22.94, 20.70, 20.31 et 20.13%, respectivement. Les graines de haricots rouges fermentés avaient le FB le plus élevé de 10.55% tandis que d'autres ne différaient pas avec la valeur de la matière première. La composition anti - nutriments a montré que les graines fermentées avaient une réduction significative des niveaux d 'oxalate, de saponine, de tanin, de cyanure et d'inhibiteur de trypsine, par rapport à l 'échantillon brut. Ces résultats suggèrent que la fermentation des graines de haricots rouges améliore son utilisation comme source de protéines dans l'alimentation animale en raison de sa teneur accrue en protéines et de la réduction de certains facteurs antinutritionnels.

Hematological parameters in rats poisoned with cadmium nitrate and in biocorrection with the infusion of Beta vulgaris seeds

Nowadays, using plant extracts and infusions as protectors against the impact of heavy metals, the molecular mechanisms, protective and adaptive reactions of plants are studied. The purpose of this article was to study the protective properties of beetroot seeds infusion in acute and sub-acute poisoning of rats with cadmium nitrate. For this experiment, we used 50 male rats. The animals were exposed to Cd nitrate, with an initial weight of 180 ± 30 g. The first groups of rats were injected with cadmium nitrate at a dose of 0.1 g/L intraperitoneally, the second groups received a 0.01 % solution of cadmium nitrate, 1 mL, 5 days a week, orally for 10 and 24 days. General blood tests and biochemical parameters in rats were investigated. By biochemical parameters, we determined liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, glucose, urea, creatinine, and total protein. The mean ± SEM values were calculated for each group to determine the significance of the intergroup difference. Each parameter was analyzed separately using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. To determine the difference between groups, Student’s «t»-test was used. Studies showed the presence of variations in the parameters of leukocytes, erythrocytes and platelets depending on the period of days of poisoning and biocorrection. There were small changes in the content of urea, creatinine, and protein, which were not reliably confirmed. As a result, our research allowed asserting that the use of Beta vulgaris infusion in acute and subacute experiments with poisoning of animals with cadmium nitrate had a positive hepatoprotective effect.

First insight of exogenous addition of proline and glycinebetaine to mitigate fluorine toxicity effects on common bean seedlings

To counteract fluoride (F) stress-induced adverse effects on plants, one approach is the application of exogenous potential osmoprotectants such as proline (Pro) and glycinebetaine (GB). This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of exogenous application of Pro and GB on germination and growth of common bean seeds after potassium fluoride (KF) and sodium fluoride (NaF) exposure. The study was replicated under two different temperatures: the normal temperature required for seeds growth (20°C) and a higher (25°C) favourable for bean cultivation in Africa, the region most polluted with F. The results indicated that the beneficial effects of external supply of Pro and GB varied depending on temperature and the source of salt stress. NaF showed a more toxic effect than KF on growth of Phaseolus vulgaris seeds. Overall, Pro was more effective than GB to alleviate the undesirable effect of salt stress on morphological attributes under NaF stress (improving by 50% and 39% the length and the number of lateral roots), and especially at higher temperature the recovery role of Pro and GB was more relevant reaching the same value found under control conditions for the length of hypocotyl (3.28 cm).&#x0D; Highlights - Exogenous glycinebetaine and proline were able to counteract F inhibitory effects on Phaseolus vulgaris seedlings growth. - Sodium fluoride (NaF) showed more toxic effect than potassium fluoride (KF) on Phaseolus vulgaris seedlings growth.- Proline was more effective than glycinebetaine in alleviating F toxicity effects on seedlings growth.

Methanolic extract of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) escalates functional restoration following a compression injury to the sciatic nerve in a mouse model.

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is one of the major health concerns faced by the community at present. Till now, available therapeutic approaches are ineffective to fully heal a nerve injury and to assure the functional recovery entirely. Natural compounds can prove attractive and effective drug candidates to bridge up this gap. In this scenario, the present study was designed to explore the role of methanolic extract of Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) seeds in accelerating the function regain following a sciatic nerve injury in a mouse model. For this purpose, 12 adult healthy albino mice (BALB/C), 8–10 weeks old, were grouped as control (Ctrl, n = 6) and treatment (Trt, n = 6). The treated group was given methanolic extract of F. vulgare (200 mg/kg per day) started from the day of nerve crush until the end of the study. The sensorimotor function regain assessed by hot plate test, grip strength, and SFI assessments was found significantly (p < .05) ameliorated in the F. vulgare‐treated group. A prominent improvement in the muscle mass of the treated group further affirmed these effects. Furthermore, morphometric analysis of muscle fiber cross‐sectional area of tibialis anterior muscle between groups revealed a noticeable improvement in muscle fibers’ diameter of the treated group. Conclusively, these findings suggest that F. vulgare methanolic extract exhibits the potential to escalate functional recovery following a peripheral nerve injury. However, the real players of this extract and the mechanism involved in boosting functional restoration need to be dissected by further work.

Structural characterization and in vitro lipid binding studies of non-specific lipid transfer protein 1 (nsLTP1) from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds

Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) are cationic proteins involved in intracellular lipid shuttling in growth and reproduction, as well as in defense against pathogenic microbes. Even though the primary and spatial structures of some nsLTPs from different plants indicate their similar features, they exhibit distinct lipid-binding specificities signifying their various biological roles that dictate further structural study. The present study determined the complete amino acid sequence, in silico 3D structure modeling, and the antiproliferative activity of nsLTP1 from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds. Fennel is a member of the family Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is used as a spice medicine and fresh vegetable. Fennel nsLTP1 was purified using the combination of gel filtration and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Its homogeneity was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. The purified nsLTP1 was treated with 4-vinyl pyridine, and the modified protein was then digested with trypsin. The complete amino acid sequence of nsLTP1 established by intact protein sequence up to 28 residues, overlapping tryptic peptides, and cyanogen bromide (CNBr) peptides. Hence, it is confirmed that fennel nsLTP1 is a 9433 Da single polypeptide chain consisting of 91 amino acids with eight conserved cysteines. Moreover, the 3D structure is predicted to have four α-helices interlinked by three loops and a long C-terminal tail. The lipid-binding property of fennel nsLTP1 is examined in vitro using fluorescent 2-p-toluidinonaphthalene-6-sulfonate (TNS) and validated using a molecular docking study with AutoDock Vina. Both of the binding studies confirmed the order of binding efficiency among the four studied fatty acids linoleic acid > linolenic acid > Stearic acid > Palmitic acid. A preliminary screening of fennel nsLTP1 suppressed the growth of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 6.98 µM after 48 h treatment.

Antioviposition and Reduction of Callosobruchus chinensis Pic. 1902 (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) Emergence on Phaseolus vulgaris by Dioscorea sansibarensis Powder and Its Chemical Composition

Callosobruchus chinensis causes damage to the Phaseolus vulgaris seeds. Traditionally, Dioscorea sansibarensis serves as a medicinal plant. Naturally, D. sansibarensis has toxins that protect against herbivores and the surrounding invasive plants in its natural habitat. Phytochemical analysis by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and laboratory experiments was carried out to determine the activity of D. sansibarensis leaves, bulbils, and yams powders on antioviposition and inhibition of the F1 emergence of C. chinensis. Bioassay data were subjected to nonparametric (Kolmogorov–Smirnov) statistical analysis and a generalized linear model at P ≤ 0.05 . Statistically, the powders had an antioviposition activity of 34.3% (R2 = 0.343). A recommendable activity on antioviposition was displayed by the yams powder; treatment by 0.8 g of yams powder had a Wald Chi-Square value of 1.291, P = 0.26 . Inhibition of F1 emergence was significantly attained by the yams powder; the treatment by 0.6 g of yams powder had a Wald Chi-Square value of 7.72, P = 0.01 . Statistically, the bulbils powder displayed low antioviposition and inhibition of F1 emergence. Observations on the TLC exposed compounds with similar Rf values; saponin with an Rf value of 0.72 was portrayed in the leaves, bulbils, and yams. A terpenoid and a flavonoid with Rf values of 0.37 and 0.71, respectively, were observed in bulbils and yams but absent in leaves. A terpenoid with an Rf value of 0.49 was visualized in leaves and bulbils but not in the yams powder. The study concluded that the D. sansibarensis yams and leaves powders are viable for application by the farmers in the protection of stored legumes against attack by C. chinensis. However, there may be other diverse interests in other storage insects and other methods of phytochemical analysis that have not been investigated.

PURIFICACIÓN Y CARACTERIZACIÓN DE INHIBIDORES DE PAPAÍNA PROVENIENTES DE SEMILLAS DE AMARANTO (Amaranthus caudatus) Y FRIJOL (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Los inhibidores de proteasas vegetales con frecuencia son proteínas de baja masa molar, presentes en tejidos de almacenamiento y aéreos de las plantas. Su expresión se induce en respuesta al daño por insectos y microorganismos patógenos y el contenido de estos inhibidores puede ser alto en órganos de cereales y leguminosas. Bajo la premisa de que la combinación de técnicas de purificación de proteínas de baja y alta resolución permite incrementar la actividad específica de inhibidores de proteasas presentes en tejidos vegetales, el objetivo de este estudio fue aislar, purificar y caracterizar bioquímicamente inhibidores de papaína a partir de semillas de amaranto (Amaranthus caudatus) y frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris). El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar para seleccionar las técnicas de baja resolución que incrementan significativamente (p≤0.05) el grado de purificación de los extractos tratados. En todos los estudios se hicieron tres repeticiones y las mediciones se realizaron por triplicado. A partir de harinas de semillas de amaranto y frijol se obtuvieron extractos proteicos crudos que después se ultrafiltraron en membranas de 10 kDa. Las fracciones de baja masa molar se purificaron por cromatografía de afinidad en papaína-glioxil-sepharosa 6B-CL. El extracto crudo de amaranto presentó actividad inhibidora de 1.177 ± 0.067 mU·mL-1 y el de frijol 1.556 ± 0.542 mU·mL-1. Los extractos con purificación parcial de amaranto y frijol se purificaron por cromatografía de afinidad en papaína-glioxil-sepharosa 6B-CL, hasta 137.5 y 79.1 veces, respectivamente. La masa molar estimada fue 7.50 kDa para el inhibidor de amaranto y 8.20 kDa para el de frijol. El inhibidor de amaranto mostró inhibición competitiva con Ki de 0.872 µM, mientras que la del frijol fue no competitiva y con Ki de 0.058 µM. Esto evidencia la presencia de inhibidores de cisteíno proteasas en las semillas de amaranto y frijol.