White Flowers Research Articles

A Review on Divine Tree Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis Linn – A Treasure House of Therapeutic Components

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn is a short ancient tree believed to be a divine tree in India. The tree bears beautiful white flowers known for its aura. It is extensively cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. Since time immemorial, crude extracts of each part of the tree is used as a classical medicine in treatment of organ disorders, fevers, infections, expectorant, allergies, gynaecological problems, and various other diseases. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn possess phytochemicals such as Alkaloids, steroids, Glycosides, flavonoids, Terpenes, essential oils, proteins that exhibit pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, hepato-protective, CNS depressant, anti-anaemic, antipyretic, sedative and many more. This review article has included all the possible details about the plant, its distribution phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities. Phytochemical studies and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn’s pharmacological activities indicated it as a potential medicinal plant for various elements. However, more research is crucial to investigate the mode of action of the plant’s bioactive constituents and its therapeutic potential.

Identification of novel flower anthocyanins of Delphinium grandiflorum cultivars

Flower color is one of the most important properties of ornamental flowers. Information on the kinds of pigments that flowers can biosynthesize is useful for breeding cultivars focused on flower colors. The flower colors of regular ornamental delphinium cultivars are blue, violet, purple, pink, and white. The pigments of these flowers are delphinidin-based anthocyanins. It has been reported that the typical modification in delphinium anthocyanins involves the transfer of glucose and p-hydroxybenzoic acid molecules to the 7-position of delphinidin one by one, and it was predicted that other unidentified anthocyanins are present in addition to the already reported ones. Recently, light pink flowers that accumulate pelargonidin-based anthocyanins were reported from cultivars derived from Delphinium grandiflorum. Converting delphinidin-based anthocyanins to pelargonidin-based ones is considered key to producing red flowers in delphinium. Hence, we investigated anthocyanins of blue, mauve, light pink, and white flowers of D. grandiflorum cultivars. We isolated anthocyanins and analyzed them using HPLC, TLC, UV–vis spectra, FABMS, and NMR. Using these methods, we identified two novel delphinidin-based anthocyanins and three novel pelargonidin-based anthocyanins: delphinidin 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-7-O-[6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranoside] (2), pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-7-O-[6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranoside] (5, rubrodelphin), pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-7-O-[3-O-(β-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranoside] (6), delphinidin 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-7-O-[3-O-(3-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranoside] (7), and pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-7-O-[3-O-(3-O-(6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranoside] (9, rosedelphin), along with four known anthocyanins. The flowers of five blue cultivars accumulated cyanodelphin (8) as the dominant pigment. The shapes of visible absorption spectra of these five blue flowers were similar, indicating that the color and the absorption spectra were the typical ones for delphinium blue color produced by 8. The mauve flower color was due to a mixture of delphinidin-based anthocyanins in various polyacylated levels at the 7-position. The light pink flowers accumulated pelargonidin-based anthocyanins 5, 6, and 9. These pigment structures showed that the pelargonidin-based anthocyanins modified in the same way as in the originally biosynthesized delphinidin-based anthocyanins even though aglycone was replaced by pelargonidin in these anthocyanins.

High Dose Sesbania Grandiflora Extract Alters Rat Kidney Electrolytes based on Insights from Indonesia

This study investigates the acute toxicity of white turi flower extract (Sesbania grandiflora) on kidney electrolyte levels in rats (Rattus norvegicus). Conducted at Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, male Wistar rats were divided into control and treatment groups, receiving 10,000, 15,000, and 20,000 mg/kgBW doses. Symptoms of toxicity included lethargy and hair loss, but no deaths occurred. Despite normal macroscopic kidney observations, sodium and potassium levels significantly increased with higher doses (p=0.000). These findings suggest that high doses of white turi flower extract can affect kidney electrolytes, indicating potential toxicity. Further research is needed to assess long-term safety for medicinal use. Highlights: 1. High doses increase sodium and potassium in rat kidneys.2. Symptoms: lethargy, hair loss, no fatalities.3. Requires further research for long-term safety. Keywords: Sesbania grandiflora, acute toxicity, kidney electrolytes, sodium, potassium

Metabolomic Profiling and DNA-Fingerprinting of Newly Recorded White-Flowered Populations of Salvia lanigera Poir. in Egypt.

Salvia lanigera Poir. is a small herbaceous perennial species with violet flowers that grows in low-altitude deserts, and sandy loam. During the collection of S. lanigera, unusual populations with white flowers were found. Therefore, the two populations (violet- and white-flowered) were subjected to comparative investigations, including DNA fingerprinting, chemical composition, and biological evaluation. The two populations showed DNA variations, with 6.66 % polymorphism in ISSR and 25 % in SCoT markers. GC/MS and UHPLC/HRMS of aqueous methanol extracts, led to the tentative identification of 43 and 50 compounds in both populations. In addition, the structures of nine compounds, including four first-time reported compounds in the species, were confirmed by NMR. Furthermore, the total extracts exhibited weak radical scavenging activity against DPPH and a lower inhibitory effect towards acetylcholinesterase. In conclusion, the obtained data suggested that the white-colored flower could be an additional important character record for the Egyptian S. lanigera.

Cheniella tsoongii (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae), a rare, critically endangered new species from southern China

We describe here a rare, critically endangered new species of the genus Cheniella from Guangdong province of southern China. Cheniella tsoongii is morphologically similar to C. corymbosa, and can be distinguished by having a combination of deeply-bilobed hairy leaves, white flowers, shorter hypanthia, yellow anthers, and densely ferruginous-tomentose inflorescence rachides, pedicles and hypanthia. We suggest assessing the conservation status of the species as Critically Endangered (CR) as it possesses an extremely high risk of extinction based on the rapid population declines during the last century and, only no more than 10 individuals remain in an environmentally unprotected area now. Urgent conservation studies and actions are necessary to prevent the extinction of this species.

Selection maintains a nonadaptive floral polyphenism.

Adaptive phenotypic plasticity evolves in response to the contrasting selection pressures that arise when organisms face environmental heterogeneity. Despite its importance for understanding how organisms successfully cope with environmental change, adaptive plasticity is often assumed but rarely demonstrated. We study here the adaptive nature of the extreme seasonal within-individual floral polyphenism exhibited by the crucifer Moricandia arvensis, a Mediterranean species that produces two different types of flowers depending on the season of the year. During spring, this species has large, cross-shaped, lilac flowers, while during summer, it develops small, rounded, white flowers. Although floral polyphenism was associated with increased plant fitness, selection moved floral traits away from their local optimum values during the harsh summer. This result strongly suggests that floral polyphenism is not adaptive in M. arvensis. The main factor selecting against floral polyphenism was pollinators, as they select for the same floral morph in all environments. Despite not being adaptive, floral polyphenism occurs throughout the entire distribution range of M. arvensis and has probably been present since the origin of the species. To solve this paradox, we explored the factors causing floral polyphenism, finding that floral polyphenism was triggered by summer flowering. Summer flowering was beneficial because it led to extra seed production and was favored by adaptive plasticity in leaf functional traits. Taken together, our study reveals a complex scenario in which nonadaptive floral polyphenism has been indirectly maintained over M. arvensis evolutionary history by selection operating to favor summer flowering. Our study provides thus strong evidence that nonadaptive plasticity may evolve as a byproduct of colonizing stressful environments.

Diversity and characteristics of the melliferous flora of Moroccan Macaronesia (Territory of Sidi Ifni)

The melliferous flora of Central Western Morocco, precisely in the territory of the Ait Baâmrane of Sidi Ifni Province was studied between 2016 and 2018 using surveys among beekeepers and by observing the behavior of bees towards flowers. The plants foraged by bees were collected, identified and listed. A total of 117 honey species were recorded, representing 41.64% of the 281 species of the total flora of the study area, belonging to 98 genera and 40 families. The Asteraceae family is the most represented with 17.95%, followed by Labiatae and Leguminosae with 6.84% each. The area is characterized by a high rate of endemism, estimated at 26.5% of the 117 melliferous species. However, there are species classified as rare and endangered taxa, estimated at 10 species. According to their biological types, Therophytes represent 36.75% of the foraged species, followed by Chamephytes (17.95%). Regarding the flowering period, it lasts throughout the year. Spring however is the most represented period with 42.45% of the plants, followed by summer with 28.98%, then winter and autumn, with 15.10% and 13.47% respectively. Melliferous plants with yellow flowers are the most attracted by bees (28.21%), followed by white flowers (24.79%). These listed plants are either foraged for their nectar and pollen (74.36%), only pollen (15.38%), or only nectar (8.55%). In addition, they have other uses, such as edible, medicinal, and others. It appears from this study that the conservation of the melliferous flora is very imperative in order to improve and promote the continuity of the beekeeping sector in the region.

Genetic Characterization of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis Genotypes Derived from Seeds and Selection Based on Their Morphological Traits and Flower Aromatic Substances

Gardenia jasminoides Ellis is an evergreen shrub with white fragrant flowers, and it is cultivated for its ornamental, aromatic and medicinal value. The present study aimed to select desirable genotypes for potential commercial exploitation as pot plants or use in perfumery. Thus, 32 genotypes of G. jasminoides plants derived from seedlings, whose seeds were obtained from Australia and the USA, were evaluated for their genetic diversity in relation to four commercial cultivars (‘Pelion’, ‘Joy’, ‘Grandiflora’ and ‘Kimberly’, used as reference cultivars) using ISSR and SCoT markers. A cluster analysis separated the gardenia genotypes into the following three clusters: one cluster comprised the 16 genotypes originating from Australia, one included the 16 genotypes originating from the USA, and the third cluster contained the four reference cultivars. In other words, there was a clear demarcation of the genotypes investigated according to their geographical origin. In addition, the gardenia genotypes were evaluated for their morphological and chemical characteristics. Thus, flower- and leaf-related traits with ornamental value were measured, while the volatile compounds of flower extracts were identified with GC-MS analysis. Genotype 29-5 was selected for its acceptable morphological traits and genotype 51-8 for its rich volatile compounds. The major volatile compounds responsible for the floral aroma of the various gardenia genotypes examined were α-farnesene, benzyl tiglate, cis-3-hexenyltiglate, jasminelactone and linalool.

Analysis of Transcriptome and Expression of C4H and FLS Genes on Four Flower Colors of Impatiens uliginosa

Flower color is a major feature of ornamental plants, and the rich flower color of plants is an important factor in determining their ornamental and economic values, so flower color is an important research target for gardening and horticulture breeders at home and abroad. Our research group collected four colors of Impatiens uliginosa (white, pink, red, and deep red) during the collection of germplasm resources in the field. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptomes of the four flower colors of I. uliginosa by using RNA-Seq technology. The transcriptomes were screened to identify candidate genes related to flower color, and the coloring mechanisms of four flower colors were revealed at the molecular level. The main findings were as follows: (1) The number of the four different transcripts ranged from 64,723 to 93,522 and contained a total of 100,705 unigenes. (2) The analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed structural genes including C4H, FLS, PAL, and ANS and transcription factors including MYB, MYB-related, AP2-EREBP, and bHLH. (3) Among the four flower colors of I. uliginosa, the C4H1 gene had the highest expression in pink flowers, and the C4H2 gene had the highest expression in red flowers. This indicated that C4H genes positively regulated the red flower color of I. uliginosa. However, FLS expression was the highest in white flowers, and with deepening flower color, FLS gene expression gradually weakened, acting as a negative regulator. The results of this study could lay the theoretical foundation for investigating the mechanism of coloration and flower color variation in I. uliginosa.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Flower Color Changes in Impatiens uliginosa in Response to Copper Stress

Impatiens uliginosa is a native and potential water body-restoring ornamental plant. In this study, RNA-Seq technology was used to analyze the transcriptome of its floral organs. Candidate genes related to flower color changes under copper stress were investigated through transcriptome screening, and the intrinsic mechanism of the effects of different concentrations of copper on I. uliginosa was revealed at the molecular level. The main findings were as follows: (1) Transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed on the flower organs of I. uliginosa treated with different concentrations of copper (0 mg·L−1, 10 mg·L−1, and 20 mg·L−1). A total of 70,319 transcripts and 39,949 unigenes were obtained. An analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed structural genes including GT, ANS, CHI, and PAL; transcription factors including MYB and WD40; and transport factors including GST and ABC. (2) The gene expression levels of flower color changed in the flowering period of I. uliginosa at different copper concentrations. The expression levels of IuGT and IuGST genes in I. uliginosa were significantly different under different concentrations of copper treatments. Their expression levels were the highest at a copper concentration of 0 mg·L−1 and the lowest at 20 mg·L−1. In summary, the low expression of IuGT and IuGST genes was more conducive to the formation of white flowers of I. uliginosa.

Characterization of native Ya´ax ik chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in the Yucatan Peninsula

Objective: To morphologically characterize the Ya´ax ik chili pepper: wild chili (Capsicum annuum), native variety from the Yucatan Peninsula. Design/methodology: Ya´ax ik chili pepper seeds were sown in 200-cavity polystyrene trays, and then the plants were placed in bags for hydroponics and were morphologically characterized using the Capsicum descriptor of the International Institute of Genetic Resources. Results: The plant showed 118 cm and 34.8 cm of height and ramification width and width of the intermediate plant, hanging white flowers and green fruits in the early stage and red at maturity with 7.42 and 2.32 cm length and width. Additionally, tolerance to the virus caused by whiteflies could be observed. Findings and conclusions: Plant with morphological characteristics susceptible to be genetically improved for its extensive farming, given the market acceptance of the fresh and dried fruit, supported by market prices.

Variations in Flower Color of Mutant Chrysanthemums

The induction of variation in chrysanthemums using gamma radiation under in vitro conditions is an effective technique in ornamental plants. The purpose of this study is to obtain new mutants by isolating desirable properties from the three-colored single chrysanthemum mutant using in vitro cultures. Bud explants were cultured four times, the plantlets were acclimatized, and 520 plants were planted in outdoor conditions. Observations of the mutants were collected during flowering time, and 97 of the mutants were compared to the control group. Plants with pink, white, and chimeric flowers were obtained. Mutant plants with white flowers constituted the majority of the population followed by plants with variegated flower colors. The population is divided into six clusters, based on the plant height, plant diameter, flower number, flower diameter, number of flower colors, ray flowers’ number, leaves’ number, stem weight, and lengths and widths of leaves. The population decreased in plant height, flower number, and stem weight, while other features increased compared to the control group. Thus, a new population with similar characteristics to the parent plant was obtained from a single mutant. Chrysanthemum plants exposed to mutagens showed major changes in flower parts as well as other parts of the plant.

Paeonia mascula subsp. russoi (biv.) Cullen & Heywood: the chemical composition of the aerial parts essential oils of two different populations collected in Sicily (Italy)

In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of two populations of Paeonia mascula subsp. russoi, collected in Sicily, was evaluated by GC–MS. No previously phytochemical investigation has been reported for this subspecies. The main components of the essential oil of the population with pink flowers were salicylaldehyde (34.31%), nonanal (16.95%) and 2-hexenal (10.17%), whereas essential oil of the population with white flowers, was shown to be rich of myrtanal (14.14%), eugenol (14.02%) and salicylaldehyde (12.21%). Furthermore, a complete literature review, not present in literature, on the composition of the essential oils of all the other taxa of Paeonia, studied so far, was performed. PCA and HCA analyses of the composition of essential oils obtained from the aerial parts were also carried out.

Discovery and Characterization of Two Highly Divergent Variants of a Novel Potyvirus Species Infecting Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus).

During the summer of 2022, a cluster of Madagascar periwinkle plants with white and mauve flowers were observed with foliar mild yellow mosaic symptoms on a private property in Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas. The symptoms were reproduced on mechanically inoculated periwinkle and Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Virions of 776 to 849 nm in length and 11.7 to 14.8 nm in width were observed in transmission electron microscopy of leaf dip preparations made from symptomatic periwinkle leaves. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis of total RNA extracts from symptomatic leaves revealed the occurrence of two highly divergent variants of a novel Potyvirus species as the only virus-like sequences present in the sample. The complete genomes of both variants were independently amplified via reverse transcriptase PCR, cloned, and Sanger sequenced. The 5' and 3' of the genomes were acquired using random amplification of cDNA ends methodology. The assembled virus genomes were 9,936 and 9,944 nucleotides (nt) long, and they shared 99.9 to 100% identities with the respective HTS-derived genomes. Each genome encoded hypothetical polyprotein of 3,171 amino acids (aa) (362.6 kilodaltons [kDa]) and 3,173 aa (362.7 kDa), respectively, and they shared 77.3/84.4% nt/aa polyprotein identities, indicating that they represent highly divergent variants of the same Potyvirus species. Both genomes also shared below-species-threshold polyprotein identity levels with the most closely phylogenetically related known potyviruses, thus indicating that they belong to a novel species. The name periwinkle mild yellow mosaic virus (PwMYMV) is given to the potyvirus with complete genomes of 9,936 nt for variant 1 (PwMYMV-1) and 9,944 nt for variant 2 (PwMYMV-2). We propose that PwMYMV be assigned into the genus Potyvirus (family Potyviridae).

First Report of Powdery Mildew on Viburnum chinshanense Caused by Erysiphe pseudoviburni in China.

Viburnum chinshanense, a deciduous shrub in the family Caprifoliaceae, is a dominant tree distributed mainly in the North-Central and South-Central regions of China (Zhu et al. 2023). Because of its lush white flowers and vibrant red fruits, V. chinshanense is used widely as ornamental tree in China. In May 2022, severe powdery mildew symptoms were observed on V. chinshanense on the Huaxi Campus of Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China. The incidence was approximately 75% among 80 V. chinshanense plants observed. White mycelia were present on both adaxial and abaxial leaf sides, but not on fruits, petioles, or stems. Infected leaves showed slight chlorosis and twisting. The mycelia were amphigenous, forming small-to-large patches, often sparse on the upper leaf surface, but mostly confluent on the lower leaf surface. Hyphae were hyaline, 4-7 μm wide. Hyphal appressoria were lobed to multilobed, in opposite pairs or solitary. Conidiophores were erect, straight, or somewhat flexuous, 60-130 µm long (n = 30). Foot cells were subcylindrical to slightly curved-sinuous at the base, 20-40 × 6-10 µm (n = 30) in size, followed by 1-3 shorter cells. Conidia formed singly, occasionally two to three in a chain. Conidia were ellipsoid to ovoid, cylindrical, and 24-40 × 16-20 µm (n = 50). No fibrosin bodies were observed on the conidia. Chasmothecia were subglobose, 56-115 µm in diameter. The appendages were 35-70 µm long. Based on these morphological characteristics, the powdery mildew fungus was identified as Erysiphe pseudoviburni (Bradshaw et al. 2020). To confirm the identification, the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the ribosomal large subunit (LSU) region were amplified and sequenced using the ITS1/ITS4 primer pair (White et al. 1990) and the NL1/NL4 primer pair (Ziemiecki et al. 1990), respectively. The obtained 643-bp ITS sequence (GenBank accession no. ON729292) had 99.84% identity with E. pseudoviburni strains KUS-F27310 (MN431595) and MUMH0001 (LC009904). The obtained 593-bp LSU sequence (ON729293) had 99.83% identity with E. pseudoviburni (LC009904 and MN431595). Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the combined ITS and LSU dataset (Bradshaw et al. 2020), the isolate (GZVD-1) was grouped in a clade with the E. pseudoviburni strains KUS-F27319, KUS-F27310, and MUMH0001. To fulfill Koch's postulates, leaves of three healthy potted V. chinshanense plants were inoculated by gently pressing with diseased leaves. Non-contact plants were used as controls. All plants were incubated in a greenhouse at 25 ± 2°C, 80% relative humidity. Similar powdery mildew symptoms were observed on the inoculated plants 12 days after inoculation, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The reisolated fungus from the inoculated plants was morphologically identical to that on originally diseased plants. ITS and LSU sequences of the reisolated fungus showed 100% identity with ON729292 and ON729293, respectively. E. pseudoviburni has previously been reported to infect some Viburnum species, including V. sieboldii in Japan (Takamatsu et al. 2015) and V. odoratissimum in South Korea (Bradshaw et al. 2020). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by E. pseudoviburni on V. chinshanense in China. This work expands the known host range of E. pseudoviburni in the Viburnum genus.

<i>In silico</i> analysis of anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of bioactive compounds from <i>Pancratium triflorum</i> (Roxb)

Herbal remedies with medicinal properties have been utilized in Asian countries for centuries. Recently, Pancratium triflorum Roxb., also known as the forest spider lily, has captured the attention of researchers due to its potential therapeutic benefits. This plant produces white flowers and contains several important phytochemicals, including Lycorine, citrate, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Quercetin, and Kaempferol. Molecular docking, a computer simulation technique, has been used to identify potential drug candidates that can bind effectively to the active site of a protein. This study explored the anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of Pancratium triflorum Roxb.'s Phyto-constituents using molecular docking with Auto dock 4.2.6. The study focused on the Vioxx-bound human Cox2 receptor and the Tyrosine kinase receptor bound to Gliteritinib. Standard ligands were used for redocking, and the Swiss ADME software was employed for bioavailability prediction to validate the findings. The results showed that Lycorine and Crinine have excellent anti-inflammatory properties, while Kaempferol and Quercetin have promising anticancer properties. Further research is necessary, but these findings suggest that Pancratium triflorum Roxb. could be a valuable addition to the medical world. However, further research is required to validate these findings, and in vivo studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of these phytochemicals as potential drug candidates.

Combined Microbial Fermentation Converts Bioactive Compounds in Nitraria Tangutorum Bobrov Fruit and Displays its Antidiabetic Potential

Nitraria tangutorum Bobrov is a berry shrub with white flowers and red fruits, which grows in the deserts in the Tibetan Plateau, Mongolia, and western China. Its fruit N. tangutorum Fruit (NTF) contains various bioactive compounds, with anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective functions. However, the high saccharide content of NTF makes it unsuitable for diabetic patients. In this study, we fermented NTF to obtain N. tangutorum Fermented Juice (NTJ), and N. tangutorum Fermented Residue (NTR), which are suitable for diabetics to consume. We characterized the bioactive compounds in NTF, NTR, and NTJ, and found that fermentation increased the diversity of bioactive compounds, and greatly reduced sucrose, glucose, and fructose content while generating trehalose, which has the potential to manage blood glucose levels. Further, NTJ displays anti-diabetic potential due to various compounds anti-diabetic properties. This study provides a basis for further clinical research on NTJ’s anti-diabetic function in humans.

Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant, and Anti-Proliferative Activities of Wild and Cultivated Nigella damascena Species Collected in Sicily (Italy).

The use of Nigella damascena seeds in the culinary field or as aerial parts infusions in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields is widely reported. The biological activity of this plant, as demonstrated over the years, is closely related to its phytochemical content. This investigation focused on the comparative study of the same plants of N. damascena, one totally wild (WND), while the other two, one with white flowers (CWND) and the other with blue flowers (CBND), were subject to cultivation, irrigation, and manual weeding. Using the potential of 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, coupled with MS/MS spectrometric studies, the three methanolic extracts of N. damascena were investigated. Chemical studies have highlighted the presence of triterpene saponin compounds and various glycosylated flavonoids. Finally, the in vitro antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of the three individual extracts were evaluated. The antiproliferative activity performed on U-937, HL-60, and MCF-7 tumor cell lines highlighted a greater anticancer effect of the CBND and CWND extracts compared to the data obtained using WND. The antioxidant activity, however, performed to quantify ROS generation is comparable among the extracts used.

Morphology, anatomy, and quantitative determination of corosolic acid in Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz in the Southeast region, Vietnam

Objectives: To describe the morphological characteristics, anatomy (stem, leaves), and quantify the corosolic acid in the leaves of Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz collected in the Southeast region, Vietnam. Subjects and methods: Using the comparative morphological method to determine the scientific name of species. Studying the microscopic characteristics of Lagerstroemia calyculataKurz according to the research method of N. Ba (2009) [1] and quantifying the content of corosolic acid in the leaves according to the United States Pharmacopeia 2017 (USP 40), with adjustments to suit the conditions of the laboratory. Results: Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz is tree, deciduous, height 30-35 m, smooth bark. Leaves lanceolate, lateral veins 9-11 pairs, hairy. Inflorescence paniculate, small white flowers. Capsules ovoid, 6-valved. Seeds are numerous, brown, and smooth. The stem has a bicollateral vascular bundle, conduction tissue arranged continuously, double phloem pillars and leaf veins exposed on both sides. The outer epidermis has multicellular stellate hairs. Scattered in soft tissue there are crystalline particles. Stomata are present only on the underside of leaves. The quantification of corosolic acid in three leaf samples of Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz was from 0.05 to 0.12%. Conclusions: This study has detailed morphological, anatomical characteristics, and quantitative determination of corosolic acid in three leaf samples of Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz collected in the Southeast region.

Composition analysis of Magnolia flower and their use for highly bright carbon dots

Colloidal carbon dots (C-dots) have excellent optical properties and they have been widely used for various types of applications. Compared to the C-dots prepared using chemicals, the Biomass-derived C-dots have attracted a great of attention because of their environmental friendliness and biocompatibility. However, currently obtained C-dots using biomass have low quantum yield. In this work, we demonstrated an efficient precursor of Magnolia flower for synthesizing high-quantum yield C-dots via hydrothermal approach. High performance liquid chromatography and Bradford assay were used to analyze the compositions of the Magnolia flower, which determine the quality of the C-dots. The typical emission bands of the as-prepared C-dots cover from 400 to 550 nm at different excitation wavelengths. The C-dots synthesized using violet Magnolia flower have the QY as high as 11.9%, which is higher than that of 10.4% (white Magnolia flower), because the violet color gives the higher content of the N. The as-obtained C-dots have excitation-dependent color and high quantum yield, showing a great potential for the use of the anti-counterfeiting system.