Solanum Torvum Research Articles

Selection Criteria for Identification of Turkey Berry (Solanum torvum) Genotypes for Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance

Background: Breeders can determine the likelihood of passing on advantageous traits to the following generation by using heritability, which calculates the portion of phenotypic variation that can be attributed to genetic factors. Methods: The present study was conducted at College Orchard on clay loam soil in the years 2022-2023 at the Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Coimbatore. The experimental orchard site at HCandRI is located in the tropical plain topography at 11 degrees north latitude, 77 degrees east longitude and 411 metres above mean sea level (MSL). There are 20 genotypes of turkey berry for variability, heritability and genetic advance study. These genotypes are collected from different areas of Tamil Nadu and other Indian states. One season measurements have been taken of the following traits: plant height, internodal length, number of branches per plant, stem girth, number of stem prickles, number of leaves, leaf area cm2, number of leaf prickles per plant, days of first flowering, number of flowers/clusters, number of flowers per plant, number of fruits/clusters, the number of fruit clusters per plant, fruit diameter, the individual fruit weight and the fresh fruit yield (gm/plant). As part of the current study, five randomly chosen plants from each genotype in each replication were tagged to record the observations. Result: The results from this study revealed that higher values of PCV, GCV, heritability and GAM are indicative of a greater influence of environmental factors, according to variability studies. These data demonstrated that there was a high level of variability for these traits in the germplasm and that selection for these traits might be successful. These data were combined with high estimates of genetic advance for traits like the number of leaf prickles per plant, number of flowers per cluster, fruit diameter, number of fruits per cluster, leaf area, stem girth, number of stem prickles per plant and internodal length. The promising accessions discovered in this study could be applied to projects aimed at improving crops, such as pre-breeding for turkey berries.

Green extraction and optimization of bioactive compounds from Solanum torvum Swartz. using ultrasound-aided solvent extraction method through RSM, ANFIS and machine learning algorithm

Biologically important phytocompounds based on total polyphenolic, flavonoid contents and their free radical scavenging potential were completely harvested from Solanum torvum Sw. through ultrasound-aided solvent extraction (UASE) method. The face-centered central composite design (FCCD) in response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the effective extraction parameters, and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), as well as machine learning (ML) algorithm models were used to validate the optimized extraction parameters for the highest yield of bioactive phytocompounds. The effect of five extraction parameters, namely methanol concentration (X1: 55–65% in v/v with water), ultrasound-intensity (X2: 50–60 W cm−2), temperature (X3: 30–45 °C), time (X4: 15–25 min) and particle size (X5: 0.5–1.5 mm) at five levels (very low (−2.37), low (−1), medium (0), high (+1) and very high (+2.37)) were studied for optimized yields of total polyphenolic (TP; (y1)), total flavonoid contents (TF; (y2)) and their free radical scavenging abilities (%DPPH*sc (y3), %ABTS*sc (y4), and %H2O2*sc (y5)). The optimal condition was attained at X1 = 65%, X2 = 60 W cm−2, X3 = 45 °C, X4 = 15 min, and X5 = 0.5 mm; under this condition, the highest yields of y1 = 830.677 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, y2 = 535.38 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/g, y3 = 75.22%, y4 = 84.12%, and y5 = 85.02% was obtained. Most of the experimental values were well matched with the predicted responses of the RSM model. Further, ANFIS and random forest-machine learning algorithm were utilized to compare and validate the optimized extraction parameters. Also, GC-MS and LC-MS were carried out to investigate the presence of various bioactive phytocompounds in the optimized extract.

Effect of Different Rootstocks on the Salt Stress Tolerance and Fruit Quality of Grafted Eggplants (Solanum melongena L.).

Vegetable grafting is considered a rapid, non-chemical alternative method to relatively slow and expensive breeding to overcome the adverse effect of salinity. Therefore, a soilless experiment was performed to determine the salinity tolerance of eggplant (Solanum melongena) cv. Madonna grafted onto two different rootstocks, Solanum grandifolium × Solanum melongena (SH) and Solanum torvum (ST), as well as self-grafted (SG) and self-rooted (SR) as controls. All groups of plants were treated with 0 mM NaCl or 80 mM NaCl. A significant decrease in the relative leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and chlorophyll concentrations were found in response to NaCl. However, the grafted plants had a higher photosynthetic pigment level than the non-grafted plants grown under saline conditions. Grafting eggplants onto SH significantly enhanced the total fruit yield as compared to the self-rooted plants exposed to salinity by increasing the average fruit weight. Moreover, salt stress significantly increased the whitening index and oxidation potential of fruits. The plants grafted onto SH or ST accumulated more Na+ in their roots than in their fruit or leaves, thus the Na+ partitioning between the above-ground and root parts most probably determines the increased salinity tolerance of the grafted ST and SH plants. To conclude, both the SH and ST rootstocks protected the scions against salinity; the scion showed both increased photosynthetic pigment concentration and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters as well as a lower Na+ concentration under stress that resulted in a higher fruit yield and quality.

The Effect of a Turkey Berry (Solanum torvum)-Fortified Biscuit on the Hemoglobin Level and Cognitive Performance of Adolescent Females in the Ahafo Region of Ghana: A Pilot Study.

Anemia is a public health problem that affects about 50% of adolescent females in sub-Saharan Africa. Anemia can negatively affect the overall growth, cognitive performance, and productivity of school-going adolescents. This pilot study assessed the impact of Solanum torvum-fortified biscuits on hemoglobin levels and cognitive performance of school-going adolescent females. A cluster randomized controlled, open labeled trial was undertaken among four basic schools in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. Out of the 169 participants, 151 (intervention = 83, control = 68) adolescent females completed the trial. The intervention and control groups were made up of two schools each. The participants in the intervention and control groups received a total of 30 turkey berry-fortified biscuit supplementation or 30 placebos for a period of six weeks, respectively. The hemoglobin levels and cognitive test scores were obtained before and after the intervention. The number of anemic cases and low cognitive performance among the female adolescents in the intervention group reduced by 23.8% and 8.7%, respectively. There was a positive impact on the hemoglobin levels and cognitive performance of the intervention group. For every unit of turkey berry-fortified biscuit consumed by the intervention group, there was a 0.945 unit increase in hemoglobin level (p = 0.001) and a 2.796 unit increase in cognitive performance (p = 0.005). The turkey berry-fortified biscuit significantly reduced anemia prevalence and improved cognitive performance among the adolescent girls. Therefore, its potential in the management of anemia and improvement of cognition could be explored.

Effects of Pruning on Growth, Rhizosphere Soil Physicochemical Indexes and Bacterial Community Structure of Tea Tree and Their Interaction

Pruning is an agronomic practice that contributes to tea tree yield during cultivation, but little is known about how pruning improves yield through shifting bacterial communities in rhizosphere soil. Therefore, Meizhan tea (Camellia sinensis) was used as the research object to analyze the effect of unpruning and pruning on the growth and rhizosphere soil physicochemical indexes of the tea tree, and sequencing technology was used to obtain the diversity of soil bacterial communities. The results showed that leaf area, hundred bud weight and yield of pruned tea trees increased by 1.32, 1.40, and 1.84 times, respectively, and pH and available N, available P, and available K contents increased by 1.10, 1.07, 1.30, and 1.07 times, respectively, compared with unpruned treatment, while total N, total P, and total K contents decreased by 1.20, 1.37, and 1.13 times, respectively. Analysis of the bacterial community structure showed that the key differential bacteria between pruned and unpruned tea trees were Candidatus Solibacter, Acidibacter, Rhizomicrobium, Bryobacter, Solanum torvum, Mizugakiibacter, Nitrospira, Sphingomonas, and Granulicella. Among them, the bacterial abundance of Candidatus Solibacter, Bryobacter, and Nitrospira showed an upward trend and the rest showed a downward trend after pruned treatment. Interaction network analysis showed that the correlation between the total key genera of microorganisms and organic matter, total N, total K, and total P content in rhizosphere soil did not reach a significant level, whereas the correlation with soil available N, available K, available P, pH, and tea tree growth indexes were all positively and significantly correlated. It can be seen that pruning changed the structure of the rhizosphere soil microbial community of tea trees, promoted soil nutrient transformation, increased the content of soil available nutrients, and promoted the growth of tea tree.

Study of Physical, Chemical, and Organoleptic Properties of Functional Drink Turkey Berry (Solanum torvum swartz) with the Addition of Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea linn) and Emprit Ginger (Zingiber officinale var. Amarum)

Turkey berry (Solanum torvum Swartz) is a wild plant often found in Indonesia and its usage is still limited. Turkey berry has a high potential as a source of antioxidants, which can be consumed as a functional drink. Ginger and butterfly pea flowers were selected as additional ingredients in composite drinks to enhance the quality of the functional drink in terms of function and sensory characteristics. This study aimed to determine the effects of variations in the concentration of turkey berry, butterfly pea flower, and ginger on the physical, chemical, and organoleptic characteristics. The design method used a Simple Randomized Block Design with four treatment combinations to be analyzed in three repetitions. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine the effects of the treatment. The results showed that turkey berry, in combination with ginger and butterfly pea flower, had a significant effect on the physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics, including pH, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidants, color, aroma, taste, and preference.

Selection criteria and multivariate analysis for identification of Turkey berry (Solanum torvum ) genotypes for genetic improvement by using correlation and principal components analysis

Selection criteria and multivariate analysis for identification of Turkey berry (Solanum torvum ) genotypes for genetic improvement by using correlation and principal components analysis

Grafting Compatibility and Environmental Conditions on Soilless Eggplant (Solanum melongena) Grown in the Mediterranean Greenhouse

Grafting techniques represent an efficient tool to enhance plant growth and development. The study aims to explore the effects of different grafting combinations on the growth of eggplants under diverse greenhouse conditions. Eggplant cultivar Black bell (Bb) was employed as scion, while the hybrid F1 Beaufort (Be) and Solanum torvum (To) were utilized as rootstock. The hypothesis behind this study pertains to grafting incompatibility with Beaufort F1. It postulates that this incompatibility can be mitigated by manipulating soil and greenhouse temperatures. The experimental factors encompassed plant combinations (Bb, Be/Bb and To/Bb), as well greenhouse and substrate temperature (both cold or heated). The Be/Bb combination showed higher values of plant vegetative traits, but it exhibited low grafting compatibility. Additionally, physiological analysis confirmed the presence of excessive growth and vegetative disorder within the Be/Bb combination. Examination of the xylem vessels revealed notable differences between the grafting combination involving Bb and the rootstock F1 hybrid Be/Bb, compared to the one with To/Bb and the non-grafted Bb. Specifically, the area, diameter and number of xylem vessels were approximatively 45% higher in Be/Bb than in To/Bb and the non-grafted Bb. Furthermore, a robust linear correlation was observed between plant height with morphometric and physiological traits, except fruits sets. This study lays the basis for a novel protocol for agriculture, addressing the excessive vegetative growth in rootstocks regulating air and substrate temperatures.

In vitro and in silico analysis of Solanum torvum fruit and methyl caffeate interaction with cholinesterases

Oxidative stress along with dysfunction in cholinergic neurotransmission primarily underlies cognitive impairment. A significant approach to mitigate cognitive dysfunction involves the inhibition of cholinesterases, namely acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Exploring the potential antioxidant and anticholinesterase effects of edible plants holds promise for their utilization as botanicals to enhance cognition. Solanum torvum fruit with vast biological properties are used as food. In the present study, butanolic extract of S. torvum fruits (BESTF) was prepared. Additionally, the study investigated into the properties of methyl caffeate (MC), a compound present in S. torvum, obtained in its pure form. In vitro antioxidant and anticholinesterases activity of BESTF and MC were determined. BESTF and MC showed potent antioxidant property. BESTF and MC dose-dependently inhibited AChE (IC50 values: 166.6 µg/ml and 680.6 µM, respectively) and BChE (IC50 values: 161.55 µg/ml and 413 µM, respectively). BESTF and MC inhibited AChE and BChE in competitive mode. Active site gorge of AChE/BChE was occupied by MC which formed interaction with amino acids present in catalytic site and PAS in in silico. Further, molecular dynamics simulations followed by free energy calculation, principal component analysis and dynamic cross-correlation matrix provided the compelling evidence that that MC maintained stable interactions during MD simulation with AChE and BChE. Collectively, the results from the present study underlines the cognitive-enhancing effect of BESTF and MC.

Effect of plant growth regulators on callus induction in Solanum torvum SW: a medicinal plant

Effect of plant growth regulators on callus induction in Solanum torvum SW: a medicinal plant

ANTIOXIDANT AND INHIBITORY EFFECT OF SELECTED GHANAIAN VEGETABLES ON NITRIC OXIDE EXPRESSION IN LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED MACROPHAGE CELLS

Objective: Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of inflammation. Inhibitors of NO may be useful candidates for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The study aimed to determine the antioxidant and inhibitory effect of commonly used Ghanaian vegetables, namely Corchorus olitorius (CO), Solanum melongena (SM), Solanum torvum (ST), Xanthosoma sagittifolia (XS) and Abelmoschus esculentus (AE) on NO expression in a Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of the vegetables on the cell line were determined using a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay. The inflammatory activity was determined by measuring the inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Total antioxidant activity, total phenolic, flavonoid, and reduced glutathione contents were evaluated using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminium chloride, and O-Phthalaldehyde methods, respectively. Results: Our results showed that CO and ST significantly inhibited NO production in a concentration-dependent manner with good cell viability. Solanum torvum also exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50= 0.466±0.23 mg/ml) with total phenolic content of 230.73±1.84 mg/g GAE, while CO showed high flavonoid content (291.45±2.14 mg/g QUE). Abelmoschus esculentus recorded the highest glutathione content (58.6 µg/g GSH. Saponins, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides were present in all the samples except SM and AE, which lacked terpenoids. Conclusion: These findings suggest that CO and ST possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that could be explored as potential therapeutic remedies for inflammatory disorders.

Response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) grafted on wild brinjal (Solanum torvum) rootstock for growth and yield

The present experiment was conducted to study the compatibility of different tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties/hybrids grafted on wild brinjal (Solanum torvum Sw.) rootstock with an objective to study the effect of rootstock on growth, yield, graft success (%), crop duration and incidence of fusarium wilt in tomato. The study was carried out during rainy (kharif) season 2019 subsequently for 3 years and completed in winter (rabi) season 2022–23, which comprises 2 rootstocks, 3 scions in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The results were analyzed on the basis of 3 years pooled data with respect to growth and yield parameters. The grafting results showed significant increase in minimum number of days to 1st harvest (68.55),maximum fruit weight (81.04 g), number of fruit per plant (29.45), yield per plant (2.38 kg), yield per plot (85.68 kg) and yield per hectare (72.12 tonnes) over control. The graft combination of Phule Raja grafted on Solanum torvum showed maximum graft success (95.07%), less incidence of fusarium wilt (0.00%) with maximum crop duration of 235 days, i.e. an increase of 57 days compared to non-grafted. The benefit:cost (B:C) ratio analysis showed higher net monetary returns in grafted plants as compared to non-grafted plants. It is concluded that the grafting of Phule Raja on wild brinjal rootstock recommended for higher yield and less incidence of fusarium wilt.

Deciphering phenotyping, DNA barcoding, and RNA secondary structure predictions in eggplant wild relatives provide insights for their future breeding strategies

Eggplant or aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) and its wild cousins, comprising 13 clades with 1500 species, have an unprecedented demand across the globe. Cultivated eggplant has a narrow molecular diversity that hinders eggplant breeding advancements. Wild eggplants need resurgent attention to broaden eggplant breeding resources. In this study, we emphasized phenotypic and genotypic discriminations among 13 eggplant species deploying chloroplast–plastid (Kim matK) and nuclear (ITS2) short gene sequences (400–800 bp) at DNA barcode region followed by ITS2 secondary structure predictions. The identification efficiency at the Kim matK region was higher (99–100%) than in the ITS2 region (80–90%). The eggplant species showed 13 unique secondary structures with a central ring with various helical orientations. Principal component analysis (PCoA) provides the descriptor–wise phenotypic clustering, which is essential for trait–specific breeding. Groups I and IV are categorized under scarlet complexes S. aethiopicum, S. trilobatum, and S. melongena (wild and cultivated). Group II represented the gboma clade (S. macrocarpon, S. wrightii, S. sisymbriifolium, and S. aculeatissimum), and group III includes S. mammosum, and S. torvum with unique fruit shape and size. The present study would be helpful in genetic discrimination, biodiversity conservation, and the safe utilization of wild eggplants.

Diversity and morpho-agronomic characters of eggplant (Solanum sp) distributed in Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan

The eggplant species are currently at risk of extinction due to various factors such as land conversion into plantation areas and transmigration settlements in Palangka Raya. It is essential to conduct a thorough analysis of eggplant vegetation to address this urgent matter. Consequently, the research aimed to determine the diversity of eggplants, their distribution, as well as their morpho-agronomic characters. Field experiments were carried out in each district of Palangka Raya for 7 months. The methods used were survey, exploration, and interview with the key informant. Plant characterization refers to the descriptors for eggplant (IBPGR, 1990). The observed variables were the morphological characterization of eggplant, agronomy, and the distribution of eggplant in Palangka Raya. Results showed that it is found three species of eggplants, namely Solanum melongena (ungu, gelatik, telur, apel hijau eggplant cultivars), Solanum torvum, and Solanum ferox. There was variation in the morpho-agronomic characters of eggplant found.

The chromosome-scale reference genome and transcriptome analysis of Solanum torvum provides insights into resistance to root-knot nematodes.

Solanum torvum (Swartz) (2n = 24) is a wild Solanaceae plant with high economic value that is used as a rootstock in grafting for Solanaceae plants to improve the resistance to a soil-borne disease caused by root-knot nematodes (RKNs). However, the lack of a high-quality reference genome of S. torvum hinders research on the genetic basis for disease resistance and application in horticulture. Herein, we present a chromosome-level assembly of genomic sequences for S. torvum combining PacBio long reads (HiFi reads), Illumina short reads and Hi-C scaffolding technology. The assembled genome size is ~1.25 Gb with a contig N50 and scaffold N50 of 38.65 Mb and 103.02 Mb, respectively as well as a BUSCO estimate of 98%. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis of the unique S. torvum genes, including NLR and ABC transporters, revealed that they were involved in disease resistance processes. RNA-seq data also confirmed that 48 NLR genes were highly expressed in roots and fibrous roots and that three homologous NLR genes (Sto0288260.1, Sto0201960.1 and Sto0265490.1) in S. torvum were significantly upregulated after RKN infection. Two ABC transporters, ABCB9 and ABCB11 were identified as the hub genes in response to RKN infection. The chromosome-scale reference genome of the S. torvum will provide insights into RKN resistance.

Grafting for sustainable management of Fusarium wilt disease in tomato production in Ghana

Fusarium wilt disease limits tomato production, especially in Ghana. In managing the Fusarium wilt disease, two rootstocks (Solanum torvum and Solanum macrocarpon) were used in grafting experiments. Plant growth, yield, disease severity and incidence of both grafted plants, and non-grafted plants were evaluated in a pot experiment and also under a naturally infected open field condition at Berekum. During the early stage (14 days after inoculation) under artificial inoculation conditions, grafted plants exhibited higher photosynthetic rates (10.41 μmol−2s−1) compared to the non-grafted plants (8.36 μmol−2s−1). Under naturally infested field conditions, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate of non-grafted plants decreased. Solanum lycopersicum grafted onto S. macrocarpon and S. torvum were moderately susceptible (20%–40%) to Fusarium oxysporum. However, the non-grafted plants were highly susceptible (50%–100%). Yield from the pot experiment for S. lycopersicum grafted onto S. macrocarpon was significantly higher (453.1 g/plant), compared to S. lycopersicum grafted onto S. torvum (350.3 g/plant) and the non-grafted plant (205 g/plant). However, in naturally infected field, the grafted plants increased in fruit yield compared to the non-grafted tomato plants. Solanum macrocarpon and S. torvum as rootstocks offered resistance against F. oxysporum and showed significantly lower disease progression, than the non-grafted plants (P < 0.05). This study revealed that grafting is an effective tool for the management of Fusarium wilt disease and for tomato growth and yield improvement.

Experimental and Simulation Analysis to Predict the Optimum Biodiesel Yield from Two Different Feedstock Using Heterogenous Base Catalyst

Abstract: Biodiesel can be easily used an alternative fuel. Using the Soxhlet apparatus, the oil waas extracted, and centrifuged to separate the oil. The physical characteristics of oil was determined. A number of &gt;3 indicates an acid, while a value &lt; 3 indicates a base. If the FFA content is &gt;0.5, the substance is an acid, and if it’s less than 0.5, a base. Suitable solvent based on its physicochemical characteristics was selected. In this study two types of seeds were used. A mixed heterogeneous base catalyst containing CaO prepared from waste egg shells andcockle shells. The egg shells and cockle shells were dried in microwave oven for 24 hours at 120◦C and placed in Muffle furnace at 900 ◦C and mixed in 1:1 ratio. SEM, EDAX and FTIR were used to characterize the catalyst. The two feedstock used in this study was Solanum Torvum and Murraya Koenigii. Double Step Esterification was preferred. The oil was treatedwith the strong acid H2SO4 . Then oil along with methanol was treated with both acid and basecatalyst separately to give Fatty Acid Methyl Ester. Finally optimum condition was found for maximum yield of FAME, was obtained using RSM.

FLORISTIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF VEGETATION IN GUNUNG SALAK GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

This research had been conducted in the forest area around the Gunung Sa-lak Geothermal Power Plant of PT. PLN Indonesia Power. Plant diversity data in the geothermal power plant area had yet to be fully available. This study aimed to analyze the composition and structure of vegetation in the conservation forest area around the Gunung Salak Geothermal Power Plant unit. This study used a quadrat plot with a purposive sampling method. We sampled 873 individuals from 56 families of 110 species, consisting of native and introduced species. Some introduced flora species that have the potential to become invasive include Calliandra houstoniana, Asystasia gangetica, Bellucia pentamera, Miconia crenata, Maesopsis eminii, and Solanum torvum. The families with the highest number of species at each growth level were Fagaceae (tree), Fagaceae (pole), Arecaceae and Moraceae (sapling), also Acanthaceae, Arecaceae, Melastomataceae, and Poaceae in the understory. Several species of plant at the site are listed as Endangered (EN) based on the IUCN Red List, including Alpinia scabra, Castanopsis argentea, and Dipterocarpus hasseltii. These endangered plants are expected to become priority for conservation strategies and action plans. The Important Value Index (IVI) analysis shows different values at each growth stage. The highest IVI at the seedling and herb was Selaginella plana (29.74), the sapling was Macaranga triloba (20.59), the pole was Ficus fistulosa (43.27), and the tree was Schima wallichii (54.90). The value of the Shannon-Wiener (H') diversity index was 3.784, which indicates that the level of diversity is high.

Solasodine Containing Solanum torvum L. Fruit Extract Prevents Chronic Constriction Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats: In Silico and In Vivo Evidence of TRPV1 Receptor and Cytokine Inhibition.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Solanum torvum L. fruit (EESTF) containing solasodine in treating chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Three-dimensional (3D) simulation studies of solasodine binding were conducted on the TRPV1 receptor, IL-6, and TNF-α structures. For in vivo justification, an assessment of behavioral, biochemical, and histological changes was designed after a CCI-induced neuropathic pain model in rats. On days 7, 14, and 21, CCI significantly increased mechanical, thermal, and cold allodynia while producing a functional deficit. IL-6, TNF-α, TBARS, and MPO levels also increased. SOD levels of catalase and reduced glutathione levels also decreased. Administration of pregabalin (30 mg/kg, oral), solasodine (25 mg/kg, oral), and EESTF (100 and 300 mg/kg, oral) significantly reduced CCI-induced behavioral and biochemical changes (P < 0.05). The protective nature of EESTF was also confirmed by histological analysis. Capsaicin, a TRPV1 receptor agonist, abolished the antinociceptive effects of EESTF when used previously. From the observations of the docking studies, solasodine acted as an antagonist at TRPV1, whereas the docking scores of solasodine against TNF-α and IL-6 were reported to be -11.2 and -6.04 kcal/mol, respectively. The attenuating effect of EESTF might be related to its antagonistic effects on TRPV1, suppression of cytokines, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Roots from a Wild Eggplant Species Solanum sisymbriifolium in Defense Response to Verticillium dahliae Inoculation.

Eggplant verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium spp., is a severe eggplant vascular disease. Solanum sisymbriifolium, a wild species of eggplant that is resistant to verticillium wilt, will be beneficial for genetically modifying eggplants. To better reveal the response of wild eggplant to verticillium wilt, proteomic analysis by iTRAQ technique was performed on roots of S. sisymbriifolium after exposure to Verticillium dahliae, and some selected proteins were also validated using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). After inoculation with V. dahliae, the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes and the malondialdehyde (MDA) and soluble protein (SP) of S. sisymbriifolium roots all exhibited an increase in activity or content compared with that of the mock-inoculated plants, especially at 12 and 24 h post-inoculation (hpi). A total of 4890 proteins (47.04% of the proteins were from S. tuberosum and 25.56% were from S. lycopersicum according to the species annotation) were identified through iTRAQ and LC-MS/MS analysis. A total of 369 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) (195 downregulated and 174 upregulated) were obtained by comparison of the control and treatment groups at 12 hpi, and 550 DEPs (466 downregulated and 84 upregulated) were obtained by comparison of the groups at 24 hpi. The most significant Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment terms at 12 hpi were regulation of translational initiation, oxidation-reduction, and single-organism metabolic process in the biological process group; cytoplasm and eukaryotic preinitiation complex in the cellular component group; and catalytic activity, oxidoreductase activity, and protein binding in the molecular function group. Small molecule metabolic, organophosphate metabolic, and coenzyme metabolic processes in the biological process group; the cytoplasm in the cellular component group; and catalytic activity and GTPase binding in the molecular function group were significant at 24 hpi. Then, KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis was performed, and 82 and 99 pathways (15 and 17, p-value < 0.05) were found to be enriched at 12 and 24 hpi, respectively. Selenocompound metabolism, ubiquinone, and other terpenoid-quinone biosyntheses, fatty acid biosynthesis, lysine biosynthesis, and the citrate cycle were the top five significant pathways at 12 hpi. Glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, linoleic acid metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, and cyanoamino acid metabolism were the top five at 24 hpi. Some V. dahliae-resistance-related proteins, including phenylpropanoid-pathway-related proteins, stress and defense response proteins, plant-pathogen interaction pathway and pathogenesis-related proteins, cell wall organization and reinforcement-related proteins, phytohormones-signal-pathways-related proteins, and other defense-related proteins were identified. In conclusion, this is the first proteomic analysis of S. sisymbriifolium under V. dahliae stress.