The protective role of jervine against radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicity

IPPRAS Cryobank for the Conservation of Orthodox Seeds of Rare, Endangered, Medicinal, and Ornamental Plant Species-Current Research

Plant cryobanks play a significant role in modern science and breeding. They contribute to the recovery of lost species, the emergence of new plant varieties, and help preserve and explore the diversity of the plant world. The IPPRAS Cryobank collection is constantly supplemented with new samples, while, at the same time, the stored samples are being monitored. In order to test seed germination, seeds of Allium and Veratrum species were thawed. Rare Allium species seeds, such as A. nutans, A. schoenoprasum, and A. victorialis were stored in liquid nitrogen for 17, 19, and 30 years, respectively. Long-term cryopreservation decreased germination rates for A. nutans from 96.55 to 50.00%, for A. schoenoprasum from 72.00 to 62.75%, and for A. victorialis from 90.00 to 83.05%. Seeds of a rare medicinal species, Veratrum lobelianum, were stored in liquid nitrogen for 18 years; the seed germination rate during this storage period has been significantly decreased from 75.00 to 14.81%. V. nigrum seeds were also collected and frozen in liquid nitrogen for 3 days. Short-term cryopreservation did not result in a statistically significant change in germination rates (from 79.71 to 82.69%). The seeds of an endangered ornamental species, Cypripedium calceolus, were collected and kept frozen for 3 days. After cryopreservation, the seeds were planted on three different media, as follows: ½ MS, MS with 10% coconut milk, and BM1. On ½ MS medium, 24.98% seeds formed protocorms, while on MS medium with 10% coconut milk, this number was 10.02%, and on BM1 medium, it was 15.02%, respectively; however, after 2.5 months, all of the protocorms died. Thus, it appears that the existing protocol for seed cryopreservation of C. calceolus needs further improvement. The size, weight, and free water content (WC) of six previously cryopreserved Stipa species and three Allium species were measured. For all the Allium and Stipa species studied, we found no correlation between seed size, WC, and cryotolerance. We also found no correlation between the life form, which reflects the water requirement of the species, and cryotolerance.

Exploring the Impact of Onobrychis cornuta and Veratrum lobelianum Extracts on C. elegans: Implications for MAPK Modulation, Germline Development, and Antitumor Properties

In an era of increasing interest in the potential health benefits of medicinal foods, the need to assess their safety and potential toxicity remains a critical concern. While these natural remedies have garnered substantial attention for their therapeutic potential, a comprehensive understanding of their effects on living organisms is essential. We examined 316 herbal extracts to determine their potential nematocidal attributes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Approximately 16% of these extracts exhibited the capacity to induce diminished survival rates and larval arrest, establishing a correlation between larval arrest and overall worm viability. Certain extracts led to an unexpected increase in male nematodes, accompanied by a discernible reduction in DAPI-stained bivalent structures and perturbed meiotic advancement, thereby disrupting the conventional developmental processes. Notably, Onobrychis cornuta and Veratrum lobelianum extracts activated a DNA damage checkpoint response via the ATM/ATR and CHK-1 pathways, thus hindering germline development. Our LC-MS analysis revealed jervine in V. lobelianum and nine antitumor compounds in O. cornuta. Interestingly, linoleic acid replicated phenotypes induced by O. cornuta exposure, including an increased level of pCHK-1 foci, apoptosis, and the MAPK pathway. Mutants in the MAPK pathway mitigated the decline in worm survival, underscoring its importance in promoting worm viability. This study reveals complex interactions between herbal extracts and C. elegans processes, shedding light on potential antitumor effects and mechanisms. The findings provide insights into the complex landscape of herbal medicine's impact on a model organism, offering implications for broader applications.

Insights into the Cardiotoxic Effects of Veratrum Lobelianum Alkaloids: Pilot Study

Jervine, protoveratrine A (proA), and protoveratrine B (proB) are Veratrum alkaloids that are presented in some remedies obtained from Veratrum lobelianum, such as Veratrum aqua. This paper reports on a single-center pilot cardiotoxic mechanism study of jervine, proA, and proB in case series. The molecular aspects were studied via molecular dynamic simulation, molecular docking with cardiac sodium channel Na_V1.5, and machine learning-based structure–activity relationship modeling. HPLC-MS/MS method in combination with clinical events were used to analyze Veratrum alkaloid cardiotoxicity in patients. Jervine demonstrates the highest docking score (−10.8 kcal/mol), logP value (4.188), and pK_a value (9.64) compared with proA and proB. Also, this compound is characterized by the lowest calculated IC₅₀. In general, all three analyzed alkaloids show the affinity to Na_V1.5 that highly likely results in cardiotoxic action. The clinical data of seven cases of intoxication by Veratrum aqua confirms the results of molecular modeling. Patients exhibited nausea, muscle weakness, bradycardia, and arterial hypotension. The association between alkaloid concentrations in blood and urine and severity of patient condition is described. These experiments, while primary, confirmed that jervine, proA, and proB contribute to cardiotoxicity by Na_V1.5 inhibition.