Plant-mediated green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Passiflora ligularis, optimization, characterizations, and their neuroprotective effect on propionic acid-induced autism in Wistar rats

The current study was conducted to examine an innovative method for synthesizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from an aqueous sweet granadilla (Passiflora ligularis Juss) P. ligularis. Furthermore, the synthesized AuNPs were used to explore their potential neuroprotective impact against propionic acid (PPA)-induced autism. A sweet granadilla extract was used to achieve the synthesis of AuNPs. The structural and dimensional dispersion of AuNPs were confirmed by different techniques, including UV-Vis spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Pattern, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Zeta potential, and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) analysis. The AuNPs mediated by P. ligularis adopt a spherical shape morphology and the particle size was distributed in the range of 8.43-13 nm without aggregation. Moreover, in vivo, the anti-autistic effects of AuNPs administration were higher than those of P. ligularis extract per second. In addition, the reduced anxiety and neurobehavioral deficits of AuNPs were observed in autistic rats which halted the brain oxidative stress, reduced inflammatory cytokines, ameliorated neurotransmitters, and neurochemical release, and suppressed apoptotic genes (p < 0.05). The alleviated antiapoptotic gene expression and histopathological analysis confirmed that the treatment of AuNPs showed significant neural pathways that aid in reducing tissue damage and necrosis. The results emphasize that the biomedical activity was increased by using the green source synthesis P. ligularis -AuNPs. Additionally, the formulation of AuNPs demonstrates strong neuroprotective effects against PPA-induced autism that were arbitrated by a range of different mechanisms, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuromodulator, and antiapoptotic effects.

Behavioral Pharmacology of Five Uncommon Passiflora Species Indicates Sedative and Anxiolytic-like Potential

BACKGROUND

There are over 500 species in the Passiflora genus, and while some of them are very well known in folk medicine for their anxiolytic effects, very little is known for the other genus representants, which could also present medicinal effects.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we performed an interspecific pharmacological comparison of five little investigated Passiflora species, all native to Brazil: P. bahiensis, P. coccinea, P. quadrangularis, P. sidaefolia, and P. vitifolia.

METHOD

Extracts were administered to mice before behavioral testing, which included a general pharmacological screening and anxiolytic-like effect investigation.

RESULTS

Three of the species [P. coccinea, P. quadrangularis, and P. sidaefolia] induced a decrease in locomotor activity of mice; P. coccinea also reduced the latency to sleep. Importantly, none of the species interfered with motor coordination. Oral administration evoked no severe signs of toxicity even at higher doses. Regarding the anxiolytic-like profile, P. sidaefolia reduced the anxious-like behavior in the Holeboard test in a similar way to the positive control, Passiflora incarnata, while not affecting total motricity.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that P. coccinea, P. quadrangularis, and P. sidaefolia reduced the general activity of mice and confer a calmative/sedative potential to these three species, which must be further elucidated by future investigations.

Comparative Study of Ovule Development between Wild (Passiflora foetida L.) and Cultivated (P. edulis Sims) Species of Passiflora L. Provide Insights into Its Differential Developmental Patterns

The ovules inside the ovary of a plant are the precursors of seeds and they are important for the perpetuation of the plants. The genus Passiflora L., produce fruits with numerous seeds and they have economic and medicinal value. The edible portion of the Passiflora are the seeds surrounded by pulp. Being the edible parts of a fruit, it is important to investigate the early development of ovules in Passiflora that lead to the formation of seeds after pollination. Wild relatives of the domesticated crops are increasingly being investigated for possible genetic resources that can be used for crop improvement programs. The present study was designed to investigate the comparative ovule development between a wild (Passiflora foetida L.) and a cultivated (Passiflora edulis Sims) species of Passiflora with an aim that it may provide important information about the common and diverging regulatory mechanisms during ovule development between the wild and the cultivated species. We also investigated the pollen morphology between the wild and cultivated species using light and scanning electron microscopy. Our results show that wild type P. foetida ovule growth is faster when compared with that of cultivated P. edulis. Furthermore, wild species harbour ovules of large size (0.14 mm2) but less in number (6) as compared to cultivated ones which show smaller size (0.05 mm2) of ovules but relatively more in number (21). The differences in ovary wall thickness were also stark between the two species. The ovary wall thickness was 0.10 mm in the wild type whereas it was 0.74 mm in cultivated species. Notable differences were also observed in diameter where the wild type (2.45 mm) reported smaller diameter than cultivated species (3.25 mm). We observed little difference in the pollen morphology between the two species.

Flavonoid Compounds and Photosynthesis in Passiflora Plant Leaves under Varying Light Intensities

Functional constituents in the leaves of Passiflora plants contain antidepressant and antianxiety effects which are beneficial to human health and fitness. The objective of this study was to investigate leaf growth, physiological parameters, and secondary metabolite contents of Tainung No. 1 variety (P. edulis × P. edulis f. flavicarpa.) and P. suberosa in response to three light intensity conditions, including 100% light intensity (LI-100), 50% light intensity (LI-50), and 15% light intensity (LI-15) for 2 months. The leaf number, length, width, area, dry weight (DW), minimal fluorescence (Fo), maximal fluorescence (Fm), maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, and soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) values of all tested plants increased with a decreasing light intensity, except for the leaf number and DW of P. suberosa plants. Low values of the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance of Tainung No. 1 leaves in the LI-15 treatment showed the acclimation capacity of these plants. These observations together with high values of leaf growth traits of Fo, Fm, SPAD, and the intercellular-to-atmospheric CO₂ concentration ratio indicate their physiological plasticity, which is of fundamental importance when cultivating plants in environments with different light availabilities. Wide variations occurred in total phenol (TP), total flavonoid (TF), orientin (OR), and isovitexin (IV) contents of the two Passiflora varieties, and P. suberosa contained higher TP and TF contents than did Tainung No. 1 in each light treatment but IV content of P. suberosa was lower than that of Tainung No. 1 in the LI-15 treatment. Moreover, increases in TF, OR, and IV contents of Tainung No. 1 and P. suberosa were clear in the LI-50 and LI-100 treatments, respectively, compared to LI-15 treatment. Leaf growth, physiological parameters, and secondary metabolite accumulations in Passiflora species can be optimized for commercial production via lighting control technologies, and this approach may also be applicable to leafy vegetables to produce a stable industrial supply of high leaf yields and metabolite contents.

Development and validation of a high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method for the quantitative analysis of vitexin in Passiflora foetida herbal formulations

The aim of this study is the development of validated HPTLC method for the quantification of vitexin from Passiflora foetida commercial herbal formulations. The developed method was validated, in accordance with ICH guidelines for precision, accuracy, specificity and robustness. The plate was developed using ethyl acetate:methanol:water:formic acid 30:4:2:1(%, v/v/v/v) on 20 × 10 cm glass coated silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ plates and the developed plate was scanned and quantified densitometrically at λ = 340 nm. Linear regression analysis revealed a good linear relationship between peak area and amount of vitexin in the range of 100-700 ng/spot. The amount of vitexin in nine commercial herbal formulations was successfully quantified by the developed HPTLC method. The developed and validated high performance thin layer chromatographic method offers a new sensitive and reliable tool for quantification of vitexinin in various herbal formulations containing Passiflora foetida.

Cucumber mosaic virus infection modulated the phytochemical contents of Passiflora edulis

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) caused huge agricultural impact on Passiflora edulis. However, the interactions between CMV and P. edulis are poorly unknown, which lead to lack of prevention and control measures. In this study, we identified the infection of CMV in P. edulis through modern small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) technology combined with traditional electron microscope and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. We also confirmed CMV infection adversely affected or modulated the contents of phytochemicals and further injured the development of P. edulis; inversely, P. edulis modulated its resistance to CMV stress by increasing the levels of secondary metabolites and the activities of antioxidant enzymes components. This is of significant importance to understand the interaction between virus infection and plant host.

Identification of Telosma mosaic virus infection in Passiflora edulis and its impact on phytochemical contents

Background

Viral disease has become the most severe constraint for the cultivation and production of Passiflora edulis in China. The infection of Telosma mosaic virus (TeMV), a potyvirus, and its effects on the phytochemical components of P. edulis remain largely unknown in China.

Methods

P. edulis plants showing distorted leaves and severe mosaic skin on green fruit were identified with TeMV infection through traditional transmission electron microscopy, RT-PCR and modern small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) platform. The contents of phytochemical components and the activities of antioxidative enzymes were compared between virus-infected and virus-free P. edulis to confirm the effects of TeMV infection on host plant.

Results

Firstly, approximately 700 nm linear virus particles, representing TeMV, were detected in infected P. edulis fruits and leaves with Electron microscopy. Partial coat protein genes of TeMV were successfully amplified by RT-PCR in infected P. edulis leaves and fruits but not in healthy plants. Abundant small interference RNAs (siRNAs) sequences, showing several characterizations, were specifically generated from the TeMV genome in infected plant fruits by sRNA-seq platform. Furthermore, fruit length, fruit thickness (wideness) and fruit weight decreased significantly due to TeMV infection. The levels of total protein and total sugar increased significantly; however, the level of total fat, total acid and vitamin C decreased obviously after TeMV infection. The level of total phenols, a secondary metabolite, was obviously higher in TeMV-infected than TeMV-free P. edulis fruit. The activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD) and catalases (CAT) obviously increased in TeMV-infected in comparison with healthy P. edulis fruit.

Conclusions

TeMV infection adversely affected the development of P. edulis fruits, differently and selectively modulated the phytochemical components of P. edulis fruits. In turn, P. edulis plants enhanced their tolerance to the stress of TeMV infection by increasing the secondary metabolite level and the antioxidative capacity. This is of significant importance to understand the effects of TeMV infection on the biochemical changes and the antioxidant defense mechanism in P. edulis.

Surface changes of various bulk-fill resin-based composites after exposure to different food-simulating liquid and beverages

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate surface roughness, hardness, and morphology changes of various bulk-fill resin composites eroded by different food-simulating liquids and beverages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and thirteen specimens were fabricated in polytetrafluoroethylene cylindrical mold (10 mm in diameter and 4 mm in thickness). Before immersion, baseline data of roughness, Vicker's microhardness were recorded and surface characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Each product of specimens (SDR, Dentsply; SonicFill, Kerr; Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill, Ivoclar Vivadent AG; and Filtek Bulk Fill, 3M ESPE) were divided into 5 groups for spicy and sour soup, spicy soup (Tom Yum), pineapple juice, passionfruit juice, and deionized water (served as a control). Specimens were then alternately immersed in storage agents for 5 seconds and artificial saliva for 5 seconds over 10 cycles. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 22 hours. This process was repeated for 28 days. After immersion, surface hardness and roughness of specimens were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days and data were analyzed by two-way repeated ANOVA and Tukey's HSD (α = 0.05). Surface morphology of specimens was also examined on day 28.

RESULTS

The SDR group had the most statistically significant decrement in hardness (25.65 ± 1.74 kg/mm² in mean difference) and increment in roughness (0.26 ± 0.10 μm in mean difference; P < .05). Passionfruit juice caused the most surface changes in bulk-fill resin composites. SEM photomicrographs showed surface changes of all resin composites in varying degrees.

CONCLUSION

Acidic food-simulating liquids and beverages significantly increased the surface roughness and decreased surface microhardness of bulk-fill resin composites after evaluation at the end of the 28-day immersion period.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

For restoration of the affected teeth in patients who consume acidic food and beverages, roughness and erosion of resin composites should be considered. All of bulk-fill resin-based composites except SDR may be suitable for restorations in these patients.

Medical Plant Extracts for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: a Snapshot of Recent Clinical Trials and Their Biological Background

In light of the growing global health problem associated with osteoarthritis, herbal remedies have become an important research focus in the scientific and medical community, and numerous studies have been published to identify their biological effects and mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. This review is a snapshot of the most recent clinical trials on the efficacy of medical plant extracts in knee osteoarthritis patients, and provides relevant background information on the biological mechanisms that may underlie the clinical observations. Therefore, we performed a PubMed literature survey and discussed a selection of clinical trials in the field, with special attention being drawn to the design and outcome measures of the studies. We further spotlighted on issues relating to the efficacy and safety of the plant extracts and discussed major challenges for upcoming studies in the field, which include the need for rigorously designed in vivo and in vitro studies, as well as the elucidation of potential additive effects and structure-modifying activities beyond symptom relief.

Passion fruit peel extract attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive fatal lung disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition, with no effective treatments. We investigated the efficacy of natural products with high anti-inflammatory activity, such as passion fruit peel extract (PFPE), in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin to induce PF. Daily PFPE treatment significantly reduced loss of body mass and mortality rate in mice compared with those treated with bleomycin. While bleomycin-induced PF resulted in elevated total numbers of inflammatory cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid on both days 7 and 21, PFPE administration significantly attenuated these phenomena compared with bleomycin group. On day 7, the decreased superoxide dismutase and myeloperoxidase activities observed in the bleomycin group were significantly restored with PFPE treatment. On day 21, enhanced hydroxyproline deposition in the bleomycin group was also suppressed by PFPE administration. PFPE treatment significantly attenuated extensive inflammatory cell infiltration and accumulation of collagen in lung tissue sections of bleomycin-induced mice on days 7 and 21, respectively. Our results indicate that administration of PFPE decreased bleomycin-induced PF because of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Efficacy of Purple Passion Fruit Peel Extract in Lowering Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

The clinical efficacy of purple passion fruit peel extract (a flavonoid-rich dietary supplement) in reducing cardiovascular risk factors in adult type 2 diabetic subjects was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-one subjects were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of purple passion fruit (220 mg) or a matched placebo for 16 weeks. Body mass index, blood pressure, fasting and postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile were determined at baseline and at monthly intervals. A significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose was observed following administration of purple passion fruit ( P < .05). Purple passion fruit was well tolerated, and no adverse events were reported. These data suggest that purple passion fruit supplementation for 16 weeks in type 2 diabetics results in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose, indicating that purple passion fruit is safe and well tolerated by diabetics.

The efficacy of passion fruit juice as an endodontic irrigant compared with sodium hypochlorite solution: an in vitro study

AIM

To assess the effectiveness of several concentrations of two forms of passion fruit juice (PFJ) in the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis and to compare the antibacterial property of PFJ with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as an intracanal irrigant.

METHODS

Two types of PFJs, aqueous and alcohol extracts, were prepared and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test was performed with both the extracts against E. faecalis. Two concentrations of each extract were selected from the results given by the MIC test and subjected to a broth dilution test (BDT) for nine different time periods. After each time period, samples were inoculated in brain-heart infusion agar plates for 24 h at 37°C and results were compared statistically.

RESULTS

The MIC test showed that E. faecalis was sensitive to PFJ extracts at various concentrations. The results of the BDT showed a negative growth of E. faecalis by PFJ alcohol 20% at 30 min, PFJ aqueous 20% at 1 h, NaOCl 2.5% at 10 min and NaOCl 5.25% at 1 min. NaOCl showed a much better antibacterial efficacy than PFJ.

CONCLUSIONS

The PFJ alcoholic and aqueous extracts had an antibacterial effect against E. faecalis. As PFJ shows promising results, further research in this field could lead to much better results as compared to NaOCl.

Oral administration of the purple passion fruit peel extract reduces wheeze and cough and improves shortness of breath in adults with asthma

Asthma, affecting as many as 400 million individuals worldwide, is one of the most prevalent chronic health condition in the United States. With an increasing number of patients with asthma and the frequent inability of conventional lifestyle modification and therapy to effectively control the problem, nutritional and dietary therapies are being sought. This study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of the purple passion fruit peel (PFP) extract, a novel mixture of bioflavonoids, on asthma symptoms. Patients with asthma were studied in a 4-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with oral administration of PFP extract (150 mg/d) or placebo pills. The effects of PFP extract were evaluated by assessing the clinical symptoms of asthma and spirometry tests. Most clinical symptoms of asthma of the PFP extract-treated group were moderated significantly compared to the baseline. The prevalence of wheeze, cough, as well as shortness of breath was reduced significantly in group treated with PFP extract (P < .05), whereas the placebo caused no significant improvement. Purple passion fruit peel extract supplementation resulted in a marked increase in forced vital capacity (P < .05) as placebo showed no effect. However, no significant improvement was observed in the forced expiratory volume at 1 second of those supplemented with PFP extract. No adverse effect was reported by any of study participants. The PFP extract may be safely offered to asthmatic subjects as an alternative treatment option to reduce clinical symptoms.