Leaves on Broilers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dried Cannabis sativa L. leaves as a phytogenic mixture added to broiler feed on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subpopulations, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibody titres, and the presence of E. coli in faecal samples. The study was conducted on 100 male Ross 308 broilers, divided into four groups of 25 broilers, for a 42-day research period. The groups were housed separately in boxes on a litter of softwood shavings and were fed starter mixture from day 1 to day 21 and finisher mixture from day 22 to day 42. Industrial hemp (C. sativa) was grown in the Crkvina area, Croatia (latitude: 45°18'46.8″ N; longitude: 15°31'30″ E). The hemp leaves were manually separated, sun-dried, and ground to a powder. The mixture offered to the control group did not contain cannabis leaves, whereas the three experimental groups received mixtures containing mixed cannabis leaves in a quantity of 10 g/kg, 20 g/kg, or 30 g/kg (E_10, E_20, and E_30, respectively). The mean NDV antibody level was uniform in all study groups until post-vaccination day 14 and increased comparably with time. The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the peripheral blood subpopulation showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in the E_20 group as compared with the control group and both the E_10 and E_30 groups throughout the study period. As the broiler age increased, the CD4+-to-CD8+ ratios also increased and were statistically significant (p < 0.0001) on day 42 in all experimental groups as compared to the control group. Comparing the control group with the experimental groups indicated that the bacterial count was lower in broiler groups having received feed with the addition of 20 g/kg and 30 g/kg C. sativa leaves. In conclusion, the C. sativa leaves were found to elicit a favourable immunomodulatory effect on cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in broilers via increased CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subpopulations and higher CD4+:CD8+ cell ratios, thus indicating enhanced immune function capacity. In addition, C. sativa leaves may have complementary effects on the broiler post-vaccination immune response, increase broilers' resistance to infectious diseases, reduce the effect of stress associated with vaccination, and improve broiler health and welfare.

Metabolomic Profile and Functional State of Oat Plants (Avena sativa L.) Sown under Low-Temperature Conditions in the Cryolithozone

Oats are one of the most useful and widespread cereal crops in the world. In permafrost conditions (Central Yakutia), based on metabolic changes in late summer-sown oat plants (Avena sativa L.), the key processes involved in the cold acclimation of a valuable cereal species were identified. During the onset of low ambient temperatures, metabolites from leaf samples were profiled using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). A total of 41 metabolites were identified in oat leaves. It was found that acclimation to suboptimal temperatures during the fall period leads to biochemical (accumulation of mono- and disaccharides and decrease in fatty acids and polyols) as well as physiological and biophysical changes (decrease in leaf PRI reflectance indices and chlorophyll a fluorescence). Therefore, the study contributes to a more holistic understanding of oat metabolism under low-temperature cryolithozone stress. It is believed that the analysis of changes in leaf reflection properties and JIP-test parameters of chlorophyll a fluorescence using leaf metabolomic profiling can be used in the selection of valuable varieties of cereal crops to obtain plant fodders with high nutrient contents under conditions of a sharply continental climate.

Characterization of mineral composition of leaves and flowers of wild-growing Sambucus nigra

The objective of this study was to determine the mineral content in the leaves and flowers of wild-grown Sambucus nigra collected from eleven different locations in Kosovo. The samples were digested in a microwave system using the wet digestion method. The minerals were determined by the application of inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A total of 31 elements were determined, 15 elements by the ICP-AES method (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr, V, and Zn) and 16 elements by the ICP-MS method (Ag, As, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cs, Ga, Hg, In, Li, Ni, Pb, Rb, Tl, and U). The leaves of S. nigra show a higher content of minerals compared to the flowers, except for the flower of the sample SN-FL10, which is characterized by a high concentration of Fe, Al, Pb, Be, and Tl. The concentration of heavy metals and toxic elements (Pb, Cd, and Hg) was within the permissible concentrations according to Eur. Ph.

Unveiling Annona Reticulata's Bioactive Arsenal for Enhanced Antibiotic Effects

OBJECTIVE

To study the antibacterial and phytochemical activities of bioactive elements in the leaves of Annona reticulata Linn, a historically used Bangladeshi medicinal plant.

METHODS

Shade-dried and crushed plant leaves were soaked with various solvents to obtain samples for different chemical analyses. All extracts were selected for antimicrobial, physicochemical, and Pharmacological investigations. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion assay, and broth microdilution methods determined potentiation of the activities of the antibiotic antibacterial activity of the plant extracts was investigated using either gram-positive or gram-negative pathogenic wild-type bacteria.

RESULTS

From the initial phytochemical and pharmacological studies, it was clear that all extracts, methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, of the leaves of A. reticulata, were proven to process potent bioactive constituents. While differential antimicrobial properties were found to be possessed by all extracts, methanolic extract was the most potent one against all tested microorganisms. It also has potentiated the activities of antibiotics in E. coli.

CONCLUSION

Bioactive constituents in the plant extracts were shown to possess phytochemical and antimicrobial activities. More investigation is needed to segregate the chemical components responsible for the respective phytochemical and antimicrobial activities.

Biological Properties of Recently Described Wild Bramble Rubus oklejewiczii against the Species from Similar Niches

The aim of this study was to compare the biological properties, such as antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant, of recently described pentaploid species Rubus oklejewiczii with tetraploid taxa growing in similar habitats including R. plicatus, R. gracilis, and R. wimmerianus. The antiviral potential was analyzed against bacteriophages with different genetic material: phi6 (a surrogate for the SARS-CoV-2 virus), T7, phiX174, and MS2. Antibacterial properties of fruit and leaf extracts were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica. The total phenolic content, as well as anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, pH, and antioxidant properties (FRAP and DPPH) were determined. R. oklejewiczii leaf extract was characterized by the weakest antibacterial and antiviral properties, which was closely correlated with the lowest content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. The strongest biological properties were observed for R. wimmerianus leaves. Fruit extracts were characterized by lower phenolic content and antioxidant activities than leaves, with the lowest values observed for R. oklejewiczii extract. The antibacterial properties of fruit extracts were strongest for R. gracilis. The strongest antiviral potential was observed for R. oklejewiczii and R. wimmerianus fruit extracts against the bacteriophage phi6, which correlated with the lowest pH and the highest ascorbic acid content. The positive effect of the higher ploidy of R. oklejewiczii for most of the analyzed biological properties was not observed except for the antiviral potential of fruit extract. Due to its large and tasty fruits, this species seems to be very promising for cultivation and attractive for consumers, even though most of its biological properties were not any better compared to other examined tetraploid species.

Triterpenoidal Saponins from the Leaves of Aster koraiensis Offer Inhibitory Activities against SARS-CoV-2

Triterpenoidal saponins have been reported to be able to restrain SARS-CoV-2 infection. To isolate antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2 from the leaves of Aster koraiensis, we conducted multiple steps of column chromatography. We isolated six triperpenoidal saponins from A. koraiensis leaves, including three unreported saponins. Their chemical structures were determined using HR-MS and NMR data analyses. Subsequently, we tested the isolates to assess their ability to impede the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (pSARS-CoV-2) into ACE2+ H1299 cells and found that five of the six isolates displayed antiviral activity with an IC50 value below 10 μM. Notably, one unreported saponin, astersaponin J (1), blocks pSARS-CoV-2 in ACE2+ and ACE2/TMPRSS2+ cells with similar IC50 values (2.92 and 2.96 μM, respectively), without any significant toxic effect. Furthermore, our cell-to-cell fusion and SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 binding assays revealed that astersaponin J inhibits membrane fusion, thereby blocking both entry pathways of SARS-CoV-2 while leaving the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike and ACE2 unaffected. Overall, this study expands the list of antiviral saponins by introducing previously undescribed triterpenoidal saponins isolated from the leaves of A. koraiensis, thereby corroborating the potency of triterpenoid saponins in impeding SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Bacteria Associated with Acute Oak Decline: Where Did They Come From? We Know Where They Go

Acute oak decline is a high-impact disease causing necrotic lesions on the trunk, crown thinning and the eventual death of oak. Four bacterial species are associated with the lesions-Brenneria goodwinii, Gibbsiella quercinecans, Rahnella victoriana and Lonsdalea Britannica-although an epi-/endophytic lifestyle has also been suggested for these bacteria. However, little is known about their environmental reservoirs or their pathway to endophytic colonisation. This work aimed to investigate the ability of the four AOD-associated bacterial species to survive for prolonged periods within rhizosphere soil, leaves and acorns in vitro, and to design an appropriate method for their recovery. This method was trialled on field samples related to healthy and symptomatic oaks. The in vitro study showed that the majority of these species could survive for at least six weeks within each sample type. Results from the field samples demonstrated that R. victoriana and G. quercinecans appear environmentally widespread, indicating multiple routes of endophytic colonisation might be plausible. B. goodwinii and L. britannica were only identified from acorns from healthy and symptomatic trees, indicating they may be inherited members of the endophytic seed microbiome and, despite their ability to survive outside of the host, their environmental occurrence is limited. Future research should focus on preventative measures targeting the abiotic factors of AOD, how endophytic bacteria shift to a pathogenic cycle and the identification of resilient seed stock that is less susceptible to AOD.

The Effect of Illumination Patterns during Mung Bean Seed Germination on the Metabolite Composition of the Sprouts

Mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) sprouts are popular over the world because of their taste, nutritional value, well-balanced biochemical composition, and other properties beneficial for human health. Germination conditions affect the composition of metabolites in mung bean sprouts, so a detailed study into its variability is required. This article presents the results of a comparison of the metabolite composition in the leaves of mung bean sprouts germinated first in the dark (DS) and then in the light (LS). Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) made it possible to identify more than 100 compounds representing various groups of phytochemicals. Alcohols, amino acids, and saccharides predominated in the total amount of compounds. The analysis of metabolomic profiles exposed a fairly high intra- and intervarietal variability in the metabolite content. DS and LS differed in the qualitative and quantitative content of the identified compounds. The intravarietal variability was more pronounced in DS than in LS. DS demonstrated higher levels of saccharides, fatty acids, acylglycerols, and phenolic compounds, while amino acids were higher in LS. Changes were recorded in the quantitative content of metabolites participating in the response of plants to stressors-ornithine, proline, GABA, inositol derivatives, etc. The changes were probably induced by the stress experienced by the sprouts when they were transferred from shade to light. The analysis of variance and principal factor analysis showed the statistically significant effect of germination conditions on the content of individual compounds in leaves. The identified features of metabolite variability in mung bean genotypes grown under different conditions will contribute to more accurate selection of an illumination pattern to obtain sprouts with desirable biochemical compositions for use in various diets and products with high nutritional value.

nov., two novel ascomycetous yeast species from mushrooms and cocoa leaves in Thailand, and reassignment of Candida andamanensis, Candida jaroonii and Candida songkhlaensis to the genus Yamadazyma

Six strains representing two novel ascomycetous yeast species were isolated from mushroom fruiting bodies and cocoa leaves collected in Thailand. Analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene sequences showed that the six strains were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of four strains (DMKU-SSK46, DMKU-SK1, SCCL3-5 and SCCL19-3), that were closely related to the type strains of Candida conglobata, Candida insectorum, Yamadazyma dushanensis, Yamadazyma mexicana and Yamadazyma riverae, but with 12-14 (2.5-2.9 %) and 28-50 (5.4-8.8 %) nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and the ITS regions, respectively. However, two strains (DMKU-KMY40 and DMKU-KO18) of the second group differed from a group of described species, Candida diddensiae, Candida dendronema, Candida germanica, Candida kanchanaburiensis, Candida naeodendra, Candida vaughaniae and Yamadazyma siamensis by 8-15 (1.5-2.8 %) and 45-53 (8.2-9.6 %) nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and the ITS regions, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the ITS regions and D1/D2 domains showed that these strains represented two species of the Yamadazyma clade that were distinct from the other related species. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic characteristics, these six strains were assigned to two novel species of the genus Yamadazyma, although formation of ascospores was not observed. Yamadazyma sisaketensis f.a., sp. nov., is proposed for the first group (four strains). The holotype is TBRC 17139T (ex-type culture: PYCC 9797). The MycoBank number is MB 849637. Yamadazyma koratensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed for the second group (two strains). The holotype is TBRC 14868T (ex-type culture: PYCC 8907). The MycoBank number is MB 849638. In addition, it is proposed that Candida andamanensis, Candida jaroonii and Candida songkhlaensis are reassigned to the genus Yamadazyma as Yamadazyma andamanensis comb. nov., Y. jaroonii comb. nov. and Y. songkhlaensis comb. nov., respectively.

The Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Potential of Coccoloba alnifolia Leaf Extracts

Oxidative stress has been associated with different diseases, and different medicinal plants have been used to treat or prevent this condition. The leaf ethanolic extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE) from Coccoloba alnifolia have previously been characterized to have antioxidant potential in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we worked with EE and AE and two partition phases, AF (ethyl acetate) and BF (butanol), from AE extract. These extracts and partition phases did not display cytotoxicity. The EE and AE reduced NO production and ROS in all three concentrations tested. Furthermore, it was observed that EE and AE at 500 μg/mL concentration were able to reduce phagocytic activity by 30 and 50%, respectively. A scratch assay using a fibroblast cell line (NHI/3T3) showed that extracts and fractions induced cell migration with 60% wound recovery within 24 h, especially for BF. It was also observed that AF and BF had antioxidant potential in all the assays evaluated. In addition, copper chelation was observed. This activity was previously not detected in AE. The HPLC-DAD analysis showed the presence of phenolic compounds such as p-cumaric acid and vitexin for extracts, while the GNPS annotated the presence of isoorientin, vitexin, kanakugiol, and tryptamine in the BF partition phase. The data presented here demonstrated that the EE, AE, AF, and BF of C. alnifolia have potential immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant effects, as well as in vitro wound healing characteristics, which are important for dynamic inflammation process control.

Foliar Pectins and Physiology of Diploid and Autotetraploid Mango Genotypes under Water Stress

The cultivation of mango in Mediterranean-type climates is challenged by the depletion of freshwater. Polyploids are alternative genotypes with potential greater water use efficiency, but field evaluations of the anatomy and physiology of conspecific adult polyploid trees under water stress remain poorly explored. We combined field anatomical evaluations with measurements of leaf water potential (Ψl) and stomatal conductance (Gs) comparing one diploid and one autotetraploid tree per treatment with and without irrigation during dry summers (when fruits develop). Autotetraploid leaves displayed lower Ψl and Gs in both treatments, but the lack of irrigation only affected Gs. Foliar cells of the adaxial epidermis and the spongy mesophyll contained linear pectin epitopes, whereas branched pectins were localized in the abaxial epidermis, the chloroplast membrane, and the sieve tube elements of the phloem. Cell and fruit organ size was larger in autotetraploid than in diploid mango trees, but the sugar content in the fruits was similar between both cytotypes. Specific cell wall hygroscopic pectins correlate with more stable Ψl of autotetraploid leaves under soil water shortage, keeping lower Gs compared with diploids. These preliminary results point to diploids as more susceptible to water deficits than tetraploids.

Metabolic Responses to Manganese Toxicity in Soybean Roots and Leaves

Soybean is one of the most crucial beans in the world. Although Mn (manganese) is a kind of important nutritive element helpful to plant growth and health, excess Mn is harmful to crops. Nevertheless, the effect of Mn toxicity on soybean roots and leaves metabolism is still not clear. To explore this, water culture experiments were conducted on the development, activity of enzyme, and metabolic process of soybeans under varying levels of Mn treatment (5 and 100 μM). Compared with the control, the soybeans under Mn stress showed inhibited growth and development. Moreover, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and the soluble protein content in leaves and roots of soybean were all increased. However, soluble sugar and proline contents in soybean roots and leaves showed the opposite trend. In addition, the Mg (magnesium) and Fe (iron) ion contents in soybean leaves significantly decreased, and the Mn ion content greatly increased. In roots, the Mn and Fe ion content increased, whereas the Mg ion content decreased. Furthermore, the metabolomic analysis based on nontargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified 136 and 164 differential metabolites (DMs) that responded to Mn toxicity in roots and leaves of soybean, respectively. These DMs might participate in five different primary metabolic pathways in soybean leaves and roots, suggesting that soybean leaves and roots demonstrate different kinds of reactions in response to Mn toxicity. These findings indicate that Mn toxicity will result in enzymes activity being changed and the metabolic pathway being seriously affected, hence inhibiting the development of soybean.

Mini-drone assisted tree canopy sampling: a low-cost and high-precision solution

The collection of tree canopy samples in forest ecosystems has been challenging for researchers and managers during the past decades. Various methods, including pole pruner, tree climber, shooter, throw-line launcher, hydraulic lift (e.g., tower crane) and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)-based devices, have been used, however, they are limited by sampling height restrictions, safety hazards to a climber, low retrieving accuracy, high equipment costs, and transportation inconvenience. This study proposed a novel method for collecting tree canopy samples using a portable mini-drone. The mini-drone is operated to pull a traction line across the target branch, drag the retrieving rope to the selected cutting point of the branch, and carry the equipped wire saw or chain saw to cut the canopy sample off. Through on-site testing and field trials, this method was feasible for lower- and middle-canopy sampling (up to 30 meters tall) across most temperate broad-leaved and coniferous tree species. This technique would have great potential in plantation and old-growth forests. Adopting this low-cost mini-drone technique, researchers can collect tree canopy samples safely and efficiently, leading to improvements in relevant physiological and ecological studies focusing on functional traits of branches, leaves, and seeds.

(Vietnamese ginseng)

Panax vietnamensis (Vietnamese ginseng, Ngoc Linh ginseng) is an endemic Panax species of Vietnam. From the methanol extract of the leaves of Panax vietnamensis, five compounds (1-5) were isolated, including one new sesquiterpene lactone such as panaxolide (1) and four known compounds. The structures of the compounds (1-5) were elucidated by spectral techniques such as 1 D NMR (1H NMR, 13C NMR), 2 D NMR (COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY) and mass spectrometry. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined based on the Cotton effects in the CD spectrum. All of the five compounds were screened for their in vitro growth inhibitory activities against cancerous cells (HepG2) and normal cells (fibroblast) using the SRB assay. Panaxolide (1) showed the highest potential for the growth inhibition of cancerous cells HepG2 with the IC50 values of 63.8 μM.

Volatiles of All Native Juniperus Species Growing in Greece-Antimicrobial Properties

Juniper (Juniperus L., Cupressaceae Bartlett) trees are of high commercial value, as their essential oils are widely applied in the food and cosmetic industries due to their bioactivities. The genus Juniperus comprises eight species in Greece, and in the current work, we report the chemical analyses of their volatiles (GC-MS) obtained from the leaves and cones of all indigenous species found in the country, as well as their antimicrobial properties. The studied species were J. oxycedrus L., J. excelsa M. Bieb., J. foetidissima Willd., J. communis L., J. macrocarpa Sibth. & Sm., J. turbinata Guss., J. sabina L. and J. drupacea Labill., and a total of 164 constituents were identified. Monoterpenes, followed by sesquiterpenes, appeared as the dominant compounds in all investigated species. Most of the studied essential oils belonged to the α-pinene chemotype, with amounts of α-cedrol, sabinene, limonene and myrcene among the abundant metabolites, except for J. sabina, which belonged to the sabinene chemotype. Through antimicrobial tests, it was observed that the essential oils of most of the cones showed better activity compared with the respective leaves. The essential oils of the cones of J. foetidissima, J. communis and J. turbinata showed the strongest activity against the tested microorganisms. Additionally, in these three species, the content of thujone, which is a toxic metabolite found in essential oils of many Juniperus species, was considerably low. Taking into consideration the chemical profile, safety and antimicrobial activity, these three Greek Juniperus species seemed to provide the most promising essential oils for further exploitation in the food and cosmetics industries.

Drop impact dynamics on the hydrophobic leaf surface of an aquatic plant: a case study of Pistia stratiotes

Pistia stratiotes is an aquatic plant with a complex structure that allows it to stay afloat. It grows quickly, and in large numbers becomes an undesirable plant as an invasive species. Describing the dynamics of a water drop splash on P. stratiotes leaves can contribute to increasing knowledge of its behavior and finding alternative methods for eradicating it or using it for the benefit of the environment. The non-wettable surface of P. stratiotes presents a complex structure-simple uniseriate trichomes and also ridges and veins. We analyzed the drop impact on a leaf placed on the water surface and recorded it by high-speed cameras. Based on the recordings, quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. After impacting the leaf, the water drop spread until it reached its maximum surface area accompanied by the ejection of early droplets in the initial stage. Thereafter, three scenarios of water behavior were observed: (i) drop receding and stabilization; (ii) drop receding and ejection of late droplets formed in the later stage as an effect of elastic deformation of the leaf; and (iii) drop breaking apart and ejection of late droplets. The results indicated that the increasing kinetic energy of the impacting drops expressed by the Weber number and the complex leaf surface have an effect on the course of the splash. The simple uniseriate trichomes of the P. stratiotes leaf and the high energy of the falling drops were responsible for the formation and characteristics of the early droplets. The presence of ridges and veins and the leaf's mechanical response had an impact on the occurrence of late droplets.

Fruits and Leaves

Increasing interest in new sources of secondary metabolites as biologically active substances has resulted in an advanced study of many plant species. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. = Rhaphiolepis bibas (Lour.) Galasso & Banfi, Rosaceae family), an evergreen, subtropical fruit tree, native to China and Japan, but cultivated in southern countries of Europe, is a species commonly used in folk medicine and may be an excellent source of bioactive compounds. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the profile of the phenolic constituents of E. japonica fruits and leaves originating from Tuscany (Italy), as well as their in vitro antioxidant and chemopreventive activities on human cancer cell lines breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2 and HT-29), and glioblastoma (U87MG). Results revealed that the extract of leaves displayed higher antioxidant and anticancer potential than the fruit extract and contained 25 individual phenolic compounds that have been characterized and quantified by the UPLC-PDA-MS method. The antiproliferative activity was correlated with the content of polyphenolic compounds indicating that both fruits and leaves are a good source of antioxidants and may be exploited as nutraceuticals enriching food or as components for the cosmetic/pharmaceutical industry.

Insights into the physiological, molecular, and genetic regulators of albinism in Camellia sinensis leaves

Introduction: Yanling Yinbiancha, a cultivar of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, is an evergreen woody perennial with characteristic albino leaves. A mutant variant with green leaves on branches has been recently identified. The molecular mechanisms underlying this color variation remain unknown. Methods: We aimed to utilize omics tools to decipher the molecular basis for this color variation, with the ultimate goal of enhancing existing germplasm and utilizing it in future breeding programs. Results and discussion: Albinotic leaves exhibited significant chloroplast degeneration and reduced carotenoid accumulation. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of the two variants revealed 1,412 differentially expressed genes and 127 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Enrichment analysis for DEGs suggested significant enrichment of pathways involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins, porphyrin, chlorophyll, and carotenoids. To further narrow down the causal variation for albinotic leaves, we performed a conjoint analysis of metabolome and transcriptome and identified putative candidate genes responsible for albinism in C. sinensis leaves. 12, 7, and 28 DEGs were significantly associated with photosynthesis, porphyrin/chlorophyll metabolism, and flavonoid metabolism, respectively. Chlorophyllase 2, Chlorophyll a-Binding Protein 4A, Chlorophyll a-Binding Protein 24, Stay Green Regulator, Photosystem II Cytochrome b559 subunit beta along with transcription factors AP2, bZIP, MYB, and WRKY were identified as a potential regulator of albinism in Yanling Yinbiancha. Moreover, we identified Anthocyanidin reductase and Arabidopsis Response Regulator 1 as DEGs influencing flavonoid accumulation in albino leaves. Identification of genes related to albinism in C. sinensis may facilitate genetic modification or development of molecular markers, potentially enhancing cultivation efficiency and expanding the germplasm for utilization in breeding programs.

Heme Oxygenase 1-Mediated Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Extract from the Aerial Part of Heracleum moellendorffii Hance

In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of a methanolic extract from the aerial part of Heracleum moellendorffii Hance (HmAPE) and its underlying mechanisms were investigated. HmAPE demonstrated a significant reduction in nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells, and HmAPE decreased the protein and mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Further mechanistic studies on inflammatory signaling pathways revealed that HmAPE-mediated downregulation of inflammatory gene expressions was not associated with mitogen-activated protein kinases or nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. However, HmAPE treatment activated nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, which is known to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Additionally, treatment with a selective HO-1 inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin IX, partially reversed the effects of HmAPE in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells, indicating that HmAPE inhibited LPS-induced NO production, at least in part, through induction of Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression. These findings suggest that HmAPE could serve as a potential edible source with anti-inflammatory properties, and further studies are required to ascertain its anti-inflammatory efficacy in vivo.

Seasonal Variation in Cell Wall Composition and Carbohydrate Metabolism in the Seagrass Posidonia oceanica Growing at Different Depths

Posidonia oceanica is a common seagrass in the Mediterranean Sea that is able to sequester large amounts of carbon. The carbon assimilated during photosynthesis can be partitioned into non-structural sugars and cell-wall polymers. In this study, we investigated the distribution of carbon in starch, soluble carbohydrates and cell-wall polymers in leaves and rhizomes of P. oceanica. Analyses were performed during summer and winter in meadows located south of the Frioul archipelago near Marseille, France. The leaves and rhizomes were isolated from plants collected in shallow (2 m) and deep water (26 m). Our results showed that P. oceanica stores more carbon as starch, sucrose and cellulose in summer and that this is more pronounced in rhizomes from deep-water plants. In winter, the reduction in photoassimilates was correlated with a lower cellulose content, compensated with a greater lignin content, except in rhizomes from deep-water plants. The syringyl-to-guaiacyl (S/G) ratio in the lignin was higher in leaves than in rhizomes and decreased in rhizomes in winter, indicating a change in the distribution or structure of the lignin. These combined data show that deep-water plants store more carbon during summer, while in winter the shallow- and deep-water plants displayed a different cell wall composition reflecting their environment.

LC-MS/MS Evaluation of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids Profile in Relation to Safety of Comfrey Roots and Leaves from Polish Sources

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) has a long tradition of use in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. However, due to hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), the EMA restricts the use of comfrey root (CR) to external use only and for short periods of time. Recent studies indicate a low permeability of PAs across the skin, calling into question the safety of topical application of products containing comfrey preparations. The aim of our work was to develop and validate an HPLC method enabling the separation of isomeric PAs from comfrey and, on this basis, to assess the potential toxicity of CR and comfrey leaf (CL) obtained from various Polish sources. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of PAs via HPLC-MS/MS was performed in MRM mode. The results obtained confirmed a lower content of PAs in CL than in CR and showed a wide variation in the composition of PAs in CR, with a much more stable profile of PAs in CL. Factor analysis confirmed that CRs and CLs differ in PA content, which is influenced by the growth conditions and geographical origin. The determined concentrations of PAs prove that in some CRs available on the Polish herbal market, the content of PAs may exceed the daily dose considered safe.

Bioaccumulation and distribution of Pb, Ni, Zn and Fe in stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) tissues and heavy metal-contamination assessment in the industrial zone of smelter Ferronikeli (Drenas-Kosovo)

Here, we determined the concentrations of Pb, Ni, Zn and Fe in the soil and in vegetative organs of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) collected from the banks of the Drenica River in the vicinity of the Ferronikeli smelter. The results were compared with samples collected from the banks 20 km (Shalë village) upriver. In addition, the bioaccumulation factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) were determined. Meanwhile, to evaluate the level of pollution in the study area was used the contamination factor (CF), potential ecological risk factor (Eri) and the potential ecological risk index (RI). The order of heavy metals according to their concentration in the soil samples at both sampling sites was as follows: Fe > Ni > Zn > Pb. Concentrations in excess of the limits allowed for soils in the samples collected in the vicinity of the smelter were recorded for Pb (173.13 mg kg^-1), Zn (1217.48 mg kg^-1), and Ni (1443.93 mg kg^-1), while at the control site, Zn (270.82 mg kg^-1) and Ni (375.47 mg kg^-1) were found in excess concentrations. But lead (Pb) level was under allowed limit. The data showed that the stinging nettle is not a hyperaccumulator because BCF < 1 at both sites for all metals under study. Furthermore, analysis of the translocation factor (TF_steam/root) showed that at low of heavy metal concentrations, their mobility was higher (TF > 1). The lowest mobility (TF < 1) was observed at site I (Poklek), where the concentration of heavy metals was higher, except for Fe. The opposite was shown for mobility of metals from stems to leaves (TF_leave/steam). The evaluation of CF showed that the area near the Ferronikeli smelter had low degree of Pb, moderate degree of Zn and considerable degree of Ni contamination. The values of RI indicate low potential ecological risk index.

Multiomics Reveals the Regulatory Mechanisms of Arabidopsis Tissues under Heat Stress

Understanding the mechanisms of responses to high temperatures in Arabidopsis will provide insights into how plants may mitigate heat stress under global climate change. And exploring the interconnections of different modification levels in heat stress response could help us to understand the molecular mechanism of heat stress response in Arabidopsis more comprehensively and precisely. In this paper, we combined multiomics analyses to explore the common heat stress-responsive genes and specific heat-responsive metabolic pathways in Arabidopsis leaf, seedling, and seed tissues. We found that genes such as AT1G54050 play a role in promoting proper protein folding in response to HS (Heat stress). In addition, it was revealed that the binding profile of A1B is altered under elevated temperature conditions. Finally, we also show that two microRNAs, ath-mir156h and ath-mir166b-5p, may be core regulatory molecules in HS. Also elucidated that under HS, plants can regulate specific regulatory mechanisms, such as oxygen levels, by altering the degree of CHH methylation.

Reproductive Capacity and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Analyses of the Micromorphological Surfaces of Three Endemic Satureja Species from Bulgaria

Satureja pilosa Velen., S. coerulea Janka and S. kitaibelii Wierzb. ex Heuff. are Balkan endemic species, and they are distributed in restricted territories, primarily found in dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and stony habitats. This study presents the results of the first embryological and micromorphological analyses of three Satureja species (S. pilosa, S. kitaibelii, and S. coerulea) from the Bulgarian flora. The aim of this study was to establish the features of the male and female reproductive sphere, as well as surface characteristics of leaves, stem, and calyx in order to understand the mode of reproduction, character, size and state of species populations and delimitation. For the embryological study, flowers and flower buds in different developmental stages were collected from plants of natural populations and treated with the classic paraffin method. Reproductive capacity was assessed using the following approaches: (1) acetocarmine test for pollen viability, (2) tetrazolium test (TTZ) for seed viability, and (3) germination test. The surfaces characteristics of leaves, stem, and calyx were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result, the study revealed the structures of the male (M) and female (F) generative spheres as well as the processes of gamete development, pollination, and endosperm and embryo formation. It was found that the three Satureja species exhibited a high pollen viability but low seed viability and germination. The SEM analysis showed both common and distinct micromorphology features regarding epidermis, calyx and stem surfaces among the three Satureja species. Notably, the S. coerulea surfaces (leaves, calyx, stem) were clearly distinguishable from the other two Satureja species. Regarding the nutlet surfaces, it was observed that the exocarp surfaces of S. coerulea and S. kitaibelii have a reticulate convex type surface and comprise two types of cells: (1) highly bulging, bubble-like cells; and (2) flat cells with numerous striations. On the other hand, the exocarp of S. pilosa displayed rectangular or polygonal shapes without bubble-like cells, and it had a tabular to slightly convex type surface. Additionally, nutlets (seeds) of both S. coerulea and S. pilosa exhibited distinct papilla formations resembling non-glandular trichomes seen on the ends of the nutlets for S. coerulea and over the entire surface for S. pilosa. The characteristics of the embryological structures and processes, along with the absence of apomixis, characterized the three studied Satureja species as sexually reproducing. The established balanced processes and stable structures contribute to their high reproductive potential and population stability. However, these traits may also decrease their adaptability to environmental changes.

Houz)

Bamboo (Phyllostacys edulis J. Houz) has become an emerging forest resource of economic and ecological significance with health benefits. Since the beneficial effects of the non-edible parts of bamboo have not been thoroughly explored, we characterized in this study bamboo leaf (BL) and sheath (BS) extracts. The total phenol and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC), antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching test) and anti-inflammatory properties were determined. Leaves exhibited a TPC value of 73.92 mg equivalent (eq) gallic acid/g fresh weight (FW) and a TFC value of 56.75 mg eq quercetin/g FW. Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with photo diode array detector (PDA) analysis revealed evidence for the presence of protocatechuic acid, isoorientin, orientin and isovitexin in BL, whereas BS was rich in phenolic acids. Both samples demonstrated a significant ability to scavenge radicals against ABTS^·+, with an inhibitory concentration of 50% of 3.07 μg/mL for BL and 6.78 μg/mL for BS. At a concentration of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL, BS decreased reactive oxygen species production without hampering cell viability in HepG2 liver cells, while at the same concentrations, BL exhibited cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. In addition, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL BS and BL reduced Interleukin-6 and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 production in human lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages, without affecting cell viability. These findings highlight the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of BL and BS, corroborating their different potential applications in the nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Comparative Assessment of Antioxidant Activity and Functional Components of Chionanthus virginicus and Chionanthus pubescens from the Andean Region of Ecuador

The present study aims to provide information about the antioxidant capacity and secondary metabolites from different plant parts of two species that are grown in Ecuador: Chionanthus pubescens (the Ecuadorian national tree), and Chionanthus virginicus (the fringe tree-endemic to the United States of America and adapted to Ecuador's physiographical and ecological conditions). These two species have still not been investigated for these characteristics. A comparative estimation of the antioxidant activities between the leaf, fruit, and inflorescence extracts was performed. In the quest for new medicines, the extracts were analyzed for phenolic, anthocyanin, and flavonoid content. A slight difference was observed between C. pubescens and C. virginicus flowers, the highest antioxidant activity being found in the C. pubescens leaf (DPPH IC₅₀ = 62.8866 mg/mL, ABTS IC₅₀ = 55.852 mg/mL, and FRAP IC₅₀ = 2.8466 g/mL). Our results showed correlations between antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and flavonoids. This study confirmed that the C. pubescens leaves and fruits from the Andean region of Ecuador represent a good source of antioxidants, especially due to the presence of a high content of phenolic compounds (homovanillic acid, 3,4 dimethoxyphenylacetic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, etc.) as determined by the HPLC-DAD method.

Drought Resistance and Ginsenosides Biosynthesis in Response to Abscisic Acid in Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer

Drought stress adversely affects the production of the perennial medicinal herb Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer. Phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) regulates many processes in plant growth, development, and response to environments. However, whether drought resistance is regulated by ABA in Panax ginseng remains unknown. In this study, we characterized the response of drought resistance to ABA in Panax ginseng. The results showed that the growth retardation and root shrinking under drought conditions in Panax ginseng were attenuated by exogenous ABA application. Spraying ABA was shown to protect the photosynthesis system, enhance the root activity, improve the performance of the antioxidant protection system, and alleviate the excessive accumulation of soluble sugar in Panax ginseng under drought stress. In addition, ABA treatment leads to the enhanced accumulation of ginsenosides, the pharmaceutically active components, and causes the up-regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (PgHMGR) in Panax ginseng. Therefore, this study supports that drought resistance and ginsenosides biosynthesis in Panax ginseng were positively regulated by ABA, providing a new direction for mitigating drought stress and improving ginsenosides production in the precious medicinal herb.

American Cranberry (Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Ait.) Pursh) Leaves Extract and Its Amino-Acids Preparation: The Phytochemical and Pharmacological Study

The liver is an organ with several important biofunctions, for which there are very few effective and safe preparations that promote the functioning, protection, and regeneration of cells. Sufficiently safe preparations with hepatoprotective activity can be found in plants. The aim of our study was to investigate the chemical composition of an extract made from American cranberry (Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Ait.) Pursh) leaves and its amino-acids preparations as well as their possible hepatoprotective activity. Using the UPLC-MS/MS method, we identified 19 phenolic compounds (8 flavonoids (flavones and flavonols), 4 anthocyanins, 3 hydroxycinnamic acids, and 2 catechins). The prophylactic and therapeutic administration of the American cranberry-leaves extracts led to a decrease in the lipid-peroxidation process during a study of tetrachloromethane acute toxic damage in the liver of rats. As a result of animal studies, the most effective hepatoprotective activity was found in the extract preparations with valine and arginine.

Metabolome analysis reveals flavonoid changes during the leaf color transition in Populus × euramericana 'Zhonghuahongye'

Introduction

To investigate the mechanism of leaf color change at different stages in Populus × euramericana 'Zhonghuahongye' ('Zhonghong' poplar).

Methods

Leaf color phenotypes were determined and a metabolomic analysis was performed on leaves at three stages (R1, R2 and R3).

Results

The a*, C* and chromatic light values of the leaves decreased by 108.91%, 52.08% and 113.34%, while the brightness L values and chromatic b* values gradually increased by 36.01% and 13.94%, respectively. In the differential metabolite assay, 81 differentially expressed metabolites were detected in the R1 vs. R3 comparison, 45 were detected in the R1 vs. R2 comparison, and 75 were detected in the R2 vs. R3 comparison. Ten metabolites showed significant differences in all comparisons, which were mostly flavonoid metabolites. The metabolites that were upregulated in the three periods were cyanidin 3,5-O-diglucoside, delphinidin, and gallocatechin, with flavonoid metabolites accounting for the largest proportion and malvidin 3- O-galactoside as the primary downregulated metabolite. The color shift of red leaves from a bright purplish red to a brownish green was associated with the downregulation of malvidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin, naringenin, and dihydromyricetin.

Discussion

Here, we analyzed the expression of flavonoid metabolites in the leaves of 'Zhonghong' poplar at three stages and identified key metabolites closely related to leaf color change, providing an important genetic basis for the genetic improvement of this cultivar.

Essential and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) Content in European Tea (Camellia sinensis) Leaves: Risk Assessment for Consumers

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is the second most consumed beverage worldwide, playing a key role in the human diet. Tea is considered a healthy drink, as its consumption has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related events and death, stroke, metabolic syndrome and obesity. However, several studies have shown that C. sinensis is a hyperaccumulator of Al and other elements that are considered potentially toxic. In the present study, the contents of 15 elements (both essential and toxic) were determined for the first time in tea leaves collected in tea gardens located in six different European countries and processed to provide black and green tea. The results showed that Al was the major toxic element detected, followed by Ni, Cr, Pb, As, Cd, Ag, and Hg. Essential elements were detected in the order of Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, and Se. Statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found in the distribution of some elements, highlighting mechanisms of synergic or antagonist interaction. Multivariate analysis revealed that geographical origin was the main driver in clustering the samples, while the different treatment processes (black or green) did not significantly affect the contents of elements in the leaves. The estimation of potential non-carcinogenic risk revealed no risk for the consumption of European teas for consumers in terms of potentially toxic elements.

Short-term water stress responses of grafted pepper plants are associated with changes in the hormonal balance

Phytohormones play an important role in regulating the plant behavior to drought. In previous studies, NIBER® pepper rootstock showed tolerance to drought in terms of production and fruit quality compared to ungrafted plants. In this study, our hypothesis was that short-term exposure to water stress in young, grafted pepper plants would shed light on tolerance to drought in terms of modulation of the hormonal balance. To validate this hypothesis, fresh weight, water use efficiency (WUE) and the main hormone classes were analyzed in self-grafted pepper plants (variety onto variety, V/V) and variety grafted onto NIBER® (V/N) at 4, 24, and 48h after severe water stress was induced by PEG addition. After 48h, WUE in V/N was higher than in V/V, due to major stomata closure to maintain water retention in the leaves. This can be explained by the higher abscisic acid (ABA) levels observed in the leaves of V/N plants. Despite the interaction between ABA and the ethylene precursor, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), in relation to stomata closure is controversial, we observed an important increase of ACC at the end of the experiment in V/N plants coinciding with an important rise of the WUE and ABA. The maximum concentration of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid after 48h was found in the leaves of V/N, associated with their role in abiotic stress signaling and tolerance. Respect to auxins and cytokinins, the highest concentrations were linked to water stress and NIBER®, but this effect did not occur for gibberellins. These results show that hormone balance was affected by water stress and rootstock genotype, where NIBER® rootstock displayed a better ability to overcome short-term water stress.

Silicon Differently Affects Apoplastic Binding of Excess Boron in Wheat and Sunflower Leaves

Monocots and dicots differ in their boron (B) requirement, but also in their capacity to accumulate silicon (Si). Although an ameliorative effect of Si on B toxicity has been reported in various crops, differences among monocots and dicots are not clear, in particular in light of their ability to retain B in the leaf apoplast. In hydroponic experiments under controlled conditions, we studied the role of Si in the compartmentation of B within the leaves of wheat (Triticum vulgare L.) as a model of a high-Si monocot and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) as a model of a low-Si dicot, with the focus on the leaf apoplast. The stable isotopes ¹⁰B and ¹¹B were used to investigate the dynamics of cell wall B binding capacity. In both crops, the application of Si did not affect B concentration in the root, but significantly decreased the B concentration in the leaves. However, the application of Si differently influenced the binding capacity of the leaf apoplast for excess B in wheat and sunflower. In wheat, whose capacity to retain B in the leaf cell walls is lower than in sunflower, the continuous supply of Si is crucial for an enhancement of high B tolerance in the shoot. On the other hand, the supply of Si did not contribute significantly in the extension of the B binding sites in sunflower leaves.

The Plant Leaf: A Biomimetic Resource for Multifunctional and Economic Design

As organs of photosynthesis, leaves are of vital importance for plants and a source of inspiration for biomimetic developments. Leaves are composed of interconnected functional elements that evolved in concert under high selective pressure, directed toward strategies for improving productivity with limited resources. In this paper, selected basic components of the leaf are described together with biomimetic examples derived from them. The epidermis (the "skin" of leaves) protects the leaf from uncontrolled desiccation and carries functional surface structures such as wax crystals and hairs. The epidermis is pierced by micropore apparatuses, stomata, which allow for regulated gas exchange. Photosynthesis takes place in the internal leaf tissue, while the venation system supplies the leaf with water and nutrients and exports the products of photosynthesis. Identifying the selective forces as well as functional limitations of the single components requires understanding the leaf as an integrated system that was shaped by evolution to maximize carbon gain from limited resource availability. These economic aspects of leaf function manifest themselves as trade-off solutions. Biomimetics is expected to benefit from a more holistic perspective on adaptive strategies and functional contexts of leaf structures.

Leaves in the Context of Diabetes

Psidium guajava L. (guava) leaves have demonstrated their in vitro and in vivo effect against diabetes mellitus (DM). However, there is a lack of literature concerning the effect of the individual phenolic compounds present in the leaves in DM disease. The aim of the present work was to identify the individual compounds in Spanish guava leaves and their potential contribution to the observed anti-diabetic effect. Seventy-three phenolic compounds were identified from an 80% ethanol extract of guava leaves by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The potential anti-diabetic activity of each compound was evaluated with the DIA-DB web server that uses a docking and molecular shape similarity approach. The DIA-DB web server revealed that aldose reductase was the target protein with heterogeneous affinity for compounds naringenin, avicularin, guaijaverin, quercetin, ellagic acid, morin, catechin and guavinoside C. Naringenin exhibited the highest number of interactions with target proteins dipeptidyl peptidase-4, hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 1, aldose reductase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor. Compounds catechin, quercetin and naringenin displayed similarities with the known antidiabetic drug tolrestat. In conclusion, the computational workflow showed that guava leaves contain several compounds acting in the DM mechanism by interacting with specific DM protein targets.

Petals Reduce Attachment of Insect Pollinators: A Case Study of the Plant Dahlia pinnata and the Fly Eristalis tenax

In order to understand whether the petal surface in "cafeteria"-type flowers, which offer their nectar and pollen to insect pollinators in an open way, is adapted to a stronger attachment of insect pollinators, we selected the plant Dahlia pinnata and the hovering fly Eristalis tenax, both being generalist species according to their pollinator's spectrum and diet, respectively. We combined cryo scanning electron microscopy examination of leaves, petals, and flower stems with force measurements of fly attachment to surfaces of these plant organs. Our results clearly distinguished two groups among tested surfaces: (1) the smooth leaf and reference smooth glass ensured a rather high attachment force of the fly; (2) the flower stem and petal significantly reduced it. The attachment force reduction on flower stems and petals is caused by different structural effects. In the first case, it is a combination of ridged topography and three-dimensional wax projections, whereas the papillate petal surface is supplemented by cuticular folds. In our opinion, these "cafeteria"-type flowers have the petals, where the colour intensity is enhanced due to papillate epidermal cells covered by cuticular folds at the micro- and nanoscale, and exactly these latter structures mainly contribute to adhesion reduction in generalist insect pollinators.

Chemical Composition of Essential Oils and Local Knowledge of Myrica gale in Lithuania

Myrica gale L. (Myricaceae) is an essential oil-bearing plant that is rare in Lithuania and naturally grows only in the western part of the country. The aim of this study was to analyze the composition of essential oils of Myrica gale in different habitats in Lithuania and in different parts of the plant, as well as evaluate the local knowledge about M. gale as a medicinal and aromatic plant. Samples of fruits and leaves (from one and three M. gale populations, respectively) were studied separately. Essential oils were isolated from dried fruits and leaves by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS methods. Results showed that M. gale fruits accumulated 4.03 ± 2.13% essential oils, meanwhile leaves-up to 19 times less. A total of 85 compounds were identified in the essential oils of the M. gale. Monoterpene hydrocarbons accounted for about half of the total essential oil content; meanwhile, either monoterpene hydrocarbons or sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (depending on habitat) dominated in leaves. The main compounds (depending on habitat) in essential oils of fruits and leaves were α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, limonene, δ-cadinene, and (E)-nerolidol. The high variation in the composition of M. gale essential oils suggests the presence of different chemotypes within the studied habitats of this plant. Evaluation of local knowledge of M. gale through the survey of 74 residents of 15 villages in western Lithuania showed that only 7% of respondents knew this plant. Poor knowledge of M. gale could be related to the narrow range of the natural species' distribution in Lithuania.

Health-Promoting Properties and Potential Application in the Food Industry of Citrus medica L. and Citrus × clementina Hort. Ex Tan. Essential Oils and Their Main Constituents

Citrus is an important genus in the Rutaceae family, with high medicinal and economic value, and includes important crops such as lemons, orange, grapefruits, limes, etc. The Citrus species is rich sources of carbohydrates, vitamins, dietary fibre, and phytochemicals, mainly including limonoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and carotenoids. Citrus essential oils (EOs) consist of several biologically active compounds mainly belonging to the monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes classes. These compounds have demonstrated several health-promoting properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Citrus EOs are obtained mainly from peels, but also from leaves and flowers, and are widely used as flavouring ingredients in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. This review focused on the composition and biological properties of the EOs of Citrus medica L. and Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tan and their main constituents, limonene, γ-terpinene, myrcene, linalool, and sabinene. The potential applications in the food industry have been also described. All the articles available in English or with an abstract in English were extracted from different databases such as PubMed, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct.

Leaves

The aim of this study was to assess the biological potential of the polyphenolic fraction isolated from J. regia leaves, collected in the Subcarpathian region (Poland). The phenolic profile was determined using the UPLC-PDA-MS/MS method. Biological activity was determined by evaluating the antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. Prior to this study, the purified polyphenolic fraction was not been tested in this regard. A total of 40 phenolic compounds (104.28 mg/g dw) were identified, with quercetin 3-O-glucoside and quercetin pentosides dominating. The preparation was characterized by a high ability to chelate iron ions and capture O₂^•- and OH^• radicals (reaching IC₅₀ values of 388.61, 67.78 and 193.29 µg/mL, respectively). As for the anticancer activity, among the six tested cell lines, the preparation reduced the viability of the DLD-1, Caco-2, and MCF-7 lines the most, while in the antibacterial activity, among the seven tested strains, the highest susceptibility has been demonstrated against K. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, and S. aureus. Depending on the needs, such a preparation can be widely used in the design of functional food and/or the cosmetics industry.

Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa cv. Festival: A Polyphenol-Based Phytochemical Characterization in Fruit and Leaf Extracts

Berry fruits are an important dietary source of health-promoting antioxidant polyphenols. Interestingly, berry leaves of diverse species, including strawberries, have shown higher bioactive phytochemical content in the leaves than in the fruit. Moreover, the vegetative part of the plants is usually discarded, representing a presumably large source of underutilized bioactive biomass. In this investigation, the polyphenol profiles of tropical highland strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv. Festival) leaves and fruits were compared by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (UHPLC-DAD) and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The total polyphenol strawberry leaf extracts exhibited a 122-fold-higher total polyphenol content and 13-fold higher antioxidant activity (ORAC) than strawberry fruits, and they showed evidence of possible photoprotective effects against UV damage in human melanoma cells (SK-MEL-28) and in murine embryo fibroblasts (NIH/3T3), together with promising anti-proliferative activities against the same melanoma cells. Seven polyphenols were confirmed by HPLC-DAD in the leaf extracts, with differences depending on fraction solubility. Moreover, three substituted quercetin derivatives, three substituted kaempferol derivatives, two anthocyanins, and catechin were confirmed in the soluble fraction by HPLC-MS. Given their higher total polyphenol content and bioactive activities, underutilized strawberry Festival leaves are a potential source of apparently abundant biomass with prospective bioactive applications.

Coordinated variation in root and leaf functional traits of Hippophae rhamnoides treated at different stump heights in feldspathic sandstone areas of Inner Mongolia

This study was aimed to clarify the effects of stumping on root and leaf traits as well as the tradeoffs and synergies of decaying Hippophae rhamnoides in feldspathic sandstone areas, and to select the optimal stump height that contributed to the recovery and growth of H. rhamnoides. variations and coordination between leaf traits and fine root traits of H. rhamnoides were studied at different stump heights (0, 10, 15, 20 cm, and no stumping) in feldspathic sandstone areas. All functional traits of the leaves and roots, except the leaf C content (LC) and the fine root C content (FRC), were significantly different among different stump heights. The total variation coefficient was the largest in the specific leaf area (SLA), which is therefore the most sensitive trait. Compared to non-stumping, SLA, leaf N content (LN), specific root length (SRL) and fine root N content (FRN) all improved significantly at stump height of 15 cm, but leaf tissue density (LTD), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), leaf carbon to nitrogen ratio (LC : LN), fine root tissue density (FRTD), fine root dry matter content (FRDMC) and fine root carbon to nitrogen ratio (FRC : FRN) all decreased significantly. The leaf traits of H. rhamnoides at different stump heights follow the leaf economic spectrum, and the fine roots show a similar trait syndrome to the leaves. SLA and LN are positively correlated with SRL and FRN and negatively with FRTD and FRC : FRN. LDMC and LC : LN are positively correlated with FRTD and FRC : FRN, and negatively correlated SRL and RN. The stumped H. rhamnoides changes to the 'rapid investment-return type' resource trade-offs strategy, and the growth rate is maximized at the stump height of 15 cm. Our findings are critical to the prevention and control of vegetation recovery and soil erosion in feldspathic sandstone areas.

Phenylethanoid Glycoside-Enriched Extract Prepared from Clerodendrum chinense Leaf Inhibits A549 Lung Cancer Cell Migration and Apoptosis Induction through Enhancing ROS Production

This study aims to investigate the antioxidant and anti-cancer activities of Clerodendrum chinense leaf ethanolic extract. The phenylethanoid glycoside-enriched extract, namely verbascoside and isoverbascoside, was determined in the ethanolic C. chinense leaf extract using the validated HPLC method. The ethanolic extract showed DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities with the IC₅₀ values of 334.2 ± 45.48 μg/mL and 1012.77 ± 61.86 µg/mL, respectively, and a FRAP value of 88.73 ± 4.59 to 2480.81 ± 0.00 µM. C. chinense leaf extract exhibited anti-proliferative activity against A549 lung cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with the IC₅₀ value of 340.63 ± 89.43, 210.60 ± 81.74, and 107.08 ± 28.90 µg/mL after treatment for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The IC₅₀ values of verbascoside, isoverbascoside, and hispidulin were 248.40 ± 15.82, 393.10 ± 15.27, and 3.86 ± 0.87 µg/mL, respectively, indicating that the anti-proliferative effects of the C. chinense leaf extract mainly resulted from hispidulin and verbascoside. The selectivity index (SI) of C. chinense leaf extract against A549 lung cancer cells vs. normal keratinocytes were 2.4 and 2.8 after incubation for 24 and 48 h, respectively, suggesting the cytotoxic selectivity of the extract toward the cancer cell line. Additionally, the C. chinense leaf extract at 250 µg/mL induced late apoptotic cells up to 21.67% with enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction. Furthermore, the lung cancer cell colony formation was significantly inhibited after being treated with C. chinense leaf extract in a dose-dependent manner. The C. chinense leaf extract at 250 µg/mL has also shown to significantly inhibit cancer cell migration compared with the untreated group. The obtained results provide evidence of the anti-lung cancer potentials of the C. chinense leaf ethanolic extract.

Intraspecific Variability of Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.)

The purpose of the work was to determine the intraspecific variability of the stinging nettle, in respect of the mass of leaves and their chemical composition, including the content of phenolic compounds and assimilative pigments. The objects of the study were 10 populations of nettle, originating from the eastern and southern part of Poland. The results obtained indicate a high level of variability between and within the populations investigated but not strictly related to their geographical locations. The mass of the leaves ranged from 0.19 to 0.28 kg dry weight (DW)/plant (Coefficient of variation (CV) = 16.33%). Using HPLC-DAD, four phenolic acids were detected, i.e., caffeoylmalic (570.97-1367.40 mg/100 g DW), chlorogenic (352.79-1070.83 mg/100 g DW), neochlorogenic (114.56-284.77 mg/100 g DW) and cichoric (58.31-189.52 mg/100 g DW) acids, with the last one differentiating populations to the highest degree (CV = 48.83%). All of the analyzed populations met the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph Eur 10th) concerning the minimum content of caffeoylmalic and chlorogenic acids in nettle leaves (not less than 0.3%). Within the flavonoid fraction, two compounds were identified, namely rutoside (917.05-1937.43 mg/100 g DW, CV = 21.32%) and hyperoside (42.01-289.45 mg/100 g DW; CV = 55.26%). The level of chlorophyll a ranged from 3.82 to 4.49 mg/g DW, chlorophyll b from 1.59 to 2.19 mg/g DW, while the content of carotenoids varied from 2.34 to 2.60 mg/100 g DW. Given all the traits investigated, the level of a population's polymorphism (CV) was visibly higher within a population than between populations. Population no. 4 was distinguished by the highest mass of leaves, and the highest content of rutoside, while population no. 2 was distinguished by the highest content of hyperoside, caffeoylmalic and chlorogenic acid.

Identification of Annonaceous Acetogenins and Alkaloids from the Leaves, Pulp, and Seeds of Annona atemoya

Annonaceae is a large family composed of more than 119 genera and more than 2500 species that are distributed in both tropical and subtropical areas. The Annona genus is a member of Annonaceae family, which encompasses about 175 species, most of which are native to Brazil and tropical America. This plant is commonly found on tropical and subtropical continents. Annona atemoya is a commercially important hybrid of A. squamosa and A. cherimola. Phytochemical investigations of A. atemoya leaves, fruit, and seeds have been conducted in limited studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the constituents of the leaves, fruit pulp, and seeds of A. atemoya because few studies have reported their constituents. Annonaceous acetogenins were identified in the leaves and pulp of A. atemoya for the first time. Twenty compounds were identified: sixteen were acetogenins and four were alkaloids. Additionally, two compounds were isolated, and their structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analysis and compared with the results of previous studies. The concentration of acetogenins in the pulp was very low compared with that in the leaves, whereas the seeds were found to contain the highest concentrations and greatest diversity of compounds.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Complex Physiological Response and Gene Regulation in Peanut Roots and Leaves under Manganese Toxicity Stress

Excess Manganese (Mn) is toxic to plants and reduces crop production. Although physiological and molecular pathways may drive plant responses to Mn toxicity, few studies have evaluated Mn tolerance capacity in roots and leaves. As a result, the processes behind Mn tolerance in various plant tissue or organ are unclear. The reactivity of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) to Mn toxicity stress was examined in this study. Mn oxidation spots developed on peanut leaves, and the root growth was inhibited under Mn toxicity stress. The physiological results revealed that under Mn toxicity stress, the activities of antioxidases and the content of proline in roots and leaves were greatly elevated, whereas the content of soluble protein decreased. In addition, manganese and iron ion content in roots and leaves increased significantly, but magnesium ion content decreased drastically. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in peanut roots and leaves in response to Mn toxicity were subsequently identified using genome-wide transcriptome analysis. Transcriptomic profiling results showed that 731 and 4589 DEGs were discovered individually in roots and leaves, respectively. Furthermore, only 310 DEGs were frequently adjusted and controlled in peanut roots and leaves, indicating peanut roots and leaves exhibited various toxicity responses to Mn. The results of qRT-PCR suggested that the gene expression of many DEGs in roots and leaves was inconsistent, indicating a more complex regulation of DEGs. Therefore, different regulatory mechanisms are present in peanut roots and leaves in response to Mn toxicity stress. The findings of this study can serve as a starting point for further research into the molecular mechanism of important functional genes in peanut roots and leaves that regulate peanut tolerance to Mn poisoning.

Composition, Antibacterial Efficacy, and Anticancer Activity of Essential Oil Extracted from Psidium guajava (L.) Leaves

Essential oils (EO) are used as a natural remedy to treat various chronic diseases, although clinical evidence is lacking. In this context, we have endeavored to measure the percentage of chemical composition and biological efficacy of Psidium guajava (guava) leaf essential oil in treating oral infections and oral cancer. The essential oil obtained from hydrodistillation of P. guajava L. leaves was analyzed by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC−MS). The activities of selected oral pathogens Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutants) were studied in vitro and in silico. MTT assay was used to test for anticancer activity against human oral epidermal carcinoma (KB). GC−MS showed that the main components of PGLEO were limonene (38.01%) and β-caryophyllene (27.98%). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.05−0.1% were demonstrated against C. albicans and S. mutans. Antimicrobial activity against C. albicans and S. mutans, as shown by molecular linkage analysis, revealed that the main metabolites, limonene and β-caryophyllene, potentially inhibited the receptors of C. albicans and S. mutans. PGLEO showed significant (p < 0.001) anticancer activity (45.89%) at 200 µg/mL compared to doxorubicin (47.87%) with an IC50 value of 188.98 µg/mL. The outcomes of the present study suggest that PGLEO has promising antimicrobial and anticancer activities and could be a useful source for developing a natural therapeutic agent for oral infections and oral cancer.

Mey

For several millennia, leaves of Echium amoenum Fisch. & C. A. Mey., an important Iranian medicinal plant with nutritional value as nutraceutical, have been used as tea for the treatment of several conditions, including inflammation. The nutritional value of intake of E. amoenum tea has mainly been correlated to its rich content of mainly water-soluble antioxidants. Although the entire plant is utilized, only natural products of the flowers have previously been thoroughly investigated. The rare natural products bis(3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-methoxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl)-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydronaphthalene-2,3-dicarboxylate, 4-Oxy-(E)-caffeoyl-2,3-dihydroxybutanoic acid methyl ester and 4-Oxy-(Z)-caffeoyl-2,3-dihydroxybutanoic acid methyl ester, in addition to the widely distributed compounds rosmarinic acid methyl ester and (E)-caffeic acid, were purified and characterized from leaves of Echium amoenum. The structures were determined by a combination of several 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques, circular dichroism spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The fact that bis(3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-methoxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl)-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydronaphthalene-2,3-dicarboxylate belongs to a rare group of natural products which have previously been patented for their significant anti-inflammatory activity may rationalize the traditional treatment of inflammations with E. amoenum.

Accumulation of Anthocyanins in Detached Leaves of Kalanchoë blossfeldiana: Relevance to the Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on This Process

Accumulation of anthocyanins in detached leaves and in excised stems of Kalanchoë blossfeldiana kept under natural light conditions in the presence or absence of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) was investigated. When the abaxial surface of detached leaves was held lower than the adaxial surface (the normal or natural position) under natural light conditions, anthocyanins were not accumulated on the abaxial side of the leaves. In contrast, when the adaxial surface of detached leaves was held lower than the abaxial surface (inverted position), anthocyanins were highly accumulated on the abaxial side of the leaves. These phenomena were independent of the growth stage of K. blossfeldiana as well as photoperiod. Application of JA-Me in lanolin paste significantly inhibited anthocyanin accumulation induced on the abaxial side of detached leaves held in an inverted position in a dose-dependent manner. Anthocyanin accumulation in the excised stem in response to natural light was also significantly inhibited by JA-Me in lanolin paste. Possible mechanisms of anthocyanin accumulation on the abaxial side of detached K. blossfeldiana leaves held in an inverted position under natural light conditions and the inhibitory effect of JA-Me on this process are described. The accompanying changes in the content of primary metabolites and histological analyses were also described.

Phytochemical Compounds and Anticancer Activity of Cladanthus mixtus Extracts from Northern Morocco

Many of the chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of cancer are molecules identified and isolated from plants or their synthetic derivatives. This work aimed to identify the bioactive compounds using LC-MS and GC-MS and to evaluate the anticancer activity of the methanolic extracts of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers from Cladanthus mixtus. The anticancer activity was evaluated in vitro against two cancer cell lines: human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and human prostate carcinoma (PC-3), using the MTT assay and microscopic observation. A human normal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) was included to determine the extract's safety for non-tumoral cells. The chemical composition results by LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 24 phenolic compounds. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis allowed the identification of many biomolecules belonging to terpenoids, esters, alcohols, alkanes, fatty acids, organic acids, benzenes, phenols, ketones, carbonyls, amines, sterols, and other groups. The findings suggest that the majority of C. mixtus extracts have antiproliferative activity against two cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and PC-3, and one non-tumoral cell line, MRC-5. The activity was dose-dependent, and the highest effect was obtained with leaf extract in the two cancer cell lines. Moreover, these extracts demonstrated an acceptable toxicological profile against normal cells. Overall, C. mixtus extracts revealed promising antitumor properties provided by their phytochemical composition.

An Updated Systematic Review of Vaccinium myrtillus Leaves: Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Bilberry leaves are used in many countries in traditional medicine for treating a wide variety of diseases. Due to the high therapeutic potential of Vaccinium myrtillus (VM) leaves, this review aims to present the latest knowledge on the phytochemical profile, as well as the therapeutic effects of this herbal drug. The review was conducted according to the Prisma guidelines, and the scientific databases were searched using combinations of the following keywords: "Vaccinium myrtillus", "leaves", "bilberry". Recent research was focused on the influence of abiotic factors on the phytochemical composition, and it seems that there are significant differences between the herbal drugs collected from different countries. The phytochemical composition is correlated with the broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. The paper outlines the potent antimicrobial activity of VM extracts against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, and also the pathways that are modulated by the unique "cocktail" of phytoconstituents in different metabolic alterations. Reviewing the research articles published in the last 10 years, it seems that bilberry leaves have been slightly forgotten, although their phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics are unique.

Cytokinins and auxins in organs of aquatic carnivorous plants: what do they reflect?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Aquatic carnivorous plants have typical rootless linear shoots bearing traps and exhibit steep physiological polarity with rapid apical growth. The aim was to analyse auxin and cytokinin metabolites in traps, leaves/shoots and shoot apices in several species of genera Aldrovanda and Utricularia to elucidate how the hormonal profiles reflect the specific organ functions and polarity.

METHODS

The main auxin and cytokinin metabolites were analysed in miniature samples (>2 mg dry weight) of different organs of Aldrovanda vesiculosa and six Utricularia species using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.

KEY RESULTS

Total contents of biologically active forms (free bases, ribosides) of all four main endogenously occurring cytokinin types were consistently higher in traps than in leaves in four Utricularia species with monomorphic shoots and/or higher than in shoots in two Utricularia species with dimorphic shoots. In Aldrovanda traps, the total content of different cytokinin forms was similar to or lower than that in shoots. In U. australis leaves, feeding on prey increased all cytokinin forms, while no consistent differences occurred in Aldrovanda. In four aquatic Utricularia species with monomorphic shoots, the content of four auxin forms was usually higher in traps than in leaves. Zero IAA content was determined in U. australis leaves from a meso-eutrophic site or when prey-fed.

CONCLUSIONS

Different cytokinin and auxin profiles estimated in traps and leaves/shoots of aquatic carnivorous plants indicate an association with different dominant functions of these organs: nutrient uptake by traps versus photosynthetic function of traps. Interplay of cytokinins and auxins regulates apical dominance in these plants possessing strong polarity.