Investigate synergic effects of nano-Nd2O3 and SiO2 as fertilizer for growth and ostruthin accumulation in Paramignya trimera

Abstract

The study successfully synthesized nano-SiO₂ and Nd₂O₃ materials applying as fertilizers for growth of the Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Guill. (Rutaceae), a well-known medicinal plant in Vietnam and Thailand for treatment of numerous cancers. The cultivation results indicated that the individual uses of nano-SiO₂ and Nd₂O₃, respectively, induced stem and root growth of the P. trimera. Therefore, applications of nano-Nd₂O₃ and SiO₂ mixture exhibited synergic effects to greatly enhance stem and root growth of the P. trimera. The plant height, root length, stem and root weight of the mixture Nd₂O₃ and SiO₂ exposed plant were greatly higher than those of the individual nano-material exposed plants. The extraction experiments indicated that ostruthin, a valuable medicinal substance, accumulated in the roots of the P. trimera rather than in its stems. The ostruthin content in the root of the Nd₂O₃ exposed P. trimera was also greatly higher than those in the control and SiO₂-exposed plants. This indicated that the Nd₂O₃ nano-materials not only induced root growth but also aided the accumulation of ostruthin in the roots of the P. trimera. This open new era on combination application of nano-SiO₂ and Nd₂O₃ for growth of the P. Trimera as well as other medicinal plants.