South African Journal of Botany最新文献

Diversity and dynamics of southern African medicinal and ritual plant use

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2025-02-03 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.007

Ancia (S.F.) Cornelius, Ben-Erik Van Wyk

Research on medicinal and ritual plants (the latter hitherto referred to in the literature as “magic plants”) in southern Africa has substantially increased since the last checklist was published in 2002. This study analyses an updated checklist published in 2024 to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding eight southern African medicinal systems. It also examines the process of recording indigenous knowledge and how the knowledge content has changed in the past two decades. The increasing number of new ethnobotanical inventories from indigenous researchers conducting interviews in languages other than English is noteworthy. The reference list of each taxon was used to create a documentation timeline of medicinal and ritual plant species in RStudio. Taxa were categorised according to biomes by using QGIS. The results showed a total of 3640 medicinal species, 1055 ritual species and 911 species with dual medicinal and ritual use. The numbers of exotic plant species used in traditional medicinal systems in the region have increased uniformly over time, proving that the medicinal systems in southern Africa are adaptable and dynamic. Distinct differences are noticeable between the diversity of plants used in various cultures in southern Africa. Proportionally, the Indian Ocean Belt Biome has the highest number of medicinal and ritual plant species, whereas the Fynbos Biome has the lowest. The gradient of the timeline of new species records for each year shows no signs of reaching a turning point, indicating that much work remains to create a more comprehensive inventory of the fragile oral-traditional knowledge of the various cultural groups of southern Africa.

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引用次数: 0

Usnic acid suppresses inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in a methotrexate-induced pulmonary toxicity model via modulating Nrf2 pathway

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.036

Selim Demir , Nihal Turkmen Alemdar , Esin Yulug , Elif Ayazoglu Demir , Tenzile Beyza Durmus , Ahmet Mentese , Yuksel Aliyazicioglu

Pulmonary toxicity represents a significant adverse effect of methotrexate (MTX), characterised by increased oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. This study focused on revealing the therapeutic role of usnic acid (UA) against MTX-induced lung injury through biochemical and histological approaches by involving the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. A single dose of MTX was administered to rats to induce pulmonary toxicity, and the therapeutic effect of UA was investigated with two different doses (5 and 10 mg/kg). The administration of UA treatments resulted in a significant reduction in the levels of MTX-induced OS, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in the lungs of rats. The administration of UA treatments was found to ameliorate the morphological damage induced by MTX in the lungs of rats. Furthermore, the administration of a particularly high dose of UA resulted in a significant increase in the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in rats compared to those treated with MTX. These findings provide new insight and the first experimental evidence that UA may serve as an effective therapeutic agent in alleviating MTX-induced acute pulmonary toxicity by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

{"title":"Usnic acid suppresses inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in a methotrexate-induced pulmonary toxicity model via modulating Nrf2 pathway","authors":"Selim Demir , Nihal Turkmen Alemdar , Esin Yulug , Elif Ayazoglu Demir , Tenzile Beyza Durmus , Ahmet Mentese , Yuksel Aliyazicioglu","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.036","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.036","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pulmonary toxicity represents a significant adverse effect of methotrexate (MTX), characterised by increased oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. This study focused on revealing the therapeutic role of usnic acid (UA) against MTX-induced lung injury through biochemical and histological approaches by involving the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. A single dose of MTX was administered to rats to induce pulmonary toxicity, and the therapeutic effect of UA was investigated with two different doses (5 and 10 mg/kg). The administration of UA treatments resulted in a significant reduction in the levels of MTX-induced OS, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in the lungs of rats. The administration of UA treatments was found to ameliorate the morphological damage induced by MTX in the lungs of rats. Furthermore, the administration of a particularly high dose of UA resulted in a significant increase in the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in rats compared to those treated with MTX. These findings provide new insight and the first experimental evidence that UA may serve as an effective therapeutic agent in alleviating MTX-induced acute pulmonary toxicity by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"177 ","pages":"Pages 572-578"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143129972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Effect of dwarfism and endogenous gibberellin modulation via growth regulators on heat stress tolerance in wheat

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.006

Shivani Nagar , V.P. Singh , Rajkumar Dhakar , Ajay Arora , Deepika Kumar Umesh , Ekta Joshi , Chandana Behera , Ravi Prakash Saini

Wheat yield is hampered by heat stress during the reproductive stage, and climate change is expected to worsen this effect. Wheat semi-dwarf alleles reduced height, and improved productive tillers ensured food security. However, it is unclear how semi-dwarfism, and exogenous application of growth regulators interact to alleviate heat stress. Therefore, the present study attempted to understand the effect of gibberellic acid 3 (GA₃) and paclobutrazol (PBZ) on semi-dwarf (GA-insensitive) and tall (GA-sensitive) wheat genotypes under stressed environments. The exogenous application of GA₃ and PBZ both influenced endogenous GA₃ levels in leaves; however, PBZ had a more pronounced effect on GA-sensitive genotypes compared to GA-insensitive genotypes under heat stress. It was found that the reduction in photosynthesis rate under stress could be effectively mitigated by PBZ application in GA-insensitive genotypes. Our study also concludes that GA₃ plays a minor role in conferring heat tolerance, as neither GA-sensitivity nor exogenous GA₃ application significantly affected antioxidant enzymes activities or reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, PBZ application enhanced heat stress tolerance by increasing antioxidant enzyme levels and membrane stability, while reducing ROS and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, PBZ's inhibition of kaurene oxidase suggests the activation of alternative pathways for the biosynthesis of defense compounds, such as diterpenoid phytoalexins, which further promote stress tolerance. Although GA₃ had a negligible effect on stress tolerance, it significantly increased 1000-grain weight in GA-sensitive genotypes compared to GA-insensitive ones. This suggests that the greater yield reduction in GA-insensitive genotypes under stress was primarily due to a decrease in grain and tiller numbers rather than test weight.

{"title":"Effect of dwarfism and endogenous gibberellin modulation via growth regulators on heat stress tolerance in wheat","authors":"Shivani Nagar , V.P. Singh , Rajkumar Dhakar , Ajay Arora , Deepika Kumar Umesh , Ekta Joshi , Chandana Behera , Ravi Prakash Saini","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wheat yield is hampered by heat stress during the reproductive stage, and climate change is expected to worsen this effect. Wheat semi-dwarf alleles reduced height, and improved productive tillers ensured food security. However, it is unclear how semi-dwarfism, and exogenous application of growth regulators interact to alleviate heat stress. Therefore, the present study attempted to understand the effect of gibberellic acid 3 (GA<sub>3</sub>) and paclobutrazol (PBZ) on semi-dwarf (GA-insensitive) and tall (GA-sensitive) wheat genotypes under stressed environments. The exogenous application of GA<sub>3</sub> and PBZ both influenced endogenous GA<sub>3</sub> levels in leaves; however, PBZ had a more pronounced effect on GA-sensitive genotypes compared to GA-insensitive genotypes under heat stress. It was found that the reduction in photosynthesis rate under stress could be effectively mitigated by PBZ application in GA-insensitive genotypes. Our study also concludes that GA<sub>3</sub> plays a minor role in conferring heat tolerance, as neither GA-sensitivity nor exogenous GA<sub>3</sub> application significantly affected antioxidant enzymes activities or reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, PBZ application enhanced heat stress tolerance by increasing antioxidant enzyme levels and membrane stability, while reducing ROS and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, PBZ's inhibition of kaurene oxidase suggests the activation of alternative pathways for the biosynthesis of defense compounds, such as diterpenoid phytoalexins, which further promote stress tolerance. Although GA<sub>3</sub> had a negligible effect on stress tolerance, it significantly increased 1000-grain weight in GA-sensitive genotypes compared to GA-insensitive ones. This suggests that the greater yield reduction in GA-insensitive genotypes under stress was primarily due to a decrease in grain and tiller numbers rather than test weight.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"177 ","pages":"Pages 338-346"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Managing wilding pines in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa: Progress and prospects

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.011

Grant Martin , Kim Canavan , Gerald Chikowore , Richard Bugan , Willem De Lange , Ben du Toit , Graham Harding , Ronald Heath , Martin Hill , Brett P. Hurley , Philip Ivey , Debbie Muir , Jufter Musedeli , David M. Richardson , Bernard Slippers , Louise Stafford , Andrew Turner , Kirsten Watson , Brian W. van Wilgen

The occurrence and continuing spread of wilding pines (genus Pinus) in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), South Africa, impacts negatively on water resources, threatens the region's rich biodiversity, and increases the damage caused by uncontrolled wildfires. The invasive potential and threat of wilding pines has been regularly reported since the 1940s, leading to the development and implementation of various control strategies. The last substantial review of pine invasions and their management in the CFR (in 2012) recommended several actions, including securing more sustainable funding and adopting alternative control methods. We review the last 12 years of wilding pine research and management in the CFR, and provide updates on spread and impact, government funding, payments for ecosystems services initiatives, and contributions of the South African Forest industry. We note an increase in private funding, specifically to address invasion in priority catchment areas in the Greater Cape Town region, as well as a recent decline in government funding. Steps have also been taken to revive research aimed at biological control of pines originating from the Iberian Peninsula. The forest industry has deployed species with lower fecundity in some parts of the CFR and has also started experimenting with hybrids that could potentially be less invasive. New methods for applying herbicides may prove to be more efficient than currently used methods. We discuss five opportunities for addressing current shortcomings in the management of wilding pines, namely broadening sources of funding to increase sustainability, effectively integrating all available management techniques, accommodating the need for commercial forestry, focussing scarce funds on priority areas, and raising awareness. We stress that failure to contain rampant invasions by wilding pines will have far-reaching consequences for conservation in the CFR.

{"title":"Managing wilding pines in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa: Progress and prospects","authors":"Grant Martin , Kim Canavan , Gerald Chikowore , Richard Bugan , Willem De Lange , Ben du Toit , Graham Harding , Ronald Heath , Martin Hill , Brett P. Hurley , Philip Ivey , Debbie Muir , Jufter Musedeli , David M. Richardson , Bernard Slippers , Louise Stafford , Andrew Turner , Kirsten Watson , Brian W. van Wilgen","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The occurrence and continuing spread of wilding pines (genus <em>Pinus</em>) in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), South Africa, impacts negatively on water resources, threatens the region's rich biodiversity, and increases the damage caused by uncontrolled wildfires. The invasive potential and threat of wilding pines has been regularly reported since the 1940s, leading to the development and implementation of various control strategies. The last substantial review of pine invasions and their management in the CFR (in 2012) recommended several actions, including securing more sustainable funding and adopting alternative control methods. We review the last 12 years of wilding pine research and management in the CFR, and provide updates on spread and impact, government funding, payments for ecosystems services initiatives, and contributions of the South African Forest industry. We note an increase in private funding, specifically to address invasion in priority catchment areas in the Greater Cape Town region, as well as a recent decline in government funding. Steps have also been taken to revive research aimed at biological control of pines originating from the Iberian Peninsula. The forest industry has deployed species with lower fecundity in some parts of the CFR and has also started experimenting with hybrids that could potentially be less invasive. New methods for applying herbicides may prove to be more efficient than currently used methods. We discuss five opportunities for addressing current shortcomings in the management of wilding pines, namely broadening sources of funding to increase sustainability, effectively integrating all available management techniques, accommodating the need for commercial forestry, focussing scarce funds on priority areas, and raising awareness. We stress that failure to contain rampant invasions by wilding pines will have far-reaching consequences for conservation in the CFR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"177 ","pages":"Pages 377-391"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Molecular mechanisms of methyl jasmonate (MeJAs)-mediated detoxification of heavy metals (HMs) in agricultural crops: An interactive review

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.11.031

Talat Ilyas , Mohammad Shahid , Zaryab Shafi , Shaikh Aliya Aijaz , Wasiullah

Heavy metals (HMs) and metalloids such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As), are significant soil contaminants worldwide that pose a substantial threat to agricultural productivity and human health. Therefore, to reduce HM buildup in plants, mitigation/detoxification strategies must be developed. For phytoremediation, plants with the ability to hyper-accumulate and hyper-tolerate dangerous minerals—both naturally occurring and genetically modified—have promise. To date, only a small number of plant species, including Arabidopsis and Oryza, have been utilized to illustrate the molecular processes of plant detoxification and/or HMs buildup. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a biostimulant plays a crucial role in improving plant tolerance to various environmental stresses including HM toxicity. In this review, the physiological and molecular reactions of MeJAs for HMs are discussed. MeJA reduces metal accumulation and increases resistance to HMs by coordinating the ion transport system, antioxidant enzyme activities, and chelating capacity in plants. The Ca²⁺ signaling has been proposed as a potential contributor to the production of jasmonate that is brought on by plant stress. The primary gene families participating in JA-responsive pathways are identified using comparative transcriptomics analysis utilizing available datasets. The evolutionary conservation and diversity of these gene families seen in a significant number of species belonging to the primary lineages of green plants discussed in this research lend credence to the notion that JAs act as phytohormones that protect plants from HMs/metalloids.

By utilizing the ATP-Binding Cassette-G (ABCG) transporter subfamily of six common green plant species, the JA transporters in Subgroup 4 of ABCGs may potentially contribute to HM detoxification. This review may help in the selection and development of suitable HMs-resistant crop species.

{"title":"Molecular mechanisms of methyl jasmonate (MeJAs)-mediated detoxification of heavy metals (HMs) in agricultural crops: An interactive review","authors":"Talat Ilyas , Mohammad Shahid , Zaryab Shafi , Shaikh Aliya Aijaz , Wasiullah","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.11.031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.11.031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heavy metals (HMs) and metalloids such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As), are significant soil contaminants worldwide that pose a substantial threat to agricultural productivity and human health. Therefore, to reduce HM buildup in plants, mitigation/detoxification strategies must be developed. For phytoremediation, plants with the ability to hyper-accumulate and hyper-tolerate dangerous minerals—both naturally occurring and genetically modified—have promise. To date, only a small number of plant species, including <em>Arabidopsis</em> and <em>Oryza</em>, have been utilized to illustrate the molecular processes of plant detoxification and/or HMs buildup. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a biostimulant plays a crucial role in improving plant tolerance to various environmental stresses including HM toxicity. In this review, the physiological and molecular reactions of MeJAs for HMs are discussed. MeJA reduces metal accumulation and increases resistance to HMs by coordinating the ion transport system, antioxidant enzyme activities, and chelating capacity in plants. The Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling has been proposed as a potential contributor to the production of jasmonate that is brought on by plant stress. The primary gene families participating in JA-responsive pathways are identified using comparative transcriptomics analysis utilizing available datasets. The evolutionary conservation and diversity of these gene families seen in a significant number of species belonging to the primary lineages of green plants discussed in this research lend credence to the notion that JAs act as phytohormones that protect plants from HMs/metalloids.</div><div>By utilizing the ATP-Binding Cassette-G (ABCG) transporter subfamily of six common green plant species, the JA transporters in Subgroup 4 of ABCGs may potentially contribute to HM detoxification. This review may help in the selection and development of suitable HMs-resistant crop species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"177 ","pages":"Pages 139-159"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

A comparative analysis of the content of functional constituents and melanin inhibition efficacy in Portulaca oleracea L

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.016

Yue Hao , Ming Zhao , Zhichun Shi , Jun Li , Dan Wang , Liqiu Sun

The function components of Portulaca oleracea L. are abundant. This study compared the content of functional components, antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity in different solvent extracts of Portulaca oleracea L, including methanol extracts and aqueous extracts. The ethyl acetate extract from the aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea L. demonstrated the highest content of total phenols, total flavonoids, total saponins, chlorogenic acid, p-hydroxycinnamic acid, and ferulic acid, along with the best antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was observed between the content of functional components and in vitro activities (p < 0.05). The findings indicated that the ethyl acetate extract from the aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea L. was rich in functional components and exhibited the most potent biological activities, providing a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of this plant.

引用次数: 0

Purification of α-amyrin-acetate and phenylpropanoïd compounds from Ficus umbellata Vahl (Moraceae) stem bark and evaluation of their anti-breast cancer potential

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.015

Kevine Kamga Silihe , Stephane Zingue , Mariamawit Yonathan Yeshak , Daniel Bisrat , Douglas Kemboi , Karen Bräutigam , Achim Rody , Thomas Michel , Kaleab Asres , Dieudonne Njamen , Anupam Bishayee , Frank Köster

Background

Ficus umbellata Vahl is one of the plants used in Cameroonian empirical system to treat cancer. Previous studies have shown its cytotoxic potential on mammary and ovarian cancer cells, and its chemopreventive potential against ovarian cancer in rats. The aim of this work was to determine the bioactive constituents of F. umbellata Vahl and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of the promising one.

Methods

F. umbellata stem bark extract was partitioned and bioguided-fractionation was performed using MTS assay on breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and ovarian (Hey, Hey-Cis, PA-1 and OAW-42) cancer cell lines. Further, isolates were purified, characterized and tested. The most active compound was investigated on cell growth, cell proliferation, formation of clones, cell death mechanisms, caspase-3 activity, wound healing, chemotaxis and cell adhesion. Moreover, the expression of proteins related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), apoptosis and MAP-kinase were also measured using Western blot.

Results

Out of the 4 isolates, C1 (α-amyrin-acetate) had significant cytotoxic potential on MDA-MB-231 (∼10 μg/mL), Hey-Cis (10.59) and PA-1 (13.18 μg/mL). Further, it reduced MDA-MB 231 cell growth (p ˂ 0.01) and proliferation (p ˂ 0.05), as well as clone formation (p ˂0.001) at 10 µg/mL. C1 increased the number of apoptotic cells by 50 % at 5 µg/mL and 65 % at 10 µg/mL, accompanied by an increase (p ˂ 0.05) in caspase-3 activity. It inhibited cell migration/invasion (p ˂ 0.01) and increased their adherence to collagen and fibronectin. It promoted the cleavage of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, increased E-cadherin, and significantly (p ˂ 0.01) inhibited both vimentin and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated activation.

Conclusion

In sum α-amyrin-acetate is at least partly responsible for F. umbellata cytotoxic effect mediated through proapoptotic response and protection against Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

{"title":"Purification of α-amyrin-acetate and phenylpropanoïd compounds from Ficus umbellata Vahl (Moraceae) stem bark and evaluation of their anti-breast cancer potential","authors":"Kevine Kamga Silihe , Stephane Zingue , Mariamawit Yonathan Yeshak , Daniel Bisrat , Douglas Kemboi , Karen Bräutigam , Achim Rody , Thomas Michel , Kaleab Asres , Dieudonne Njamen , Anupam Bishayee , Frank Köster","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.015","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Ficus umbellata</em> Vahl is one of the plants used in Cameroonian empirical system to treat cancer. Previous studies have shown its cytotoxic potential on mammary and ovarian cancer cells, and its chemopreventive potential against ovarian cancer in rats. The aim of this work was to determine the bioactive constituents of <em>F. umbellata</em> Vahl and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of the promising one.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><em>F. umbellata</em> stem bark extract was partitioned and bioguided-fractionation was performed using MTS assay on breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and ovarian (Hey, Hey-Cis, PA-1 and OAW-42) cancer cell lines. Further, isolates were purified, characterized and tested. The most active compound was investigated on cell growth, cell proliferation, formation of clones, cell death mechanisms, caspase-3 activity, wound healing, chemotaxis and cell adhesion. Moreover, the expression of proteins related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), apoptosis and MAP-kinase were also measured using Western blot.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Out of the 4 isolates, C1 (α-amyrin-acetate) had significant cytotoxic potential on MDA-MB-231 (∼10 μg/mL), Hey-Cis (10.59) and PA-1 (13.18 μg/mL). Further, it reduced MDA-MB 231 cell growth (<em>p</em> ˂ 0.01) and proliferation (<em>p</em> ˂ 0.05), as well as clone formation (<em>p</em> ˂0.001) at 10 µg/mL. C1 increased the number of apoptotic cells by 50 % at 5 µg/mL and 65 % at 10 µg/mL, accompanied by an increase (<em>p</em> ˂ 0.05) in caspase-3 activity. It inhibited cell migration/invasion (<em>p</em> ˂ 0.01) and increased their adherence to collagen and fibronectin. It promoted the cleavage of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, increased E-cadherin, and significantly (<em>p</em> ˂ 0.01) inhibited both vimentin and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated activation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In sum α-amyrin-acetate is at least partly responsible for <em>F. umbellata</em> cytotoxic effect mediated through proapoptotic response and protection against Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"177 ","pages":"Pages 445-456"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Synergistic effects of methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid enhances photosynthetic efficiency in drought-stressed French beans

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.037

Mohammed Mohi-Ud-Din , Mahmudul Hasan Tahery , Anika Nazran , Dipa Talukder , Md. Mehedi Hasan , S. M. Zubair Al-Meraj , Sheikh Faruk Ahmed

French bean, a vital member of the Fabaceae family, enjoys global popularity as both a vegetable and a pulse. However, its cultivation is increasingly challenged by drought, a consequence of dwindling water resources, climate change, and global warming. Applying phytohormones during early growth stages offers a promising strategy to mitigate drought stress. This study explored the individual and combined effects of methyl jasmonate (MJ) and salicylic acid (SA) on French bean plants subjected to drought conditions. The results demonstrated that drought significantly impaired various physiological and biochemical traits, including stomatal characteristics, photosynthetic performance, mesophyll pigment content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and biomass accumulation. Drought increased stomatal density but decreased stomatal size, leading to reduced gas exchange and photosynthetic rates. While MJ or SA alone partially alleviated the adverse effects of drought on the studied traits, their combined application proved significantly more effective. The combined treatment improved stomatal attributes, photosynthetic efficiency, and biomass production. Additionally, it enhanced leaf water content, reduced membrane permeability, and regulated proline and soluble sugar levels, contributing to improved plant resilience under drought conditions. A correlation analysis revealed strong correlations between biomass production and key physiological traits, further underscoring the synergistic potential of MJ and SA in enhancing drought tolerance in French beans. The findings of this study could contribute to the development of more effective management strategies for French bean cultivation in water-limited environments.

{"title":"Synergistic effects of methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid enhances photosynthetic efficiency in drought-stressed French beans","authors":"Mohammed Mohi-Ud-Din , Mahmudul Hasan Tahery , Anika Nazran , Dipa Talukder , Md. Mehedi Hasan , S. M. Zubair Al-Meraj , Sheikh Faruk Ahmed","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.037","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.037","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>French bean, a vital member of the Fabaceae family, enjoys global popularity as both a vegetable and a pulse. However, its cultivation is increasingly challenged by drought, a consequence of dwindling water resources, climate change, and global warming. Applying phytohormones during early growth stages offers a promising strategy to mitigate drought stress. This study explored the individual and combined effects of methyl jasmonate (MJ) and salicylic acid (SA) on French bean plants subjected to drought conditions. The results demonstrated that drought significantly impaired various physiological and biochemical traits, including stomatal characteristics, photosynthetic performance, mesophyll pigment content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and biomass accumulation. Drought increased stomatal density but decreased stomatal size, leading to reduced gas exchange and photosynthetic rates. While MJ or SA alone partially alleviated the adverse effects of drought on the studied traits, their combined application proved significantly more effective. The combined treatment improved stomatal attributes, photosynthetic efficiency, and biomass production. Additionally, it enhanced leaf water content, reduced membrane permeability, and regulated proline and soluble sugar levels, contributing to improved plant resilience under drought conditions. A correlation analysis revealed strong correlations between biomass production and key physiological traits, further underscoring the synergistic potential of MJ and SA in enhancing drought tolerance in French beans. The findings of this study could contribute to the development of more effective management strategies for French bean cultivation in water-limited environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"177 ","pages":"Pages 630-642"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143129978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Genome-wide analysis of soybean phosphofructokinase genes reveal their potential roles in seed germination and stress response

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.002

Yang Yu , Yanang Xu , Xiangbo Duan

Phosphofructokinase is an important rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of fructose-6-phosphate in glycolysis. However, the biological functions of soybean (Glycine max L.) phosphofructokinases are not well understood. In this study, genome-wide analysis identified 21 phosphofructokinase genes in soybean and then a systematic bioinformatic analysis was conducted on this gene family. It was found that soybean phosphofructokinases were classified into two major subfamilies, including ATP-dependent phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyrophosphate-fructose-6-phosphate-phosphotransferase (PFP). The two subfamilies showed clear differentiation in both conserved motifs and gene structure. Twenty-eight duplication events were discovered among soybean phosphofructokinases, contributing to the expansion of the gene family. Gene ontology analysis and promoter analysis revealed the multiple biological processes that soybean phosphofructokinases might participate in. Based on transcriptome data, we found that the phosphofructokinases exhibited different tissue-specific expression patterns, and that these genes, especially GmPFPs, might play particular roles in seed germination. The expression pattern analysis under abiotic stress indicated the involvement of soybean phosphofructokinase genes in response to drought and submergence stress. These results facilitated our understanding of soybean phosphofructokinases and provided a foundation for further studies on this gene family.

{"title":"Genome-wide analysis of soybean phosphofructokinase genes reveal their potential roles in seed germination and stress response","authors":"Yang Yu , Yanang Xu , Xiangbo Duan","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phosphofructokinase is an important rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of fructose-6-phosphate in glycolysis. However, the biological functions of soybean (<em>Glycine max</em> L.) phosphofructokinases are not well understood. In this study, genome-wide analysis identified 21 <em>phosphofructokinase</em> genes in soybean and then a systematic bioinformatic analysis was conducted on this gene family. It was found that soybean phosphofructokinases were classified into two major subfamilies, including ATP-dependent phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyrophosphate-fructose-6-phosphate-phosphotransferase (PFP). The two subfamilies showed clear differentiation in both conserved motifs and gene structure. Twenty-eight duplication events were discovered among soybean <em>phosphofructokinases</em>, contributing to the expansion of the gene family. Gene ontology analysis and promoter analysis revealed the multiple biological processes that soybean phosphofructokinases might participate in. Based on transcriptome data, we found that the <em>phosphofructokinases</em> exhibited different tissue-specific expression patterns, and that these genes, especially <em>GmPFPs</em>, might play particular roles in seed germination. The expression pattern analysis under abiotic stress indicated the involvement of soybean <em>phosphofructokinase</em> genes in response to drought and submergence stress. These results facilitated our understanding of soybean phosphofructokinases and provided a foundation for further studies on this gene family.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"177 ","pages":"Pages 109-117"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Cardioprotective effects of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) against isoproterenol-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts: Enhancing antioxidative and mitochondrial function

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.11.040

S Shaboodien , C Payne , MS Parker , E Marais , R Johnson , G Maarman

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global health threat associated with several risk factors, including systemic hypertension. Persistent elevation in blood pressure exerts significant stress on the left ventricle, which can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and over time, progress to left ventricular failure. Most pharmacological treatments have long-term side effects and are costly, especially for patients who reside in low-resource settings. Therefore, there is a quest to identify adjuvant therapies that are more natural and affordable, to assist in managing CVD. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos, RB) against isoproterenol-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Cardiomyoblasts were exposed to either isoproterenol (50 μM, 24 h), RB (100 μg/mL, 24 h), co-treatment with isoproterenol (50 μM, 24 h) and control (2 % FBS media, 24 h). We conducted the following experiments: cell viability assay (MTT), cell size (light microscopy), antioxidant assays (SOD and CAT), lipid peroxidation assay (TBARS), Western blots, high-resolution respirometry and an ATP assay. Isoproterenol increased cell size, reduced cell viability, reduced the activities of SOD and CAT, increased oxidative stress via an increase in lipid peroxidation, reduced mitochondrial routine respiration, complex-I linked OXPHOS and the contribution of complex-II to the ETS via the S-pathway, and elevated complex-IV activity without negatively impacting ATP levels. Co-treatment with RB and isoproterenol reduced cell size, improved antioxidant enzyme activity, increased routine respiration, increased complex-I linked OXPHOS, and reduced the cytochrome-c response, while increasing the expression of total Akt and reducing total NFAT expression. Our data suggests that RB may be a potential adjuvant therapy in treating left ventricular hypertrophy. The protective effect of RB in this context is ascribed to its potent antioxidant action and rescuing effect on mitochondrial dysfunction.

{"title":"Cardioprotective effects of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) against isoproterenol-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts: Enhancing antioxidative and mitochondrial function","authors":"S Shaboodien , C Payne , MS Parker , E Marais , R Johnson , G Maarman","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.11.040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.11.040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global health threat associated with several risk factors, including systemic hypertension. Persistent elevation in blood pressure exerts significant stress on the left ventricle, which can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and over time, progress to left ventricular failure. Most pharmacological treatments have long-term side effects and are costly, especially for patients who reside in low-resource settings. Therefore, there is a quest to identify adjuvant therapies that are more natural and affordable, to assist in managing CVD. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos, RB) against isoproterenol-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Cardiomyoblasts were exposed to either isoproterenol (50 μM, 24 h), RB (100 μg/mL, 24 h), co-treatment with isoproterenol (50 μM, 24 h) and control (2 % FBS media, 24 h). We conducted the following experiments: cell viability assay (MTT), cell size (light microscopy), antioxidant assays (SOD and CAT), lipid peroxidation assay (TBARS), Western blots, high-resolution respirometry and an ATP assay. Isoproterenol increased cell size, reduced cell viability, reduced the activities of SOD and CAT, increased oxidative stress via an increase in lipid peroxidation, reduced mitochondrial routine respiration, complex-I linked OXPHOS and the contribution of complex-II to the ETS via the S-pathway, and elevated complex-IV activity without negatively impacting ATP levels. Co-treatment with RB and isoproterenol reduced cell size, improved antioxidant enzyme activity, increased routine respiration, increased complex-I linked OXPHOS, and reduced the cytochrome-c response, while increasing the expression of total Akt and reducing total NFAT expression. Our data suggests that RB may be a potential adjuvant therapy in treating left ventricular hypertrophy. The protective effect of RB in this context is ascribed to its potent antioxidant action and rescuing effect on mitochondrial dysfunction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"177 ","pages":"Pages 211-224"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0