Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-11DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.009
Rodney O. Moffett
A small evergreen tree from the Lowveld Botanic Garden at Mbombela in eastern Mpumalanga, previously given the provisional name Taxon – C, as it was thought to be a hybrid, has found to be fairly common in the area between Mbombela and Barberton, and is given the formal name Searsia elisae Moffett.
{"title":"Searsia elisae Moffett, a new species of Searsia (Anacardiaceae) from Mpumalanga, South Africa","authors":"Rodney O. Moffett","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A small evergreen tree from the Lowveld Botanic Garden at Mbombela in eastern Mpumalanga, previously given the provisional name Taxon – C, as it was thought to be a hybrid, has found to be fairly common in the area between Mbombela and Barberton, and is given the formal name <em>Searsia elisae</em> Moffett.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 78-82"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192826","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}
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is a neglected and underutilised crop species (NUCS), valued for its protein content and drought tolerance. Despite its potential as a future crop, it remains in its landrace form due to the absence of improved varieties. Identifying traits that can benefit breeding programmes is crucial for crop improvement. This systematic literature review explored past methodologies, emerging themes, progress, and challenges in Bambara groundnut characterisation over the last 14 years to assess research progress and identify gaps. The review analysed 937 articles from Scopus and Web of Science, filtering down to 61 relevant studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Network analysis was applied to identify connections and gaps in Bambara groundnut characterisation research. The review revealed that genetic, cytogenetic, morphological, and agronomic characterisation are the most common approaches. Genetic characterisation was demonstrated using molecular markers to assess genetic diversity among landraces. Cytogenetics remains largely unexplored, with a need for understanding heritable patterns. Morphological and agronomic characterisations highlighted the complex interactions between traits and landrace characteristics. Network analysis underscored the interconnectedness of research themes and their links to broader agricultural issues like food security and climate change. Characterisation is essential for understanding Bambara groundnut's adaptability and resilience. While challenges persist, particularly with limited genetic and phenotypic studies, the review enhances the understanding of current methodologies. It offers insights into breeding, conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting small-scale farmers and local communities reliant on improved varieties.
班巴拉花生（Vigna subterrea）Verdc.)是一种被忽视和未充分利用的作物物种（NUCS），因其蛋白质含量和耐旱性而受到重视。尽管它有潜力成为未来的作物，但由于缺乏改良品种，它仍然处于地方品种的形式。确定有利于育种计划的性状对作物改良至关重要。这篇系统的文献综述探讨了过去14年来班巴拉花生表征的方法、新主题、进展和挑战，以评估研究进展并确定差距。该综述分析了来自Scopus和Web of Science的937篇文章，根据纳入和排除标准筛选出61篇相关研究。网络分析应用于班巴拉花生特性研究中的联系和差距。综述显示，遗传、细胞遗传学、形态学和农艺鉴定是最常用的方法。利用分子标记对地方品种的遗传多样性进行了鉴定。细胞遗传学在很大程度上仍未被探索，需要了解遗传模式。形态和农艺特征突出了性状与地方性状之间复杂的相互作用。网络分析强调了研究主题之间的相互联系，以及它们与粮食安全和气候变化等更广泛的农业问题之间的联系。特征描述对于理解班巴拉花生的适应性和弹性至关重要。尽管挑战依然存在，特别是有限的遗传和表型研究，但该综述提高了对当前方法的理解。它提供了有关育种、保护和可持续农业实践的见解，使依赖改良品种的小农和当地社区受益。
{"title":"A systematic review on Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) landrace characterisation studies","authors":"Mpho Clementine Matsobane , Rhoda Ronette Malgas , Sydney Mavengahama , Ethel Emmarantia Phiri","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bambara groundnut (<em>Vigna subterranea</em> (L.) Verdc.) is a neglected and underutilised crop species (NUCS), valued for its protein content and drought tolerance. Despite its potential as a future crop, it remains in its landrace form due to the absence of improved varieties. Identifying traits that can benefit breeding programmes is crucial for crop improvement. This systematic literature review explored past methodologies, emerging themes, progress, and challenges in Bambara groundnut characterisation over the last 14 years to assess research progress and identify gaps. The review analysed 937 articles from Scopus and Web of Science, filtering down to 61 relevant studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Network analysis was applied to identify connections and gaps in Bambara groundnut characterisation research. The review revealed that genetic, cytogenetic, morphological, and agronomic characterisation are the most common approaches. Genetic characterisation was demonstrated using molecular markers to assess genetic diversity among landraces. Cytogenetics remains largely unexplored, with a need for understanding heritable patterns. Morphological and agronomic characterisations highlighted the complex interactions between traits and landrace characteristics. Network analysis underscored the interconnectedness of research themes and their links to broader agricultural issues like food security and climate change. Characterisation is essential for understanding Bambara groundnut's adaptability and resilience. While challenges persist, particularly with limited genetic and phenotypic studies, the review enhances the understanding of current methodologies. It offers insights into breeding, conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting small-scale farmers and local communities reliant on improved varieties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 103-111"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192828","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}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.047
Thubelihle Mathonsi , Siphelele Ndlovu , Fikisiwe Gebashe , Manoj Kulkarni , Johannes Van Staden
Successfully establishing vigorous seedlings is crucial for predicting high crop yield. Biostimulants, including Kelpak, smoke-water and vermicompost, have been recognized as a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals by enhancing seed germination, seedling vigour, and stress tolerance. The current study investigated how soaking red Bambara groundnut seeds for different durations (6, 12, 18 and 24 h) in biostimulant solutions, smoke-water, vermicompost leachate, and seaweed concentrate impacts seedling development, biomass and nutrient composition. Twelve-hour soaking with biostimulants significantly enhanced seedling development and metabolic activity. Conversely, a longer duration of soaking in water for more than 6 h decreased seed weight, which may lead to oxygen deficiency, resulting in stunted seedling development. Seaweed extract and smoke-water noticeably increased root length and total seedling weight, lowering proline content in shoots and roots, indicating reduced osmotic stress. Vermicompost leachate increased total starch and protein levels but slightly increased proline levels, suggesting metabolic priming for future stress resilience. Interestingly, all three biostimulants shifted nutrient allocation towards shoot tissues, thereby improving carbon and nitrogen reserves for photosynthesis. A 12-h soaking in Kelpak or smoke-water optimally stimulates starch synthesis, protein accumulation and stress resilience. This offers eco-friendly plant promoters that improves plant establishment and yield potential in this underutilized legume.
{"title":"Biostimulant seed-soaking enhances development and metabolism in red Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea Verdc.) seedlings","authors":"Thubelihle Mathonsi , Siphelele Ndlovu , Fikisiwe Gebashe , Manoj Kulkarni , Johannes Van Staden","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Successfully establishing vigorous seedlings is crucial for predicting high crop yield. Biostimulants, including Kelpak, smoke-water and vermicompost, have been recognized as a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals by enhancing seed germination, seedling vigour, and stress tolerance. The current study investigated how soaking red Bambara groundnut seeds for different durations (6, 12, 18 and 24 h) in biostimulant solutions, smoke-water, vermicompost leachate, and seaweed concentrate impacts seedling development, biomass and nutrient composition. Twelve-hour soaking with biostimulants significantly enhanced seedling development and metabolic activity. Conversely, a longer duration of soaking in water for more than 6 h decreased seed weight, which may lead to oxygen deficiency, resulting in stunted seedling development. Seaweed extract and smoke-water noticeably increased root length and total seedling weight, lowering proline content in shoots and roots, indicating reduced osmotic stress. Vermicompost leachate increased total starch and protein levels but slightly increased proline levels, suggesting metabolic priming for future stress resilience. Interestingly, all three biostimulants shifted nutrient allocation towards shoot tissues, thereby improving carbon and nitrogen reserves for photosynthesis. A 12-h soaking in Kelpak or smoke-water optimally stimulates starch synthesis, protein accumulation and stress resilience. This offers eco-friendly plant promoters that improves plant establishment and yield potential in this underutilized legume.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 55-62"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192830","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}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.039
Payal Mittal , Preeti Gautam , Vikas Gupta , Kamal Shah , Perwez Alam , Hitesh Kumar Dewangan
Traditionally, Artemisia vulgaris has been used to treat disorders related to stress and anxiety. The objective of this study was to determine the underlying neurochemical mechanisms and anxiolytic potential of the methanolic extract of A. vulgaris aerial parts in Swiss albino mice. With diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) serving as the standard, behavioral evaluation was carried out using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Light–Dark Model (LDM) at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg (i.p.). Similar to diazepam, the 600 mg/kg dose markedly increased the amount of time spent in light area (LDM) and open arms (EPM) (p < 0.001). α-cardinol, viridiflorol, germacrene D, and limonene were found to be active constituents with a strong binding affinity toward MAO-A (–6.2 to –6.5 kcal/mol), similar to diazepam (–6.7 kcal/mol), according to molecular docking (AutoDock Vina, PDB 6D6U). The docking is presented as predictive evidence that these compounds may interact with the target and support the in-vivo findings, but not as confirmation of biological effect. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex showed increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, catalase, and GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), while neurochemical tests (HPLC/ELISA) showed increased levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin (5-HT). According to these results, A. vulgaris reduces oxidative stress, inhibits MAO, and modulates GABAergic transmission to produce anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects. Additional in-vivo and receptor-binding research is necessary because the identified phytocompounds exhibit encouraging potential as natural anxiolytic candidates.
{"title":"Mechanistic insights into the anxiolytic effects of Artemisia vulgaris via GABAergic, antioxidant and neurochemical correlation in swiss albino mice","authors":"Payal Mittal , Preeti Gautam , Vikas Gupta , Kamal Shah , Perwez Alam , Hitesh Kumar Dewangan","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.039","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.039","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traditionally, <em>Artemisia vulgaris</em> has been used to treat disorders related to stress and anxiety. The objective of this study was to determine the underlying neurochemical mechanisms and anxiolytic potential of the methanolic extract of A. vulgaris aerial parts in Swiss albino mice. With diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) serving as the standard, behavioral evaluation was carried out using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Light–Dark Model (LDM) at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg (i.p.). Similar to diazepam, the 600 mg/kg dose markedly increased the amount of time spent in light area (LDM) and open arms (EPM) (p < 0.001). α-cardinol, viridiflorol, germacrene D, and limonene were found to be active constituents with a strong binding affinity toward MAO-A (–6.2 to –6.5 kcal/mol), similar to diazepam (–6.7 kcal/mol), according to molecular docking (AutoDock Vina, PDB <span><span>6D6U</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>). The docking is presented as predictive evidence that these compounds may interact with the target and support the <em>in-vivo</em> findings, but not as confirmation of biological effect. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex showed increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, catalase, and GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), while neurochemical tests (HPLC/ELISA) showed increased levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin (5-HT). According to these results, <em>A. vulgaris</em> reduces oxidative stress, inhibits MAO, and modulates GABAergic transmission to produce anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects. Additional <em>in-vivo</em> and receptor-binding research is necessary because the identified phytocompounds exhibit encouraging potential as natural anxiolytic candidates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 83-91"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192829","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}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-14DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.020
Mahsa Rezaei , Masoomeh Shams-Ghahfarokhi , Mehdi Razzaghi-Abyaneh
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), is a highly potent type I hepatocarcinogen, posing a significant global health concern due to its association with liver cancer and acute aflatoxicosis in human and animals. This study aimed to evaluate the combinational inhibitory effects of Hypericum vermiculare (HVEO) and Salvia officinalis (SOEO) essential oils on fungal growth, ergosterol synthesis, AFB1 production and the expression of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes in Aspergillus flavus. The chemical composition of both essential oils was determined using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). AFB1-producing A. flavus was cultured in yeast extract-sucrose (YES) broth and treated with two-fold serial concentrations (62.5–2000 μg/ml) of plant EOs at 28 °C for 4 days. Mycelia biomass was measured as an index of fungal growth. Ergosterol content of fungal mycelia was quantified spectrophotometrically, and AFB1 was determined by HPLC analysis. Expression of aflR and aflS regulatory genes was assessed via quantitative real-time PCR. GC–MS analysis identified α-pinene (45.3%) and longifolene (14.19%) as major HVEO components, while SOEO was rich in camphor (31.78%) and 1, 8-cineole (22.30%). At 1000 μg/mL, SOEO significantly inhibited fungal growth, ergosterol content, destructed membranous structures of hyphae and suppressed AFB1 production, whereas HVEO exhibited comparatively lower inhibitory effects. HVEO down-regulated aflR and aflS expression by 3.7-fold and 2.8-fold, while SOEO caused 2.9-fold and 2.3-fold decreases, respectively. This study provides the first evidence that HVEO and SOEO suppress aflR and aflS in A. flavus, linking their GC–MS-identified compounds to anti-aflatoxigenic effects. The inhibition of A. flavus growth and AFB1 production by reducing ergosterol synthesis and down-regulating aflR and aflS expression provide evidence-based information about S. officinalis and H. vermiculare as promising candidates to control fungal contamination of agricultural crops and food commodities.
{"title":"Hypericum vermiculare and Salvia officinalis inhibitory effects on aflatoxin B1 production and regulatory genes expression in Aspergillus flavus","authors":"Mahsa Rezaei , Masoomeh Shams-Ghahfarokhi , Mehdi Razzaghi-Abyaneh","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aflatoxin B<sub>1</sub> (AFB<sub>1</sub>), is a highly potent type I hepatocarcinogen, posing a significant global health concern due to its association with liver cancer and acute aflatoxicosis in human and animals. This study aimed to evaluate the combinational inhibitory effects of <em>Hypericum vermiculare</em> (HVEO) and <em>Salvia officinalis</em> (SOEO) essential oils on fungal growth, ergosterol synthesis, AFB<sub>1</sub> production and the expression of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes in <em>Aspergillus flavus</em>. The chemical composition of both essential oils was determined using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). AFB<sub>1</sub>-producing <em>A. flavus</em> was cultured in yeast extract-sucrose (YES) broth and treated with two-fold serial concentrations (62.5–2000 μg/ml) of plant EOs at 28 °C for 4 days. Mycelia biomass was measured as an index of fungal growth. Ergosterol content of fungal mycelia was quantified spectrophotometrically, and AFB<sub>1</sub> was determined by HPLC analysis. Expression of <em>aflR</em> and <em>aflS</em> regulatory genes was assessed via quantitative real-time PCR. GC–MS analysis identified α-pinene (45.3%) and longifolene (14.19%) as major HVEO components, while SOEO was rich in camphor (31.78%) and 1, 8-cineole (22.30%). At 1000 μg/mL, SOEO significantly inhibited fungal growth, ergosterol content, destructed membranous structures of hyphae and suppressed AFB<sub>1</sub> production, whereas HVEO exhibited comparatively lower inhibitory effects. HVEO down-regulated <em>aflR</em> and <em>aflS</em> expression by 3.7-fold and 2.8-fold, while SOEO caused 2.9-fold and 2.3-fold decreases, respectively. This study provides the first evidence that HVEO and SOEO suppress <em>aflR</em> and <em>aflS</em> in <em>A. flavus</em>, linking their GC–MS-identified compounds to anti-aflatoxigenic effects. The inhibition of <em>A. flavus</em> growth and AFB<sub>1</sub> production by reducing ergosterol synthesis and down-regulating <em>aflR</em> and <em>aflS</em> expression provide evidence-based information about <em>S. officinalis</em> and <em>H. vermiculare</em> as promising candidates to control fungal contamination of agricultural crops and food commodities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 139-146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192750","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}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.049
Hala E. Taha
Jasminum fluminense, growing in Egypt, has not been previously investigated for its chemical composition or anti-obesity potential. Accordingly, the anti-adipogenicity of J. fluminense aerial parts (the total ethanolic extract and its fractions) was evaluated. Among the tested samples, the ethyl acetate fractional extract (EtOAc. Fr. Ext.) exhibited moderate pancreatic lipase inhibition with an IC50 (25.79 ± 1.89 µg/ml). EtOAc. Fr. Ext also significantly reduced lipid accumulation in high-fat-diet adipocytes (HFD-AD) culture without cytotoxic effects at an EC50 of 0.992 ± 0.05 µg/ml. This study revealed the extract's ability to improve lipid metabolism and to mitigate the oxidative stress in the HFD-AD model, indicating an initial antiadipogenic potential. The chemical composition of the active extract was analyzed via LC-ESI-MS-MS leading to the tentative identification of 64 compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, iridoids, lipids and cyclic tetrapyrrole photosensitizer compounds. Overall, these findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the anti-adipogenic potential of J. fluminense EtOAc. Fr. Ext. and highlight its phytochemical richness as a promising basis for further investigation.
生长在埃及的茉莉花（Jasminum fluminense），此前没有对其化学成分或抗肥胖潜力进行过研究。在此基础上，对水蛭各部位（总乙醇提取物及其组分）的抗脂肪性进行了评价。在被测样品中，乙酸乙酯萃取物(EtOAc；Fr. Ext.)表现出中度胰脂肪酶抑制，IC50为（25.79±1.89µg/ml）。层。Fr. Ext还能显著降低高脂饮食脂肪细胞（HFD-AD）培养中的脂质积累，且无细胞毒性作用，EC50为0.992±0.05µg/ml。本研究揭示了该提取物在HFD-AD模型中改善脂质代谢和减轻氧化应激的能力，表明其具有初步的抗脂肪生成潜力。通过lc - esi - ms对活性提取物进行化学成分分析，初步鉴定出64种化合物，包括黄酮类化合物、萜类化合物、环烯醚萜类化合物、脂类化合物和环四吡咯光敏剂化合物。总的来说，这些发现提供了初步的证据支持J. fluminense EtOAc的抗脂肪生成潜力。并强调其植物化学丰富度作为进一步研究的有希望的基础。
{"title":"Anti-adipogenic potentials of Jasminum fluminense subsp. gratissimum (Deflers) P.S.Green ethyl acetate fractional extract on high-fat-diet adipocytes culture in relation to its phytochemical content by LC-ESI-MS/MS","authors":"Hala E. Taha","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Jasminum fluminense</em>, growing in Egypt, has not been previously investigated for its chemical composition or anti-obesity potential. Accordingly, the anti-adipogenicity of <em>J. fluminense</em> aerial parts (the total ethanolic extract and its fractions) was evaluated. Among the tested samples, the ethyl acetate fractional extract (EtOAc. Fr. Ext.) exhibited moderate pancreatic lipase inhibition with an IC<sub>50</sub> (25.79 ± 1.89 µg/ml). EtOAc. Fr. Ext also significantly reduced lipid accumulation in high-fat-diet adipocytes (HFD-AD) culture without cytotoxic effects at an EC<sub>50</sub> of 0.992 ± 0.05 µg/ml. This study revealed the extract's ability to improve lipid metabolism and to mitigate the oxidative stress in the HFD-AD model, indicating an initial antiadipogenic potential. The chemical composition of the active extract was analyzed <em>via</em> LC-ESI-MS-MS leading to the tentative identification of 64 compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, iridoids, lipids and cyclic tetrapyrrole photosensitizer compounds. Overall, these findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the anti-adipogenic potential of <em>J. fluminense</em> EtOAc. Fr. Ext. and highlight its phytochemical richness as a promising basis for further investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192824","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}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.005
Vunene N. Chabalala , Kolawole A. Olofinsan , Almahi I. Mohamed , S’thandiwe N. Magwaza , Md. Shahidul Islam
Seaweeds have been serving as an essential source of food and traditional medicines for indigenous communities in South Africa and many other coastal countries. This study investigated the seaweeds Ulva intestinalis and Macrocystis pyrifera for their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity effects using in vitro and in silico experimental models. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and non-site-specific hydroxyl (HO•) scavenging activities, as well as α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase enzyme inhibitory activities of the cold water and ethanol extracts of the seaweeds, were evaluated. The extracts were subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis to elucidate their possible bioactive compounds. Molecular docking of selected compounds was done to determine their binding affinity to digestive enzymes α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase. The cold-water extract of M. pyrifera exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid content as well as antioxidant activity through DPPH and HO• scavenging assays (IC50 = 0.8 mg/mL and IC50 = 0.97 mg/mL, respectively). U. intestinalis ethanol extract had the best inhibitory effect on α-amylase, whereas the similar extract of M. pyrifera had the best α-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory activities. The compounds, 3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyisoflavanone, presented the strongest binding affinities with the digestive enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, while caffeoyl tartaric acid presented the strongest binding affinities with pancreatic lipase. While these seaweeds possess multifunctional bioactive properties with therapeutic applications in disease management, findings in this study revealed that U. intestinalis green seaweed had better anti-diabetic capacity, whereas M. pyrifera brown seaweed presented superior antioxidant properties.
{"title":"In vitro and in silico insights into the comparative bioactivities of Ulva intestinalis (green) and Macrocystis pyrifera (brown) South African Seaweeds in diabesity management","authors":"Vunene N. Chabalala , Kolawole A. Olofinsan , Almahi I. Mohamed , S’thandiwe N. Magwaza , Md. Shahidul Islam","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Seaweeds have been serving as an essential source of food and traditional medicines for indigenous communities in South Africa and many other coastal countries. This study investigated the seaweeds <em>Ulva intestinalis</em> and <em>Macrocystis pyrifera</em> for their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity effects using <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in silico</em> experimental models. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and non-site-specific hydroxyl (HO<sup>•</sup>) scavenging activities, as well as α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase enzyme inhibitory activities of the cold water and ethanol extracts of the seaweeds, were evaluated. The extracts were subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis to elucidate their possible bioactive compounds. Molecular docking of selected compounds was done to determine their binding affinity to digestive enzymes α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase. The cold-water extract of <em>M. pyrifera</em> exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid content as well as antioxidant activity through DPPH and HO<sup>•</sup> scavenging assays (IC<sub>50</sub> = 0.8 mg/mL and IC<sub>50</sub> = 0.97 mg/mL, respectively). <em>U. intestinalis</em> ethanol extract had the best inhibitory effect on α-amylase, whereas the similar extract of <em>M. pyrifera</em> had the best α-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory activities. The compounds, 3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyisoflavanone, presented the strongest binding affinities with the digestive enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, while caffeoyl tartaric acid presented the strongest binding affinities with pancreatic lipase. While these seaweeds possess multifunctional bioactive properties with therapeutic applications in disease management, findings in this study revealed that <em>U. intestinalis</em> green seaweed had better anti-diabetic capacity, whereas <em>M. pyrifera</em> brown seaweed presented superior antioxidant properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 92-102"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192749","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}
Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major constraint to crop productivity, and plants exhibit root adaptations to optimize P acquisition. Plant-derived smoke water has been reported to promote root growth, but its mechanisms of action under P deficiency remain unclear. In this study, we investigated how rice straw-derived smoke water affects root meristem development, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and phosphorus use efficiency in rice (cv. Nipponbare) under hydroponic conditions with high or low P availability. P deficiency reduced root elongation by limiting cell proliferation in the root meristem. Smoke water treatment enhanced root elongation under both high and low P conditions by increasing meristem size, cell number, and mature cell length. It also alleviated superoxide accumulation in root tips under P deficiency. Despite promoting overall root growth, smoke water suppressed root hair elongation, which was accompanied by a reduction in phosphate uptake rate following P resupply. Under P deficiency, smoke water increased P accumulation in roots while decreasing it in shoots, suggesting altered internal P partitioning. Together, these findings highlight the dual role of smoke water in promoting root elongation while modulating P acquisition and allocation under nutrient stress.
{"title":"Smoke water promotes root meristem activity and cell elongation but inhibits root hair growth under phosphorus deficiency in rice","authors":"Lalichat Ariyakulkiat , Sompop Pinit , Juthamas Chaiwanon","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major constraint to crop productivity, and plants exhibit root adaptations to optimize P acquisition. Plant-derived smoke water has been reported to promote root growth, but its mechanisms of action under P deficiency remain unclear. In this study, we investigated how rice straw-derived smoke water affects root meristem development, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and phosphorus use efficiency in rice (cv. Nipponbare) under hydroponic conditions with high or low P availability. P deficiency reduced root elongation by limiting cell proliferation in the root meristem. Smoke water treatment enhanced root elongation under both high and low P conditions by increasing meristem size, cell number, and mature cell length. It also alleviated superoxide accumulation in root tips under P deficiency. Despite promoting overall root growth, smoke water suppressed root hair elongation, which was accompanied by a reduction in phosphate uptake rate following P resupply. Under P deficiency, smoke water increased P accumulation in roots while decreasing it in shoots, suggesting altered internal P partitioning. Together, these findings highlight the dual role of smoke water in promoting root elongation while modulating P acquisition and allocation under nutrient stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 12-19"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192821","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}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-14DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.008
I.E. Cock , S.F. Van Vuuren
Wounds are a common medical condition and numerous plants are used across southern Africa to promote their healing. This review summarises the traditional use of southern African plants to treat wounds and to promote healing. Our study used expanded search parameters and a wider geographical focus than in previous reviews to identify further plant species, resulting in the identification of 292 plants species that are used to treat wounds in the southern African region. This inventory included 96 species that were not recorded in previous reviews. Notably, existing ethnobotanical records are incomplete, and details of the plant part used, the preparation and the biological target(s) of many of the identified plants are lacking. Of the plants whose use has been more completely reported, the main part used to promote wound healing is the leaves (∼40%), and nearly 40% of all plant parts are applied directly to the wound, either as the whole part, or as a powder or paste. Notably, only 152 plants (52% of the identified species) have been scientifically evaluated for bioactivities related to one or more phases of wound healing. Of the screening studies, a relatively low proportion have examined the therapeutic mechanism(s) in detail. Additionally, many of the previous screening studies (particularly the older studies) have used less quantitative and/or outdated methods to evaluate the wound healing properties of these plants. Substantially more research is required to better evaluate those plants, and to screen plants that have previously been neglected. This review establishes a structured framework that highlights current knowledge gaps in the literature, thereby guiding researchers in the informed selection of plants and assays.
{"title":"A review of southern African medicinal plants used traditionally to treat wounds, and studies into their wound healing properties","authors":"I.E. Cock , S.F. Van Vuuren","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wounds are a common medical condition and numerous plants are used across southern Africa to promote their healing. This review summarises the traditional use of southern African plants to treat wounds and to promote healing. Our study used expanded search parameters and a wider geographical focus than in previous reviews to identify further plant species, resulting in the identification of 292 plants species that are used to treat wounds in the southern African region. This inventory included 96 species that were not recorded in previous reviews. Notably, existing ethnobotanical records are incomplete, and details of the plant part used, the preparation and the biological target(s) of many of the identified plants are lacking. Of the plants whose use has been more completely reported, the main part used to promote wound healing is the leaves (∼40%), and nearly 40% of all plant parts are applied directly to the wound, either as the whole part, or as a powder or paste. Notably, only 152 plants (52% of the identified species) have been scientifically evaluated for bioactivities related to one or more phases of wound healing. Of the screening studies, a relatively low proportion have examined the therapeutic mechanism(s) in detail. Additionally, many of the previous screening studies (particularly the older studies) have used less quantitative and/or outdated methods to evaluate the wound healing properties of these plants. Substantially more research is required to better evaluate those plants, and to screen plants that have previously been neglected. This review establishes a structured framework that highlights current knowledge gaps in the literature, thereby guiding researchers in the informed selection of plants and assays.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 112-138"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192825","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}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.048
Farah Saeed , Qasim Ali , Suliman Mohammed Suliman Alghanem , Abida Kausar , Rashida Perveen , Haifa Abdul Aziz Sakit Alhaithloul , Muhammad Rizwan
Under deficit irrigation, reduced mobility and availability of micronutrients are major factors contributing to yield loss and decline in crop nutritional quality. This study aimed to enhance stress tolerance in maize under water-deficit conditions by improving zinc (Zn) availability, mobility, and translocation through foliar application of reduced glutathione (GSH) alone or in combination with Zn. The results revealed that deficit irrigation significantly decreased maize yield and biomass production, which was associated with reduced nutrient uptake and translocation, impaired water relations, disturbed gas exchange attributes, increased lipid peroxidation, and diminished activity of the antioxidative defense system. Foliar application of Zn, GSH, and particularly their combined application effectively mitigated the negative impacts of water stress on growth and yield. The combined treatment led to marked improvements in plant water relations, Zn mobility and uptake, osmotic adjustment through accumulation of compatible metabolites such as amino acids, enhanced antioxidative defense capacity with elevated GSH levels, reduced lipid peroxidation, and increased photosynthetic efficiency with higher content of photosynthetic pigment. The drought tolerance of maize plants was also found associated with qualitative and quantitative changes in leaf amino acids. In conclusion, combined foliar application of Zn and GSH proved most effective in inducing water stress tolerance in maize by improving Zn dynamics and strengthening physiological and biochemical mechanisms that support growth under deficit irrigation.
{"title":"Synergistic effects of zinc and reduced glutathione application on growth, yield, gas exchange attributes, water relations, and metabolite profiles in Zea mays (L.) plants under water deficit irrigation","authors":"Farah Saeed , Qasim Ali , Suliman Mohammed Suliman Alghanem , Abida Kausar , Rashida Perveen , Haifa Abdul Aziz Sakit Alhaithloul , Muhammad Rizwan","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.048","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.048","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Under deficit irrigation, reduced mobility and availability of micronutrients are major factors contributing to yield loss and decline in crop nutritional quality. This study aimed to enhance stress tolerance in maize under water-deficit conditions by improving zinc (Zn) availability, mobility, and translocation through foliar application of reduced glutathione (GSH) alone or in combination with Zn. The results revealed that deficit irrigation significantly decreased maize yield and biomass production, which was associated with reduced nutrient uptake and translocation, impaired water relations, disturbed gas exchange attributes, increased lipid peroxidation, and diminished activity of the antioxidative defense system. Foliar application of Zn, GSH, and particularly their combined application effectively mitigated the negative impacts of water stress on growth and yield. The combined treatment led to marked improvements in plant water relations, Zn mobility and uptake, osmotic adjustment through accumulation of compatible metabolites such as amino acids, enhanced antioxidative defense capacity with elevated GSH levels, reduced lipid peroxidation, and increased photosynthetic efficiency with higher content of photosynthetic pigment. The drought tolerance of maize plants was also found associated with qualitative and quantitative changes in leaf amino acids. In conclusion, combined foliar application of Zn and GSH proved most effective in inducing water stress tolerance in maize by improving Zn dynamics and strengthening physiological and biochemical mechanisms that support growth under deficit irrigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 20-37"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192822","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}
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