South African Journal of Botany最新文献_第6页

In Vitro evaluation of chlorhexidine and oleuropein: Antibacterial activity and effects on gingival mesenchymal stem cell viability 氯己定和橄榄苦苷的体外抑菌活性及对牙龈间充质干细胞活力的影响

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-01-30 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.034

Ali Batuhan Bayırlı , Mehmetcan Uytun , Bora Ekinci , Deniz Genç

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a commonly used antiseptic in oral healthcare, but its cytotoxic effects on host cells remain a significant concern. Oleuropein (OLE), a bioactive compound derived from olive leaves, has shown antimicrobial and cytoprotective properties. However, its potential to modulate CHX-induced toxicity and enhance antimicrobial efficacy remains largely unexplored.

This study investigated the antibacterial effects of CHX and OLE against resistant and susceptible bacterial strains and evaluated their effects on the viability and cell cycle of human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CHX and OLE were determined by evaluating 16 bacterial species. Checkerboard assays were used to assess their combined effects using fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices. Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell cycle distribution of GMSCs were analysed using flow cytometry. CHX exhibited strong antibacterial activity (MIC: 0.5–16 µg/mL), whereas OLE showed moderate effects (MIC: 256–2048 µg/mL). Checkerboard assays indicated a significant 64-fold reduction in the MIC of OLE, whereas the CHX MIC either increased or remained unchanged. Partial synergy was observed against only one isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa (FIC index = 0.53125), whereas 11 strains showed indifference (1 ≤ FIC index <4) and remaining 4 of 16 isolates had possible antagonism (FIC index ≥ 4). OLE did not inhibit the bactericidal effect of CHX. However, it mitigated the CHX-induced dose-dependent reduction in GMSC viability by reducing necrosis, G0/G1 phase arrest, and enhancing DNA synthesis. CHX and OLE possess antibacterial potential, and OLE mitigates CHX-induced cytotoxicity in GMSCs. When combined, these two compounds offer considerable therapeutic benefits, particularly in dentistry. Further research is needed to optimise the concentration ratios for enhanced synergy and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

氯己定（CHX）是口腔保健中常用的防腐剂，但其对宿主细胞的细胞毒性作用仍然是一个重要的问题。橄榄苦苷是一种从橄榄叶中提取的生物活性化合物，具有抗菌和细胞保护作用。然而，其调节chx诱导的毒性和增强抗菌功效的潜力在很大程度上仍未被探索。本研究研究了CHX和OLE对耐药菌株和敏感菌株的抑菌作用，并评估了它们对人牙龈间充质干细胞（GMSCs）活力和细胞周期的影响。通过对16种细菌进行评价，确定了CHX和OLE的最低抑菌浓度（mic）。棋盘法使用分数抑制浓度（FIC）指数来评估它们的联合作用。流式细胞术分析GMSCs的细胞毒性、细胞凋亡和细胞周期分布。CHX表现出较强的抑菌活性（MIC: 0.5 ~ 16µg/mL）， OLE表现为中等抑菌活性（MIC: 256 ~ 2048µg/mL）。棋盘试验显示OLE的MIC显著降低64倍，而CHX的MIC增加或保持不变。对铜绿假单胞菌仅1株（FIC指数= 0.53125）有部分协同作用，对11株（1≤FIC指数<；4）无显著协同作用，对其余4株（FIC指数≥4）有拮抗作用。OLE对CHX的杀菌作用没有抑制作用。然而，它通过减少坏死、G0/G1期阻滞和增强DNA合成，减轻了chx诱导的GMSC活力的剂量依赖性降低。CHX和OLE具有抗菌潜力，OLE可减轻CHX诱导的GMSCs细胞毒性。当结合使用时，这两种化合物提供了相当大的治疗效果，特别是在牙科方面。需要进一步的研究来优化浓度比以增强协同作用，并阐明潜在的分子机制。

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引用次数: 0

Ellagitannin-rich Epilobium hirsutum extract promotes wound closure through dual Nrf2/NF-κB modulation: An integrated In vitro and in silico study 富含鞣花丹素的毛茸提取物通过双重Nrf2/NF-κB调节促进伤口愈合：一项综合体外和计算机研究

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-01-15 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.002

Serhat Karaman , Yakup Budak , Elif Aktürk Bozdemir

Chronic wounds represent a significant clinical challenge, with impaired healing processes linked to oxidative stress and persistent inflammation. Epilobium hirsutum is a medicinal plant traditionally used for wound treatment and has shown promise due to its ellagitannin-rich composition. This study comprehensively investigated the phytochemical profile, biological activities, and molecular mechanisms underlying the wound-healing potential of E. hirsutum extracts prepared with solvents of varying polarities (water, methanol, ethanol, and n-hexane) from samples collected in the Tokat region, Turkey. LC-MS/MS analyses, validated according to ICH guidelines, confirmed the presence of ellagitannins (vescalagin, castalagin, oenothein B), phenolic acids (gallic acid, ellagic acid), and flavonoids. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (305±3.2 mg GAE/g) and superior antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 12.8 ± 0.7 µg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀: 14.5 ± 0.5 µg/mL; FRAP: 485 ± 25 µmol Fe(II)/g). In cell-based wound healing assays, the ethanol extract significantly promoted scratch closure in HaCaT keratinocytes (87.3 ± 3.2% vs. 52.1 ± 2.7% in controls at 24 h, p < 0.01). Mechanistic studies revealed that the extract enhanced cellular antioxidant defense by increasing Nrf2 nuclear translocation (3.2 ± 0.3-fold) and downstream target expression (HO-1: 2.8 ± 0.2-fold; NQO1: 2.5 ± 0.2-fold), while simultaneously suppressing NF-κB p65 phosphorylation by 68.5 ± 3.5% in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Molecular docking studies showed strong binding affinities of vescalagin to Nrf2-Keap1 (-10.8 kcal/mol) and oenothein B to NF-κB p65 (-9.5 kcal/mol), with molecular dynamics simulations confirming interaction stability. Additionally, the extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity against wound-associated pathogens (S. aureus MIC: 125 µg/mL) through membrane disruption, as evidenced by propidium iodide uptake (62.5 ± 3.2%), extracellular ATP release (a 3.8 ± 0.4-fold increase), and potassium ion leakage (a 2.9 ± 0.3-fold increase). These findings establish that E. hirsutum ethanol extract promotes İn vitro wound closure through the coordinated activation of Nrf2 and the inhibition of NF-κB, supporting its development as a natural therapeutic agent for chronic wound management.

慢性伤口是一个重大的临床挑战，与氧化应激和持续炎症有关的愈合过程受损。毛毛脱毛是一种药用植物，传统上用于伤口治疗，由于其富含鞣花单宁的成分，已经显示出希望。本研究全面研究了从土耳其Tokat地区采集的不同极性溶剂（水、甲醇、乙醇和正己烷）制备的毛草提取物的植物化学特征、生物活性和潜在的伤口愈合潜力的分子机制。LC-MS/MS分析，根据ICH指南验证，证实了鞣花单宁（vescalagins, castalagins, oenothein B），酚酸（没食子酸，鞣花酸）和类黄酮的存在。乙醇提取物具有最高的总酚含量（305±3.2 mg GAE/g）和优异的抗氧化活性（DPPH IC₅₀：12.8±0.7µg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀：14.5±0.5µg/mL; FRAP: 485±25µmol Fe(II)/g）。在基于细胞的伤口愈合实验中，乙醇提取物显著促进HaCaT角化细胞划痕愈合（24小时时，对照组为87.3±3.2%，对照组为52.1±2.7%,p < 0.01）。机制研究表明，在lps刺激的巨噬细胞中，该提取物通过增加Nrf2核易位（3.2±0.3倍）和下游靶蛋白表达（HO-1: 2.8±0.2倍；NQO1: 2.5±0.2倍），同时抑制NF-κB p65磷酸化68.5±3.5%，增强细胞抗氧化防御。分子对接研究表明，血管收缩素与Nrf2-Keap1 （-10.8 kcal/mol）和oenothein B与NF-κB p65 （-9.5 kcal/mol）具有较强的结合亲和力，分子动力学模拟证实了相互作用的稳定性。此外，该提取物通过膜破坏对伤口相关病原体（金黄色葡萄球菌MIC: 125µg/mL）表现出抗菌活性，如碘化丙啶摄取（62.5±3.2%）、细胞外ATP释放（3.8±0.4倍）和钾离子泄漏（2.9±0.3倍）。这些研究结果表明，毛草乙醇提取物通过协调激活Nrf2和抑制NF-κB来促进İn体外伤口愈合，支持其作为慢性伤口治疗的天然治疗药物的发展。

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引用次数: 0

Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana) as source of anti-skin aging compounds: UPLC-ESI/MS-MS metabolic profiling, In vitro and In-Silico molecular approaches 金梅（Physalis peruviana）作为抗皮肤衰老化合物的来源：UPLC-ESI/MS-MS代谢分析，体外和硅分子方法

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-06 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.037

Heba A.S. El-Nashar , Rym Hassani , Entesar.H. EL-Araby , Amel Azazi , Asaad Khalid , Nermeen M. El Bakary , Mohamed K. Abdel-Rafei

Physalis peruviana L. (goldenberry) is an edible fruit belonging to Family Solanaceae and characterized by high commercial. This study was implemented to describe the phytochemicals of the methanol extract of P. peruviana peel using High performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization coupled with mass fragmentation (HPLC-ESI/MS-MS) technique, coupled with the assessment of in vitro anti-wrinkle activity via enzyme inhibition assays. Further, in silico molecular docking studies of the major identified compounds were conducted to assess their affinity power with the targeted enzymes including elastase, collagenase, hyaluronidase and tyrosinase inhibition assays. UPLC-ESI/MS-MS-based phytochemical profiling of extract resulted in identification of 19 compounds, predominated by flavonoids (57.8 %), withanolides (31.5 %), and phenolic acids (10.5 %). The skin anti-aging properties of P. peruviana extract were validated by in vitro assays, which additionally displayed a favorable safety profile, prompting further investigations. The mechanistic insights of goldenberry's anti-aging abilities have been demonstrated by an in-depth in-silico modeling study that examined the inhibitory effects of its main constituents against four important anti-aging enzymes, which indicated favorable multiple interacting modes with the target enzyme binding sites .This study provides a scientific rationale for the anti-wrinkle potential of P. peruviana peel extract, supporting its utilization in innovative anti-wrinkle drug designs.

金浆果是茄科的一种可食用水果，具有很高的商业价值。本研究采用高效液相色谱-电喷雾电离-质谱联用技术（HPLC-ESI/MS-MS）对紫杉树果皮甲醇提取物的化学成分进行了表征，并通过酶抑制实验对其体外抗皱活性进行了评价。此外，对鉴定出的主要化合物进行了硅分子对接研究，以评估它们与目标酶的亲和力，包括弹性酶、胶原酶、透明质酸酶和酪氨酸酶抑制试验。基于UPLC-ESI/ ms - ms的植物化学分析鉴定出19种化合物，主要为黄酮类化合物（57.8%）、金缕梅内酯（31.5%）和酚酸（10.5%）。体外实验验证了紫杉树提取物的皮肤抗衰老特性，并显示出良好的安全性，值得进一步研究。一项深入的计算机模拟研究证实了金梅抗衰老能力的机制，该研究检测了其主要成分对四种重要抗衰老酶的抑制作用，表明其与靶酶结合位点有多种相互作用模式。该研究为紫杉树果皮提取物的抗皱潜力提供了科学依据，支持其在创新抗皱药物设计中的应用。

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引用次数: 0

De novo transcriptome profiling reveals key drought-responsive genes and molecular pathways in Tylosema esculentum 从头转录组分析揭示了苔草的关键干旱响应基因和分子途径

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-03 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.020

Annastasia K. Ekandjo , Ali Elnaeim Elbasheir Ali , Percy Chimwamurombe , Ndiko Ludidi , Nokwanda P. Makunga , Martha Kandawa-Schulz

Tylosema esculentum (marama bean) is a drought tolerant legume native to the Kalahari Desert and widely distributed across Southern Africa. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its drought tolerance remain largely unexplored. This study employs a de novo transcriptome analysis to identify key genes and molecular pathways associated with T. esculentum tolerance to water deficit. Plants were grown under normal and water deficit conditions in a controlled greenhouse experiment. Transcriptomic profiling identified 144 differentially expressed genes, with 91 showing increased expression and 53 showing decreased expression in response to water deficit. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that overexpressed genes in T. esculentum are involved in key biological processes including response to water deficit, regulation of biological quality, regulation of DNA-templated transcription and chloroplast organization process. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis demonstrated that T. esculentum tolerance to water deficit is associated with activation of key pathways involved in thiamine and riboflavin metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism and MAPK signalling. To validate the RNA-seq data, six drought-responsive genes were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The RT-qPCR results were consistent with RNA-seq data, confirming the reliability of the de novo transcriptome profiling. Notably, phospholipase C, purple acid phosphatase (PAP and PAP17), phosphatase 2C isoforms, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) were upregulated, highlighting their central roles in signal transduction, phosphate remobilization, ABA signaling and oxidative stress mitigation in T. esculentum under water deficit. Our findings provide important information on the genetic basis of drought tolerance in T. esculentum, serving as a foundation for future studies aimed at enhancing drought tolerance in T. esculentum and potentially other crops.

马拉玛豆是一种耐旱豆科植物，原产于卡拉哈里沙漠，广泛分布在非洲南部。然而，其耐旱性的分子机制在很大程度上仍未被探索。本研究采用从头转录组分析方法，确定了与水亏耐受性相关的关键基因和分子途径。在对照温室试验中，植物在正常和缺水条件下生长。转录组学分析鉴定了144个差异表达基因，其中91个表达增加，53个表达减少。基因本体富集分析表明，过表达基因参与了水亏响应、生物品质调控、dna模板转录调控和叶绿体组织过程等关键生物学过程。《京都基因与基因组百科全书》通路分析表明，猕猴桃对水分亏缺的耐受与硫胺素和核黄素代谢、半胱氨酸和蛋氨酸代谢以及MAPK信号传导等关键通路的激活有关。为了验证RNA-seq数据，利用实时荧光定量PCR （RT-qPCR）对6个干旱响应基因进行了分析。RT-qPCR结果与RNA-seq数据一致，证实了从头转录组分析的可靠性。值得注意的是，磷脂酶C、紫色酸性磷酸酶（PAP和PAP17）、磷酸酶2C亚型和醛脱氢酶（ALDH）均上调，凸显了它们在水分不足条件下的信号转导、磷酸盐再动员、ABA信号传导和氧化应激缓解中的核心作用。本研究结果为进一步研究甜椒耐旱性的遗传基础提供了重要信息，为今后提高甜椒及其他作物的耐旱性奠定了基础。

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引用次数: 0

Vegetation composition change on a small Mediterranean-type South African offshore island following control of invasive European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) 入侵欧洲兔控制后地中海型南非近海小岛植被组成的变化

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-01-28 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.006

Thabisisani Ndhlovu , Zivanai Tsvuura , Karen J. Esler

European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), thought to have been eradicated in 2019, have inhabited Robben Island for over 370 years, significantly altering vegetation through sustained herbivory. An attempted eradication in 2009–2010 provided an opportunity to assess vegetation recovery and the influence of rainfall and habitat heterogeneity on post-control dynamics. From 2010 to 2013, vegetation composition was monitored annually across strand, Eucalyptus plantation, and inland dune habitats. Community change was analysed using ordination and similarity measures. Following rabbit control, statistically significant vegetation change occurred at strand and inland dune sites, but not in Eucalyptus plantations. Increases in Tetragonia fruticosa, Ehrharta longiflora, Cynodon dactylon, and Ehrharta villosa—palatable species resilient to prolonged herbivory—coincided with declines in less palatable or unpalatable species and weaker competitors such as Oncosiphon suffruticosum, Conicosia pugioniformis, and Bromus diandrus. Interannual rainfall explained substantial background variation in community composition before statistical control, while soil depth modulated species-level responses. No herbivory-sensitive species (i.e., those lacking resistance or resilience to rabbit herbivory) re-established, suggesting losses from both standing vegetation and the propagule bank (seeds and vegetative propagules). Robben Island’s vegetation may have crossed a critical ecological threshold into a degraded state dominated by a narrow subset of herbivory-resilient and resistant species. Natural recovery to the Cape Flats Dune Strandveld, the island’s reference ecosystem, now seems unlikely without active restoration, including reintroduction of extirpated herbivory-sensitive taxa.

欧洲兔（Oryctolagus cuniculus）被认为已于2019年灭绝，它们在罗本岛居住了370多年，通过持续的食草性显著改变了植被。2009-2010年的根除尝试为评估植被恢复以及降雨和生境异质性对控制后动态的影响提供了机会。2010 - 2013年，每年对陆地、桉树人工林和内陆沙丘生境的植被组成进行监测。采用排序法和相似性法分析群落变化。在家兔控制后，滨滩和内陆沙丘的植被发生了统计学上显著的变化，而桉树人工林则没有。对长时间食草有抵抗力的美味物种——果四毛鼠、长花四毛鼠、短爪龙和绒毛四毛鼠的数量增加，与不那么美味或不美味的物种和较弱的竞争对手，如刺毛鼠、刺毛鼠和凤尾鼠的数量减少同时发生。在统计控制之前，年际降雨解释了群落组成的实质性背景变化，而土壤深度调节了物种水平的响应。没有草食敏感物种（即那些对兔子的草食缺乏抵抗力或恢复力的物种）重新建立，这表明直立植被和繁殖体库（种子和营养繁殖体）都有损失。罗本岛的植被可能已经越过了一个关键的生态阈值，进入了一个退化的状态，由一小部分具有食草性和抗性的物种主导。如果没有积极的恢复，包括重新引入已灭绝的草食敏感分类群，该岛的参考生态系统——海角滩沙丘斯特兰德维尔德的自然恢复似乎不太可能。

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引用次数: 0

Unlocking anti-scabies potential of amaryllidaceae alkaloids through integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation 通过综合网络药理学和实验验证解锁香栀子科生物碱的抗疥疮潜能

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-01-28 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.030

Shaymaa M. Mohamed , Soad A.L. Bayoumi , Salwa F. Farag , Mahmoud A. Ramadan , Sara A.A. Mohamed , Asmaa A.E. Nasr , Islam M. Abdel-Rahman , Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen

Human scabies, a highly contagious parasitic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mites, spreads rapidly through interpersonal contact. This study employed an integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking approach to identify shared therapeutic targets of seven structurally diverse Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (1–7) and evaluate their anti-scabies potential. A scabies-associated protein network was constructed, revealing interleukin-6 as the highest-degree node and a pivotal therapeutic target, alongside caspase-3. Subsequent molecular docking analyses assessed the binding affinities and interaction stability of two promising alkaloids, narcissidine methyl ether (2) and crinine (3), with IL-6 and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Narcissidine methyl ether demonstrated the strongest binding affinity to IL-6 (ΔG = –4.618 kcal/mol), while both compounds exhibited notable interactions with GST (ΔG = –5.917 and −4.885 kcal/mol, respectively). Computational screening confirmed their adherence to Lipinski’s and Veber’s rules, indicating favorable druglikeness properties. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed significant acaricidal activity, with narcissidine methyl ether showing potent scabicidal effects. Histopathological evaluation of treated rabbit models demonstrated marked improvement in ear auricle skin architecture three weeks post-treatment, supporting the therapeutic efficacy of both compounds. These findings highlight narcissidine methyl ether and crinine as promising anti-scabietic drugs, offering a foundation for future preclinical studies.

人类疥疮是一种由疥螨引起的高度传染性皮肤寄生虫感染，可通过人际接触迅速传播。本研究采用综合网络药理学和分子对接的方法，鉴定了7种结构不同的Amaryllidaceae生物碱的共同治疗靶点（1-7），并评估了它们的抗疥疮潜力。研究人员构建了疥疮相关蛋白网络，发现白介素-6与caspase-3一起是疥疮相关蛋白的最高级别节点和关键治疗靶点。随后的分子对接分析评估了水仙花苷甲基醚(2)和谷胱甘肽s -转移酶（GST）与IL-6和谷胱甘肽s -转移酶（GST）的结合亲和力和相互作用稳定性。水仙苷甲醚与IL-6的结合亲和性最强（ΔG = -4.618 kcal/mol），与GST的相互作用显著（ΔG = -5.917和- 4.885 kcal/mol）。计算机筛选证实了它们符合Lipinski和Veber的规则，表明它们具有良好的药物相似性。体外和体内实验均显示出显著的杀螨活性，水仙苷甲基醚具有较强的杀螨作用。治疗兔模型的组织病理学评估显示，治疗三周后耳廓皮肤结构明显改善，支持两种化合物的治疗效果。这些发现突出了水仙苷甲基醚和克里宁是有前景的抗疥疮药物，为今后的临床前研究奠定了基础。

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引用次数: 0

Impact of fertilizer levels on rhizosphere microbial diversity and functional genes in maize intercropping 施肥水平对玉米间作根际微生物多样性及功能基因的影响

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-01-23 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.014

Kodidhala Vaishnavi , Kumari Punam Sinha , Hemanthkumar Manne , Subir Dutta , Ayon Roy , Prateek M Bhattacharya , Apurba K Chowdhury , Abbu Zaid

Maize intercropping systems are ecologically sustainable agricultural practices that optimizes land use efficiency and soil microbial communities. In current study shortgun metagenomic sequencing strategy was applied to investigate the taxonomic composition, microbial diversity and functional potential of rhizosphere bacterial communities in sole maize (Pioneer 3526) and maize-cabbage (Green express) intercropping systems under varying fertilizer doses (0 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 % recommended dosage of fertilizer (RDF)) as band placement. Among the tested combinations, the maize cabbage (MCB) under 60 % RDF (60MCB) showed highest bacterial richness and functional gene abundance compared to sole maize and 20MCB.Taxonomic profiling revealed dominance of Actinomycetes, Proteobacteria and other beneficial phyla with genera such as Streptomyces, Pseudomonas and Bradyrhizobium prevalent in fertilized treatments. Functional annotation revealed the enrichment of genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, carbon degradation, sulfur transformation and iron cycling particularly high in 60MCB treatment. Alpha diversity including Shannon, Simpson and Chao1, consistently highlightened improved microbial diversity under intercropping (60 % MCB) with moderate fertilization. Overall, 60 % MCB and sole maize supported higher functional gene diversity compared to sole maize and 20 % MCB. These findings highlight the synergistic effect of intercropping and 60 % recommended dosage fertilization in fostering a diverse and metabolically versatile rhizosphere microbial community, with implications for sustainable agriculture and improved soil health management by increasing microbial communities.

玉米间作制度是生态可持续的农业做法，可优化土地利用效率和土壤微生物群落。本研究采用短枪宏基因组测序方法，研究了不同施肥剂量（0%、20%、40%、60%推荐施肥量（RDF））下单玉米（Pioneer 3526）和玉米-白菜（Green express）间作体系根际细菌群落的分类组成、微生物多样性和功能潜力。在试验组合中，60% RDF （60MCB）下的玉米白菜（MCB）细菌丰富度和功能基因丰度均高于单玉米和20MCB。分类分析显示放线菌、变形菌和其他有益菌门在施肥处理中占主导地位，链霉菌、假单胞菌和慢生根瘤菌等属普遍存在。功能注释显示60MCB处理中氮代谢、碳降解、硫转化和铁循环相关基因的富集程度特别高。包括Shannon、Simpson和Chao1在内的α多样性在适度施肥的间作（60% MCB）下持续显示出微生物多样性的改善。总体而言，60%的MCB和单独玉米比单独玉米和20%的MCB支持更高的功能基因多样性。这些发现强调了间作和60%推荐用量施肥在培养多样化和代谢多样化的根际微生物群落方面的协同效应，这对可持续农业和通过增加微生物群落改善土壤健康管理具有重要意义。

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引用次数: 0

Taxonomic revision of the Ficinia oligantha clade (Cypereae, Cyperaceae) – species delimitation and description of three new species in South Africa 苏柏科，苏柏科飞杉枝的分类学修订——南非三新种的种界划分和描述

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-09 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.036

Benjamin D. Williams , Daniel A. Zhigila , Alfred A. Oteng-Yeboah , A. Muthama Muasya

Ficinia Schrad. comprises about 91 accepted species, whose distribution is predominantly in the Greater Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. The most comprehensive taxonomic account of the genus dates back to the Flora Capensis, which recognised 59 species. Subsequent studies have been piecemeal and focused on the description of new species. Like other Cape Cyperaceae, species delimitation based on limited herbarium specimens is difficult due to cryptic variation. In this study, we used a wealth of herbarium specimens accumulated over 150 years, together with field observations on geography and ecology, to evaluate species boundaries and name applications in the Ficinia oligantha clade occurring mostly in fynbos and renosterveld vegetations. Over 500 herbarium specimens were examined, and 32 morphological characters were analysed using univariate and multivariate techniques. Species occurrence data were retrieved and screened before incorporating them for constructing distribution maps and inferring conservation statuses. The study taxa were assigned a posteriori, using the multivariate analyses to guide the determination of clusters as taxonomic units. We recognised 17 species, among which three (F. calceola, F. fernkloofensis, and F. brierslouwensis) are new to science and are described in this study. The clade is united by the presence of basal leaves (occasionally absent), scapose culms, and nutlets with ornamentation appearing papillose. Geographically, all taxa occur in South Africa, within the winter rainfall area occurring in both fynbos and renosterveld vegetation. Ficinia stolonifera is the only species extending into the summer rainfall area of South Africa and northwards into East Africa. Conservation status assessment finds most of the species to have Least Concern, but three (F. fernkloofensis, F. anysbergensis, and F. calceola) are assessed to be Near Threatened, F. subacuta is assessed as Vulnerable while F. brierslouwensis is assessed as Critically Endangered.

Ficinia Schrad。包括约91个公认的物种，主要分布在南非的大开普植物区。对该属的最全面的分类记录可以追溯到植物区系（Flora Capensis），其中确认了59个物种。随后的研究都是零敲碎打的，主要集中在对新物种的描述上。与其他角柏科植物一样，由于物种的隐变，基于有限的植物标本馆标本进行物种划分是困难的。本研究利用150多年来积累的丰富植物标本室标本，结合野外地理和生态学观察，对主要分布在沼泽和农田植被中的飞杉枝的物种边界和名称应用进行了评价。利用单变量和多变量技术对500余份植物标本的32个形态特征进行了分析。对物种发生数据进行检索和筛选，然后将其纳入构建分布图和推断保护状况。对研究分类群进行后验分配，利用多变量分析指导聚类作为分类单位的确定。我们发现了17种，其中3种（F. calceola， F. fernkloofensis和F. brierslowwensis）是科学上的新物种，并在本研究中进行了描述。枝由基生叶（偶尔无），穗状秆和小坚果的存在统一，具装饰出现乳头状。在地理上，所有的分类群都出现在南非，在冬季降雨区出现在fynbos和renosterveld植被中。stolonifera是唯一一种延伸到南非夏季降雨区并向北延伸到东非的物种。保护状况评估发现，大多数物种的关注程度最低，但有三个物种（F. fernkloofensis， F. anysbergensis和F. calceola）被评估为近危物种，F. subacuta被评估为易危物种，F. brierslouwensis被评估为极度濒危物种。

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引用次数: 0

In vitro and computational investigation of the antidiabetogenic pharmacological bioactivities of Gigartina polycarpa (Kützing) Setchell & N.L. Gardner 1933 red seaweed 红藻多糖（Gigartina polycarpa, k<e:1> tzing） Setchell & N.L. Gardner 1933)抗糖尿病药理生物活性的体外研究

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-01-15 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.010

S’thandiwe Nozibusiso Magwaza , Kolawole Ayodapo Olofinsan , Md.Shahidul Islam

The rising rates of obesity and diabetes worldwide, coupled with the unavoidable side effects of existing clinically approved drugs for their management, have necessitated the search for cost-effective therapeutic alternatives. For the first time, this study investigated the potential of Gigartina polycarpa (Kützing) Setchell & N.L. Gardner 1933 seaweed extracts in managing obesity and diabetes by assessing their inhibitory effects on key digestive enzymes, inflammation, glucose absorption, and oxidative stress in rat tissues. Aqueous and ethanol crude extracts of G. polycarpa were analyzed for enzyme inhibition, skeletal muscle glucose uptake, and antioxidant activity using in vitro assays. The extracts inhibited pancreatic lipase, cholesterol esterase, and α-glucosidase while increasing skeletal muscle glucose uptake in rats. The seaweed extracts suppressed lipoxygenase and trypsin activities in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced the level and activities of endogenous antioxidant proteins in rats’ adipose tissue exposed to Fe²⁺-induced oxidative stress. Amongst compounds including viniferol D, osthole, fucosterol, margaspidin and fusaric acid annotated in the seaweed extracts, while viniferol D had the strongest binding affinities with the tested inflammatory and digestive enzyme protein targets compared to others. Although these findings suggest that G. polycarpa may be a potential natural option for managing inflammation, oxidative stress, and the dysfunctional utilization of energy molecules in these disease conditions, further work is still required to isolate the actual pharmacological molecules responsible for these activities from this plant.

全世界肥胖和糖尿病的发病率不断上升，加上现有临床批准的治疗药物不可避免的副作用，有必要寻找具有成本效益的治疗替代方案。本研究首次通过评估海藻提取物对大鼠组织中关键消化酶、炎症、葡萄糖吸收和氧化应激的抑制作用，研究了海带多糖（Gigartina polycarpa, k tzing） Setchell & N.L. Gardner 1933)在控制肥胖和糖尿病方面的潜力。采用体外实验分析了水提物和乙醇粗提物对酶抑制、骨骼肌葡萄糖摄取和抗氧化活性的影响。提取物抑制胰脂肪酶、胆固醇酯酶和α-葡萄糖苷酶，增加大鼠骨骼肌葡萄糖摄取。海藻提取物呈剂量依赖性地抑制Fe2+诱导的氧化应激大鼠脂肪组织中脂氧合酶和胰蛋白酶的活性，提高内源性抗氧化蛋白的水平和活性。在海藻提取物中标注的化合物包括葡萄树醇D、蛇耳草素、焦脂醇、马格斯皮苷和镰刀酸，而葡萄树醇D与所测试的炎症和消化酶蛋白靶点的结合亲和力最强。尽管这些发现表明，在这些疾病条件下，聚carpa可能是一种潜在的自然选择，用于控制炎症、氧化应激和能量分子的功能失调，但仍需要进一步的工作来从这种植物中分离出负责这些活动的实际药理分子。

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引用次数: 0

Molecular networking based on UPLC-MS/MS fingerprinting for evaluation of Atriplex lindleyi Moq. subsp. inflata's renoprotective potential 基于UPLC-MS/MS指纹图谱的分子网络评价Atriplex lindleyi Moq。无性系种群。膨胀的肾保护潜能

IF 2.7 3区生物学 Q2 PLANT SCIENCES

South African Journal of Botany

Pub Date : 2026-02-01 Epub Date: 2026-01-02 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.022

Abdelrahman A. Ziada , Amal Kabbash , Mona El-Aasr , Mohamed A. Selim , Rehab F. Abdel-Rahman , Hanan A. Ogaly , Ahmed H. El-Desoky

Atriplex lindleyi Moq. subspecies inflata, a wild halophytic plant belonging to the family Chenopodiaceae, is traditionally employed by Arabian herbalists in the treatment of diabetes, rheumatism, and cardiovascular diseases. This study explores the renoprotective potential of its 70 % ethanolic extract (ALLE) in a rat model of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, a common clinical complication following kidney transplantation. Chemical profiling of ALLE was performed using UPLC-MS/MS within a metabolomics-guided framework, leading to the identification of twenty compounds including flavonoid glycosides, triterpenoidal saponins, and fatty acids. Among them, a previously unreported flavonoid pentaglycoside was tentatively characterized. The extract demonstrated significant improvements in renal function, as evidenced by the reduction of serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Additionally, ALLE significantly attenuated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, as shown by modulation of MDA, GSH, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. These protective effects were further supported by upregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Overall, the results suggest that ALLE exerts notable renoprotective activity, likely due to its rich phytochemical composition and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, underscoring its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for renal ischemic injuries

Atriplex lindleyi Moq。属藜科的一种野生盐生植物，传统上被阿拉伯草药医生用于治疗糖尿病、风湿病和心血管疾病。本研究探讨了其70%乙醇提取物（ALLE）在肾移植后常见临床并发症肾缺血/再灌注损伤大鼠模型中的肾保护潜力。在代谢组学指导框架下，使用UPLC-MS/MS对ALLE进行化学分析，鉴定出20种化合物，包括黄酮类苷、三萜皂苷和脂肪酸。其中，对一种未报道的类黄酮五糖苷进行了初步表征。通过降低血清尿素氮和肌酐水平，该提取物对肾功能有显著改善。此外，ALLE通过调节MDA、GSH、TNF-α和IL-6水平，显著减轻氧化应激和炎症反应。Nrf2/HO-1信号通路的上调进一步支持了这些保护作用。总体而言，结果表明ALLE具有显著的肾保护活性，可能是由于其丰富的植物化学成分及其抗氧化和抗炎特性，强调了其作为肾缺血性损伤天然治疗剂的潜力

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引用次数: 0