Freshwater edible algae have gained significant attention as a potential source of high-value compounds for food sectors. Their unique biochemical composition, including high protein content, vitamins, and minerals, makes them a promising source of nutrients and biologically active compounds. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of freshwater algae in addressing global issues such as food insecurity, water scarcity, and climate change. As a result, there is a need for a comprehensive review of the current state of research on freshwater edible algae, including their sources, extraction methods, and applications in various sectors. Thus, this review summarizes algae cultivation systems, extraction strategies, biochemical composition, and bioactivity data for food applications. The review revealed the existence of standardized cultivation and extraction processes to improve productivity and efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of algal biomass production. Freshwater algae have the potential to be used as biofertilizers, biostimulants, and other food applications. However, more research is still required to optimize the cultivation and extraction processes and fully exploit these algae potential in the realm of the food industry.
{"title":"Unveiling the potential of freshwater edible algae: Innovative extractions and functional food applications","authors":"VP Aswathy , Sayani Mavai , Aarti Bains , Kandi Sridhar , Baskaran Stephen Inbaraj , Prince Chawla , Minaxi Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Freshwater edible algae have gained significant attention as a potential source of high-value compounds for food sectors. Their unique biochemical composition, including high protein content, vitamins, and minerals, makes them a promising source of nutrients and biologically active compounds. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of freshwater algae in addressing global issues such as food insecurity, water scarcity, and climate change. As a result, there is a need for a comprehensive review of the current state of research on freshwater edible algae, including their sources, extraction methods, and applications in various sectors. Thus, this review summarizes algae cultivation systems, extraction strategies, biochemical composition, and bioactivity data for food applications. The review revealed the existence of standardized cultivation and extraction processes to improve productivity and efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of algal biomass production. Freshwater algae have the potential to be used as biofertilizers, biostimulants, and other food applications. However, more research is still required to optimize the cultivation and extraction processes and fully exploit these algae potential in the realm of the food industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"177 ","pages":"Pages 643-664"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130119","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}
Alkaloids, compounds found in plants with significant potential for medicine, are the subject of this comprehensive review. The review explores the connection between specific triggers, elicitors, and the production of alkaloids in plants. It examines different elicitors and their mechanism of action that influence the production of secondary metabolites in plants, focusing mainly on alkaloid production. The review method incorporated searching various search engines using keywords such as “Secondary metabolite production, Alkaloidal elicitation, elicitors, Biotic elicitors, Abiotic elicitors, Alkaloids medicinal importance.” The search period covered approximately over two decades. The review considers only studies focusing on alkaloidal production, excluding those examining other secondary metabolite elicitation. For better understanding, the review also looks at the origin of these elicitors and categorizes them into biotic, abiotic, and genetic elicitors. Biotic elicitors are further classified into bacterial, fungal, algal, and yeast. Abiotic elicitors include chemical elicitors (such as heavy metals, mineral salts, and nanoparticles), physical elicitors (including light stress, drought stress, salinity, and osmotic stress), hormonal elicitors, and miscellaneous types. Genetic elicitors encompass gene editing and gene silencing techniques. Plants that are a rich source of alkaloids grow in various environments, emphasizing the need to know the exact conditions for different plant species. The review shows how plants successfully produce alkaloids under specific conditions. The review sets the stage for future research and new methods to make more alkaloids efficiently and sustainably. The insights gained from this thorough analysis will significantly aid the pharmaceutical industry in finding better ways to produce some important alkaloid compounds.
{"title":"Biotic, abiotic, and genetic elicitors as a new paradigm for enhancing alkaloid production for pharmaceutical applications","authors":"Mayur Malu , Joydeep Chatterjee , Deepika Choudhary , Wusirika Ramakrishna , Raj Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alkaloids, compounds found in plants with significant potential for medicine, are the subject of this comprehensive review. The review explores the connection between specific triggers, elicitors, and the production of alkaloids in plants. It examines different elicitors and their mechanism of action that influence the production of secondary metabolites in plants, focusing mainly on alkaloid production. The review method incorporated searching various search engines using keywords such as “Secondary metabolite production, Alkaloidal elicitation, elicitors, Biotic elicitors, Abiotic elicitors, Alkaloids medicinal importance.” The search period covered approximately over two decades. The review considers only studies focusing on alkaloidal production, excluding those examining other secondary metabolite elicitation. For better understanding, the review also looks at the origin of these elicitors and categorizes them into biotic, abiotic, and genetic elicitors. Biotic elicitors are further classified into bacterial, fungal, algal, and yeast. Abiotic elicitors include chemical elicitors (such as heavy metals, mineral salts, and nanoparticles), physical elicitors (including light stress, drought stress, salinity, and osmotic stress), hormonal elicitors, and miscellaneous types. Genetic elicitors encompass gene editing and gene silencing techniques. Plants that are a rich source of alkaloids grow in various environments, emphasizing the need to know the exact conditions for different plant species. The review shows how plants successfully produce alkaloids under specific conditions. The review sets the stage for future research and new methods to make more alkaloids efficiently and sustainably. The insights gained from this thorough analysis will significantly aid the pharmaceutical industry in finding better ways to produce some important alkaloid compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"177 ","pages":"Pages 579-597"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130171","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 : 2025-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.034
Anisha Singha Deo , Shrijana P , Shreya Karun , Sruthika SU , Kashish Bisaria , Pradeep R , Melvin George , Koustav Sarkar
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the type of breast cancer observed in maximum number for about 75 % of women subjects. We must discover alternative immunotherapeutic tactics with the aid of some non-toxic natural plant-based products because immunotherapeutic approaches, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery all have some negative effects when used to treat IDC. We used the wheatgrass preparation (WGP) to modulate the immune system in IDC because wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) may have anti-cancer capabilities. Wheatgrass preparation (WGP) inhibited the activities of TH17-, Treg-, TH2- specific cytokines (IL17, IL10, IL4) and transcription factors (FOXP3, GATA3, RORC) while stimulating the activities of TH1-specific cytokines (IFNγ) and transcription factors (TBX21), according to our ELISA and mRNA results. Additionally, WGP therapy raised BRCA1 and BRCA2 expressions. Our Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and flow cytometry data showed that WGP-treatment enhanced the activities of TH1-specific transcription factors (T-bet, STAT1), tumor suppressor proteins (p53, BRCA1) on the IFNG and TBX21 gene loci, while decreasing the activities of pro-tumorigenic factors (Notch1, c-Myc) and transcription factors (DNAPKcs, STAT3). According to our flow-cytometry data, WGP therapy enhanced the activity of Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+T cells), which encourage cytotoxicity of cells specific to MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Additionally, it raised the status of CD4+TH cells. As a result, the current study demonstrated WGP's potential as an immunoregulatory agent, providing an innovative approach for modulating the IDC patients' immune systems.
{"title":"Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) preparation facilitates the immunoregulation of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)","authors":"Anisha Singha Deo , Shrijana P , Shreya Karun , Sruthika SU , Kashish Bisaria , Pradeep R , Melvin George , Koustav Sarkar","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.034","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.034","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the type of breast cancer observed in maximum number for about 75 % of women subjects. We must discover alternative immunotherapeutic tactics with the aid of some non-toxic natural plant-based products because immunotherapeutic approaches, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery all have some negative effects when used to treat IDC. We used the wheatgrass preparation (WGP) to modulate the immune system in IDC because wheatgrass (<em>Triticum aestivum</em>) may have anti-cancer capabilities. Wheatgrass preparation (WGP) inhibited the activities of T<sub>H</sub>17-, Treg-, T<sub>H</sub>2- specific cytokines (IL17, IL10, IL4) and transcription factors (FOXP3, GATA3, RORC) while stimulating the activities of T<sub>H</sub>1-specific cytokines (IFNγ) and transcription factors (TBX21), according to our ELISA and mRNA results. Additionally, WGP therapy raised BRCA1 and BRCA2 expressions. Our Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and flow cytometry data showed that WGP-treatment enhanced the activities of T<sub>H</sub>1-specific transcription factors (T-bet, STAT1), tumor suppressor proteins (p53, BRCA1) on the <em>IFNG</em> and <em>TBX21</em> gene loci, while decreasing the activities of pro-tumorigenic factors (Notch1, c-Myc) and transcription factors (DNAPKcs, STAT3). According to our flow-cytometry data, WGP therapy enhanced the activity of Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+<em>T</em> cells), which encourage cytotoxicity of cells specific to MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Additionally, it raised the status of CD4+T<sub>H</sub> cells. As a result, the current study demonstrated WGP's potential as an immunoregulatory agent, providing an innovative approach for modulating the IDC patients' immune systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"178 ","pages":"Pages 330-339"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143102860","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 : 2025-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.037
Muhammed Said Yolcu , Abdurrahim Yilmaz
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant renowned for its bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and essential oils. This study aimed to assess the effects of NaCl-induced salt stress on basil and explore comprehensively for the first time the potential mitigating impacts of various biostimulants. A controlled pot experiment was conducted with NaCl concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 mmol, alongside treatments of Bacillus megaterium (BM), Frateuria aurantia (FA), ascorbic acid (AA), and gibberellic acid (GA). The results showed that BM at 50 mmol NaCl significantly enhanced total antioxidant activity (150.40 mg TE g⁻¹) and total phenolic content (242.17 mg GA 100 g⁻¹). GA at non-saline conditions resulted in the highest carotenoid content (3.42 µg g⁻¹ FW), while BM under non-saline conditions achieved the highest flavonoid content (93.33 mg QE 100 g⁻¹). BM and AA treatments significantly increased salicylic and rosmarinic acids, underscoring the biostimulants' role in enhancing basil's biochemical resilience. Furthermore, biostimulants positively influenced morphological parameters such as plant height, root length, herbal weight, and root weight, with GA and BM treatments exhibiting superior performances under varying salt conditions. The correlation analysis indicated complex interactions among the bioactive compounds, providing insights into their potential roles in basil's biochemical response to saline conditions. These findings underscored the potential of biostimulants to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress, thereby enhancing basil's resilience and productivity in saline environments.
{"title":"Biostimulant-driven enhancement of bioactive compounds in salt-stressed sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)","authors":"Muhammed Said Yolcu , Abdurrahim Yilmaz","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.037","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.037","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Basil (<em>Ocimum basilicum</em> L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant renowned for its bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and essential oils. This study aimed to assess the effects of NaCl-induced salt stress on basil and explore comprehensively for the first time the potential mitigating impacts of various biostimulants. A controlled pot experiment was conducted with NaCl concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 mmol, alongside treatments of <em>Bacillus megaterium</em> (BM), <em>Frateuria aurantia</em> (FA), ascorbic acid (AA), and gibberellic acid (GA). The results showed that BM at 50 mmol NaCl significantly enhanced total antioxidant activity (150.40 mg TE g⁻¹) and total phenolic content (242.17 mg GA 100 g⁻¹). GA at non-saline conditions resulted in the highest carotenoid content (3.42 µg g⁻¹ FW), while BM under non-saline conditions achieved the highest flavonoid content (93.33 mg QE 100 g⁻¹). BM and AA treatments significantly increased salicylic and rosmarinic acids, underscoring the biostimulants' role in enhancing basil's biochemical resilience. Furthermore, biostimulants positively influenced morphological parameters such as plant height, root length, herbal weight, and root weight, with GA and BM treatments exhibiting superior performances under varying salt conditions. The correlation analysis indicated complex interactions among the bioactive compounds, providing insights into their potential roles in basil's biochemical response to saline conditions. These findings underscored the potential of biostimulants to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress, thereby enhancing basil's resilience and productivity in saline environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"178 ","pages":"Pages 318-329"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103464","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 : 2025-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.022
Swati Verma , Namo Dubey , Kanwarpal S Dhugga , Kulvinder S Gill , Gursharn S Randhawa
Cluster bean commonly known as guar is a drought-tolerant sub-tropical legume. A large portion of the guar seed endosperm is constituted by galactomannan, which deposits as a thickening of the endosperm cell wall during seed development. Guar galactomannan, commonly called guar gum, is widely used in various industries as a thickening, binding and stabilizing agent. We present a comprehensive review of the molecular underpinnings of the biological phenomena involved in galactomannan biosynthesis in guar. We discuss the advances made in guar genetic engineering for agronomic trait improvement. The progress made in next generation sequencing for deciphering the transcriptomic landscape of galactomannan biosynthesis, stress tolerance and molecular marker identification in guar is being reviewed. A critical analysis of the identified guar small RNAs is presented and their possible involvement in regulating galactomannan biosynthesis is discussed. We have attempted detailed illustration of plant tissue culture and in vitro regeneration in guar and discussed the future scope of utilization of these protocols for guar improvement. This review insightfully analyzes how further application of advanced molecular techniques could be helpful in further improvement of commercially viable traits in guar.
{"title":"Cluster bean: From garnering industrial importance to molecular research interventions for the improvement of commercially viable traits","authors":"Swati Verma , Namo Dubey , Kanwarpal S Dhugga , Kulvinder S Gill , Gursharn S Randhawa","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cluster bean commonly known as guar is a drought-tolerant sub-tropical legume. A large portion of the guar seed endosperm is constituted by galactomannan, which deposits as a thickening of the endosperm cell wall during seed development. Guar galactomannan, commonly called guar gum, is widely used in various industries as a thickening, binding and stabilizing agent. We present a comprehensive review of the molecular underpinnings of the biological phenomena involved in galactomannan biosynthesis in guar. We discuss the advances made in guar genetic engineering for agronomic trait improvement. The progress made in next generation sequencing for deciphering the transcriptomic landscape of galactomannan biosynthesis, stress tolerance and molecular marker identification in guar is being reviewed. A critical analysis of the identified guar small RNAs is presented and their possible involvement in regulating galactomannan biosynthesis is discussed. We have attempted detailed illustration of plant tissue culture and <em>in vitro</em> regeneration in guar and discussed the future scope of utilization of these protocols for guar improvement. This review insightfully analyzes how further application of advanced molecular techniques could be helpful in further improvement of commercially viable traits in guar.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"178 ","pages":"Pages 307-317"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103589","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 : 2025-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.11.041
S.K. Pooja , Basavaraj Bagewadi , D.P. Biradar , I.S. Katageri , Rakeshkumar S. Choudhary , B. Fakrudin
Sorghum is a prominent cereal crop grown in dry and semi-arid regions of South Asia and sub-Sahelian Africa, where moisture stress is a significant constraint in the post-rainy (rabi) season. Sorghum grain yields are poor during post-rainy season because the crop is grown on residual moisture and suffers from moisture stress beginning in December, which coincides with the post-flowering growth period. Understanding the correlation between productivity and physiological characteristics is essential for breeding high-yielding cultivars of sorghum that can better withstand drought after flowering. In the current study, 52 genotypes consisting of 41 advanced breeding lines (16 RILs, eight NILs and 17 improved lines for yield) and 11 released varieties (landraces and elite cultivars) were evaluated for morpho-physiological and yield traits for two years (2018–19, 2019–20 post-rainy seasons) under well-watered (WW) and water stress (WS) conditions. Pooled data from two years showed a reduction in yield (22.84 %), green leaf area (58.09 %) and green leaves (48.01 %) under WS condition compared to WW condition, whereas epicuticular wax load increased under WS condition by 41.21 %. For the selection of the drought-tolerant genotypes, the trait green leaf area 30 days after flowering (GLA_30 DAF) was reliable based on rank correlation and PCA under WS conditions. Based on stability analysis, drought susceptibility indices, multi-trait stability index and the yield performance under WS condition, seven superior lines (SPV2544, PA, STG25, RL167, CRS65, BJV362 and STG44) were identified for post-flowering drought tolerance.
{"title":"Post-flowering drought stress response of advanced breeding lines and cultivars in post-rainy season sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.)]","authors":"S.K. Pooja , Basavaraj Bagewadi , D.P. Biradar , I.S. Katageri , Rakeshkumar S. Choudhary , B. Fakrudin","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.11.041","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.11.041","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sorghum is a prominent cereal crop grown in dry and semi-arid regions of South Asia and sub-Sahelian Africa, where moisture stress is a significant constraint in the post-rainy (<em>rabi</em>) season. Sorghum grain yields are poor during post-rainy season because the crop is grown on residual moisture and suffers from moisture stress beginning in December, which coincides with the post-flowering growth period. Understanding the correlation between productivity and physiological characteristics is essential for breeding high-yielding cultivars of sorghum that can better withstand drought after flowering. In the current study, 52 genotypes consisting of 41 advanced breeding lines (16 RILs, eight NILs and 17 improved lines for yield) and 11 released varieties (landraces and elite cultivars) were evaluated for morpho-physiological and yield traits for two years (2018–19, 2019–20 post-rainy seasons) under well-watered (WW) and water stress (WS) conditions. Pooled data from two years showed a reduction in yield (22.84 %), green leaf area (58.09 %) and green leaves (48.01 %) under WS condition compared to WW condition, whereas epicuticular wax load increased under WS condition by 41.21 %. For the selection of the drought-tolerant genotypes, the trait green leaf area 30 days after flowering (GLA_30 DAF) was reliable based on rank correlation and PCA under WS conditions. Based on stability analysis, drought susceptibility indices, multi-trait stability index and the yield performance under WS condition, seven superior lines (SPV2544, PA, STG25, RL167, CRS65, BJV362 and STG44) were identified for post-flowering drought tolerance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"178 ","pages":"Pages 266-279"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143102862","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 : 2025-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.036
Daniel A. Zhigila , Natasha Lombard , A.Muthama Muasya
Thesium L. (Santalaceae) is the largest genus in Santalales, with a global distribution, except for Antarctica. The genus exhibits significant morphological variation and plasticity, and is characterized by its hemi-parasitic nature, linear or scale-like leaves, and dry nut-like fruits. Within Thesium is sect. Frisea, a monophyletic group endemic to the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of South Africa which includes up to 20 species, known for their pronounced morphological variability, especially in leaf and inflorescence characteristics. Previous taxonomic treatments and recent molecular phylogenetic studies highlight the taxonomic challenges within this section. This study aims to revise the circumscription of these species, employing detailed morphological analyses and geographical distribution data. Nearly 800 herbarium specimens, field collections and high-resolution images were used for morphological investigations. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified key morphological traits distinguishing 18 distinct species clusters and highlighted relationships among certain taxa, supporting synonymization hypotheses for four taxa. Further, the results indicate significant morphological diversity and highlight the need for in-depth taxonomic revision to improve species identification and conservation planning. Conservation assessments of all species were revised, revealing categories from Least Concern (LC) to Critically Endangered (CR). Notably, six taxa previously listed as Data Deficient due to taxonomic uncertainties (DDT) have been resolved. Data remain deficient for three species, warranting a continued classification of data deficient (DDD). The study provides updated taxonomic treatments, identification keys, and threat status assessments for each species.
{"title":"A taxonomic revision and conservation assessments of Thesium Section Frisea (Subgenus Frisea, Santalaceae)","authors":"Daniel A. Zhigila , Natasha Lombard , A.Muthama Muasya","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.036","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.036","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Thesium</em> L. (Santalaceae) is the largest genus in Santalales, with a global distribution, except for Antarctica. The genus exhibits significant morphological variation and plasticity, and is characterized by its hemi-parasitic nature, linear or scale-like leaves, and dry nut-like fruits. Within <em>Thesium</em> is sect. <em>Frisea</em>, a monophyletic group endemic to the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of South Africa which includes up to 20 species, known for their pronounced morphological variability, especially in leaf and inflorescence characteristics. Previous taxonomic treatments and recent molecular phylogenetic studies highlight the taxonomic challenges within this section. This study aims to revise the circumscription of these species, employing detailed morphological analyses and geographical distribution data. Nearly 800 herbarium specimens, field collections and high-resolution images were used for morphological investigations. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified key morphological traits distinguishing 18 distinct species clusters and highlighted relationships among certain taxa, supporting synonymization hypotheses for four taxa. Further, the results indicate significant morphological diversity and highlight the need for in-depth taxonomic revision to improve species identification and conservation planning. Conservation assessments of all species were revised, revealing categories from Least Concern (LC) to Critically Endangered (CR). Notably, six taxa previously listed as Data Deficient due to taxonomic uncertainties (DDT) have been resolved. Data remain deficient for three species, warranting a continued classification of data deficient (DDD). The study provides updated taxonomic treatments, identification keys, and threat status assessments for each species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"178 ","pages":"Pages 280-306"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143102863","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 : 2025-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.008
Rofhiwa Mulaudzi , Sogolo L. Lebelo , Kholosa Maqolo , Rosemary C. Erhabor , Thulani Tshabalala , Lyndy J. McGaw , Ashwell R. Ndhlala , Johannes van Staden
Spirostachys africana Sond. belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is extensively used in South African traditional medicine to address skin conditions. It is locally known as ``tamboti'' or ``umthombothi''. The microdilution method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the PE, petroleum ether; DCM, dichloromethane; EtOH, Ethanol; DH2O, distillied water of S. africana stem-bark extracts against Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13883), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11775), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 12600). The results revealed potent antibacterial activity, particularly in DCM and EtOH extracts, with MIC values ranging from 0.19 to 1.56 µg/ml. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay revealed potent radical scavenging activity, with an EC50 value of 83.26 ± 1.22 μg/ml and a 72.60 ± 0.24 % at the highest tested concentrations. The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts was evaluated via the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitory and the nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was performed using radical scavenging DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and electron reducing ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Water and ethanol stem-bark extracts of S. africana were evaluated for their skin irritation potential using a single application test on rats. The positive control (1 % sodium lauryl sulfate) exhibited significant skin irritation, while the negative control (deionized water) showed minimal irritation. The ethanol extract demonstrated moderate skin irritation potential, with visual scores reaching around 1.5–1.6 after 72 h. This study contributes to the growing body of indigenous medicinal plants and highlights the importance of further exploring natural sources of bioactive compounds for the development of effective and accessible treatments, particularly for vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings.
{"title":"Antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities and skin irritation side effects of Spirostachys africana stem-bark extracts used traditionally for child skincare by isiXhosa communities in South Africa","authors":"Rofhiwa Mulaudzi , Sogolo L. Lebelo , Kholosa Maqolo , Rosemary C. Erhabor , Thulani Tshabalala , Lyndy J. McGaw , Ashwell R. Ndhlala , Johannes van Staden","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Spirostachys africana</em> Sond. belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is extensively used in South African traditional medicine to address skin conditions. It is locally known as ``<em>tamboti</em>'' or ``<em>umthombothi</em>''. The microdilution method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the PE, petroleum ether; DCM, dichloromethane; EtOH, Ethanol; DH<sub>2</sub>O, distillied water of <em>S. africana</em> stem-bark extracts against <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em> (ATCC 13883), <em>Escherichia coli</em> (ATCC 11775), and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (ATCC 12600). The results revealed potent antibacterial activity, particularly in DCM and EtOH extracts, with MIC values ranging from 0.19 to 1.56 µg/ml. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay revealed potent radical scavenging activity, with an EC<sub>50</sub> value of 83.26 ± 1.22 μg/ml and a 72.60 ± 0.24 % at the highest tested concentrations. The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts was evaluated via the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitory and the nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was performed using radical scavenging DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and electron reducing ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Water and ethanol stem-bark extracts of <em>S. africana</em> were evaluated for their skin irritation potential using a single application test on rats. The positive control (1 % sodium lauryl sulfate) exhibited significant skin irritation, while the negative control (deionized water) showed minimal irritation. The ethanol extract demonstrated moderate skin irritation potential, with visual scores reaching around 1.5–1.6 after 72 h. This study contributes to the growing body of indigenous medicinal plants and highlights the importance of further exploring natural sources of bioactive compounds for the development of effective and accessible treatments, particularly for vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"178 ","pages":"Pages 257-265"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143102864","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 : 2025-01-25DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.018
Orivaldo Benedito da Silva , Evaristo Mauro de Castro , Marcio Paulo Pereira , Isabella Andrade Borges , Edilson Luiz Cândido , Claudio Guilherme Portela de Carvalho , Luciana Marques de Carvalho
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., Asteraceae) is a drought-tolerant crop whose yield is compromised when there is water scarcity during the flowering period. The objective of the present study was to evaluate, under controlled conditions, the morphoanatomical and physiological aspects of four sunflower genotypes grown under water deficit conditions. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design in a 2×4 factorial scheme (two water conditions and four genotypes), with six replicates of one plant per rhizotron pot, totalling 48 plants. The water conditions evaluated included plants under well-watered conditions (field capacity) and plants under water deficit conditions (40 % field capacity). The studied sunflower genotypes included OLISUN03, AGUARÁ06, BRS323, and HELIO250. Water deficit induced developmental delay, reduced shoot and root dry mass, and changed stomatal morphology and density, which were reflected by reduced stomatal conductance, transpiration, and internal CO2 concentrations. Changes in the areas of intercellular spaces and substomatal chambers, increased collenchyma area and proline leaf content were also observed. It was concluded that the four sunflower genotypes had reduced growth under water deficit, in addition to morphoanatomical changes.
{"title":"Leaf morphoanatomical and physiological characteristics of sunflower genotypes under water deficit","authors":"Orivaldo Benedito da Silva , Evaristo Mauro de Castro , Marcio Paulo Pereira , Isabella Andrade Borges , Edilson Luiz Cândido , Claudio Guilherme Portela de Carvalho , Luciana Marques de Carvalho","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sunflower (<em>Helianthus annuus</em> L., Asteraceae) is a drought-tolerant crop whose yield is compromised when there is water scarcity during the flowering period. The objective of the present study was to evaluate, under controlled conditions, the morphoanatomical and physiological aspects of four sunflower genotypes grown under water deficit conditions. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design in a 2×4 factorial scheme (two water conditions and four genotypes), with six replicates of one plant per rhizotron pot, totalling 48 plants. The water conditions evaluated included plants under well-watered conditions (field capacity) and plants under water deficit conditions (40 % field capacity). The studied sunflower genotypes included OLISUN03, AGUARÁ06, BRS323, and HELIO250. Water deficit induced developmental delay, reduced shoot and root dry mass, and changed stomatal morphology and density, which were reflected by reduced stomatal conductance, transpiration, and internal CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations. Changes in the areas of intercellular spaces and substomatal chambers, increased collenchyma area and proline leaf content were also observed. It was concluded that the four sunflower genotypes had reduced growth under water deficit, in addition to morphoanatomical changes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"178 ","pages":"Pages 244-256"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163388","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 : 2025-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.030
Ajay Kumar Sharma , Satya Vart Dwivedi , Jyoti Devi , Nakul Gupta , Nagendra Rai , TK Behera , Vidya Sagar
Amaranthus, a plant of Amaranthaceae family is cultivated worldwide for its nutritious grains and leaves. This fast-growing crop thrives well even in challenging conditions such as high temperatures, low moisture, diseases, and pests. The genus has 70–74 species, 17 of which are edible, with most being diploid and only one species being tetraploid. Further, about 55 species are native to the Americas, with the rest found in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. Amaranthus's leaves, shoots, tender stems, and grains are versatile ingredients used in sauces, soups, and various recipes. It is a nutrient-rich plant, providing essential carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, dietary fiber, and amino acids like lysine and sulfur. Further, the nutritional composition of plants varies with species and plant parts. With over 50 identified nutritional compounds, Amaranthus exhibits numerous pharmacological benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, hypocholesterolemic, and neuroprotective effects. In Ayurveda, it is traditionally used to treat conditions such as menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, asthma, bronchitis, piles, blood disorders, bladder discomfort, toothache, and as a diuretic. This review provides an in-depth examination of Amaranthus spp., covering their historical context, distribution, linguistic diversity, cyto-taxonomy, origin, and genetic diversity. It emphasizes the plant's diverse applications in agriculture, health, and nutrition, particularly in addressing global food security and nutrition challenges. Further research is needed to isolate active components, optimize extraction, and explore Amaranthus's therapeutic potential in functional foods, supplements, and natural colorants. Sustainable farming and breeding can enhance Amaranthus yields, betalain content, and reduce anti-nutritional compounds, benefiting farmers especially in developing countries.
{"title":"Botany, ethnomedicine, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Amaranthus spp.- a review","authors":"Ajay Kumar Sharma , Satya Vart Dwivedi , Jyoti Devi , Nakul Gupta , Nagendra Rai , TK Behera , Vidya Sagar","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amaranthus, a plant of Amaranthaceae family is cultivated worldwide for its nutritious grains and leaves. This fast-growing crop thrives well even in challenging conditions such as high temperatures, low moisture, diseases, and pests. The genus has 70–74 species, 17 of which are edible, with most being diploid and only one species being tetraploid. Further, about 55 species are native to the Americas, with the rest found in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. Amaranthus's leaves, shoots, tender stems, and grains are versatile ingredients used in sauces, soups, and various recipes. It is a nutrient-rich plant, providing essential carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, dietary fiber, and amino acids like lysine and sulfur. Further, the nutritional composition of plants varies with species and plant parts. With over 50 identified nutritional compounds, Amaranthus exhibits numerous pharmacological benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, hypocholesterolemic, and neuroprotective effects. In Ayurveda, it is traditionally used to treat conditions such as menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, asthma, bronchitis, piles, blood disorders, bladder discomfort, toothache, and as a diuretic. This review provides an in-depth examination of <em>Amaranthus spp</em>., covering their historical context, distribution, linguistic diversity, cyto-taxonomy, origin, and genetic diversity. It emphasizes the plant's diverse applications in agriculture, health, and nutrition, particularly in addressing global food security and nutrition challenges. Further research is needed to isolate active components, optimize extraction, and explore Amaranthus's therapeutic potential in functional foods, supplements, and natural colorants. Sustainable farming and breeding can enhance Amaranthus yields, betalain content, and reduce anti-nutritional compounds, benefiting farmers especially in developing countries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"178 ","pages":"Pages 198-216"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103588","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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