Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-12-25DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.014
Gülsen Kendir , Meryem Erol , Semih Bulut , Yalçın Erzurumlu , Suna Kızılyıldırım , Muhammed Tilahun Muhammed
Vitis vinifera L. is widely cultivated throughout the world, and its various parts are used for various purposes in traditional medicine. Anatomical examination of the powder samples of V. vinifera cv. Atasarısı leaves defined characteristic anatomical elements such as cross-section of lamina, upper epidermis with palisade parenchyma, lower epidermis with anomocytic stomata, druses in mesophyll, raphides, multicellular covering trichomes with thick cuticle, and stellate trichomes. As a result of the analysis of phenolic compounds in the methanol extract of the leaves, catechin (3.8850 ± 0.1618 mg/g) was determined as the main compound, followed by rutin (2.4406 ± 0.1356 mg/g) and chlorogenic acid (2.1112 ± 0.1078 mg/g). The broth microdilution method was used to examine the antibacterial activity of the leaf methanol extract. In the study, it was determined that the leaf extract showed antibacterial activity against especially Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterococcus feacalis with 100 µg/mL MIC value. Leaf methanol extract showed strong antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging activity method, while moderate activity was observed by metal chelation capacity method. The leaf extract significantly displayed cytotoxic effect against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells with 175.826 µg/mL and 263.582 µg/mL IC50 values, respectively. The binding potentials of the major phytocomponents to the estrogen receptor beta target were explored to elucidate the possible mechanism of action for the observed cytotoxic effect of the extract. The docking study disclosed that the major phytocomponents of the extract had the potential to bind to the target but less than the native ligand. V. vinifera cv. Atasarısı leaves exhibit strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities and a significant cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cells, potentially mediated through interaction with estrogen receptor beta.
{"title":"Anatomical characteristics and bioactivities of Vitis vinifera L. (Cv. Atasarisi) leaves","authors":"Gülsen Kendir , Meryem Erol , Semih Bulut , Yalçın Erzurumlu , Suna Kızılyıldırım , Muhammed Tilahun Muhammed","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Vitis vinifera</em> L. is widely cultivated throughout the world, and its various parts are used for various purposes in traditional medicine. Anatomical examination of the powder samples of <em>V. vinifera</em> cv. Atasarısı leaves defined characteristic anatomical elements such as cross-section of lamina, upper epidermis with palisade parenchyma, lower epidermis with anomocytic stomata, druses in mesophyll, raphides, multicellular covering trichomes with thick cuticle, and stellate trichomes. As a result of the analysis of phenolic compounds in the methanol extract of the leaves, catechin (3.8850 ± 0.1618 mg/g) was determined as the main compound, followed by rutin (2.4406 ± 0.1356 mg/g) and chlorogenic acid (2.1112 ± 0.1078 mg/g). The broth microdilution method was used to examine the antibacterial activity of the leaf methanol extract. In the study, it was determined that the leaf extract showed antibacterial activity against especially <em>Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterococcus feacalis</em> with 100 µg/mL MIC value. Leaf methanol extract showed strong antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging activity method, while moderate activity was observed by metal chelation capacity method. The leaf extract significantly displayed cytotoxic effect against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells with 175.826 µg/mL and 263.582 µg/mL IC<sub>50</sub> values, respectively. The binding potentials of the major phytocomponents to the estrogen receptor beta target were explored to elucidate the possible mechanism of action for the observed cytotoxic effect of the extract. The docking study disclosed that the major phytocomponents of the extract had the potential to bind to the target but less than the native ligand. <em>V. vinifera</em> cv. Atasarısı leaves exhibit strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities and a significant cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cells, potentially mediated through interaction with estrogen receptor beta.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 466-477"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839912","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}
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is the costliest spice with several therapeutic properties. However, the flowering in Saffron is a complex process mostly restricted by climatic factors. This study investigated the effect of priming of different Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) on Saffron corm concerning various agronomic traits, flowering parameters, and also analyzed various physiological and biochemical parameters. The corms were primed with PGRs like IAA, SA, IBA, GA3, and 2,4-D (at 0.5 mM), followed by planting under hydroponic conditions. Among all PGRs priming effects, the GA3-treated plants were found to have a significantly higher flowering rate (2.5 ± 0.057 on the first blooming day). The fresh weight of the stigma was also found to be maximum in response to GA3 (0.083 ± 0.001 g/ flower). The GA3-primed plants showed good-quality stigma by accumulating a higher value for crocin (304.667 ± 2.906), safranal (71 ± 0.577), and picrocrocin (107.333 ± 1.453). However, the IAA-primed plants showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (E). In our study, the priming effect of SA and 2,4-D on several agronomic parameters, physiological activities, and blooming characteristics was not very efficient as compared to GA3 and IAA. The result of this study indicated that the GA3 priming was attributed to promoting most of the flowering parameters, and IAA improved the physiological parameters, which indicated that GA3 and IAA priming have the potential growth stimulatory role in Saffron plants under hydroponic conditions.
{"title":"Saffron corms primed with GA3 and IAA individually induced flowering, improved agronomic traits and physiological status under hydroponic condition","authors":"Namita Muduli , Dayanidhi Sahoo , Khirod Kumar Sahoo","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Saffron (<em>Crocus sativus</em> L.) is the costliest spice with several therapeutic properties. However, the flowering in Saffron is a complex process mostly restricted by climatic factors. This study investigated the effect of priming of different Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) on Saffron corm concerning various agronomic traits, flowering parameters, and also analyzed various physiological and biochemical parameters. The corms were primed with PGRs like IAA, SA, IBA, GA<sub>3</sub>, and 2,4-D (at 0.5 mM), followed by planting under hydroponic conditions. Among all PGRs priming effects, the GA<sub>3</sub>-treated plants were found to have a significantly higher flowering rate (2.5 ± 0.057 on the first blooming day). The fresh weight of the stigma was also found to be maximum in response to GA<sub>3</sub> (0.083 ± 0.001 g/ flower). The GA<sub>3</sub>-primed plants showed good-quality stigma by accumulating a higher <span><math><msubsup><mi>E</mi><mrow><mn>1</mn><mi>c</mi><mi>m</mi></mrow><mrow><mo>%</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msubsup></math></span> value for crocin (304.667 ± 2.906), safranal (71 ± 0.577), and picrocrocin (107.333 ± 1.453). However, the IAA-primed plants showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (E). In our study, the priming effect of SA and 2,4-D on several agronomic parameters, physiological activities, and blooming characteristics was not very efficient as compared to GA<sub>3</sub> and IAA. The result of this study indicated that the GA<sub>3</sub> priming was attributed to promoting most of the flowering parameters, and IAA improved the physiological parameters, which indicated that GA<sub>3</sub> and IAA priming have the potential growth stimulatory role in Saffron plants under hydroponic conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 508-516"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840046","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}
Invasive alien plants are proliferating due to global climate change often through mechanism called allelopathy, influencing other plants by releasing chemicals. This study examined the allelopathic impact of aqueous extracts of leaf (VPE) and flower (FPE) of Lantana camara L. on performance traits such as germination rate (GR), germination percentage (GP), total plant biomasses (TPB), total plant height (TPH), relative growth rate (RGR), stem volume (SV); plant level traits such as leaf weight ratio (LWR), stem weight ratio (SWR), root weight ratio (RWR), leaf area ratio (LAR), root shoot ratio (RS); leaf level traits such as leaf area (LA), single leaf area (SLA), single leaf weight (SLW), relative moisture content (RMC), seed vigor index (SVI) and productivity such as seed number (SN), reproductive index (REI), reproductive effort (RE) of native legume crop Glycine max (L.) Merr. (soybean). The pot experiment was performed in the glasshouse at the Department of Botany, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, using a completely randomized block design (CRBD) consisting of two components (leaf and flower) with four concentrations of aqueous extract (w/v): C1 (25 g), C2 (50 g), C3 (75 g), C4 (100 g) and one control, each replicated five times. The current findings showed that the VPE and FPE notably suppressed the germination, seedling growth and productivity of soybean and the effect was more pronounced for leaves. The highest concentration of VPE depicted percentage inhibition of 30–50% in performance trait biomass and 15–55% in productivity of soybean as compared to FPE. The results of aqueous extract effect with respect to infrared spectral analysis (FTIR) suggested that different functional groups of allelochemicals present in leaves and flowers of L. camara were extracted in water and may interfere with early seedling development of selected crop in agroecosystem. However, further studies have to be conducted for identification and characterization of phytochemicals by which one can understand their particular role in germination, seedling growth and yield. As a consequence, more research has to be done to demonstrate the allelopathic effect of L. camara on agronomic crops and to explore its use as a practical bioherbicidal agent.
{"title":"Comparative allelopathic impacts of leaf and flower water-based aqueous extracts of Lantana camara on Glycine max (L.) Merr. (soybean) crop","authors":"Vartika Joshi, Charu Joshi, Surendra Singh Bargali, Kiran Bargali","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Invasive alien plants are proliferating due to global climate change often through mechanism called allelopathy, influencing other plants by releasing chemicals. This study examined the allelopathic impact of aqueous extracts of leaf (VPE) and flower (FPE) of <em>Lantana camara</em> L. on performance traits such as germination rate (GR), germination percentage (GP), total plant biomasses (TPB), total plant height (TPH), relative growth rate (RGR), stem volume (SV); plant level traits such as leaf weight ratio (LWR), stem weight ratio (SWR), root weight ratio (RWR), leaf area ratio (LAR), root shoot ratio (RS); leaf level traits such as leaf area (LA), single leaf area (SLA), single leaf weight (SLW), relative moisture content (RMC), seed vigor index (SVI) and productivity such as seed number (SN), reproductive index (REI), reproductive effort (RE) of native legume crop <em>Glycine max</em> (L.) Merr. (soybean). The pot experiment was performed in the glasshouse at the Department of Botany, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, using a completely randomized block design (CRBD) consisting of two components (leaf and flower) with four concentrations of aqueous extract (w/v): C<sub>1</sub> (25 g), C<sub>2</sub> (50 g), C<sub>3</sub> (75 g), C<sub>4</sub> (100 g) and one control, each replicated five times. The current findings showed that the VPE and FPE notably suppressed the germination, seedling growth and productivity of soybean and the effect was more pronounced for leaves. The highest concentration of VPE depicted percentage inhibition of 30–50% in performance trait biomass and 15–55% in productivity of soybean as compared to FPE. The results of aqueous extract effect with respect to infrared spectral analysis (FTIR) suggested that different functional groups of allelochemicals present in leaves and flowers of <em>L. camara</em> were extracted in water and may interfere with early seedling development of selected crop in agroecosystem. However, further studies have to be conducted for identification and characterization of phytochemicals by which one can understand their particular role in germination, seedling growth and yield. As a consequence, more research has to be done to demonstrate the allelopathic effect of <em>L. camara</em> on agronomic crops and to explore its use as a practical bioherbicidal agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 174-190"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682136","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}
Wheatgrass is a nutrient-rich grass with significant medicinal and pharmacological properties due to its presence of bioactive compounds, and it has the potential to be utilized for human nourishment. These substances are essential for boosting immunity and contribute to overall health and wellness by preventing diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, blood disorders, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The application of wheatgrass bioactive compounds in the food industry is scarcely investigated. Wheatgrass has been used as a microgreen, containing phenolic compounds, flavonoids, minerals, proteins, and other bioactive compounds, which further make it a potential antioxidant agent. Wheatgrass, rich in most micro and macronutrients, could be revolutionary in the food industry and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This review highlights the latest knowledge on bioactive compounds and their extraction methods from wheatgrass, as well as their applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
{"title":"Wheatgrass: Unveiling the bioactive potential for food and pharmaceutical industries","authors":"Mubasit Siddiqui, Vrushasen Mohanrao Bochare, Shubham Singh Patel, Bhim Pratap Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wheatgrass is a nutrient-rich grass with significant medicinal and pharmacological properties due to its presence of bioactive compounds, and it has the potential to be utilized for human nourishment. These substances are essential for boosting immunity and contribute to overall health and wellness by preventing diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, blood disorders, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The application of wheatgrass bioactive compounds in the food industry is scarcely investigated. Wheatgrass has been used as a microgreen, containing phenolic compounds, flavonoids, minerals, proteins, and other bioactive compounds, which further make it a potential antioxidant agent. Wheatgrass, rich in most micro and macronutrients, could be revolutionary in the food industry and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This review highlights the latest knowledge on bioactive compounds and their extraction methods from wheatgrass, as well as their applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 86-96"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616859","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}
Breast cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent and fatal diseases globally, particularly among women. The traditional treatment methods, including chemotherapy, radiation, and open surgery, are often accompanied by severe side effects. This study explores the potential of using natural bioactive compounds from Rubia Cordifolia L. (Indian madder) and Strychnine (an alkaloid) as alternatives to conventional cancer treatments. The study utilizes machine learning models to predict the activity of compounds towards Transthyretin (TTR) protein, a key target in cancer research, in an attempt to identify novel therapeutic agents. Using a dataset obtained from the BindingDB database, we employed machine learning models to predict the activity of various compounds on the TTR protein. The Random Forest model demonstrated the highest accuracy at 76.67 %, identifying compounds such as beta-Sitosterol and Oleanolic acid acetate as potential TTR inhibitors. In addition, molecular docking and dynamics simulations were conducted to further examine the binding interactions of these compounds with TTR. Furthermore, Strychnine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were formulated, and their encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release were analyzed. The Random Forest model identified beta-Sitosterol and Oleanolic acid acetate as the most promising TTR inhibitors. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed that these compounds could bind to the TTR protein. Additionally, the formulation of Strychnine-loaded SLNs showed a high encapsulation efficiency of 94.00 % and demonstrated a slow release of the drug in vitro. The findings suggest that Rubia Cordifolia L. and Strychnine hold great potential as adjuncts to current breast cancer treatments, offering the possibility of fewer side effects and a safer therapeutic profile. The promising in silico results combined with the successful formulation of Strychnine-loaded SLNs underscore their potential for future drug development in cancer therapy. Further experimental validation and clinical studies are warranted to confirm their efficacy and safety in cancer treatment.
{"title":"Exploring natural bioactive compounds for breast cancer treatment: Integrating Rubia Cordifolia L. and Strychnine SLNs with traditional treatments through machine learning and nanotechnology","authors":"Swati Mayur Keny , Malarkodi Velraj , Natarajan Kiruthiga , Anamika Padmavathy Krishnan , Mangirish Deshpande , Stalin Arulsamy , Panneerselvam Theivendren","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.043","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.043","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Breast cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent and fatal diseases globally, particularly among women. The traditional treatment methods, including chemotherapy, radiation, and open surgery, are often accompanied by severe side effects. This study explores the potential of using natural bioactive compounds from <em>Rubia Cordifolia L.</em> (Indian madder) and Strychnine (an alkaloid) as alternatives to conventional cancer treatments. The study utilizes machine learning models to predict the activity of compounds towards Transthyretin (TTR) protein, a key target in cancer research, in an attempt to identify novel therapeutic agents. Using a dataset obtained from the BindingDB database, we employed machine learning models to predict the activity of various compounds on the TTR protein. The Random Forest model demonstrated the highest accuracy at 76.67 %, identifying compounds such as beta-Sitosterol and Oleanolic acid acetate as potential TTR inhibitors. In addition, molecular docking and dynamics simulations were conducted to further examine the binding interactions of these compounds with TTR. Furthermore, Strychnine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were formulated, and their encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release were analyzed. The Random Forest model identified beta-Sitosterol and Oleanolic acid acetate as the most promising TTR inhibitors. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed that these compounds could bind to the TTR protein. Additionally, the formulation of Strychnine-loaded SLNs showed a high encapsulation efficiency of 94.00 % and demonstrated a slow release of the drug in vitro. The findings suggest that <em>Rubia Cordifolia L.</em> and Strychnine hold great potential as adjuncts to current breast cancer treatments, offering the possibility of fewer side effects and a safer therapeutic profile. The promising in silico results combined with the successful formulation of Strychnine-loaded SLNs underscore their potential for future drug development in cancer therapy. Further experimental validation and clinical studies are warranted to confirm their efficacy and safety in cancer treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 291-308"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737335","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 : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-02DOI: 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
{"title":"Molecular networking based on UPLC-MS/MS fingerprinting for evaluation of Atriplex lindleyi Moq. subsp. inflata's renoprotective potential","authors":"Abdelrahman A. Ziada , Amal Kabbash , Mona El-Aasr , Mohamed A. Selim , Rehab F. Abdel-Rahman , Hanan A. Ogaly , Ahmed H. El-Desoky","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Atriplex lindleyi</em> Moq. subspecies <em>inflata</em>, 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-<em>α</em>, 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</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 565-573"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883578","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}
Rhynchostylis orchids, endemic to Thailand, possess significant commercial and cultural value but face escalating threats from illegal trade. Frequently misrepresented as hybrids in online markets and local nurseries to evade regulation, such practices have accelerated the decline of wild populations, pushing some taxa toward extinction. Although protected under CITES Appendix II, the accurate identification of Rhynchostylis species remains challenging due to their high morphological similarity, particularly during non-flowering stages. Therefore, rapid and accurate species- or variety-specific identification tools are urgently needed to support conservation, legal enforcement, and sustainable use. This study utilized ISSR, SCoT, and SRAP markers to assess genetic diversity and develop reliable SCAR markers for species- and variety-level identification in Rhynchostylis orchids. Among the three marker systems, ISSR demonstrated the highest discriminatory power, revealing greater polymorphism compared to SCoT and SRAP. Genetic similarity coefficients and UPGMA dendrograms derived from all marker types consistently revealed two distinct clusters, confirming the genetic cohesion of the R. gigantea complex and its clear divergence from allied genera such as Vanda and Aerides. Among the DNA profiles generated, two ISSR primers, UBC817 and UBC827, amplified distinct ∼500 bp and ∼700 bp fragments, respectively. Sequencing of these fragments enabled the development of specific SCAR primers: RG817_f/RG817_r amplified a 202 bp fragment unique to R. gigantea, while RGR827_f/RGR827_r produced a 424 bp band specific to R. gigantea var. rubrum. These markers were absent in all other tested accessions. Multiplex PCR validation confirmed their high specificity and reproducibility for genotype identification. This study reports the first ISSR-derived SCAR markers for accurate differentiation of R. gigantea and its variety rubrum, offering practical tools for species authentication. These markers offer practical tools for eliminating illegal trade, supporting biodiversity conservation efforts, and promote sustainable cultivation of Thailand's endemic Rhynchostylis orchids, which are important both ecologically and economically.
{"title":"Development of ISSR-derived SCAR markers for precise identification and conservation of Rhynchostylis gigantea and its variety rubrum in Thailand","authors":"Juthaporn Saengprajak , Thanwanit Thanyasiriwat , Arnusorn Saengprajak , Aphidech Sangdee","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rhynchostylis</em> orchids, endemic to Thailand, possess significant commercial and cultural value but face escalating threats from illegal trade. Frequently misrepresented as hybrids in online markets and local nurseries to evade regulation, such practices have accelerated the decline of wild populations, pushing some taxa toward extinction. Although protected under CITES Appendix II, the accurate identification of <em>Rhynchostylis</em> species remains challenging due to their high morphological similarity, particularly during non-flowering stages. Therefore, rapid and accurate species- or variety-specific identification tools are urgently needed to support conservation, legal enforcement, and sustainable use. This study utilized ISSR, SCoT, and SRAP markers to assess genetic diversity and develop reliable SCAR markers for species- and variety-level identification in <em>Rhynchostylis</em> orchids. Among the three marker systems, ISSR demonstrated the highest discriminatory power, revealing greater polymorphism compared to SCoT and SRAP. Genetic similarity coefficients and UPGMA dendrograms derived from all marker types consistently revealed two distinct clusters, confirming the genetic cohesion of the <em>R. gigantea</em> complex and its clear divergence from allied genera such as <em>Vanda</em> and <em>Aerides</em>. Among the DNA profiles generated, two ISSR primers, UBC817 and UBC827, amplified distinct ∼500 bp and ∼700 bp fragments, respectively. Sequencing of these fragments enabled the development of specific SCAR primers: RG817_f/RG817_r amplified a 202 bp fragment unique to <em>R. gigantea</em>, while RGR827_f/RGR827_r produced a 424 bp band specific to <em>R. gigantea</em> var. <em>rubrum</em>. These markers were absent in all other tested accessions. Multiplex PCR validation confirmed their high specificity and reproducibility for genotype identification. This study reports the first ISSR-derived SCAR markers for accurate differentiation of <em>R. gigantea</em> and its variety <em>rubrum</em>, offering practical tools for species authentication. These markers offer practical tools for eliminating illegal trade, supporting biodiversity conservation efforts, and promote sustainable cultivation of Thailand's endemic <em>Rhynchostylis</em> orchids, which are important both ecologically and economically.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 551-564"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883582","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}
The development of innovative food products with high nutritional value and functional benefits is gaining worldwide interest. Moringa oleifera, known as a miracle tree, is valued for its edible leaves, seeds, pods, and flowers, and is commonly used as a food supplement. Incorporating Moringa oleifera leaves or seeds into biscuit formulations not only enhances their nutritional profile but also introduces valuable bioactive compounds that may offer health benefits. The physicochemical properties, phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and consumer acceptability of biscuits formulated from Moringa Oleifera leaves (ML) and seeds (MS) powder blends were investigated. The ML and MS powders increased the protein (4.45–13.16 %), total phenolic content (0.45 - 4.85 mg EGA/gDM) and antioxidant activities (2850–1450 µg/mL) of the formulated biscuits as compared to control biscuits. The addition of ML and MS also positively influenced the physical attributes of the biscuits. The blending of 7 % MS and 2.5 % ML resulted in a biscuit with acceptable sensory qualities such as taste, aroma, appearance, and overall acceptability. This study showed that ML and MS powders blends could serve as functional ingredients to produce better functional and healthy products. This approach supports the development of functional biscuits that cater to health-conscious consumers seeking both taste and improved nutritional quality.
{"title":"Physicochemical characterization of Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds for functional biscuits formulation","authors":"Youkabed Zarroug , Olfa Bachrouch , Mouna Boulares , Dorra Sfayhi Terras , Rami Ben Nassib , Sameh Aouadi , Awatef Khiari , Jazia Sritti","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of innovative food products with high nutritional value and functional benefits is gaining worldwide interest. <em>Moringa oleifera</em>, known as a miracle tree, is valued for its edible leaves, seeds, pods, and flowers, and is commonly used as a food supplement. Incorporating <em>Moringa oleifera</em> leaves or seeds into biscuit formulations not only enhances their nutritional profile but also introduces valuable bioactive compounds that may offer health benefits. The physicochemical properties, phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and consumer acceptability of biscuits formulated from <em>Moringa Oleifera</em> leaves (ML) and seeds (MS) powder blends were investigated. The ML and MS powders increased the protein (4.45–13.16 %), total phenolic content (0.45 - 4.85 mg EGA/gDM) and antioxidant activities (2850–1450 µg/mL) of the formulated biscuits as compared to control biscuits. The addition of ML and MS also positively influenced the physical attributes of the biscuits. The blending of 7 % MS and 2.5 % ML resulted in a biscuit with acceptable sensory qualities such as taste, aroma, appearance, and overall acceptability. This study showed that ML and MS powders blends could serve as functional ingredients to produce better functional and healthy products. This approach supports the development of functional biscuits that cater to health-conscious consumers seeking both taste and improved nutritional quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 530-538"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883580","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 : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.038
Kayleigh Mengel, Zaynab Shaik, Léanne L. Dreyer
The Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) is renowned for its exceptional species richness and remarkable beta diversity at fine spatial scales. This unique flora has captivated naturalists since the early 17th century colonial exploration of the region. Understanding the patterns and processes underlying this diversity has been the focus of over a century of evolutionary research, and recent advances in next-generation DNA sequencing have further enhanced our understanding of lineage diversification at very shallow timescales. Our review of these processes confirms that multiple interacting drivers of speciation have produced the extraordinary biodiversity of the GCFR. Key drivers of speciation include high environmental heterogeneity, periodic fire regimes, range-limited dispersal, pollinator-driven divergence, and phenological shifts. Another potentially significant yet underexplored driver is the role of Pleistocene sea-level fluctuations, which we propose have played a critical role in promoting recent divergence among coastal endemic floras. In addition to these drivers of speciation, the maintenance of biodiversity in the GCFR has been facilitated by long-term climatic buffering, and niche partitioning supported by a suite of plant ecophysiological trait specialisations.
{"title":"Lineage diversification and long-term persistence in the Greater Cape Floristic Region: Insights from molecular data","authors":"Kayleigh Mengel, Zaynab Shaik, Léanne L. Dreyer","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.038","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.038","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) is renowned for its exceptional species richness and remarkable beta diversity at fine spatial scales. This unique flora has captivated naturalists since the early 17th century colonial exploration of the region. Understanding the patterns and processes underlying this diversity has been the focus of over a century of evolutionary research, and recent advances in next-generation DNA sequencing have further enhanced our understanding of lineage diversification at very shallow timescales. Our review of these processes confirms that multiple interacting drivers of speciation have produced the extraordinary biodiversity of the GCFR. Key drivers of speciation include high environmental heterogeneity, periodic fire regimes, range-limited dispersal, pollinator-driven divergence, and phenological shifts. Another potentially significant yet underexplored driver is the role of Pleistocene sea-level fluctuations, which we propose have played a critical role in promoting recent divergence among coastal endemic floras. In addition to these drivers of speciation, the maintenance of biodiversity in the GCFR has been facilitated by long-term climatic buffering, and niche partitioning supported by a suite of plant ecophysiological trait specialisations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 97-106"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616840","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 : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.036
Nuraniye Eruygur , Yavuz Bagci , Fatma Ayaz , Tuğsen Buyukyildirim , Nagihan Faydali , Muhammed Raşit Bakir , Muhammed Tilahun Muhammed
<div><div><em>Salvia</em> L. is one of the largest genera belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is a plant species of great importance in perfumery, pharmaceutical, and food industry. <em>Salvia</em> species have a large usage as their extracts and essential oils among people in many areas. There are about 900 species belonging to the genus <em>Salvia</em> in the world, and they are generally distributed in the North, and South Americas as well as South-West Asia continents. Looking at its traditional uses, the genus has widely used in various disorders, such as stomach problems, cold, and sore throat, as well as for carminative, wound healing, and memory enhancer. <em>Salvia</em> species is rich in phytochemical contents, especially important bioactive secondary metabolites such as polyphenolics, phenolic acids, terpenes, and flavonoids. In this study, antioxidant activities (TPC, TFC, DPPH, and ABTS) and enzyme inhibition (cholinesterase and tyrosinase) capacities of ten different <em>Salvia</em> species were evaluated by microplate reader at 1 mg/mL concentration. When the results were evaluated, <em>S. tomentosa</em> water (241.20 ± 1.45 mg GA/ g) and MeOH (227.01 ± 3.85 mg GA/ g) extracts were found to have the highest total phenol content over gallic acid equivalent<em>. S. cilicia</em> DCM (166.70 ± 9.06 mg QE/g) and EtOAC (174.97 ± 3.29 mg QE/g) extracts were found to have the highest total flavonoid concentration in terms of quercetin equivalent. All <em>Salvia</em> species demonstrated antioxidant effects using the DPPH and ABTS methods, except for the DCM extracts of <em>S. caespitosa, S. adenocaulon</em>, and <em>S. tomentosa</em>. Notably, the DCM extract of <em>S. tomentosa</em> (86.86 % ± 3.51) exhibited strong inhibitory activity against AChE. The EtOAc extract of <em>S. sclarea</em> (98.38 % ± 1.91) showed the highest inhibitory activity against BChE.. Molecular docking studies have been conducted on the components that are highly concentrated in the extracts, showing inhibition of cholinesterase and tyrosinase enzymes with the respective enzymes. The molecular docking results of sinapinic acid and rutin compounds against acetylcholinesterase, Apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin against butyrylcholinesterase, and gallic acid and salicylic acid against tyrosinase have been examined. It has been found that all compounds bound to the enzymes and that pi bonds and hydrogen bonds were present in the ligand-protein interactions. The stabilities of the complexes retreived from the docking were assessed through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis. The MD simulation study pointed out the formation of stable complexes between the enzyme structures and ligands that had higher binding affinity in the docking. The ADMET analysis of the investigated compounds were conducted. The compounds (except rutin) exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including high gastrointestinal absorption and compliance with Lipinski’s rules, while
{"title":"Exploring enzyme inhibition and antioxidant activities of different Salvia L. species with phenolic profiling and molecular docking","authors":"Nuraniye Eruygur , Yavuz Bagci , Fatma Ayaz , Tuğsen Buyukyildirim , Nagihan Faydali , Muhammed Raşit Bakir , Muhammed Tilahun Muhammed","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.036","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.036","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Salvia</em> L. is one of the largest genera belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is a plant species of great importance in perfumery, pharmaceutical, and food industry. <em>Salvia</em> species have a large usage as their extracts and essential oils among people in many areas. There are about 900 species belonging to the genus <em>Salvia</em> in the world, and they are generally distributed in the North, and South Americas as well as South-West Asia continents. Looking at its traditional uses, the genus has widely used in various disorders, such as stomach problems, cold, and sore throat, as well as for carminative, wound healing, and memory enhancer. <em>Salvia</em> species is rich in phytochemical contents, especially important bioactive secondary metabolites such as polyphenolics, phenolic acids, terpenes, and flavonoids. In this study, antioxidant activities (TPC, TFC, DPPH, and ABTS) and enzyme inhibition (cholinesterase and tyrosinase) capacities of ten different <em>Salvia</em> species were evaluated by microplate reader at 1 mg/mL concentration. When the results were evaluated, <em>S. tomentosa</em> water (241.20 ± 1.45 mg GA/ g) and MeOH (227.01 ± 3.85 mg GA/ g) extracts were found to have the highest total phenol content over gallic acid equivalent<em>. S. cilicia</em> DCM (166.70 ± 9.06 mg QE/g) and EtOAC (174.97 ± 3.29 mg QE/g) extracts were found to have the highest total flavonoid concentration in terms of quercetin equivalent. All <em>Salvia</em> species demonstrated antioxidant effects using the DPPH and ABTS methods, except for the DCM extracts of <em>S. caespitosa, S. adenocaulon</em>, and <em>S. tomentosa</em>. Notably, the DCM extract of <em>S. tomentosa</em> (86.86 % ± 3.51) exhibited strong inhibitory activity against AChE. The EtOAc extract of <em>S. sclarea</em> (98.38 % ± 1.91) showed the highest inhibitory activity against BChE.. Molecular docking studies have been conducted on the components that are highly concentrated in the extracts, showing inhibition of cholinesterase and tyrosinase enzymes with the respective enzymes. The molecular docking results of sinapinic acid and rutin compounds against acetylcholinesterase, Apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin against butyrylcholinesterase, and gallic acid and salicylic acid against tyrosinase have been examined. It has been found that all compounds bound to the enzymes and that pi bonds and hydrogen bonds were present in the ligand-protein interactions. The stabilities of the complexes retreived from the docking were assessed through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis. The MD simulation study pointed out the formation of stable complexes between the enzyme structures and ligands that had higher binding affinity in the docking. The ADMET analysis of the investigated compounds were conducted. The compounds (except rutin) exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including high gastrointestinal absorption and compliance with Lipinski’s rules, while","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 131-142"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682120","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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