Pub Date : 2025-12-26DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.011
Pedro Henrique Santos , Jéssica de Souza Marciano , Daniel J. da Silva , Paulo Henrique Camani , Greiciele Ferreira , Adriana Feliciano Alves Duran , Lívia de Moraes Bomediano Camillo , Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno , Derval dos Santos Rosa
Essential oils (EOs) are complex mixtures of volatile chemical compounds that exhibit diverse bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In this study, the chemical composition and bioactive potential of nine plant-derived EOs were investigated, with particular emphasis on their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and potential applications in the biomedical field. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was employed to characterize the chemical constituents of the EOs, followed by the evaluation of their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. Among the tested oils, clove leaf EO (Eugenia caryophyllata) exhibited the most notable performance, with an EC₅₀ value of 20.40 µg/mL, as well as low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against human pathogenic bacteria. These biological effects are attributed to the high content of the phenolic compound eugenol (88.76 %) present in clove EO. Furthermore, all EOs demonstrated promising antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2, as determined by RT-qPCR, with rosemary EO showing the greatest reduction in viral replication after 30 min of exposure. The synergistic action of 1,8-cineole and α-pinene in rosemary EO likely contributed to this enhanced antiviral activity. Overall, the findings indicate that, depending on their chemical composition, essential oils possess significant antibacterial and antiviral potential, highlighting their promise as bioactive agents for future biomedical applications.
{"title":"Exploring the chemical composition and functional properties of essential oils: insights into antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities","authors":"Pedro Henrique Santos , Jéssica de Souza Marciano , Daniel J. da Silva , Paulo Henrique Camani , Greiciele Ferreira , Adriana Feliciano Alves Duran , Lívia de Moraes Bomediano Camillo , Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno , Derval dos Santos Rosa","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Essential oils (EOs) are complex mixtures of volatile chemical compounds that exhibit diverse bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In this study, the chemical composition and bioactive potential of nine plant-derived EOs were investigated, with particular emphasis on their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and potential applications in the biomedical field. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was employed to characterize the chemical constituents of the EOs, followed by the evaluation of their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. Among the tested oils, clove leaf EO (<em>Eugenia caryophyllata</em>) exhibited the most notable performance, with an EC₅₀ value of 20.40 µg/mL, as well as low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against human pathogenic bacteria. These biological effects are attributed to the high content of the phenolic compound eugenol (88.76 %) present in clove EO. Furthermore, all EOs demonstrated promising antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2, as determined by RT-qPCR, with rosemary EO showing the greatest reduction in viral replication after 30 min of exposure. The synergistic action of 1,8-cineole and α-pinene in rosemary EO likely contributed to this enhanced antiviral activity. Overall, the findings indicate that, depending on their chemical composition, essential oils possess significant antibacterial and antiviral potential, highlighting their promise as bioactive agents for future biomedical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 478-488"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840048","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}
<div><div>Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease wherein loss of memory and cognition is very common. Oxidative stress, lack of acetylcholine, and inflammation in brain tissues are characteristics of AD. Development of natural remedies such as medicinal plants for management of AD is a viable strategy. In the present study, methanolic extract of <em>Portulaca oleracea</em> Linn. (MEPO) was examined for its beneficial role in management of AD. MEPO was prepared from the leaves of <em>P. oleracea</em>, analyzed for total phenolic and flavonoid content, and subjected to GCMS and LC/MS-MS analyses for identification of various chemical compounds. The identified compounds were screened for antioxidant property, and cholinesterase inhibition nature by molecular docking analysis. <em>In vitro</em> antioxidant activity by free radical scavenging assay (DPPH assay), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, and cytotoxicity in SHSY-5Y cells by MTT assay, of MEPO was evaluated. Furthermore, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), NF-kB inhibition, level of glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA) and catalase in MEPO treated Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated SHSY-5Y cells were also determined. MEPO contained 20.92 mg of GAE/g and 135 mg of QE/g of MEPO of total phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. GCMS analysis revealed the presence of 37 compounds in MEPO, and LC/MS-MS analysis confirmed presence of 18 phenolic acids and 15 flavonoids. MEPO did not show significant neurotoxicity in SHSY-5Y cells up to a dose of 1200 µg/mL, but possessed prominent antioxidant potential, and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. MEPO significantly reduced the level of ROS, NF-kB, and MDA, however, the level of SOD, glutathione, and catalase increased significantly, in LPS-stimulated SHSY-5Y cells. In molecular docking studies against the targets 4EY7 (AChE receptor), 4TPK (butyrylcholine esterase, BuChE receptor), and 2BXK (antioxidant receptor) of all compounds from GCMS analysis, squalene exhibited the highest docking scores across all targeted proteins. Among the flavonoids, rutin exhibited strong binding affinities toward the active sites of 4EY7 and 4TPK, with the highest LibDock scores of 144.525 and 147.606, respectively, but in 2BXK, myricetin demonstrated the highest docking score 125.097. Within the phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid showed the highest binding affinities for AChE and BuChE, with docking scores of 128.514 (4EY7) and 125.387 (4TPK), respectively, and for antioxidant activity, ferulic acid exhibited the highest docking score with the 2BXK receptor. The binding free energy of protein–ligand complexes of the top docked compounds was also estimated using the <em>Calculate Binding Energies</em> protocol in Discovery Studio Client (DSC) 4.1. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed using the Desmond module of the Schrödinger 2023–4 suite to evaluate the stability and interaction dynamics of the top-ranke
{"title":"Investigation of therapeutic potential of Portulaca oleracea Linn. in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: In vitro and in silico approaches","authors":"Varsha Yadav , Anjali Murmu , Balaji Wamanrao Matore , Sinchan Das , Swaha Satpathy , Vivekananda Mandal , Partha Pratim Roy , Jagadish Singh , Arjun Patra","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease wherein loss of memory and cognition is very common. Oxidative stress, lack of acetylcholine, and inflammation in brain tissues are characteristics of AD. Development of natural remedies such as medicinal plants for management of AD is a viable strategy. In the present study, methanolic extract of <em>Portulaca oleracea</em> Linn. (MEPO) was examined for its beneficial role in management of AD. MEPO was prepared from the leaves of <em>P. oleracea</em>, analyzed for total phenolic and flavonoid content, and subjected to GCMS and LC/MS-MS analyses for identification of various chemical compounds. The identified compounds were screened for antioxidant property, and cholinesterase inhibition nature by molecular docking analysis. <em>In vitro</em> antioxidant activity by free radical scavenging assay (DPPH assay), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, and cytotoxicity in SHSY-5Y cells by MTT assay, of MEPO was evaluated. Furthermore, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), NF-kB inhibition, level of glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA) and catalase in MEPO treated Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated SHSY-5Y cells were also determined. MEPO contained 20.92 mg of GAE/g and 135 mg of QE/g of MEPO of total phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. GCMS analysis revealed the presence of 37 compounds in MEPO, and LC/MS-MS analysis confirmed presence of 18 phenolic acids and 15 flavonoids. MEPO did not show significant neurotoxicity in SHSY-5Y cells up to a dose of 1200 µg/mL, but possessed prominent antioxidant potential, and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. MEPO significantly reduced the level of ROS, NF-kB, and MDA, however, the level of SOD, glutathione, and catalase increased significantly, in LPS-stimulated SHSY-5Y cells. In molecular docking studies against the targets 4EY7 (AChE receptor), 4TPK (butyrylcholine esterase, BuChE receptor), and 2BXK (antioxidant receptor) of all compounds from GCMS analysis, squalene exhibited the highest docking scores across all targeted proteins. Among the flavonoids, rutin exhibited strong binding affinities toward the active sites of 4EY7 and 4TPK, with the highest LibDock scores of 144.525 and 147.606, respectively, but in 2BXK, myricetin demonstrated the highest docking score 125.097. Within the phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid showed the highest binding affinities for AChE and BuChE, with docking scores of 128.514 (4EY7) and 125.387 (4TPK), respectively, and for antioxidant activity, ferulic acid exhibited the highest docking score with the 2BXK receptor. The binding free energy of protein–ligand complexes of the top docked compounds was also estimated using the <em>Calculate Binding Energies</em> protocol in Discovery Studio Client (DSC) 4.1. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed using the Desmond module of the Schrödinger 2023–4 suite to evaluate the stability and interaction dynamics of the top-ranke","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 489-507"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840047","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 : 2025-12-25DOI: 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":"2025-12-25","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-25DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.004
Pankaj Singh , V.K. Varshney , Swapnendu Pattanaik , Jnanesha A. C , Sushil Bhattarai , Mary J Chandana , Suraj
Rauvolfia serpentina, a medicinal plant renowned for its therapeutic alkaloids, faces declining wild populations due to excessive harvesting, necessitating sustainable cultivation approaches to meet pharmaceutical demands. This study investigates the efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) as a natural biostimulant to enhance growth parameters and alkaloid biosynthesis in cultivated R. serpentina under eco-friendly conditions. A randomized block design (RBD) experiment was conducted with six treatments comprising a control and five MLE concentrations (3 %, 6 %, 9 %, 12 %, and 15 %) applied as foliar sprays to plants. Growth measurements, biomass accumulation, physicochemical parameters, and alkaloid quantification were systematically analyzed in plants harvested at 18 months of age. Results demonstrated that MLE 6 % treatment significantly enhanced collar diameter (1.11-fold) and plant spread (1.46-fold) while increasing fresh (1.04-fold) and dry root biomass (1.16-fold) compared to controls. All MLE-treated roots satisfied the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India quality standards for physicochemical parameters. Notably, alcohol-soluble extractives (ASE), water-soluble extractives (WSE), and total alkaloid content increased substantially in lower MLE concentrations. The qualitative FTIR and HPTLC analysis confirm that root contains alkaloids, particularly reserpine. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array (HPLC-PDA) analysis revealed remarkable enhancement in key therapeutic compounds: MLE 6 % treatment increased reserpine content by 1.8-fold and ajmaline by 2.36-fold relative to controls. Principal Component Analysis identified MLE 6 % and MLE 9 % as optimal treatments, demonstrating strong positive correlations between extractive values, alkaloid-rich fraction yield, and target alkaloid concentrations. These findings establish MLE as a cost-effective, sustainable biostimulant for improving both yield and pharmaceutical quality of cultivated R. serpentina, offering a viable solution for meeting commercial demands while preserving wild populations.
{"title":"Moringa leaf extract as biostimulant to increase the reserpine and ajmaline level in commercially important Rauvolfia Serpentina roots","authors":"Pankaj Singh , V.K. Varshney , Swapnendu Pattanaik , Jnanesha A. C , Sushil Bhattarai , Mary J Chandana , Suraj","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rauvolfia serpentina</em>, a medicinal plant renowned for its therapeutic alkaloids, faces declining wild populations due to excessive harvesting, necessitating sustainable cultivation approaches to meet pharmaceutical demands. This study investigates the efficacy of <em>Moringa oleifera</em> leaf extract (MLE) as a natural biostimulant to enhance growth parameters and alkaloid biosynthesis in cultivated <em>R. serpentina</em> under eco-friendly conditions. A randomized block design (RBD) experiment was conducted with six treatments comprising a control and five MLE concentrations (3 %, 6 %, 9 %, 12 %, and 15 %) applied as foliar sprays to plants. Growth measurements, biomass accumulation, physicochemical parameters, and alkaloid quantification were systematically analyzed in plants harvested at 18 months of age. Results demonstrated that MLE 6 % treatment significantly enhanced collar diameter (1.11-fold) and plant spread (1.46-fold) while increasing fresh (1.04-fold) and dry root biomass (1.16-fold) compared to controls. All MLE-treated roots satisfied the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India quality standards for physicochemical parameters. Notably, alcohol-soluble extractives (ASE), water-soluble extractives (WSE), and total alkaloid content increased substantially in lower MLE concentrations. The qualitative FTIR and HPTLC analysis confirm that root contains alkaloids, particularly reserpine. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array (HPLC-PDA) analysis revealed remarkable enhancement in key therapeutic compounds: MLE 6 % treatment increased reserpine content by 1.8-fold and ajmaline by 2.36-fold relative to controls. Principal Component Analysis identified MLE 6 % and MLE 9 % as optimal treatments, demonstrating strong positive correlations between extractive values, alkaloid-rich fraction yield, and target alkaloid concentrations. These findings establish MLE as a cost-effective, sustainable biostimulant for improving both yield and pharmaceutical quality of cultivated <em>R. serpentina</em>, offering a viable solution for meeting commercial demands while preserving wild populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 455-465"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839913","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 : 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.017
Aleksandra G. Nikezić , Jovana V. Jovankić , Danijela D. Nikodijević , Milena G. Milutinović , Zorana Z. Dobrijević , Filip J. Grbović , Nenad L. Vuković , Milena D. Vukić , Danijela M. Cvetković
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive and extremely invasive type of tumor. To prevent poor prognoses and increase a survival rate, it is important to find an anticancer therapeutic or natural nutritional supplement that prevents and decreases its invasive metastatic potential. The aim of the study was to evaluate Alchemilla vulgaris L. anticancer activity on MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells in relation to control normal MRC-5 cell line, focusing on its anti-invasive potential, as there is no data on this issue in triple-negative breast cancer. Phytochemical characterization of aerial parts of the plant was performed by HPLC-PDA analysis and total phenolic and flavonoid compounds determination. The cytotoxic activity was tested with MTT assay, thus modulation of redox status in the cell (O2.-, GSH) with colorimetric methods. Antimigratory effect was evaluated using Wound healing assay. The expression of genes involved in cancer invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were determined at mRNA (SNAI1, VIM, MMP2, MMP9, CYP1B1) and protein (MMP9) level with qPCR method and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Immunocytochemistry was also used in testing BRCA1 and H2A protein expression. The phytochemical analyses showed that the most abundant polyphenolic compound was rutin (4.49 ± 0.06 mg/g), with notable amounts of catechin hydrate (3.59 ± 1.07 mg/g), quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside (3.21 ± 0.13 mg/g) and ferulic acid (2.73 ± 0.02 mg/g). Results of cytotoxicity showed that plant extract was not significantly cytotoxic on TNBC cells but increased O2.- and GSH concentration on dose- and time-dependent manner in all tested cell lines. Furthermore, treatment had strong antimigratory activity as it decreased MDA-MB-231 cell migration by >30 %, but 15 % on MDA-MB-468 cells. The gene and protein expression of MMP-9 as an indicator of tumor invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis was significantly suppressed in both TNBC cell lines. Relative gene expression of EMT markers was also significantly suppressed under the treatment. Protein expression of H2A was decreased in both treated cancer cell lines. According to our results Alchemilla vulgaris L. has a strong antimigratory and anti-invasive potential on extremely aggressive TNBC. Treatment showed a selective way of acting, as it demonstrated cancer cells-specific activity in comparation with normal lung fibroblasts.
三阴性乳腺癌（TNBC）是一种高度侵袭性和极具侵袭性的肿瘤。为了防止预后不良和提高生存率，找到一种抗癌治疗或天然营养补充剂来预防和减少其侵袭性转移的可能性是很重要的。由于在三阴性乳腺癌中尚无相关数据，因此本研究旨在评价紫金丹对MDA-MB-231和MDA-MB-468细胞的抗癌活性与对照正常MRC-5细胞系的关系，重点关注其抗侵袭潜力。通过HPLC-PDA分析和总酚类和类黄酮类化合物测定，对该植物地上部分进行了植物化学表征。用MTT法检测细胞毒活性，从而调节细胞氧化还原状态。-， GSH)用比色法。采用创面愈合试验评价其抗迁移作用。采用qPCR和免疫细胞化学方法分别在mRNA （SNAI1、VIM、MMP2、MMP9、CYP1B1）和蛋白（MMP9）水平上检测肿瘤侵袭和上皮间质转化（EMT）相关基因的表达。免疫细胞化学也用于检测BRCA1和H2A蛋白的表达。植物化学分析结果显示，芦丁（4.49±0.06 mg/g）含量最高，水合儿茶素（3.59±1.07 mg/g）、槲皮素-3- o -葡萄糖苷（3.21±0.13 mg/g）和阿魏酸（2.73±0.02 mg/g）含量显著。细胞毒性实验结果表明，植物提取物对TNBC细胞无明显的细胞毒性作用，但能增加O2。-和谷胱甘肽浓度呈剂量依赖性和时间依赖性。此外，处理具有很强的抗迁移活性，因为它使MDA-MB-231细胞迁移率降低了30%，但对MDA-MB-468细胞的迁移率降低了15%。作为肿瘤侵袭、转移和血管生成指标的MMP-9基因和蛋白表达在两种TNBC细胞系中均被显著抑制。EMT标记物的相关基因表达也被显著抑制。H2A蛋白在两种治疗的癌细胞系中的表达均降低。结果表明，丹金草对极具侵袭性的TNBC具有较强的抗迁移和抗侵袭作用。与正常肺成纤维细胞相比，治疗显示出一种选择性的作用方式，因为它显示出癌细胞特异性活性。
{"title":"Alchemilla vulgaris L. inhibits EMT and suppresses migration and invasion in triple-negative breast cancer","authors":"Aleksandra G. Nikezić , Jovana V. Jovankić , Danijela D. Nikodijević , Milena G. Milutinović , Zorana Z. Dobrijević , Filip J. Grbović , Nenad L. Vuković , Milena D. Vukić , Danijela M. Cvetković","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive and extremely invasive type of tumor. To prevent poor prognoses and increase a survival rate, it is important to find an anticancer therapeutic or natural nutritional supplement that prevents and decreases its invasive metastatic potential. The aim of the study was to evaluate <em>Alchemilla vulgaris</em> L. anticancer activity on MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells in relation to control normal MRC-5 cell line, focusing on its anti-invasive potential, as there is no data on this issue in triple-negative breast cancer. Phytochemical characterization of aerial parts of the plant was performed by HPLC-PDA analysis and total phenolic and flavonoid compounds determination. The cytotoxic activity was tested with MTT assay, thus modulation of redox status in the cell (O<sub>2</sub><sup>.-</sup>, GSH) with colorimetric methods. Antimigratory effect was evaluated using Wound healing assay. The expression of genes involved in cancer invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were determined at mRNA (<em>SNAI1, VIM, MMP2, MMP9, CYP1B1</em>) and protein (MMP9) level with qPCR method and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Immunocytochemistry was also used in testing BRCA1 and H2A protein expression. The phytochemical analyses showed that the most abundant polyphenolic compound was rutin (4.49 ± 0.06 mg/g), with notable amounts of catechin hydrate (3.59 ± 1.07 mg/g), quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside (3.21 ± 0.13 mg/g) and ferulic acid (2.73 ± 0.02 mg/g). Results of cytotoxicity showed that plant extract was not significantly cytotoxic on TNBC cells but increased O<sub>2</sub><sup>.-</sup> and GSH concentration on dose- and time-dependent manner in all tested cell lines. Furthermore, treatment had strong antimigratory activity as it decreased MDA-MB-231 cell migration by >30 %, but 15 % on MDA-MB-468 cells. The gene and protein expression of MMP-9 as an indicator of tumor invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis was significantly suppressed in both TNBC cell lines. Relative gene expression of EMT markers was also significantly suppressed under the treatment. Protein expression of H2A was decreased in both treated cancer cell lines. According to our results <em>Alchemilla vulgaris</em> L. has a strong antimigratory and anti-invasive potential on extremely aggressive TNBC. Treatment showed a selective way of acting, as it demonstrated cancer cells-specific activity in comparation with normal lung fibroblasts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 427-441"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839871","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}
Modern pharmacognosy and agriculture are being revolutionized by nanotechnology, which presents a creative and promising method of improving medicinal plant systems. This review examines how nanotechnology can be used to grow and enhance medicinal plants, emphasizing how it can boost yield, growth, and the production of useful bioactive compounds. The use of nanomaterials, including nanopesticides, nanofertilizers, and nanocarriers, has shown promise for improved absorption, controlled release, and precise nutrient delivery, which can result in healthier plants and a higher yield of secondary metabolites. By triggering defense mechanisms and restoring physiological functions, nanoparticles can greatly increase a plant's resistance to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. Alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, and other medicinally significant substances are among the phytochemicals that benefit from improved quality and concentration as a result. Nanotechnology also makes it possible to modify enzyme activity and gene expression, which affects metabolic pathways that are essential for the synthesis of bioactive compounds. The study also discusses the difficulties and worries about nanomaterials' biological and environmental safety, suggesting the need for biodegradable and environmentally friendly substitutes. According to recent developments, nanotechnology may be a viable means of promoting the preservation of medicinal plant species and increasing their therapeutic worth. All things considered, this paper introduces nanotechnology as a cutting-edge field with enormous promise to transform the study of medicinal plants. Its use can result in improved cultivation methods, higher plant-based product therapeutic efficacy, and a sustainable future for the development of plant-based medications and natural medicine.
{"title":"Exploring the role of nanotechnology in medicinal plant systems: a pathway to improved growth and bioactive compound production","authors":"Ruchika Devi , Nitesh Kumar , Ibajanai Kurbah , Sanjeev Kumar , Rupam Nehta , Arti Sharma , Usha Devi","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Modern pharmacognosy and agriculture are being revolutionized by nanotechnology, which presents a creative and promising method of improving medicinal plant systems. This review examines how nanotechnology can be used to grow and enhance medicinal plants, emphasizing how it can boost yield, growth, and the production of useful bioactive compounds. The use of nanomaterials, including nanopesticides, nanofertilizers, and nanocarriers, has shown promise for improved absorption, controlled release, and precise nutrient delivery, which can result in healthier plants and a higher yield of secondary metabolites. By triggering defense mechanisms and restoring physiological functions, nanoparticles can greatly increase a plant's resistance to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. Alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, and other medicinally significant substances are among the phytochemicals that benefit from improved quality and concentration as a result. Nanotechnology also makes it possible to modify enzyme activity and gene expression, which affects metabolic pathways that are essential for the synthesis of bioactive compounds. The study also discusses the difficulties and worries about nanomaterials' biological and environmental safety, suggesting the need for biodegradable and environmentally friendly substitutes. According to recent developments, nanotechnology may be a viable means of promoting the preservation of medicinal plant species and increasing their therapeutic worth. All things considered, this paper introduces nanotechnology as a cutting-edge field with enormous promise to transform the study of medicinal plants. Its use can result in improved cultivation methods, higher plant-based product therapeutic efficacy, and a sustainable future for the development of plant-based medications and natural medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 442-454"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840050","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 : 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.019
Pablo Henrique de Almeida Oliveira, João Everthon da Silva Ribeiro, Elania Freire da Silva, Ester dos Santos Coêlho, Antonio Gideilson Correia da Silva, Fagner Nogueira Ferreira, Francimar Maik da Silva Morais, Aurélio Paes Barros Júnior, Lindomar Maria da Silveira
West Indian gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.), an economically and nutritionally important vegetable, suffers severe growth and quality limitations under salt stress. Exogenous melatonin (MEL) application is a promising strategy to mitigate these adverse effects by reducing oxidative stress and increasing salt tolerance. Thus, this study evaluated the impact of salinity (0.5, 2.5, and 4.5 dS m−1) and exogenous MEL (0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 mM) on the growth, physiology, nutrition, and fruit production of two gherkin cultivars ('Do Norte' and 'Liso Gibão'). Salinity negatively compromised growth and production, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, and nutritional status across both cultivars. However, the application of 0.5 mM MEL consistently mitigated these deleterious effects, promoting morphophysiological stability and fruit production up to the moderate saline level of 2.5 dS m−1. Specifically, MEL treatment significantly enhanced biomass accumulation and improved ionic homeostasis, notably reducing leaf Na⁺ content and maintaining photosynthetic performance under stress. Therefore, exogenously applied MEL at 0.5 mM provides an effective alternative for sustaining fruit production in West Indian gherkin cultivars ('Do Norte' and 'Liso Gibão') under moderate salt stress.
{"title":"Melatonin alleviates salt stress in West Indian gherkin by modulating photosynthesis and ion homeostasis to enhance fruit yield","authors":"Pablo Henrique de Almeida Oliveira, João Everthon da Silva Ribeiro, Elania Freire da Silva, Ester dos Santos Coêlho, Antonio Gideilson Correia da Silva, Fagner Nogueira Ferreira, Francimar Maik da Silva Morais, Aurélio Paes Barros Júnior, Lindomar Maria da Silveira","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>West Indian gherkin (<em>Cucumis anguria</em> L.), an economically and nutritionally important vegetable, suffers severe growth and quality limitations under salt stress. Exogenous melatonin (MEL) application is a promising strategy to mitigate these adverse effects by reducing oxidative stress and increasing salt tolerance. Thus, this study evaluated the impact of salinity (0.5, 2.5, and 4.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup>) and exogenous MEL (0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 mM) on the growth, physiology, nutrition, and fruit production of two gherkin cultivars ('Do Norte' and 'Liso Gibão'). Salinity negatively compromised growth and production, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, and nutritional status across both cultivars. However, the application of 0.5 mM MEL consistently mitigated these deleterious effects, promoting morphophysiological stability and fruit production up to the moderate saline level of 2.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup>. Specifically, MEL treatment significantly enhanced biomass accumulation and improved ionic homeostasis, notably reducing leaf Na⁺ content and maintaining photosynthetic performance under stress. Therefore, exogenously applied MEL at 0.5 mM provides an effective alternative for sustaining fruit production in West Indian gherkin cultivars ('Do Norte' and 'Liso Gibão') under moderate salt stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 403-418"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839872","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}
Amaranth is an underutilized, nutritious pseudocereal with the ability to grow in adverse environmental conditions. Squalene, a high value compound, found abundantly in amaranth, has tremendous applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. During field surveys, it was reported that long period consumption of amaranth grains leads to digestive problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of most common traditional household methods (roasting and puffing) on phytoconstituents to make amaranth as a part of daily food, with special emphasis on squalene content for industrial purpose. In this study, twelve amaranth samples were collected from native locations of Himalayas and phytoconstituents were evaluated in the raw, roasted and puffed forms of grains. A high level of significant (p<0.05) variability in nutritional components was found among collected grains from different geographical conditions. Roasting and puffing, increased total flavonoid content, whereas a significant (p< 0.05) reduction in total nitrate, oxalate and phytic acid were observed. Squalene content increased up to 8.89 % by roasting and 7.22 % by puffing. It may be concluded, that the availability of high amount of lysine, arginine and tryptophan, deficit amino acids in the worldwide staple crops, makes amaranth a suitable food supplement. Roasting and puffing make amaranth grains more beneficial for daily consumption without any digestive problem. Enhancement of squalene by roasting and puffing may be used to fulfill the current demand of squalene in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, and will stop the brutal killing of shark for squalene extraction.
{"title":"Evaluation of roasting and puffing on phytoconstituents of amaranth grains with special emphasis on squalene enhancement: A vaccine adjuvant","authors":"Kuldip Chandra Verma , Aparna Dixit , Sanjay Kumar Verma , Pawanesh Tamta , Mridul Mishra , Kushagra Saxena","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amaranth is an underutilized, nutritious pseudocereal with the ability to grow in adverse environmental conditions. Squalene, a high value compound, found abundantly in amaranth, has tremendous applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. During field surveys, it was reported that long period consumption of amaranth grains leads to digestive problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of most common traditional household methods (roasting and puffing) on phytoconstituents to make amaranth as a part of daily food, with special emphasis on squalene content for industrial purpose. In this study, twelve amaranth samples were collected from native locations of Himalayas and phytoconstituents were evaluated in the raw, roasted and puffed forms of grains. A high level of significant (p<0.05) variability in nutritional components was found among collected grains from different geographical conditions. Roasting and puffing, increased total flavonoid content, whereas a significant (p< 0.05) reduction in total nitrate, oxalate and phytic acid were observed. Squalene content increased up to 8.89 % by roasting and 7.22 % by puffing. It may be concluded, that the availability of high amount of lysine, arginine and tryptophan, deficit amino acids in the worldwide staple crops, makes amaranth a suitable food supplement. Roasting and puffing make amaranth grains more beneficial for daily consumption without any digestive problem. Enhancement of squalene by roasting and puffing may be used to fulfill the current demand of squalene in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, and will stop the brutal killing of shark for squalene extraction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 419-426"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839911","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 : 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.012
Ayodeji Amobonye, Joana Bendoraitiene, Laura Peciulyte, Ramune Rutkaite
Despite its significant contribution to the overall fruit architecture, the shell of walnut (Juglans regia), which accounts for 50–60 % of the total nut weight, is typically discarded as an agro-industrial waste. Herein, we valorised walnut shells as a source of natural antioxidants with potential applications in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic processing. Microwave extraction, a green approach, was utilized to obtain walnut shell extract (WNSE), subsequently, the functional characterization was evaluated. The optimized green extraction at 16.25 % biomass loading, 61.25 % of methanol in aqueous solution, 558.12 W microwave power, and 2 min incubation led to a total phenolic content of 424 ± 19.43 mg GAE/g, a 3-fold increase relative to the unoptimized value of 142.74 mg GAE/g. Comprehensive profiling of WNSE via FTIR, LC-MS and GC–MS revealed a total of 53 phenolic and non-phenolic compounds. Thermogravimetry showed that WNSE exhibited significant thermal stability with minimal mass loss up to 190 °C while its antioxidant activity was demonstrated by its remarkable IC50 of 203.91, 102.48 and 71.52 µg/mL, against ABTS•+, DPPH• and O2•− radicals, and a Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) value of 629.33 μmol Fe (II)/mg. Furthermore, a concentration-dependent inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase was observed with a IC50 of 512.46 µg/mL. Subsequently, molecular docking against mushroom tyrosinase suggested more favourable interactions between the WNSE phenolics, viz., chlorogenic acid, 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, betulin relative to butylated hydroxytoluene. These results highlight walnut shells as a promising source of natural additives, alternative to synthetic antioxidants, hence, promoting a more circular and efficient use of bioresources.
尽管核桃壳对整个水果结构有重要贡献，但占坚果总重量50 - 60%的核桃壳通常被丢弃为农业工业废物。在这里，我们将核桃壳作为一种天然抗氧化剂的来源，在食品、营养食品和化妆品加工中具有潜在的应用价值。采用绿色提取方法微波提取核桃壳提取物（WNSE），并对其进行功能表征。在生物质负荷16.25%、水溶液中甲醇含量为61.25%、微波功率为558.12 W、培养2 min的条件下，绿皮总酚含量为424±19.43 mg GAE/g，比未优化的142.74 mg GAE/g增加了3倍。通过FTIR， LC-MS和GC-MS对WNSE进行综合分析，共发现53种酚类和非酚类化合物。热重测定结果表明，WNSE在190℃以下具有良好的热稳定性，质量损失最小，抗氧化活性显著，对ABTS•+、DPPH•和O2•−自由基的IC50分别为203.91、102.48和71.52µg/mL，铁还原抗氧化能力（FRAP）值为629.33 μmol Fe (II)/mg。此外，还观察到蘑菇酪氨酸酶的浓度依赖性抑制，IC50为512.46µg/mL。随后，与蘑菇酪氨酸酶的分子对接表明，相对于丁基羟基甲苯，WNSE酚类物质（即绿原酸、3- o -对香豆酰奎宁酸、白桦素）之间的相互作用更有利。这些结果强调了核桃壳作为一种有前途的天然添加剂来源，可以替代合成抗氧化剂，从而促进生物资源的更循环和有效利用。
{"title":"Walnut shell phenolics as natural antioxidants: Green extraction, functional characterization and polyphenol oxidase inhibition","authors":"Ayodeji Amobonye, Joana Bendoraitiene, Laura Peciulyte, Ramune Rutkaite","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite its significant contribution to the overall fruit architecture, the shell of walnut (<em>Juglans regia</em>), which accounts for 50–60 % of the total nut weight, is typically discarded as an agro-industrial waste. Herein, we valorised walnut shells as a source of natural antioxidants with potential applications in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic processing. Microwave extraction, a green approach, was utilized to obtain walnut shell extract (WNSE), subsequently, the functional characterization was evaluated. The optimized green extraction at 16.25 % biomass loading, 61.25 % of methanol in aqueous solution, 558.12 W microwave power, and 2 min incubation led to a total phenolic content of 424 ± 19.43 mg GAE/g, a 3-fold increase relative to the unoptimized value of 142.74 mg GAE/g. Comprehensive profiling of WNSE via FTIR, LC-MS and GC–MS revealed a total of 53 phenolic and non-phenolic compounds. Thermogravimetry showed that WNSE exhibited significant thermal stability with minimal mass loss up to 190 °C while its antioxidant activity was demonstrated by its remarkable IC<sub>50</sub> of 203.91, 102.48 and 71.52 µg/mL, against ABTS<strong><sup>•</sup></strong><sup>+</sup>, DPPH<strong><sup>•</sup></strong> and O<strong><sub>2</sub><sup>•−</sup></strong> radicals, and a Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) value of 629.33 μmol Fe (II)/mg. Furthermore, a concentration-dependent inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase was observed with a IC<sub>50</sub> of 512.46 µg/mL. Subsequently, molecular docking against mushroom tyrosinase suggested more favourable interactions between the WNSE phenolics, viz., chlorogenic acid, 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, betulin relative to butylated hydroxytoluene. These results highlight walnut shells as a promising source of natural additives, alternative to synthetic antioxidants, hence, promoting a more circular and efficient use of bioresources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 374-386"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790559","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 rising consumer demand for natural and safe food ingredients has intensified interest in plant-based bioactives. The cashew industry produces large quantities of by-products, particularly pseudofruits, which constitute about 90 % of the total fruit mass yet remain underutilized. These pseudofruits and leaves are rich sources of bioactive flavonoids with nutritional and industrial relevance. In this study, LC-MS/MS-based targeted metabolite profiling, coupled with multivariate statistical analyses, was employed to quantify fifteen flavonoid metabolites in leaves and pseudofruits of five Indian cashew cultivars. Clear tissue-specific variation was observed, with flavonols being more abundant in pseudofruits, while flavan-3-ols dominated in leaves. Cultivar-specific differences were also evident, with Purple type, Nethra Ganga, and VTH-174 exhibiting higher overall flavonoid accumulation. Major compounds identified included myricetin, epigallocatechin, catechin, eriodictyol, fisetin, and rutin. Cross-species KEGG pathway mapping using Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg. indicated associations with flavonoid, flavone and flavonol, and isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathways, with significant contributions from catechin, eriodictyol, myricetin, and rutin. These findings highlight the metabolic diversity among cashew tissues and cultivars and provide a foundation for breeding strategies and value-added utilization of cashew by-products in functional food and nutraceutical applications.
{"title":"Targeted metabolomic approach to elucidate flavonoid profiles employing LC-MS/MS in leaves and pseudo-fruit of Indian Cashew cultivars (Anacardium occidentale L.)","authors":"Manjesh Guligenahalli Narayanappa , Veena Gonibeedu Lakshmana , Rajkumar Arjun Dagadkhair , Shamsudheen Mangalassery , Jamboor Dinakara Adiga , Bratati Chowdhury , Dalasanuru Chandregowda Manjunathagowda , Tadagavadi Nagaraju Madhu , Lokesha Ankanahalli Narayanashetty","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rising consumer demand for natural and safe food ingredients has intensified interest in plant-based bioactives. The cashew industry produces large quantities of by-products, particularly pseudofruits, which constitute about 90 % of the total fruit mass yet remain underutilized. These pseudofruits and leaves are rich sources of bioactive flavonoids with nutritional and industrial relevance. In this study, LC-MS/MS-based targeted metabolite profiling, coupled with multivariate statistical analyses, was employed to quantify fifteen flavonoid metabolites in leaves and pseudofruits of five Indian cashew cultivars. Clear tissue-specific variation was observed, with flavonols being more abundant in pseudofruits, while flavan-3-ols dominated in leaves. Cultivar-specific differences were also evident, with Purple type, Nethra Ganga, and VTH-174 exhibiting higher overall flavonoid accumulation. Major compounds identified included myricetin, epigallocatechin, catechin, eriodictyol, fisetin, and rutin. Cross-species KEGG pathway mapping using <em>Hevea brasiliensis</em> (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg<em>.</em> indicated associations with flavonoid, flavone and flavonol, and isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathways, with significant contributions from catechin, eriodictyol, myricetin, and rutin. These findings highlight the metabolic diversity among cashew tissues and cultivars and provide a foundation for breeding strategies and value-added utilization of cashew by-products in functional food and nutraceutical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"189 ","pages":"Pages 361-373"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790560","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}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号