Process optimization of adsorptive phytoremediation of mutagenic brilliant green dye for health risk management using chemically activated Symplocos racemosa agro-waste.

Textile industries use large amounts of water as well as dyes. These dyes containing water are then discharged into the water bodies causing a significant role in water pollution. Brilliant Green dye contributes to many harmful diseases related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. In this study, Symplocos racemosa (SR) agro-waste was chemically treated with acid (SR-HCl) and base (SR-NaOH) and then used for removing Brilliant Green Dye (BGD) on the batch scale. They were characterized by SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, TGA and DSC. Optimized conditions were 30 °C temperature, pH 6, adsorbent dose of 0.10 g/25 ml dye solution, shaking speed of 100 revolutions per minute, initial dye concentration of 50 ppm and 35 min time for shaking adsorbent and dye solution. Adsorption data obtained were analyzed using isotherms. The experimental data was found to fit well with the Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of BGD on the SR, SR-HCl, and SR-NaOH was revealed to be 62.90, 65.40, and 71 mg/g respectively. Kinetic data (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) were evaluated and adsorption tends to follow the pseudo-2nd-order, which indicated the chemisorption mechanism. The results revealed that Symplocos racemosa agro-waste can be considered as the potential biosorbent.

A comprehensive review of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.): health-affecting compounds, mechanism of toxicity, detoxification, anticancer and potential risk.

Flaxseed consumption (Linum usitatissimum L.) has increased due to its potential health benefits, such as protection against inflammation, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. However, flaxseeds also contains various anti-nutritive and toxic compounds such as cyanogenic glycosides, and phytic acids etc. In this case, the long-term consumption of flaxseed may pose health risks due to these non-nutritional substances, which may be life threatening if consumed in high doses, although if appropriately utilized these may prevent/treat various diseases by preventing/inhibiting and or reversing the toxicity induced by other compounds. Therefore, it is necessary to remove or suppress the harmful and anti-nutritive effects of flaxseeds before these are utilized for large-scale as food for human consumption. Interestingly, the toxic compounds of flaxseed also undergoes biochemical detoxification in the body, transforming into less toxic or inactive forms like α-ketoglutarate cyanohydrin etc. However, such detoxification is also a challenge for the development, scalability, and real-time quantification of these bioactive substances. This review focuses on the health affecting composition of flaxseed, along with health benefits and potential toxicity of its components, detoxification methods and mechanisms with evidence supported by animal and human studies.

Development of a validated RP-HPLC method for rivaroxaban quantification in pharmaceutical formulation and human blood plasma.

Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant used to prevent thromboembolism after hip or knee joint replacement surgery. The purpose of study was the development of an efficient, simple and economic reverse phase HPLC-PDA method for rivaroxaban determination in pharmaceutical dosage forms and blood plasma of human beings. The separation was carried out at room temperature by using Thermo Scientific ODS Hypersil C18 (250×4.6mm, 5µm) and mobile phase 70:30 (%v/v) mixture of ACN / H2O, 1.2 ml/min flow rate, detection on 253nm wavelength by PDA detector with run time of about 7 mins. The retention time observed was about 3 mins. The validation was performed on the proposed method in accordance with ICH guidelines and found that the method is linear within the range of 100-400µg/mL with the correlation coefficient 0.9996. The method was also precise, accurate, robust and rugged and showed specificity in all applied stress conditions i.e. photolytic (200-800nm, 3h) thermal (70°C, 2h), oxidative (3% H2O2 , 70°C, 1h), acidic (0.1 N, 70°C, 1h), and basic (0.1 N, 60°C, 1h). This method was applied successfully for the Rivaroxaban quantitative determination in pharmaceutical dosage and human blood plasma.

The fate of flaxseed-lignans after oral administration: A comprehensive review on its bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and food design strategies for optimal application.

Lignans are one of the most important and abundant phytochemicals found in flaxseed-diets. These have shown to possess several health-benefits, including anticancer, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and estrogenic-properties etc. The potential of lignans health-promoting effects are circumscribed due to their poor-bioavailability resulting from their bound structure. Recent studies have demonstrated that various food design strategies can enhance the release of bound-lignans from agro-industrial residues, resulting in a higher bioaccessibility and bioavailability. This review focuses primarily on the bioavailability of flaxseed lignans, key factors affecting it and their pharmacokinetics, different strategies to improve the contents of lignans, their release and delivery. Present study will help to deepen our understanding of the applications of lignans and their dietary-supplements in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Several absorption issues of lignans have been observed such as impaired-bioavailability and variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Therefore, the development of novel strategies for optimizing lignan bioavailability is critical to ensure its successful application, such as the delivery of lignans to biological targets via "targeted designs." In addition, some detailed examination is required to identify and understand the basis of variation in lignans bioavailability caused by interactions with the gastrointestinal system.

Hydrogen Sulfide Biology and Its Role in Cancer.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous biologically active gas produced in mammalian tissues. It plays a very critical role in many pathophysiological processes in the body. It can be endogenously produced through many enzymes analogous to the cysteine family, while the exogenous source may involve inorganic sulfide salts. H2S has recently been well investigated with regard to the onset of various carcinogenic diseases such as lung, breast, ovaries, colon cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. H2S is considered an oncogenic gas, and a potential therapeutic target for treating and diagnosing cancers, due to its role in mediating the development of tumorigenesis. Here in this review, an in-detail up-to-date explanation of the potential role of H2S in different malignancies has been reported. The study summarizes the synthesis of H2S, its roles, signaling routes, expressions, and H2S release in various malignancies. Considering the critical importance of this active biological molecule, we believe this review in this esteemed journal will highlight the oncogenic role of H2S in the scientific community.

Identification of differentially expressed genes and pathways in isonuclear kenaf genotypes under salt stress.

Salinity is a potential abiotic stress and globally threatens crop productivity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying salt stress tolerance with respect to cytoplasmic effect, gene expression, and metabolism pathway under salt stress have not yet been reported in isonuclear kenaf genotypes. To fill this knowledge gap, growth, physiological, biochemical, transcriptome, and cytoplasm changes in kenaf cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line (P3A) and its iso-nuclear maintainer line (P3B) under 200 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) stress and control conditions were analyzed. Salt stress significantly reduced leaf soluble protein, soluble sugars, proline, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzymatic activity, and induced oxidative damage in terms of higher MDA contents in both genotypes. The reduction of these parameters resulted in a reduced plant growth compared with control. However, P3A was relatively more tolerant to salt stress than P3B. This tolerance of P3A was further confirmed by improved physio-biochemical traits under salt stress conditions. Transcriptome analysis showed that 4256 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two genotypes under salt stress were identified. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that photosynthesis, photosynthesis antenna-protein, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways might be associated with the improved NaCl stress tolerance in P3A. Conclusively, P3A cytoplasmic male sterile could be a potential salt-tolerant material for future breeding program of kenaf and can be used for phytoremediation of salt-affected soils. These data provide a valuable resource on the cytoplasmic effect of salt-responsive genes in kenaf and salt stress tolerance in kenaf.

Evaluation of The Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Activities of Dicliptera bupleuroides Isolated Compounds Using In Vitro and In Silico Studies.

Phytochemical investigation of chloroform fraction (DBC) and ethyl acetate fraction (DBE) of D. bupleuroides (Acanthaceae) resulted in the isolation of ß-sitosterol (1) from DBC and vanillic acid (2) from DBE, which were first to be isolated from D. bupleuroides. ß-Sitosterol (1) exhibited substantial antioxidant activity (IC50 = 198.87 µg/mL), whereas vanillic acid (2) showed significant antioxidant power (IC50 = 92.68 µg/mL) employing 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*) radical scavenging capacity assay. Both compounds showed pronounced antimicrobial activity using the agar disc diffusion method, particularly against fungi showing MIC values of 0.182 and 0.02 concerning Candida albicans, respectively, and 0.001 mg/mL regarding Penicillium notatum. They revealed considerable antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging between 0.467 and 0.809 mg/mL. Vanillic acid (2) exhibited substantial anticancer potential displaying 48.67% cell viability at a concentration of 100 µg/mL using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyl-2H-Tetrazolium Bromide) assay concerning HepG2 cell lines. These results were further consolidated by in silico studies on different enzymes, where vanillic acid displayed a high fitting score in the active pockets of DNA-gyrase, dihydrofolate reductase, aminoglycoside nucleotidyltransferase, and ß-lactamase. It also inhibited human cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK-2) and DNA topoisomerase II, as revealed by the in silico studies. ADME/TOPKAT (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) prediction showed that vanillic acid exhibited reasonable pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity properties and, thus, could perfectly together with D. bupleuroides crude extract be incorporated in pharmaceutical preparations to counteract cancer and microbial invasion, as well as oxidative stress. Thus, it is concluded that D. bupleroides could be a potential source of therapeutically active compounds, which would be helpful for the discovery of clinically effective and safe drugs.

Evaluation of antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities of compounds reported Saussurea hypoleuca Spreng. roots.

Current study was intended to isolate bioactive compounds from ethyl acetate fraction of Saussurea hypoleuca root extract and evaluation of their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-cancerous activities which might be helpful for their chemo preventive potential against selected bacterial strains. Column chromatography was done for isolation of compounds which were characterized on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis; Infra-red (IR), Electron Ionization (EI-Positive), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) and Carbon Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C-NMR). Two compounds were identified, as sesquiterpenes (40mg) and linoleic acid (33mg) from 10 grams of ethyl acetate fraction. Both compounds have shown in vitro antioxidant activity which in regard; 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging potential was high in sesquiterpenes (261.81) as compared to linoleic acid (90.89). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of both compounds were evaluated in various bacterial and fungal strains against respective controls. However, in human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2 cell lines) sesquiterpenes exhibited strong anticancer potential than linolenic acid which might be its potential free radical inactivator in MTT assay. This paper directs the ethano medicinal worth of plant root as it possesses bioactive compounds which in our best knowledge these compounds isolated and reported first time from this plant root specie.

Rosa brunonii Lindely fruit as a new protective agent evaluated against Rif/INH induced toxicity in rats.

Rosa brunonii L., a less investigated plant contains flavonoid glycosides and is used to treat stomach ailments, heart problems, and diabetes in folk. The crude extract of the plant possesses antioxidant activity. The current work was aimed to investigate the presence of phytochemicals, antioxidative stress and protective potential of chloroform extract of the Rosa brunonii L. fruits (RBFCE) against liver and kidney toxicity induced by anti-tuberculosis drugs, rifampicin/isoniazid (Rif/INH) in Wistar albino rats. Animals were divided into six groups, each comprising 6 rats and fed with a standard pelleted diet. Normal control group was given only a standard pelleted diet. The vehicle control group received 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) aqueous solution (vehicle). Negative and positive control groups were given Rif/INH (50+50 mg/kg, p.o) and silymarin (SILM) (200 mg/kg, p.o) in 0.5% vehicle for 30 days, respectively. Extract treated groups received low and high doses of RBFCE (500 mg/kg, p.o and 1000 mg/kg, p.o respectively) in 0.5% vehicle for 30 days. At a higher dose, animals showed significantly reduced Rif/INH induced toxicity in liver and kidney tissues as indicated by the normalized serum biochemical markers and histopathological investigations. The present exploration reveals the presence of strong antioxidant phytochemical constituents, antioxidative stress and protective potential of RBFCE against Rif/INH induced hepatic and renal damage.

Chlorine dioxide fumigation generated by a solid releasing agent enhanced the efficiency of 1-MCP treatment on the storage quality of strawberry.

The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) on fruit quality during storage was investigated. Strawberries were treated with 1-MCP alone or in combination with ClO2 gas generated by a releasing agent, and the quality, fruit decay, microbial inhibition, and enzyme activities [polyphenol oxidase (PPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL)] at 4 °C were measured for 16 days. 1-MCP alone could maintain the fruit quality during storage but had little effect on microbial growth, resulting in quick decay during storage. ClO2 treatment effectively inhibited microbial growth during storage and improved shelf life with no visual damage. Moreover, 1-MCP in combination with ClO2 was superior in maintaining quality attributes as compared with 1-MCP alone, as significant differences were found in some indices. Furthermore, 1-MCP in combination with ClO2 maintained higher SOD, APX, and PAL activities and lower PPO activity as compared with the control and 1-MCP alone. Overall, ClO2 enhanced the effect of 1-MCP on strawberries during storage and shelf life, possibly through the inhibition of microbial growth and regulation of enzyme activity. The combination of 1-MCP and ClO2 may serve as a potential strategy with dual physiological and antimicrobial effects for the preservation of perishable products.

Volatile terpenoids: multiple functions, biosynthesis, modulation and manipulation by genetic engineering.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Terpenoids play several physiological and ecological functions in plant life through direct and indirect plant defenses and also in human society because of their enormous applications in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. Through the aid of genetic engineering its role can by magnified to broad spectrum by improving genetic ability of crop plants, enhancing the aroma quality of fruits and flowers and the production of pharmaceutical terpenoids contents in medicinal plants. Terpenoids are structurally diverse and the most abundant plant secondary metabolites, playing an important role in plant life through direct and indirect plant defenses, by attracting pollinators and through different interactions between the plants and their environment. Terpenoids are also significant because of their enormous applications in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. Due to their broad distribution and functional versatility, efforts are being made to decode the biosynthetic pathways and comprehend the regulatory mechanisms of terpenoids. This review summarizes the recent advances in biosynthetic pathways, including the spatiotemporal, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Moreover, we discuss the multiple functions of the terpene synthase genes (TPS), their interaction with the surrounding environment and the use of genetic engineering for terpenoid production in model plants. Here, we also provide an overview of the significance of terpenoid metabolic engineering in crop protection, plant reproduction and plant metabolic engineering approaches for pharmaceutical terpenoids production and future scenarios in agriculture, which call for sustainable production platforms by improving different plant traits.

Report: Potential of nano-emulsions as phytochemical delivery system for food preservation.

Nature is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals. These plant based compounds have rich scope as antioxidants, antimicrobial compounds and food preservatives and so for long time to be used in meat, fruits, vegetables and processed food items, either as added preservative or as coating material in various food applications, but the major limitation is their limited solubility in a food grade medium. Nano-emulsion is a best choice as a medium having vast area of application. The major advantage of nano-emulsion would be the solubility of a vast group of compounds, due to the presence of water and lipid phases. In this way, nano-emulsions can be proved to be the most suitable candidate as phytochemical delivery system for food preservation. In present article, the use of phytochemicals as potent food preservatives has been reviewed, in context of solubility of phytochemicals in nano-emulsion and applications of food grade nano-emulsions to food systems.

Assessment of different washing treatments to mitigate imidacloprid and acetamaprid residues in spinach.

BACKGROUND: Agricultural crops treated with pesticides retain toxic residues that can cause various health disorders upon consumption. The present research project was designed to assess pesticide residues in contaminated spinach (Spinacia oleracea). The efficiency of chemical solutions (acetic acid, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, sodium chloride and sodium carbonate) of different concentrations (% w/v) along with tap water for the dissolution of pesticide residues in spinach was studied. After various dipping treatments (T0 -T22 ) of treated spinach, imidacloprid and acetamaprid residues were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Among the solutions tested, the highest reductions in imidacloprid and acetamaprid residues respectively were 0.92 ± 0.04 mg kg(-1) (83%) and 1.42 ± 0.53 mg kg(-1) (87%) in treatment T6 (10% acetic acid), followed by 0.79 ± 0.01 mg kg(-1) (69%) and 0.86 ± 0.05 mg kg(-1) (71%) in treatment T11 (10% citric acid), while the lowest were 0.30 ± 0.02 mg kg(-1) (27%) and 0.35 ± 0.02 mg kg(-1) (29%) in treatment T20 (4% sodium carbonate). Moreover, treatment T1 (tap water) caused 0.27 ± 0.00 mg kg(-1) (23%) and 0.38 ± 05 mg kg(-1) (27%) elimination of imidacloprid and acetamaprid residues respectively. CONCLUSION: From these findings it is inferred that acetic acid and citric acid washing treatments can be used along with tap water to minimize pesticide residues in treated vegetables. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tissue specific metal characterization of selected fish species in Pakistan.

Concentration of various metals, i.e., zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and silver (Ag), was evaluated in five indigenous fish species (namely, silver carp, common carp, mahseer, thela fish, and rainbow trout), by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It is proved from this study that, overall, mahseer and rainbow trout had high amount of zinc, whereas thela fish and silver carp had high concentration of copper, chromium, silver, nickel, and lead, while common carp had highest amount of iron contents. Furthermore, a tissue-specific discrimination among various fish species was observed, where higher metal concentrations were noticed in fish liver, with decreasing concentration in other organs like skin, gills, and finally the least contents in fish muscle. Multivariate data analysis showed not only a variation in heavy metals among the tissues but also discrimination among the selected fish species.

Metal II complexes of ethambutol as good enzyme inhibitor and promising antioxidant.

Ethambutoldihydrogenchloride (EMB) with chemical formula C10H24N2O2.2HCl is ethane-1,2-diamine in which one hydrogen attached to each of the nitrogen is substituted by a 1-hydroxybutan-2-yl group (S,S-configuration). It is an FDA approved drug and has been used for treatment of tuberculosis since 1960's. Prolong use of EMB has a side effect of visual impairment and in literature it is related with the depletion of Zn metal from the body. As it is a good chelating agent, many metal II complexes have been synthesized with anti-tubercular activity. The purpose of this work was to synthesize metal II complexes of EMB and to evaluate their antioxidant activity along with enzyme inhibition activity (acetylcholine esterase and protease). The metals used for complex formation were Co, Zn, Fe, Cu and Ni. IR spectral data and physical parameters supported the complex formation. The obtained results showed the synthesized complexes as notable antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors.

Storage Stability of Kinnow Fruit (Citrus reticulata) as Affected by CMC and Guar Gum-Based Silver Nanoparticle Coatings.

The influence of carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and guargum-based coatings containing silver nanoparticles was studied on the postharvest storage stability of the kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata cv. Blanco) for a period of 120 days (85%-90% relative humidity) at 4 °C and 10 °C. Physicochemical and microbiological qualities were monitored after every 15 days of storage. Overall results revealed an increase in total soluble solid (TSS), total sugars, reducing sugars and weight loss but this increase was comparatively less significant in coated fruits stored at 4 °C. Ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity was significantly enhanced in coated fruits stored at 4 °C. Titratable acidity significantly decreased during storage except for coated kinnow stored at 4 °C. In control samples stored at 10 °C, high intensity of fruit rotting and no chilling injury was observed. Total aerobic psychrotrophic bacteria and yeast and molds were noticed in all treatments during storage but the growth was not significant in coated fruits at 4 °C. Kinnow fruit can be kept in good quality after coating for four months at 4 °C and for 2 months at 10 °C.

Potent AChE enzyme inhibition activity of Zizyphus oxyphylla: A new source of antioxidant compounds.

The purpose of this study was to assess the antioxidant potential and enzyme inhibition of various fractions of Zizyphus oxyphylla. The plant metabolites were extracted in methanol and partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol successively. Phytochemical screening showed presence of alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids in ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions. The antioxidant potential and acetylcholine esterase assay of all these fractions and remaining aqueous fraction was evaluated by using reported methods. The results revealed that chloroform soluble fraction exhibited highest percent inhibition of DPPH radical as compared to other fractions. It showed 95.01 ± 0.37% inhibition of DPPH radical at a concentration of 120 µg/mL. The IC50 of this fraction was 13.20 ± 0.27 µg/mL, relative to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, a reference standard), having IC50 of 12.10 ± 0.29 µg/mL. It also showed highest total antioxidant activity i.e. 1.723 ± 0.34 as well as highest FRAP value (339.5 ± 0.57 TE µm/mL) and highest total phenolic contents (142.65 ± 1.20 GAE mg/g) as compared to the other studied fractions. The fractions were also studied for Acetylcholine esterase enzyme (AChE) enzyme inhibition activity and n-butanol soluble fraction exhibited maximum inhibition (95.5 ± 0.13 mg/mL with IC50 =9.58 ± 0.08 mg/mL relative to galanthamine (13.26 ± 0.73 mg/mL), while n- hexane soluble fraction (165.15 ± 0.94 mg/mL) showed non-significant. We are still working to isolate pure compounds for active fractions targeting potent inhibition responsible for some activities.

Effective application of citric acid treated Trapa natans and Citrullus lanatus lignocellulosic macromolecules for adsorptive remediation of acid Violet-7 dye.

The peels of Trapa natans (TRA) and Citrullus lanatus (CIT), were modified with a variety of chemicals to boost their surface for the optimization of adsorption performance by providing a greater number of additional active binding sites. Citric acid-processed peels (TRAC and CITC) had shown more favorable adsorption performance to eradicate acid violet 7 dye (AVS). Extra and additional active sites generated after chemical processing, including hydroxyl (OH), carboxyl (COOH), amines NH2, carbonyl, and ester (-O-CO-) groups, as evidenced from FTIR and SEM characterizations, may boost the potential of physicochemical integration of adsorbent surface activity in order to promote and encourage the retention of hazardous and risky AVS molecules from the water. The Langmuir isotherm assessed the qmax for the adsorption of AVS on TRAC, CITC, TRA, and CIT to be 212.8, 294, 24.3, and 60.6 mg/g, respectively, whereas the correlation coefficients assessed for both TRAC and CITC were 0.98 and for TRA and CIT were 0.97, closer to unity reflecting monolayer physio-sorption. According to Temkin, the adsorption of AVS on TRAC, TRA, CITC, and CIT gives "BT" values of 1.275, 0.947, 1.085, and 1.211 mg/g, also suggesting physio-sorption. Therefore, chemically modified peels can be employed for detoxification of AVS.

Physicochemical and nutritional profiles of wild adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi Linn) accessions by GC, FTIR, and spectrophotometer.

Purpose of current study was to determine physicochemical, triglyceride composition, and functional groups of wild adlay accessions (brown, black, yellow, grey, green, off white, and purple) to find out its scope as cereal crop. Triglycerides, minerals and functional groups were determined through Gas chromatography, spectrophotometer and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer respectively. Results revealed variation among bulk densities, specific densities, percent empty spaces, and corresponding grain counts per 10 g of sample are useful in distinguishing brown, black, yellow, grey, green, off white, and purple wild adlay accessions. Specific density and grain count per 10 g sample was significantly related. No statistical relationship exists among the pronounced physical characteristics. Brown adlay expressed the highest protein, fat, and fiber contents 15.82%, 4.76% and 2.37% respectively. Protein, fat, ash, and fiber percent contents were found comparable to cultivated adlay. Spectrophotometric analysis revealed macro elements including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and sodium in the range 0.3% - 2.2% and micro elements boron, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese in the range 1.6 mg/kg - 20.8 mg/kg. Gas chromatography showed polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) constitute the primary fraction (39% ± 7.2) of wild adlay triglycerides. Linoleic and palmitic acids were present as prominent fatty acids, 43.5% ±1.4 and 26.3% ±1.4 respectively. Infra-red frequencies distinguished functional groups in narrow band and fingerprint region of protein in association with out of plane region leading to structural differences among adlay accessions. Comparison of major distinguishing vibrational frequencies among different flours indicated black adlay containing highest functional groups appeared promising for varietal development.

NMR-Based Metabolomics for Geographical Discrimination of Adhatoda vasica Leaves.

Adhatoda vasica (L.), Nees is a widespread plant in Asia. It is used in Ayurvedic and Unani medications for the management of various infections and health disorders, especially as a decoction to treat cough, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. Although it has a diverse metabolomic profile, this plant is particularly known for its alkaloids. The present study is the first to report a broad range of present compounds, e.g., α-linolenic acid, acetate, alanine, threonine, valine, glutamate, malate, fumaric acid, sucrose, ß-glucose, kaempferol analogues, quercetin analogues, luteolin, flavone glucoside, vasicine and vasicinone, which were identified by NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics. Multivariate data analysis was used to analyze 1H-NMR bucketed data from a number of Adhatoda vasica leave samples collected from eight different regions in Pakistan. The results showed large variability in metabolomic fingerprints. The major difference was on the basis of longitude/latitude and altitude of the areas, with both primary and secondary metabolites discriminating the samples from various regions.