Monitoring the temporal variations of plant stress using the air pollution tolerance index in the Sejzi industrial area (Isfahan, Iran).

The objective of this study was to screen air pollution-induced stress in some plant species in the Sejzi industrial region (Isfahan, Iran). An assessment of APTI and other physiological and biochemical features of significant species in the area was conducted across three seasons: spring, summer, and autumn. The physiological and biochemical factors of the following species were evaluated: Limonium persicum, Atriplex lentiformis, Nitraria schoberi, Haloxylon persicum, Tamarix hispida, Zygophyllum atriplicoides, Karelinia caspica, and Prosopis farcta. The physiological factors assessed included acidity and relative humidity content, while the biochemical factors assessed included proline, sugar, ascorbic acid, and total chlorophyll. Subsequently, a thorough evaluation was carried out on the species under investigation to ascertain their biomonitors' capabilities and APTI. The study findings indicated that the species P. farcta, N. schoberi, and K. caspica consistently had high APTI values during the spring, autumn, and summer seasons, classifying them as tolerant plant species. Conversely, the observed traits showed significant fluctuations across the seasons. The investigation's findings indicate that the species L. persicum, N. schoberi, and K. caspica exhibit higher annual averages of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid compared to other species. The examination of the annual variation in the tolerance levels of plant species to pollution ranked from highest to lowest was as follows: N. schoberi, P. farcta, K. caspica, Z. atriplicoides, H. persicum, T. hispida, L. persicum, and A. lentiformis. Moreover, based on the annual average, the primary determinants that impact the APTI in the species being studied include ascorbic acid (35%), leaf acidity (19%), total chlorophyll content (35%), and relative humidity content (69%). Furthermore, a distinct and significant correlation was found between proline and sugar levels and the annual APTI values. Additionally, the species P. farcta had the highest API compared to other species. The study revealed the high potential of some plant species against air pollution induced stress which can be used in air and dust pollution management in the region.

Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract of Prosopis Farcta and Trehalose on Cryopreserved Goat Epididymal Spermatozoa.

The purpose of this study, carried out in two experiments, was to investigate the antioxidant effect of Prosopis farcta in Experiment 1, and trehalose in Experiment 2 in the freezing extender, on the quality of frozen-thawed goat epididymal spermatozoa. Sperm samples were added to based egg-yolk Tris-extender containing experimental treatments. The first experimental treatments included the following: an extender of the control group without additive and extender containing 50, 100, or 150 µg/mL of Prosopis farcta ethanolic extract (PEE1, PEE2, and PEE3, respectively). Treatments of the second experiment include an extender of the control group without additive, an extender containing 100 mM of trehalose (Tr), an extender containing 100 µg/mL PEE2, and 100 µg/mL PEE2 + 100 mM Tr. The results of the first experiment showed that PEE2 compared with the control group led to a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Also, PEE1 and PEE2 treatments resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in motility parameters by computer-assisted sperm analysis, and MDA concentrations decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all treatments compared with the control group. In general, the results of the present experiment showed that Prosopis farcta ethanolic extract at the level of 100 µg/mL was effective in improving the quality of frozen-thawed goat epididymal spermatozoa. Also, a combination of Prosopis farcta ethanolic extract and trehalose can be successful in freezing goat epididymal spermatozoa.

Biomimetic synthesis of nanoparticles: A comprehensive review on green synthesis of nanoparticles with a focus on Prosopis farcta plant extracts and biomedical applications.

The synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using environmentally friendly methods has garnered significant attention in response to concerns about the environmental impact of various nanomaterial manufacturing techniques. To address this issue, natural resources like extracts from plants, fungi, and bacteria are employed as a green alternative for nanoparticle synthesis. Plant extracts, which contain active components such as terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, and vitamins, operate as coating and reducing agents. Bacteria and fungi, on the other hand, rely on internal enzymes, sugar molecules, membrane proteins, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) dependent enzymes to play critical roles as reducing agents. This review collects recent advancements in biomimetic methods for nanoparticle synthesis, critically discussing the preparation approaches, the type of particles obtained, and their envisaged applications. A specific focus is given on using Prosopis fractal plant extracts to synthesize nanoparticles tailored for biomedical applications. The applications of this plant and its role in the biomimetic manufacturing of nanoparticles have not been reported yet, making this review a pioneering and valuable contribution to the field.

Attenuation of cannabis withdrawal symptoms by Prosopis farcta extract, its luteolin and melatonin in mice: Involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dopamine.

The aim of this study was the identification of luteolin in Prosopis farcta extract (PFE) and melatonin to evaluate its effect on THC withdrawal syndrome in mice. Luteolin was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPCL). Signs of toxicity of mice in PFE and luteolin were monitored for LD50 calculation. The behavioral symptoms of THC withdrawal (stereotypies, ambulation, and inactivity time) induced by the rimonabant challenge were illustrated in THC-dependent mice receiving PFE, luteolin, and melatonin. The expression of mature BDNF (mBDNF) was evaluated by Western blot analysis. The dopamine concentrations were measured using HPLC. PFE and luteolin LD50 were 650 and 220 mg/kg, respectively. PFE (300 mg/kg), all doses of luteolin, and melatonin increased significantly the mBDNF expression and decreased the dopamine concentration. The findings suggest that PFE, luteolin, and melatonin are mighty in reducing the signs of THC withdrawal. It seems these effects were due to a decrease in dopamine concentration level and an increase in mBDNF protein expression in mice brains.

Gasoil removal from aqueous solution using magnetic metal-organic framework adsorbent based on the cellulosic fibrous of Prosopis farcta plant.

Recently, the leakage of Gasoil and other petroleum substances into the seas, surface water, and wastewater has become a global problem; therefore, providing a solution to remove these pollutants seems vital. In the current research, we investigated the removal of floating Gasoil from aqueous solutions. First, the magnetic metal-organic framework was prepared as a new adsorbent based on the cellulosic fibrous of the Prosopis farcta plant (magnetic- cellulose@MIL-53(Fe) carbon aerogel). Using design of experiment, the effect of parameters pH, Gasoil concentration, and adsorbent weight on Gasoil removal were investigated. The adsorbent prepared under optimal parameters can remove 100% floating Gasoil from the aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity of the magnetic- cellulose@MIL-53 (Fe) carbon aerogel is 7.48 g.g-1, which is almost 100 times more than other Fe-based adsorbents. The study of the effect of time showed that the adsorption of Gasoil by the adsorbent is not dependent on time. Gasoil adsorption on magnetic- cellulose@MIL-53(Fe) carbon aerogel follows the Freundlich isotherm with a correlation coefficient of 0.9933. Thermodynamic factors Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes have been calculated. Accordingly, magnetic- cellulose @MIL-53(Fe) carbon aerogel has rapid separation and high stability, and it could be used as a good adsorbent to remove Gasoil from an aqueous solution. With good cycling stability of 86% retention of the initial adsorption value after ten adsorption/desorption cycles.

Green synthesis, characterization, and application of Fe3O4 nanoparticles for methylene blue removal: RSM optimization, kinetic, isothermal studies, and molecular simulation.

Methylene Blue (MB) is a cationic dye causing various health problems such as asthma, heartbeat, eye and skin irritation, nausea, and distress during prolonged exposure. In this regard, the green magnetite nanoparticle was synthesized using the extract of Prosopis farcta. The synthesized Fe3O4nanoparticle was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The corresponding parameters, including the primary concentration of MB (5-65 mg/L), the dose of synthesized nanoparticle (0.025-0.925 g/L), solution pH (3-11), and contact time (20-60 min), were considered. Also, central composite design (CCD), as one of the response surface methodologies (RSM), was used for the related modelling and optimization. The particle size of the adsorbent was between 5 and 70 nm, and the nanoparticle has 206.75 m2/g of a specific surface, 6.1 nm of average pore size, and 0.3188 cm3/g of the total pore volume. The optimal conditions for MB removal by the nanoparticle were found to follow an initial MB concentration of 20 mg/L, 0.7 g/L of the nanoparticle dose, pH = 9, and a contact time of 50 min. The pseudo-second-order (PSO) and Freundlich models were the best kinetic and isothermal models for MB removal by the synthesized nanoparticle. Molecular modelling was used to optimize the MB molecular configuration and compute HOMO-LUMO energies, quantum-chemical descriptors, and molecular electrostatic potential to evaluate the nature reactivity of the MB molecule.

New bioactive compounds characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in hydro-methanol and petroleum ether extracts of Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) J. F. Macbr weed.

The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize the chemical composition present in aerial parts of Prosopis farcta in petroleum ether and hydro-methanol extracts through LC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS and GC-MS techniques respectively for the first time. The plant samples were collected from northeast of Iran during maturity stage. LC-MS/MS profile revealed 47 phenolic compounds in hydro-methanol extracts, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their glycoside derivatives. Flavonoid-O-glycosides (19), flavonoid aglycones (11), phenolic acid derivatives (9), flavonoid-C-glycosides (4), and flavonoid-O, C-glycosides (1) were dominant class phenolics in all studied parts. The extracts contained a significant amount of major compounds, including gallic and vanillic acids, luteolin, apigenin, phloridzin, and vicenin-2. Also, GC-MS analysis of petroleum ether extracts showed that fatty acids, organic acids, steroids, terpenoids, and hydrocarbons were the group of major compounds in all parts. Twenty-four, 27, and 25 components were identified, which represent 99.2%, 96.1%, and 99.4% of the total composition in fruits, leaves, and stems, respectively. These results suggested that other genetic resources of P. farcta can be further explored to screen genotypes with high bioactive compounds and purification of phytochemical compounds, which are valuable to produce, expand, and develop natural antioxidants in production of bio-medicine and food.

Consumption of the Syrian mesquite plant (Prosopis farcta) fruit and seed lyophilized extracts may have both protective and toxic effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

The aim of study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of extracts obtained from dried Prosopis farcta fruit and seeds against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. According to the results, glucose, haemoglobin A1c, α-glycosidase activity, liver and kidney damage biomarkers, and malondialdehyde contents of all of the diabetic groups were found to have increased significantly according to the control group. Furthermore, the insulin and C-peptide secretions increased, and liver malondialdehyde level decreased, which were determined as the result of fluctuations in the antioxidant enzyme activities with a dose of 400 mg/kg fruit extract, while seed extract dosages of 100 and 400 mg/kg caused an increase in hepatic demage biomarkers. It was concluded that fruit extract may have insulin secretion stimulating and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects, whereas seed extract might have caused hepatocyte damage changes to the transport functions and membrane permeability of these cells, thus causing enzymes to leak.

Application of active Kurdi gum and Farsi gum-based coatings in banana fruits.

This study evaluated the effects of Kurdi gum (KG) and Farsi gum (FG) based coatings with and without ethanolic Prosopis farcta extract (PFE; 0, 0.25 and 0.5%) on microbial, physicochemical, and sensory properties as well as respiration and ethylene production rates of banana fruits during storage (13 °C, 80% relative humidity (RH)) for 21 days and afterward 7 days at simulated market conditions (25 °C, 60% RH). The treatment of fruits with KG + PFE 0.5% resulted in the best bacterial, chemical, and sensory properties at the end of the storage period. It can be concluded that the application of KG and FG coatings enriched with PFE can be applied to increase the commercialization of bananas during prolonged storage.

Shelf-Life Enhancement in Fresh and Frozen Rainbow Trout Fillets by the Employment of a Novel Active Coating Design.

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of incorporating ethanolic Prosopis farcta extract (PFE, 0 and 0.5%) and curcumin nanoparticles (CCM, 0, 0.1 and 0.2%) into sodium alginate (SA) coating on shelf-life of refrigerated and frozen rainbow trout fillets during storage lasting for 12 days and 6 months, respectively. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of designated coatings were examined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate free radical scavenging activity and broth microdilution methods, respectively. The highest antioxidant and antibacterial activities were found in CCM 0.2% + PFE 0.5% and CCM 0.1% + PFE 0.5%. The CCM 0.2% + PFE 0.5% and CCM 0.1% + PFE 0.5% treatments could significantly extend the shelf-life of fresh trout fillets for 12 days during refrigerated storage evidenced by the 3.6 to 4.3 and 3 to 3.7 log CFU/g decrease in the microbial population in comparison with the untreated group, respectively. At the end of refrigerated storage time, the chemical change in all treated fillets was significantly lower than the untreated group (P < 0.05). The treatments of frozen trout fillets with SA + different concentrations of PFE and CCM resulted in better microbial and chemical properties than of the untreated group at the end of storage period (P < 0.05). PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Antimicrobial edible coatings from natural renewable resources have been found to be very useful in the food preservation field owing to the increasing consumer interest for the improvement of shelf-life property and appearance of fresh foodstuffs. Rainbow trout fillets without chemical preservatives have a limited shelf-life due to its biological properties. This study indicates the possibility of application of sodium alginate coatings containing Prosopis farcta extract and curcumin nanoparticles to increase shelf-life and maintain the quality of refrigerated trout fillets.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles: Biosynthesis, characterization, antifungal and cytotoxic activity.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are multifunctional oxide metal nanoparticles that have been considered by many due to their unique properties including UV filtration, semiconducting, antimicrobial, antifungal, and photocatalytic activity. In the present study, ZnO-NPs have been synthesized from Zn(SO4)·7H2O through the use of "green synthesis" method that utilizes Prosopis farcta aqueous extract. The characterization of synthesized ZnO-NPs have been performed by UV-Vis absorption, Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman, Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Results have illustrated that the synthesized nanoparticles contain a hexagonal shape and sheet form with sizes of 40-80 nm. The antifungal activity of ZnO-NPs against Candida albicans has shown that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were 128 and 256 µg/ml, respectively. The cytotoxicity activity of synthesized nanoparticles was tested on breast cancer cells (MCF7), while the IC50 was calculated to be 90 µg/ml.

In-vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential of GreenSynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Prosopis farcta Fruit Extract.

Nowadays, green synthesis of metal nanoparticles has become a promising synthetic strategy in nanotechnology and materials sciences. In this research, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was successfully accomplished in the presence of Prosopis farcta fruit extract as a reducing agent. Proceeding of the reaction was assessed by using UV-vis spectroscopy. Characterization of silver nanoparticles was carried out by X-ray Diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influence of process variables such as temperature, reaction time, and extract concentration was also investigated to optimize the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. The average size of synthesized AgNPs was 12.68 nm (10.26-14.65 nm). Furthermore, fruit extract and AgNPs were evaluated for total phenolic and flavonoid contents and were subjected to determine their antiradical scavenging activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia, Salmonella typhi using the disk diffusion method. The total phenols and flavonoids in AgNPs-containing plant extract were 462.69 (mg GAE/g extract) and 386.94 (mg QE/g extract) respectively, which were significantly higher than fruit extract. Biosynthesized AgNPs showed a higher antioxidant and antibacterial activity compared to P. farcta fruit extract alone. It could be concluded that P. farcta fruit extract can be extensively used in the production of potential antioxidant and antibacterial AgNPs for biomedical application.

Effect of Hydro-alcoholic Extract from Prosopis Farcta Leaves on Liver Injury Caused by High-fat Diet in Rats / Efecto del extracto hidro-alcohólico de las hojas de Prosopis Farcta en la lesión hepática causada en ratas por una dieta rica en grasas

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Prosopis farcta (P farcta) leaves on high fat diet-fed (HFDF) rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups - group 1: normal control group; group 2: untreated control group, fed a high-fat diet; group 3: hyperlipidaemic + P farcta (500 mg/kg orally per day); and group 4: hyperlipidaemic + simvastatin (1.0 mg/kg). All groups were treated for 30 days. Liver enzymes, levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation and liver histopathology were assessed. Results: Prosopis farcta extract reduced the elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and body weight. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activity were reduced in the HFDF animals, whose levels were increased statistically significantly by extract of P farcta leaves. The statistically significant increases in liver malondialdehyde in HFDF rats were reduced after treatment with P farcta. Histopathological findings also revealed positive effects of the extract. Conclusion: These results indicate the lipid-lowering and antioxidative activity of extract of P farcta leaves.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar los efectos hepatoprotectores y antioxidantes del extracto hidroalcohólico de las hojas de Prosopis farcta (P farcta) en ratas alimentadas con dieta rica en grasas (ADRG). Métodos: En este estudio experimental, 40 ratas macho Wistar se dividieron en cuatro grupos - Grupo 1: Grupo de control normal; Grupo 2: Grupo de control no tratado, alimentado con una dieta alta en grasas; Grupo 3: hiperlipidémico + P farcta (500 mg/kg por vía oral por día); y Grupo 4: hiperlipidémico + simvastatina (1.0 mg/kg). Todos los grupos fueron tratados durante 30 días. Se evaluaron las enzimas hepáticas, los niveles de colesterol total, los triglicéridos, la lipoproteína de baja densidad (LBD), la lipoproteína de alta densidad (LAD), el nitrógeno ureico y la creatinina en sangre, la actividad enzimática antioxidante, la peroxidación lipídica, y la histopatología hepática. Resultados: El extracto de Prosopis farcta redujo los niveles elevados de colesterol total, los triglicéridos, la LBD, y el peso corporal. La actividad de la catalasa y el superóxido dismutasa se redujo en los animales ADRG, cuyos niveles se incrementaron estadísticamente en grado significativo mediante el extracto de hoja de P farcta. Los aumentos estadísticamente significativos en el malondialdehído hepático en ratas ADRG, disminuyeron después del tratamiento con P farcta. Los hallazgos histopatológicos también revelaron efectos positivos del extracto. Conclusión: Estos resultados indican la actividad de reducción de lípidos y la actividad anti-oxidantes del extracto de las hojas de P farcta.

Effect of methanolic Prosopis farcta extract on storage stabilization of canola oil.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of methanolic Prosopis farcta extract (PFE; 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm) on storage stabilization of canola oil during 24 days of accelerated storage. The canola oil was mainly comprised of oleic acid (65.01%), linoleic acid (19.56%), linolenic acid (8.11%) and palmitic acid (4.48%). The 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and ß-carotene bleaching ability of the PFE were 1.16 µg/ml and 0.09 mg/ml, respectively. Our study showed that total phenolic content of PFE was 365.72 ± 6.21 mg gallic acid/g of dried fruit quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu's method. Peroxide value, p-anisidine value and thiobarbituric acid value exhibited that PFE at concentration levels of 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm in canola oil had good antioxidant effect. According to the results of the present study. The induction periods of treated samples were significantly increased with increasing of PFE concentration. Indeed, the induction periods of oil were improved from 1.99 (control) to 3.32, 4.56, 8.32, 9.89 and 13.34 h by addition of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm of PFE, respectively.

Mechanistic In vitro Evaluation of Prosopis farcta Roots Potential as an Antidiabetic Folk Medicinal Plant.

OBJECTIVE: Prosopis farcta has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for treating Diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to investigate the antidiabetic mechanisms of infusion (INF) extract of P. farcta and discovering the active extract for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six different extracts of P. farcta were prepared using five different solvents (ethanol, n-hexane, acetone, ethanol:water (1:1 v/v), and water). Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation assays were performed on mouse pancreatic ß-cells (ß-TC3) using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium method. The effects of P. farcta on glucose metabolism (in a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line [HepG2]) and glucose diffusion across a dialysis membrane (as a model of cellular glucose absorption) were evaluated. The protective effect of various P. farcta extracts on cytotoxicity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced apoptosis in ß-TC3 cells was investigated. RESULTS: Cytotoxicity study indicated that extracts were safe on ß-TC3 and HepG2 (≤0.5 mg/ml). INF protected ß-TC3 cells from apoptosis induced by STZ and improved cell viability for 20% and significantly decrease depolarization of MMP (P < 0.005). The results showed that INF inhabited breaking/streaking the DNA. Proliferation study showed no significant increase in the number of cells either at single or multiple doses. In moderate hyperglycemia (11.1 mmol/l), a significant glucose-lowering effect was observed but glucose diffusion was not the probable mechanism of extracts antidiabetic effect. In conclusion, only INF, the traditionally used extract, has an antidiabetic potential by attenuating the death and apoptosis induced by STZ in ß-TC3 cells and increase glucose consumption. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that only INF extract have an antidiabetic potential by attenuating the death and apoptosis induced by STZ in ß-TC3 cells and increase glucose consumption. SUMMARY: Six different extracts from P. farcta were prepared using five different solvents [ethanol, n-hexane, acetone, ethanol: water (1:1 v/v), and water]The protective effect of various P. farcta extracts on cytotoxicity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and Streptozotocin-induced apoptosis in ß-TC3 cells were investigated.Infusion has an antidiabetic potential by attenuating the death and apoptosis induced by STZ in ß-TC3 cells and increase glucose consumptionThe effect of infusion extract on glucose consumption in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line cells (a) and effect of infusion extract on glucose consumption in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line cells adjusted by optical density MTT (b). Significance was calculated by analysis of variance (*P ≤ 0.05). MTT: 3 (4,5 dimethylthiazol 2 yl) 2,5 diphenyltetrazolium. Abbreviations used: AC: Acetone extract; ANOVA: Analysis of variance; BSA: Bovine serum albumin; ß-TC3: Mouse pancreatic ß-cells; DMEM: Dulbecco modified Eagle medium; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; ETH: Ethyl acetate extract; FBS: Fetal bovine serum; HDETH: Hydroethanolic extract; HepG2: Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line; HEX: Hexane extract; INF: Infusion; KUMS: Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences; MMP: Mitochondrial membrane potential; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium; NaCl: Natrium chloride; OD: Optical density; spp: Species; STZ: Streptozotocin; Tag: T-antigen; USA: United States of America.

A comparative study of biotechnological approaches for producing valuable flavonoids in Prosopis farcta.

The callus and hairy root cultures of Prosopis farcta were established to develop effective strategies to enhance its valuable and medicinally important flavonoid compounds. For callus induction, the hypocotyl, cotyledon and shoot explants were subjected to different plant hormones, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin and dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Greater callus induction was obtained from hypocotyl explants on MS medium containing 3.0 mg L-1 NAA + 2.0 mg L-1 BAP. With the addition of 0.5 mg L-1 asparagine to this medium, the maximum callus growth was achieved. Hairy root culture of P. farcta was performed using transformation of different explants with strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes LBA9404, A4, AR15834. The AR15834 strain was more effective for hairy root induction where it caused hairy root formation on 59% of the infected cotyledon explants. We compared profiles of flavonoids isolated from seedling roots, hairy roots, and callus cultures of P. farcta. The colorimetric analysis showed that the content of total flavonoids of hairy roots was 1.54 and 2.52 times higher than in seedling roots and callus, respectively. The presence of flavonoids was verified by LC/MS in positive ion mode. The results showed that flavonoid composition was different in the roots and callus. Naringenin was the major constituent in callus, whereas resveratrol, quercetin and myricetin were the most abundant compounds found in hairy roots. The main objective of this research was to establish hairy roots in P. farcta to synthesize flavonoids at levels comparable to in vitro-grown roots. The present study also opens up a way to further improve the production of pharmaceutically valuable flavonoids and to produce desired metabolites using the hairy root culture system.

Mitochondrial Effects of Teucrium Polium and Prosopis Farcta Extracts in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Background: Teucrium Polium and Prosopis Farcta have been traditionally employed in cancer treatment. In this study we evaluated the effects of methanolic extracts of these two plants in HT-29 cells. Methods: IC50s of extracts were obtained via MTT assay and the levels of ROS production, cell death, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and Sirt3 enzyme activity were determined. Results: After 48 hours exposure, IC50s for Teucrium and Prosopis extracts were 3 and 2µg/ml, respectively. Extracts induced higher ROS production after 6 hours than after 12 hours. Mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and cell death rate were also increased; Teucrium caused greater cell death than Prosopis. Extracts from both plants increased Sirt3 activity in its normal form, but only Teucrium extract caused a significant increase in activity of Sirt3 enzyme isolated from cancer cells. Conclusion: Teucrium and Prosopis extracts exert anticancer activity via mitochondrial alterations, as exemplified by increased ROS levels, Sirt3 activity and cell death in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells.

Favouring NO over H2O2 production will increase Pb tolerance in Prosopis farcta via altered primary metabolism.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) are known in triggering defense functions to detoxify heavy metal stresses. To investigate the relevance of ROS production, Pb treatment (400µM) alone and in combination with 400µM sodium ascorbate (Asc: as H2O2 scavenger) were given to hydroponically grown Prosopis farcta seedlings over a time course of 72h. Data presented here indicate that, the low extent of H2O2 due to scavenging by ascorbate, together with high level of NO improved Pb+Asc- treated Prosopis growth. Following the evoked potential of both the signals, significant increases in phenolic acids; caffeic, ferulic and salicylic acid were observed with Pb treatment; which are consistent with observed increase in lignin content and consequently with growth inhibition. In contrast, Pb+Asc treatment induced more flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin), diminished phenolic acids contents and also lignin. Elicited expression rate of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene (PAL) and also its enzymatic activity verified the induced phenylpropanoid metabolism by Pb and Pb+Asc treatments. In comparison with Pb stress, Asc+Pb application induced the high expression of arginine decarboxylase gene (ADC), in polyamines biosynthesis pathway, and conducted the N flow towards polyamines and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA). Examining the impact on enzyme activities, catalase, and guaiacol peroxidase; Pb+Asc reduced activity but this increased ascorbate peroxidase, and aconitase activity. Our observations are consistent with conditions favouring NO production and reduced H2O2 can improve Pb tolerance via wide-ranging effects on a primary metabolic network.

The effect of Prosopis farcta beans extract on blood biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

BACKGROUND: The use of herbals in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is a well-established practice in traditional medicine. The medicinal plant Prosopis farcta has some antioxidant activity, which may be useful in diabetic patients. Since, there is no report on the antidiabetic effect of the P. farcta, this study evaluated antidiabetic activity of P. farcta bean extract (PFE) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hyperglycemia was induced in male albino Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg body weight [BW]), after which, the animals were randomly allocated into six experimental groups as follows: Group 1: Normal rats (received normal saline), Groups 2 and 3: Normal rats received PFE; (50 and 75 mg/kg BW), Group 4: Diabetic control rats, Group 5: Diabetic rats received PFE (50 mg/kg BW), Group 6: Diabetic rats received PFE (75 mg/kg BW). Three days after induction of diabetes, rats were received an extract of PFE orally for 12 days. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture to determine liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high and low density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL). RESULTS: The administration of PFE (50 and 75 mg/kg) in STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly reduced the blood glucose levels when compared with the STZ-control group (227.2 ± 12.00 and 259.6 ± 7.03 vs. 454.6 ± 12.66, P < 0.001). PFE in diabetic groups had no significant effect on the levels of cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL, AST, and ALT compare to the STZ-control group. CONCLUSION: P. farcta could reduce blood glucose in diabetic rats.

Antihyperlipidemic Effect of Syrian Mesquite (Prosopis farcta) Root in High Cholesterol Diet-Fed Rabbits.

Prosopis farcta root has been proposed as an efficacious natural drug for cardiovascular disorders in traditional medicine. The present study evaluates the efficacy of aqueous extract of Prosopis farcta root on experimental atherosclerosis development in rabbits with high cholesterol diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Serum lipid parameters were significantly increased in the high cholesterol diet groups in comparison with the normal control group (P < .050). Histopathological findings revealed that atheromatous plaques were formed in both thoracic and abdominal aorta of hypercholestrolemic rabbits. Treatment with Prosopis farcta root significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein levels compared to high cholesterol diet rabbits (P < .050). This finding may reflect a reduction of chest pain or the beneficial effects of this plant root extract on cardiovascular health. The present study can serve as a basis for future investigations on the other effects of this plant on cardiovascular health.