Anti-liver tumor ingredient exploration and validation of Elephantopus tomentosus Linn. by combining in silico and in vitro experiments.

Elephantopus tomentosus (ET) Linn. was reported to be an anti-tumor plant. However, the chemical composition of ET and its anti-tumor compounds and potential mechanisms still unclear. In this paper, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was firstly used to identified the ingredients in ET and UPLC was used to determine the main compounds of ET. Network pharmacology was applied to predict the potential mechanisms of anti-liver cancer. Anti-tumor nuclear activate compounds and targets of ET were obtained and the anti-liver cancer effect was validated on HepG2. Finally, Molecule docking, RT-qPCR, and western blotting were used for verification of the relationship between nuclear activate compounds and nuclear targets and the potential anti-cancer mechanisms. The result showed that 42 compounds were identified in ET, which consisted of sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoid compounds. Scabertopin (ST), chlorogenic acid, Isochlorogenic acid B, Isochlorogenic acid A and Isochlorogenic acid C were identified as main compounds and were determined as 0.426%, 0.457%, 0.159%, 0.701%, and 0.103% respectively. 24 compounds showed high pharmacokinetics and good drug-likeness. 520 overlapping targets of the ET compounds and liver cancer were collected. The targets were used for KEGG and GO analysis. GO enrichment analysis suggested that the targets of 24 active compound closed related to promote apoptosis, inhibit proliferation, and regulate oxidative levels. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that pathway in cancer was enriched most and p38 MAPK/p53 signaling pathway, which closely related to promoting apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation. Compounds-targets analysis based on the parameter of Betweenness, Closeness, Information, Eigenvector, Degree, and component content indicated that ST was the nucleus anti-tumor active compound of ET. HepG2 was first used to validated the anti-tumor effect of ST and the result showed that ST significantly inhibited HepG2 proliferation with a low IC50 less than 5 µM. Nucleus active compound targets, including TP53, CASP3, BCL2, EGFR, TNF-a, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were enriched based on degree value of PPI analysis. Molecule docking suggested that ST showed a good combination to TGFBR1 with the combination energy less than - 5 kcal/mol. RT-qPCR result also suggested that ST significantly medicated the mRNA expression level of TP53, CASP3, BCL2, EGFR, TNF-a, IL-1ß, and IL-6. Protein expression of p-p38/p38 and p-p53/p53 notable increased by ST treatment. In conclude, combining with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS qualitative analysis, UPLC quantitative analysis, network pharmacology analysis, molecule docking, and in vitro experiments on HepG2, we suggest that ST is an anti-tumor ingredient of ET, which may target to TGFBR1 and promote apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of HepG2 by activating p38 MAPK/p53 signaling pathway. ST can be regarded as a quality marker of ET.

Potentials of invasive Bidens pilosa, Conyza bonariensis and Parthenium hysterophorus species based on germination patterns and growth traits.

Invasive alien species drive extensive ecological changes and cause unexpected risks worldwide. Perceptive germination requirements and the growth function of invasive species are crucial for understanding their invasion and subsequent dissemination in various environmental conditions. Therefore, the germination response of invasive Conyza bonariensis, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Bidens pilosa of Asteraceae family were examined under alternating temperature regimes and some environmental factors. The prevailing germination ability occurs highest at moderate-temperature regimes at 20/30°C attained by 94.83% (C. bonariensis) and at 20/25 SS by 96.28% (P. hysterophorus) and high-temperature regimes at 25/30°C reached 92.94% (B. pilosa) respectively. The half germination percentage (G50) was -0.406 MPa and 2878.35 ppm (B. pilosa), -0.579 MPa and 2490.9 ppm (C. bonariensis), and-0.32 MPa and 2490.8 ppm (P. hysterophorus) affected by osmotic pressure and salt stress (NaCl) respectively. The highest growth plasticity characteristics were identified in total dry mass attained at 0.968 (C. bonariensis), 0.985 (B. pilosa) and 0.957 (P. hysterophorus) respectively. The relative growth, net assimilation and plasticity index appeared higher in both B. pilosa, and C. bonariensis than P. hysterophorus in the invaded area. In conclusion, germination and growth traits are precisely functional factors that correlate to invasion success under stressed conditions, and zones, and also lead to successful control plans for invasive species and ecological protection.

Niche and interspecific associations of dominant plant species in antimony mining ecological damaged site in Nandan, Guangxi, China.

In order to provide a guide for plant selection of ecological restoration at antimony (Sb) mining ecological damaged sites, species composition, importance value, niche, and interspecific associations of tree, shrub, and herb layers were examined at Sb mining site in Nandan City, Guangxi, China. The results showed that 23 vascular plant species were recorded at the Sb mining ecological damaged site, belonging to 22 genera and 13 families, primarily Gramineae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae. The highest importance values for trees, shrubs, and herbs were observed in Rhus chinensis (56.7%), Coriaria nepalensis (56.3%), and Eremochloa ciliaris (44.0%), which were characterized by fairly large niche widths of 1.58, 1.32 and 1.57, respectively. The highest niche overlap values were found between R. chinensis and Triadica sebifera in the tree layer, and between Thysanolaena latifolia and Bidens pilosa in the herb layer, with the value of 0.68 and 0.99, respectively. Shrub layer exhibited a lower range of niche overlap (0.30-0.42), suggesting significant niche differentiation among different species. In the tree and shrub layers, most species showed insignificantly negative associations, the proportion was 83.3% and 66.7%, respectively, indicating that the plant community was not stable. Herb layer generally exhibited significantly positive correlations, with 52.4% of species pairs showing positive correlation, indicating weak resource competition among species. Overall, plant community at Sb mining ecological damaged site was unstable. In the process of ecological restoration, trees and shrubs that can adapt to the conditions and have positive associations should be prioritized in species selection, such as R. chinensis, C. lanceolata, C. nepalensis, and B. nivea. This will promote vegetation positive succession, rehabilitate the ecosystem and ensure sustainable development at Sb mining ecological damaged sites.

Green synthesis of pectin-functionalized silver nanocomposites using Carpesium nepalense and evaluation its bactericidal kinetics and hepatoprotective mechanisms.

The present study reports the green synthesis of pectin-fabricated silver nanocomposites (Pectin-AgNPs) using Carpesium nepalense leaves extract, evaluating their bactericidal kinetics, in vivo hepatoprotective, and cytotoxic potentials along with possible mechanisms. GC/MS and LC/MS analyses revealed novel phytochemicals in the plant extract. The Pectin-AgNPs were characterized using UV/Vis, AFM, SEM, TEM, DLS, FTIR, and EDX techniques, showing a spherical morphology with a uniform size range of 50-110 nm. Significant antibacterial activity (P < 0.005) was found against four bacterial strains with ZIs of 4.1 ± 0.15 to 27.2 ± 3.84 mm. AFM studies revealed significant bacterial cell membrane damage post-treatment. At 0.05 mg/kg, the nanocomposites showed significant (P < 0.005) hepatoprotective activity in biochemical and histopathology analyses compared to the CCl4 control group. Pectin-AgNPs significantly reduced (P < 0.005) LDH, AST, ALT, ALP, and DB levels. qPCR analysis showed ameliorative effects on PPARs and Nrf2 gene expression, restoring gene alterations caused by CCl4 intoxication. In vivo acute toxicity studies confirmed low toxicity of Pectin-AgNPs in major organs. Pectin-AgNPs exhibited cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell lines at higher doses with an LC50 of 223.7 µg/mL. These findings demonstrate the potential of Pectin-AgNPs as promising antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and cytotoxic agents.

Preliminary Studies about Valorization of Acmella oleracea Bioactive Content in Modern Dermato-Cosmetic Applications to Combat Skin Oxidative Stress.

The development of products with skin-protective effects has been driven by the increasing incidence of skin diseases that are exacerbated by increasing pollution, urbanization, poor living, working, fatigue, dietary habits, and general treatment. The ability of antioxidants to protect the skin from oxidative stress and its effects makes them one of the most important ingredients in today's cosmetics. This article aims first to characterize the plant extracts obtained from Acmella oleracea (A. oleracea) and then to evaluate the preliminary criteria for a new marketed product: the stability, antioxidant activity, and in vitro behavior of certain serums based on A. oleracea plant extract and hyaluronic acid. The extracts were obtained by liquid-solid extraction methods (maceration (M), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UEA), and a combined method between these two (UEA + M) using an aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol as the extraction solvent. The determination of the amounts of compounds with antioxidant activity highlighted the fact that the extract obtained from the whole plant of A. oleracea using maceration in conditions of S/L = 1:30, 20 days, and an extraction solvent percentage of 50% led to obtaining the highest amount of polyphenols (30.42 µg GAE/g), while using the combined UAE + M method under conditions of S/L = 1:30, 6 min + 20 days, and 50% extraction solvent led to obtaining the highest amount of flavonoids (32.88 mg QE/g). The tests performed on dermato-cosmetic serums based on the plant extract and multimolecular hyaluronic acid (HA) (1 HA with HMW-1.0 mDa-1.6 mDa; HA with LMW-10 kDa-200 kDa; and HA OLIGO, MW < 10 kDa) led to the conclusion that they exhibit structural stability, good shear behavior revealing a satisfactory texture, and high physical stability during storage. These results encourage the transition to in-depth testing, both microbiological and dermatological, as a final step in the consideration of a new commercial product.

Green synthesis of zinc ferrite nanoparticles from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis: unveiling larvicidal potential, protein binding affinity and photocatalytic activities.

Environmental pollution, being a major concern worldwide, needs a unique and ecofriendly solution. To answer this, researchers are aiming in utilizing plant extracts for the synthesis of nanoparticles. These NPs synthesized using plant extracts provide a potential, environmentally benign technique for biological and photocatalytic applications. Especially, plant leaf extracts have been safe, inexpensive, and eco-friendly materials for the production of nanoparticles in a greener way. In this work, zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) were prepared using Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaf extract by hydrothermal method, and its biological and photocatalytic properties were assessed. The synthesized ZnFe2O4 NPs were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). X-ray diffraction confirmed the arrangement of the fcc crystal structure of the nanoparticles and that some organic substances were encapsulated within the zinc ferrite. According to the SEM analysis, the resulting nanoparticles got agglomerated and spherical in shape. The ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles are in their pure form, and all of their elemental compositions were shown by the energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) spectrum. The FTIR results revealed that the produced nanoparticles contained distinctive functional groups. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to examine the binding affinities between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles in terms of protein binding, stability, and conformation. The interaction between BSA and ZnFe2O4 NPs was examined using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements, and it was evident that static quenching occurred. The ability of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles to kill Culex quinquefasciatus (C. quinquefasciatus) larvae was evaluated. The synthesized NPs demonstrated a noteworthy toxic effect against the fourth instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus with LC50 values of 43.529 µg/mL and LC90 values of 276.867 µg/mL. This study revealed the toxicity of green synthesized ZnFe2O4 NPs on mosquito larvae, proving that these NPs are good and effective larvicides. Furthermore, the ZnFe2O4 NPs were utilized for dye degradation of methylene blue under visible light treatment and achieved 99.5% degradation.

Excess copper promotes an increase in the concentration of metabolites in Tridax procumbens L.

The study investigated the effects of cultivating Tridax procumbens in hydroponic conditions with different concentrations of copper ions, aiming to understand the physiological changes and the impact on the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. The treatments consisted of a completely randomized design, with five increasing concentrations of copper (T0 = 0.235, T1 = 12.5, T2 = 25, T3 = 50, T4 = 100 µmol L-1 of Cu), under controlled conditions for 36 days. Analysis of bioactive compounds in leaves was performed by HPLC-DAD and ESI-MS. Several phenolic compounds, alkaloids, phytosterols and triterpenoids were identified, demonstrating the plant's metabolic plasticity. The highest dose of copper (100 µmol L-1) significantly promoted voacangine, the most predominant compound in the analyses. Notably, 66.7% of the metabolites that showed an increase in concentration, were phenolic compounds. Furthermore, treatments with 12.5 and 25 µmol L-1 of copper were identified as promoting the biosynthesis of phytosterols and triterpenoids. These biochemical adaptations can play a fundamental role in the survival and development of plants in environments contaminated by metals, and from this it is possible to determine cultivation techniques that maximize the biosynthesis of the compound of interest.

Characterization of chemical constituents and metabolites in rat plasma after oral administration of Ainsliaea fragrans Champ by using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS.

Ainsliaea fragrans Champ, a strong heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine, has been effectively used for treating chronic cervicitis, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory diseases, and other conditions caused by damp heat. It shows a good effect in the treatment of cervicitis and has broad clinical application prospects. Nevertheless, there is no comprehensive study on its in vivo and in vitro chemical analysis. UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS combined with the non-targeted characteristic filter analysis were used to conjecture and characterize the chemical components and in vivo metabolites of rats following oral administration of Ainsliaea fragrans Champ. In this study, A total of 85 compounds were identified in Ainsliaea fragrans Champ, including 29 flavonoids, 14 sesquiterpenoids, 25 chlorogenic acids, and 17 other compounds. In the plasma of rats after administration of Ainsliaea fragrans Champ, 160 compounds were deduced (19 prototype compounds and 141 metabolites). The 141 metabolites consist of 50 flavonoids, 80 phenolic acids and 11 Chlorogenic acids. The related metabolic pathways mainly involved demethylation, reduction, sulfonation, decarboxylation, hydroxylation, methylation, and glucuronide conjunction. In summary, the chemical components and metabolites of Ainsliaea fragrans Champ were comprehensively identified by using a rapid and accurate analysis method, which laid a foundation for dissecting its bioactive substances. In addition, it provides a scientific basis for the in-depth study of the material basis of Ainsliaea fragrans Champ efficacy and theoretical support for illustrating the mechanism of medical action and its clinical application.

Comparative analysis of complete chloroplast genomes of Synotis species (Asteraceae, Senecioneae) for identification and phylogenetic analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Synotis (C. B. Clarke) C. Jeffrey & Y. L. Chen is an ecologically important genus of the tribe Senecioneae, family Asteraceae. Because most species of the genus bear similar morphology, traditional morphological identification methods are very difficult to discriminate them. Therefore, it is essential to develop a reliable and effective identification method for Synotis species. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp.) genomes of four Synotis species, S. cavaleriei (H.Lév.) C. Jeffrey & Y.L. Chen, S. duclouxii (Dunn) C. Jeffrey & Y.L. Chen, S. nagensium (C.B. Clarke) C. Jeffrey & Y.L. Chen and S. erythropappa (Bureau & Franch.) C. Jeffrey & Y. L. Chen had been sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology and reported here. RESULTS: These four cp. genomes exhibited a typical quadripartite structure and contained the large single-copy regions (LSC, 83,288 to 83,399 bp), the small single-copy regions (SSC, 18,262 to 18,287 bp), and the inverted repeat regions (IR, 24,837 to 24,842 bp). Each of the four cp. genomes encoded 134 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 2 pseudogenes (ycf1 and rps19). The highly variable regions (trnC-GCA-petN, ccsA-psaC, trnE-UUC-rpoB, ycf1, ccsA and petN) may be used as potential molecular barcodes. The complete cp. genomes sequence of Synotis could be used as the potentially effective super-barcode to accurately identify Synotis species. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the four Synotis species were clustered into a monophyletic group, and they were closed to the Senecio, Crassocephalum and Dendrosenecio in tribe Senecioneae. CONCLUSIONS: This study will be useful for further species identification, evolution, genetic diversity and phylogenetic studies within this genus Synotis and the tribe Senecioneae.

Sesquiterpenoids from Carpesium abrotanoides and their anti-inflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo.

Twenty-nine sesquiterpenoids, including pseudoguaiane-type (1-11), eudesmane-type (12-23), and carabrane-type (24-29), have been identified from the plant Carpesium abrotanoides. Of them, compounds 1-4, 12-15, and 24-27, namely carpabrotins A-L, are twelve previously undescribed ones. Compound 3 possessed a pseudoguaiane backbone with a rearrangement modification at C-11, C-12 and C-13, while compound 4 suffered a carbon bond break between the C-4 and C-5 to form a rare 4,5-seco-pseudoguaiane lactone. Compounds 1-3, 5, 13-16 and 25-27 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with IC50 values less than 40 µM, while compounds 1, 2, 5, 13, 14, 16, and 25-27 showed significant inhibitory activity comparable to that of dexamethasone. The anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) effects of compounds 5 and 16 were tested according to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in KM mice, and the results revealed that the major products 5 and 16 improved the histological features of AD-like skin lesions and mast cell infiltration in mice. This study suggested that sesquiterpenoids in C. abrotanoides should play a key role in its anti-inflammatory use.

Role of plant functional traits in the invasion success: analysis of nine species of Asteraceae.

Various attributes are hypothesized to facilitate the dominance of an invasive species in non-native geographical and ecological regimes. To explore the characteristic invasive attributes of the family Asteraceae, a comparative study was conducted among nine species of this family, co-occurring in the western Himalayan region. Based on their nativity and invasion status, the species were categorized as "Invasive", "Naturalized", and "Native". Fifteen plant functional traits, strongly linked with invasion, were examined in the test species. The analyses revealed a strong dissimilarity between all the plant functional traits (except leaf carbon [Leaf C]) represented by "Invasive" and "Native" categories and most of the traits (except leaf area [LA], leaf nitrogen [Leaf N], Leaf C, and leaf carbon-nitrogen ratio [C: N]) represented by the "Naturalized" and "Native" categories. Similarly, "Invasive" and "Naturalized" categories also varied significantly for most of the traits (except Leaf N, Leaf C, capitula per m² population [Cm²], seeds per capitula [Scapitula], and seed mass). Invasive species are characterized by high LA, specific leaf area [SLA] and germination, and low C:N and leaf construction costs [LCC]. Most of the traits represented by native species justify their non-invasive behavior; whereas the naturalized species, despite having better size metrics (plant height), resource investment strategy (aboveground non-reproductive biomass [BNR], and aboveground reproductive biomass [BR]), and reproductive output (capitula per individual plant [Cplant], and seeds per individual plant [Splant]) failed to invade, which implies that the role of these functional aspects in imparting invasion potential to a species is not consistent in all the ecosystems and/or phylogenetic groups. Results of PCA revealed that trait divergence plays a more imperative role in invasion success than naturalization in the species of the family Asteraceae. The present study is intended to refine the pre-generalized invasion concepts associated with family Asteraceae to ensure more accurate identification of the potential invaders and better management of the existing ones.

Island biogeography of the megadiverse plant family Asteraceae.

The megadiverse plant family Asteraceae forms an iconic component of island floras including many spectacular radiations, but a global picture of its insular diversity is lacking. Here, we uncover the global biogeographical and evolutionary patterns of Asteraceae on islands to reveal the magnitude and potential causes of their evolutionary success. We compile a global checklist of Asteraceae species native and endemic to islands and combine it with macroecological analyses and a phylogenetic review of island radiations. Asteraceae have a global distribution on islands, comprising approximately 6,000 native island species, with 58% endemics. While diversity of the family on islands is lower than expected given its overall diversity, Asteraceae are the most diverse family on oceanic islands, suggesting an exceptional ability to thrive in isolation. In agreement with island biogeography predictions, native Asteraceae diversity increases with area and decreases with isolation, while endemism increases with both. We identify 39 confirmed island radiations and 69 putative radiations, exceeding numbers for other iconic insular groups. Our results reveal Asteraceae offer immense potential for research in ecology and evolution, given their close tracking of island biogeography expectations, large number of both species and radiations, cosmopolitan distribution, and numerous undiscovered radiations.

Sesquiterpene lactones from Tithonia diversifolia with ferroptosis-inducing activities.

Eight previously undescribed sesquiterpene lactones (1-8), together with six known ones (9-14) were isolated from the aerial parts of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray. The absolute configurations of these compounds were elucidated using HRMS, NMR spectroscopy, optical rotation measurements, X-ray crystallography, and ECD. Among them, sesquiterpene lactones 2-4 share a unique carbon skeleton with a rare C-3/C-4 ring-opened structure. Compounds 1 and 8 showed moderate inhibitory effects toward CT26 murine colon carcinoma cells by promoting lipid ROS production, highlighting their potential as ferroptosis inducers.

Guaianolide sesquiterpene lactones from Cichorium glandulosum and their anti-neuroinflammation activities.

Eight undescribed guaianolide sesquiterpene lactones cicholosumins A-H and twelve known ones were isolated from the aerial parts of Cichorium glandulosum Boiss et Huet. Their structures were established by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, electronic circular dichroism, quantum chemical calculations and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 9α-hydroxy-3-deoxyzaluzanin C, epi-8α-angeloyloxycichoralexin, 8-O-methylsenecioylaustricin and lactucin showed strong anti-neuroinflammation activity with IC50 values of 1.69 ± 0.11, 1.08 ± 0.23, 1.67 ± 0.28 and 1.82 ± 0.27 µM, respectively. The mechanism research indicated that epi-8α-angeloyloxycichoralexin inhibited neuroinflammation through the NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

Traditional ecological knowledge for monitoring Anaphalis javanica (DC.) Sch.Bip. (Asteraceae) in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia.

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) possessed by indigenous communities offers a vital source of information regarding the status and threats faced by species. Anaphalis javanica (DC.) Sch.Bip. commonly known as Javanese edelweiss is a culturally significant species in Indonesia's mountainous regions, yet conservation efforts for it remain limited. We utilized TEK to assess the status and threats to the Javanese edelweiss in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia. The research aims to assess the distribution, abundance, population trends, and threats faced by Javanese edelweiss using TEK. We interviewed 641 individuals from seven Tengger villages near the park to gather data on the distribution, status, and threats facing the Javanese edelweiss, contributing to conservation efforts. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models and ordinal logistic regression. TEK regarding the Javanese edelweiss was extensive, as 96.3% of respondents recognized the plant. A majority (73.2%) had observed Javanese edelweiss in the wild, yet a significant portion (85%) perceived it as "very rare" or "rare." Furthermore, 50% of respondents reported a decline in its population. Variations in sighting frequency, perceived abundance, and population trends across different locations provide crucial insights for identifying priority areas and shaping community-based conservation strategies for Javanese edelweiss. This research underscores the importance of integrating TEK into conservation planning, emphasizing community involvement for effective and sustainable biodiversity conservation.

Phytocosmetic potential of Blumea balsamifera oil in mitigating UV-induced photoaging: Evidence from cellular and mouse models.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. (BB), the source of Blumea balsamifera oil (BBO), is an aromatic medicinal plant, renowned for its pharmacological properties and its traditional use in Southeast Asian countries such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines for centuries. Traditionally, BB has been used as a raw herbal medicine for treating various skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, athlete's foot, and wound healing for skin injuries. AIM OF THE STUDY: This research aimed to explore the inhibitory effects of BBO on skin aging using two models: in vitro analysis with human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) under UVB-induced stress, and in vivo studies on UVA-induced dorsal skin aging in mice. The study sought to uncover the mechanisms behind BBO's anti-aging effects, specifically, its impact on cellular and tissue responses to UV-induced skin aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We applied doses of 10-20 µL/mL of BBO to HDF cells that had been exposed to UVB radiation to simulate skin aging. We measured cell viability, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), SA-ß-gal, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition, we investigated the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in mediating the anti-aging effects of BBO. Histopathological and biochemical analyses were conducted in a mouse model to examine the effects of BBO on UV-induced photoaging. RESULTS: UV exposure accelerated aging, and caused cellular damage and inflammatory responses through ROS-mediated pathways. In HDF cells, BBO treatment countered the UVB-induced senescence, and the recovery of cell viability was correlated to notable reductions in SA-ß-gal, ROS, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and MMPs. Mechanistically, the anti-aging effect of BBO was associated with the downregulation of the JNK/NF-κB signaling pathways. In the in vivo mouse model, BBO exhibited protective capabilities against UV-induced photoaging, which were manifested by the enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and tissue remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: BBO effectively protects fibroblasts from UV-induced photoaging through the JNK/NF-κB pathway. Recovery from photoaging involves an increase in dermal fibroblasts, alleviation of inflammation, accelerated synthesis of antioxidant enzymes, and slowed degradation of ECM proteins. Overall, BBO enhances the skin's defensive capabilities against oxidative stress, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related skin aging.

Isolation by environment and its consequences for range shifts with global change: Landscape genomics of the invasive plant common tansy.

Invasive species are a growing global economic and ecological problem. However, it is not well understood how environmental factors mediate invasive range expansion. In this study, we investigated the recent and rapid range expansion of common tansy across environmental gradients in Minnesota, USA. We densely sampled individuals across the expanding range and performed reduced representation sequencing to generate a dataset of 3071 polymorphic loci for 176 individuals. We used non-spatial and spatially explicit analyses to determine the relative influences of geographic distance and environmental variation on patterns of genomic variation. We found no evidence for isolation by distance but strong evidence for isolation by environment, indicating that environmental factors may have modulated patterns of range expansion. Land use classification and soils were particularly important variables related to population structure although they operated on different spatial scales; land use classification was related to broad-scale patterns and soils were related to fine-scale patterns. All analyses indicated a distinctive genetic cluster in the most recently invaded portion of the range. Individuals from the far northwestern range margin were separated from the remainder of the range by reduced migration, which was associated with environmental resistance. This portion of the range was invaded primarily in the last 15 years. Ecological niche models also indicated that this cluster was associated with the expansion of the niche. While invasion is often assumed to be primarily influenced by dispersal limitation, our results suggest that ongoing invasion and range shifts with climate change may be strongly affected by environmental heterogeneity.

NMR-Guided Isolation of Anti-inflammatory Carabranolides from the Fruits of Carpesium abrotanoides L.

Carabranolides present characteristic NMR resonances for the cyclopropane moiety, which distinctly differ from those of other compounds and were used for an NMR-guided isolation in this study. As a result, 11 undescribed carabranolides (1-11), along with five known ones (12-16), were isolated from the fruits of Carpesium abrotanoides L. Compounds 1-11 are new esters of carabrol at C-4 with different carboxylic acids. Their structures were elucidated by HRESIMS and NMR spectroscopic data analysis. The biological evaluation showed that compounds 2-4, 15, and 16 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against LPS-induced NO release with an IC50 value of 5.6-9.1 µM and dose-dependently decreased iNOS protein expression in RAW264.7 cells.

Putting heads together: Developmental genetics of the Asteraceae capitulum.

Inflorescence architecture is highly variable across plant lineages yet is critical for facilitating reproductive success. The capitulum-type inflorescence of the Asteraceae is marked as a key morphological innovation that preceded the family's diversification and expansion. Despite its evolutionary significance, our understanding of capitulum development and evolution is limited. This review highlights our current perspective on capitulum evolution through the lens of both its molecular and developmental underpinnings. We attempt to summarize our understanding of the capitulum by focusing on two key characteristics: patterning (arrangement of florets on a capitulum) and floret identity specification. Note that these two features are interconnected such that the identity of florets depends on their position along the inflorescence axis. Phytohormones such as auxin seemingly determine both pattern progression and floret identity specification through unknown mechanisms. Floret morphology in a head is controlled by differential expression of floral symmetry genes regulating floret identity specification. We briefly summarize the applicability of the ABCE quartet model of flower development in regulating the floret organ identity of a capitulum in Asteraceae. Overall, there have been promising advancements in our understanding of capitula; however, comprehensive functional genetic analyses are necessary to fully dissect the molecular pathways and mechanisms involved in capitulum development.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Ayapana triplinervis essential oil rich in thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether from Brazil.

Ayapana triplinervis (M.Vahl) R.M.King & H.Rob. (Asteraceae), popularly known as japana, is a tropical, aromatic subshrub widely used as tea to combat some diseases. The essential oil was obtained from the leaves by hydrodistillation (3 h), and the chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. For in vivo assays, Mus musculus/Swiss mice were used to evaluate oral acute toxicological (at dose of 2000 mg/kg); peripheral and central analgesic for abdominal contortion (doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), hot plate test (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) and formalin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg); open field test (100 mg/kg); and anti-inflammatory by ear swelling induced by xylene (6.25,12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg). The yield of A. triplinervis essential oil (AtEO) was 4.6%, and the oxygenated monoterpene 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene was the major compound in this study (63.6%). AtEO at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg orally did not change the behavior patterns or mortality of the animals; liver and kidney biochemical levels were similar to the control group, indicating no liver and kidney toxicity. Moreover, AtEO, at doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, reduced abdominal contortions by 21%, 54%, 91%, 58%, and 55%, respectively. In the hot plate test, AtEO showed a significant increase in latency time in the 60-min interval at doses of 25 mg/kg (11.3 ± 3.3 s) and 100 mg/kg (11.9 ± 0.9 s). In the first phase of the formalin test, AtEO decreased paw licking time at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, with inhibition of 22%, 38%, and 83%; in the second phase, the same doses, decreased licking time with inhibition of 24%, 34%, and 76%. AtEO did not present a significant change in the spontaneous locomotor activity of the animals. Doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg significantly reduced ear edema induced by topical application of xylene with percentages of 40%, 39%, 54%, 45%, and 45%, respectively. So, AtEO demonstrated low acute oral toxicity and exhibited significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions, consistent with the use of A. triplinervis in traditional medicine.