Enhancing drought tolerance in Malva parviflora plants through metabolic and genetic modulation using Beauveria bassiana inoculation.

BACKGROUND: Enhancing crops' drought resilience is necessary to maintain productivity levels. Plants interact synergistically with microorganisms like Beauveria bassiana to improve drought tolerance. Therefore, the current study investigates the effects of biopriming with B. bassiana on drought tolerance in Malva parviflora plants grown under regular irrigation (90% water holding capacity (WHC)), mild (60% WHC), and severe drought stress (30% WHC). RESULTS: The results showed that drought stress reduced the growth and physiological attributes of M. parviflora. However, those bioprimed with B. bassiana showed higher drought tolerance and enhanced growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters: drought stress enriched malondialdehyde and H2O2 contents. Conversely, exposure to B. bassiana reduced stress markers and significantly increased proline and ascorbic acid content under severe drought stress; it enhanced gibberellic acid and reduced ethylene. Bioprimed M. parviflora, under drought conditions, improved antioxidant enzymatic activity and the plant's nutritional status. Besides, ten Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat primers detected a 25% genetic variation between treatments. Genomic DNA template stability (GTS) decreased slightly and was more noticeable in response to drought stress; however, for drought-stressed plants, biopriming with B. bassiana retained the GTS. CONCLUSION: Under drought conditions, biopriming with B. bassiana enhanced Malva's growth and nutritional value. This could attenuate photosynthetic alterations, up-regulate secondary metabolites, activate the antioxidant system, and maintain genome integrity.

Profile and potential bioactivity of the miRNome and metabolome expressed in Malva sylvestris L. leaf and flower.

Malva sylvestris L. (common mallow) is a plant species widely used in phytotherapy and ethnobotanical practices since time immemorial. Characterizing the components of this herb might promote a better comprehension of its biological effects on the human body but also favour the identification of the molecular processes that occur in the plant tissues. Thus, in the present contribution, the scientific knowledge about the metabolomic profile of the common mallow was expanded. In particular, the phytocomplex of leaves and flowers from this botanical species and the extraction capacity of different concentrations of ethanol (i.e., 95%, 70%, 50%, and 0%; v/v in ddH2O) for it were investigated by spectrophotometric and chromatographic approaches. In detail, 95% ethanol extracts showed the worst capacity in isolating total phenols and flavonoids, while all the hydroalcoholic samples revealed a specific ability in purifying the anthocyanins. HPLC-DAD system detected and quantified 20 phenolic secondary metabolites, whose concentration in the several extracts depended on their own chemical nature and the percentage of ethanol used in the preparation. In addition, the stability of the purified phytochemicals after resuspension in pure ddH2O was also proved, considering a potential employment of them in biological/medical studies which include in vitro and in vivo experiments on mammalian models. Here, for the first time, the expressed miRNome in M. sylvestris was also defined by Next Generation Sequencing, revealing the presence of 33 microRNAs (miRNAs), 10 typical for leaves and 2 for flowers. Then, both plant and human putative mRNA targets for the detected miRNAs were predicted by bioinformatics analyses, with the aim to clarify the possible role of these small nucleic acids in the common mallow plant tissues and to try to understand if they could exert a potential cross-kingdom regulatory activity on the human health. Surprisingly, our investigations revealed that 19 miRNAs out of 33 were putatively able to modulate, in the plant cells, the expression of various chromosome scaffold proteins. In parallel, we found, in the human transcriptome, a total of 383 mRNAs involved in 5 fundamental mammalian cellular processes (i.e., apoptosis, senescence, cell-cycle, oxidative stress, and invasiveness) that theoretically could be bound and regulated by M. sylvestris miRNAs. The evidence collected in this work would suggest that the beneficial properties of the use of M. sylvestris, documented by the folk medicine, are probably linked to their content of miRNAs and not only to the action of phytochemicals (e.g., anthocyanins). This would open new perspectives about the possibility to develop gene therapies based on miRNAs isolated from medicinal plants, including M. sylvestris.

Genetic Differentiation and Migration Fluxes of Viruses from Melon Crops and Crop Edge Weeds.

Weeds surrounding crops may act as alternative hosts, playing important epidemiological roles as virus reservoirs and impacting virus evolution. We used high-throughput sequencing to identify viruses in Spanish melon crops and plants belonging to three pluriannual weed species, Ecballium elaterium, Malva sylvestris, and Solanum nigrum, sampled at the edges of the crops. Melon and E. elaterium, both belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae, shared three virus species, whereas there was no virus species overlap between melon and the other two weeds. The diversity of cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) and tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), both in melon and E. elaterium, was further studied by amplicon sequencing. Phylogenetic and population genetics analyses showed that the CABYV population was structured by the host, identifying three sites in the CABYV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase under positive selection, perhaps reflecting host adaptation. The ToLCNDV population was much less diverse than the CABYV one, likely as a consequence of the relatively recent introduction of ToLCNDV in Spain. In spite of its low diversity, we identified geographical but no host differentiation for ToLCNDV. Potential virus migration fluxes between E. elaterium and melon plants were also analyzed. For CABYV, no evidence of migration between the populations of the two hosts was found, whereas important fluxes were identified between geographically distant subpopulations for each host. For ToLCNDV, in contrast, evidence of migration from melon to E. elaterium was found, but not the other way around. IMPORTANCE It has been reported that about half of the emerging diseases affecting plants are caused by viruses. Alternative hosts often play critical roles in virus emergence as virus reservoirs, bridging host species that are otherwise unconnected and/or favoring virus diversification. In spite of this, the viromes of potential alternative hosts remain largely unexplored. In the case of crops, pluriannual weeds at the crop edges may play these roles. Here, we took advantage of the power of high-throughput sequencing to characterize the viromes of three weed species frequently found at the edges of melon crops. We identified three viruses shared by melon and the cucurbit weed, with two of them being epidemiologically relevant for melon crops. Further genetic analyses showed that these two viruses had contrasting patterns of diversification and migration, providing an interesting example on the role that weeds may play in the ecology and evolution of viruses affecting crops.

Complete genome sequence of malva-associated soymovirus 1: a novel virus infecting common mallow.

In this work, a novel viral genomic sequence with a gene organization typical of members of the genus Soymovirus was identified using high-throughput sequencing data from common mallow. This species is a vigorous wild weed native to the Mediterranean region, commonly found in borders and edges of cultivated fields, making it a suitable reservoir for plant pests and pathogens. Indeed, plant viruses belonging to different genera have been previously found infecting common malva. This new viral genome consists of a single molecule of circular double-stranded DNA of 8391 base pairs and contains eight open reading frames encoding polymerase, movement, coat, translational transactivator protein typical of caulimoviruses, and four hypothetical proteins. Phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses showed its close relationship with soybean chlorotic mottle virus. Interestingly, a small intergenic region was detected between ORFs Ib and II. Based on the demarcation criteria of the genus Soymovirus, the new virus, provisionally named malva-associated soymovirus 1, could be a member of a new species Soymovirus masolus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a soymovirus infecting common mallow.

Characterization of cinnamon essential oil and its application in Malva sylvestris seed mucilage edible coating to the enhancement of the microbiological, physicochemical and sensory properties of lamb meat during storage.

AIMS: Firstly, Cinnamomum zeylani essential oil (CZEO) was isolated and characterized. Secondly, CZEO was used in Malva sylvestris mucilage (MSM) coating and its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects on lamb meat slices were evaluated in 10 days at 4°C. METHODS AND RESULTS: The main chemical compounds and functional groups of the CZEO were identified and quantified by a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer and by an Fourier transform infrared spectrometer respectively. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of CZEO were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent-based and aluminium chloride methods respectively. Various microbiological, physicochemical analyses and sensory evaluations were also utilized regarding the coated lamb meat slices. CZEO contains benzyl benzoate (40.93%), caryophyllene oxide (26.07%) and (E)-cinnamaldehyde (13.01%), with strong radical scavenging activity and antibacterial effect against investigated pathogenic microorganisms. The CZEO-loaded MSM edible coating greatly postponed the growth of microorganisms and extended the product life (>10 days). The pH value, moisture content and hardness of the samples were also preserved more efficiently when high concentrations of the essential oil were incorporated into the edible coating (p < 0.05). The CZEO-rich MSM coating was also able to possess considerable activity against lipid oxidation in lamb meat samples, and significantly decreased the production of primary and secondary oxidation products (p < 0.05). Moreover, sensory parameters of the samples were preserved more efficiently during cold storage when the CZEO-enriched edible coating, particularly MSM + 2% CZEO was used. CONCLUSIONS: The use of edible coating based on MSM and CZEO is therefore effective in reducing microbial growth and chemical reactions in lamb meat during the storage period. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The importance of the results of this study is in order to increase the use of natural preservatives, maintain food safety and of course the health of the people in the community.

The Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity of Malva neglecta Wallr. in Surgically Induced Endometriosis Model in Rats.

Leaves and aerial parts of Malva neglecta Wallr. have been traditionally used in Anatolia for the treatment of pain, inflammation, hemorrhoids, renal stones, constipation, and infertility. This study investigated the effects of M. neglecta leaves in a rat endometriosis model. The dried plant material was extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, successively. Experimental endometriosis was surgically induced in six-week-old female, non-pregnant, Wistar albino rats by autotransplant of endometrial tissue to the abdominal wall. After twenty-eight days, rats were evaluated for a second laparotomy. Endometrial foci areas were assessed, and intraabdominal adhesions were scored. Rats were divided into five groups as control, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts, as well as reference. At the end of the treatment, all rats were sacrificed and endometriotic foci areas and intraabdominal adhesions were re-evaluated and compared with the previous findings. Moreover, peritoneal fluid was collected to detect tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and cDNA synthesis, and a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was done. The phytochemical content of the most active extract was determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Both endometrial volume and adhesion score decreased significantly in the group treated with methanol extract. In addition, significant decreases were observed in TNF-α, VEGF, and IL-6 levels in animals administered methanol extract. HPLC results showed that the activity caused by the methanol extract of M. neglecta was due to the polyphenols. Taken together, these novel findings indicate that M. neglecta may be a promising alternative for the treatment of endometriosis.

The Effect of Solutions Containing Extracts of Vochysia tucanorum Mart., Myrcia bellaCambess., Matricaria chamomilla L. and Malva sylvestris L. on Cariogenic Bacterial Species and Enamel Caries Development.

This study evaluated the effect of experimental solutions containing plant extracts on bacterial species and enamel caries prevention. Microcosm biofilm was produced from human saliva mixed with McBain saliva (0.2% sucrose) on bovine enamel for 5 days (3 days under anaerobiosis and 2 days under aerobiosis) at 37°C. From the 2nd day, the following treatments were applied (1 × 60 s/day): Vochysia tucanorum (10 mg/mL); Myrcia bella (5 mg/mL); Matricaria chamomilla (80 mg/mL); Malva sylvestris, fluoride, and xylitol (Malvatricin Plus®); 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX, PerioGard®); and PBS (negative control). The medium pH was measured. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed for the detection of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. Enamel demineralization was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The data were compared by means of the Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, two-way ANOVA/Bonferroni, and ANOVA/Tukey tests (p < 0.05). The pH decreased after sucrose exposure; only CHX reestablished pH >5.5 by the last day. CHX also eliminated Lactobacillusspp., but the other treatments did not differ significantly from PBS. Malvatricin Plus® and CHX eliminated S. mutans, but the other treatments did not differ from PBS. Similar results were seen concerning the reduction of lesion depth and reflectivity. The experimental natural-extract solutions were ineffective against cariogenic bacteria and in preventing the development of enamel caries.

Neuroprotective potential of Malva neglecta is mediated via down-regulation of cholinesterase and modulation of oxidative stress markers.

Alzheimer's disease affects daily routine due to loss of memory and decline in cognition. In vitro data showed acetylcholine esterase inhibition activity of Malva neglecta but no in vivo evidence is available. The current study aims to investigate the anti-Alzheimer's activity of Malva neglecta methanolic extract in the AlCl3-induced Alzheimer disease rats' model. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into six groups and respective doses were given orally for 21 days. Behavioural observations were recorded and biochemical analysis was performed on brain homogenate. Improvement in memory and cognition was noted in treated rats as compared to disease control. A dose-dependent decrease (0.530 ± 0.009 at 200 mg/kg, 0.212 ± 0.007 at 400 mg/kg, 0.173 ± 0.005 at 600 mg/kg) in AChE activity was noted in the treatment groups with reference to disease control value (1.572 ± 0.013). This decrease in AChE activity is linked with an increase in acetylcholine in the brain which plays a key role in retaining memory. Oxidative stress biomarkers; GSH (66.77 ± 0.01 at 600 mg/kg), SOD (26.60 ± 0.10 at 600 mg/kg), CAT (21.46 ± 0.01 at 600 mg/kg) levels were increased with a decrease in MDA (103.33 ±0.49 at 600 mg/kg) level in a dose-dependently manner in the treatment groups as compared to disease control respective values. It is concluded that Malva neglecta could ameliorate Alzheimer's symptoms possibly by decreasing AChE activity and oxidative stress.

Activation of Hair Cell Growth Factors by Linoleic Acid in Malva verticillata Seed.

Hair loss by excessive stress from work and lifestyle changes has become a growing concern, particularly among young individuals. However, most drugs for alopecia impose a plethora of side effects. We have found the powerful impact of Malva verticillata seed extracts on alleviating hair loss. This study further isolated effective chemicals in M. verticillata seed extracts by liquid silica gel column chromatography. Under the screening for the growth rate (%) of human follicles dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs), we identified linoleic acid (LA) and oleic acid in n-hexane of M. verticillate (MH)2 fraction. LA treatment activated Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and induced HFDPCs growth by increasing the expression of cell cycle proteins such as cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. LA treatment also increased several growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, hepatocyte growth factor, and keratinocyte growth factor, in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, LA significantly inhibited Dickkopf-related protein expression (DKK-1), a primary alopecia signaling by dihydrotestosterone. Our findings suggest that LA treatment may alleviate a testosterone-induced signaling molecule and induces HFDPCs growth by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Antibacterial, antifungal and enzyme inhibitory effects of selected plants from Turkey.

In this study, antibacterial, antifungal, antihyaluronidase, anticollagenase and antielastase activity of Hypericum bithynicum, Malva neglecta, Morus alba, Rubus discolor, Sambucus ebulus and Smilax excelsa were investigated. Methanol extracts of M. neglecta and R. discolor and all extracts of H. bithynicum were more active against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Similarly, water extracts of M. alba and S. ebulus were more active against Streptococcus pneumonia. Additionally, S. ebulus and S. excelsa had prominent antifungal activity on Candida albicans. Besides, methanol extract of M. neglecta and n-hexane extract of H. bithynicum were determined to have significant antihyaluronidase activity. Only R. discolor showed significant antielastase effect.

Extract of common mallow (Malvae sylvestris) enhances growth, immunity, and resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fingerlings against Yersinia ruckeri infection.

The dietary effects of a native medicinal plant from Iran, common mallow (Malvae sylvestris), was evaluated on growth performance, innate immune parameters, mucosal immune parameters, and resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against Yersinia ruckeri. Therefore, 360 fish (initial weight 10.42 ± 0.09 g) were randomly distributed into 12 fiberglass tanks. Experimental diets supplemented with 0 (as control- C), 1% (M1), 3% (M2) and 5% (M3) levels of M. sylvestris flowers extract were fed to the fish based on 3% of body weight for 8 weeks. At the terminal sampling, growth performance, liver and digestive enzymes activities, blood and mucosal immune responses were determined. Results showed that M2 and M3 had greater final weight, weight gain, SGR, survival rate and lower FCR; higher levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, and lower cortisol levels in comparison to control; 5% extract also lowered cholesterol and glucose levels as well as Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. We reported higher values of hematocrit, hemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), White Blood Cell (WBC), Red Blood Cell (RBC) and lymphocytes for treated groups. Innate immune responses (Alternative complement activity (ACH50) in M2 and M3 group, total Immunoglobulin (Ig) and lysozyme in M3), mucosal immune parameters (ACH50, total Ig for M2 and M3 group and lysozyme in all treated groups) were enhanced. Activities of digestive enzymes (protease in all treated groups, amylase for 3 and 5%, while lipase only for 5%) and lower activity of liver ALT enzyme in individuals treated with highest dose was observed. Overall results indicated that the extract can positively affect growth performance and immune responses of rainbow trout.

Modification of oxidative stress through changes in some indicators related to phenolic metabolism in Malva parviflora exposed to cadmium.

This study was conducted to investigate the role of phenolic compounds in the antioxidant defense system in Malva parviflora L. plants treated with cadmium (Cd). After surface sterilization, the seeds were sown on seedling trays. Forty-day-old plants were then transferred to hydroponic cultures with Cd (40 µM) or without Cd (control). Some biochemical and physiological parameters were assayed on the sixth day after Cd treatment. Based on the results, the plants showed an increase in leaf soluble carbohydrates, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity at the end of the exposure period. However, length, fresh weight, chlorophyll (Chl) b, total Chl, stomatal conductance and starch content decreased under Cd treatment. There was no significant difference between the plants exposed to Cd and the control group for Chl a, SPAD index, carotenoids, and anthocyanins as well as the H2O2 content six days after treatment. The Cd content in the roots was considerably higher than that in the shoots. In assessing the antioxidant capacity of plant extracts, different results were observed using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) test and beta-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assay. According to the results of this study, it seems that increased activity of PAL enzyme leads to an increase in biosynthesis of phenolic compounds in M. parviflora. This mechanism probably increases the antioxidant capacity of the plant to suppress Cd-induced toxicity and oxidative stress.

Alleviation of cadmium-induced phytotoxicity and growth improvement by exogenous melatonin pretreatment in mallow (Malva parviflora) plants.

The present work was aimed to study the effect of melatonin pretreatments on growth, oxidative stress modulation, cadmium (Cd) accumulation, and tolerance in mallow (Malva parviflora, Malvaceae) plants under the hydroponic system. Application of substances that can modulate the harmful effects of Cd on plant yield and reduce its accumulation in the edible parts is of particular importance. Therefore, the mallow plants pretreated with 15, 50, and 100 µM of melatonin were exposed to 50 µM Cd. Our results showed that melatonin, especially at 15 and 50 µM, led to positive effects on Cd tolerance, including a significant increase in growth, photosynthetic pigments, and soluble protein content. Exogenous melatonin could improve relative water content (RWC) and stomatal conductance in the plants treated with Cd, probably through an increase in proline. Further, lower concentrations of melatonin led to a decrease in Cd translocation to the shoots. Based on the results, melatonin considerably increased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activities as well as the production of phenols. The increased activity of antioxidant enzymes led to a decrease in electrolyte leakage (EL), lipid peroxidation, and H2O2 content in the plants exposed to Cd stress. Under Cd stress, the increased phenols content in melatonin-pretreated plants could be due to the induction of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity and an increase in shoot soluble carbohydrates. The results showed that the use of melatonin could reduce oxidative stress and improve biomass in the plants exposed to Cd. At least in our experimental conditions, this information appears to be useful for healthy food production.

Malva species: Insights on its chemical composition towards pharmacological applications.

Malvaceae family is typical from the Mediterranean region, contains 240 genera and more than 4,200 species. They are most commonly used as ornamental plants, although they can also be conceived as a food resource and remedy for various diseases, such as digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, throat infections, and skeletal and skin disorders, as also injuries where they are profoundly applied for skin care and as antiseptic and demulcent. They also possess diuretic, lenitive, spasmolytic, and laxative effects, besides to be used as antidiarrheal. Thus, the present review provides in-depth data on Malva spp. potential applications and phytochemical composition for food and pharmaceutical industries. Habitat and cultivation conditions and the clinical reports related to its biological effects are also emphasized. Malva spp. possess a wide variety of chemical constituents (such as polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, terpenes, and tannins) found in different plant organs, especially in leaves and flowers, connected to their biological activity. In general, Malva spp. have rather moderate antimicrobial activity, high antiinflammatory and wound healing activities, strong antioxidant activity, and anticancer properties. Results from in vitro and in vivo experiments encourage more in-depth studies, namely clinical trials, towards to improve knowledge on the use of Malva spp. for the treatment of various health conditions in humans.

Effect of dry medicinal plants (wormwood, chamomile, fumitory and mallow) on in vitro ruminal antioxidant capacity and fermentation patterns of sheep.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dry medicinal plants (wormwood, chamomile, fumitory and mallow) and dietary substrates containing a mix of the plants on the end products of in vitro ruminal and intestinal fermentation, rumen protozoan population and ruminal antioxidant capacity of sheep. The experiment consisted of fermentations with the four plants used individually as the sole substrate and fermentation of a mix of medicinal plants (Plants): meadow hay:barley grain (MH:B), 700/300 w/w and Plants:MH:B, 100/600/300 w/w/w. The experiment was conducted using the in vitro gas production technique (IVGPT) with 35 ml of buffered inocula and approximately 250 mg (DM basis) of substrate incubated for 24 hr at 39°C in anaerobic conditions. Quantitative analyses of the bioactive compounds by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry in Plants identified three main groups: flavonoids (22 mg/g DM), phenolic acids (15 mg/g DM) and alkaloids (3 mg/g DM). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the plant extracts and rumen fluid was analysed using a ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. The values of total and individual short-chain fatty acids, acetate:propionate ratio, pH and total gas production were significantly affected by the single plant substrates and inocula (p < .001). Apart from these parameters, the values of ammonia N, methane production and total gas produced were decreased in Plants:MH:B in comparison with MH:B (p < .001). A positive correlation was recorded between total polyphenols content and TAC of plant extracts (R2  = .778, p < .001). The counts of the total ciliate protozoan population in rumen fluid after 24 hr of fermentation were not significantly different (p > .05). Results suggest that the dietary substrate containing the medicinal plant mix possessed strong ruminal antioxidant capacity, had the potential to reduce methane emission and ammonia concentration and caused desirable changes in the gastrointestinal ecosystem.

Malva parviflora extract ameliorates the deleterious effects of a high fat diet on the cognitive deficit in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by restoring microglial function via a PPAR-γ-dependent mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neuropathology strongly associated with the activation of inflammatory pathways. Accordingly, inflammation resulting from obesity exacerbates learning and memory deficits in humans and in animal models of AD. Consequently, the long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents diminishes the risk for developing AD, but the side effects produced by these drugs limit their prophylactic use. Thus, plants natural products have become an excellent option for modern therapeutics. Malva parviflora is a plant well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. METHODS: The present study was aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory potential of M. parviflora leaf hydroalcoholic extract (MpHE) on AD pathology in lean and obese transgenic 5XFAD mice, a model of familial AD. The inflammatory response and Amyloid ß (Aß) plaque load in lean and obese 5XFAD mice untreated or treated with MpHE was evaluated by immunolocalization (Iba-1 and GFAP) and RT-qPCR (TNF) assays and thioflavin-S staining, respectively. Spatial learning memory was assessed by the Morris Water Maze behavioral test. Microglia phagocytosis capacity was analyzed in vivo and by ex vivo and in vitro assays, and its activation by morphological changes (phalloidin staining) and expression of CD86, Mgl1, and TREM-2 by RT-qPCR. The mechanism triggered by the MpHE was characterized in microglia primary cultures and ex vivo assays by immunoblot (PPAR-γ) and RT-qPCR (CD36) and in vivo by flow cytometry, using GW9662 (PPAR-γ inhibitor) and pioglitazone (PPAR-γ agonist). The presence of bioactive compounds in the MpHE was determined by HPLC. RESULTS: MpHE efficiently reduced astrogliosis, the presence of insoluble Aß peptides in the hippocampus and spatial learning impairments, of both, lean, and obese 5XFAD mice. This was accompanied by microglial cells accumulation around Aß plaques in the cortex and the hippocampus and decreased expression of M1 inflammatory markers. Consistent with the fact that the MpHE rescued microglia phagocytic capacity via a PPAR-γ/CD36-dependent mechanism, the MpHE possess oleanolic acid and scopoletin as active phytochemicals. CONCLUSIONS: M. parviflora suppresses neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglia pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and promoting microglia phagocytosis. Therefore, M. parviflora phytochemicals represent an alternative to prevent cognitive impairment associated with a metabolic disorder as well as an effective prophylactic candidate for AD progression.

Acute and Chronic Antihypertensive Effect of Fractions, Tiliroside and Scopoletin from Malva parviflora.

Hypertension is a disease of high prevalence and morbidity where vascular inflammation and associated oxidative stress (endothelial dysfunction) is the underlying cause of this pathology. We are reporting the antihypertensive activity of extracts and fractions of Malva parviflora in mice with chronic and acute hypertension. Also, the treatments of this plant were able to counteract the kidney inflammation and associated oxidative stress. The chronic hypertension model consisted of administration of angiotensin II (AGII) during 12 weeks, causing a sustained increase in systolic (SBP) or diastolic (DBP) pressure, with values of pharmacological constants of: ED50 = 0.038 mg/kg y Emax = 135 mmHg for SBP and ED50 = 0.046 mg/kg y Emax = 98 mmHg for DBP. The chronic hypertension caused the inflammation and lipid peroxidation in kidneys, measured by of tissue level of cytokines such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), IL-10 and malondialdehyde, and treatments for M. parviflora were able to modulate these parameters. The chemical fractionation allowed to identify three compounds: oleanolic acid, tiliroside and scopoletin, which were tested in a model of acute hypertension. The pharmacodynamic parameters for SBP were ED50 = 0.01 and 0.12 mg/kg while Emax = 33.22 and 37.74 mmHg for scopoletin and tiliroside, respectively; whereas that for DBP data were ED50 = 0.01 and 0.02 mg/kg; with an Emax = 7.00 and 6.24 mmHg, in the same order. M. parviflora, is able to counteract the effect of chronic and acute administration of AGII, on hypertension, but also the inflammatory and oxidative damage in the kidney. The oleanolic acid, scopoletin and tiliroside are the compounds responsible for such activities.

Hazards assessment of the intake of trace metals by common mallow (Malva parviflora K.) growing in polluted soils.

Human risks increase by consuming plants growing in trace/heavy metals contaminated soil irrigated with polluted water. The present study aims to assess the ability of common mallow to accumulate trace/heavy metals from polluted soils at South Greater Cairo, Egypt; and their hazardous effects on consumer's health. Five quadrats were used to collect soil and plant samples from three sites of un-polluted and polluted fields for chemical analysis and measurement of growth variables, as well as for assessing the daily intake of metals (DIM) and hazard quotient (HQ). Irrigation water analysis showed elevated concentrations of the investigated metals and mineral salts in the polluted area compared with the un-polluted one. Plant samples showed reduction in their growth parameters; as well as pigments and nutrient content in the metal-contaminated soil. In addition, Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Co concentrations in the shoots and roots of plants grown in polluted fields were higher compared with plants grown in un-polluted site. The bioaccumulation and translocation factors of most investigated metals indicated the great ability of common mallow to accumulate such metals, which would increase the human intake of metals in their daily diets compared to their reference values (RfD). The hazard quotient (HQ) of Pb, Cr, Fe, Mn and Zn for children and Pb, Cd, Fe and Mn for adults was >1, indicating health hazards for the consumers of common mallow cultivated in the polluted area.

Optimization of the extraction of polyphenols and antioxidant activity from Malva parviflora L. leaves using Box-Behnken design.

Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was used to optimize the extraction conditions of polyphenols from Malva (Malva parviflora L.) leaves. The effect of ethanol concentration (20-80%), solvent/leaf powder ratio (10:1 to 30:1, v/w) and extraction time (5-45 min) on the polyphenols yield and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the obtained extracts were investigated. Quadratic models fit well. The optimal conditions (53.40% ethanol, solvent/leaf powder ratio 20:1 (v/w), and 15 min) resulted in an extract with a maximum yield of polyphenols (1098.4 mg GAE/100 g leaf powder) and high inhibition percentage of DPPH radical (33.31%) with desirability 0.742. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that the major identified polyphenol compounds extracted at the optimal conditions were naringenin, ρ-coumaric acid, apigenin-7-glucoside, luteolin, and cinnamic acid. These findings indicate that M. parviflora leaf extracts possess DPPH radical scavenging activity and could be used as a natural source for bioactive products.

Antifungal, antibacterial, antibiofilm and colorimetric sensing of toxic metals activities of eco friendly, economical synthesized Ag/AgCl nanoparticles using Malva Sylvestris leaf extracts.

Silver nanoparticles, one of the most popular nanomaterials, are used extensively in medicine and industries. The present study biosynthesized spherical Ag/AgCl nanoparticles with a size range of 10-50 nm in less than 5 min. The synthesis was performed in a single step, in a low-cost and eco-friendly manner, from the aqueous extract of Malva Sylvestris leaves. The aqueous extract had a large number of phenolic compounds and carbohydrates as reducing and capping agents. The nanoparticles also showed significant antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against some multi drug resistant bacteria. They additionally showed antifungal activities on several Candida species. The highest concentration of Ag/AgCl-NPs (62.5 µg/ml) was required in order to inhibit P. aeruginosa B 52, C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis growth. The lowest concentration of Ag/AgCl-NPs (7.8125 µg/ml) inhibited the growth of C. orthopsilosis, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and B. subtilis ATCC 6633. A total of 125 µg/ml of Ag/AgCl-NPs was used to prevent P. aeruginosa B 52 biofilm growth. The concentration of 62.5 µg/ml Ag/AgCl-NPs also eradicated both P. aeruginosa 48 and P. aeruginosa B 52 biofilms. The results showed that Hg2+ and Pb2+ contaminants in water could be colorimetrically detected by these nanoparticles.