Chemical Attraction of Gall Midge Pollinators (Cecidomyiidae: Cecidomyiinae) to Anthurium acutangulum (Araceae).

Flowering plants often use chemical signals to attract their pollinators, and compounds that elicit attraction are known for several groups of pollinators. For other pollinators such as gall midges, however, compounds responsible for their attraction to flowers are largely unknown. Here, we describe the pollination biology of Anthurium acutangulum, a Neotropical aroid species found to be attractive to gall midges. We collected and analyzed its floral scent by dynamic headspace collections and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and identified compounds responsible for pollinator attraction. The inflorescences were almost exclusively visited by gall midges (females; Cecidomyiidae: Cecidomyiinae) and released a strong scent reminiscent of freshly cut cucumber, mainly (5S,7S)-trans-conophthorin, (E2,Z6)-2,6-nonadienal, and cis-conophthorin. Behavioral assays with the two most abundant compounds identified (E2,Z6)-2,6-nonadienal as being highly attractive to the female gall midge pollinators, whereas (5S,7S)-trans-conophthorin was not attractive. Overall, we introduce a new specialized gall midge pollination system and identify the chemical mediating communication between the pollinators and their host plants.

Microbial Population Dynamics in Lemnaceae (Duckweed)-Based Wastewater Treatment System.

The dynamic microflora associated within, and in the surrounding aquatic environment, has been found to be responsible for the functional properties of many aquatic plants. The aim of the current work was to evaluate the effectiveness of Lemnaceae-based wastewater treatment system under tropical conditions and investigate the changes in the aquatic microflora upon plant growth. A biological wastewater treatment system was designed and investigated using mixed Lemnaceae culture comprising Lemna minor and Spirodela polyrhiza in a batch mode. A significant reduction in total solids (31.8%), biochemical oxygen demand (93.5%), and chemical oxygen demand (73.2%) was observed after seven days of duckweed growth using a low inoculum. A preliminary study on the change in the microbial population diversity and functionality, in the wastewater before and after treatment, revealed an increase in the denitrifying microflora in wastewater post-Lemnaceae treatment. Dominance of 10 bacterial phyla, contributing for 98.3% of the total bacterial communities, was recorded, and ~ 50.6% loss of diversity post-treatment of wastewater was revealed by the Shannon Index. Among 16 bacterial families showing relative abundance of ≥ 1% in untreated wastewater, Methylobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Brucellaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, and Acetobacteraceae prevailed in the water post-treatment by duckweeds. This is a novel work done on the dynamics of aquatic microflora associated with Lemnaceae under tropical Indian conditions. It confirms the application of Lemnaceae-based wastewater treatment system as effective biofilter and calls for further studies on the active involvement of the endophytic and aquatic microflora in the functions of these plant.

A capture and release method based on noncovalent ligand cross-linking and facile filtration for purification of lectins and glycoproteins.

Glycan-binding proteins such as lectins are ubiquitous proteins that mediate many biological functions. To study their various biological activities and structure-function relationships, researchers must use lectins in their purest form. Conventional purification techniques, especially affinity column chromatography, have been instrumental in isolating numerous lectins and glycoproteins. These approaches, however, are time-consuming, consist of multiple steps, and often require extensive trial-and-error experimentation. Therefore, techniques that are relatively rapid and facile are needed. Here we describe such a technique, called capture and release (CaRe). The strength of this approach is rooted in its simplicity and accuracy. CaRe purifies lectins by utilizing their ability to form spontaneous noncovalently cross-linked complexes with specific multivalent ligands. The lectins are captured in the solution phase by multivalent capturing agents, released by competitive monovalent ligands, and then separated by filtration. CaRe does not require antibodies, solid affinity matrices, specialized detectors, a customized apparatus, controlled environments, or functionalization or covalent modification of reagents. CaRe is a time-saving procedure that can purify lectins even from a few milliliters of crude protein extracts. We validated CaRe by purifying recombinant human galectin-3 and five other known lectins and also tested CaRe's ability to purify glycoproteins. Besides purifying lectins and glycoproteins, CaRe has the potential to purify other glycoconjugates, including proteoglycans. This technique could also be used for nonlectin proteins that bind multivalent ligands. Given the ubiquity of glycosylation in nature, we anticipate that CaRe has broad utility.

Variations of arsenic forms and the role of arsenate reductase in three hydrophytes exposed to different arsenic species.

In order to understand the mechanisms of arsenic (As) accumulation and detoxification in aquatic plants exposed to different As species, a hydroponic experiment was conducted and the three aquatic plants (Hydrilla verticillata, Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes) were exposed to different concentrations of As(III), As(V) and dimethylarsinate (DMA) for 10 days. The biomass, the surface As adsorption and total As adsorption of three plants were determined. Furthermore, As speciation in the culture solution and plant body, as well as the arsenate reductase (AR) activities of roots and shoots, were also analyzed. The results showed that the surface As adsorption of plants was far less than total As absorption. Compared to As(V), the plants showed a lower DMA accumulation. P. stratiotes showed the highest accumulation of inorganic arsenic but E. crassipes showed the lowest at the same As treatment. E. crassipes showed a strong ability to accumulate DMA. Results from As speciation analysis in culture solution showed that As(III) was transformed to As(V) in all As(III) treatments, and the oxidation rates followed as the sequence of H. verticillata>P. stratiotes>E. crassipes>no plant. As(III) was the predominant species in both roots (39.4-88.3%) and shoots (39-86%) of As(III)-exposed plants. As(V) and As(III) were the predominant species in roots (37-94%) and shoots (31.1-85.6%) in As(V)-exposed plants, respectively. DMA was the predominant species in both roots (23.46-100%) and shoots (72.6-100%) in DMA-exposed plants. The As(III) contents and AR activities in the roots of P. stratiotes and in the shoots of H. verticillata were significantly increased when exposed to 1 mg·L-1 or 3 mg·L-1 As(V). Therefore, As accumulation mainly occurred via biological uptake rather than physicochemical adsorption, and AR played an important role in As detoxification in aquatic plants. In the case of As(V)-exposed plants, their As tolerance was attributed to the increase of AR activities.

Investigation of Potential Antioxidant, Thrombolytic and Neuropharmacological Activities of Homalomena aromatica Leaves Using Experimental and In Silico Approaches.

The leaves of Homalomena aromatica are traditionally used in Bangladesh for the treatment of different chronic ailments. The purpose of this study was to explore in vitro antioxidant, thrombolytic activities, and in vivo neuropharmacological effects of methanolic extract of Homalomena aromatica (MEHA) leaves. Antioxidant activity of MEHA was assessed by a DPPH free radical scavenging assay and total phenolics content, total flavonoids content were also measured. The thrombolytic activity was determined by percentage of clot lysis and neuropharmacological activities by hole board, tail suspension, forced swimming and elevated plus maze tests. The results showed that the IC50 value of the extract against DPPH was 199.51 µg/mL. Quantitative analysis displayed higher contents of phenolics and flavonoids (147.71 mg gallic acid equivalent/g & 66.65 mg quercetin equivalent/g dried extract, respectively). The extract also showed a significant clot lysis (33.31%) activity. In case of anxiolytic activity, the elevate plus maze (EPM) test demonstrated an increase in time spent in open arms, and in case of hole board test, the number of head dipping was also significantly increased (p < 0.05). All the test compared with control (1% Tween in water) and standard (diazepam 1 mg/kg), significant dose (200 & 400 mg/kg) dependent anxiolytic activity was found. In antidepressant activity, there was a significant decrease in period of immobility in both test models (tail suspension and forced swimming) (p < 0.05). Moreover, 13 compounds were identified as bioactive, showed good binding affinities to xanthine oxidoreductase, tissue plasminogen activator receptor, potassium channel receptor, human serotonin receptor targets in molecular docking experiments. Furthermore, ADME/T analysis revealed their drug-likeness, likely pharmacological actions and non-toxic upon consumption. Taken together, our finding support the traditional medicinal use of this plant, which may provide a potential source for future drug discovery.

CPF impedes cell cycle re-entry of quiescent lung cancer cells through transcriptional suppression of FACT and c-MYC.

Blockade of cell cycle re-entry in quiescent cancer cells is a strategy to prevent cancer progression and recurrence. We investigated the action and mode of action of CPF mixture (Coptis chinensis, Pinellia ternata and Fructus trichosanthis) in impeding a proliferative switch in quiescent lung cancer cells. The results indicated that CPF impeded cell cycle re-entry in quiescent lung cancer cells by reduction of FACT and c-MYC mRNA and protein levels, with concomitant decrease in H3K4 tri-methylation and RNA polymerase II occupancy at FACT and c-MYC promoter regions. Animals implanted with quiescent cancer cells that had been exposed to CPF had reduced tumour volume/weight. Thus, CPF suppresses proliferative switching through transcriptional suppression of FACT and the c-MYC, providing a new insight into therapeutic target and intervention method in impeding cancer recurrence.

Effect of co-administration of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma volatile oil on pharmacokinetic fate of xanthotoxol, oxypeucedanin hydrate, and byakangelicin from Angelicae Dahuricae Radix in rat.

A combination of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma has been widely used as the herb pair in traditional Chinese medicine to treat stroke, migraine, and epilepsy. However, the underlying synergistic mechanism of the herb pair remains unknown. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma volatile oil on the pharmacokinetic parameters of xanthotoxol, oxypeucedanin hydrate, and byakangelicin from Angelicae Dahuricae Radix in rat, and in vitro absorption behavior of the three compounds using rat everted gut sac, in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion, and Caco-2 cell monolayer models. The pharmacokinetic study exhibited clear changes in the key pharmacokinetic parameters of the three main coumarins through co-administering with Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma volatile oil (50 mg/kg), the area under curve and the maximum plasma concentration of xanthotoxol increased 1.36 and 1.31 times; the area under curve, the maximum plasma concentration, mean residence time, half-life of elimination, and the time to reach peak concentration of oxypeucedanin hydrate increased by 1.35, 1.18, 1.24, 1.19 and 1.49 times, respectively; the area under curve, mean residence time, half-life of elimination, and time to reach peak concentration of byakangelicin climbed 1.29, 1.27, 1.37, and 1.28 times, respectively. The three coumarin components were absorbed well in the jejunum and ileum in the intestinal perfusion model, when co-administered with Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma volatile oil (100 µg/mL). The in vivo and in vitro experiments showed good relevance and consistency. The results demonstrated that the three coumarin compounds from Angelicae Dahuricae Radix were absorbed through the active transportation, and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma volatile oil could promote the intestinal absorption and transport of these compounds by inhibiting P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated efflux.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lasia spinosa Leaf Extract in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites was used as a traditional medicine to treat many inflammatory diseases for centuries. However, its effects on the inflammatory response are not yet characterized. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activities of L. spinosa leaf extract in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. We found that ethanol extracts of L. spinosa leaves showed anti-oxidant activity due to the presence of high levels of polyphenolic compounds. Treatment with the leaf extract significantly repressed the production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, L. spinosa leaf extract treatment prevented activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway by inhibiting nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) degradation. Furthermore, the mitogen-activated kinase and phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathways were suppressed upon treatment with the leaf extract. In addition to suppressing inflammatory factors, the extract also activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme-oxygenase-1 pathway. We propose that L. spinosa leaf extract has the potential as an effective therapeutic agent for alleviating oxidative stress and excessive inflammation.

A Green-Mediterranean Diet, Supplemented with Mankai Duckweed, Preserves Iron-Homeostasis in Humans and Is Efficient in Reversal of Anemia in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Decreased dietary meat may deplete iron stores, as plant-derived iron bioavailability is typically limited. OBJECTIVES: We explored the effect of a low-meat Mediterranean (green-MED) diet, supplemented with Wolffia globosa duckweed (Mankai: rich in protein and iron) as a food source for humans, on iron status. We further examined the iron bioavailability of Mankai in rats. METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-four abdominally obese/dyslipidemic [mean age = 51.1 y; body mass index (kg/m2) = 31.3; 88% men] nonanemic participants were randomly assigned to physical activity (PA), PA + MED diet, or PA + green-MED diet. Both isocaloric MED groups consumed 28 g walnuts/d and the low-meat green-MED group further consumed green tea (800 mL/d) and Mankai (100 g green shake/d). In a complementary animal experiment, after 44 d of an iron deficiency anemia-inducing diet, 50 female rats (age = 3 wk; Sprague Dawley strain) were randomly assigned into: iron-deficient diet (vehicle), or vehicle + iso-iron: ferrous gluconate (FG) 14, Mankai 50, and Mankai 80 versions (1.7 mg · kg-1 · d-1 elemental iron), or FG9.5 and Mankai 50-C version (1.15 mg · kg-1 · d-1 elemental iron). The specific primary aim for both studies was changes in iron homeostasis parameters. RESULTS: After 6 mo of intervention, iron status trajectory did not differ between the PA and PA + MED groups. Hemoglobin modestly increased in the PA + green-MED group (0.23 g/dL) compared with PA (-0.1 g/dL; P < 0.001) and PA + MED (-0.1 g/dL; P < 0.001). Serum iron and serum transferrin saturation increased in the PA + green-MED group compared with the PA group (8.21 µg/dL compared with -5.23 µg/dL and 2.39% compared with -1.15%, respectively; P < 0.05 for both comparisons), as did folic acid (P = 0.011). In rats, hemoglobin decreased from 15.7 to 9.4 mg/dL after 44 d of diet-induced anemia. After depletion treatment, the vehicle-treated group had a further decrease of 1.3 mg/dL, whereas hemoglobin concentrations in both FG and Mankai iso-iron treatments similarly rebounded (FG14: +10.8 mg/dL, Mankai 50: +6.4 mg/dL, Mankai 80: +7.3 mg/dL; FG9.5: +5.1 mg/dL, Mankai 50-C: +7.1 mg/dL; P < 0.05 for all vs. the vehicle group). CONCLUSIONS: In humans, a green-MED low-meat diet does not impair iron homeostasis. In rats, iron derived from Mankai (a green-plant protein source) is bioavailable and efficient in reversal of anemia. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03020186.

Further sesquiterpenoids from the rhizomes of Homalomena occulta and their anti-inflammatory activity.

The rhizomes of Homalomena occulta are called Qian-nian-jian in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is widely consumed in China owing to its health benefits for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and for strengthening tendons and bones. A phytochemical investigation on this famous TCM yielded 19 sesquiterpenoids (1-19) with various carbocyclic skeletons including isodaucane (2, 8, and 9), guaiane (3), eudesmane (4 and 10-15), oppositane (5, 16, and 17), and aromadendrane (18 and 19) types. The structures of new compounds, Homalomenins A-E (1-5), were determined by diverse spectroscopic data. Compound 1 possessed a rare sesquiterpenoid skeleton and compound 5 represented the first example of 1,4-oxa-oppositane sesquiterpenoid. These isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on COX-2 mRNA, COX-2 protein expression, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in Raw264.7 cells, which demonstrated that compounds 5, 18, 19 showed potent anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing LPS-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production in a dose-dependent manner.

Novel Floral Scent Compounds from Night-Blooming Araceae Pollinated by Cyclocephaline Scarabs (Melolonthidae, Cyclocephalini).

Nocturnal flowering plants often release strong scents to attract their pollinators. Among night active flower visitors are cyclocephaline scarab beetles, which have been demonstrated to respond to uncommon volatile organic compounds released in high amounts by their host plants. In Araceae, the molecular structure of several such compounds is yet to be unveiled. We investigated headspace floral scent samples of Philodendron squamiferum, Thaumatophyllum mello-baretoanum, and Xanthosoma hylaeae by a variety of approaches, leading to the identification of novel compounds. Dehydrojasmone, (Z)-4-methylene-5-(pent-2-en-1-yl)cyclopent-2-en-1-one (1), (Z)-3-methylene-2-(pent-2-en-1-yl)cyclopentyl acetate (isojasmyl acetate, 3), and (E)-4,8-dimethylnona-1,3,7-trien-5-yl acetate (4) had not been previously reported, while full analytical data of the recently described (Z)-3-methylene-2-(pent-2-en-1-yl)cyclopentan-1-ol (isojasmol, 2) are presented here. All these compounds are derived from more common precursors, (Z)-jasmone and (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, likely through biosynthetic "post-processing".

Compositional changes of the floral scent volatile emissions from Asian skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius, Araceae) over flowering sex phases.

INTRODUCTION: Flowering of the Asian skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius, Araceae) shows a sequential expression of female, bisexual and male sex phases. The protogynous thermogenic inflorescence has unpleasant odours, but the contributing chemical composition is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To determine the volatile composition of odour emissions from each S. renifolius flowering phase. METHODOLOGY: The dynamic headspace method was used to collect floral volatiles from six intact S. renifolius inflorescences in their natural habitat. Collected volatiles from the three flowering phases were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC-MS/O). RESULTS: Female-phase inflorescences were characterised by an earthy-rotten-minty odour, while male-phase inflorescences typically exhibited a rotten-oily odour. Approximately 160 compounds were detected in volatiles from the three phases. Common to all phases were 3-methylbutyl 3-methylbutanoate, 1,8-cineole, dimethyl disulphide and sabinene, together accounting for 52 to 54% of total volatiles. GC-MS/O revealed that at least 28 volatiles including eight S-containing compounds contributed to the unpleasant odour of S. renifolius. Among them, dimethyl disulphide (onion-like), methional (potato-like), and the tentatively identified methyl dithioformate (garlic-like) were intense odour-active compounds in each floral phase. Additionally, 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine (IPMP) was a major contributor to the earthy odour that was characteristic of the female phase. CONCLUSIONS: No marked changes were observed in floral volatile compositions over the three flowering phases of S. renifolius. Instead, flower phase-dependent proportional changes of minor components (e.g. IPMP and 2,3-butanedione) altered the odour characteristics between the female and male phases.

Sauromatum guttatum extract promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration in a burn mouse model via up-regulation of growth factors.

Contexts: Sauromatum guttatum (Wall.) Schott (Araceae) has been traditionally used for the treatment of wounds. Objectives: This study evaluates the healing and tissue regeneration potential of S. guttatum extract in burn wounds. Materials and methods: S. guttatum extract was analysed using various chemical tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, the extract was tested against burn associated bacteria and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was also calculated. Wound healing and tissue regeneration potential was assessed using a thermally induced burn BALBc mouse model. S. guttatum extract (2% w/w) prepared in petroleum jelly, vehicle and positive control [silver sulfadiazine (SD)] groups was applied three times a day. The treatment was continued for 15 d and wound closure was measured and photographed on day 5, 10 and 15. The burnt tissues excised from wounds were subjected to histological and comparative gene expression analysis. Results: The results of the chemical tests indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, phytosterols, tannins, and flavonoids, while TLC and HPLC analysis indicated the presence of various compounds. The extract showed excellent activity against the tested pathogens. The lowest MIC (125 µg/mL) was observed against Staphylococcus aureus. A considerable decrease in wound area (72%) was observed in extract-treated group. Histological examination of extract-treated group showed good signs of wound healing with complete re-epithelialization and better tissue regeneration. Comparative gene expression analysis revealed the up-regulation of wound healing related PDGF, EGF and FGF genes. Conclusions: S. guttatum extract may be used to isolate bioactive constituents for the treatment of burn wounds.

Duckweed for Human Nutrition: No Cytotoxic and No Anti-Proliferative Effects on Human Cell Lines.

Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) possess good qualitative and quantitative profiles of nutritional components for its use as human food. However, no studies have been conducted on the probable presence or absence of any adverse effects. The extracts from seven duckweed species (Spirodela polyrhiza, Landoltia punctata, Lemna gibba, Lemna minor, Wolffiella hyalina, Wolffia globosa, and Wolffia microscopica) covering all five genera of the plant family were herewith tested for cytotoxic effects on the human cell lines HUVEC, K-562, and HeLa and for anti-proliferative activity on HUVEC and K-562 cell lines. From these assays, it is evident that duckweeds do not possess any detectable anti-proliferative or cytotoxic effects, thus, the high nutritional value is not diminished by such detrimental factors. The present result is a first step to exclude any harmful effects of highly nutritious duckweed for human.

[Effect of processing on toxic components lectin from four kinds of Araceae toxic medicines].

The study aimed to investigate the effect of processing on lectin protein in four toxic Chinese medicines tubers of Pinellia ternata,P. pedatisecta,Arisema heterophyllum and Typhonium giganteum. Western blot was used to semi-quantitatively analyze the content of lectin in the four kinds of toxic Chinese medicines and their different processed products. Raw products and lectin were treated by heating or soaking in ginger juice or alum solution. The effects of different excipients and the heating methods on lectin proteins were investigated. The results showed that the content of lectin in raw products of P. pedatisecta,P. ternata,A. heterophyllum,and T. giganteum were 7. 3%,4. 9%,2. 7%,2. 3%,respectively. And the content of lectin in Pinelliae Rhizoma praeparatum cum alumine was 0. 027%. Lectin was not detected in the Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Zingibere et Alumine,Arisaematis Rhizma Praeparatum and Typhonii Rhizoma Praeparatum,which indicated that processing could significantly reduce the content of active lectin in raw products. The results also showed that with the prolongation of soaking and heating time,the content of lectin in raw products decreased gradually,while the content was almost unchanged when soaked in ginger juice alone. The effects of different excipients and heating on lectin were the same as those on raw products. Therefore,the method with alum soaking and heating can reduce the content of active lectin,which is the key to reduce the toxicity of toxic Chinese medicines. In this paper,Western blot was used to study the content of toxic protein in Araceae toxic Chinese medicines as an evaluation method of the processing degree.

Insights into phytase-containing transgenic Lemna minor (L.) as a novel feed additive.

This study assessed the effect of supplementation of novel transgenic phytase on growth performance and bone mineralization in Korean native broiler chickens. The experiment was designed using four dietary groups: those with a diet supplemented with (A) recombinant phytase, (B) transgenic phytase from the plant Lemna minor, (C) or wild-type L. minor as well as (D) a control group that was supplemented with commercially available feed. Three hundred 1-day-old Korean native broiler chicks were used and divided into these four dietary treatment groups having three replicates of 25 birds each (n = 75). The results showed increases in growth performance and bone mineralization in Groups B and C; compared with Groups A and D. Hematological analyses revealed notable contrasts in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin levels among the experimental groups, whereas no impacts of dietary treatment were observed on total eosinophil, lymphocyte, heterophil, monocyte, and basophil levels. The relative expression profiling of candidate genes showed that the genes involved in growth response, meat quality, and P-Ca metabolism were significantly highly expressed in the phytase-supplemented groups. Hence, it is suggested that dietary supplementation with transgenic phytase plant L. minor for enhancing growth performance is a promising new approach in the broiler feed industry. To the best of our knowledge, we report here the most comprehensive analysis using a broiler model that provides a workable platform for further research on the cost-effective production of feed with different compositions that might be beneficial in the livestock feed industry.

Identification of Odor-Active Compounds Released from a Damaged Plant of the Asian Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus renifolius.

Symplocarpus renifolius (Asian skunk cabbage) is a perennial herb of the Araceae family. As its common name implies, this plant produces a strong garliclike irritant odor with a rotten note when the plant parts are crushed. To elucidate the odor characteristics, the volatile compounds released from crushed plant parts (rhizome, petioles, and leaf blades) of S. renifolius were identified by a dynamic headspace method. Fifteen sulfur compounds were identified as odor-active compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O). The sulfur compounds may be responsible for the strong odor emitted by crushed skunk cabbage. Many of the compounds lack a carbon-carbon bond, and all of the carbon atoms are connected to sulfur. This is regarded as the characteristic structure of the sulfur compounds released from the damaged plant parts of the skunk cabbage. Nine of the sulfur compounds were detected in all three of the plant parts analyzed in this study: hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, 1-hexanethiol, methyl dithioformate, 2,4-dithiapentane, dimethyl trisulfide, methional, 2,3,5-trithiahexane, and tris(methylthio)methane. Methyl dithioformate and methylthiomethyl dithioformate were identified for the first time as natural products.

Ethyl Acetate Extract of Scindapsus cf. hederaceus Exerts the Inhibitory Bioactivity on Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells through Modulating ER Stress.

Unfolded protein response (UPR) is a cytoprotective mechanism that alleviates the protein-folding burden in eukaryotic organisms. Moderate activation of UPR is required for maintaining endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis and profoundly contributes to tumorigenesis. Defects in UPR signaling are implicated in the attenuation of various malignant phenotypes including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as angiogenesis. This suggests UPR as a promising target in cancer therapy. The pharmacological effects of the plant Scindapsus cf. hederaceus on human cancer cell lines is not understood. In this study, we identified an ethyl acetate extract from Scindapsus cf. hederaceus (SH-EAE), which markedly altered the protein expression of UPR-related genes in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Treatment with the SH-EAE led to the dose-dependent suppression of colony forming ability of both H1299 and H460 cells, but not markedly in normal bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. SH-EAE treatment also attenuated the migration and invasion ability of H1299 and H460 cells. Moreover, SH-EAE strikingly suppressed the protein expression of two ER stress sensors, including inositol requiring enzyme-1α (IRE-1α) and protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK), and antagonized the induction of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression by thapsigargin, an ER stress inducer. SH-EAE induced the formation of massive vacuoles which are probably derived from ER. Importantly, SH-EAE impaired the formation of intersegmental vessels (ISV) in zebrafish larvae, an index of angiogenesis, but had no apparent effect on the rate of larval development. Together, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that the ability of SH-EAE specifically targets the two sensors of UPR, with significant anti-proliferation and anti-migration activities as a crude extract in human NSCLC cells. Our finding also indicates potential applications of SH-EAE in preventing UPR activation in response to Tg-induced ER stress. We suggest that SH-EAE attenuates UPR adaptive pathways for rendering the NSCLC cells intolerant to ER stress.

Simultaneous boron (B) removal and electricity generation from domestic wastewater using duckweed-based wastewater treatment reactors coupled with microbial fuel cell.

Boron removal from water environment is a critical issue for scientific spotlight because its removal from wastewater is difficult and costly with conventional treatment method. Herein, an innovative, cost effective and attractive method which depends on duckweed-based wastewater treatment systems coupled with microbial fuel cell reactor (DWWT-MFC) was investigated for B-polluted domestic wastewater treatment and simultaneous electricity generation for the first time in an eco-technological study. Lemna gibba L. was selected as a model duckweed species, and different reactors were also designed to identify which mechanisms are dominant for B removal in a DWWT-MFC reactor matrix. DWWT-MFC reactor achieved 71% B removal in experiment period, and the plant effect on B removal mechanisms in the reactor matrix was recorded as 37.7 ±â€¯4.92% (F = 2.543, p < 0.05). However, supplementary aeration and microbial effects on B removal were determined as negligible. Average maximum voltage output was found as 1.47 V, and maximum power density was 34.8 mW/m2 at a current density of 43.9 mA/m2 with supplementary aeration. Moreover, DWWT-MFC reactor achieved 84%, 81% and 76% of COD, NH4+ and PO43- removal efficiencies, respectively. Moreover, L. gibba grew well in the anode chamber of DWWT-MFC with an average biomass yield of 218 ±â€¯43 g/m2 and a total chlorophyll (a+b) concentration of 30.2 mg g-1, which indicates that anolyte environment was not toxic for L. gibba growth. Consequently, it can be suggested that environmental experts may use DWWT-MFC as an efficient removal method to treat B from domestic wastewater and to produce bioelectricity.

Chemical Constituents from Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott. and Their Anti⁻Inflammatory Activities.

One new monoterpene glycoside (1), one new phenyl glycoside (2), one new caffeoyl derivative (3), were isolated from Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott., along with four known compounds (4⁻7). Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data, especially 2D NMR data and comparison with literatures. All isolates were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production in vitro. Compounds 3 and 7 exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on NO production with IC50 values of 12.2 ± 0.8 and 18.9 ± 0.3 µM, respectively.