Crosstalk between melatonin and nitric oxide restrains Cadmium-induced oxidative stress and enhances vinblastine biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus (L) G Don.

KEY MESSAGE: Nitric oxide functions downstream of the melatonin in adjusting Cd-induced osmotic and oxidative stresses, upregulating the transcription of D4H and DAT genes, and increasing total alkaloid and vincristine contents. A few studies have investigated the relationship between melatonin (MT) and nitric oxide (NO) in regulating defensive responses. However, it is still unclear how MT and NO interact to regulate the biosynthesis of alkaloids and vincristine in leaves of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don under Cd stress. Therefore, this context was explored in the present study. Results showed that Cd toxicity (200 µM) induced oxidative stress, decreased biomass, Chl a, and Chl b content, and increased the content of total alkaloid and vinblastine in the leaves. Application of both MT (100 µM) and sodium nitroprusside (200 µM SNP, as NO donor) enhanced endogenous NO content and accordingly increased metal tolerance index, the content of total alkaloid and vinblastine. It also upregulated the transcription of two respective genes (D4H and DAT) under non-stress and Cd stress conditions. Moreover, the MT and SNP treatments reduced the content of H2O2 and malondialdehyde, increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase, enhanced proline accumulation, and improved relative water content in leaves of Cd-exposed plants. The scavenging NO by 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxy l-3-oxide (cPTIO) averted the effects of MT on the content of total alkaloid and vinblastine and antioxidative responses. Still, the effects conferred by NO on attributes mentioned above were not significantly impaired by p-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA as an inhibitor of MT biosynthesis). These findings and multivariate analyses indicate that MT motivated terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis and mitigated Cd-induced oxidative stress in the leaves of periwinkle in a NO-dependent manner.

Biosynthesis and assessment of antibacterial and antioxidant activities of silver nanoparticles utilizing Cassia occidentalis L. seed.

This research explores the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Cassia occidentalis L. seed extract. Various analytical techniques, including UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), were employed for comprehensive characterization. The UV-visible spectra revealed a distinct peak at 425 nm, while the seed extract exhibited peaks at 220 and 248 nm, indicating the presence of polyphenols and phytochemicals. High-resolution TEM unveiled spherical and oval-shaped AgNPs with diameters ranging from 6.44 to 28.50 nm. The SEM exhibiting a spherical shape and a polydisperse nature, thus providing insights into the morphology of the AgNPs. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of silver atoms at 10.01% in the sample. XRD results unequivocally confirm the crystalline nature of the AgNPs suspension, thereby providing valuable insights into their structural characteristics and purity. The antioxidant properties of AgNPs, C. occidentalis seed extract, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were assessed, revealing IC50 values of 345, 500, and 434 µg/mL, respectively. Antibacterial evaluation against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli demonstrated heightened sensitivity of bacteria to AgNPs compared to AgNO3. Standard antibiotics, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin, acting as positive controls, exhibited substantial antibacterial efficacy. The green-synthesized AgNPs displayed potent antibacterial activity, suggesting their potential as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics for combating pathogenic bacterial infections. Furthermore, potential biomedical applications of AgNPs were thoroughly discussed.

Investigation of physio-mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of starch-zinc oxide nanoparticles active films reinforced with Ferula gummosa Boiss essential oil.

The production of surface compounds coated with active substances has gained significant attention in recent years. This study investigated the physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of a composite made of starch and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) containing various concentrations of Ferula gummosa essential oil (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). The addition of ZnO NPs improved the thickness, mechanical and microbial properties, and reduced the water vapor permeability of the starch active film. The addition of F. gummosa essential oil to the starch nanocomposite decreased the water vapor permeability from 6.25 to 5.63 g mm-2 d-1 kPa-1, but this decrease was significant only at the concentration of 1.5% of essential oils (p < 0.05). Adding 1.5% of F. gummosa essential oil to starch nanocomposite led to a decrease in Tensile Strength value, while an increase in Elongation at Break values was observed. The results of the antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite revealed that the pure starch film did not show any lack of growth zone. The addition of ZnO NPs to the starch matrix resulted in antimicrobial activity on both studied bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in the starch/ZnO NPs film containing 1.5% essential oil with an inhibition zone of 340 mm2 on S. aureus. Antioxidant activity increased significantly with increasing concentration of F. gummosa essential oil (P < 0.05). The film containing 1.5% essential oil had the highest (50.5%) antioxidant activity. Coating also improved the chemical characteristics of fish fillet. In conclusion, the starch nanocomposite containing ZnO NPs and F. gummosa essential oil has the potential to be used in the aquatic packaging industry.

The Precious Potential of the Sacred Tree Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl. as a Source of Secondary Metabolites with Broad Biological Applications.

Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl., which belongs to the Cupressaceae family, occurs naturally in North America and Asia, especially in Korea, Taiwan and Japan, where it is an evergreen, coniferous, sacred, ethnic tree. It has many useful varieties that are widespread throughout the world and grown for decorative purposes. It is most commonly used as an ornamental plant in homes, gardens or parks. It is also widely used in many areas of the economy; for example, its wood is used in architecture as well as furniture production. In addition, oil extracted from Chamaecyparis obtusa is increasingly used in cosmetology for skin care. Due to its wide economic demand, mainly in Japan, it represents the largest area of plantation forest. Despite this, it is on the red list of endangered species. Its use in ethnopharmacology has led to more and more research in recent years in an attempt to elucidate the potential mechanisms of its various biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, analgesic and central nervous system effects. It has also been shown that Chamaecyparis obtusa can be used as an insect repellent and an ingredient in plant disease treatment. This thesis provides a comprehensive review of the biological studies to date, looking at different areas of the economic fields of potential use of Chamaecyparis obtusa.

Unraveling the influence of TiO2 nanoparticles on growth, physiological and phytochemical characteristics of Mentha piperita L. in cadmium-contaminated soil.

Among the metals contaminants, cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic elements in cultivated soils, causing loss of yield and productivity in plants. Recently, nanomaterials have been shown to mitigate the negative consequences of environmental stresses in different plants. However, little is known about foliar application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) to alleviate Cd stress in medicinal plants, and their dual interactions on essential oil production. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of foliar-applied TiO2 NPs on growth, Cd uptake, chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents, total phenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and POD) activity and essential oil content of Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) under Cd stress. For this purpose, plants were grown in Cd-contaminated (0, 20, 40, and 60 mg L-1) soil, and different concentrations of TiO2 NPs (0, 75, and 150 mg L-1) were foliar sprayed at three times after full establishment until the beginning of flowering. Exposure to TiO2 NPs significantly (P < 0.01) increased shoot dry weight (37.8%) and the number of lateral branches (59.4%) and decreased Cd uptake in plant tissues as compared to the control. Application of TiO2 NPs increased the content of plastid pigments, and the ratio Fv/Fm (13.4%) as compared to the control. Additionally, TiO2 NPs reduced the stress markers, MDA and H2O2 contents and enhanced the activity of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme (60.5%), total phenols (56.1%), anthocyanins (42.6%), flavonoids (25.5%), and essential oil content (52.3%) in Cd-stressed peppermint compared to the control. The results also demonstrated that foliar spray of TiO2 NPs effectively improved the growth and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and reduced Cd accumulation in peppermint, which was mainly attributed to the reduction of oxidative burst and enhancement of the enzymatic (SOD, CAT, and POD) antioxidant defense system due to the uptake of NPs. The findings provide insights into the regulatory mechanism of TiO2 NPs on peppermint plants growth, physiology and secondary metabolites production in Cd-contaminated soil.

The Potential Preventive and Therapeutic Roles of NSAIDs in Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death among men worldwide. Preventing the progression of cancer after treatments such as radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy is a major concern faced by prostate cancer patients. Inflammation, which can be caused by various factors such as infections, the microbiome, obesity and a high-fat diet, is considered to be the main cause of PC. Inflammatory cells are believed to play a crucial role in tumor progression. Therefore, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs along with their effects on the treatment of inflammation-related diseases, can prevent cancer and its progression by suppressing various inflammatory pathways. Recent evidence shows that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. In this review, we discuss the different pathways through which these drugs exert their potential preventive and therapeutic effects on prostate cancer.

Physiological and biochemical mechanisms of grain yield loss in fumitory (Fumaria parviflora Lam.) exposed to copper and drought stress.

Soil contamination with heavy metals adversely affects plants growth, development and metabolism in many parts of the world including arid and semi-arid regions. The aim of this study was to investigate the single and combined effects of drought and copper (Cu) stresses on seed yield, and biochemical traits of Fumaria parviflora in a split - factorial experiment at Research Field of Payam-E-Noor university of Kerman during 2019. The collected seeds from two Cu contaminated regions were evaluated under drought and Cu (0, 50, 150, 300, and 400 mg/kg) stresses. Drought stress levels were depletion of 50% (D1), 70% (D2) and 85% (D3) soil available water. The individual effects of drought and copper stresses were similar to each other as both reduced seed yield. The highest seed yield was observed at Cu concentration of 50 mg/kg under non-drought stress conditions. The maximum values of malondialdehyde (0.47 µmol/g), proline (2.45 µmol/g FW), total phenolics (188.99 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoids (22.1 mg QE/g DW) were observed at 400 mg/kg Cu treatment. However, the strongest antioxidant activity (83.95%) through DPPH assay, and the highest total soluble carbohydrate (115.23 mg/g DW) content were observed at 300 and 150 mg/kg Cu concentration under severe drought stress, respectively. The highest amount of anthocyanin (2.18 µmol/g FW) was observed at 300 mg/kg Cu and moderate drought stress. The findings of this study showed a high tolerance of F. parviflora plant to moderate drought stress and Cu exposure up to 150 mg/kg by modulating defense mechanisms, where grain yield was slightly lower than that of control. The results could also provide a criterion for the selection of tolerance species like F. parviflora for better acclimatization under Cu mines and/or agricultural contaminated soils subjected to drought stress.

Enhanced Natural Strength: Lamiaceae Essential Oils and Nanotechnology in In Vitro and In Vivo Medical Research.

The Lamiaceae is one of the most important families in the production of essential oils known to have a wide spectrum of biological activity. Recent research has highlighted the dermatological capabilities of various Lamiaceae essential oils, which appear to offer potential in free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity. Some have also been extensively studied for their tissue remodeling and wound-healing, anti-aging, anti-melanogenic, and anti-cancer properties. Certain Lamiaceae essential oils are promising as novel therapeutic alternatives for skin disorders. This potential has seen substantial efforts dedicated to the development of modern formulations based on nanotechnology, enabling the topical application of various Lamiaceae essential oils. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the utilization of various essential oils from the Lamiaceae family over the past decade. It offers an overview of the current state of knowledge concerning the use of these oils as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, wound-healers, anti-aging agents, anti-melanogenic agents, and anticancer agents, both alone and in combination with nanoparticles. Additionally, the review explores their potential applicability in patents regarding skin diseases.

Foliar-applied nano-cerium dioxide differentially affect morpho-physiological traits and essential oil profile of Salvia mirzayanii Rech. f. & Esfand under drought stress and post-stress recovery conditions.

Drought stress is known to diminish the growth and yield of plants by altering the physiological, biochemical and molecular processes, thus threatening food security worldwide. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as an effective strategy to raise plant productivity under current rapid environmental challenges. However, there is little literature on mechanisms underlying the beneficial role of re-watering in drought-stressed plants treated with NPs. In this study, the effects of cerium dioxide nanoparticles [(CeO2 NPs), 0 (control), 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mL L-1] were investigated on morpho-physiological and phytochemical traits of Salvia mirzayanii plants under different drought stress intensities [(25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (control) of field capacity (FC) moisture] and post-stress re-watering (recovery) in a three-way factorial arrangement based on randomized complete block design. Uptake and accumulation of CeO2 NPs in the leaf tissue of plant samples were confirmed using SEM and EDX techniques. The results of ANOVA demonstrated that growth and physio-phytochemical traits were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by individual treatment and/or their double and triple interactions. Exposure to various levels of CeO2 NPs during drought stress mitigated the adverse effects of stress on growth parameters (e.g., plant height, shoot and root dry weights, and root length) and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b) content compared to the respective controls in varying degrees. However, proline and essential oil content were increased in drought-stressed plants, and tended to decrease during the period of recovery. Before re-watering, the antioxidant enzymes, CAT, POD, and SOD, activity in leaf tissues was increased with the increase of drought stress intensity upon both treated and non-treated CeO2 NPs conditions. However, the three-way interaction results demonstrated that recovery after drought stress following CeO2 NPs application particularly 1000 mL L-1 decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes compared to the controls. Based on GC and GC-MS analysis, all essential oil samples predominantly composed of oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes including Decane, Spathulenol, Octane, α-Terpinyl acetate, Hexyl isovalerate, Dodecane, Butanoic acid, Linalool, δ-Cadinene, Muurolol, α-Cadinol, Eudesm-7(11)-en-4-ol, which significantly (p < 0.05) changed under different experimental treatments. The recovery after stress, however, increased only the content of δ-Cadinene in plants from severe drought stress upon foliar application of 1000 mL L-1 CeO2 NPs compared to the non-recovery period. Conclusively, integrative use of CeO2 NPs and re-watering after drought stress could be an encouraging and eco-friendly strategy to improve both drought tolerance, growth and pyhtochemical contents in S. mirzayanii plants.

Flavonoids nanostructures promising therapeutic efficiencies in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is among the frequently diagnosed cancers with high mortality rates around the world. Polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids are secondary plant metabolites which exhibit anti-cancer activities along with anti-inflammatory effects. However, due to their hydrophobicity, sensitivity to degradation and low bioavailability, therapeutic effects have shown poor therapeutic effect. Nano delivery systems such as nanoliposomes, nanomicelles, silica nanoparticles have been investigated to overcome these difficulties. This review provides a summary of the efficiency of certain flavonoids and polyphenols (apigenin, genistein, resveratrol, quercetin, silymarin, catechins, luteolin, fisetin, gallic acid, rutin, and curcumin) on colorectal cancer models. It comprehensively discusses the influence of nano-formulation of flavonoids on their biological functions, including cellular uptake rate, bioavailability, solubility, and cytotoxicity, as well as their potential for reducing colorectal cancer tumor size under in vivo situations.

Morphological diversity, phenolic acids, and antioxidant properties in eryngo (Eryngium caucasicum Trautv): Selection of superior populations for agri-food industry.

Eryngo (Eryngium caucasicum Trautv) a widespread species of the Apiaceae reveals high nutritional value and therapeutic properties due to the significant content of biologically active metabolites such as essential oils, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. The present study was performed to evaluate the morphological and biochemical variability and antioxidant properties of naturally grown populations of eryngo. One-way ANOVA showed significant (p < .01) differences in the majority of parameters measured among the studied populations. The range of fresh weight was from 1.3 to 12.0 g/plant, while dry weight varied from 0.01 to 6.0 g/plant. The highest variation was observed for essential oil yield (CV = 205.32%) followed by essential oil content (CV = 126.23%) and chicoric acid content (CV = 71.18%). Total phenolics content varied from 8.85 to 88.15 mg GAE/g extract. Total flavonoids value ranged from 5.41 to 134.40 mg QE/g extract. Rosmarinic acid and chicoric acid contents varied from 0.118-1.234 and 0.014-0.597 µg/g DW, respectively. DPPH free radical scavenging activity varied from 76.12 to 513.5 µg/mL, while it ranged from 156.7 to 477.1 µg/mL with the ferrous ions (Fe2+) chelating assay. Rosmarinic acid and chicoric acid showed a significant and positive correlation (r 0.01 = 0.81 and r 0.05 = 0.40) with total phenolics, respectively. The Ward dendrogram analysis revealed two different clusters based on the parameters measured, confirming high morpho-phytochemical variability among the individuals and populations. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed eight PCs which contributed to 99.97% of the overall variance, and leaf length, essential oil content, and antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH and Fe2+ chelating techniques were the most effective attributes for characterizing and selecting the studied population. Based on the traits related to vegetative yield and antioxidant properties, eight individuals from two populations were superior for breeding and/or farming programs.

Cadmium and lead differentially affect growth, physiology, and metal accumulation in guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) genotypes.

Phytoremediation is a strategy to employ plants to recover high quantities of metals in the soil into the harvestable parts such as shoots and roots. High levels of Cd and lead (Pb) in the soil cause several stress symptoms in plants including a decrease in growth, reduced root growth, and carbohydrate metabolism. In this study, Saravan and HGS-867 as local landrace and Indian guar variety were selected to investigate the effect of the application of Pb (0, 40, 150, and 200 mg/l) and the cadmium (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/l) on phonological, yield parameters, and phytoremediation assessment. The results showed that Pb translocation factor (TF) was significant in Pb×Cd and Pb×Cd×G (genotype) at p<0.01 and in Pb×G at p<0.05. Pb bioconcentration factor (BCF) was significant (p<0.01) in all treatments except Cd and Cd×G treatments. Mean comparison of the data showed that the number of flowers, leaves, and clusters in plant decreased significantly with increasing Pb content. With increasing Cd concentration, the number of branches, height, the number of seeds, clusters, and leaves for each plant decreased significantly at the level of 1%. The maximum TF was observed in Pb at 40 mg/l in the HG-867 variety. Moreover, the Saravan landrace exposed to Cd (100 mg/l) showed the highest value of BCF (Cd). The gum percentage significantly decreased with increasing concentrations of Pb and Cd. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that plant height, number of pods/plant, root length, biomass, and pod length had a positive correlation with seed yield and a negative correlation with TF (Pb) and BCF (Pb). The results suggest that according to TF, BCF, and BAC, C. tetragonoloba L. can be effectively used as a good accumulator of toxic metals in contaminated soils.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes stimulate growth, redox reactions and biosynthesis of antioxidant metabolites in Thymus daenensis celak. in vitro.

This research was aimed at determining the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on seed germination, seedling growth parameters and secondary metabolite (SM) production of Thymus daenensis in vitro. Seeds were aseptically cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) with various concentrations of MWCNTs (0, 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 µg ml-1). Seed germination and morphological changes in seedlings were measured. The measurements were aimed at quantifying the total phenolic contents (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC), antioxidant activities and the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), l-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), dehydrogenase (DHA) and peroxidase enzyme (POD) of the seedling extract. Seedling biomass and seedling height grew significantly as the MWCNTs level increased. The biomass and height peaked at 250 µg ml-1 (0.41 ± 0.01 gr FW, 5.99 ± 0.55 cm) and then rapidly decreased to 0.040 ± 0.1 gr FW and 1.42 ± 0.24 cm in response to 1000 µg ml-1, 30 days after the treatment. Additionally, SM and the analyses of enzyme activity revealed that the highest amounts of TPC (6.70 ± 0.06 mg GAE g-1 DW), TFC (8.19 ± 0.01 mg QUE g-1 DW), antioxidant activities (73.88 ± 0.47%) and maximum PAL activity (1.25 ± 0.08 mM cm g-1 FW) were detected in plants grown on MS media fortified with 250 µg ml-1 MWCNTs. The results reveal that MWCNTs in low doses (250 µg ml-1) can encourage the production of biomass, elicit more SM from seedlings and enhance the biosynthesis of antioxidants. TEM images showed that MWCNTs could cross the plant cell wall and enter the cellular cytoplasm.

Synthesis and therapeutic potential of silver nanomaterials derived from plant extracts.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted a great deal of attention in the recent years. It is mostly due to their availability, chemical stability, catalytic activity, conductivity, biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity and intrinsic therapeutic properties. There are three major approaches for AgNPs synthesis; i.e., chemical, physical, and biological methods. Today, many of chemical and physical methods have become less popular due to using hazardous chemicals or their high costs, respectively. The biological method has introduced an appropriate substitute synthesis strategy for the traditional physical and chemical approaches. The utilization of the plant extracts as reducing, stabilizing and coating agent of AgNPs is an interesting eco-friendly approach leading to high efficiency. The antimicrobial and anticancer synergistic effects among the AgNPs and phytochemicals will enhance their therapeutic potentials. Surprisingly, although many studies have demonstrated the significant enhancement in cytotoxic activities of plant-mediated AgNPs toward cancerous cells, these nanoparticles have been found nontoxic to normal human cells in their therapeutic concentrations. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the mechanism of plant-mediated AgNPs synthesis, their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities as well as their applications.