A novel approach for the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles using marigold extract, black liquor, and nanocellulose: Effect on marigold growth parameters.

This study aimed to investigate a novel method for the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using marigold extract (Calendula officinalis L), kraft pulping black liquor, and nanocellulose. Then, the efficacy of FeNPs as a direct nanofertilizer on the growth parameters of marigold was investigated. Characterization techniques including FESEM, EDX, VSM, and FTIR were used to confirm the successful synthesis of FeNPs. The characterization results confirmed the formation and presence of FeNPs in the 20-100 nm range. FeNPs synthesized with nanocellulose notably enhanced marigold growth parameters compared to other materials. However, all nanoparticle variants, including those from marigold extract and black liquor, improved germination, plant height, root length, and plant dry weight compared to the control. Moreover, treatments exhibited higher available iron and total plant iron levels than the control. Thus, employing 10 mg FeNPs (prepared with 5.0 % nanocellulose) appears optimal for enhancing marigold growth and yield.

In Vitro α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effects, Antioxidant Activities, and Lutein Content of Nine Different Cultivars of Marigold Flowers (Tagetes spp.).

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are major sources of bioactive compounds. The flowers are used to treat a variety of illnesses and have both antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. However, marigolds exhibit a wide range of genetic variations. Because of this, both the bioactive compounds and biological activities of the plants differ between cultivars. In the present study, nine marigold cultivars grown in Thailand were evaluated for their bioactive compound content, as well as for their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, using spectrophotometric methods. The results showed that the Sara Orange cultivar possessed the highest total carotenoid content (431.63 mg/100 g). However, Nata 001 (NT1) had the highest amount of total phenolic compounds (161.17 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (20.05 mg QE/g), and lutein (7.83 mg/g), respectively. NT1 exhibited strong activities against the DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation, and had the highest FRAP value as well. Moreover, NT1 demonstrated the most significant (p < 0.05) α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects (IC50 values of 2.57 and 3.12 mg/mL, respectively). The nine marigold cultivars had reasonable correlations between lutein content and the capacity to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. Hence, NT1 may be a good source of lutein; it may also be beneficial in both functional food production and medical applications.

Heterologous Production of Calendic Acid Naturally Found in Calendula officinalis by Recombinant Fission Yeast.

Calendic acid (CA) is a conjugated fatty acid with anti-cancer properties that is widely present in seed oil of Calendula officinalis. Using the co-expression of C. officinalis fatty acid conjugases (CoFADX-1 or CoFADX-2) and Punica granatum fatty acid desaturase (PgFAD2), we metabolically engineered the synthesis of CA in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe without the need for linoleic acid (LA) supplementation. The highest CA titer and achieved accumulation were 4.4 mg/L and 3.7 mg/g of DCW in PgFAD2 + CoFADX-2 recombinant strain cultivated at 16 °C for 72 h, respectively. Further analyses revealed the accumulation of CA in free fatty acids (FFA) and downregulation of the lcf1 gene encoding long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase. The developed recombinant yeast system represents an important tool for the future identification of the essential components of the channeling machinery to produce CA as a high-value conjugated fatty acid at an industrial level.

Phytoextraction of nickel, lead, and chromium from contaminated soil using sunflower, marigold, and spinach: comparison of efficiency and fractionation study.

Heavy metals in soil pose a serious threat through their toxic effect on the human food chain. Phytoremediation is a clean and green potentially cost-effective technology in remediating the heavy metal-contaminated soil. However, the efficiency of phytoextraction is very often limited by low phytoavailability of heavy metals in soil, slow growth, and small biomass production of hyper-accumulator plants. To solve these issues, accumulator plant(s) with high biomass production and amendment(s) which can solubilize metals in soil is required for better phytoextraction. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the efficiency of phytoextraction of sunflower, marigold, and spinach as affected by the incorporation of Sesbania (solubilizer) and addition of gypsum (solubilizer) in nickel (Ni)-, lead (Pb)-, and chromium (Cr)-contaminated soil. A fractionation study was conducted to study the bioavailability of the heavy metals in contaminated soil after growing the accumulator plants and as affected by using soil amendments (Sesbania and gypsum). Results showed that marigold was the most efficient among the three accumulator plants in phytoextraction of the heavy metals in the contaminated soil. Both sunflower and marigold were able to reduce the bioavailability of the heavy metals in the post-harvest soil, which was reflected in their (heavy metals) lower concentration in subsequently grown paddy crop (straw). The fractionation study revealed that carbonate and organically bound fractions of the heavy metals control the bioavailability of the heavy metals in the experimental soil. Both Sesbania and gypsum were not effective in solubilizing the heavy metals in the experimental soil. Therefore, the possibility of using Sesbania and gypsum for solubilizing heavy metals in contaminated soil is ruled out.

Chemical Composition and in Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Tyrosinase, and Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oils and Extracts Derived from Various Parts of the Algerian Calendula Suffruticosa Vahlsubsp. boissieri Lanza.

Calendula suffruticosa Vahl subsp. boissieri Lanza is well-known for its medicinal properties in northeastern Algeria. As far as literature has been able to prove, no study has attempted to make a phytochemical or biological activity evaluation (antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors and antimicrobial potential). This work intends to evaluate, for the first time, the chemical constituents and study the previously mentioned biological activities of C. suffruticosa boissieri essential oil and different sections (flowers, leaves, roots) as well as the effect of changing the solvent (ethanol 70 %) and (methanol 70 %) on these activities. The essential oil of aerial parts of this plant was investigated using GC/MS, and 45 compounds were discovered, accounting for 98.01 % of the essential oil, including 23 monoterpenes, 6 sesquiterpenes, 12 diterpenes, 1 coumarin, 3 alkanes, methyl-cyclohexane (23.73 %), limonene (25.02 %), and o-cymene (13.20 %). Five methods were used to study the antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC, reducing power, and ß-carotene bleaching assay), where the results were impressive, especially for the essential oil. In addition, the hydroethanolic solvent (70 %) was found to be the most effective solvent for extraction in general compared to the hydromethanolic solvent (70 %). The extracts and essential oils of C. suffruticosa boissieri also showed a strong inhibiting ability against cholinesterase, tyrosinase, anti-α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and antimicrobials, a very valuable antioxidant, which is a real discovery. Based on these results, it can be said that this plant has important biological activities, so it can be used in the phytotherapy, food, or pharmaceutical sectors.

The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Calendula Officinalis Extract on Androgen-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model in Female Rat.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, and the major cause of infertility. Today, using medicinal plants instead of chemical drugs could be an alternative treatment option for PCOS. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Calendula officinalis hydroalcoholic extract on PCOS in rats. Method: 60 female adult rats were randomly divided into six groups, including control, sham, PCOS group, and treated PCOS groups receiving hydroalcoholic extract of Calendula officinalis with different dosages of 200, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. PCOS was induced by subcutaneous injection of DHEA 6 mg/100 g bw for 35 days. For two weeks, the extract was taken orally. The serum glucose, insulin, sex hormone levels, and oxidative status were measured at the end of the experiment. The ovaries were dissected for histomorphometric and pathological analysis. Results: When compared to the control and sham groups, the PCOS group showed a significant increase in glucose, insulin, testosterone, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, cystic and atretic follicles, and thickness of the theca and tunica albuginea layers, and a significant decrease in LH concentration, total antioxidant capacity, corpus luteum, antral follicles, and oocyte diameter. The mean concentration of FSH, on the other hand, did not change significantly. A trend of improvement was found in the treated groups with high doses of Calendula officinalis extract. Conclusion: In rats with PCOS and nonovulation, Calendula officinalis hydroalcoholic extract improved oxidative stress, restored folliculogenesis, and increased ovulation.

Effect of Natural Antioxidants from Marigolds (Tagetes erecta L.) on the Oxidative Stability of Soybean Oil.

In recent years, synthetic antioxidants that are widely used in foods have been shown to cause detrimental health effects, and there has been growing interest in antioxidants realised from natural plant extracts. In this study, we investigate the potential effects of natural antioxidant components extracted from the forage plant marigold on the oxidative stability of soybean oil. First, HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) to screen and identify potential antioxidant components in marigold. Four main antioxidant components were identified, including quercetagetin-7-O-glucoside (1), quercetagetin (2), quercetin (3) and patuletin (4). Among them, quercetagetin (QG) exhibited the highest content and the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity and effectively inhibited the production of oxidation products in soybean oil during accelerated oxidation, as indicated by reductions in the peroxide value (PV) and acid value (AV). Then, the fatty acids and volatile compounds of soybean oil were determined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). A total of 108 volatile components, including 16 alcohols, 23 aldehydes, 25 ketones, 4 acids, 15 esters, 18 hydrocarbons, and 7 other compounds, were identified. QG significantly reduced the content and number of aldehydes and ketones, whereas the formation of acids and hydrocarbons was completely prevented. In addition, the fatty acid analysis demonstrated that QG significantly inhibited oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. Consequently, QG was identified as a potential, new natural antioxidant that is believed to be safe, effective and economical, and it may have potential for use in plant extracts feed additives.

Modulation of Steroid and Triterpenoid Metabolism in Calendula officinalis Plants and Hairy Root Cultures Exposed to Cadmium Stress.

The present study investigated the changes in the content of steroids and triterpenoids in C. officinalis hairy root cultures and plants exposed to cadmium stress. The observed effects included the content and composition of analyzed groups of compounds, particularly the proportions among individual sterols (e.g., stigmasterol-to-sitosterol ratio), their ester and glycoside conjugates. The total sterol content increased in roots (by 30%) and hairy root culture (by 44%), whereas it decreased in shoots (by 15%); moreover, these effects were inversely correlated with Cd-induced growth suppression. Metabolic alterations of sterols and their forms seemed to play a greater role in the response to Cd stress in roots than in shoots. The symptoms of the competition between general metabolites (sterols) and specialized metabolites (triterpenoids) were also observed, i.e., the increase of the sterol biosynthesis parallel to the decrease of the triterpenoid content in C. officinalis plant roots and hairy root culture, and the inverse phenomenon in shoots. The similarity of the metabolic modifications observed in the present study on C. officinalis plant roots and hairy roots confirmed the possibility of application of plant in vitro cultures in initial studies for physiological research on plant response to environmental stresses.

Teaching and practice in Homeopathy via pharmacobotany and pathophysiology

Semiology, Clinical Pathophysiology, Phytotherapy and Homeopathy were taught through active methodology by the Moodle platform (HL) also using apps for monitoring injuries through SAPB site, building rationality for the external topic use of homeopathic and herbal medicines.At the 7th Infirmary of General Hospital Santa Casa de Misericordia in Rio de Janeiro, the clinical medical team of the Benoit Mure Nucleus of Assistance Teaching and Research,made a medicinal plant gardenwith the agricultural/environmental educator, and communityethnicalleaders. Undergraduate students from UNIFASE/FMP Academic League of Physiology and Pathophysiology plantedCalendula Officinalis seedlings, destined to research in pharmacobotany and to be in touch with pharmacotechnical prepares. Aims: To follow-up the study since from seedling of Calendula Officinalistill to prepare of HUD. Methodology: To prepare medicinal garden: plant seedlings of Calendula offin accordance with good agricultural techniques. At first: Three seeds in ten pots, made in triplicate (N = 90), to obtain explants of quality analyzed whose evaluation was about plant development (explants percentual: weight, size, viability, morphology). To visit pharmacy-school to learn how to preparematrix extracts and High Ultra-Diluted Solutions (HUD) of Calendula off 6DH. Results and Discussion: The stages of teaching semiology and practice in pharmacobotany, besides cultive plant have been completed.Viability was impaired because of lack of irrigation during 4 months (50%). Weight, sizewere minor than usual but with no statistical significance (p>0.05). Morphology was maintained. Unfortunately, the visit to pharmacy-school couldn't be performed at this period. Conclusion: Through hybrid learning and face-to-face activities completely realized, students had qualitative perception of the relevance about morphology and quality of plant development, chemistry plant production, aiming for resolutive actions based upon pathophysiology of chronic diseases. Because of pandemic, it was described just a preliminary experience. After returning to normal activities the experiment will be repeated.

In vitro scolicidal effect of Calendula officinalis, Artemisia dracunculus, Artemisia absinthium, and Ferula assafoetida extracts against hydatid cyst protoscolices.

Echinococcus granulosus is the etiologic agent of cystic echinococcosis. Numerous research studies have been conducted on natural scolicidal agents to inactivate protoscolices during surgery. This study was undertaken to compare the in vitro scolicidal effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Calendula officinalis, Artemisia dracunculus, Artemisia absinthium and Ferula assafoetida. The scolicidal activities of the extracts were tested at different concentrations following incubation periods of 10, 30 and 60 min. The chemical composition of the hydroalcoholic extracts were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The major chemical components of C. officinalis, A. dracunculus, A. absinthium and F. assafoetida were identified as n-Docosane (14.17%), 2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, 7-methoxy (54.96%), n-Docosane (9.72%) and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-butyric acid, methyl ester (13.9%), respectively. The results showed that the hydroalcoholic extracts of A. absinthium and F. assafoetida at a concentration of 250 mg/ml resulted in killing 100% of the protoscolices at 60 minutes, while the concentration of 250 mg/ml of hydroalcoholic extract of C. officinalis and A. dracunculus resulted in killing 42.33% and 65.67%, respectively. The findings of the present study showed that A. absinthium and F. assafoetida have potent scolicidal effects. However, additional in vivo studies are required to confirm the efficacy of these plant-derived extracts against hydatid cyst for their clinical use.

Influence of dietary supplementation of marigold flower powder and extract (Calendula officinalis L.) on performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemistry, antioxidant parameters and immune responses of growing Japanese quail.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Marigold flower powder (MFP) and marigold flower extract (MFEx) as feed additives on the performance, blood parameters, antioxidant capacity, immunological parameters, microbial content, digestive enzymes and digestibility in growing Japanese quail. A total number of 350 birds randomly distributed into seven groups, with five replicates of 10 birds each, control diet (control group), the second, third and fourth groups were fed on a basal diet within MFP 0.6%, 0.9% and 1.2% respectively. Fifth, sixth and seventh groups received the basal diet plus MFEx 150, 200 and 250 ppm respectively. Quails fed on a diet supplemented with MFEx 200 ppm had significantly higher lipase levels (p ≤ 0.001) compared to the control and MFP 0.6% without any significant difference with other experimental groups. Moreover, all digestibility coefficients (DC) of nutrients except for nitrogen-free extract were significantly (p ≤ 0.001) affected by all dietary treatments. Quails fed on the diet supplemented with MFEx 200 ppm significantly (p ≤ 0.001) presented the best body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and the lowest feed intake over all groups. Total lipid profile, kidney functions and liver functions were significantly affected by both MFP and MFEx diets. The group treated with MFEx 250 ppm had lowest E. coli and Salmonella population and the highest Lactobacilli population number. Antioxidant parameters and immune response (except for lymphocytes) were significantly affected (p ≤ 0.001) by different levels of MFP and MFEx. In conclusion, the addition of MFEx and MFP at 200 ppm followed by 250 ppm and 1.2% MFP, respectively, to the basal diet improved product productive performance, blood parameters, antioxidant capacity, immunological parameters, microbial content and digestibility in growing Japanese quail.

Encapsulating Calendula arvensis (Vaill.) L. Florets: UHPLC-HRMS Insights into Bioactive Compounds Preservation and Oral Bioaccessibility.

Wild edible plants, once consumed in times of famine or for health purposes, today represent an interesting dietary supplement, aimed at enriching local dishes and/or formulating healthy nutraceutical products. In fact, the broad content of different, and diversely bioactive, specialized metabolites therein suggests new scenarios of use which, in order to be as functional as possible, must maximize the bioactivity of these compounds while preserving their chemistry. In this context, based on a recent investigation on the metabolic profile of the organs of Calendula arvensis that highlighted that florets are abundant in flavonol glycosides and triterpene saponins, the freeze-drying encapsulation of their alcoholic extract (FE) into maltodextrin (MD) was investigated. FE-MD chemical composition was evaluated using Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), while ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) techniques were employed to unravel FE compound preservation also during in vitro simulated digestion. The establishment of H-bonds between FE compounds and MD hydroxyl groups was in line with FE-MD biocompatibility in Caco-2 cells, while in vitro digestion mostly affected structural integrity and/or diversity. Flavonol compounds underwent deglycosylation and demethylation, while deacylation, beyond oxidation, involved triterpene saponins, which massively preserve their aglycone core.

Calendula officinalis L. flower extract-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles under LED light

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most known nanomaterials being used for several purposes, including medical applications. In this study, Calendula officinalis L. flower extract and silver nitrate were used for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles under red, green and blue light-emitting diodes. AgNPs were characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometry, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Electrophoretic Mobility, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction. Isotropic and anisotropic silver nanoparticles were obtained, presenting hydrodinamic diameters ranging 90 - 180 nm, polydispersity (PdI > 0.2) and moderate stability (zeta potential values around - 20 mV)

Uso de Cremes de Camomila e Calêndula na Prevenção de Radiodermatites Agudas em Pacientes com Câncer de Cabeça e Pescoço: Ensaio Clínico Randomizado Duplo-Cego / Use of Chamomile and Calendula Creams to Prevent acute Radiodermatitis in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: a Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial / Uso de Cremas de Manzanilla y Caléndula para Prevenir Radiodermatitis Aguda en Pacientes con Cáncer de Cabeza y Cuello: Ensayo Clínico Aleatorizado Doble Ciego

Introdução: A radiodermatite é caracterizada por lesões cutâneas decorrentes da exposição à radiação ionizante, acometendo entre 80%- 90% dos pacientes submetidos à radioterapia na região da cabeça e pescoço. Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade do uso do creme de camomila em relação ao creme de calêndula na prevenção da radiodermatite aguda em participantes submetidos à radioterapia para câncer de cabeça e pescoço. Método: Ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego, prospectivo, com análise quantitativa. Foram avaliados 23 participantes, aleatoriamente designados para o grupo que fez uso do creme de camomila (n=12) ou para o grupo do creme de calêndula (n=11). A pele no campo de irradiação foi avaliada na primeira sessão de radioterapia, a cada cinco sessões, e após 30 dias do término do tratamento, de acordo com os critérios da Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Resultados: Os participantes apresentaram radiodermatite em todas as avaliações, do grau 1 ao 3, exceto na primeira avaliação. O nível médio mais elevado foi observado, em ambos os grupos, na sexta avaliação (2,10±0,73 no grupo do creme de camomila e 2,37±0,51 no de calêndula). No grupo camomila, o maior grau de radiodermatite foi o 3, na quinta e sexta avaliações; enquanto, no calêndula, o grau 3 foi observado pela primeira vez na sexta avaliação, permanecendo até a oitava. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nos grupos avaliados. Conclusão: Houve equivalência na efetividade do uso do creme de camomila em relação ao creme calêndula na prevenção de radiodermatites agudas em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço em radioterapia

Introduction: Radiodermatitis is characterized by skin lesions resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation, affecting between 80-90% of patients undergoing radiotherapy in the head and neck region. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of using chamomile cream compared with calendula cream in preventing acute radiodermatitis in participants undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Method: Randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical trial with quantitative analysis. 23 participants randomly assigned to the group that used chamomile cream (n=12) or to the calendula cream group (n=11) were evaluated. The skin in the irradiation field was evaluated in the first radiotherapy session, every five sessions and after 30 days after the end of the treatment, according to the criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Results: Participants had radiodermatitis in all the assessments, from grades 1 to 3, except in the first assessment. The highest mean level was observed in both groups in the sixth assessment (2.10±0.73 in the chamomile and 2.37±0.51 in the calendula group, respectively). In the chamomile group, the highest degree of radiodermatitis was 3, in the fifth and sixth evaluations, while in the calendula, grade 3 was observed for the first time in the sixth evaluation, remaining until the eighth. There was no statistically significant difference in the groups evaluated. Conclusion: There was equivalence in the effectiveness of the use of chamomile cream compared with calendula cream in the prevention of acute radiodermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy

Introducción: La radiodermatitis se caracteriza por lesiones cutáneas derivadas de la exposición a radiaciones ionizantes, que afectan entre el 80 y el 90% de los pacientes sometidos a radioterapia en la región de cabeza y cuello. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del uso de la crema de manzanilla en relación con la crema de caléndula para prevenir la radiodermatitis aguda en participantes sometidos a radioterapia para el cáncer de cabeza y cuello. Método: Ensayo clínico prospectivo, aleatorizado, doble ciego con análisis cuantitativo. Se evaluaron 23 participantes, asignados aleatoriamente al grupo que usó la crema de manzanilla (n=12) o al grupo crema de caléndula (n=11). La piel en el campo de irradiación se evaluó en la primera sesión de radioterapia, cada cinco sesiones y a los 30 días de finalizado el tratamiento, según los criterios del Grupo de Oncología Radioterápica (RTOG). Resultados: Los participantes presentaron radiodermatitis en todas las evaluaciones, desde el 1º al 3º grado, excepto en la primera evaluación. El nivel medio más alto se observó, en ambos grupos, en la sexta evaluación (2,10±0,73 en el grupo manzanilla y 2,37±0,51 en el de caléndula). En el grupo manzanilla, el mayor grado de radiodermatitis fue 3, en la quinta y sexta evaluaciones, mientras que en la caléndula se observó por primera vez grado 3 en la sexta evaluación, permaneciendo hasta la octava. No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en los grupos evaluados. Conclusión: Hubo equivalencia en la efectividad del uso de crema de manzanilla en relación con la crema de caléndula en la prevención de la radiodermatitis aguda en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello sometidos a radioterapia

Influence of foliar application of glycinebetaine on Tagetes erecta L yield cultivated under salinity conditions / Influência da aplicação foliar de glicinebetaína na produtividade de Tagetes erecta L cultivada em condições de salinidade

Tagetes genus of Composite family consider one of the most favorite floriculture plants. Therefore, of particular interest examine the salt tolerance of this bedding and coloring agent plant. In this research, was report the role of glycinebetaine (GB) in attenuating the adverse impacts of salt stress in African marigold plant, along with their anti-oxidative capacities and biochemical attributes. The salt stressed African marigold (100 and 150 mM NaCl) was treated with GB at 200 mM, beside untreated control plants. According to the obtained results, the growth characters were negatively in salt stressed plants but a mitigate impact of GB were observed in this respect. Obviously, the morphological as well as some physiological characters were reduced with salinity treatments while GB treatment reverses these effects. Overall, the alleviate impact of GB on the negative impact of salt stress was enhanced through improving total phenolic and antioxidant enzyme activity. Further, it is concluded that GB concentration induces the activities of antioxidative enzymes which scavenged ROS increased under saline conditions.

O Tagetes, da família Composite, é um dos gêneros mais apreciados de plantas de floricultura. Portanto, é de particular interesse examinar a tolerância ao sal desta planta de substrato e corante. Nesta pesquisa, foi relatado o papel da glicinebetaína (GB) na atenuação dos impactos adversos do estresse salino na calêndula africana, juntamente com suas capacidades antioxidantes e atributos bioquímicos. A calêndula africana estressada com sal (NaCl 100 e 150 mM) foi tratada com GB a 200 mM, ao lado de plantas de controle não tratadas. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, os caracteres de crescimento foram negativos em plantas estressadas por sal, mas um impacto mitigado de GB foi observado neste aspecto. Obviamente, os caracteres morfológicos e fisiológicos foram reduzidos com os tratamentos de salinidade, enquanto o tratamento com GB reverteu esses efeitos. No geral, o impacto de alívio do GB no impacto negativo do estresse salino foi aprimorado através da melhoria da atividade das enzimas fenólicas e antioxidantes totais. Além disso, conclui-se que a concentração de GB induz as atividades de enzimas antioxidantes que sequestraram ROS aumentadas em condições salinas.

Topical Delivery of Geranium/Calendula Essential Oil-Entrapped Ethanolic Lipid Vesicular Cream to Combat Skin Aging.

The present study deals with the evaluation of the age-defying potential of topical cream formulations bearing Geranium essential oil/Calendula essential oil-entrapped ethanolic lipid vesicles (ELVs). Two types of cream formulations were prepared, viz., conventional and ELVs spiked o/w creams. Essential oil- (EO-) loaded ELVs were characterized by vesicle size, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, and scanning electron microscopy. The cream formulations were evaluated for homogeneity, spreadability, viscosity, pH, in vitro antioxidant capacity, sun protection factor, and in vitro collagenase and elastase inhibition capacity. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was performed to ascertain skin permeation of conventional and vesicular cream. The results of in vitro antioxidant studies showed that GEO-/CEO-loaded vesicular creams have notable antioxidant capacity when compared to nonvesicular creams. GEO- or CEO-loaded vesicular creams exhibited the highest SPF value 10.26 and 18.54, respectively. Both the EO-based vesicular creams showed in vitro collagenase and elastase enzyme inhibition capacity. CLSM images clearly depicted that vesicular cream deep into the skin layers. From the research findings, the age-defying potential and photoprotective effects of GEO and CEO were confirmed. It can be concluded that ELVs are able to preserve the efficiency of EOs and have the potential to combat skin aging.

Antibacterial activity of Calendula officinalis and Echinacea purpurea extracts against the causal agent of tomatoes' bacterial canker: Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis / Actividad antibacteriana de los extractos de Calendula officinalis y Echinacea purpurea contra el agente causal del cancro bacteriano del tomate: Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. Michiganensis

We aimed to investigate the effects of Calendula officinalis and Echinacea purpurea extracts in terms of growth parameters, antibacterial activity and phenolic profile in tomato infected by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (CmmT7). A significant difference was observed in E. purpuraextract, indicating the highest effects on plant height (27.25 cm), fresh plant weight (28.45 cm), root length (24.42 cm), and root weight (6.74 g) (p<0.05). Moreover, Calendula officinalis and Echinacea purpurea extracts showed significant inhibitory activity against CmmT7 (p<0.05). Among phenolic compounds, the only chlorogenic acid amounts were varied in the tomato seedlings leaves with C. officinalis extract (K3) + CmmT7, E. purpurea extract (E3) + CmmT7 and CmmT7 (p<0.01). Moreover, chlorogenic acid amount was approximately 9 times higher than in CmmT7-treated leaves when compared to control. The results showed that application of the extracts of these plants had a significant influence on bacterial canker and growth parameters.

Nuestro objetivo fue investigar los efectos de los extractos de Calendula officinalis y Echinacea purpurea en términos de parámetros de crecimiento, actividad antibacteriana y perfil fenólico en tomate infectado por Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (CmmT7). Se observó una diferencia significativa en el extracto de E. purpura, que indica los mayores efectos sobre la altura de la planta (27,25 cm), el peso de la planta fresca(28,45 cm), la longitud de la raíz (24,42 cm) y el peso de la raíz (6,74 g) (p<0,05). Además, los extractos de Calendula officinalis y Echinacea purpurea mostraron una actividad inhibidora significativa contra CmmT7 (p<0,05). Entre los compuestos fenólicos, las únicas cantidades de ácido clorogénico se variaron en las hojas de las plántulas de tomate con extracto de C. officinalis (K3) CmmT7, extracto de E. purpurea(E3) CmmT7 y CmmT7 (p<0.01). Además, la cantidad de ácido clorogénico fue aproximadamente 9 veces mayor que en las hojas tratadas con CmmT7 en comparación con el control. Los resultados mostraron que la aplicación de los extractos de estas plantas tuvo una influencia significativa sobre el cancro bacteriano y los parámetros de crecimiento.

Study of germination efficiency and temperature/drowning resistance in some ornamental plants treated with ultra high dilute compounds

The ultra-high dilutions (UHDs) can be used for decreasing stress conditions causing by climate variations. The present research investigated the effects of ultra-highdilutions (UHDs) on some ornamental plants, germination, and hormonal variations.Methods: In order to study the effect of UHDs (Calendula officinalisCalen. andArnica montanaArn.) on the physiological, primary metabolite, and hormonal variations of theOryza sativa L. (rice), 104 experiments were designed and statistically analyzed using the Design Expert 7.0.1 software over the general factorial design methodology. Two qualitative factors, including the UHDs/placebo usage and the type of plant usage, and two quantitative factors, including temperature and irrigation, were studied. The validated analysis was subjected to more extended studies on the variations in physiological growth, carbohydrate, protein content, and levels of plant hormones, including gibberellic acids, indole acetic acid, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid.Results: The statistical analysis resulted in a prediction model which was more than 75% correlates with experimental results. The results showed that the UHDs increased the carbohydrate and protein content of seedlings. Also, compared to placebo, the levels of hormones GA3 and IAA in all samples increase, and the amount of GA4 decreases. The amount of ABA and SA hormones inS. officinalisincreased under UHDs treatment while decreasing in the other two samples.Conclusion: The use of UHDs leads to an increase in the production of carbohydrate and protein content. Moreover, it causes significant variations in the growth-inducing hormone and increases the tolerance of seeds under higher/lower temperatures and draught/drowning. The results of this study open up a window to reduce germination survival and increase their resistance to sudden climate change.

Efectividad terapéutica de la jalea de caléndula al 1 % en pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente / Therapeutic effectiveness of calendula jelly at 1% in patients with aphthous recurrent stomatitis

Introducción: Para el tratamiento de pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente suele emplearse el extracto fluido y la tintura de Caléndula officinalis L. como colutorio disuelto en agua. Teniendo en cuenta los inconvenientes que generan estas formulaciones se elaboró una jalea al 1 % contentiva de los principios activos de la referida planta. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad terapéutica de la jalea de caléndula al 1 % en pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente. Métodos: Se realizó una intervención terapéutica en 30 pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente, atendidos en el Policlínico Docente 30 de Noviembre de Santiago de Cuba, desde marzo hasta diciembre de 2019. La muestra se dividió en 2 grupos: control y de estudio, que recibieron tratamiento convencional y jalea de caléndula al 1 %, respectivamente. Se tuvieron en cuenta algunas variables de interés, a saber: edad, sexo, tiempo de remisión del dolor y de cicatrización, respuesta al tratamiento y efectividad terapéutica. Se empleó el porcentaje como medida de resumen y el estadígrafo de Ji al cuadrado con un nivel de significación de 0,05. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el grupo etario de 15- 24 años de edad (33,3 %) y el sexo femenino (60,0 %). En los tratados con la jalea de caléndula, la remisión del dolor y la cicatrización de las lesiones ulcerativas se evidenciaron en las primeras 24 y 48 horas, respectivamente, y la mayoría de estos habían mejorado a las 72 horas. Conclusiones: La jalea de caléndula al 1 % es efectiva como analgésico y cicatrizante en pacientes con estomatitis aftosa recurrente.

Introduction: The officinalis L Calendula fluid extract and tincture is usually used as mouthwash dissolved in water for the treatment of patients with aphthous recurrent stomatitis. Taking into account the inconveniences that generate these formulations a jelly at 1 % was elaborated with the active principles of the plant above mention. Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the calendula jelly at 1% in patients with aphthous recurrent stomatitis. Methods: A therapeutic intervention in 30 patients with aphthous recurrent stomatitis, assisted in 30 de Noviembre Teaching Polyclinic was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, from March to December, 2019. The sample was divided in 2 groups: control and study that received conventional treatment and calendula jelly at 1%, respectively. Some variables of interest were taken into account, such as: age, sex, pain regression and scaring time, response to the treatment and therapeutic effectiveness. The percentage was used as summary measure and the chi-squared test with a significance level of 0.05. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of the 15 - 24 age group (33.3 %) and female sex (60.0 %). In the patients treated with the calendula jelly, pain regression and scaring of the ulcerative lesions were evidenced in the first 24 and 48 hours, respectively, and most of them had improved at 72 hours. Conclusions: The calendula jelly at 1% is effective as analgesic and healing in patients with aphthous recurrent stomatitis.

Efficacy of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in regulating growth performance, total glutathione and redox state of Calendula officinalis L. cultivated on Pb and Cd polluted soil.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have recently attracted huge attention to their impacts on the environment and plants. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate the responses of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposed pot marigold plants to various levels of MWCNT. Calendula officinalis (L.) seedlings were cultivated in Pb and Cd-polluted soils with exposure to 0, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg L-1 of MWCNT. The results demonstrated that foliar-applied MWCNT up to 250 mg L-1 not only alleviated Pb and Cd-induced toxicity by reducing oxidative damage and boosting both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system but also promoted the phytoremediation property of pot marigold plants by enhancing the accumulation of both Pb and Cd from the soil. Interestingly, oxidative damage exacerbation and both Pb and Cd accumulation reduction were noticed in pot marigold seedlings exposed to 500 and 1000 mg L-1 MWCNTs. The findings of this study clearly showed that the use of appropriate concentrations of MWCNTs in increasing the phytoremediation properties of pot marigold was justified, while the use of high concentrations is toxic to the plant and intensifies the toxic effects of heavy metals (HMs) on plant physiology. This study provides a novel method to facilitate the phytoremediation of HMs polluted soils using MWCNT as well as explores the potential risks of these nanoparticles to the plants.