Borago Officinalis L.: A Review Oon Extraction, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Activities.

Borago officinalis L., an annual herb belonging to the Boraginaceae family, is used in the traditional medical practices of various countries and for multiple treatments, including respiratory disorders, colds, influenza, diarrhea, cramps, inflammation, palpitation, hypertension menopause, and post-menopausal symptoms. Its pharmacological properties and biological activities - among them antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antigenotoxic, and anti-obesity activity - were demonstrated in vitro and in vivo and are related to its rich content of bioactive compounds (mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, and terpenes) extracted from various parts of B. officinalis including leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots. This review summarizes all updated information on applied extraction processes, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of B. officinalis.

The Influence of Copper and Zinc on Photosynthesis and Phenolic Levels in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), Borage (Borago officinalis L.), Common Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.).

This work is aimed at relationships which govern zinc and copper uptake by four popular medicinal herbs: basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), common nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.). They are often grown in soils with significant copper or zinc levels. Herbs were cultivated by a pot method in controlled conditions. Manganese, iron, copper and zinc concentrations were determined by High-Resolution Continuum Source Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The efficiency of photosynthesis was estimated by measuring the chlorophyll content, water use efficiency, net photosynthesis, intercellular CO2, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. Phenolic compounds were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Analysis of variance showed that herbs grown in soil treated with copper exhibited a lower iron content in roots, while manganese behaved in the opposite way. The only exception was borage, where a decrease in the manganese content in roots was observed. Both copper and zinc supplementations increased the total content of phenolics, while the highest increases were observed for common nettle and basil. Peppermint and borage responded less to supplementation. In the majority of samples, zinc and copper did not significantly affect the photosynthesis. Herbal extracts from common nettle and basil had unique antioxidant properties and may be good free radical scavengers.

Phenolic Profile and Comparison of the Antioxidant, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Inflammatory, and Protective Activities of Borago officinalis Extracts on Skin Cells.

In this study, methanol and water-methanol extracts of borage (Borago officinalis) herb dried using various methods were analysed for their phenolic profile and biological activity. Twelve compounds, including flavonoids (astragalin, kaempferol 4-glucoside, rutoside, and vitexin) and phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic, ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, rosmarinic, and syringic), were determined qualitatively and quantitatively in B. officinalis extracts by the HPLC-DAD method. The highest total flavonoid content was confirmed for the methanol extract from the hot-air-dried herb, while the methanol extract from the air-dried herb was most abundant in phenolic acids. The results of in vitro tests on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (BJ) showed that the extracts were able to reduce the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species in skin cells. Tests performed to assess inhibition of protein denaturation, lipoxygenase activity, and proteinase activity demonstrated that borage extracts have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the methanol extract of the herb dried in a convection oven showed the strongest inhibition of both collagenase and elastase activity, which is indicative of anti-ageing properties. The results show that the borage extracts are a source of valuable bioactive compounds with beneficial properties in the context of skin cell protection.

The effect of Borago officinalis on the signaling pathway of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, TLR4 and some inflammatory cytokines in type II diabetic patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition in which the lungs become severely inflamed, causing the alveoli to constrict or fill with fluid, which prevents the lungs from functioning properly. This disease becomes more dangerous when it occurs in patients with diabetes. Because of the clinical condition of these patients, it is not possible to treat them with usual medicines. One of the best options for treating these people is to use herbs. Borage (Borago officinalis) is a medicinal herb that, in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, is also able to control blood sugar. Therefore, in the current study, the effect of borage oil was considered on the signaling pathway of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, TLR4, and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1? and IL-18) in type II diabetic patients with ARDS. For this purpose, 25 diabetic type II patients with ARDS were divided into three groups by ARDS Berlin Definition. Then, after providing the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, they were treated with 30 mg/day borage oil for seven days. The expression of NLRP3 and TLR4 genes (by Real-time PCR technique) and serum levels of IL-1? and IL-18 (by ELISA test) were evaluated before and after treatment with borage oil through blood samples taken from patients. The results showed that serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1? and IL-18), NLRP3 gene, and TLR4 gene were significantly decreased in diabetic type II patients with mild ARDS by treating with borage oil. IL-1? serum level and TLR4 were significantly decreased in diabetic type II patients with moderate ARDS. But there was not any significant decrease or increase in IL-1?, IL-18, NLRP3 gene, and TLR4 gene in diabetic type II patients with severe ARDS after 7 days of treatment with borage oil. According to the obtained results, borage oil can act as a double-edged blade. Thus, in the early and middle stages of ARDS, borage oil can be effective in reducing the inflammasome pathway of inflammation and also reduce blood sugar levels in these diabetic patients. But in the severe stage of ARDS, it not only does not help to treat the ARDS; it also increases systolic and diastolic blood pressure in diabetic patients.

Extraction of Anthocyanins from Borage (Echium amoenum) Flowers Using Choline Chloride and a Glycerol-Based, Deep Eutectic Solvent: Optimization, Antioxidant Activity, and In Vitro Bioavailability.

Borage flower (Echium amoenum), an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region, is an excellent source of anthocyanins and is widely used in various forms due to its biological activities. In the present study, a choline chloride and glycerol (CHGLY)-based natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) was applied in order to extract the anthocyanins from borage flowers. The traditional solvents, including water, methanol, and ethanol, were used to evaluate the efficiency of CHGLY. The results showed that CHGLY was highly efficient compared to the traditional solvents, providing the highest amounts of the total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), individual anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays). The most dominant anthocyanin found in studied borage was cyanidin-3-glucoside, followed by cyanin chloride, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, and pelargonidin-3-glucoside. The bioavailability % was 71.86 ± 0.47%, 77.29 ± 0.57%, 80.22 ± 0.65%, and 90.95 ± 1.01% for cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, by pelargonidin-3-glucoside and cyanin chloride, respectively. However, cyanidin-3-glucoside was the anthocyanin compound showing the highest stability (99.11 ± 1.66%) in the gastrointestinal environment. These results suggested that choline chloride and glycerol-based NADES is not only an efficient, eco-friendly solvent for the extraction of anthocyanins but can also be used to increase the bioavailability of anthocyanins.

Active biopolymer films based on furcellaran, whey protein isolate and Borago officinalis extract: characterization and application in smoked pork ham production.

BACKGROUND: The meat industry is determined to find biodegradable packaging with properties similar to plastic. Furcellaran (FUR) and whey protein isolate (WPI) were used as a film matrix in which Borago officinalis extract (BOE) was incorporated as an antioxidant compound. The film's mechanical properties, water behavior, surface color, and antioxidant power were analyzed.Smoked hams were manufactured using two different types of film application: cured meat covered with film, smoked and cooked or hamsafter smoking, cooking and cooling. Smoked, vacuum packed ham was used as a control sample. The products were stored at 4 °C for 21 days and analyzed every 7 days. RESULTS: The elongation at break (EAB) and tensile strength (TS) of FUR/WPI films without the extract were 6.30% and 20.59 MPa, respectively, and after incorporating BOE, the EAB and TS were 24.30% and 15.33 MPa, respectively. The films with BOE were darker and had greater antioxidant capacity. The water content and activity in the products with films decreased along with storage time while the control remained stable. The results of microbiological, oxidation product accumulation, and sensory analysis were comparable in all the products. CONCLUSIONS: The smoking time can be reduced due to the dark color of the hams covered with BOE film. The barrier properties of those films should be increased. Other parameters were comparable to plastic packaging. The films therefore have the potential to be used instead of plastic packaging in the meat industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Display stability of fresh and thawed lamb supplemented with vitamin E or sprayed with an antioxidant borage seed extract.

BACKGROUND: The commercialization of thawed lamb packaged in modified atmosphere and maintained on display could serve as an alternative capable of satisfying the requirements of both customers and distributors. However, previous studies have suggested that lipid oxidation may accelerate post-thawing because peroxidation occurs during frozen storage, thereby leading to rapid and severe secondary lipid oxidation. The addition of an antioxidant compound either in the lamb diet or in the packaged meat could resolve this problem. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effect of dietary vitamin E (1000 mg of dl-α-tocopheryl acetate per kg of basal diet) and the spraying of borage seed aqueous extract (10% p/v) on the quality of fresh and thawed lamb leg chops. RESULTS: Both borage extract and vitamin E improved colour (as measured via instrumental and visual assessment of colour) and lipid stability (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) of fresh and thawed lamb throughout display, although neither of them had any antimicrobial effect. Freezing/thawing accelerated bone marrow darkening and reduced redness but delayed microbial growth. CONCLUSION: Both of these antioxidant strategies would be very profitable for the preservation of lamb meat, allowing thawed meat packaged in a modified atmosphere to be commercialized. However, additional studies should be carried out to determine how bone darkening in thawed chops can be avoided. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Report: Comparison of qualitative, quantitative analysis and antioxidant potential between wild and cultivated Borago officinalis leaves from palestine.

Borago officinalis plant is an important plant of high medicinal and nutritional values. This study designed to evaluate antioxidant activity, screen the existence of phytogenic chemical compounds and to determine the total flavonoid and phenol contents of wild and cultivated Borago officinalis. Total flavonoid contents of the wild and cultivated Borago officinalis were determined by using rutin reference standard method and total phenols determined by using Folin Ciocalteu's method while antioxidant activity evaluated by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assay. Phytochemical analyses indicated the presence of carbohydrate, phenols, flavonoids, phytosteroids tannins and volatile oil. The total flavonoid content of the methanolic extract from the wild borage plant was 22.4mg RU/g this value was reduced to 13.1mg RU/g for the cultivated methanolic extract as well as the total phenols contents was dropped from 5.21mg GA/g to 2.37mg GA/g methanolic extracts. Total tannins content of the wild growing borage plant was 13.7mg GA/g methanolic extract. This value was higher in the cultivated borage with 21.33mg GA/g methanolic extract. The wild leaves extract had IC50 =6.3µg/mL for wild leaves extract was closer to IC50 value of Trolox (standard reference with high antioxidant activity), while the cultivated leaves extract had higher IC50= 8.7µg/mL which mean lower antioxidant activity than the wild growing one. The data of this study showed that the extracts of Borago officinalis possess antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. Variation was clear between wild and cultivated species, these findings propose that such plant extract could have a wide range of applications in both food and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, more research is necessary to investigate different cultural practices on the efficiency of borage plant.

Antioxidant evaluation for Urtica urens, Rumex cyprius and Borago officinalis edible wild plants in Palestine.

Natural plants products are one of the famous and commonly utilized remedies used in fighting diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate antioxidant activity of plants commonly used in Palestine (Urtica urens, Rumex cyprius and Borago officinalis). Free radical scavenging activity method was evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate. The result show that the overall antioxidant activity of Rumex cyprius was the highest among the plants, followed by Urtica urens, and Borago officinalis; respectively. The (IC(50)) values of the methanolic extracts were 29.70±0.60µg/ml, 5.07±0.49µg/ml, 39.92± 0.52 µg/ml for Urtica urens, Rumex cyprius and Borago officinalis respectively. The results of this study revealed that these edible plants have high antioxidant activity and therefore they can provide natural sources of antioxidants and can be useful in preventing various diseases including cancer. These exhibited properties propose that such plants extracts can possibly be used as natural preservatives in the food and pharmaceutical industries and further characterization of Rumex cyprius constituents is needed.

The protective effect of Borago Officinalis extract on amyloid ß (25-35)-induced long term potentiation disruption in the dentate gyrus of male rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) begins with impairment in synaptic functions before developing into later neurodegeneration and neural loss. In the present study we have examined the protective effects of Borago Officinalis (borage) extract on amyloid ß (Aß)--Induced long term potentiation (LTP) disruption in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Wistar male rats received intrahippocampal (IHP) injection of the Aß (25-35) and borage extract throughout gestation (100 mg/kg). LTP in perforant path- DG synapses was assessed using electrophysiology method and field excitatory post- synaptic potential (fEPSP) slope and population spike (PS) amplitude were measured by 400 Hz tetanization. Finally, the total thiol content of hippocampus was measured using colorimetric reaction based on the Ellman's method. The results showed that Aß (25-35) significantly decreased fEPSP slope and SP amplitude comparing with the control and sham group, whereas borage extract administration increased these parameters compared to the Aß group. Aß induced a remarkable decrease in total thiol content of hippocampus and borage prevented the decrease of the hippocampal total sulfhydryl (SH) groups. This data suggest that Aß (25-35) can effectively inhibit LTP in the granular cells of the DG in hippocampus, and borage supplementation reverse the synaptic plasticity in DG following Aß treatment and that borage consumption may lead to an improvement of AD-induced cognitive dysfunction.

In vivo and ex vivo evaluation of cosmetic properties of seedcakes.

The seedcakes are a potential source of natural bioactive substances: antioxidants, protein, and carbohydrates. Thus, they may scavenge free radicals and have an effect on the stratum corneum hydration and epidermal barrier function. The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vivo and ex vivo properties of emulsions with the seedcake extracts using the pH meter, corneometer, tewameter, methyl nicotinate model of micro-inflammation in human skin, and tape stripping of the stratum corneum. The in vivo and ex vivo studies showed that the emulsions with Oenothera biennis, Borago officinalis, and Nigella sativa seedcake extracts have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The 6-week topical application of the emulsions with the B. officinalis and N. sativa seedcakes significantly reduced skin irritation and influenced the improvement of the skin hydration and epidermal barrier function compared with placebo. The seedcakes due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities have potential application in anti-aging, moisturizing, mitigating, and protective cosmetics.

In vitro investigation of the potential health benefits of wild Mediterranean dietary plants as anti-obesity agents with α-amylase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities.

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of digestive enzymes is one of the most widely studied mechanisms used to determine the potential efficacy of natural products as anti-obesity agents. In vitro studies reported here were performed to evaluate the inhibitory activity of formulations of edible plants from Italy on amylase and lipase by monitoring the hydrolysis of nitrophenyl caprilate and the hydrolysis of glycoside bonds in digestible carbohydrate foods. RESULTS: The formulation obtained from Capparis sicula exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 0.53 mg mL(-1) ) while the Borago officinalis formulation exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on α-amylase (IC50 = 31.61 µg mL(-1) ). In order to characterise the extracts, high-performance thin-layer chromatography analysis of the formulations was performed, revealing the predominance of (±)-catechin in Mentha aquatica formulation, rutin in C. sicula, and caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid in Echium vulgare. CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicated that the extracts of C. sicula and B. officinalis could be good candidates for further studies to isolate pancreatic lipase and α-amylase inhibitors, respectively.

[Herbal remedies in depression--state of the art]. / Leki ziolowe w leczeniu depresji--aktualny stan wiedzy.

Recent decades have seen development of research and an increased interest in the psychopharmacology of natural remedies. More than 20 herbal remedies have been identified that may potentially be applied in medicine as antidepressive, anxiety relieving or sleep-inducing agents. Patients often prefer to take herbal remedies and often take them on their own, without consulting a physician. The aim of the study is to present the state of the art concerning the use of natural remedies in the treatment of depression. Following a literature review, 7 herbal remedies for which preclinical and clinical trials suggest their antidepressive influence have been identified: hypericum, lavender, borage, roseroot, chamomile, saffron and ginseng. For two of these, i.e. hypericum and saffron extracts, antidepressive effect in subjects with mild or moderate depression has been confirmed in controlled randomized clinical trials.

Ultrastructure and development of the floral nectary from Borago officinalis L. and phytochemical changes in its secretion.

Although Boraginaceae have been classified as good sources of nectar for many insects, little is still known about their nectar and nectaries. Thus, in the present contribution, we investigated the nectar production dynamics and chemistry in Borago officinalis L. (borage or starflower), together with its potential interaction capacity with pollinators. A peak of nectar secretion (∼5.1 µL per flower) was recorded at anthesis, to decrease linearly during the following 9 days. In addition, TEM and SEM analyses were performed to understand ultrastructure and morphological changes occurring in borage nectary before and after anthesis, but also after its secretory phase. Evidence suggested that nectar was transported by the apoplastic route (mainly from parenchyma to epidermis) and then released essentially by exocytotic processes, that is a granulocrine secretion. This theory was corroborated by monitoring the signal of complex polysaccharides and calcium, respectively, via Thiéry staining and ESI/EELS technique. After the secretory phase, nectary underwent degeneration, probably through autophagic events and/or senescence induction. Furthermore, nectar (Nec) and other flower structures (i.e., sepals, gynoecia with nectaries, and petals) from borage were characterized by spectrophotometry and HPLC-DAD, in terms of plant secondary metabolites, both at early (E-) and late (L-) phase from anthesis. The content of phytochemicals was quantified and discussed for all samples, highlighting potential biological roles of these compounds in the borage flower (e.g., antimicrobial, antioxidant, staining effects). Surprisingly, a high significant accumulation of flavonoids was registered in L-Nec, with respect to E-Nec, indicating that this phenomenon might be functional and able to hide molecular (e.g., defence against pathogens) and/or ecological (e.g., last call for pollinators) purposes. Indeed, it is known that these plant metabolites influence nectar palatability, encouraging the approach of specialist pollinators, deterring nectar robbers, and altering the behaviour of insects.

Methemoglobinemia induced by vegetable intake in infants in northern Spain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Acquired methemoglobinemia (MHb) induced in infants by intake of vegetables is a condition uncommonly reported in the literature. The purpose of the present study was to study new vegetables involved and other epidemiological risk factors. METHODS: Seventy-eight cases of diet-induced MHb seen in Pamplona from 1987 to 2010 are reported. Infant characteristics were collected, and a case-control study was conducted using as controls 78 age- and sex-matched infants selected at the same geographic area. Bivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to detect factors involved in MHb occurrence. Nitrate levels were tested in natural vegetables used to prepare purées. RESULTS: A clear relation was found between MHb and use of borage (Borago officinalis) (OR 5.2; 95% CI 1.1-24.6) and maybe chard (Beta vulgaris var cicla) (OR 2.0; 95% CI 0.4-8.7), time from preparation to use (OR 17.4, 95% CI 3.5-86.3 if the purée had been prepared 24-48 hours before and OR 24.9, 95% CI 3.3-187.6 if prepared >48 hours before), and breast-feeding (OR 10.4; 95% CI 1.9-57.2). Tests confirmed that vegetables with the highest nitrate levels were borage (n = 15), with mean nitrate levels of 3968 mg/kg, and chard (n = 17), with mean levels of 2811 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: The main associated factors were shown to be time from purée preparation to use (>24 hours), use of certain vegetables (borage and chard), and breast-feeding. Nitrate levels in both vegetables implicated as etiological factors in acquired MHb are high.

The effect of floral resources on parasitoid and host longevity: prospects for conservation biological control in strawberries.

The strawberry tortricid, Acleris comariana Lienig and Zeller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is an important pest in Danish strawberry production. Its most common parasitoid is Copidosoma aretas (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae). To identify selective flowering plants that could be used to increase functional biodiversity, the longevity of C. aretas and its host A. comariana was assessed on 5 flowering species: buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (Caryophyllales: Polygonaceae); borage, Borago officinalis L. (Boraginaceae); strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne (Rosales: Rosaceae); phacelia, Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham (Boraginaceae); and dill, Anethum graveolens L. (Apiales: Apiaceae). Dill was only tested with C. aretas. Sucrose and pollen served as positive controls, and pure water as a negative control. In a subsequent field experiment, A. comariana larval density was assessed at 1, 6, and 11 m distances from buckwheat flower strips in 3 fields. The proportion of field-collected larvae that were parasitized by C. aretas or fungi was assessed. Among the tested floral diets, buckwheat was superior for C. aretas, increasing its longevity by 1.4 times compared to water. Although buckwheat also increased longevity of A. comariana, its longevity and survival on buckwheat, borage, and strawberry was not significantly different, so buckwheat was chosen for field experiments. A. comariana densities in the 3 fields with sown buckwheat flower strips were 0.5, 4.0, and 8.3 larvae per m per row of strawberry respectively. Of the collected larvae, a total of 1%, 39%, and 65% were parasitized by C. aretas, respectively. The density of A. comariana and the proportion parasitized by C. aretas were highly significantly correlated. Distance from floral strips had no significant effect on either A. comariana larval density or on the proportion of individuals parasitized by C. aretas. Few other parasitoids emerged from collected larvae, and no larvae were infected by entomopathogenic fungi. Still, total A. comariana mortality was significantly affected by distance to flower strips, with the highest mortality near the flower strips. As no effect of buckwheat flower strips on C. aretas parasitism was found, the positive effect they had on A. comariana control stems from unknown mortality factors. As literature indicates that buckwheat for flower strips can augment a more complex suite of natural enemies, one such mortality factor could be a non-consumptive predator and/or parasitoid effect, but this requires further study. If confirmed, buckwheat may be utilized together with a selective food plant, once identified.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in borage (Borago officinalis): Comprehensive profiling and development of a validated LC-MS/MS method for quantification.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) from borage (Borago officinalis) consumed as herb and tea, may pose a food safety risk. Therefore, the European Union (EU) set maximum levels of PA in borage, among other foodstuffs, which are applicable since July 1st, 2022. Here, a comprehensive LC-MS/MS based profiling of PA and their N-oxides (PANO) in B. officinalis leaves is presented. Based on these results a targeted, quantitative LC-MS/MS method for the determination of individual PA/PANO present in borage was developed. Chromatographic separation was achieved for all PA/PANO detected in B. officinalis. An easy and fast extraction procedure was developed using a design of experiments approach (DOE). The most efficient extraction was achieved using 0.2% formic acid in 10% methanol at a temperature of 47.5 °C for 60 min. The final method was validated and showed good overall accuracy (recoveries 85-121%) and precision (RDS ≤11%). The method was applied to B. officinalis leave material, demonstrating its suitability for the intended purpose. In these borage samples, the acetylated forms, which are not regulated by EU, were among the quantitatively most relevant PA.

Evaluation of foliar application of selenium and flowering stages on selected properties of Iranian Borage as a medicinal plant.

Many of the active constituents of drug or medicines were originally derived from medicinal plants. Iranian Borage are still being used in regular basis. Selenium (Se) is an essential mineral nutrient for animal and human growth. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of (2, 4, 8 and 16 mg L-1) of as sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) and as sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) on some important properties of Iranian Borage in factorial based on Randomized Complete Block Design via four steps: 2 true leaves stage, ten leaves, 2 weeks and 1 week before flowering. The traits were evaluated during flowering period. Results showed that the highest shoot fresh and dry weight and shoot length, total alkaloid, essential oil percentage were obtained by 4 mg L-1 sodium selenate at the end of flowering. In addition, 4 mg L-1 sodium selenate concentration significantly improved flower yield (diameter, number, weight). The plants were treated with 8 mg L-1 sodium selenate, the higher total phenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, soluble sugars, root and fresh weight was seen at end of flowering. When the plants were sprayed with 4 mg L-1 sodium selenite higher total chlorophyll was observed at full of flowering. 16 mg L-1 sodium selenite released the maximum Se acclimation in the petals. 20 composites were discovered containing ɑ-Pinene (23.61%) with sodium selenate in 4 mg L-1. Generally, selenium sources significantly improved morpho-physiological and phytochemical.

Delta-6 desaturase from borage converts linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid in HEK293 cells.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3 n6) is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid of the omega-6 family and is found to be effective in prevention and/or treatment of various health problems. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of increasing γ-linolenic acid contents in mammalian cells using the delta-6 gene from Borago officinalis. The borage Δ6-desaturase gene (sDelta-6) was codon-optimized and introduced into HEK293 cells by lipofectin transfection. Co-expression of GFP with sDelta-6 and RT-PCR analysis indicated that sDelta-6 could be expressed in mammalian cells. Subsequently, the heterologous expression of borage Δ6-desaturase was evaluated by fatty acid analysis. Total cellular lipid analysis of transformed cells fed with linoleic acid (LA 18:2 n6) as a substrate showed that the expression of sDelta-6 resulted in an 228-483% (p<0.05) increase of GLA when compared with that in the control cells. The highest conversion efficiency of LA into GLA in sDelta-6(+) cells was 6.9 times higher than that in the control group (11.59% vs. 1.69%; p<0.05). Our present work demonstrated that the sDelta-6 gene from borage could be functionally expressed in mammalian cells, and could convert LA into GLA. Furthermore, this study may pave the way to generate transgenic livestock that can synthesise GLA.

Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography with evaporative light-scattering detection for the analysis of triacylglycerols in Borago officinalis.

An optimized 2-D liquid chromatography (LC×LC) set-up, based on the different selectivities of a silver ion (Ag) and a non-aqueous reversed phase (NARP), employed in the first (D1) and the second dimension (D2), respectively, in combination with evaporative light-scattering detection (ELSD), has been developed for the analysis of the triacylglycerol (TAG) fraction in a Borago officinalis oil. The 2-D set-up, thanks to the complementary separation selectivity provided by the two columns, allowed to distribute 78 TAGs throughout the 2-D LC retention plane otherwise unachievable by 1-D LC.