AMMI and GGE biplot analysis for genotype × environment interactions affecting the yield and quality characteristics of sugar beet.

Sugar beet, an important sugar crop, contributes significantly to the world's sugar production. However, genotype-environment interactions (GEI) often affect the quality characteristics of sugar beet. Hence, understanding the effects of GEI on sugar beet quality can aid in identifying high-quality genotypes that can adapt to different environments. Traditional variance analysis can only be used to examine the yield of a variety and not its specific adaptability to specific conditions. Therefore, more comprehensive analytical methods are required to evaluate the characteristics of the variety under specific environments. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype main effect and genotype × environment interaction (GGE) biplot models can be employed to comprehensively evaluate different varieties and address the drawbacks associated with a single evaluation method. Moreover, these models also allow us to explore new varieties more objectively and comprehensively. In this study, the adaptability and stability of 16 sugar beet varieties, in terms of yield and sugar content, were evaluated using AMMI and GGE biplot analysis in seven pilot projects undertaken in 2022. In the assessment of a small but significant proportion of the total GEI variance for the two qualitative traits (yield and sugar content), 80.58% of the variance was explained by the cumulative contribution of IPC1, IPC2, and IPC3. AMMI and GGE biplots clearly highlighted that KWS4207 (G3) exhibited high and stable quality. They also demonstrated that the experiments in Jalaid Banner (Inner Mongolia) (E7) were the most representative. Together, the results suggested that the comprehensive application of AMMI and GGE biplot analysis allowed for a more comprehensive, scientific, and effective evaluation of sugar beet varieties across different regions. The findings offer a theoretical basis for sugar beet breeding and could guide the rational design of experiments for testing new varieties of sugar beet.

Exploring the multifaceted effects of Ammi visnaga: subchronic toxicity, antioxidant capacity, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Ammi visnaga (A. visnaga) is an annual herb that has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments attributed to the presence of its bioactive compounds. The purpose of this study was to identify and examine the phytochemical properties of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. visnaga using in vitro and in vivo models. Our findings demonstrated that the extract contained a variety of beneficial components, including phenols, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, saponins, khellin, and visnagin. The total polyphenolic content and total flavonoid content were 23.26 mg/GAE/g dry weight and 13.26 mg/GAE/g dry weight, respectively. In vitro tests demonstrated that the extract possessed antioxidant properties as evidenced by the ability to scavenge free radicals, including DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide (NO), phosphomolybdate, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Further, the extract was found to inhibit hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced hemolysis. In a 90-d in vivo study, female Wistar rats were administered 1 g/kg of A. visnaga extract orally resulting in a significant increase in total white blood cell count. Although morphological changes were observed in the liver, no marked alterations were noted in kidneys and spleen. In a female Swiss albino mice model of acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, A. visnaga significantly inhibited extravasations of Evans blue at doses of 0.5 or 1 g/kg with inhibition percentages of 51 and 65%, respectively, blocking tissue necrosis. The extract also demonstrated potential immunomodulatory properties in mice by enhancing antibody production in response to antigens. In silico molecular docking studies demonstrated a strong affinity between khellin or visnagin and immunomodulatory proteins, NF-κB, p52, and TNF-α. These findings suggest that A. visnaga may be considered a beneficial antioxidant with immunomodulatory properties and might serve as a therapeutic agent to combat certain diseases.

Potential Antihypertensive Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Ammi visnaga and its Effect on ACE-2 in Rats.

AIMS: This work aimed to investigate the antihypertensive activity of Ammi visnaga. BACKGROUND: The aqueous extract of Ammi visnaga has traditionally been used to treat hypertension in Morocco. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of Ammi visnaga aqueous extract (AVAE) on arterial blood pressure, systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) in normotensive and hypertensive rats. In addition, the effect of the aqueous extract of Ammi visnaga on vasodilatation was assessed in isolated rat aortic rings with functional endothelium pre-contracted with epinephrine EP or KCl. METHODS: AVAE was obtained, and its antihypertensive ability was pharmacologically investigated in L-NAME hypertensive and normotensive rats. The rats received oral AVAE at two selected doses of 70 and 140 mg/kg for six hours (acute experiment) and seven days (sub-chronic). Thereafter, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated. Moreover, the vasorelaxant activity of AESA was performed in thoracic aortic ring rats. In addition, the mechanisms of action involved in the vasorelaxant effect were studied. RESULTS: AVAE lowered blood pressure only in L-Name-induced hypertensive rats. Furthermore, AVAE (0.375-1.375 mg/ml) showed a vasodilator effect in isolated aortic rats. In addition, not all of the medications used in our study were responsible for the signaling pathway. As a result, additional pharmaceuticals are required to confirm the mechanism of this signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of Ammi visnaga exerts an interesting antihypertensive activity, which could be mediated through its vasorelaxant activity. The study supports its use as a medicinal plant against hypertension in Morocco.

Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of essential oils from Moroccan medicinal plants: Mentha suaveolens, Lavandula stoechas, and Ammi visnaga.

Mentha suaveolens, Lavandula stoechas, and Ammi visnaga are widely used in Moroccan folk medicine against several pathological disorders, including diabetes and infectious diseases. This work was designed to determine the chemical profile of M. suaveolens (MSEO), L. stoechas (LSEO), and A. visnaga (AVEO) essential oils and assess their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects. The volatile components of LSEO, AVEO, and MSEO were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The in vitro antidiabetic activity was assessed using α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, while DPPH, FRAP, and ß-carotene/linoleic acid methods were used to determine the antioxidant capacity. The antimicrobial activities were investigated using disc diffusion and broth-microdilution assays. GC-MS investigation revealed that the main components were fenchone (29.77 %) and camphor (24.9 %) for LSEO, and linalool (38.29 %) for AVEO, while MSEO was mainly represented by piperitenone oxide (74.55 %). The results of the antimicrobial evaluation showed that all examined essential oils (EOs) had noticeable antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and yeast, especially Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis. The MIC, MBC, and MFC values were ranged from 0.015 % to 0.5 %. The MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios were less than or equal to 4.0 % (v/v), indicating their noticeable bactericidal and candidacidal efficacy. Moreover, the three EOs showed significant inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase (p < 0.05). It also exerted remarkable activity on FRAP, ß-carotene, and DPPH radicals. These findings demonstrated that the tested plants have promising biological activities, validating their ethnomedicinal value and providing potential applications as natural drugs.

Biochemical and phytochemical responses of Ammi visnaga L. (Apiaceae) callus culture elicited by SiO2 and graphene Oxide-SiO2 nanoparticles.

Ammi visnaga L. is an enriched medicinal plant with medicinally important compounds. Two types of nanoparticles (NPs) including silica (SiO2) and graphene oxide bound with SiO2 (GO-SiO2) NPs at different concentrations (0, 15, 25 mg L-1) were used as elicitors to investigate their effects on callus morphology, H2O2 content, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), and few antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in the callus cultures of A. visnaga. The effects of elicitation of both NPs on calli were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The 15 mg L-1 concentration of GO-SiO2 NPs produced the highest TPC (193.3 mg GAE g-1 FW), CAT (13.1 U mg-1 Protein), GPX (0.0089 U mg-1 Protein), and APX (0.079 U mg-1 Protein). Whereas, the maximum content of H2O2 (0.68 µmol g-1 FW), FRAP (0.0092 µmol mg-1), and TFC (62.27 mg QE g-1 FW) was observed at 25 mg L-1 and 15 mg L-1 of SiO2 NPs, respectively. Conclusively, in the callus culture of A. visnaga, the 15 mg L-1 concentration of GO-SiO2 NPs was the most suitable dosage for enhancing the enzymatic antioxidant activities (CAT, GPX, APX) and TPC, rather than SiO2 NPs.

Membrane reactor for production of biodiesel from nonedible seed oil of Trachyspermum ammi using heterogenous green nanocatalyst of manganese oxide.

Conventional homogeneous-based catalyzed transesterification for the production of biodiesel can be replaced with a membrane reactor that has an immobilized heterogeneous catalyst. Combining reaction with separation while utilizing membranes with a certain pore size might boost conversion process. this investigation to study the effectiveness of membrane reactor in combination with heterogeneous green nano catalysis of MnO2. Techniques such as XRD, EDX, FTIR, SEM, and TGA were used to characterize the synthesized MnO2 nano catalyst. The highest conversion of around 94% Trachyspermum ammi oil was obtained by MnO2. The optimum process variables for maximum conversion were catalyst loading of 0.26 (wt.%), 8:1 M ratio, 90 °C reaction temperature, and time 120 min. The green nano catalyst of MnO2 was reusable up to five cycles with minimum loss in conversion rate of about 75% in the fifth cycle. Nuclear magnetic resonance validated the synthesis of methyl esters. It was concluded that membrane reactor a promising technique to efficiently transesterify triglycerides into methyl esters and enable process intensification uses MnO2 as a catalyst.

Thymol in Trachyspermum ammi seed extract exhibits neuroprotection, learning, and memory enhancement in scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

Several reports have stated the neuroprotective and learning/memory effects of Tachyspermum ammi seed extract (TASE) and its principal component thymol; however, little is known about its underlying molecular mechanisms and neurogenesis potential. This study aimed to provide insights into TASE and a thymol-mediated multifactorial therapeutic approach in a scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model. TASE and thymol supplementation significantly reduced oxidative stress markers such as brain glutathione, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde in mouse whole brain homogenates. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha was significantly downregulated, whereas the elevation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (serine 9) enhanced learning and memory in the TASE- and thymol-treated groups. A significant reduction in the accumulation of Aß 1-42 peptides was observed in the brains of TASE- and thymol-treated mice. Furthermore, TASE and thymol significantly promoted adult neurogenesis, with increased doublecortin positive neurons in the subgranular and polymorphic zones of the dentate gyrus in treated-mice. Collectively, TASE and thymol could  potentially act as natural therapeutic agents for the treatment of  neurodegenerative disorders, such as  AD.

Effect of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) extract and gamma irradiation on the shelf-life extension of rohu (Labeo rohita) and seer (Scomberomorus guttatus) fish steaks during chilled storage.

Fishes are highly perishable, mainly stored and transported under frozen condition; however, they are mainly preferred as fresh or in chilled form for consumption because frozen storage compromises the texture quality and other sensory attributes. Shelf-life enhancement of rohu and seer fish steaks was studied using combination of ajwain extract (various concentrations) and γ-irradiation (various doses) under chilled storage (4 °C). These were analyzed periodically by microbiological, sensory, color and biochemical analyses during storage. Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed thymol as major component. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed the presence of nine phenolic compounds including thymol in ajwain extract. The best result was achieved when samples were dipped in 10 % ajwain extract with 2 kGy gamma irradiation dose. An extended shelf-life of 5 and 10 days in case of rohu and seer fish steaks were attained respectively using this combination. These results were confirmed by microbial, biochemical and sensory analyses. The present study thus promises potential application of the above protocol in fishery industry for good quality of fish and commercial benefits.

Green synthesis of nano-liposomes containing Bunium persicum and Trachyspermum ammi essential oils against Trichomonasvaginalis.

BACKGROUND: Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasitic flagellated protozoan, is one of the main non-viral sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Treatment options for trichomoniasis are limited to nitroimidazole compounds. However, resistance to these drugs has been reported, which requires the development of new anti-Trichomonas agents that confer suitable efficacy and less toxicity. METHODS: In the present work, we assessed the effectiveness of the liposomal system containing essential oils of Bunium persicum and Trachyspermum ammi against T. vaginalis in vitro. The chemical composition of B. persicum and T. ammi were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Liposomal vesicles were prepared with phosphatidylcholine) 70%) and cholesterol)30%) using the thin-film method. The essential oils of B. persicum and T. ammi were loaded into the liposomes using the inactive loading method. Liposomal vesicles were made for two plants separately. Their physicochemical features were tested using Zeta-Sizer, AFM and SEM. The anti-Trichomonas activity was determined after 12 and 24 h of parasite cultures in TYI-S-33 medium. RESULTS: After 12 and 24 h of administration, the IC50 of the B. persicum essential oil nano-liposomes induced 14.41 µg/mL and 45.19 µg/mL, respectively. The IC50 of T. ammi essential oil nano-liposomes induced 8.08 µg/mL and 25.81 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggested that nano-liposomes of the essential oils of B. persicum and T. ammi may be a promising alternative to current treatments for Trichomonas infection.

Khellin and visnagin in different organs of Ammi visnaga and Ammi majus.

Ammi visnaga and Ammi majus are plants that have long been used in traditional medicine. Nowadays, both herbs are commercially marketed as alternative medicines in different formulations. The main active ingredients of A. visnaga are known as khellin and visnagin. Information on the quantitative amounts of both bioactive substances in the different organs of the plant is lacking. This study aims to determine the amounts of these two active substances in the five organs of both plants from Turkey and provide information to the pharmaceutical industry. For this purpose, a fast and reliable micellar electrokinetic chromatography method was applied. It was found that Ammi visnaga, flowers, seeds, and leaves are good sources of both khellin and visnagin. Ammi majus only contains khellin in its seeds and flowers.

An Insight into Biochemical Characterization and Explorations of Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Cytotoxic, and Antidiabetic Activities by Trachyspermum ammi Nanosuspensions.

BACKGROUND: Trachyspermum ammi is a frequently utilized traditional medicinal plant renowned for its pharmacological attributes, particularly in the realm of treating infectious diseases. This current study aims to comprehensively assess the in vitro properties of freshly prepared nanosuspensions derived from Trachyspermum ammi extracts, with a focus on their cost-effective potential in various areas, including antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and antidiabetic activities. METHODS: Biochemical characterization of T. ammi nanosuspensions by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. RESULTS: HPLC analysis revealed the presence of kaempferol and sinapic acid in various amounts at 11.5 ppm and 12.3 ppm, respectively. FTIR analysis of T. ammi powder revealed the presence of alcohols and amines. The assessment of antioxidant activity was conducted using a DPPH scavenging assay, indicating that the nanosuspensions exhibited their highest free radical scavenging activity, reaching 14.9%. Nanosuspensions showed 3.75 ± 3.529.5% biofilm inhibition activity against Escherichia coli. The antidiabetic activity was accessed through antiglycation and α- amylase inhibition assays, while nanosuspension showed the maximum inhibition activity at 25.35 ± 0.912133% and 34.6 ± 1.3675%. Hemolytic activity was also evaluated, and T. ammi nanosuspension showed 22.73 ± 1.539% hemolysis. CONCLUSIONS: This nanotechnology approach has established a foundation to produce plant-based nanosuspensions, offering a promising avenue for the biopharmaceutical production of herbal nanomedicines. These nanosuspensions have the potential to enhance bioavailability and can serve as a viable alternative to synthetic formulations.

Thymol screening, phenolic contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Iranian populations of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (Apiaceae).

The seeds of Trachyspermum ammi were gathered at the ripening stage from different regions of Iran and grouped into 14 populations (P1-P14) accordingly. The essential oil (EO) extraction yielded in the 3.16-5% range. EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and 11 constituents were identified. Thymol (59.92-96.4%), p-cymene (0.55-21.15%), γ-terpinene (0.23-17.78%), and carvacrol (0.41-2.77%) were the major constituents. The highest contents of thymol and carvacrol were found in the Ghayen population (P2). Also, P2 and P8 (Estahban) had the highest value of total phenol (TPC) 43.2 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, and total flavonoids (TFC) 8.03 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g DW, respectively. P1 (Kalat) had the highest total coumarin (TCC) value (0.26 mg coumarin equivalent CE/g DW). Based on EO constituents, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis classified populations into two chemotypes of thymol/p-cymene/γ-terpinene and thymol/carvacrol. The highest positive correlation coefficient was between α-terpinene and limonene (0.96), while the highest negative correlation was between thymol and p-cymene (-0.984). The antioxidant activities of extracts and EOs were evaluated by phosphomolybdenum (total antioxidant capacity; TAC), diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH IC50), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Also, the antimicrobial activity of EOs was studied against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. P8 with high thymol, EO content (%v/w), TFC, and antibacterial and antioxidant activities is recommended but further studies are needed to confirm the chemotype introduction.

Isolation of Thymol from Trachyspermum ammi Fruits for Treatment of Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy in STZ-Induced Rats.

Terpenoids and phenols from Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) have reported some pharmacological actions. The objective of the work was to isolate the active constituent, its identification by spectroscopic techniques, and evaluation of the antidiabetic and neuroprotective activity from T. ammi on STZ Wistar rats. The dried fruits of T ammi were kept in a hydrodistillation apparatus to collect essential oil. The isolated fraction went through TLC, UV, FTIR, HPLC, HRMS, C13, and 1H NMR for characterization. Two dosage concentrations from the isolated compound were prepared as 10 and 20 mg/kg for treatment groups. The groups were tested for thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, writhing, grip strength, spontaneous locomotor test, neuromuscular coordination tests, and histopathological and lipid profile analysis. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg i.p.) and 12 weeks of treatment-induced diabetic neuropathy in Wistar rats. Biomarkers were evaluated to understand the neuropathic protection of thymol on STZ-treated Wistar rats. The biomarker studies (SOD, NO, LPO, Na+K+ATPase, and TNF-α) further confirmed thymol's diabetic neuropathy protective action. This study suggests that isolated compound thymol was antidiabetic and neuroprotective as it has shown controlled glucose levels defensive nerve damage in STZ Wistar rats. P < 0.05 level of significance was observed in the levels of endogenous biomarkers, fasting blood glucose levels, actophotometer response, and response latency in treated groups compared to the diabetic group, whereas P < 0.001 level of significance during lipid profile levels, thermal algesia, and neuromuscular comparison tests was noted in treated groups compared to the diabetic group.

Ultrasound-assisted nanoemulsion of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil and its constituent thymol on toxicity and biochemical aspect of Aedes aegypti.

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of yellow fever, chikungunya, Zika, and dengue worldwide and is managed by using chemical insecticides. Though effective, their indiscriminate use brings in associated problems on safety to non-target and the environment. This supports the use of plant-based essential oil (EO) formulations as they are safe to use with limited effect on non-target organisms. Quick volatility and degradation of EO are a hurdle in its use; the present study attempts to develop nanoemulsions (NE) of Trachyspermum ammi EO and its constituent thymol using Tween 80 as surfactant by ultrasonication method. The NE of EO had droplet size ranging from 65 ± 0.7 to 83 ± 0.09 nm and a poly dispersity index (PDI) value of 0.18 ± 0.003 to 0.20 ± 0.07 from 1 to 60 days of storage. The NE of thymol showed a droplet size ranging from 167 ± 1 to 230 ± 1 nm and PDI value of 0.30 ± 0.03 to 0.40 ± 0.008 from 1 to 60 days of storage. The droplet shape of both NEs appeared spherical under a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The larvicidal effect of NEs of EO and thymol was better than BEs (Bulk emulsion) of EO and thymol against Ae. aegypti. Among the NEs, thymol (LC50 34.89 ppm) had better larvicidal action than EO (LC50 46.73 ppm). Exposure to NEs of EO and thymol causes the shrinkage of the larval cuticle and inhibited the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in Ae. aegypti. Our findings show the enhanced effect of NEs over BEs which facilitate its use as an alternative control measure for Ae. aegypti.

Effect of green synthesized nano-titanium synthesized from Trachyspermum ammi extract on seed germination of Vigna radiate.

The current work investigates the conditional influence on Vigna radiate seed germination in vitro and in vivo using the green chemistry approach for the manufacture of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) from seed extract of Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi). Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the TiO2 NPs produced. The crystalline nature of TiO2 NP was revealed by XRD data, and TEM investigation revealed an irregularity in TiO2 NP shape with a size of 17.5 nm. UV absorbance at 315 nm for the TiO2 NPs was observed using Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The antioxidant potential of the synthesized nanoparticle was discovered to be good. In case of seed germination studies, six concentrations (25, 50 100, 150, 200, and 250 µg mL- 1) of TiO2 NPs were examined along with the control on Vigna radiata seeds. Germination parameters such as seed vigor index (SVI), germination percentage (GP), germination value (GV) root length (RL) and shoot length (SL) of the Vigna radiata seedlings were observed and results revealed that the green synthesized TiO2 NPs were significantly improved. The results indicated that the TiO2 NP affected the plant growth more specifically at lower concentration (50 µg mL-1) of TiO2 NPs. Overall, the findings of this present study stipulated that the green TiO2 NP production can enhance the growth of Vigna radiate under in vitro and in vivo conditions.

Plants Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine for the Management of Urolithiasis: A Review of Preclinical Evidence, Bioactive Compounds, and Molecular Mechanisms.

Urolithiasis (UL) involves the formation of stones in different parts of the urinary tract. UL is a health problem, and its prevalence has increased considerably in developing countries. Several regions use plants in traditional medicine as an alternative in the treatment or prevention of UL. Mexico has known about the role of traditional medicine in the management of urinary stones. Mexican traditional medicine uses plants such as Argemone mexicana L., Berberis trifoliata Hartw. ex Lindl., Costus mexicanus Liebm, Chenopodium album L., Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam., Eysenhardtia polystachya (Ortega) Sarg., Selaginella lepidophylla (Hook. & Grev.) Spring, and Taraxacum officinale L. These plants contain different bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, saponins, furanochromones, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which could be effective in preventing the process of stone formation. Evidence suggests that their beneficial effects might be associated with litholytic, antispasmodic, and diuretic activities, as well as an inhibitory effect on crystallization, nucleation, and aggregation of crystals. The molecular mechanisms involving these effects could be related to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Thus, the review aims to summarize the preclinical evidence, bioactive compounds, and molecular mechanisms of the plants used in Mexican traditional medicine for the management of UL.

Antifungal activity of Zinc nitrate derived nano Zno fungicide synthesized from Trachyspermum ammi to control fruit rot disease of grapefruit.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is a widely grown citrus and its fruit is affected by a variety of biotic and abiotic stress. Keeping in view the hazardous effects of synthetic fungicides, the recent trend is shifting towards safer and eco-friendly control of fruit diseases. The present study was aimed to diagnose the fruit rot disease of grapefruit and its control by using zinc oxide green nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Fruit rot symptoms were observed in various grapefruit growing sites of Pakistan. Diseased samples were collected, and the disease-causing pathogen was isolated. Following Koch's postulates, the isolated pathogen was identified as Rhizoctonia solani. For eco-friendly control of this disease, ZnO NPs were prepared in the seed extract of Trachyspermum ammi and characterized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of these NPs described the presence of stabilizing and reducing compounds such as phenols, aldehyde and vinyl ether, especially thymol (phenol). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed their crystalline nature and size (48.52 nm). Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis elaborated the presence of major elements in the samples, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the morphology of bio fabricated NPs. ZnO NPs exhibited very good anti-fungal activity and the most significant fungal growth inhibition was observed at 1.0 mg/ml concentration of green NPs, in vitro and in vivo. These findings described that the bioactive constituents of T. ammi seed extract can effectively reduce and stabilize ZnO NPs. It is a cost-effective method to successfully control the fruit rot disease of grapefruit.

Potential Anticancer Activity of the Furanocoumarin Derivative Xanthotoxin Isolated from Ammi majus L. Fruits: In Vitro and In Silico Studies.

Ammi majus L., an indigenous plant in Egypt, is widely used in traditional medicine due to its various pharmacological properties. We aimed to evaluate the anticancer properties of Ammi majus fruit methanol extract (AME) against liver cancer and to elucidate the active compound(s) and their mechanisms of action. Three fractions from AME (Hexane, CH2Cl2, and EtOAc) were tested for their anticancer activities against HepG2 cell line in vitro (cytotoxicity assay, cell cycle analysis, annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay, and autophagy efflux assay) and in silico (molecular docking). Among the AME fractions, CH2Cl2 fraction revealed the most potent cytotoxic activity. The structures of compounds isolated from the CH2Cl2 fraction were elucidated using 1H- and 13C-NMR and found that Compound 1 (xanthotoxin) has the strongest cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells (IC50 6.9 ± 1.07 µg/mL). Treating HepG2 cells with 6.9 µg/mL of xanthotoxin induced significant changes in the DNA-cell cycle (increases in apoptotic pre-G1 and G2/M phases and a decrease in the S-phase). Xanthotoxin induced significant increase in Annexin-V-positive HepG2 cells both at the early and late stages of apoptosis, as well as a significant decrease in autophagic flux in cancer compared with control cells. In silico analysis of xanthotoxin against the DNA-relaxing enzyme topoisomease II (PDB code: 3QX3) revealed strong interaction with the key amino acid Asp479 in a similar fashion to that of the co-crystallized inhibitor (etoposide), implying that xanthotoxin has a potential of a broad-spectrum anticancer activity. Our results indicate that xanthotoxin exhibits anticancer effects with good biocompatibility toward normal human cells. Further studies are needed to optimize its antitumor efficacy, toxicity, solubility, and pharmacokinetics.

Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Furanocoumarins from Ammi majus L.

Secondary metabolites have potential benefits to human being. They are used in the food, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. The secondary metabolite of furanocoumarins from different plant sources is essential in various skin-related ailments. Biologically, these chemicals are isolated from different plants in the Apiaceae, Fabaceae, Rutaceae and Moraceae families. Ammi majus L. is one of the most common plants in the family of Apiaceae with a large quantity of derivatives. The furanocoumarin derivatives defend the plant by fighting external enemies by Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR). Via suppressing or retarding microbial growth in infected parts, these derivatives, along with SAR, help to alleviate inflammation in the human body. Latest evidence of these compounds has been established in the treatment of cancer, but the mechanism that needs to be elaborated is not yet understood. Recent studies have shown that furanocoumarin derivatives bind to DNA base pairs and block DNA replication. This may be a potential pathway that helps to regulate the growth of cancerous cells. This article reflects on the pharmaceutical data of furanocoumarins and their different mechanisms in these cases.

Macroporous resin-assisted enrichment, characterizations, antioxidant and anticandidal potential of phytochemicals from Trachyspermum ammi.

Extract of de-oiled seeds of Trachyspermum ammi was purified using macroporous resins and the performance of three resins were evaluated to enrich major phytochemical component. A HPLC method has been developed to separate major phytochemical constituents in the crude (CTAE) and partially purified extracts (PTAE). Macroporous resin assisted enrichment and purification suggested XAD-16 as the most efficient (yield 29.8%) followed by XAD-7HP and Diaion HP-20. Concentrated PTAE was subjected to multiple preparative-TLC to afford three compounds, namely, rosmarinic acid-3-O-glucopyranoside (TA-1), kaempferol-(coumaroyl-glucosyl)-rhamnoside (TA-2) and quercetin-3-O-galactoside (TA-3). The structure of these compounds was elucidated from their corresponding spectroscopic characterizations in FT-IR, HR-MS, and partially by 1 H NMR. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined. Antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, CUPRAC assays indicated the highest antioxidant potential of CTAE. Among the compounds, TA-1 exhibited the highest scavenging activity in ABTS (IC50 33.41 µg/ml) and DPPH (IC50 69.23 µg/ml), however, relatively lower than CTAE. In vitro anti-candidal activity against virulent strains of Candida spp. revealed C. albicans 4718 as the most susceptible (23.9 µg/ml) to PTAE. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Seeds of Trachyspermum ammi has been extensively investigated for volatile aromatic components of the essential oil. However, the de-oiled seeds have rarely been exploited for potential bioactive phenolics. The present investigation envisaged possible utilization of the de-oiled Trachyspermum seeds for its phenolic constituents, which could be used as natural antioxidant with additional benefits of anticandidal properties. Indeed, macroporous resin assisted enrichment and purification of extracts of T. ammi seeds generate valuable reference compounds, rosmarinic acid-3-O-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-(coumaroyl glucosyl)-rhamnoside, and quercetin-3-O-galactoside.