Methyl jasmonate improves selenium tolerance via regulating ROS signalling, hormonal crosstalk and phenylpropanoid pathway in Plantago ovata.

Selenium (Se) toxicity is an emerging contaminant of global concern. It is known to cause oxidative stress, affecting plant growth and yield. Plantago ovata, a major cash crop known for its medicinal properties, is often cultivated in Se-contaminated soil. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) seed priming technique to mitigate Se-induced phytotoxicity. The results demonstrated that Se stress inhibited P. ovata growth, biomass and lowered chlorophyll content in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with 1 µM MeJA enhanced the antioxidant defence system via ROS signalling and upregulated key enzymes of phenylpropanoid pathway, PAL (1.9 times) and CHI (5.4 times) in comparison to control. Caffeic acid, Vanillic acid, Chlorogenic acid, Coumaric acid and Luteoloside were the most abundant polyphenols. Enzymatic antioxidants involved in ROS scavenging, such as CAT (up to 1.3 times) and GPOX (up to 1.4 times) were raised, while SOD (by 0.6 times) was reduced. There was an upregulation of growth-inducible hormones, IAA (up to 2.1 fold) and GA (up to 1.5 fold) whereas, the stress-responsive hormones ABA (by 0.6 fold) and SA (by 0.5 fold) were downregulated. The alleviation of Se toxicity was also evident from the decrease in H2O2 and MDA contents under MeJA treatment. These findings suggest that MeJA can effectively improve Se tolerance and nutraceutical value in P. ovata by modulating the phytohormone regulatory network, redox homeostasis and elicits accumulation of polyphenols. Therefore, MeJA seed priming could be an efficient way to enhance stress resilience and sustainable crop production.

Ultrasound-assisted ethanol/K2HPO4 aqueous two-phase extraction of polysaccharides from Plantago asiatica L. seeds: Process optimization, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activity.

INTRODUCTION: The seeds of Plantago asiatica L., a folk herb, are rich in polysaccharides that possess antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Polysaccharides with lower molecular weights generally exhibit higher biological activity, so a method to efficiently extract low-molecular-weight polysaccharides from P. asiatica L. seeds (PLPs) is needed. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to establish an efficient method for extracting polysaccharides from P. asiatica L. seeds while preserving their activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Response surface methodology was applied to determine the optimal polysaccharide extraction conditions. Subsequently, the extracted polysaccharides were characterized to determine their monosaccharide composition, physicochemical properties, and molecular weight. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring their ability to scavenge DPPH and ABTS free radicals. RESULTS: An extraction yield of 9.17% was achieved under an ethanol concentration of 18.0% (w/w), a K2HPO4 concentration of 27.8% (w/w), a solvent-to-material ratio of 30:1 (mL/g), an ultrasound power of 203 W, and an extraction time of 39 min. Structural analyses indicated that this method might cause physicochemical changes in the conformation of PLPs and induce the degradation of PLP side chains but not the backbone. The antioxidant assay results showed that the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates of PLPs were 48.3% and 49.2%, respectively, while in the control group the radical scavenging rates were 35.5% and 37.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The established method for extracting polysaccharides from P. asiatica L. seeds is efficient and reliable. The polysaccharides could be used as an important resource with antioxidant activity.

Effect of Plantago asiatica L. extract on the anagen phase in human hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

BACKGROUND: The hair growth cycle consists of the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases, and hair follicle dermal papilla (HDP) cells of human hair play a role in the initiation and maintenance of the anagen phase. Reduction in HDP cells contributes to hair loss; however, the limited treatment options are associated with negative side effects. Therefore, a naturally derived substance with hair loss-preventing properties is needed. AIM: We investigated the hair growth-stimulating activities of Plantago asiatica L. extract (PAE) and its molecular mechanism in HDP cells. METHODS: Cell proliferation was determined using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide solution. Relative mRNA and protein expression levels of hair growth factors were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Additionally, a tube formation assay was performed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). RESULTS: Plantago asiatica L. extract significantly increased the cell proliferation and expression of hair growth factors, including keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and MYC, in HDP cells. Moreover, PAE led to the accumulation of ß-catenin by promoting the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3ß) at Ser9 and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) at Ser133 via phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) (Thr202/Tyr204). PAE also increased tube formation in HUVECs, which promoted angiogenesis for the anagen phase. CONCLUSIONS: Plantago asiatica L. extract amplified tube formation and production of growth factors (KGF, VEGF) via the activation of GSK-3ß/ß-catenin and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/CREB signaling pathways, demonstrating its potential to safely promote hair growth by inducing the anagen phase.

Plantain-based diet decreases oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in the testes of rats exposed to atrazine.

Exposure to the herbicide atrazine (ATZ) has deleterious effects on male fertility. This fact underscores the need for measures to protect against the detrimental impact of atrazine exposure on male fertility. The study assessed the protective effects of plantain-based diet (PBD) on rat testes exposed to ATZ by exploring oxid-inflammatory homeostasis. The study evaluated the preventive and therapeutic effects of PBD in a two-phased experiment. Male rats were randomized into seven groups for therapeutic model (Control, ATZ only, ATZ recovery, ATZ + 50% PBD, ATZ + 25% PBD, ATZ + 12.5% PBD and ATZ + quercetin-QUE) while the preventive model had ten groups (Control, ATZ, 50% PBD + ATZ, 25% PBD + ATZ, 12.5% PBD + ATZ and QUE + ATZ). The oxidative stress parameters (DNA fragmentation and MDA level), purinergic activity (ATPase), acetylcholine esterase, and inflammatory markers (NO level, MPO activity, and TNF-α) were increased while the Nrf2 levels were decreased by the ATZ treatment. However, the PBD was able to restore the oxido-inflammatory parameters in the rat testes. The chemical fingerprint of the diet revealed that the diets contained 16 bioactive compounds with quercetin being the most prominent compound. Overall, treatment with PBD was able to protect and prevent the toxicity caused by ATZ by modulating the redox and inflammatory status as well as purinergic activity in the rat testes.

Effects of dietary Plantago ovata seed extract administration on growth performance and immune function of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerling exposed to ammonia toxicity.

Medicinal plants are powerful antioxidants which can improve well-being and suppress oxidative stress caused by environmental toxins in aquatic animals. In this regard, the present research was designed to show the potential effects of psyllium (Plantago ovata) seed extract (PSE) on the growth, and immune responses of common carp Cyprinus carpio exposed to acute ammonia toxicity. To perform the study, fish were fed with diets containing 0 (T0), 0.25 (T1), 0.5 (T2), and 1% (T3) PSE for 60 days, and then exposed to ammonia (0.5 mg L-1) for 3 h. The findings showed that fish given the T1 diet outperformed the T3 and control groups in terms of ultimate weight, weight increase, and food conversion ratio. Additionally, the T1 group showed a significantly higher level of total protein and serum lysozyme activity than the other treatment groups. Moreover, the highest serum total immunoglobulin values were recorded in T1 and T2 groups. The results showed that PSE, especially at moderate levels, could successfully upregulate the transcription of immune-related genes (IFN-γ, Hsp70, TNF-ɑ, IL-1ß, IL-10, and IgE) compared to the control group after exposure to ammonia. Furthermore, improving ammonia-induced down regulations of antioxidant-related gene expressions (CYP1A, SOD, and GPX) was observed in fish fed with PSE-included diets compared to the control one. However, PSE-supplemented diets did not affect the mRNA expression level of CAT. Regarding tight junction-associated genes, the higher mRNA expression level of occludin was observed in the T1 group, whereas the downregulation of CLD3 gene occurred in all experimental groups. Conversely, significant upregulation of osmoregulation-associated gene (NKA) was recorded in all experimental groups compared to the control one. Therefore, the administration of PSE (0.25% of the diet) for 60 days is recommended to increase growth performance, improve health, and increase the resistance of common carp to oxidative stress caused by ammonia.

Diet supplemented with boiled unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) exhibited antidiabetic potentials in streptozotocin-induced Wistar rats.

The ameliorating effect and antidiabetic properties of diets augmented with boiled unripe plantain (20%-40%) in high fat fed/low dose of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats in comparison with the administration of acarbose were evaluated in this study using standard methods. High fat fed/low dose of streptozotocin (25 mg/kg body weight) was given to twenty-five male Wistar rats to induce diabetes leaving out 5 normal rats to serve as control. The animals were separated into five with six rats in each group and the experiment continued for 14 days. Investigations on the blood glucose concentration, enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, angiotensin I converting enzyme), thiobarbituric reaction substance (TBARS), High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), and antioxidant status were determined. The findings revealed a rise in blood glucose level and the activities of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, angiotensin I converting enzyme, thiobarbituric reaction substance (TBARS) in untreated diabetic rats in group II while a reverse was observed in diabetic rats (Group IV and V) on exposure to diets augmented with boiled unripe plantain. The obtained overall results in diet treated groups are similar to that of acarbose treated groups. The untreated diabetic rats (Group II) exhibited contrary results of the biochemical assays. This finding showed that boiled unripe plantain can provide the therapeutic measures that needed to be further explored as possible future economic means of managing diabetes in developing nations. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: As diabetes has been implicated to disrupt various pathways involved in the metabolism of macromolecules, there are proposed adoptive methods of preventing them among which is the inhibition of starch hydrolyzing enzymes, increasing the enzymatic antioxidant status and prevention of lipid peroxidation, Plantain by-product which is known as an inexpensive food can be prepared to manage the condition of diabetes in patients. Our former in vitro findings have revealed the bioactive contents of unripe plantain product which has been further explored in vivo to experiment is nutritional benefits. The study therefore proposes that unripe plantains, when boiled, can provide the necessary natural therapeutic measures to be considered as a potential economic means of managing diabetes in underdeveloped countries.

Isolation of Some Phenolic Compounds from Plantago subulata L. and Determination of Their Antidiabetic, Anticholinesterase, Antiepileptic and Antioxidant Activity.

In the current study, some phenolic compounds, including acteoside, isoacteoside, echinacoside, and arenarioside purified and characterized from Plantago subulata. These compounds were tested for its antioxidant potential, including Fe3+ and Cu2+ reductive ability and Fe2+ chelating effects. The inhibitory effects of isolated phenolic compounds were tested towards human carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCA I and hCA II), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) acetylcholinesterase (AChE), aldose reductase (AR) and α-glycosidase (α-gly). Ki values were found these compounds in range of 0.24±0.05-1.38±0.34 µM against hCA I, 0.194±0.018-1.03±0.06 µM against hCA II, 0.043±0.01-0.154±0.02 µM against AChE, 3.92±1.08-11.93±4.45 µM against BChE, 0.082±0.0008-1.68±0.42 µM against AR, and 6.93±2.74-17.17±6.70 µM against α-glycosidase. As a result, isolated compounds displayed inhibition effects against studied all metabolic enzymes. They are promising candidates for treating disorders like Alzheimer's disease, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, leukemia, and epilepsy.

From fruit growth to ripening in plantain: a careful balance between carbohydrate synthesis and breakdown.

In this study, we aimed to investigate for the first time different fruit development stages in plantain banana in order gain insights into the order of appearance and dominance of specific enzymes and fluxes. We examined fruit development in two plantain banana cultivars during the period between 2-12 weeks after bunch emergence using high-throughput proteomics, quantification of major metabolites, and analyses of metabolic fluxes. Starch synthesis and breakdown are processes that take place simultaneously. During the first 10 weeks fruits accumulated up to 48% of their dry weight as starch, and glucose 6-phosphate and fructose were important precursors. We found a unique amyloplast transporter and hypothesize that it facilitates the import of fructose. We identified an invertase originating from the Musa balbisiana genome that would enable carbon flow back to growth and starch synthesis and maintain a high starch content even during ripening. Enzymes associated with the initiation of ripening were involved in ethylene and auxin metabolism, starch breakdown, pulp softening, and ascorbate biosynthesis. The initiation of ripening was cultivar specific, with faster initiation being particularly linked to the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase and 4-alpha glucanotransferase disproportionating enzymes. Information of this kind is fundamental to determining the optimal time for picking the fruit in order to reduce post-harvest losses, and has potential applications for breeding to improve fruit quality.

Sequential steps of the incorporation of bioactive plant extracts from wild Italian Plantago coronopus L. and Cichorium intybus L. leaves in fresh egg pasta.

The application of bioactive extracts from Cichorium intybus L. and Plantago coronopus L. species were incorporated as a functional ingredient in fresh egg pasta (Fettuccine). In that sense, a pasta making procedure was accessed using different concentrations of the plant extracts (0.25-0.63 mg/g), drying times (20-420 min) and drying temperatures (40-90 °C; only for P. coronopus enriched pasta), to screen an optimal factor selection in the pasta making procedure and to enhance the bioactive properties of the final product. In the chemical characterisation of the plant extracts, twenty-five phenolic compounds were tentatively identified (twenty compounds belonging to phenolic acid and phenylpropanoid classes and five belonging to the flavonoid sub-class) and a strong synergy between the plant extract concentration and the drying time was showed. The analysed antioxidant properties were enhanced by the phenolic compounds of the extracts and a new functional food with higher bioactive quality was developed.

Comparative transcriptome mining for terpenoid biosynthetic pathway genes in wild and cultivated species of Plantago.

Plantagos are important economical and medicinal plants that possess several bioactive secondary metabolites, such as phenolics, iridoids, triterpenes, and alkaloids. Triterpenoids are the ubiquitous and dynamic secondary metabolites that are deployed by plants for chemical interactions and protection under biotic/abiotic stress. Plantago ovata, a cultivated species, is the source of psyllium, while Plantago major, a wild species, has significant therapeutic potential. Wild species are considered more tolerant to stressful conditions in comparison to their cultivated allies. In view of this, the present study aimed to decipher the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway operative in P. ovata and P. major using a comparative transcriptomics approach. Majority of terpenoid biosynthetic genes were observed as upregulated in P. major including rate limiting genes of MVA (HMGR) and MEP (DXR) pathways and genes (α-AS, BAS, SM, and CYP716) involved in ursolic acid biosynthesis, an important triterpenoid prevalent in Plantago species. The HPLC output further confirmed the higher concentration of ursolic acid in P. major as compared to P. ovata leaf samples, respectively. In addition to terpenoid biosynthesis, KEGG annotation revealed the involvement of differentially expressed unigenes in several metabolic pathways, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, biosynthesis of antibiotics, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. MYB was found as the most abundant transcription factor family in Plantago transcriptome. We have been able to generate valuable information which can help in improving terpenoid production in Plantago. Additionally, the present study has laid a strong foundation for deciphering other important metabolic pathways in Plantago.

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza on Primary Metabolites in Phloem Exudates of Plantago major and Poa annua and on a Generalist Aphid.

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), i.e., the interaction of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), often influences plant growth, physiology, and metabolism. Effects of AM on the metabolic composition of plant phloem sap may affect aphids. We investigated the impacts of AM on primary metabolites in phloem exudates of the plant species Plantago major and Poa annua and on the aphid Myzus persicae. Plants were grown without or with a generalist AMF species, leaf phloem exudates were collected, and primary metabolites were measured. Additionally, the performance of M. persicae on control and mycorrhizal plants of both species was assessed. While the plant species differed largely in the relative proportions of primary metabolites in their phloem exudates, metabolic effects of AM were less pronounced. Slightly higher proportions of sucrose and shifts in proportions of some amino acids in mycorrhizal plants indicated changes in phloem upload and resource allocation patterns within the plants. Aphids showed a higher performance on P. annua than on P. major. AM negatively affected the survival of aphids on P. major, whereas positive effects of AM were found on P. annua in a subsequent generation. Next to other factors, the metabolic composition of the phloem exudates may partly explain these findings.

Tissue-Specific Accumulation and Isomerization of Valuable Phenylethanoid Glycosides from Plantago and Forsythia Plants.

A comparative phytochemical study on the phenylethanoid glycoside (PhEG) composition of the underground organs of three Plantago species (P. lanceolata, P. major, and P. media) and that of the fruit wall and seed parts of Forsythia suspensa and F. europaea fruits was performed. The leaves of these Forsythia species and six cultivars of the hybrid F. × intermedia were also analyzed, demonstrating the tissue-specific accumulation and decomposition of PhEGs. Our analyses confirmed the significance of selected tissues as new and abundant sources of these valuable natural compounds. The optimized heat treatment of tissues containing high amounts of the PhEG plantamajoside (PM) or forsythoside A (FA), which was performed in distilled water, resulted in their characteristic isomerizations. In addition to PM and FA, high amounts of the isomerization products could also be isolated after heat treatment. The isomerization mechanisms were elucidated by molecular modeling, and the structures of PhEGs were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) techniques, also confirming the possibility of discriminating regioisomeric PhEGs by tandem MS. The PhEGs showed no cytostatic activity in non-human primate Vero E6 cells, supporting their safe use as natural medicines and allowing their antiviral potency to be tested.

Plant Seed Mucilage as a Glue: Adhesive Properties of Hydrated and Dried-in-Contact Seed Mucilage of Five Plant Species.

Seed and fruit mucilage is composed of three types of polysaccharides-pectins, cellulose, and hemicelluloses-and demonstrates adhesive properties after hydration. One of the important functions of the mucilage is to enable seeds to attach to diverse natural surfaces. Due to its adhesive properties, which increase during dehydration, the diaspore can be anchored to the substrate (soil) or attached to an animal's body and dispersed over varied distances. After complete desiccation, the mucilage envelope forms a thin transparent layer around the diaspore creating a strong bond to the substrate. In the present study, we examined the mucilaginous seeds of six different plant taxa (from genera Linum, Lepidium, Ocimum, Salvia and Plantago) and addressed two main questions: (1) How strong is the adhesive bond of the dried mucilage envelope? and (2) What are the differences in adhesion between different mucilage types? Generally, the dried mucilage envelope revealed strong adhesive properties. Some differences between mucilage types were observed, particularly in relation to adhesive force (Fad) whose maximal values varied from 0.58 to 6.22 N. The highest adhesion force was revealed in the cellulose mucilage of Ocimum basilicum. However, mucilage lacking cellulose fibrils, such as that of Plantago ovata, also demonstrated high values of adhesion force with a maximum close to 5.74 N. The adhesion strength, calculated as force per unit contact area (Fad/A0), was comparable between studied taxa. Obtained results demonstrated (1) that the strength of mucilage adhesive bonds strongly surpasses the requirements necessary for epizoochory and (2) that seed mucilage has a high potential as a nontoxic, natural substance that can be used in water-based glues.

Preference, performance, and chemical defense in an endangered butterfly using novel and ancestral host plants.

Adoption of novel host plants by herbivorous insects can require new adaptations and may entail loss of adaptation to ancestral hosts. We examined relationships between an endangered subspecies of the butterfly Euphydryas editha (Taylor's checkerspot) and three host plant species. Two of the hosts (Castilleja hispida, Castilleja levisecta) were used ancestrally while the other, Plantago lanceolata, is exotic and was adopted more recently. We measured oviposition preference, neonate preference, larval growth, and secondary chemical uptake on all three hosts. Adult females readily laid eggs on all hosts but favored Plantago and tended to avoid C. levisecta. Oviposition preference changed over time. Neonates had no preference among host species, but consistently chose bracts over leaves within both Castilleja species. Larvae developed successfully on all species and grew to similar size on all of them unless they ate only Castilleja leaves (rather than bracts) which limited their growth. Diet strongly influenced secondary chemical uptake by larvae. Larvae that ate Plantago or C. hispida leaves contained the highest concentrations of iridoid glycosides, and iridoid glycoside composition varied with host species and tissue type. Despite having largely switched to a novel exotic host and generally performing better on it, this population has retained breadth in preference and ability to use other hosts.

Directly quantifying multiple interacting influences on plant competition.

When plants compete what influences that interaction? To answer this we measured belowground competition directly, as the simultaneous capture of soil ammonium and nitrate by co-existing herbaceous perennials, Dactylis glomerata and Plantago lanceolata, under the influence of: species identity; N uptake and biomass of focal and neighbour plants; location (benign lowland versus harsher upland site); N availability (low or high N fertilizer); N ion, ammonium or nitrate production (mineralisation) rate, and competition type (intra- or interspecific), as direct effects or pairwise interactions in linear models. We also measured biomass as an indirect proxy for competition. Only three factors influenced both competitive N uptake and biomass production: focal species identity, N ion and the interaction between N ion and neighbour N uptake. Location had little effect on N uptake but a strong influence on biomass production. N uptake increased linearly with biomass only in isolated plants. Our results support the view that measuring resource capture or biomass production tells you different things about how competitors interact with one another and their environment, and that biomass is a longer-term integrative proxy for the outcomes of multiple separate interactions-such as competition for N-occurring between plants.

Metabolic profiling and scavenging activities of developing circumscissile fruit of psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk.) reveal variation in primary and secondary metabolites.

BACKGROUND: Developing fruit is considered as an excellent model to study the complex network of metabolites which are altered rapidly during development. RESULTS: Metabolomics revealed that developing psyllium fruit is a rich source of primary metabolites (ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and amino-acids), secondary metabolites and natural antioxidants. Eidonomy and anatomy confirmed that psyllium fruit followed five stages of development. Total lipids and fatty acids were synthesized differentially; saturated fatty acids (FAs) increased, whereas total polyunsaturated FAs decreased with increasing developmental stage. The unsaturation index and degree of unsaturation showed a catenary curve. Principal component analysis confirmed a significant shift in the FA profile from bud initiation to the maturation stage. Similarly, a similar level of total amino acids was present at different developmental stage following a temporal biosynthesis pathway. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents decreased in tandem with fruit development. Twenty-two different metabolites were identified, and metabolic changes were also observed during fruit development. Six metabolites were detected exclusively in the flowering stage, whereas two were detected in each of early and maturity stages of development. The metabolites apigenin and kaempferol were detected ubiquitously in all developmental stages. Time-dependent metabolomics revealed a shift in metabolite biosynthesis. CONCLUSION: During fruit development, metabolites, FAs, amino acids, total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidants and scavenging activities changed progressively and were co-ordinately linked to each other. As a future perspective, further studies will focus on the validation of identified metabolites, which integrated with transcriptomics data and will reveal the metabolic regulatory network of development psyllium fruit.

Geochemical (soil) and phylogenetic (plant taxa) factors affecting accumulation of macro- and trace elements in three natural plant species.

A field study was carried out to estimate the variations in the concentrations of macro- and trace elements in the rhizosphere soil and in roots and leaves of three widely distributed plant species-couch grass, plantain, and yarrow collected simultaneously from two sites characterized by different soil parameters. Main attention was paid to environmental (soil characteristics) and phylogenetic (plant species) factors that can influence on the concentrations of different elements in the plants and in soils. Both the factors cannot be considered as independent, although their contribution to the plant elemental composition may be different. There were statistically significant differences between concentrations of C, N, and H and 13 macro- and trace elements in the soils collected from the two sites. The concentrations of many chemical elements in the rhizosphere soil of the three plant species collected from the same site were often different. The differences in the characteristics of the soils at the sites resulted in differences between the concentrations of several elements in the plants growing at the sites. However, this was only one of the reasons of significant difference between the concentrations of macro- and trace elements in the same plant species collected from the sites. Couch grass, plantain, and yarrow had different reactions on the soil characteristics. The elemental composition of each plant species was unique although they grew at the same place and were collected simultaneously. Among the plants, yarrow was more tolerant to varying environmental conditions than plantain and couch grass.

Response of Plantago major to cesium and strontium in hydroponics: Absorption and effects on morphology, physiology and photosynthesis.

Human activities lead to increasing concentration of the stable elements cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) and their radioactive isotopes in the food chain, where plants play an important part. Here we investigated Plantago major under the influence of long-term exposure to stable Cs and Sr. The plants were cultivated hydroponically in different concentrations of cesium sulfate (between 0.002 and 20 mM) and strontium nitrate (between 0.001 and 100 mM). Uptake of Cs and Sr into leaves was analyzed from extracts by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was increased with increasing external Cs and Sr concentrations. However, the efficiency of Cs and Sr transfer from solution to plants was higher for low external concentrations. Highest transfer factors were 6.78 for Cs and 71.13 for Sr. Accumulation of Sr was accompanied by a slight decrease of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) in leaves, whereas the presence of Cs in the medium affected only uptake of K. The toxic effects of Cs and Sr were estimated from photosynthetic reactions and plant growth. In leaves, Cs and Sr affected the chlorophyll fluorescence even at their low concentrations. Low and high concentrations of both ions reduced dry weight and length of roots and leaves. The distribution of the elements between the different tissues of leaves and roots was investigated using Energy Dispersive X-Ray microanalysis (EDX) with scanning electron microscope (SEM). Overall, observations suggested differential patterns in accumulating Cs and Sr within the roots and leaves. When present in higher concentrations the amount of Cs and Sr transferred from environment to plants was sufficient to affect some physiological processes. The experimental model showed a potential for P. major to study the influence of radioactive contaminants and their removal from hotspots.

The uptake, effects and biotransformation of monepantel in meadow plants used as a livestock feed.

Drugs are potentially dangerous environmental contaminants, as they are designed to have biological effects at low concentrations. Monepantel (MOP), an amino-acetonitrile derivative, is frequently used veterinary anthelmintics, but information about MOP environmental circulation and impact is almost non-existent. We studied the phytotoxicity, uptake and biotransformation of MOP in two fodder plants, Plantago lanceolata and Medicago sativa. The seeds and whole plant regenerants were cultivated with MOP. The plant roots and the leaves were collected after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks of cultivation. The lengths of roots and proline concentrations in the roots and leaves were measured to evaluate MOP phytotoxicity. The UHPLC-MS/MS technique with a Q-TOF mass analyser was used for the identification and semi-quantification of MOP and its metabolites. Our results showed no phytotoxicity of MOP. However, both plants were able to uptake, transport and metabolize MOP. Comparing both plants, the uptake of MOP was much more extensive in Medicago sativa (almost 10-times) than in Plantago lanceolate. Moreover, 9 various metabolites of MOP were detected in Medicago sativa, while only 7 MOP metabolites were found in Plantago lanceolata. Based on metabolites structures, scheme of the metabolic pathways of MOP in both plants was proposed. MOP and its main metabolite (MOP sulfone), both anthelmintically active, were present not only in roots but also in leaves that can be consumed by animals. This indicates the potential for undesirable circulation of MOP in the environment, which could lead to many pharmacological and toxicological consequences.