Oenothera biennis with strong copper toxicity resistance enriches trace copper in seeds under copper pollution soil.

Excess copper (Cu) imparts negative effects on plant growth and productivity in soil. To develop the ability of O. biennis to govern pollution soil containing excessive Cu, we investigated seed germination, seedling growth, and seed yield. Furthermore, Cu content and the expression levels of Cu transport related genes in different tissues were measured under exogenous high concentration Cu. O. biennis seeds were sensitive to excess Cu, with an observed reduction in the germination rate, primary root length, fresh weight, and number of seeds germinated daily. Consecutive Cu stress did not cause fatal damage to evening primrose, yet it slowed down plant growth slightly by reducing the leaf water, chlorophyll, plant yield, and seed oil contents while increasing the soluble sugar, proline, malondialdehyde, and H2O2 contents. The Cu content in different organs of O. biennis was disrupted by excess Cu. In particular, the Cu content in O. biennis seeds and seed oil increased and subsequently decreased with the increase of exogenous Cu, reaching a peak under 600 mg·kg-1 consecutive Cu. Furthermore, the 4-month 900 mg·kg-1 Cu treatment did not induce the excessive accumulation of Cu in peels, seeds, and seed oil, maintaining the Cu content within the range required by the Chinese National Food Safety Standards. The treatment also resulted in an upregulation of Cu-uptake (ObCOPT5, ObZIP4, and ObYSL2) and vigorous efflux (ObHMA1) of transport genes, of which expression levels were significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the Cu content. Among all organs, the stem replaced the root as the organ exhibited the greatest ability to absorb and store Cu, and even the Cu transport genes could still function continuously in stem under excess Cu. This work identified a species that can tolerate high Cu content in soil while maintaining a high yield. Furthermore, the results revealed the enrichment of Cu to occur primarily in the O. biennis stem rather than the seeds and peel under excess Cu.

The effect of Oenothera biennis (Evening primrose) oil on inflammatory diseases: a systematic review of clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Evening primrose oil (EPO), extracted from the seeds of Oenothera biennis, has gained attention for its therapeutic effects in various inflammatory conditions. METHOD: We performed a systematic search in multiple databases and defined the inclusion criteria based on the following PICOs: P: Patients with a form of inflammatory condition, I: EPO, C: Placebo or other therapeutic interventions, O: changes in inflammatory markers or patients' symptoms; S: randomized controlled trials. The quality of the RCTs was evaluated using Cochrane's RoB tool. RESULTS: Several conditions were investigated in the literature. In rheumatoid arthritis, mixed results were observed, with some studies reporting significant improvements in symptoms while others found no significant impact. EPO showed some results in diabetes mellitus, atopic eczema, menopausal hot flashes, and mastalgia. However, it did not demonstrate effectiveness in chronic hand dermatitis, tardive dyskinesia, psoriatic arthritis, cystic fibrosis, hepatitis B, premenstrual syndrome, contact lens-associated dry eyes, acne vulgaris, breast cyst, pre-eclampsia, psoriasis, or primary Sjogren's syndrome. Some results were reported from multiple sclerosis after EPO consumption. Studies in healthy volunteers indicated no significant effect of EPO on epidermal atrophy, nevertheless, positive effects on the skin regarding hydration and barrier function were achieved. CONCLUSION: Some evidence regarding the potential benefits of EPO in inflammatory disorders were reported however caution is due to the limitations of the current survey. Overall, contemporary literature is highly heterogeneous and fails to provide strong recommendations regarding the efficacy of EPO on inflammatory disorders. Further high-quality studies are necessitated to draw more definite conclusions and establish O. biennis oil effectiveness as an assuring treatment option in alleviating inflammatory conditions.

Identification of tyrosinase inhibitors in defatted seeds of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.) by affinity-labeled molecular networking.

The defatted seeds of evening primrose (DE), a by-product of evening primrose oil extraction, are currently underutilized. This study aimed to valorize DE by examining its effects on melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity in zebrafish embryos and in vitro, and an innovative affinity-labeled molecular networking workflow was proposed for the rapid identification of tyrosinase inhibitors in DE. Our results indicated DE significantly reduced melanin content (53.3 % at 100 µg/mL) and tyrosinse activity (80.05 % for monophenolase and 70.40 % for diphenolase at 100 µg/mL). Furthermore, through the affinity-labeled molecular networking approach, 20 compounds were identified as potential tyrosinase inhibitors within DE, predominantly flavonoids and tannins characterized by catechin and galloyl substructures. Seven of these compounds were isolated and their inhibitory effects on tyrosinase were validated using functional assays. This study not only underscores the potential of DE as a rich source of natural tyrosinase inhibitors but also establishes the effectiveness of affinity-labeled molecular networking in pinpointing bioactive compounds in complex biological matrices.

Uncovering the colorectal cancer immunotherapeutic potential: Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) root extract and its active compound oenothein B targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors, a novel class of immunotherapy drugs, represents a major breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy, substantially improving patient survival post-treatment. Blocking programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed death protein-1 (PD-1) has demonstrated promising clinical results in various human cancer types. The US FDA has recently permitted only monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based PD-L1 or PD-1 blockers. Although these antibodies exhibit high antitumor efficacy, their size- and affinity-induced side effects limit their applicability. PURPOSE: As small-molecule-based PD-1/PD-L1 blockers capable of reducing the side effects of antibody therapies are needed, this study focuses on exploring natural ingredient-based small molecules that can target hPD-L1/PD-1 using herbal medicines and their components. METHODS: The antitumor potential of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) root extract (EPRE), a globally utilized traditional herbal medicine, folk remedy, and functional food, was explored. A coculture system was established using human PD-L1-expressed murine MC38 cells (hPD-L1-MC38s) and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (CD8+ TILs) expressing humanized PD-1. The in vivo experiments utilized a colorectal cancer (CRC) C57BL/6 J mouse model bearing MC38 cells expressing humanized PD-L1 and PD-1 proteins. RESULTS: EPRE and its active compound oenothein B effectively hindered the molecular interaction between hPD-L1 and hPD-1. EPRE stimulated tumor-specific T lymphocytes of a hPD-L1/PD-1 CRC mice. This action resulted in the elevated infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+T lymphocytes and subsequent tumor growth reduction. Moreover, the combined therapy of oenothein B, a PD-1/PD-L1 blocker, and FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin) cooperatively suppressed hPD-L1-MC38s growth in the ex vivo model through activated CD8+ TIL antitumor immune response. Oenothein B exhibited a high binding affinity for hPD-L1 and hPD-1. We believe that this study is the first to uncover the inhibitory effects of EPRE and its component, oenothein B, on PD-1/PD-L1 interactions. CONCLUSION: This study identified a promising small-molecule candidate from natural products that blocks the hPD-L1/PD-1 signaling pathway. These findings emphasize the potential of EPRE and oenothein B as effective anticancer drugs.

A phylogeny of the evening primrose family (Onagraceae) using a target enrichment approach with 303 nuclear loci.

BACKGROUND: The evening primrose family (Onagraceae) includes 664 species (803 taxa) with a center of diversity in the Americas, especially western North America. Ongoing research in Onagraceae includes exploring striking variation in floral morphology, scent composition, and breeding system, as well as the role of these traits in driving diversity among plants and their interacting pollinators and herbivores. However, these efforts are limited by the lack of a comprehensive, well-resolved phylogeny. Previous phylogenetic studies based on a few loci strongly support the monophyly of the family and the sister relationship of the two largest tribes but fail to resolve several key relationships. RESULTS: We used a target enrichment approach to reconstruct the phylogeny of Onagraceae using 303 highly conserved, low-copy nuclear loci. We present a phylogeny for Onagraceae with 169 individuals representing 152 taxa sampled across the family, including extensive sampling within the largest tribe, Onagreae. Deep splits within the family are strongly supported, whereas relationships among closely related genera and species are characterized by extensive conflict among individual gene trees. CONCLUSIONS: This phylogenetic resource will augment current research projects focused throughout the family in genomics, ecology, coevolutionary dynamics, biogeography, and the evolution of characters driving diversification in the family.

Evening primrose oil: a comprehensive review of its bioactives, extraction, analysis, oil quality, therapeutic merits, and safety.

Oil crops have become increasingly farmed worldwide because of their numerous functions in foods and health. In particular, oil derived from the seeds of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) (EPO) comprises essential fatty acids of the omega-6 (ω-6) series. It is well recognized to promote immune cells with a healthy balance and management of female ailments. The nutrients of interest in this oil are linoleic acid (LA, 70-74%) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 8-10%), which are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that account for EPO's popularity as a dietary supplement. Various other chemicals in EPO function together to supply the body with PUFA, elevate normal ω-6 essential fatty acid levels, and support general health and well-being. The inclusive EPO biochemical analysis further succeeded in identifying several other components, i.e., triterpenes, phenolic acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols of potential health benefits. This comprehensive review capitalizes on EPO, the superior product of O. biennis, highlighting the interrelationship between various methods of cultivation, extraction, holistic chemical composition, sensory characters, and medicinal value. Besides the literature review, this study restates the numerous health advantages of primrose oil and possible drug-EPO interactions since a wide spectrum of drugs are administered concomitantly with EPO. Modern techniques to evaluate EPO chemical composition are addressed with emphasis on the missing gaps and future perspectives to ensure best oil quality and nutraceutical benefits.

Promitotic Action of Oenothera biennis on Senescent Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

Accumulation of senescent dermal fibroblasts drives skin aging. The reactivation of proliferation is one strategy to modulate cell senescence. Recently, we reported the exact chemical composition of the hydrophilic extract of Oenothera biennis cell cultures (ObHEx) and we showed its skin anti-aging properties. The aim of this work is to assess its biological effect specifically on cell senescence. ObHEx action has been evaluated on normal human dermal fibroblasts subjected to stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) through an ultra-deep proteomic analysis, leading to the most global senescence-associated proteome so far. Mass spectrometry data show that the treatment with ObHEx re-establishes levels of crucial mitotic proteins, strongly downregulated in senescent cells. To validate our proteomics findings, we proved that ObHEx can, in part, restore the activity of 'senescence-associated-ß-galactosidase', the most common hallmark of senescent cells. Furthermore, to assess if the upregulation of mitotic protein levels translates into a cell cycle re-entry, FACS experiments have been carried out, demonstrating a small but significative reactivation of senescent cell proliferation by ObHEx. In conclusion, the deep senescence-associated global proteome profiling published here provides a panel of hundreds of proteins deregulated by SIPS that can be used by the community to further understand senescence and the effect of new potential modulators. Moreover, proteomics analysis pointed to a specific promitotic effect of ObHEx on senescent cells. Thus, we suggest ObHEx as a powerful adjuvant against senescence associated with skin aging.

Evening primrose seed extract rich in polyphenols modulates the invasiveness of colon cancer cells by regulating the TYMS expression.

Natural polyphenols are plant metabolites exhibiting a broad range of biological activities. Among them, anticancer properties seem to be very desirable. This study examined the anticancer and anti-metastatic properties of the polyphenol-rich extract from the evening primrose seeds (EPE). In vitro and in vivo studies performed in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines and AOM-DSS-induced colitis-associated colon cancer in mice revealed the EPE anticancer properties. Furthermore, we studied the EPE activity on metastatic abilities and showed that the EPE inhibited invasiveness in the following models (cells isolated from patients with different invasive stages and cells with induced invasion by either Snail overexpression or CAF stimulation). More importantly, we also demonstrated that the EPE decreases the cell invasiveness of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistant CRC cells. The inhibition of metastasis correlated with a decrease in thymidylate synthetase (TYMS), which has recently been associated with metastatic phenotype development. Our results indicate that the EPE might be an effective anticancer agent in suppressing colon cancer metastasis regardless of the invasiveness cause. Based on these findings, we concluded that the used EPE extract rich in polyphenols inhibits cell invasion by TYMS downregulation.

Anti-Pulmonary Fibrosis Activities of Triterpenoids from Oenothera biennis.

Five new triterpenoids, oenotheralanosterols C-G (1-5), with seven known triterpenoidcompounds, namely 2α,3α,19α-trihydroxy-24-norurs4,12-dien-28-oic acid (6), 3ß,23-dihydroxy-1-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (7), remangilone C (8), knoxivalic acid A (9), termichebulolide (10), rosasecotriterpene A (11), androsanortriterpene C (12), were extracted and separated from the dichloromethane part of Oenothera biennis L. The anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities of all the compounds against TGF-ß1-induced damage tonormal human lung epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells were investigated in vitro. The results showed that compounds 1-2, 6, 8, and 11 exhibited significant anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities, with EC50 values ranging from 4.7 µM to 9.9 µM.

Stretchable skin hydrating PVB patches with controlled pores' size and shape for deliberate evening primrose oil spreading, transport and release.

With the increasing number of skin problems such as atopic dermatitis and the number of affected people, scientists are looking for alternative treatments to standard ointment or cream applications. Electrospun membranes are known for their high porosity and surface to volume area, which leads to a great loading capacity and their applications as skin patches. Polymer fibers are widely used for biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems or regenerative medicine. Importantly, fibrous meshes are used as oil reservoirs due to their excellent absorption properties. In our study, nano- and microfibers of poly (vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) (PVB) were electrospun. The biocompatibility of PVB fibers was confirmed with the keratinocytes culture studies, including cells' proliferation and replication tests. To verify the usability and stretchability of electrospun membranes, they were tested in two forms as-spun and elongated after uniaxially stretched. We examine oil transport through the patches for as-spun fibers and compare it with the numerical simulation of oil flow in the 3D reconstruction of nano- and microfiber networks. Evening primrose oil spreading and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) tests were performed too. Finally, for skin hydration tests, manufactured materials loaded with evening primrose oil were applied to the forearm of volunteers for 6 h, showing increased skin moisture after using patches. This study clearly demonstrates that pore size and shape, together with fiber diameter, influence oil transport in the electrospun patches allowing to understand the key driving process of electrospun PVB patches for skin hydration applications. The oil release improves skin moisture and can be designed regarding the needs, by manufacturing different fibers' sizes and arrangements. The fibrous based patches loaded with oils are easy to handle and could remain on the altered skin for a long time and deliver the oil, therefore they are an ideal material for overnight bandages for skin treatment.

Effect of Evening Primrose Oil Supplementation on Selected Parameters of Skin Condition in a Group of Patients Treated with Isotretinoin-A Randomized Double-Blind Trial.

Background: Retinoids, which include isotretinoin, reduce sebum levels, the degree of epidermal wetness (CORN) and cause an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Weight gain has also been observed in isotretinoin-treated patients. An agent that can reduce the severity of isotretinoin side effects is evening primrose oil (Oenothera paradoxa). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of evening primrose oil supplementation in patients with acne vulgaris treated with isotretinoin on skin hydration status (CORN), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin oiliness (sebum) and changes in body weight and BMI. Methods: Patients diagnosed with acne were assigned to the isotretinoin-treated group (n = 25) or the isotretinoin and evening primrose oil-treated group (n = 25). The intervention lasted 9 months. CORN (with a corneometer), TEWL (with a tewameter) and sebum (with a sebumeter) were assessed twice, as well as body weight and BMI (Tanita MC-780). Results: The isotretinoin-treated group showed statistically significant reductions in CORN (p = 0.015), TEWL (p = 0.004) and sebum (p < 0.001) after the intervention. In the group treated with isotretinoin and evening primrose oil, TEWL and sebum levels also decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while CORN levels increased from 42.0 ± 9.70 to 50.9 ± 10.4 (p = 0.017). A significant decrease in body weight (p < 0.001) and BMI (p < 0.001) was observed in both groups after 9 months of intervention. Conclusions: During isotretinoin treatment, supplementation with evening primrose oil increased skin hydration. However, there were no differences between groups in transepidermal water loss, skin oiliness, weight loss and BMI.

The evolution of multi-gene families and metabolic pathways in the evening primroses (Oenothera: Onagraceae): A comparative transcriptomics approach.

The plant genus Oenothera has played an important role in the study of plant evolution of genomes and plant defense and reproduction. Here, we build on the 1kp transcriptomic dataset by creating 44 new transcriptomes and analyzing a total of 63 transcriptomes to present a large-scale comparative study across 29 Oenothera species. Our dataset included 30.4 million reads per individual and 2.3 million transcripts on average. We used this transcriptome resource to examine genome-wide evolutionary patterns and functional diversification by searching for orthologous genes and performed gene family evolution analysis. We found wide heterogeneity in gene family evolution across the genus, with section Oenothera exhibiting the most pronounced evolutionary changes. Overall, more significant gene family expansions occurred than contractions. We also analyzed the molecular evolution of phenolic metabolism by retrieving proteins annotated for phenolic enzymatic complexes. We identified 1,568 phenolic genes arranged into 83 multigene families that varied widely across the genus. All taxa experienced rapid phenolic evolution (fast rate of genomic turnover) involving 33 gene families, which exhibited large expansions, gaining about 2-fold more genes than they lost. Upstream enzymes phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and 4-coumaroyl: CoA ligase (4CL) accounted for most of the significant expansions and contractions. Our results suggest that adaptive and neutral evolutionary processes have contributed to Oenothera diversification and rapid gene family evolution.

Evening Primrose Oil Enhances Tamoxifen's Anticancer Activity against Breast Cancer Cells by Inducing Apoptosis, Inhibiting Angiogenesis, and Arresting the Cell Cycle.

BACKGROUND: Despite advancements in cancer treatment, breast cancer (BC) is still one of the leading causes of death among women. The majority of anti-breast-cancer medications induce serious side effects and multidrug resistance. Although several natural compounds, such as evening primrose oil (EPO), have been shown to have anticancer properties when used alone, their combination with the anticancer medicine tamoxifen (TAM) has yet to be investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer efficacy of EPO, alone or in combination with TAM, in the BC cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, as well as to elucidate the mechanism of action. METHODS: The MTT assay was used to investigate the cytotoxic effect of EPO on the two cell lines, and we discovered an acceptable IC50 that was comparable to TAM. The ELISA, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and colorimetric techniques were used. RESULTS: The combination of EPO and TAM suppressed the VEGF level, VEGF gene expression and Cyclin D1 signaling pathways, arrested the cell cycle, and induced the apoptotic signaling pathways by increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase 3 activity; this revealed significant anti-tumor activity. CONCLUSIONS: The most significant finding of this study was the confirmation of the anticancer activity of the natural product EPO, which potentiated the activity of the anticancer drug TAM against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 BC cell lines through the induction of apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis and halting cell proliferation.

Effect of Evening Primrose Vaginal Capsule on Cervix Preparation and Duration of First Stage of Labor in Nulliparous Women Referred to Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan, Iran: A Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Cervix preparation is one of the main steps in the onset of labor and is very important for success in initiating or inducing labor. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at investigating the effect of evening primrose vaginal capsule on the preparation of cervix and the consequences of labor in nulliparous women. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted in 2018 on 100 nulliparous women referred to Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan. In intervention group (50 people), one evening primrose capsule (500 mg) was used vaginally and then two hours later, another capsule was used, and placebo was used in the control group (50 people). Then, the dilatation, effacement, Bishop scores and duration of the first stage of the labor were compared in two groups after 4 hours. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 21. The significance level was considered to be 0.05. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean score and standard deviation of dilatation, effacement of cervix, bi-shop scores and duration of the first stage of labor four hours after the intervention in the intervention and Placebo groups by controlling the effect of potential confounding factors (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the use of evening primrose vaginal capsules can reduce the length of the first stage of labor, improve Bishop score, and soften and ripen the cervix.

Extensive population-level sampling reveals clinal variation in (R)-(-)-linalool produced by the flowers of an endemic evening primrose, Oenothera harringtonii.

The study of floral trait diversity has a long history due to its role in angiosperm diversification. While many studies have focused on visual traits including morphology and color, few have included floral scent despite its importance in pollination. Of the studies that have included floral scent, sampling has been limited and rarely explores variation at the population level. We studied geographic variation in the flowers of Oenothera harringtonii, a rare plant endemic to a vulnerable shortgrass prairie habitat, whose population structure and conservation status are well studied. The self-incompatible flowers of O. harringtonii open at dusk, produce nectar and a strong fragrance, and are pollinated by hawkmoths. We collected floral trait (morphology, scent chemistry and emission rates) data from 650 individuals from 19 wild populations to survey floral variation across the entire range of this species. Similarly, we collected floral data from 49 individuals grown in a greenhouse common garden, to assess whether variation observed in the field is consistent when environment factors (temperature, watering regime, soil) are standardized. We identified 35 floral volatiles representing 5 biosynthetic classes. Population differentiation was stronger for floral scent chemistry than floral morphology. (R)-(-)-linalool was the most important floral trait differentiating populations, exhibiting clinal variation across the distribution of O. harringtonii without any correlated shifts in floral morphology. Populations in the north and west produced (R)-(-)-linalool consistently, those in the east and south largely lacked it, and populations at the center of the distribution were polymorphic. Floral scent emissions in wild populations varied across four years but chemical composition was largely consistent over time. Similarly, volatile emission rates and chemical composition in greenhouse-grown plants were consistent with those of wild populations of origin. Our data set, which represents the most extensive population-level survey of floral scent to date, indicates that such sampling may be needed to capture potentially adaptive geographic variation in wild populations.

Effect of Evening Primrose Oil Supplementation on Biochemical Parameters and Nutrition of Patients Treated with Isotretinoin for Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial.

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases. One of the therapeutic options recommended for severe acne or acne that has not responded to previous therapies is isotretinoin. However, its use may lead to adverse changes in the serum lipid profile and increased levels of transaminases. In this study, we evaluated the effect of supplementation with evening primrose oil in acne vulgaris patients treated with isotretinoin on blood lipid parameters and transaminase activity. Methods: Study participants were randomly assigned to two treatments: conventional with isotretinoin (25 patients) and novel with isotretinoin combined with evening primrose oil (4 × 510 mg/day; 25 patients) for 9 months. Results: Compared to isotretinoin treatment, isotretinoin treatment combined with evening primrose oil had a positive effect on TCH concentrations (mean: 198 vs. 161, p < 0.001), LDL (95.9 vs. 60.2, p < 0.001), HDL (51.0 vs. 48.0, p < 0.001), TG (114 vs. 95.0, p < 0.001), ALT (24.0 vs. 22.0, p < 0.001), and AST (28.0 vs. 22.0, p < 0.001), but had no effect on the energy and ingredient content of the diets (p > 0.05) after treatment. Conclusion: Evening primrose oil was found to have beneficial effects on lipid profiles and transaminase activity during isotretinoin treatment. However, longer studies are needed to make more reliable decisions regarding the use of evening primrose oil and its safety in clinical practice. The evening primrose oil treatment group also showed a reduction in dietary energy due to a reduction in dietary protein and carbohydrates.

Enhanced mechanical performance and wettability of PHBV fiber blends with evening primrose oil for skin patches improving hydration and comfort.

The growing problem of skin diseases due to allergies often causing atopic dermatitis, which is characterized by itching, burning, and redness, constantly motivates researchers to look for solutions to soothe these effects by moisturizing skin properly. For this purpose, we combined poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) electrospun fibers with evening primrose oil (EPO) into a system of patches to ensure skin hydration. Moreover, the dressing or patch application requires appropriate stretchability and wettability of the electrospun material. Thus, we examined the mechanical properties of the PHBV blend with EPO, as well as changes in wettability of the fiber surface depending on the share of EPO additive in the blend. The effectiveness of the patches has been characterized using the water vapor transmission rate as well as by the skin moisturizing index. The thermal insulation effect of the patches on human skin has been verified as well. The patches made by combining the polymer with natural oil showed enhanced mechanical properties and increased skin hydration, indicating the potential applicability of PHBV-based patches. The presented discovery of PHBV patches with EPO is a prospective and alternative treatment for patients for whom current state-of-the-art methods do not bring satisfactory results.

In situ net fishing of α-glucosidase inhibitors from evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) defatted seeds by combination of LC-MS/MS, molecular networking, affinity-based ultrafiltration, and molecular docking.

Defatted seeds of evening primrose (DSEP), the by-product of evening primrose oil manufacture, exhibit potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity; however, presently they are routinely discarded as waste. In this study, an in situ net fishing strategy was proposed for rapid recognition of α-glucosidase inhibitors from DSEP. Firstly, the DSEP extraction method was optimized employing a response surface methodology for the recovery of α-glucosidase inhibitors, just like "finding a good fishery before net fishing". Then, molecular networks of DSEP were generated by GNPS-based molecular networking after LC-MS/MS analysis, just like "casting tight nets in the fishery". Subsequently, affinity-based ultrafiltration was carried out for fishing the "hit" together with its structural analogues according to the molecular networks, just like "hauling the specific net fishing". Finally, molecular docking analysis was performed to rapidly verify α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the potential bioactive components and predict their inhibition mechanisms. In the results, DSEP displayed significant inhibitory effects against yeast and rat intestinal α-glucosidase, and the results of an oral starch tolerance test suggested that DSEP showed postprandial blood-glucose-lowering activity. Moreover, 1-galloyl-glucose, gallic acid, methyl gallate, 1,6-digalloyl-ß-D-glucose, and 1,3,6-trigalloylglucose were rapidly identified as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors present in DSEP.

Differential gene expression associated with a floral scent polymorphism in the evening primrose Oenothera harringtonii (Onagraceae).

BACKGROUND: Plant volatiles play an important role in both plant-pollinator and plant-herbivore interactions. Intraspecific polymorphisms in volatile production are ubiquitous, but studies that explore underlying differential gene expression are rare. Oenothera harringtonii populations are polymorphic in floral emission of the monoterpene (R)-(-)-linalool; some plants emit (R)-(-)-linalool (linalool+ plants) while others do not (linalool- plants). However, the genes associated with differential production of this floral volatile in Oenothera are unknown. We used RNA-Seq to broadly characterize differential gene expression involved in (R)-(-)-linalool biosynthesis. To identify genes that may be associated with the polymorphism for this trait, we used RNA-Seq to compare gene expression in six different Oenothera harringtonii tissues from each of three linalool+ and linalool- plants. RESULTS: Three clusters of differentially expressed genes were enriched for terpene synthase activity: two were characterized by tissue-specific upregulation and one by upregulation only in plants with flowers that produce (R)-(-)-linalool. A molecular phylogeny of all terpene synthases identified two putative (R)-(-)-linalool synthase transcripts in Oenothera harringtonii, a single allele of which is found exclusively in linalool+ plants. CONCLUSIONS: By using a naturally occurring polymorphism and comparing different tissues, we were able to identify candidate genes putatively involved in the biosynthesis of (R)-(-)-linalool. Expression of these genes in linalool- plants, while low, suggests a regulatory polymorphism, rather than a population-specific loss-of-function allele. Additional terpene biosynthesis-related genes that are up-regulated in plants that emit (R)-(-)-linalool may be associated with herbivore defense, suggesting a potential economy of scale between plant reproduction and defense.

The effect of evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) on the level of adiponectin and some biochemical parameters in rats with fructose induced metabolic syndrome.

The effect of evening primrose oil on adiponectin level and some biochemical parameters in model of fructose-induced metabolic syndrome were investigated. The rats were divided into 4 groups: control, evening primrose oil, fructose, fructose + evening primrose oil. Body weight, daily feed and water consumptions and systolic blood pressures of animals were measured. At the end of trial, blood samples were taken, livers were excised and histopathological examination was performed. Glucose, uric acid, triglyceride, T.cholesterol, LDL, HDL, VLDL, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, adiponectin, insulin, IL-6, TNF-α, TAC, and TOS levels were analysed. Some analysed parameters and systolic blood pressure of fructose + evening primrose oil group decreased significantly compared to fructose group and adiponectin, TAC, and HDL levels were significantly increased. As conclusion, evening primrose oil can be considered as antioxidant agent by reducing oxidative stress, increasing adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammatory properties, exhibiting anti-atherogenic effect by regulating dyslipidemia and systolic blood pressure.