Stabilization of cadmium in a fluvo-aquic soil-Chinese chive system using loess and chicken manure compost.

The stabilization of heavy metals in soil has been increasingly applied in China in recent years due to its quick effect and low cost. In this study, loess and chicken manure compost (a commercial organic fertilizer) were used to stabilize Cd in slightly polluted fluvo-aquic soil from the North China Plain, and the driving factors for stabilization were investigated through ridge regression. The additives significantly reduced the total concentration of Cd in soil through dilution. The addition of loess and compost increased carbonates and organic matter in soil, respectively. This caused exchangeable Cd to be transformed to fractions bound to carbonates or organic matter, thereby decreasing the concentration of Cd in the roots and leaves of Chinese chive. The decreasing exchangeable Cd in soil was the direct cause of decreased uptake of Cd by plants, and the increasing fractions bound to carbonates or organic matter were indirect influencing factors. However, adding loess decreased soil fertility and retarded plant growth. The addition of compost compensated for these defects. This study suggests that the combined addition of loess and chicken manure compost was able to effectively reduce the total concentration and phytoavailability of Cd in soil and guarantee crop yield and quality.

Phytochemicals in Chinese Chive (Allium tuberosum) Induce the Skeletal Muscle Cell Proliferation via PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Smad Pathways in C2C12 Cells.

Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) is a medicinal food that is cultivated and consumed mainly in Asian countries. Its various phytochemicals and physiological effects have been reported, but only a few phytochemicals are available for skeletal muscle cell proliferation. Herein, we isolated a new compound, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-feruloyl)-sophoroside (1), along with one known flavonoid glycoside (2) and six amino acid (3-8) compounds from the water-soluble fraction of the shoot of the Chinese chive. The isolated compounds were identified using extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, and evaluated for their proliferation activity on skeletal muscle cells. Among the tested compounds, newly isolated flavonoid (1) and 5-aminouridine (7) up-regulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, which implies a positive effect on skeletal muscle growth and differentiation. In particular, compound 1 down-regulated the Smad pathways, which are negative regulators of skeletal muscle growth. Collectively, we suggest that major constituents of Chinese chive, flavonoids and amino acids, might be used in dietary supplements that aid skeletal muscle growth.

Spinach and Chive for Kidney Tubule Engineering: the Limitations of Decellularized Plant Scaffolds and Vasculature.

Tissue decellularization yields complex scaffolds with retained composition and structure, and plants offer an inexhaustible natural source of numerous shapes. Plant tissue could be a solution for regenerative organ replacement strategies and advanced in vitro modeling, as biofunctionalization of decellularized tissue allows adhesion of various kinds of human cells that can grow into functional tissue. Here, we investigated the potential of spinach leaf vasculature and chive stems for kidney tubule engineering to apply in tubular transport studies. We successfully decellularized both plant tissues and confirmed general scaffold suitability for topical recellularization with renal cells. However, due to anatomical restrictions, we believe that spinach and chive vasculature themselves cannot be recellularized by current methods. Moreover, gradual tissue disintegration and deficient diffusion capacity make decellularized plant scaffolds unsuitable for kidney tubule engineering, which relies on transepithelial solute exchange between two compartments. We conclude that plant-derived structures and biomaterials need to be carefully considered and possibly integrated with other tissue engineering technologies for enhanced capabilities.

Steroidal Glycosides from Allium tuberosum Seeds and Their Roles in Promoting Testosterone Production of Rat Leydig Cells.

A systematic phytochemical study on the components in the seeds of Allium tuberosum was performed, leading to the isolation of 27 steroidal glycosides (SGs 1-27). The structures of SGs were identified mainly by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometries as well as the necessary chemical evidence. In the SGs, 1-10 and 22-26 are new steroidal saponin analogues. An in vitro bioassay indicates that 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, 13-15, 20, 23, and 26 display promotional roles in testosterone production of rat Leydig cells with the EC50 values of 1.0 to 4.5 µM, respectively.

One-pot fabrication of dual-emission and single-emission biomass carbon dots for Cu2+ and tetracycline sensing and multicolor cellular imaging.

Dual-emission and single-emission carbon dots (DCDs and SCDs) have been simultaneously synthesized by one-pot solvothermal treatment of leek. Different graphitization and surface functionalization were responsible for their distinction in fluorescence characteristics. DCDs with an average size of 5.6 nm exhibited two emissions at 489 and 676 nm under 420-nm excitation. Complexation between DCDs' surface porphyrins and Cu2+ led to quenching of the 676-nm emission, which resulted in the ratiometric determination of Cu2+ with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.085 µM. SCDs, containing additional sulfur element (0.50%) with an average size of 7.7 nm, presented a single emission at 440 nm under 365-nm excitation. The static quenching and inner filter effects between SCDs and tetracyclines (TCs) made SCDs a fluorescence nanoprobe for TCs' determination with LODs of 0.26-0.48 µM. Applications of DCDs and SCDs for respective determination of Cu2+ and TCs in milk and pig liver samples were successfully demonstrated. Moreover, good photostability, low toxicity, and outstanding biocompatibility made DCDs and SCDs suitable for multicolor cellular imaging. Results indicate that natural products are excellent raw materials to controllably synthesize CDs with prominent physicochemical and fluorescence properties.Graphical abstract.

Comparison of Sin-QuEChERS Nano and d-SPE Methods for Pesticide Multi-Residues in Lettuce and Chinese Chives.

In this study, a new rapid cleanup method was developed for the analysis of 111 pesticide multi-residues in lettuce and Chinese chives by GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe)-based sample extraction was used to obtain the extracts, and the cleanup procedure was carried out using a Sin-QuEChERS nano cartridge. Comparison of the cleanup effects, limits of quantification and limits of detection, recoveries, precision and matrix effects (MEs) between the Sin-QuEChERS nano method and the classical dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) method were performed. When spiked at 10 and 100 µg/kg, the number of pesticides with recoveries between 90% to 110% and relative standard deviations < 15% were greater when using the Sin-QuEChERS nano method. The MEs of Sin-QuEChERS nano and d-SPE methods ranged between 0.72 to 3.41 and 0.63 to 3.56, respectively. The results verified that the Sin-QuEChERS nano method was significantly more effective at removing pigments and more convenient than the d-SPE method. The developed method with the Sin-QuEChERS nano cleanup procedure was applied successfully to determine pesticide residues in market samples.

Effect of Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum) addition to carboxymethyl cellulose based food packaging films.

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based novel functional films containing Chinese chives root extract (CRE) at different concentrations (1, 3 and 5 % in w/w) were successfully fabricated. It was revealed by SEM that higher extract concentration triggered the formation of agglomerates within the film. Tensile strength of the films was decreased from 30.91 to 16.48 MPa. Thickness of films was increased from 43 to 84 µm, while decrease in water solubility from 77.51-52.91 %, swelling degree from 55.74 to 40.37 %, and water vapor permeability from 5.76 to 1.17 10-10 gm-1s-1 Pa-1 was observed. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging ability of CMC-CRE films was increased from 0 to 58 % and 82 %, respectively. CMC-CRE5 film showed the highest biodegradability of 58.14 %. The film prepared by the addition of CRE into CMC also exhibited good antioxidant and antimicrobial activity indicating that it could be developed as a bio-composite food packaging material for the food industry.

Chitosan-based biodegradable active food packaging film containing Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) root extract for food application.

The objective of the present study was to develop chitosan (CS) based novel functional films containing Chinese chive root extract (CRE) using solution casting method. CRE at different concentrations (1, 3 and 5% in w/w) were incorporated into the film-forming solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal behavior analysis (DSC & TGA) were performed to investigate the structure, potential interaction and thermal stability of prepared films. It was revealed by SEM that higher extract concentration triggered the formation of agglomerates within the films. Incorporation of CRE into CS resulted in decrease tensile properties of the films from 28.9 to 15.4 MPa, whereas thickness was increased from 0.076 to 0.113 mm. The water solubility, swelling degree and water vapor permeability were significantly decreased from 31.6 to 18.7%, 57.4 to 40.5% and 15.67 to 7.81 × 10-11 g·m-1s-1Pa-1, respectively. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging ability of CS-CRE films were increased from 6.95 to 47.05% and 11.98 to 57.38%, respectively. CS-CRE5 film showed the highest biodegradability of 47.36%. The films prepared by addition of CRE into CS exhibited good antioxidant and antimicrobial activity indicating that it could be developed as bio-composite food packaging material for food industry.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Effects of Chinese Chive (Allium tuberosum R.) Extract on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici Spore Germination.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (Forl) causes Fusarium crown and root rot of tomato, leading to severe yield losses. Chinese chive and the Chinese chive extract reportedly have antifungal effects. In this study, Chinese chive extract treatments inhibited Forl spore germination, with an EC50 of 0.40 g ml-1 in vitro. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the fungicidal effects of the Chinese chive extract was analyzed by RNA sequencing. A total of 1252 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, of which 396 were upregulated and 856 were downregulated. The DEGs were related to starch and sucrose metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, galactose metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, peroxisomes, ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, mismatch repair, and the phosphatidylinositol signaling system, implying these pathways contribute to the fungicidal activity of the Chinese chive extract. The qRT-PCR results verified the accuracy of the RNA sequencing data. Thus, the Chinese chive extract can inhibit Forl spore germination by affecting spore nutrient metabolism.

Effects of combined extracts of Lepidium meyenii and Allium tuberosum Rottl. on erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Sexual problems are widespread and adversely affect the interpersonal relationships and the quality of life. Currently, synthetic drugs improving sexual function are available, but expenditures for such agents are extremely high. To discover relatively inexpensive, widely available and effective natural drugs, we identified a combined extracts from Lepidium meyenii (maca) root and Allium tuberosum Rottl. (Chinese chive) seed, assessed the effects of this combined extracts on erectile dysfunction, and explored its potential mechanisms. METHODS: The extracts were obtained via supercritical fluid extraction. Male BALB/c mice received doses of extract from single plant or the combined extracts (200 mg/kg) by gastric gavage for 14 d, and Viagra was used as the positive control drug. Sexual behaviour was observed, and concentrations of serum testosterone, nitric oxide (NO), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in serum as well as in penis were measured. In addition, weights of genital organs were also measured. RESULTS: The combined extracts of maca root and Chinese chive seed (1:1, w/w) had a 45-fold increase in macamide content compared with maca extract. It also led to significantly higher ejaculation frequency (P < 0.05) than single extract from maca root or Chinese chive seed, with no corresponding effect on genital indices. In addition, the NO level in serum (P < 0.01) and penis (P < 0.05) increased notably, as well as the level of cGMP in penis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the combined extracts produced better synergistic effects on male sexual function than maca extract or Chinese chive extract alone. These positive effects may involve the upregulation of NO and cGMP concentrations in penis.

Isolation and identification of nucleosides/nucleotides raising testosterone and NO levels of mice serum from Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) leaves.

Our previous study found that Chinese chive could significantly (p < 0.01) raise testosterone and nitric oxide (NO) levels in mice serum. However, the specific functional components of this traditional remedy are still unknown. In order to isolate and identify the active constituents from Chinese chive for enhancing testosterone and NO levels, the Chinese chive leaves were extracted by petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water respectively. Results indicated that the n-butanol extract had a significant effect on NO and testosterone blood levels. Subsequently, n-butanol extract was further isolated by D101 macroporous adsorption and eluted with 50% ethanol and then isolated by Sephadex LH-20 and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography to obtain nucleosides. The fraction eluted with 70% ethanol was further isolated by RP-18 and pre-HPLC to obtain nucleotides. Four novel compounds were identified, and their effects on testosterone and NO levels of male mice were evaluated. Results showed that nucleotides, especially the adenosine in Chinese chive leaves, increased serum testosterone and NO levels in male mice, which had not been reported before. This finding might bring into perspective the treatment strategy for those doctors who treat hormone deficiencies, and might be suitable for using in functional food.

Repellent action and contact toxicity mechanisms of the essential oil extracted from Chinese chive against Plutella xylostella larvae.

Botanical pesticides play increasingly important roles in the control of agricultural pests. In this study, the insecticidal effects, specifically the repellent action and contact toxicity, of the essential oil extracted from Chinese chive (EOC) against Plutella xylostella larvae were confirmed. The mechanisms of repellent's action were studied using electroantennograms (EAGs), and the effects on glutathione S-transferase (GST), carboxylesterase (CarE), and acetyl cholinesterase were investigated after EOC treatments. The EOC affected the EAG results and inhibited the activities of GST and CarE in treated P. xylostella larvae, which could explain its insecticidal effects. And, four pyrazines showed greater repellent activities than that of the EOC, which was confirmed as the main active compounds of EOC.

Antioxidant-mediated neuroprotection by Allium schoenoprasum L. leaf extract against ischemia reperfusion-induced cerebral injury in mice.

Background Oxidative stress is strongly implicated in ischemia reperfusion (IR)-mediated functional and neuronal impairment. Therefore, strategies employing antioxidants to reverse the damage due to IR are being investigated. Allium schoenoprasum L. is a culinary medicine whose antioxidant properties are well documented but whose neuroprotective potential has not been examined. Hence, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of A. schoenoprasum leaf extract (ASLE) on functional deficit against IR-induced cerebral injury in mice. Methods Acute toxicity studies of ASLE were performed following the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guideline 423. IR injury was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 15 min followed by 24-h reperfusion. Animals were treated for 7 days with ASLE (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. once daily) after IR injury. Functional outcomes (memory and sensorimotor functions) were measured using Morris water maze and neurological severity score, respectively. Cerebral infarct size and oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity) were measured in order to elucidate the neuroprotective mechanism of ASLE. Results No toxic effects of ASLE were observed in mice. Oral treatment with ASLE for 7 days significantly attenuated IR-mediated memory and sensorimotor function deficit in the animals. The extract also reduced the cerebral infarct size and rise in brain TBARS levels, and restored the GSH levels and SOD activity. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest that ASLE is safe and effective in improving functional outcomes. It demonstrates neuroprotective effect by enhancing the antioxidant defence against IR injury.

Direct determination of neonicotinoid insecticides in an analytically challenging crop such as Chinese chives using selective ELISAs.

Easy-to-use commercial kit-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been used to detect neonicotinoid dinotefuran, clothianidin and imidacloprid in Chinese chives, which are considered a troublesome matrix for chromatographic techniques. Based on their high water solubility, water was used as an extractant. Matrix interference could be avoided substantially just diluting sample extracts. Average recoveries of insecticides from spiked samples were 85-113%, with relative standard deviation of <15%. The concentrations of insecticides detected from the spiked samples with the proposed ELISA methods correlated well with those by the reference high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The residues analyzed by the ELISA methods were consistently 1.24 times that found by the HPLC method, attributable to loss of analyte during sample clean-up for HPLC analyses. It was revealed that the ELISA methods can be applied easily to pesticide residue analysis in troublesome matrix such as Chinese chives.

Allium schoenoprasum L.: a review of phytochemistry, pharmacology and future directions.

Allium schoenoprasum L. (family Amaryllidaceae), commonly known as chives has great culinary value besides being used as ethnomedicine. This review emphasises on phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of A. schoenoprasum, and discusses the future opportunities for systematic investigations. Scientific evaluation of chives validates its traditional claims and demonstrates diverse pharmacological potential including an anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, anthelmintic and antihypertensive. Though phytochemical studies revealed the presence of sulphur and phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponin and steroidal glycosides yet methodical research to identify bioactive compounds is required. This review confirms the medicinal importance of A. schoenoprasum and could stimulate future research on its unexplored aspects, especially identification of bioactive compounds and related mechanisms and safety, which might develop it as a drug.

Renoprotective effect of Chinese chive polysaccharides in adenine-induced chronic renal failure.

In this work, we investigated the effect of Chinese chive polysaccharides (CCP) on renal function in mice with adenine-induced chronic renal failure (CRF). Results exhibited that adenine treatment caused serious renal pathological damages and elevation of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen of mice. However, these changes could be significantly reversed by the administration of CCP in a dose-dependent manner. When CCP dosage reached 200mg/kg/day, the area of renal pathological damage was decreased by 59.2%, and the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were decreased by 23.9% and 34.7% compared to those of model group. Moreover, it was found that renal oxidative damage, inflammation and fibrosis of adenine-induced CRF mice could also be significantly inhibited by CCP. These results suggested that CCP could improve the kidney functions of adenine-induced CRF mice and the renoprotective effect might be associated with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis activities.

Isolation and identification of new chemical constituents from Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) and toxicological evaluation of raw and cooked Chinese chive.

Chinese chive (jiu cai) is a popular vegetable in China and has a unique flavour and aroma. The molecular basis of the characteristic fragrance and nutritional properties of Chinese chive has not been previously identified. Sequential extractions in a series of solvents and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to isolate 40 compounds from Chinese chive. The compounds were identified based on high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectra, 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, and circular dichroism spectra. Eight novel compounds were identified-four new pyrazines, which have distinctive flavour; one new lignan; and three new flavonoids-together with 32 known compounds. Several of these compounds have potential applications as health-promoting dietary supplements, food additives, or seasonings. Additionally, the volatile organic compounds in fresh and steamed Chinese chive were compared, and the toxicological activity of extracts from fresh and steamed Chinese chive was tested in normal rat liver (IAR20) and kidney (NRK) cells. The results showed that Chinese chive is toxic to liver and kidney cells when fresh, but is safe after heating. This could explain why it is traditional to eat cooked Chinese chive. A possible metabolic rule regarding pyrazines is postulated based on this data, and a human metabolic pathway is suggested for two of the novel compounds which have the highest amount of Chinese chive extracts.

In vitro and in vivo aphrodisiac properties of the seed extract from Allium tuberosum on corpus cavernosum smooth muscle relaxation and sexual behavior parameters in male Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Allium tuberosum is a well-known spice as well as a herb in traditional Chinese medicine, used for increasing libido and treating erectile dysfunction. However, not many studies have been done to evaluate the sexual enhancing properties of A. tuberosum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aphrodisiac and vasorelaxant properties of A. tuberosum on corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) as well as checking the effect on enhancing male rat sexual behavior, libido, potency as well as its spermatogenic properties. METHOD: The seeds were powdered and sequentially extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol. Male Wistar rats were administered with graded doses of the n-BuOH extracts (ATB) of A. tuberosum (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and Viagra was used as the positive control drug. The extract/drug was administered by gastric probe once daily for 45 days and the sexual behavior was analyzed by exposing the male rats to female rats in the estrus period. RESULTS: ATB relaxed corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (68.9%) at a concentration of 200 µg/ml. The results obtained from the animal studies indicated that ATB significantly increased mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation frequency (EF), ejaculation latency (EL) and markedly reduced post ejaculatory interval (PEI), mount latency (ML), and intromission latency (IL). Furthermore, a remarkable increase in the test for potency was observed as witnessed by marked increase in erections, quick flips, long flips and total reflex. In addition, ATB significantly improved the sperm viability and count as well as increased the concentrations of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and phosphatases in the treated animals. CONCLUSION: Thus our results suggest that A. tuberosum could stimulate sexual arousal and enhance sexual execution in male rats, thus providing valuable experimental evidence that A. tuberosum possesses sexual enhancing properties.

Allium tuberosum: Antidiabetic and hepatoprotective activities.

Allium tuberosum (AT) is traditionally used for treating nocturnal emissions, abdominal pain, diarrhea, sexual dysfunction and asthma. This study aimed at investigating the antidiabetic and hepatoprotective activities of the butyl alcohol fraction from the methanolic extract of A. tuberosum. For the antidiabetic activity, rats were induced with diabetes by intraperitoneal injection of 150mg/kg alloxan and treated for 30days with AT extract (100, 200 and 400mg/kg). Animals were sacrificed after the study and the fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL, malondialdehyde (MDA) catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels were determined. The hepatoprotective assay, mice were pretreated for seven days with AT (100, 200 and 400mg/kg) and silymarin (100mg/kg or). Thereafter 10ml/kg of 2% v/v CCl4 was administered intraperitoneally on the 7th day to induce acute liver injury. Blood and liver samples were obtained and serum enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, SOD, GSH, CAT, MDA and pro-inflammatory mediators were assessed. AT significantly decrease FBG, serum TG, TC, MDA levels and significant increased HDL, SOD, GSH and CAT activities in the diabetic rats. In addition, AT significantly inhibited MDA, IL-1b, IL-6 and TNF-α levels and prevented the depletion of the antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD and CAT activities in CCl4 induced liver damage. Furthermore, AT markedly reduced AST, ALT and ALP levels in the CCl4 treated mice groups. In conclusion, the antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effect of AT may be associated with its antioxidant and its ability to inhibit the pro-inflammatory mediators.

Plants of the genus Allium as antibacterial agents: From tradition to pharmacy.

Plants belonging to the genus Allium are widely cultivated and used all over the world as food and medicinal plants. Since ancient times, these plants, particularly garlic (Allium sativum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.), have represented important components of typical recipes and traditional healing systems. Not the least of which, their use as food biopreservatives is well documented, due to the relevant antibacterial activity of their extracts and essential oils. In addition to garlic and onion, this review article deals with the main members of the genus Allium, including A. ampeloprasum (Leek), A. schoenoprasum (Chive) and A. ascalonicum (Shallot), focusing both on their ethnonutritional uses and potential as promising food biopreservative agents. Noteworthy, recent research has demonstrated Allium derivatives to be novel components in active edible coatings as well as nanoformulates.