A 14-Day Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Crossover Intervention Study with Anti-Bacterial Benzyl Isothiocyanate from Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) on Human Gut Microbiome and Host Defense.

Despite substantial heterogeneity of studies, there is evidence that antibiotics commonly used in primary care influence the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota in terms of changing their composition and/or diversity. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) from the food and medicinal plant nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is known for its antimicrobial activity and is used for the treatment of infections of the draining urinary tract and upper respiratory tract. Against this background, we raised the question of whether a 14 d nasturtium intervention (3 g daily, N = 30 healthy females) could also impact the normal gut microbiota composition. Spot urinary BITC excretion highly correlated with a weak but significant antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli. A significant increase in human beta defensin 1 as a parameter for host defense was seen in urine and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) upon verum intervention. Pre-to-post analysis revealed that mean gut microbiome composition did not significantly differ between groups, nor did the circulating serum metabolome. On an individual level, some large changes were observed between sampling points, however. Explorative Spearman rank correlation analysis in subgroups revealed associations between gut microbiota and the circulating metabolome, as well as between changes in blood markers and bacterial gut species.

Spatio-temporal expression of candidate genes for nectar spur development in Tropaeolum (Tropaeolaceae: Brassicales).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Tropaeolaceae (Brassicales) comprise ~100 species native to South and Central America. Tropaeolaceae flowers have a nectar spur, formed by a late expansion and evagination of the fused proximal region of the perianth (i.e. the floral tube). This spur is formed in the domain of the tube oriented towards the inflorescence axis, which corresponds to the adaxial floral region. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms responsible for the evolution of spurs in Tropaeolaceae. METHODS: In this study, we examined the spatio-temporal expression of genes putatively responsible for differential patterns of cell division between the adaxial and abaxial floral regions in Tropaeolaceae. These genes include previously identified TCP and KNOX transcription factors and the cell division marker HISTONE H4 (HIS4). KEY RESULTS: We found a TCP4 homologue concomitantly expressed with spur initiation and elaboration. Tropaeolaceae possess two TCP4-like (TCP4L) copies, as a result of a Tropaeolaceae-specific duplication. The two copies (TCP4L1 and TCP4L2) in Tropaeolum longifolium show overlapping expression in the epidermis of reproductive apices (inflorescence meristems) and young floral buds, but only TlTCP4L2 shows differential expression in the floral tube at early stages of spur formation, restricted to the adaxial region. This adaxial expression of TlTCP4L2 overlaps with the expression of TlHIS4. Later in development, only TlTCP4L2 is expressed in the nectariferous tissue of the spur. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we hypothesize that Tropaeolaceae TCP4L genes had a plesiomorphic role in epidermal development and that, after gene duplication, TCP4L2 acquired a new function in spur initiation and elaboration. To better understand spur evolution in Tropaeolaceae, it is critical to expand developmental genetic studies to their sister group, the Akaniaceae, which possess simultaneously an independent duplication of TCP4L genes and a spurless floral tube.

A combination of Tropaeolum majus herb and Armoracia rusticana root for the treatment of acute bronchitis.

BACKGROUND: Tropaeolum majus herb (nasturtium) and Armoracia rusticana root (horseradish) produce three different isothiocyanates as secondary metabolites, which exert antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory functions in humans. PURPOSE: Combined in the medicinal product ANGOCIN® Anti-Infekt N, the two natural components demonstrated promising effects against acute bronchitis. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, two-armed, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase IV study revealed the healing fostering effect of the two herbal plant components METHODS: This study included 384 patients, with 195 in the treatment and 189 in the placebo group. The 'bronchitis severity score' (BSS) was utilized as primary endpoint. This score sums the ratings for five significant bronchitis symptoms, which are established at the patient's visits to the clinic. RESULTS: Compared to placebo intake, the group of patients treated with the phytomedicine showed statistically significant accelerated healing of bronchitis symptoms after three days of treatment, with reductions in coughing, mucous production, and chest pain. This beneficial effect persisted for the entire duration of treatment until day ten. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, a combination of Tropaeolum majus herb and Armoracia rusticana root promotes an elevated improvement of bronchitis symptomatology.

Tropaeolum majus L. and low dose gamma radiation suppress liver carcinoma development via EGFR-HER2 signaling pathway.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal cancers around the world and remain asymptomatic in early stage. An alcoholic extract prepared from leaves of Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae) was assessed for its potential activity against diethylnitrosamine-induced liver carcinoma in vivo. Oral administration of the extract significantly decreased the inflammatory marker translation NF-kB and supressed HCC progression in combination with 0.5 Gy gamma radiation via EGF-HER-2 pathway. Histopathological and immunohistopathological features also showed the recovery of a hepatic architecture. Immunohistochemical study showed the T. majus and LDR enhancement effect on proapoptotic markers (caspase-3 and Bax) and inhibition of anti-apoptotic factor (BCl2). HPLC-DAD-MSn analysis of the extract revealed the annotation of twelve compounds. T. majus could mediate a defensive influence against diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and serve as a respectable option in amelioration of the hepatocellular carcinoma development in combination with low dose of gamma radiation.

In vitro and in vivo biotransformation of glucosinolates from mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) by lactic acid bacteria.

Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) is an Andean tuber with a high content of glucosinolates (GLSs). GLSs subjected to biotransformation by plant enzymes or enzymes of the gastrointestinal microbiota give rise to biologically active compounds, to which chemo preventive properties are attributed. In this work, the biotransformation of mashua GLSs was evaluated in vitro by six strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and in vivo using rats with and without previous LAB dosing. The results showed that L. rhamnosus GG utilized the totality of glucosinalbin and glucotropaeolin, and 46.7 % of glucoaubrietin. Four GLSs derivatives were detected. The GLSs were absorbed and metabolized by the rats with low contents in feces (0.02 %) and urine (0.59 %) and were detected up to 3 h after consumption in plasma. The results showed that probiotic bacteria play an important role in transforming GLSs into beneficial compounds for the health of consumers.

Tropaeolum majus R2R3 MYB Transcription Factor TmPAP2 Functions as a Positive Regulator of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis.

Anthocyanins are an important group of water-soluble and non-toxic natural pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be found in flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Anthocyanin biosynthesis is regulated by several different types of transcription factors, including the WD40-repeat protein Transparent Testa Glabra 1 (TTG1), the bHLH transcription factor Transparent Testa 8 (TT8), Glabra3 (GL3), Enhancer of GL3 (EGL3), and the R2R3 MYB transcription factor Production of Anthocyanin Pigment 1 (PAP1), PAP2, MYB113, and MYB114, which are able to form MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complexes to regulate the expression of late biosynthesis genes (LBGs) in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is an edible flower plant that offers many health benefits, as it contains numerous medicinally important ingredients, including anthocyanins. By a comparative examination of the possible anthocyanin biosynthesis regulator genes in nasturtium varieties with different anthocyanin contents, we found that TmPAP2, an R2R3 MYB transcription factor gene, is highly expressed in "Empress of India", a nasturtium variety with high anthocyanin content, while the expression of TmPAP2 in Arabidopsis led to the overproduction of anthocyanins. Protoplast transfection shows that TmPAP2 functions as a transcription activator; consistent with this finding, some of the biosynthesis genes in the general phenylpropanoid pathway and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway were highly expressed in "Empress of India" and the 35S:TmPAP2 transgenic Arabidopsis plants. However, protoplast transfection indicates that TmPAP2 may not be able to form an MBW complex with TmGL3 and TmTTG1. These results suggest that TmPAP2 may function alone as a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in nasturtiums.

Plantas alimentícias não convencionais: revisão / Non-conventional food plants: review / Plantas alimenticias no convencionales: revisión

As plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANCs) são hortaliças nativas, normalmente encontradas em calçadas ou terrenos abandonados, sempre fizeram parte do cardápio dos antepassados. No entanto, com a modernização da agricultura e do êxodo rural, seu consumo foi esquecido de ser repassado para as gerações futuras. O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em realizar um levantamento bibliográfico sobre as plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANCs), sua importância na alimentação e farmacológica. A metodologia consistiu na realização de levantamento bibliográfico, com as principais plantas utilizadas como alimento pelos antepassados sendo as plantas Pereskia aculeata Miller, Basella alba, Sonchus oleraceus, Stachys byzantina, Taraxacum Officinale, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Dioscorea bulbifera, Physalis angulata, Acmella oleracea, Tropaeolum majus. Através deste estudo pode-se constatar que estas plantas são úteis, pois além de apresentar valor nutricional e a sua utilização na alimentação, também são utilizadas como como plantas medicinais, devido à presença de compostos ativos responsáveis pela ação biológica.

Unconventional food plants (PANCs) are native vegetables, usually found on sidewalks or abandoned land, have always been part of the ancestors' menu. Nonetheless, with the modernization of agriculture and the rural exodus, its consumption was forgotten to be passed on to future generations. The objective of this study was to carry out a bibliographic survey on unconventional food plants (PANCs), their importance in food and pharmacology. The methodology consisted of carrying out a bibliographic survey, with the main plants used as food by the ancestors being the plants Pereskia aculeata Miller, Basella alba, Sonchus oleraceus, Stachys byzantina, Taraxacum Officinale, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Dioscorea bulbifera, Physalis angulata, Acmella oleracea, Tropaeolum majus. Through this study it can be seen that these plants are useful, because in addition to presenting nutritional value and their use in food, they are also used as medicinal plants, due to the presence of active compounds responsible for biological action.

Las plantas alimenticias no convencionales (PANC, por sus siglas en inglés) son vegetales nativos, que generalmente se encuentran en las aceras o en terrenos abandonados, y siempre han sido parte del menú de los antepasados. Sin embargo, con la modernización de la agricultura y el éxodo rural, su consumo quedó en el olvido para pasar a las generaciones futuras. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un levantamiento bibliográfico sobre las plantas alimenticias no convencionales (PANCs), su importancia en la alimentación y farmacología. La metodología consistió en realizar un levantamiento bibliográfico, siendo las principales plantas utilizadas como alimento por los ancestros las plantas Pereskia aculeata Miller, Basella alba, Sonchus oleraceus, Stachys byzantina, Taraxacum Officinale, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Dioscorea bulbifera, Physalis angulata, Acmella oleracea , Tropaeolum mayor. A través de este estudio se puede apreciar que estas plantas son útiles, pues además de presentar valor nutritivo y su uso en la alimentación, también son utilizadas como plantas medicinales, debido a la presencia de compuestos activos responsables de la acción biológica.

Non-conventional starch from cubio tuber (Tropaeolum tuberosum): Physicochemical, structural, morphological, thermal characterization and the evaluation of its potential as a packaging material.

This work aimed to characterize the physicochemical, structural, morphological, and thermal properties of a non-conventional starch obtained from cubio (Tropaeolum tuberosum), as well as to evaluate the potential use of this native Andean tuber in the preparation of biodegradable packaging. The cubio starch (CUS) showed an intermediated apparent amylose content (31.2 %) accompanied by a high CIE whiteness index (90.8). About the morphology and particle size, the CUS exhibited irregular oval and round shapes and a smooth surface with a mean particle diameter of 14.04 ± 0.1 µm. Although it showed good stability regarding pasting properties, the final viscosity was low. Native CUS exhibits a typical B-type diffraction structure, with a relative crystallinity of 16 %. The resistant starch (RS) fraction of the CUS was 94 %, indicating a low susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis. The thermal analysis demonstrated that the CUS showed good thermal stability. Additionally, the films prepared using CUS as raw material showed continuous surfaces without porosities, good thermal stability, and high transparency. The results of this work demonstrate the industrial potential of the CUS as it presents characteristics comparable to commercial potato starch.

Formation and stability of isothiocyanate protein conjugates at different pH values and bread types enriched with nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.).

Brassicaceae vegetables are rich in glucosinolates (GLS), which degrade into various breakdown products, including isothiocyanates (ITC), during food processing. ITC are associated with health-promoting properties; therefore, producing food products enriched with a high content of these compounds is of interest for improving and maintaining human health. The present study aimed at evaluating a potential increase in ITC formation in Brassicaceae-enriched bread while minimizing ITC-protein conjugates. The influence of pH on GLS degradation was evaluated in different bread types and pH-adjusted model breads. In all samples, ITC, nitriles, and ITC-amino acid conjugates were analyzed by GC-MS and LC-ESI-MS/MS, respectively. The highest ITC-Lys levels with 33.9 µmol BITC-Lys/g bread could be found in a (more alkaline soda) bread with a pH of 7.2, while "free" BITC content was the lowest. However, this finding could not be directly correlated to pH value, because in model breads no significant relation between the pH and the BITC content could be identified. Especially the baking process impacted the ITC content as it was reduced from dough to the bread by 98%. Therefore, a heated food product is not suitable for an enrichment with GLS-rich vegetables to achieve a high content on BITC. Nevertheless, in the bread matrix itself the degradation products and BITC-Lys conjugates were stable during storage.

High throughput analytical approach based on µQuEChERS combined with UHPLC-PDA for analysis of bioactive secondary metabolites in edible flowers.

Mallow blue (Malva sylvestris L.), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) and nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.), are common edible flowers rich in bioactive secondary metabolites (BASMs) whose use in sophisticated gastronomy present currently as increasing trend. In this study the BASMs profile of these edible flowers was established using an emerging green extraction technique, µQuEChERS followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array detection system (UHPLC-PDA). After validation the µQuEChERS/UHPLC-PDA methodology allow to identify that apigenin and epigallocatechin gallate are the most abundant BASMs in mallow blue flowers, while catechin and dicaffeoylquinic acid are predominant in hibiscus flowers, and myricitrin and dicaffeoylquinic acid in nasturtium flowers. Total polyphenol content is the highest in the extract of hibiscus. Nasturtium shows the greatest radical scavenging activity. The results revealed that these flowers constitute a potential source of BASMs with different bioactive properties suggesting its use in design of new functional foods.

Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. and Tropaeolum majus L.: Phytochemical Profile, In Vitro Anti-Denaturation Effects and Lipase Inhibitory Activity of Two Ornamental Plants Traditionally Used as Herbal Remedies.

Ornamental plants often gain relevance not only for their decorative use, but also as a source of phytochemicals with interesting healing properties. Herein, spontaneous Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. and Tropaeolum majus L., mainly used as ornamental species but also traditionally consumed and used in popular medicine, were investigated. The aerial parts were extracted with methanol trough maceration, and resultant crude extracts were partitioned using solvents with increasing polarity. As previous studies mostly dealt with the phenolic content of these species, the phytochemical investigation mainly focused on nonpolar constituents, detected with GC-MS. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was also verified, and HPTLC analyses were performed. In order to explore the potential antiarthritic and anti-obesity properties, extracts and their fractions were evaluated for their anti-denaturation effects, with the use of the BSA assay, and for their ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase. The antioxidant properties and the inhibitory activity on the NO production were verified, as well. Almost all the extracts and fractions demonstrated good inhibitory effects on NO production. The n-hexane and dichloromethane fractions from T. majus, as well as the n-hexane fraction from C. ruber, were effective in protecting the protein from heat-induced denaturation (IC50 = 154.0 ± 1.9, 270.8 ± 2.3 and 450.1 ± 15.5 µg/mL, respectively). The dichloromethane fractions from both raw extracts were also effective in inhibiting pancreatic lipase, with IC50 values equal to 2.23 ± 0.02 mg/mL (for C. ruber sample), and 2.05 ± 0.02 mg/mL (T. majus). Obtained results support the traditional use of these species for their beneficial health properties and suggest that investigated plant species could be potential sources of novel antiarthritic and anti-obesity agents.

Anti-glycative and anti-inflammatory effects of macamides isolated from Tropaeolum tuberosum in skin cells.

Tropaeolum tuberosum, commonly known as Mashua, is an herbal remedy used on the skin in order to treat local pain and to heal wounds. This study aimed to evaluate the extracts and isolated compounds from T. tuberosum with anti-glycative and anti-inflammatory activities. Guided isolation by bioassay led to the isolation and characterisation by NMR and MS of (S)-(-)-N-(α-methylbenzyl)-oleamide (1) and (S)-(-)-N-(α-methylbenzyl)-linoleamide (2). Both compounds inhibited the production of TNF-α with IC50 values of 9.38 µM (NIH/3T3 cells) and 10.06 µM (PA317 cells) for compound 1, and 5.3 µM (NIH/3T3 cells) and 6.48 µM (PA317 cells) for compound 2. Compounds 1 and 2 showed the inhibitory effect on the BSA-MGO formation at concentrations of 9.38 µM (3.39%) and 5.30 µM (8.53%), respectively. Moreover, both compounds showed significant breaking properties on the MGO-AGE-protein crosslink with percent modification of 6.58% (9.38 µM) and 18.08% (5.30 µM), respectively.

Antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of ethanolic extracts from Moringa oleifera, Tropaeolum tuberosum and Annona cherimola in colorrectal cancer cells.

Moringa oleifera, Tropaeolum tuberosum and Annona cherimola are medicinal plants traditionally used in Ecuador. However, their therapeutic properties are not completely known. We analyzed chromatographically ethanolic extracts of the seeds of M. oleifera, A. cherimola and the tubers of T. tuberosum; all presented a high content of polyphenols. The extract of A. cherimola showed the highest antioxidant activity and M. oleifera had the highest capacity to enhance the activity of detoxifying enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase and quinone oxidoreductase. The antitumor effect of these extracts was evaluated in vitro with colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines T84, HCT-15, SW480 and HT-29, as well as with cancer stem cells (CSCs). A. cherimola and M. oleifera extracts presented the lowest IC50 in T-84 and HCT-15 (resistant) cells, respectively, as well as the highest level of inhibition of proliferation in multicellular tumor spheroids of HCT-15 cells. The inhibitory effect on CSCs is noteworthy because in vivo, these cells are often responsible for cancer recurrences and resistance to chemotherapy. Moreover, all extracts showed a synergistic activity with 5-Fu. The antiproliferative mechanism of the extracts was related to overexpression of caspases 9, 8 and 3 and increased production of reactive oxygen species. In addition, we observed cell death by autophagy in M. oleifera and T. tuberosum extracts. Therefore, these ethanolic extracts are excellent candidates for future molecular analysis of the presence of bioactive compounds and in vivo studies which could improve colon cancer therapy.

Molecular framework underlying floral bilateral symmetry and nectar spur development in Tropaeolum, an atypical member of the Brassicales.

PREMISE: Floral spurs are key innovations associated with elaborate pollination mechanisms that have evolved independently several times across angiosperms. Spur formation can shift the floral symmetry from radial to bilateral, as it is the case in Tropaeolum, the only member of the Brassicales with floral nectar spurs. The genetic mechanisms underlying both spur and bilateral symmetry in the family have not yet been investigated. METHODS: We studied flower development and morphoanatomy of Tropaeolum longifolium. We also generated a reference transcriptome and isolated all candidate genes involved in adaxial-abaxial differential growth during spur formation. Finally, we evaluated the evolution of the targeted genes across Brassicales and examined their expression in dissected floral parts. RESULTS: Five sepals initiate spirally, followed by five petals alternate to the sepals, five antesepalous stamens, three antepetalous stamens, and three carpels. Intercalary growth at the common base of sepals and petals forms a floral tube. The spur is an outgrowth from the adaxial region of the tube, lined up with the medial sepal. We identified Tropaeolum specific duplications in the TCP3/4L and STM gene lineages, which are critical for spur formation in other taxa. In addition, we found that TM6 (MADS-box), RL2 (RAD-like7), and KN2/6L2 and OSH6L (KNOX1 genes), have been lost in core Brassicales but retained in Tropaeolum. CONCLUSIONS: Three genes are pivotal during the extreme adaxial-abaxial asymmetry of the floral tube, namely, TlTCP4L2 restricted to the adaxial side where the spur is formed, and TlTCP12 and TlSTM1 to the abaxial side, lacking a spur.

Antimicrobial compounds isolated from Tropaeolum tuberosum.

Activity-guided fractionations of black tubers of Tropaeolum tuberosum led to the isolation of 3-[3-(3-pyridinyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl] benzonitrile (1) and [3,5-Bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl] ethenylidene] bis-phosphonic acid tetraethyl ester (2). Compounds 1 and 2 showed an antibacterial effect against almost all the strains assayed, especially compound 2, showing the same inhibition potential for Enterococcus faecalis and Salmonella enteritidis as the ampicillin (MIC = 1.5 µM) and a better potential than chloramphenicol which has a MIC of 3.5 µM. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 showed a relevant antifungal inhibition against Candida tropicalis with MICs of 100 µM and 50 µM, and against Saccharomyces kudriavzevii with MICs of 25 µM and 1.5 µM. This is in comparison to fluconazole which had MICs of 150 µM (against Candida tropicalis) and 3.5 µM (against Saccharomyces kudriavzevii). This is the first time that compounds 1 and 2 are reported as showing antimicrobial activities.

Identification of TRPV1 Ion Channels Agonists of Tropaeolum tuberosum in Human Skin Keratinocytes.

Tropaeolum tuberosum, commonly known as Mashua, is an herbal remedy used in traditional Andean medicine for the relief of kidney and bladder pain, as well as contusions. This study aimed to evaluate the fractions and isolated compounds from T. tuberosum with analgesic activity mediated by the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 receptor. A bioguided phytochemical analysis based on NMR/MS was performed to identify the compounds of the n-heptane fractions from samples of purple tubers of T. tuberosum. The transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 agonist and antagonist activity were assessed through the measurement of intracellular Ca2+ in HEK001 cells. The chemical structure determination led to the identification of two alkamides: N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z-docosatetraenamide (1: ) and N-oleoyldopamine (2: ). Both compounds induced increased intracellular calcium flow with IC50 values of 3.2 nM and 7.9 nM, respectively, thus activating the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 receptor. Our research is the first report to show that these two compounds isolated from T. tuberosum can act as agonists of the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 receptor, providing scientific evidence for the traditional use of this species in pain relief.

Phylogenetic and evolutionary features of the plastome of Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. (Tropaeolaceae).

MAIN CONCLUSION: Complete plastome sequence of Tropaeolum pentaphyllum revealed molecular markers, hotspots of nucleotide polymorphism, RNA editing sites and phylogenetic aspects Tropaeolaceae Juss. ex DC. comprises approximately 95 species across North and South Americas. Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. is an unconventional and endangered species with occurrence in some countries of South America. Although this species presents nutritional, medicinal and ornamental uses, genetic studies involving natural populations or promising genotypes are practically non-existent. Here, we report the nucleotide sequence of T. pentaphyllum plastome. It represents the first complete plastome sequence of the family Tropaeolaceae to be fully sequenced and analyzed in detail. The sequencing data revealed that the T. pentaphyllum plastome is highly similar to the plastomes of other Brassicales. Notwithstanding, our analyses detected some specific features concerning events of IR expansion and structural changes in some genes such as matK, rpoA, and rpoC2. We also detected 251 SSR loci, nine hotspots of nucleotide polymorphism, and two specific RNA editing sites in the plastome of T. pentaphyllum. Moreover, plastid phylogenomic inference indicated a closed relationship between the families Tropaeolaceae and Akaniaceae, which formed a sister group to Moringaceae-Caricaceae. Finally, our data bring new molecular markers and evolutionary features to be applied in the natural population, germplasm collection, and genotype selection aiming conservation, genetic diversity evaluation, and exploitation of this endangered species.

A Phytocomplex Consisting of Tropaeolum majus L. and Salvia officinalis L. Extracts Alleviates the Inflammatory Response of Dermal Fibroblasts to Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides.

BACKGROUND: The antimicrobial activity and effects of a phytocomplex consisting of Tropaeolum flos (T) and Salviae folium (S) extracts on the cytokine levels and transcription factors on dermal fibroblast BJ exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharides were examined. METHODS: In order to select the most optimal combination ratio of the two extracts for using in vitro, the physicochemical characterization of vegetal extract mixtures was performed and the antioxidant and antibacterial activities were evaluated on five different formulations of T : S, namely, 1 : 1, 1 : 2, 2 : 1, 3 : 1, and 1 : 3. The best combination of bioactive compounds with regard to antioxidant and antibacterial activities (T : S 1 : 2) was selected for in vitro evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect. Human dermal fibroblast BJ cells were treated with two doses of the extract mixture and then exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The levels of the cytokines involved in inflammatory response, namely, interleukin- (IL-) 6, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, IL-31, and IL-33, were quantified by ELISA, and the expression of transcription factors, namely, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and phosphorylated NFκB (pNFκB), were evaluated by western blot analysis. RESULTS: The results have shown that the mixture of T : S 1 : 2 exhibited significant antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. LPS exposure increased the cytokine levels in BJ cells and enhanced the NFκB expression. The pretreatment of BF cells exposed to LPS with the two doses of the extract mixture markedly inhibited the increase of IL-33 and TNF-α levels and amplified the NFκB expression and its activation, especially with the high dose. The low doses of the extract reduced NFκB expression but increased its activation. CONCLUSIONS: These experimental findings suggest that the mixture of T : S 1 : 2 can exert some protection against bacterial infections and inflammation induced by LPS in BJ cells being a good therapeutic option in related conditions associated with inflammation.

Alkaloids isolated from Tropaeolum tuberosum with cytotoxic activity and apoptotic capacity in tumour cell lines.

Two alkaloids were isolated and identified for the first time in the black tubers of Tropaeolum tuberosum, collected from the Titicani-Taca, Ingavi province in La Paz, Bolivia. Their structures were elucidated by extensive NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and apoptotic capacity against four human cancer cell lines. 2-Benzyl-3-thioxohexahydropyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-1-one (1) showed slight cytotoxic activity against all the cancer cell lines which were tested, with IC50 values ranging from 27.45 ± 0.80 to 31.07 ± 0.87 µM. Moreover, N-(4-acetyl-5-methyl-5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) acetamide (2) showed significant anti-cancer potential, with IC50 values between 1.26 ± 0.57 µM and 1.37 ± 0.09 µM against all human cancer cell lines which were tested. Treatment of tumour cell lines with the compounds caused an increase in the apoptotic rate of these cells, observing that compound 2 presented an apoptotic effect which was double with respect to the control (Dimethylenastron).

Proteomic analysis of mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) tubers subjected to postharvest treatments.

Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) is an important food in certain areas of the Andean region, where it is popularly believed to possess medicinal properties. Several studies have previously shown the potential of this tuber as a source of bioactive compounds. Traditionally, the tuber is exposed to the sun before consumption, in order to reduce its bitterness. The present work aims to study, at the proteome level, the differential abundance of proteins in tubers subjected to different postharvest treatments: sun-exposure (SUN), shade (SHA), refrigeration (COLD) and shade combined with sun-exposure (SHA-SUN) compared to recently harvested tubers (INIT). Results showed that sun exposure for prolonged times (9 days) resulted in increased abundance of proteins classified as heat shock proteins, intracellular traffic, disease/defense and protein degradation. Our results reflect that the sun treatment activates defense systems and osmoprotection adjustment against water loss and reactive oxygen species.