Arabidopsis diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 mutants require fatty acid desaturation for normal seed development.

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 (DGAT1) is the major enzyme that synthesizes triacylglycerols (TAG) during Arabidopsis seed development. Mutant dgat1 seeds possess low oil content in addition to a high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition. Two genes encoding endoplasmic reticulum localized desaturase enzymes, fatty acid desaturase2 (FAD2) and fatty acid desaturase3 (FAD3), were upregulated in both dgat1-1 and dgat1-2 developing seeds. Crosses between both dgat1 mutant alleles and fad2-1 failed to generate plants homozygous for both dgat1 and fad2. Reciprocal crosses with wild-type plants demonstrated that both male and female dgat1 fad2 gametophytes were viable. Siliques from DGAT1/dgat1-1 fad2-1/fad2-1 and dgat1-1/dgat1-1 FAD2/fad2-1 possessed abnormal looking seeds that were arrested in the torpedo growth stage. Approximately 25% of the seeds exhibited this arrested phenotype, genetically consistent with them possessing the double homozygous dgat1 fad2 genotype. In contrast, double homozygous dgat1-1 fad3-2 mutant plants were viable. Seeds from these plants possessed higher levels of 18:2 while their fatty acid content was lower than dgat1 mutant controls. The results are consistent with a model where in the absence of DGAT1 activity, desaturation of fatty acids by FAD2 becomes essential to provide PUFA substrates for phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) to synthesize TAG. In a dgat1 fad2 mutant, seed development is aborted because TAG is unable to be synthesized by either DGAT1 or PDAT.

Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase 8 increases photosynthesis and seed yield in Brassica napus.

Trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) functions as a vital proxy for assessing carbohydrate status in plants. While class II T6P synthases (TPS) do not exhibit TPS activity, they are believed to play pivotal regulatory roles in trehalose metabolism. However, their precise functions in carbon metabolism and crop yield have remained largely unknown. Here, BnaC02.TPS8, a class II TPS gene, is shown to be specifically expressed in mature leaves and the developing pod walls of Brassica napus. Overexpression of BnaC02.TPS8 increased photosynthesis and the accumulation of sugars, starch, and biomass compared to wild type. Metabolomic analysis of BnaC02.TPS8 overexpressing lines and CRISPR/Cas9 mutants indicated that BnaC02.TPS8 enhanced the partitioning of photoassimilate into starch and sucrose, as opposed to glycolytic intermediates and organic acids, which might be associated with TPS activity. Furthermore, the overexpression of BnaC02.TPS8 not only increased seed yield but also enhanced seed oil accumulation and improved the oil fatty acid composition in B. napus under both high nitrogen (N) and low N conditions in the field. These results highlight the role of class II TPS in impacting photosynthesis and seed yield of B. napus, and BnaC02.TPS8 emerges as a promising target for improving B. napus seed yield.

Multi-omics-driven advances in the understanding of triacylglycerol biosynthesis in oil seeds.

Vegetable oils are rich sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids and energy as well as valuable sources of human food, animal feed, and bioenergy. Triacylglycerols, which are comprised of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone, are the main component of vegetable oils. Here, we review the development and application of multiple-level omics in major oilseeds and emphasize the progress in the analysis of the biological roles of key genes underlying seed oil content and quality in major oilseeds. Finally, we discuss future research directions in functional genomics research based on current omics and oil metabolic engineering strategies that aim to enhance seed oil content and quality, and specific fatty acids components according to either human health needs or industrial requirements.

Transcriptional regulation of transcription factor genes WRI1 and LAFL during Brassica napus seed development.

The WRINKLED1 (WRI1) and LAFL [LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1), ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3), FUSCA3 (FUS3), and LEC2] transcription factors play essential roles in governing seed development and oil biosynthesis. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the transcriptional regulation of WRI1 and LAFL, we conducted genome-wide association studies for the expression profiles of WRI1 and LAFL in developing seeds at 20 and 40 days after flowering (DAF) using 302 rapeseed (Brassica napus) accessions. We identified a total of 237 expression quantitative trait nucleotides (eQTNs) and 51 expression QTN-by-environment interactions (eQEIs) associated with WRI1 and LAFL. Around these eQTNs and eQEIs, we pinpointed 41 and 8 candidate genes with known transcriptional regulations or protein interactions with their expression traits, respectively. Based on RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data, we employed the XGBoost and Basenji models which predicted 15 candidate genes potentially regulating the expression of WRI1 and LAFL. We further validated the predictions via tissue expression profile, haplotype analysis, and expression correlation analysis, and verified the transcriptional activation activity of BnaC03.MYB56 (R2R3-MYB transcription factor 56) on the expression of BnaA09.LEC1 by dual-luciferase reporter and yeast one-hybrid assays. BnaA10.AGL15 (AGAMOUS-LIKE 15), BnaC04.VAL1 (VIVIPAROUS1/ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3-LIKE 1), BnaC03.MYB56, and BnaA10.MYB56 were co-expressed with WRI1 and LAFL at 20 DAF in M35, a key module for seed development and oil biosynthesis. We further validated the positive regulation of MYB56 on seed oil accumulation using Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants. This study not only delivers a framework for future eQEI identification but also offers insights into the developmental regulation of seed oil accumulation.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis provides insights into the genetic networks regulating oil differential production in oil crops.

BACKGROUND: Plants differ more than threefold in seed oil contents (SOCs). Soybean (Glycine max), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), rapeseed (Brassica napus), and sesame (Sesamum indicum) are four important oil crops with markedly different SOCs and fatty acid compositions. RESULTS: Compared to grain crops like maize and rice, expanded acyl-lipid metabolism genes and relatively higher expression levels of genes involved in seed oil synthesis (SOS) in the oil crops contributed to the oil accumulation in seeds. Here, we conducted comparative transcriptomics on oil crops with two different SOC materials. In common, DIHYDROLIPOAMIDE DEHYDROGENASE, STEAROYL-ACYL CARRIER PROTEIN DESATURASE, PHOSPHOLIPID:DIACYLGLYCEROL ACYLTRANSFERASE, and oil-body protein genes were both differentially expressed between the high- and low-oil materials of each crop. By comparing functional components of SOS networks, we found that the strong correlations between genes in "glycolysis/gluconeogenesis" and "fatty acid synthesis" were conserved in both grain and oil crops, with PYRUVATE KINASE being the common factor affecting starch and lipid accumulation. Network alignment also found a conserved clique among oil crops affecting seed oil accumulation, which has been validated in Arabidopsis. Differently, secondary and protein metabolism affected oil synthesis to different degrees in different crops, and high SOC was due to less competition of the same precursors. The comparison of Arabidopsis mutants and wild type showed that CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE 9, the conserved regulator we identified, was a factor resulting in different relative contents of lignins to oil in seeds. The interconnection of lipids and proteins was common but in different ways among crops, which partly led to differential oil production. CONCLUSIONS: This study goes beyond the observations made in studies of individual species to provide new insights into which genes and networks may be fundamental to seed oil accumulation from a multispecies perspective.

The tree peony nuclear factor Y transcription factor PrNF-YC2 promotes seed oil accumulation.

Seed oil not only provides energy for seed postgermination development but also provides essential nutrients and raw materials for human products. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanism controlling seed oil accumulation remains largely unknown. Tree peony (Paeonia rockii) is an emerging woody oilseed crop in China that is known for its high-quality seed oil. Here, we revealed that a tree peony nuclear factor Y transcription factor, PrNF-YC2, is expressed predominantly in developing seeds and functions as an essential positive regulator of seed oil accumulation. PrNF-YC2 promoted oil accumulation in both transient ectopic overexpression Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and stable transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, globally upregulating the expression of genes involved in oil accumulation. In contrast, PrNF-YC2-silenced tree peony leaves using a virus-induced gene silencing system showed reduced oil content and expression of oil synthesis-related genes, including four master positive regulators contributing to oil accumulation, namely, LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1), ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3), FUSCA3 (FUS3), and WRINKLED1 (WRI1). We demonstrated that PrNF-YC2 directly activates PrLEC1 and PrABI3 alone and indirectly activates PrFUS3 and PrWRI1 by interacting with PrLEC1. Moreover, interaction with PrLEC1 also enhances the activation capacity of PrNF-YC2. The activation of these four master positive regulators by PrNF-YC2 triggered the upregulation of numerous oil synthesis-related genes, thus promoting oil accumulation. These findings provide new insights into the regulatory mechanism of seed oil accumulation and manipulation of PrNF-YC2 may be beneficial for enhancing oil yield in tree peony and other oilseed crops.

Intergrative metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the potential regulatory mechanism of unique dihydroxy fatty acid biosynthesis in the seeds of an industrial oilseed crop Orychophragmus violaceus.

BACKGROUND: Orychophragmus violaceus is a potentially important industrial oilseed crop due to the two 24-carbon dihydroxy fatty acids (diOH-FA) that was newly identified from its seed oil via a 'discontinuous elongation' process. Although many research efforts have focused on the diOH-FA biosynthesis mechanism and identified the potential co-expressed diacylglycerol acyltranferase (DGAT) gene associated with triacylglycerol (TAG)-polyestolides biosynthesis, the dynamics of metabolic changes during seed development of O. violaceus as well as its associated regulatory network changes are poorly understood. RESULTS: In this study, by combining metabolome and transcriptome analysis, we identified that 1,003 metabolites and 22,479 genes were active across four stages of seed development, which were further divided into three main clusters based on the patterns of metabolite accumulation and/or gene expression. Among which, cluster2 was mostly related to diOH-FA biosynthesis pathway. We thus further constructed transcription factor (TF)-structural genes regulatory map for the genes associated with the flavonoids, fatty acids and diOH-FA biosynthesis pathway in this cluster. In particular, several TF families such as bHLH, B3, HD-ZIP, MYB were found to potentially regulate the metabolism associated with the diOH-FA pathway. Among which, multiple candidate TFs with promising potential for increasing the diOH-FA content were identified, and we further traced the evolutionary history of these key genes among species of Brassicaceae. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our study provides new insight into the gene resources and potential relevant regulatory mechanisms of diOH-FA biosynthesis uniquely in seeds of O. violaceus, which will help to promote the downstream breeding efforts of this potential oilseed crop and advance the bio-lubricant industry.

Nutraceutically-enhanced oral delivery of vitamin D3 via Bio-SNEDDS: Demonstrating in vivo superiority over pediatric formulations.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D3 (VD3) deficiency among children in Saudi Arabia remains a pressing concern due to its poor bioavailability and the limitations of current pediatric formulations. To address this challenge, we developed a groundbreaking pediatric self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (Bio-SNEDDS) for VD3, fortified with black seed oil and moringa seed oil for dual therapeutic benefits. Through meticulous formulation optimization using ternary phase diagrams and comprehensive testing, our Bio-SNEDDS demonstrated exceptional performance. METHODS: Bio-SNEDDS were manufactured by incorporating Black seed oil and moringa seed oil as bioactive nutraceutical excipients along with various cosurfactant and surfactants. Bio-SNEDDS were systematically optimized through ternary phase diagrams, visual tests, droplet size analysis, drug solubilization studies, dispersion assessments, and pharmacokinetic testing in rats compared to Vi-De 3®. RESULTS: Pseudoternary phase diagrams identified oil blends producing large nanoemulsion regions optimal for SNEDDS formation. The optimized F1 Bio-SNEDDS showed a mean droplet diameter of 33.7 nm, solubilized 154.46 mg/g VD3 with no metabolite formation, and maintained >88% VD3 in solution during 24 h dispersion testing. Notably, in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation at a high VD3 dose demonstrated an approximately two-fold greater relative bioavailability over Vi-De 3®, validating the superb oral delivery performance of Bio-SNEDDS even under challenging high-dose conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The Bio-SNEDDS provides an effective VD3 delivery strategy with established in vivo superiority over marketed products, along with offering additional health benefits from the natural oils.

Genome-wide identification and mining elite allele variation of the Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) gene family in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

BACKGROUND: Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) genes belong to the alpha/beta hydrolase superfamily, catalyze the terminal step of triglyceride (TAG) hydrolysis, converting monoacylglycerol (MAG) into free fatty acids and glycerol. RESULTS: In this study, 30 MAGL genes in upland cotton have been identified, which have been classified into eight subgroups. The duplication of GhMAGL genes in upland cotton was predominantly influenced by segmental duplication events, as revealed through synteny analysis. Furthermore, all GhMAGL genes were found to contain light-responsive elements. Through comprehensive association and haplotype analyses using resequencing data from 355 cotton accessions, GhMAGL3 and GhMAGL6 were detected as key genes related to lipid hydrolysis processes, suggesting a negative regulatory effect. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, MAGL has never been studied in upland cotton previously. This study provides the genetic mechanism foundation for the discover of new genes involved in lipid metabolism to improve cottonseed oil content, which will provide a strategic avenue for marker-assisted breeding aimed at incorporating desirable traits into cultivated cotton varieties.

Non-specific Phospholipase C4 Improves Phosphorus Remobilization From Old to Young Leaves in Camelina.

Camelina sativa is regarded as a low-input oilseed crop for versatile food, biofuels and industrial applications with potential production on marginal lands, whereas phosphate (Pi) deficiency greatly reduces camelina seed production. To improve camelina resilience to low P conditions, here we overexpressed the Pi deficiency-induced non-specific phospholipase C4 (NPC4) to test its effect on camelina seed production under different levels of Pi availability. NPC4-overexpressing (OE) plants displayed increased seed yield and oil production, with a greater magnitude of increases under Pi-deficient than Pi-sufficient conditions. NPC4-OE camelina had a higher level of total P and free Pi in young leaves but a lower level in old leaves than in wild-type plants. More Pi was moved from old leaves to young leaves in NPC4-OE than in wild-type plants. NPC4-OE increased the expression of Pi transporter genes, and the increase was greater in old leaves and under Pi-deficient conditions. These data indicate that NPC4 improves camelina growth by promoting Pi remobilization from old to young tissues, revealing a mechanism by which NPC4 mediates plant response to Pi deficiency.

Pomegranate seed oil mitigates liver and kidney damage in an experimental colitis model: Modulation of NF-κB activation and apoptosis.

Pomegranate seed oil, extracted from pomegranate seeds, is a slightly fragrant yellow oil with a mild odor. Pomegranate seed oil is the main source of punicic acid (conjugated linolenic acid). Punicic acid is a long-chain omega-5 polyunsaturated fatty acid and a conjugated α-linolenic acid molecule. This acid is thought to provide many health benefits. This study evaluated the potential of pomegranate seed oil to attenuate damage to liver and kidney tissues in an acetic acid-induced colitis model. 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control, colitis, 0.4 ml/kg, and 0.8 ml/kg pomegranate seed oil treatment after colitis. At the end of the experiment, histopathological and immunohistochemistry analyses of liver and kidney tissues were performed. Pomegranate seed oil treatment reduced damage in liver and kidney tissues, suppressed NF-κB activation, and regulated apoptosis. These findings support the potential effects of pomegranate seed oil against extraintestinal symptoms of colitis through its anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.

Pomegranate seed oil alleviates colitis: Therapeutic effects achieved by modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation in a rat model.

Pomegranate seed oil shows positive effects by limiting neutrophil activation and lipid peroxidation through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated the possible ameliorative effects of pomegranate seed oil, its actions on proinflammatory cytokines, and its antioxidant activity using an acute acetic acid-induced colitis model in rats. 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control, colitis, 0.4 ml/kg, and 0.8 ml/kg pomegranate seed oil treatment after colitis. At the end of the experiment, histopathological and biochemical analyses of intestinal tissues and blood were performed. The study revealed that administering different doses of pomegranate seed oil dramatically reduced total oxidant levels, nuclear factor kappa B, proinflammatory cytokines, and myeloperoxidase activity and appreciably reduced colitis injury. These findings suggest that pomegranate seed oil may alleviate colitis symptoms effectively and exert protective effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Phœnix dactylifera, L. seed oil alleviates Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and oxidative stress in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most serious form of interstitial lung disease. We aimed to investigate the effect of Phœnix dactylifera, L. seed oil (DSO) on a murine model of IPF induced by bleomycin (BLM). METHODS: Male Wistar rats were treated with a single intra-tracheal injection of BLM (4 mg/kg) and a daily intraperitoneal injection of DSO (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Our phytochemical results showed that DSO has an important antioxidant activity with a high content of polyphenols and flavonoids. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed a high amount of oleic and lauric acids and a large quantity of vitamins. Histological examination showed a significant reduction in fibrosis score and collagen bands in the group of rats treated with 75 mg/kg of DSO compared to the BLM group. DSO (75 mg/kg) reversed also the increase in catalase and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while higher doses (150 and 300 mg/kg) are ineffective against the deleterious effects of BLM. We revealed also that DSO has no renal or hepatic cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSION: DSO can play antioxidant and antifibrotic effects on rat models of pulmonary fibrosis at the lowest dose administered.

Single- and multiple-trait quantitative trait locus analyses for seed oil and protein contents of soybean populations with advanced breeding line background.

Soybean seed oil and protein contents are negatively correlated, posing challenges to enhance both traits simultaneously. Previous studies have identified numerous oil and protein QTLs via single-trait QTL analysis. Multiple-trait QTL methods were shown to be superior but have not been applied to seed oil and protein contents. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single- and multiple-trait multiple interval mapping (ST-MIM and MT-MIM, respectively) for these traits using three recombinant inbred line populations from advanced breeding line crosses tested in four environments. Using original and simulated data, we found that MT-MIM did not outperform ST-MIM for our traits with high heritability (H2 > 0.84). Empirically, MT-MIM confirmed only five out of the seven QTLs detected by ST-MIM, indicating single-trait analysis was sufficient for these traits. All QTLs exerted opposite effects on oil and protein contents with varying protein-to-oil additive effect ratios (-0.4 to -4.8). We calculated the economic impact of the allelic variations via estimated processed values (EPV) using the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) and High Yield + Quality (HY + Q) methods. Oil-increasing alleles had positive effects on both EPVNOPA and EPVHY+Q when the protein-to-oil ratio was low (-0.4 to -0.7). However, when the ratio was high (-4.1 to -4.8), oil-increasing alleles increased EPVNOPA and decreased EPVHY+Q, which penalizes low protein meal. In conclusion, single-trait QTL analysis is adequately effective for high heritability traits like seed oil and protein contents. Additionally, the populations' elite pedigrees and varying protein-to-oil ratios provide potential lines for further yield assessment and direct integration into breeding programs. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-024-01489-2.

Pumpkin seed oil: unveiling its potential in controlling inflammation and pathogenicity during experimental trichinellosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory potential of pumpkin seed oil in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis by demonstrating its impact on MMP-9 expression and pathogenesis during the intestinal and muscular phases. RESULTS: In this study, 100 mice were divided into five groups: an infected group, a pumpkin seed oil-treated group (1.5 mg/kg BW, administered three times per week), an albendazole-treated group, a native control group, and a pumpkin oil control group. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the pumpkin seed oil revealed a broad spectrum of biologically active compounds. The pumpkin seed oil treatment led to a significant reduction in the parasite burden, with a 75% decrease in adult worms and a 66% decrease in encysted larvae. Additionally, the infected animals treated with pumpkin oil exhibited a marked reduction in intestinal inflammation, characterized by a progressive increase in goblet cells. The number of encysted larvae in the diaphragm and muscle tissues was also significantly decreased. Furthermore, pumpkin seed oil treatment significantly reduced MMP-9 levels in both intestinal and muscular tissues, highlighting its potential to attenuate inflammation. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil as anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic agent.

Chromatographic assessment of biodiesel production from Peganum harmala seed oil using environmentally benign nano-catalysts.

This work gives a comprehensive chromatographic assessment of biodiesel generation from plant seed oil using ecologically friendly nano-catalysts. Researchers all over the world are actively looking for new ways to satisfy the urgent need for clean and renewable energy sources. The resultant biodiesel was fully characterized utilizing modern techniques like scanning electron microscopy, energy diffraction X-ray and X-ray diffraction. The biodiesel gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis revealed four significant peaks of fatty acid methyl esters, indicating high-quality biodiesel production. Furthermore, the biodiesel fuel qualities were discovered to be comparable with international standards such as ASTM D-6571 and EN-14214. This indicates that the iron-modified clay nano-catalyst can be used as a catalyst for large-scale biodiesel production. This work is important because it could lead to the large-scale production of a novel, non-food feedstock. We may lessen our reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable and ecologically friendly energy future by leveraging the usage of biodiesel produced in this way. The chromatographic assessment of biodiesel production from non-edible seed oil using environmentally benign nano-catalysts holds significant promise in advancing sustainable and eco-friendly biodiesel production methods, contributing to a cleaner and more environmentally responsible energy sector.

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.

Assessment of Moroccan Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil: Chemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Toxicological, and Antinociceptive Effects.

Assessment of Moroccan Cannabis sativa Seed Oil: Chemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Toxicological, and Antinociceptive Effects. by K. Raoui et al., Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco. Cannabis sativa L., locally known as "El kif", belongs to the Cannabaceae family. This study aims to conduct a chemical analysis of Cannabis sativa seed oil (CSSO) and assess its acute toxicity, antioxidant properties, and analgesic effects. The chemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify fatty acids (FAs) contents. Antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using the (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH radical scavenging method and the (ferric reducing antioxidant power) FRAP method. Concurrently, acute toxicity, along with antinociceptive activity, was studied through three distinct animal models: writhing test, formalin test, and hot plate test. The results revealed that linoleic acid, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and palmitic acid were the main components of CSSO. The LD50 of CSSO was greater than 5 g/kg, indicating low toxicity. Additionally, CSSO exhibited a significant content of flavonoids and total polyphenols, along with notable antioxidant activity with important values. The results indicated a significant increase in thermal stimulus latency, a reduction in the number of writhes induced by acetic acid, and a decrease in licking time in both phases of the formalin test. In conclusion, this study suggests promising results for CSSO, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic agent.

Effect of mango butter on the physicochemical properties of beeswax-Moringa seed oil-based oleogels for topical application.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to determine any connections between the characteristics of oleogels made of beeswax and the impact of mango butter. METHODS: Oleogel was prepared through inverted tube methods, and optimized through oil binding capacity. Other evaluations like bright field and polarized microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, crystallization kinetics, mechanical study, and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The drug release kinetic studies and in vitro antibacterial studies were performed. RESULTS: FTIR study reveals that the gelation process does not significantly alter the chemical composition of the individual components. Prepared gel exhibiting fluid-like behavior or composed of brittle networks is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in their network design. The incorporation of mango butter increases the drug permeation. In-vitro microbial efficacy study was found to be excellent. CONCLUSION: The studies revealed that mango butter can be used to modify the physico-chemical properties of the oleogels.

Microemulsions based on Acer truncatum seed oil and its fatty acids: fabrication, rheological property, and stability.

AIMS: To construct the microemulsion delivery system (ME) loading ATSO and NA and study their physicochemical characteristics to enhance their stability and water solubility. METHODS: By plotting ternary phase diagrams, the composition and proportions of the MEs were determined. The physicochemical characteristics and stability of MEs were evaluated by mean diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), pH, electrical conductivity, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), rheological behaviour measurement, and phase inversion temperature (PIT). RESULTS: The MEs was composed with EL-40 as a surfactant and specifically with the addition of ethanol as a cosurfactant in NA-loaded ME. The mean diameters of ATSO-loaded ME and NA-loaded ME were 39.65 ± 0.24 nm and 32.90 ± 2.65 nm, and PDI were 0.49 ± 0.01 and 0.28 ± 0.14, respectively. The TEM confirmed the spherical and smooth morphology of MEs. The rheological results indicated that MEs are dilatant fluids with the advantages of low viscosity, high fluidity, and tolerance to temperature fluctuations. The mean diameter and PDI of MEs showed no significant change after storage at 25 °C for 28 days and centrifugation. CONCLUSION: The prepared microemulsions could expand the application prospects of ATSO and NA products in cosmetics, medicine, foods and other fields.