Isochromophilones H-K, the new bioactive azaphilone derivatives isolated from fungal strain Diaporthe perseae associated with Pongamia pinnata plant.

The phytochemical study of the Diaporthe species has revealed significant classes of mycotoxins and phomopsins. Dihydroanthracenone derivatives, chromanones and isochromophilones have also been isolated from Diaporthe sp. These findings led us to explore the Diaporthe perseae for phytochemical analysis that resulted in the isolation of four new compounds designated as isochromophilones H-K (1-4), alongside three previously identified metabolites. Using extensive spectroscopic investigations such as NMR, and Mass spectroscopy, their structures were elucidated. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and anti-diabetic potentials of all isolated compounds were assessed. Compounds 1-3 demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, while compounds 4-7 exhibited comparatively lower effectiveness than the reference antibiotics. Compounds 2-3 showed potent diabetic inhibition, displaying IC50 values of 16.3 ± 0.3 and 25.4 ± 0.3, respectively. Compounds 1, 5, and 6 displayed mild anti-diabetic effects, with IC50 values of 56.5 ± 0.8, 37.6 ± 0.4, and 48.2 ± 0.6. However, compounds 4 and 7 were found least active.

Effect of aqueous extract of Millettia speciosa Champ on intestinal health maintenance and immune enhancement of Cyprinus carpio.

Millettia speciosa Champ (MSP) is a natural Chinese herb that improves gastrointestinal health and enhances animal immunity. An 8-week feeding trial with different MSP levels (0, 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) was conducted to evaluate the promotive effects of MSP in Cyprinus carpio. Results indicate that MSP improved intestinal immunity to some extent evidenced by the immuno-antioxidant parameters and the 16S rRNA in the Illumina MiSeq platform. With the analysis of transcriptome sequencing, 4685 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 2149 up-regulated and 2536 down-regulated. According to the GO and KEGG enrichments, DEGs were mainly involved in the immune system. Transcriptional expression of the NOD-like signaling pathway and key genes retrieved from the transcriptome database confirmed that innate immunity was improved in response to dietary MSP administration. Therefore, MSP could be used as a feed supplement that enhances immunity. This may provide insight into Chinese herb additive application in aquaculture production.

A theoretical screening of phytochemical constituents from Millettia brandisiana as inhibitors against acetylcholinesterase.

Alzheimer's disease is one of the causes associated with the early stages of dementia. Nowadays, the main treatment available is to inhibit the actions of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme, which has been identified as responsible for the disease. In this study, computational methods were used to examine the structure and therapeutic ability of chemical compounds extracted from Millettia brandisiana natural products against AChE. This plant is commonly known as a traditional medicine in Vietnam and Thailand for the treatment of several diseases. Furthermore, machine learning helped us narrow down the choice of 85 substances for further studies by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to gain deeper insights into the interactions between inhibitors and disease proteins. Of the five top-choice substances, γ-dimethylallyloxy-5,7,2,5-tetramethoxyisoflavone emerges as a promising substance due to its large free binding energy to AChE and the high thermodynamic stability of the resulting complex.

Antiviral Rotenoids and Isoflavones Isolated from Millettia oblata ssp. teitensis.

Three new (1-3) and six known rotenoids (5-10), along with three known isoflavones (11-13), were isolated from the leaves of Millettia oblata ssp. teitensis. A new glycosylated isoflavone (4), four known isoflavones (14-18), and one known chalcone (19) were isolated from the root wood extract of the same plant. The structures were elucidated by NMR and mass spectrometric analyses. The absolute configuration of the chiral compounds was established by a comparison of experimental ECD and VCD data with those calculated for the possible stereoisomers. This is the first report on the use of VCD to assign the absolute configuration of rotenoids. The crude leaves and root wood extracts displayed anti-RSV (human respiratory syncytial virus) activity with IC50 values of 0.7 and 3.4 µg/mL, respectively. Compounds 6, 8, 10, 11, and 14 showed anti-RSV activity with IC50 values of 0.4-10 µM, while compound 3 exhibited anti-HRV-2 (human rhinovirus 2) activity with an IC50 of 4.2 µM. Most of the compounds showed low cytotoxicity for laryngeal carcinoma (HEp-2) cells; however compounds 3, 11, and 14 exhibited low cytotoxicity also in primary lung fibroblasts. This is the first report on rotenoids showing antiviral activity against RSV and HRV viruses.

Phytochemical, bactericidal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of various extracts from Pongamia pinnata and functional groups characterization by FTIR and HPLC analyses.

The present research looked into possible biomedical applications of Pongamia pinnata leaf extract. The first screening of the phytochemical profile showed that the acetone extract had more phytochemicals than the other solvent extracts. These included more saponins, proteins, phenolic compounds, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, and sugar. The P. pinnata acetone extract exhibited highest antibacterial activity against C. diphtheriae. The bactericidal activity was found in the following order: C. diphtheria (14 mm) > P. aeruginosa (10 mm) > S. flexneri (9 mm) > S. marcescens (7 mm) > S. typhi (7 mm) > S. epidermidis (7 mm) > S. boydii (6 mm) > S. aureus (3 mm) at 10 mg mL-1 concentration. MIC value of 240 mg mL-1 and MBC is 300 mg mL-1 of concentration with 7 colonies against C. diphtheriae was noticed in acetone extract. Acetone extract of P. pinnata was showed highest percentage of inhibition (87.5 %) at 625 mg mL-1 concentrations by DPPH method. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity showed the fine albumin denaturation as 76% as well as anti-lipoxygenase was found as 61% at 900 mg mL-1 concentrations correspondingly. FT-IR analysis was used to determine the functional groups of compounds with bioactive properties. The qualitative examination of selected plants through HPLC yielded significant peak values determined by intervals through the peak value. In an acetone extract of P. pinnata, 9 functional groups were identified. These findings concluded that the acetone extract has high pharmaceutical value, but more in-vivo research is needed to assess its potential.

Pongamia pinnata seed extract-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticle loaded nanogel for estimation of their antipsoriatic properties.

This research describes the eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles employing Pongamia pinnata seed extracts loaded with nanogel formulations (AgNPs CUD NG) to improve the retention, accumulation, and the penetration of AgNPs into the epidermal layer of psoriasis. AgNPs were synthesized using the Box-Behnken design. Optimized AgNPs and AgNPs CUD NG were physico-chemically evaluated using UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, FT-IR, PXRD, viscosity, spreadability, and retention studies. It was also functionally assessed using an imiquimod-induced rat model. The entrapment efficiency of AgNPs revealed ~ 79.35%. Physico-chemical parameters announced the formation of AgNPs via surface plasmon resonance and interaction between O-H, C = O, and amide I carbonyl group of protein extract and AgNO3. Optimized AgNPs showed spherical NPs ~ 116 nm with better physical stability and suitability for transdermal applications. AgNPs CUD NG revealed non-Newtonian, higher spreadability, and better extrudability, indicating its suitability for a transdermal route. AgNPs CUD NG enhanced the retention of AgNPs on the psoriatic skin compared to normal skin. Optimized formulations exhibit no irritation by the end of 72 h, indicating formulation safety. AgNPs CUD NG at a dose of 1 FTU showed significant recovery from psoriasis with a PASI score of ~ 0.8 compared to NG base and marketed formulations. Results indicated that seed extract-assisted AgNPs in association with CUD-based NG formulations could be a promising nanocarrier for psoriasis and other skin disorders.

Bacterial community drives soil organic carbon transformation in vanadium titanium magnetite tailings through remediation using Pongamia pinnata.

With continuous mine exploitation, regional ecosystems have been damaged, resulting in a decline in the carbon sink capacity of mining areas. There is a global shortage of effective soil ecological restoration techniques for mining areas, especially for vanadium (V) and titanium (Ti) magnetite tailings, and the impact of phytoremediation techniques on the soil carbon cycle remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of long-term Pongamia pinnata remediation on soil organic carbon transformation of V-Ti magnetite tailing to reveal the bacterial community driving mechanism. In this study, it was found that four soil active organic carbon components (ROC, POC, DOC, and MBC) and three carbon transformation related enzymes (S-CL, S-SC, and S-PPO) in vanadium titanium magnetite tailings significantly (P < 0.05) increased with P. pinnata remediation. The abundance of carbon transformation functional genes such as carbon degradation, carbon fixation, and methane oxidation were also significantly (P < 0.05) enriched. The network nodes, links, and modularity of the microbial community, carbon components, and carbon transformation genes were enhanced, indicating stronger connections among the soil microbes, carbon components, and carbon transformation functional genes. Structural equation model (SEM) analysis revealed that the bacterial communities indirectly affected the soil organic carbon fraction and enzyme activity to regulate the soil total organic carbon after P. pinnata remediation. The soil active organic carbon fraction and free light fraction carbon also directly regulated the soil carbon and nitrogen ratio by directly affecting the soil total organic carbon content. These results provide a theoretical reference for the use of phytoremediation to drive soil carbon transformation for carbon sequestration enhancement through the remediation of degraded ecosystems in mining areas.

Utilizing Integrated UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS, Multivariate Analysis, and Bioactive Evaluation to Distinguish between Wild and Cultivated Niudali (Millettia speciosa Champ.).

Millettia speciosa Champ. (MSCP) enjoys widespread recognition for its culinary and medicinal attributes. Despite the extensive history of MSCP cultivation, the disparities in quality and bioactivity between wild and cultivated varieties have remained unexplored. In this study, 20 wild and cultivated MSCP samples were collected from different regions in China. We embarked on a comprehensive investigation of the chemical constituents found in both wild and cultivated MSCP utilizing UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS technology and multivariate analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). In total, 62 chemical components were unequivocally identified or tentatively characterized. Via the multivariate statistical analysis, we successfully pinpointed nine compounds with the potential to serve as chemical markers, enabling the differentiation between wild and cultivated MSCP varieties. Moreover, both genotypes exhibited substantial antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties. The bioactivities of wild MSCP were marginally higher when compared to their cultivated counterparts. This study illuminates the impressive antioxidant and anti-fatigue potential present in both wild and cultivated MSCP genotypes, further augmenting the allure of this species and opening new avenues for the economic valorization of MSCP. Hence, this study provides a valuable method for the identification and quality control of MSCP and a method in chemistry and pharmacology to assess an alternative possibility for cultivated MSCP.

Phytoremediation of nickel and zinc using Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata from the soils contaminated by municipal solid wastes and paper mill wastes.

The primary source of soil pollution is a complex mixture of numerous inorganic and organic compounds (including chlorinated compounds, nutrients, and heavy metals, etc.). The presence of all of these compounds makes remediation and cleanup difficult. In this study, the phytoremediation ability of Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata was tested to remove nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) from paper mill and municipal landfill contaminated soils, to understand the uptake potential and to estimate the accumulation pattern of Ni and Zn in the vegetative parts of the plant. The experiments were carried out in pots (3 kg capacity) and the different combinations of soil were made by mixing the contaminated soil with a reference soil (forest soil) as T0, T25, T50, T75 and T100. The plant biomass, chlorophyll content, proline, nitrate reductase activity and metal removal efficiency (%)were determined after 120 DAS (i.e., the days after sowing). The results of the study showed that with increasing metal stress, there is a reduction in the above-ground biomass content in both the plant species with a slightly less impact on the root biomass. Over a period of 4 months, J. curcas and P. pinnata removed 82-86% and 93-90% Ni, respectively. The removal of Zn was significantly less as compared to Ni as most of the Zn remained in the belowground part (roots) and in the soil. Besides, the phytostabilization capacities of the plants were calculated on the basis of their tolerance index (TI), bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF). The low BAF and TF values with increasing heavy metals (HMs) content indicates its higher phytostabilization capacity in the root and rhizospheric region as compared to phytoaccumulation.

Natural Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors with Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activities from Millettia dielsiana.

The results of in silico screening of the 50 isolated compounds from Millettia dielsiana against the target proteins PDE4 (PDE4A, PDE4B, and PDE4D) showed binding affinity ranges from -5.81 to -11.56, -5.27 to -13.01, and -5.80 to -12.12 kcal mol-1, respectively, with median values of -8.83, -8.84, and -8.645 kcal mol-1, respectively. Among these compounds, Millesianin F was identified as the most promising PDE4A inhibitor due to its strongest binding affinity with the target protein PDE4A. (-11.56 kcal mol-1). This was followed by the compound 5,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone 7-O-ß-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranoside (D50) with the binding affinity value of -11.35 kcal mol-1. For the target protein PDE4B, compound D50 exhibited the strongest binding affinity value of -13.01 kcal mol-1, while showing poorer inhibition ability for PDE4D. The 100 ns MD simulation examination (radius of gyration, Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA), Root-Mean-Square Deviation (RMSD), Root-Mean-Square Fluctuation (RMSF), and hydrogen bonding) was carried out to examine the overall stability and binding efficiency of the protein-ligand complex between compounds (Millesianin F, Millesianin G, Claclrastin-7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside, 7-hydroxy-4',6 dimethoxyisoflavone-7-O-ß-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranoside, 7-hydroxy-4',8-dimethoxyisoflavone 7-O-ß-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranoside, Odoratin-7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside, and 5,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone 7-O-ß-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranoside) and PDE4 (A, B) subtype proteins. Compound D50 has shown strong anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by experimental results. It effectively inhibits PDE4B and PDE4D, with IC50 values of 6.56 ± 0.7 µM and 11.74 ± 1.3 µM, respectively. Additionally, it reduces NO production, with an IC50 value of 5.40 ± 0.9 µM. Based on these findings, it is promising and considered a potential novel anti-inflammatory drug for future development.

Whole plant response of Pongamia pinnata to drought stress tolerance revealed by morpho-physiological, biochemical and transcriptome analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pongamia is considered an important biofuel species worldwide. Drought stress in the early growth stages of Pongamia influences negatively on the germination and seedling development. Due to lack of cultivar stability under drought stress conditions, establishment of successful plantation in drought hit areas becomes a major problem. To address this issue, drought stress response of four Pongamia genotypes was studied at morphological, physio-chemical and transcriptome levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: Drought stress was levied by limiting water for 15 days on three months old seedlings of four genotypes. A significant effect of water stress was observed on the traits considered. The genotype NRCP25 exhibited superior morpho-physiological, biochemical drought responses. Also, the genotype had higher root length, photosynthetic pigments, higher antioxidant enzymes and solute accumulation compared to other genotypes. In addition, transcript profiling of selected drought responsive candidate genes such as trehalose phosphate synthase 1 (TPS1), abscisic acid responsive elements-binding protein 2 (ABF2-2), heat shock protein 17 (HSP 17 kDa), tonoplast intrinsic protein 1 (TIP 1-2), zinc finger homeodomain protein 2 (ZFP 2), and xyloglucan endotransglucolase 13 (XET 13) showed only up-regulation in NRCP25. Further, the transcriptome responses are in line with key physio-chemical responses exhibited by NRCP25 for drought tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: As of now, there are no systematic studies on Pongamia drought stress tolerance; therefore this study offers a comprehensive understanding of whole plant drought stress responsiveness of Pongamia. Moreover, the results support important putative trait indices with potential candidate genes for drought tolerance improvement of Pongamia.

Total Syntheses and Anti-inflammatory Evaluations of Pongamosides A-C, Natural Furanoflavonoid Glucosides from Fruit of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre.

The syntheses of three natural furanoflavonoid glucosides, including two flavone glucosides, pongamosides A (1) and B (2), and a flavonol glucoside, pongamoside C (3), were achieved for the first time in 9-15 steps from commercially available materials in overall yields ranging from 2.9% to 29%. The synthetic sequence featured a NaH-promoted BK-VK rearrangement and acid-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization to furnish the furanoflavonoid aglycone. Meanwhile, phase-transfer-catalyzed glycosylation and Schmidt's trichloroacetimidate procedure were employed to establish the pivotal O-glycosidic linkage. The anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1-3, as well as their aglycones 5a, 5b, and 23, were determined against NO production in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The results indicated that the O-glycosylation may reduce the anti-inflammatory activity of furanoflavonoid in vitro.

Role of rhizobia in promoting non-enzymatic antioxidants to mitigate nitrogen-deficiency and nickel stresses in Pongamia pinnata.

The contribution of rhizobia in the mitigation of non-enzymatic antioxidants against nitrogen deficiency and heavy metal toxicity for legume plant is not clear. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the inoculation of rhizobia could mitigate nitrogen deficiency and nickel (Ni) stresses in P. pinnata tissues by enhancing the formation of certain non-enzymatic antioxidants. The effect of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing rhizobia on the mitigation of nitrogen-deficiency and Ni stresses in P. pinnata was evaluated by inoculating two different rhizobia, i.e., Rhizobium pisi PZHK2 and Ochrobacterium pseudogrignonense PZHK4, around the rhizosphere of P. pinnata grown in soil containing 40 mg kg-1 Ni2+ and without nitrogen addition. The inoculation with both rhizobial strains promoted the growth of P. pinnata under nickel stress or nitrogen-deficiency condition, increased nitrogen content in all plant tissues and nickel content in shoots and leaves, but reduced nickel accumulation in roots. The four non-enzymatic antioxidants including glutathione (GSH), proanthocyanidin (OPC), ascorbic acid (ASA) and flavonoids (FLA) distributed in roots, shoots and leaves were followed in descending order: GSH > OPC > ASA > FLA. The four non-enzymatic antioxidants showed different levels of change under the nitrogen-deficiency and nickel stresses and in the non-stress control. The inoculation of PZHK2 and PZHK4 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the four non-enzymatic antioxidants in P. pinnata tissues, especially in roots. Some non-enzymatic antioxidants showed correlations with nickel or nitrogen in P. pinnata tissues, and the four non-enzymatic antioxidants also had correlations among each other. Therefore, this research revealed an excellent role of rhizobia in promoting non-enzymatic antioxidants to mitigate nitrogen-deficiency or nickel stress for P. pinnata.

Evaluation of Antitermite Properties of Wood Extracts from Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Leguminosae) against Subterranean Termites.

Termiticide, repellent and antifeedant activities of extracts from Pongamia pinnata wood were evaluated against Coptotermes heimi (Wasmann) at three different concentrations preceded by a preliminary choice and no-choice tests for natural resistance of tested wood. Termites' mortality was determined in each case of extract and solvent treated Whatman filter paper. Finally, wooden blocks of poplar (19×19×19 mm) were treated with extracts and respective solvents and exposed to termites in the field for 28 days. Minimum mean weight loss was observed in dried P. pinnata (6.38%), followed by fresh P. pinnata in choice tests. In no-choice tests, dried P. pinnata was comparatively resistant with a weight loss of 12.37%, followed by fresh P. pinnata and P. deltoides. In toxicity bioassay, ethyl acetate-based wood extracts caused the highest mortality (41.66%), followed by petroleum ether, hexane, and water extracts at 10 mg/ml concentration. Similarly, ethyl acetate-based extracts showed maximum repellency (100%) followed by petroleum ether extracts at 10 mg/ml and ethyl acetate at 5 mg/ml after 60 min of termite exposure. Minimum wood losses were observed in woods treated with ethyl acetate extracts compared to control and other treatments in field experiments.

A critical review of Pongamia pinnata multiple applications: From land remediation and carbon sequestration to socioeconomic benefits.

Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Pongamia) is a tree native to Southeast Asia. Recently, interest in Pongamia focused on its potential as a biofuel source as its seeds contain around 40% oil. However, Pongamia has multiple applications beyond biofuel production. It is a legume, can form symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi, has been shown to be tolerant to drought, salinity, and heavy metals in soil, and has potential to mitigate climate change. Additionally, Pongamia oil has medicinal properties, can be used as biopesticide, insect repellent, to produce soap, and as a source of edible grade vegetable oil. The seed cake can be used as a source of bioenergy, food and feed protein, and organic fertiliser, and the flowers are a good source of pollen and nectar. Pongamia can also bring socio-economic benefits as its ability to restore degraded and contaminated land provides opportunities for local communities through novel valorisation pathways. These multiple applications have potential to form part of a circular bioeconomy in line with sustainable development goals. Although research on the multiple applications of Pongamia has grown considerably, knowledge gaps remain and these need to be addressed so that the full potential of Pongamia can be achieved. Further understanding of the mechanisms underlying its resilience to abiotic stresses, phytoremediation potential and biotic interactions should be a priority, and co-ordinated breeding efforts will be key. Here, we critically review the available literature on Pongamia and highlight gaps in knowledge in which future research should focus on to ensure that the full potential of this versatile tree can be achieved. We conclude that Pongamia can potentially form part of a circular bioeconomy and that harnessing the multiple applications of Pongamia in a holistic manner, with collaboration among key stakeholders, is crucial for the successful application of its benefits far beyond biofuel production.

Phytochemistry and Antioxidant Activities of the Rhizome and Radix of Millettia speciosa Based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS.

The root of Millettia speciosa Champ. (MSCP) is used in folk medicine and is popular as a soup ingredient. The root is composed of the rhizome and radix, but only the radix has been used as a food. Thus, it is very important to compare the chemical components and antioxidant activities between the rhizome and radix. The extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS and multivariate analysis, and the antioxidant activities were evaluated by 2,20-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazo-line-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. Ninety-one compounds were detected simultaneously and temporarily identified. Ten compounds were identified as chemical markers to distinguish the rhizome from the radix. The antioxidant activities of the radix were higher than the rhizome. Correlation analysis showed that uvaol-3-caffeate, 3-O-caffeoyloleanolic acid, and khrinone E were the main active markers for antioxidant activity, which allowed for the rapid differentiation of rhizomes and the radix. Therefore, it could be helpful for future exploration of its material base and bioactive mechanism. In addition, it would be considered to be used as a new method for the quality control of M. speciosa.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Millettia dielsiana: In Vitro and In Silico Study.

In silico docking studies of 50 selected compounds from Millettia dielsiana Harms ex Diels (family Leguminosae) were docked into the binding pocket of the PI3K/mTOR protein. In there, compounds trans-3-O-p-hydroxycinnamoyl ursolic acid (1) and 5,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone 7-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2) are predicted to be very promising inhibitors against PI3K/mTOR. They direct their cytotoxic activity against Hepatocellular carcinoma with binding affinity (BA) values, the pulling work spent to the co-crystallized ligand from the binding site of PI3K/mTOR (W and Fmax), and the non-equilibrium binding free energy (∆GneqJar) as BA values = -9.237 and -9.083 kcal/mol, W = 83.5 ± 10.6 kcal/mol with Fmax = 336.2 ± 45.3 pN and 126.6 ± 21.7 kcal/mol with Fmax = 430.3 ± 84.0 pN, and ∆GneqJar = -69.86074 and -101.2317 kcal/mol, respectively. In molecular dynamic simulation, the RMSD value of the PI3K/mTOR complex with compounds (1 and 2) was in the range of 0.3 nm to the end of the simulation. Therefore, the compounds (1 and 2) are predicted to be very promising inhibitors against PI3K/mTOR. The crude extract, ethyl acetate fraction and compounds (1 and 2) from Millettia dielsiana exhibited moderate to potent in vitro cytotoxicity on Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line with IC50 values of 81.2 µg/mL, 60.4 µg/mL, 23.1 µM, and 16.3 µM, respectively, and showed relatively potent to potent in vitro antioxidant activity on mouse hepatocytes with ED50 values of 24.4 µg/mL, 19.3 µg/mL, 30.7 µM, and 20.5 µM, respectively. In conclusion, Millettia dielsiana and compounds (1 and 2) are predicted to have very promising cytotoxic activity against Hepatocellular carcinoma and have a hepatoprotective effect.

Dynamics of limited neoplastic growth on Pongamia pinnata (L.) (Fabaceae) leaf, induced by Aceria pongamiae (Acari: Eriophyidae).

BACKGROUND: Galls or the neoplastic growth on plants result from a complex type of interaction between the inducers (Acari, Insects, Microbes and Nematodes) and plants. The present study sheds light on the gall inducing habit of a highly host specific eriophyid mite, Aceria pongamiae, on the leaves of Pongamia pinnata leading to the production of abnormal pouch like outgrowths on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the foliage. Each leaf gall is a highly complex, irregular massive structure, and the formation of which often leads to complete destruction of leaves, especially during heavy mite infestation, and thereby adversely affecting the physiology and growth of the host plant. RESULTS: The study was carried out by making comparative observations on FE-SEM histological sections of galls representing four different growth stages categorized on the basis of difference in age groups. Apart from variations in cell metaplasia, a dramatic change was observed in the abaxial-adaxial polarity of the laminar surfaces also throughout the developmental sequence of galls, in all the four growth stages. Significant variations could be observed in the anti-oxidative potency as well as elemental composition in the all the four age groups of galls, and also revealed ATR-FTIR pattern of gall formation. CONCLUSION: Being the first attempt to unravel the mystery of gall induction by eriophyids in general and by A. pongamiae in particular, on its host plant P.pinnata, by shedding light on the structural and histological alterations taking place during leaf gall formation under the influence of the mite, the current study is to be treated as the model of plant-animal interactive system.

Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, anticancer, and phytochemical composition of the seed extract of Pongamia pinnata.

Ethyl acetate seed extract of Pongamia pinnata displayed the highest antimicrobial potential against all test pathogens and Staphylococcus epidermidis was reported as the most sensitive strain with MIC/MBC 1.56/3.12 mg ml-1. It inhibited S. epidermidis biofilm 97.43% at MIC and LM as well as FE-SEM micrographs displayed extensive disintegration in biofilm. It showed the highest TPC (1.23 ± 0.04 g GAE g-1), TFC (0.95 ± 0.05 g CE g-1), and antioxidant activity with IC50 18.47 ± 0.33 µg ml-1. MTT assay displayed concentration-dependent strong cytotoxicity on K562 cells on the treatment of ethyl acetate extract with an IC50 value of 84.41 µg ml-1. On the other hand, it showed minute cytotoxicity on normal PBMCs with an IC50 value of 410.14 µg ml-1. GC-MS analysis revealed that Hexadecanoic acid (35.97%); 2-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)furo[2,3-h]chromen-4-one (Pongaglabrone) (22.82%); 2,2-Dimethylindane-1,3-dione- (13.05%) were the three major components in ethyl acetate extract. The present investigation showcases ethyl acetate extract as a potent antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anticancer agent that opens a new avenue for its phytochemicals as a therapeutic agent.

Evaluation of high salinity tolerance in Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre by a systematic analysis of hormone-metabolic network.

Salinity stress results in significant losses in plant productivity and loss of cultivable lands. Although Pongamia pinnata is reported to be a salt-tolerant semiarid biofuel tree, the adaptive mechanisms to saline environments are elusive. Despite a reduction in carbon exchange rate (CER), the unchanged relative water content provides no visible salinity induced symptoms in leaves of hydroponic cultivated Pongamia seedlings for 8 days. Our Na+ -specific fluorescence results demonstrated that there was an effective apoplastic sodium sequestration in the roots. Salinity stress significantly increased zeatin (~5.5-fold), and jasmonic acid (~3.8-fold) levels in leaves while zeatin (~2.5-fold) content increased in leaves as well as in roots of salt-treated plants. Metabolite analysis suggested that osmolytes such as myo-inositol and mannitol were enhanced by ~12-fold in leaves and roots of salt-treated plants. Additionally, leaves of Pongamia showed a significant enhancement in carbohydrate content, while fatty acids were accumulated in roots under salt stress condition. At the molecular level, salt stress enhanced the expression of genes related to transporters, including the Salt Overly Sensitive 2 gene (SOS2), SOS3, vacuolar-cation/proton exchanger, and vacuolar-proton/ATPase exclusively in leaves, whereas the Sodium Proton Exchanger1 (NHX1), Cation Calcium Exchanger (CCX), and Cyclic Nucleotide Gated Channel 5 (CNGC5) were up-regulated in roots. Antioxidant gene expression analysis clearly demonstrated that peroxidase levels were significantly enhanced by ~10-fold in leaves, while Catalase and Fe-superoxide Dismutase (Fe-SOD) genes were increased in roots under salt stress. The correlation interaction studies between phytohormones and metabolites revealed new insights into the molecular and metabolic adaptations that confer salinity tolerance to Pongamia.