The MYB family and their response to abiotic stress in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe).

BACKGROUND: Zingiber officinale Roscoe, colloquially known as ginger, is a crop of significant medicinal and culinary value that frequently encounters adversity stemming from inhospitable environmental conditions. The MYB transcription factors have garnered recognition for their pivotal role in orchestrating a multitude of plant biological pathways. Nevertheless, the enumeration and characterization of the MYBs within Z. officinale Roscoe remains unknown. This study embarks on a genome-wide scrutiny of the MYB gene lineage in ginger, with the aim of cataloging all ZoMYB genes implicated in the biosynthesis of gingerols and curcuminoids, and elucidating their potential regulatory mechanisms in counteracting abiotic stress, thereby influencing ginger growth and development. RESULTS: In this study, we identified an MYB gene family comprising 231 members in ginger genome. This ensemble comprises 74 singular-repeat MYBs (1R-MYB), 156 double-repeat MYBs (R2R3-MYB), and a solitary triple-repeat MYB (R1R2R3-MYB). Moreover, a comprehensive analysis encompassing the sequence features, conserved protein motifs, phylogenetic relationships, chromosome location, and gene duplication events of the ZoMYBs was conducted. We classified ZoMYBs into 37 groups, congruent with the number of conserved domains and gene structure analysis. Additionally, the expression profiles of ZoMYBs during development and under various stresses, including ABA, cold, drought, heat, and salt, were investigated in ginger utilizing both RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR analysis. CONCLUSION: This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the MYB family in ginger and lays the foundation for the future investigation of the potential functions of ZoMYB genes in ginger growth, development and abiotic stress tolerance of ginger.

Genome-wide investigation of the nuclear factor Y gene family in Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): evolution and expression profiling during development and abiotic stresses.

BACKGROUND: Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) plays a vital role in numerous biological processes as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, its function in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a significant medicinal and dietary vegetable, remains largely unexplored. Although the NF-Y family has been thoroughly identified in many plant species, and the function of individual NF-Y TFs has been characterized, there is a paucity of knowledge concerning this family in ginger. METHODS: We identified the largest number of NF-Y genes in the ginger genome using two BLASTP methods as part of our ginger genome research project. The conserved motifs of NF-Y proteins were analyzed through this process. To examine gene duplication events, we employed the Multiple Collinearity Scan toolkit (MCScanX). Syntenic relationships of NF-Y genes were mapped using the Dual Synteny Plotter software. Multiple sequence alignments were performed with MUSCLE under default parameters, and the resulting alignments were used to generate a maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree with the MEGA X program. RNA-seq analysis was conducted on collected samples, and statistical analyses were performed using Sigma Plot v14.0 (SYSTAT Software, USA). RESULTS: In this study, the ginger genome was utilized to identify 36 NF-Y genes (10 ZoNF-YAs, 16 ZoNF-YBs, and 10 ZoNF-YCs), which were renamed based on their chromosomal distribution. Ten distinct motifs were identified within the ZoNF-Y genes, with certain unique motifs being vital for gene function. By analyzing their chromosomal location, gene structure, conserved protein motifs, and gene duplication events, we gained a deeper understanding of the evolutionary characteristics of these ZoNF-Y genes. Detailed analysis of ZoNF-Y gene expression patterns across various tissues, performed through RNA-seq and qRT-PCR, revealed their significant role in regulating ginger rhizome and flower growth and development. Additionally, we identified the ZoNF-Y family genes that responded to abiotic stresses. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first identification of the ZoNF-Y family in ginger. Our findings contribute to research on evolutionary characteristics and provide a better understanding of the molecular basis for development and abiotic stress response. Furthermore, it lays the foundation for further functional characterization of ZoNF-Y genes with an aim of ginger crop improvement.

Protective Effects of Coptis chinensis Rhizome Extract and Its Constituents (Berberine, Coptisine, and Palmatine) against α-Synuclein Neurotoxicity in Dopaminergic SH-SY5Y Cells.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease with progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and the presence of α-synuclein-immunoreactive inclusions. Gaucher's disease is caused by homozygous mutations in ß-glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA). GBA mutation carriers have an increased risk of PD. Coptis chinensis (C. chinensis) rhizome extract is a major herb widely used to treat human diseases. This study examined the association of GBA L444P mutation with Taiwanese PD in 1016 cases and 539 controls. In addition, the protective effects of C. chinensis rhizome extract and its active constituents (berberine, coptisine, and palmatine) against PD were assayed using GBA reporter cells, LC3 reporter cells, and cells expressing mutated (A53T) α-synuclein. Case-control study revealed that GBA L444P carriers had a 3.93-fold increased risk of PD (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-11.24, p = 0.006) compared to normal controls. Both C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents exhibited chemical chaperone activity to reduce α-synuclein aggregation. Promoter reporter and endogenous GBA protein analyses revealed that C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents upregulated GBA expression in 293 cells. In addition, C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents induced autophagy in DsRed-LC3-expressing 293 cells. In SH-SY5Y cells expressing A53T α-synuclein, C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents reduced α-synuclein aggregation and associated neurotoxicity by upregulating GBA expression and activating autophagy. The results of reducing α-synuclein aggregation, enhancing GBA expression and autophagy, and protecting against α-synuclein neurotoxicity open up the therapeutic potentials of C. chinensis rhizome extract and constituents for PD.

Mycobiont identity and light conditions affect belowground morphology and physiology of a mixotrophic orchid Cremastra variabilis (Orchidaceae).

We have investigated whether mycobiont identity and environmental conditions affect morphology and physiology of the chlorophyllous orchid: Cremastra variabilis. This species grows in a broad range of environmental conditions and associates with saprotrophic rhizoctonias including Tulasnellaceae and saprotrophic non-rhizoctonian fungi from the family Psathyrellaceae. We cultured the orchid from seeds under aseptic culture conditions and subsequently inoculated the individuals with either a Tulasnellaceae or a Psathyrellaceae isolate. We observed underground organ development of the inoculated C. variabilis plants and estimated their nutritional dependency on fungi using stable isotope abundance. Coralloid rhizome development was observed in all individuals inoculated with the Psathyrellaceae isolate, and 1-5 shoots per seedling grew from the tip of the coralloid rhizome. In contrast, individuals associated with the Tulasnellaceae isolate did not develop coralloid rhizomes, and only one shoot emerged per plantlet. In darkness, δ13C enrichment was significantly higher with both fungal isolates, whereas Î´15N values were only significantly higher in plants associated with the Psathyrellaceae isolate. We conclude that C. variabilis changes its nutritional dependency on fungal symbionts depending on light availability and secondly that the identity of fungal symbiont influences the morphology of underground organs.

The Rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.: A Comprehensive Review on the Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology.

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (A. macrocephala) is a perennial herb of the genus Atractylodes. The rhizome of A. macrocephala (AMR) is its medicinal part. It primarily grows in Southeast Asia and function to invigorate the spleen and qi, drying dampness and removing water. It has long been used for cancer treatment, relieving inflammation, and improving gastrointestinal function, highlighting its remarkable medicinal value. This paper focuses on recent advancements in the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of AMR from 2018 to the present, while exploring its therapeutic and scientific potential. In recent years, more than 120 compounds have been identified in AMR. The primary active components have been identified as sesquiterpenoids, polysaccharides and polyacetylenes. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that AMR has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immunity enhancement, gastrointestinal function improvement, and other pharmacological effects. It is mainly employed in the clinical treatment of tumors and gastrointestinal diseases, showing promising developmental potential. Its mechanism may be related to reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting the expression of inflammatory mediators and factors, and alleviating apoptosis through related signaling pathways. It is hoped that this review can provide a theoretical reference and scientific basis for further systematic research and extensive clinical application of AMR.

Study on quality analysis of different species of Coptidis rhizome based on fingerprint-effect relationship.

INTRODUCTION: The quality evaluation of Coptidis rhizome (CR) is attributed to the origin and processing method, and this strategy of ignoring the bioactive components usually leads to biased quality analysis, which is difficult to indicate the clinical efficacy. OBJECTIVES: In order to evaluate the quality level of different species of CR, we collected 20 batches of CR and investigated the fingerprint-effect relationship. METHODS: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints of CR were established, and the fingerprint-effect relationship was explored using cluster analysis, principal component analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, grey relation analysis, and partial least squares regression. RESULTS: We have identified a total of 10 common peaks (1-10) with similarity scores above 0.96. The study on the relationship between spectra and potency further showed that the contents of peaks 8, 9, and 10 are potential key components. And based on a previous study, a method of one measurement and multiple evaluations of CR was established to achieve the goal of simplifying the analytical process and reducing costs. CONCLUSION: Through a combination of fingerprint analysis, antioxidant activity evaluation, fingerprint-efficacy relationship analysis, and simultaneous quantification of multiple components, a CR quality control index and method have been selected and established, which can also provide a more comprehensive quality evaluation for traditional Chinese medicine.

Atractylodes lancea Rhizome Polysaccharide Alleviates MCD Diet-Induced NASH by Inhibiting the p53/mTOR Pathway.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a form of chronic liver disease that is characterized by liver inflammation and steatosis, with possible progression to fibrosis. Currently, no drugs have been approved for the treatment of NASH. In this study, we isolated a polysaccharide from Atractylodes lancea rhizome (AP) and established a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet -induced NASH mouse model to investigate the preventive effect and potential mechanism of AP on NASH. The results showed that AP effectively reduced liver lipid accumulation and inflammation and reduced autophagy and ferroptosis in hepatocytes, thereby preventing the development of NASH. These findings suggest that AP may be a promising natural candidate for the treatment of NASH.

Investigation of the Structural Properties and Antioxidant Potency of Pectic Polysaccharides Derived from Rohdea japonica (Thunb.) Roth.

This study investigated the structural composition and antioxidant properties of pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rohdea japonica (Thunb.) Roth. Pectins, which belong to a complex category of acidic polysaccharides, possess a wide range of biological effects stemming from their distinctive structural domains. The polysaccharides were extracted using water, and were subsequently purified through ion exchange and gel permeation chromatography. In order to elucidate their structural features, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance techniques were applied. Two specific polysaccharides, WRJP-A2a and WRJP-A3b, with molecular weights of 42.7 kDa and 64.1 kDa, respectively, were identified to contain varying proportions of homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan I, and rhamnogalacturonan II domains. Regarding antioxidant capacity, WRJP-A3b exhibited superior scavenging capabilities against DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals, potentially attributed to its higher galacturonic acid content and abundance of homogalacturonan domains. These results enhance our comprehension of the structure-activity interplay of pectic polysaccharides sourced from Rohdea japonica (Thunb.) Roth and their potential utility in the healthcare and functional food sectors.

Mechanism of action of Coptidis Rhizome in treating periodontitis based on network pharmacology and in vitro validation.

OBJECTIVE: Explore the therapeutic mechanism of Coptidis Rhizome (CR) in periodontitis using network pharmacology, and validate it through molecular docking and in vitro experiments. METHODS: Screened potential active components and target genes of CR from TCMSP and Swiss databases. Identified periodontitis-related target genes using GeneCards. Found common target genes using Venny. Conducted GO and KEGG pathway analysis. Performed molecular docking and in vitro experiments using Berberine, the main active component of CR, on lymphocytes from healthy and periodontitis patients. Assessed effects on inflammatory factors using CCK-8, flow cytometry, and ELISA. RESULTS: Fourteen active components and 291 targets of CR were identified. 30 intersecting target genes with periodontitis were found. GO and KEGG analysis revealed oxidative stress response and IL-17 signaling pathway as key mechanisms. Molecular docking showed strong binding of Berberine with ALOX5, AKT1, NOS2, and TNF. In vitro experiments have demonstrated the ability of berberine to inhibit the expression of Th17 + and other immune related cells in LPS stimulated lymphocytes, and reduce the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17. CONCLUSION: CR treats periodontitis through a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approach. Berberine, its key component, acts through the IL-17 signaling pathway to exert anti-inflammatory effects.

Carbon and nitrogen metabolism affects kentucky bluegrass rhizome expansion.

BACKGROUND: Rhizome is vital for carbon and nitrogen metabolism of the whole plant. However, the effect of carbon and nitrogen in the rhizome on rhizome expansion remains unclear. RESULTS: Three wild Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) germplasms with different rhizome expansion capacity (strong expansion capacity, 'YZ'; medium expansion capacity, 'WY'; and weak expansion capacity, 'AD') were planted in the field and the rhizomes number, tiller number, rhizome dry weight, physiological indicators and enzyme activity associated carbon and nitrogen metabolisms were measured. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized to analyze the metabolomic of the rhizomes. The results showed that the rhizome and tiller numbers of the YZ were 3.26 and 2.69-fold of that of the AD, respectively. The aboveground dry weight of the YZ was the greatest among all three germplasms. Contents of soluble sugar, starch, sucrose, NO3--N, and free amino acid were significantly higher in rhizomes of the YZ than those of the WY and AD (P < 0.05). The activities of glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) of the YZ were the highest among all three germplasm, with values of 17.73 A·g- 1 h- 1, 5.96 µmol·g- 1 min- 1, and 11.35 mg·g- 1 h- 1, respectively. Metabolomics analyses revealed that a total of 28 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were up-regulated, and 25 DEMs were down-regulated in both comparison groups (AD vs. YZ group and WY vs. YZ group). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that metabolites related to histidine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism were associated with rhizomes carbon and nitrogen metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results suggest that soluble sugar, starch, sucrose, NO3--N, and free amino acid in rhizome are important to and promote rhizome expansion in Kentucky bluegrass, while tryptamine, 3-methylhistidine, 3-indoleacetonitrile, indole, and histamine may be key metabolites in promoting carbon and nitrogen metabolism of rhizome.

Comparative proteome profiles of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua rhizomes (Rhizoma Ploygonati) in response to different levels of cadmium stress.

BACKGROUND: The Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua rhizomes (also known as Rhizoma Polygonati, RP) are consumed for their health benefits. The main source of the RP is wild P. cyrtonema populations in the Hunan province of China. However, the soil Cadmium (Cd) content in Huanan is increasing, thus increasing the risks of Cd accumulation in RP which may end up in the human food chain. To understand the mechanism of Cd accumulation and resistance in P. cyrtonema, we subjected P. cyrtonema plants to four levels of Cd stress [(D2) 1, (D3) 2, (D4) 4, and (D5) 8 mg/kg)] compared to (D1) 0.5 mg/kg. RESULTS: The increase in soil Cd content up to 4 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase in tissue (root hair, rhizome, stem, and leaf) Cd content. The increase in Cd concentration variably affected the antioxidant enzyme activities. We could identify 14,171 and 12,115 protein groups and peptides, respectively. There were 193, 227, 260, and 163 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in D2, D3, D4, and D5, respectively, compared to D1. The number of downregulated DEPs increased with an increase in Cd content up to 4 mg/kg. These downregulated proteins belonged to sugar biosynthesis, amino acid biosynthesis-related pathways, and secondary metabolism-related pathways. Our results indicate that Cd stress increases ROS generation, against which, different ROS scavenging proteins are upregulated in P. cyrtonema. Moreover, Cd stress affected the expression of lipid transport and assembly, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, sugar biosynthesis, and ATP generation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that an increase in soil Cd content may end up in Huangjing. Cadmium stress initiates expression changes in multiple pathways related to energy metabolism, sugar biosynthesis, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The proteins involved in these pathways are potential candidates for manipulation and development of Cd stress-tolerant genotypes.

Phytochemistry, data mining, pharmacology, toxicology and the analytical methods of Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae): a comprehensive review.

Cyperus rotundus L. has been widely used in the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases in traditional systems of medicine around the world, such as nervous, gastrointestinal systems diseases and inflammation. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), its rhizomes are frequently used to treat liver disease, stomach pain, breast tenderness, dysmenorrheal and menstrual irregularities. The review is conducted to summarize comprehensively the plant's vernacular names, distribution, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and analytical methods, along with the data mining for TCM prescriptions containing C. rotundus. Herein, 552 compounds isolated or identified from C. rotundus were systematically collated and classified, concerning monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phenolics and phenolic glycosides, triterpenoids and steroids, diterpenoids, quinonoids, alkaloids, saccharides and others. Their pharmacological effects on the digestive system, nervous system, gynecological diseases, and other bioactivities like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, insect repellent, anti-microbial activity, etc. were summarized accordingly. Moreover, except for the data mining on the compatibility of C. rotundus in TCM, the separation, identification and analytical methods of C. rotundus compositions were also systematically summarized, and constituents of the essential oils from different regions were re-analyzed using multivariate statistical analysis. In addition, the toxicological study progresses on C. rotundus revealed the safety property of this herb. This review is designed to serve as a scientific basis and theoretical reference for further exploration into the clinical use and scientific research of C. rotundus. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary materials available at 10.1007/s11101-023-09870-3.

A bump in the node: The hydraulic implications of rhizomatous growth.

PREMISE: Rhizomatous growth characterizes numerous taxa among vascular plants. While abundant information exists on nutrient sharing and demography, the question of how these metameric organisms move water through their bodies remains largely unstudied. Moreover, we lack an understanding of the evolutionary implications of rhizomatous growth across vascular plants. Here, we examined these questions by investigating how rhizomatous growth and vascular construction affect whole-plant hydraulic function. METHODS: In five terrestrial fern species with diverse vascular construction, we used microcomputed tomography and bright-field microscopy to examine vascular construction across nodes along the rhizome. These data were integrated with measurements of leaf stomatal conductance under rooted and uprooted conditions to relate vascular patterning and hydraulic architecture to leaf water status. RESULTS: Similar to phytomers of woody seed plants, nodal regions in rhizomatous ferns are areas of hydraulic resistance. While water is shared along the rhizomes of these investigated species, hydraulic conductivity drops at nodes and stomatal conductance declines when nodes were locally uprooted. Together, our data suggest that nodes are chokepoints in axial water movement along the rhizome. CONCLUSIONS: Nodal chokepoints decrease hydraulic integration between phytomers. At the same time, chokepoints may act as "safety valves", hydraulically localizing each phytomer-potentially decreasing embolism and pathogen spread. This suggests a potential trade-off in the principal construction of the fern rhizome. Moreover, we propose that shoot-borne roots (homorhizy) and the prostrate habit of rhizomatous ferns decrease the hydraulic and structural burdens that upright plants typically incur. The absence of these hydraulic and structural demands may be one reason ferns (and many rhizomatous plants) lack, or have minimally developed, secondary xylem.

Differentiating root and rhizome of panax notoginseng based on precursor ion scanning and multi heart-cutting two-dimensional liquid chromatography.

Owing to increasing demand for Panax notoginseng-based medicines and health products, establishing a fast, simple, and reliable assay to analyze the chemical differences between its root and rhizome is important. Although previous studies showed that the chemical and biological differences between the root and rhizome of P. notoginseng seem to be small, efforts should be taken to investigate such differences to ensure the safety and efficacy of the products. This work describes a holistic approach that combines characteristic fingerprinting using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry parent ion scanning with charged aerosol detection and targeted separation by online heart-cutting two-dimensional liquid chromatography, to identify and evaluate characteristic markers allowing differentiation of the root and rhizome. A total of five potential markers chikusetsusaponin L5 , ginsenoside Rb2 , stipuleanoside R2, malonyl-ginsenoside Rb1 , and malonyl-ginsenoside Rd, were identified and confirmed by comparing chromatographic retention time, the accurate mass of molecular weight, and the fragments of secondary MS with the available reference materials. The results showed that all five markers were 2.8-7 times higher in content in the rhizome than in the root.

Application of one-step inner-recycling counter-current chromatography for the preparative separation and purification of chemical constituents from the rhizome of Bergenia ciliate (haw.) Sternb.

Bergenia ciliata (haw.) Sternb, the renowned pharmaceutical plant in Jammu and Kashmir of Pakistan, is widely applied in treating different illnesses including diabetes, diarrhea, and vomiting. This work employed an efficient one-step inner-recycling counter-current chromatography for preparative separating and purifying compounds with similar partition coefficients from the rhizome of Bergenia ciliate (haw.). Five compounds, including quercetin rhamnodiglucoside (1), quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (2), bergenine (3), kaempferol (4), and palmatic acid (5), were successfully separated using the optimized biphasic solvent system that contained ter-butylmetylether/n-butanol/acetonitrile/water (2:2:1:5, v/v) with the purities over 98%. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance were conducted for structural identification. As a result, our proposed strategy might be applied in separating compounds with similar partition coefficients, which was advantageous with regard to the less solvent and time consumption, and the increased number of theoretical plates.

Safety assessment of Cnidium officinale rhizome extract in cosmetics using the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach.

Cosmetics often contain botanical extracts, which present a challenge for safety assessors due to their complex composition. The threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) approach is considered as a solution for the safety assessment of botanical extracts in cosmetics as part of next-generation risk assessment. In this study, we applied the TTC approach to evaluate the safety of Cnidium officinale rhizome extract (CORE), a widely used botanical extract in skin conditioning products. We identified 32 components of CORE through the USDA database and literature and determined the content of each component through literature or actual analysis where an authentic standard was available. Macro- and micronutrients were also analyzed to exclude them as safe components. The Toxtree® software was used to identify the Cramer class of remaining components. We estimated the systemic exposure of each component from leave-on type cosmetic products containing CORE at a 1% concentration and compared the results to TTC thresholds. All components of CORE had a systemic exposure below the TTC threshold. While batch variations and presence of unknown chemicals in individual CORE materials should be considered, this study demonstrated that the TTC approach can be a useful tool for the safety assessment of botanical extracts in cosmetics.

Pathogenesis of endometrium-related diseases based on genomic alterations in normal uterine endometrium.

The human endometrium is a dynamically remodeling tissue that undergoes more than 400 cycles of regeneration, differentiation, shedding, and rapid healing during a woman's reproductive years. The endometrium is also the origin of various gynecologic diseases, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine corpus cancer. Cancer-associated gene mutations are detected in endometriosis, adenomyosis, and normal endometrium. Some reports have demonstrated that the accumulation of genomic alterations is a critical carcinogenic mechanism in the progression from normal endometrium to ovarian clear cell carcinoma via endometriosis. In this review, we discuss the clinical importance of genomic alterations in the normal endometrium, contributing to the elucidation of the pathogenesis of endometrium-related diseases.

Allyl isothiocyanate and 6-(methylsulfinyl) hexyl isothiocyanate contents vary among wild and cultivated wasabi (Eutrema japonium).

Wasabi (Japanese horseradish, Eutrema japonicum) is the only cultivated species in the genus Eutrema with functional components that provide a strong pungent flavor. To evaluate genetic resources for wasabi breeding, we surveyed variations in the two most abundant isothiocyanate (ITC) components in wasabi, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and 6-methylsulfinyl (hexyl) isothiocyanate (6-MSITC, hexaraphane). We also examined the phylogenetic relationships among 36 accessions of wild and cultivated wasabi in Japan using chloroplast DNA analysis. Our results showed that (i) the 6-MSITC content in currently cultivated wasabi accessions was significantly higher than in escaped cultivars, whereas the AITC content was not significantly different. (ii) Additionally, the 6-MSITC content in cultivated wasabi was significantly lower in the spring than during other seasons. This result suggested that the 6-MSITC content responds to environmental conditions. (iii) The phylogenetic position and the 6-MSITC content of accessions from Rebun, Hokkaido Prefecture had different profiles compared with those from southern Honshu, Japan, indicating heterogeneity of the Rebun populations from other Japanese wasabi accessions. (iv) The total content of AITC and 6-MSITC in cultivated wasabi was significantly higher than that of wild wasabi. In conclusion, old cultivars or landraces of wasabi, "zairai", are the most suitable candidates for immediate use as genetic resources.

First report of Fusarium oxysporum Species Complex causing root and rhizome rot of Canna edulis in Colombia.

Achira, Canna edulis Ker, a plant native to South America, is the source of a starch used for food and industrial purposes. Since 2016, Colombian growers of the main cropping regions, Cundinamarca (CU), Nariño (NA), and Huila (HU) are experiencing yield losses due to rhizome rots. Surveys of the affected areas evidenced wilting and collapsed plants, with oxidized rhizomes and affected root masses. Disease incidence per field was around 10%, but diseased plants were found in all 44 visited farms. To study this problem, wilting plants were collected, and symptomatic tissues, pseudo-stems, roots, and rhizomes, were cut and disinfested in 1.5% hypochlorite, rinsed in sterile water, and plated onto PDA amended with 0.01% tetracycline. A total of 121 isolates were recovered; of these, 77 Fusarium-like isolates stood out, given their recovery frequency (64.7%) and cross-region distribution. To morphologically study the isolates, carnation leaf agar cultures of NA01, NA16, NA48, CU08-1 and HU02, were made. Isolates had hyaline, mostly aseptated microconidia, oval in shape, developing in false heads with short monophialides. Macroconidia were hyaline and falcate, straight to slightly curved, 2 to 4 septate, with apical cells curved and basal cells foot shaped. For NA01 the average size and width of the microconidia was 4.3 x 3.2 µm (n=80), while macroconidia averaged 18.9 × 5.7 µm (n =80); NA16 was slightly bigger (6.5 x 3 and 22.9 x 5.5 um respectively). This morphology resembles Fusarium oxysporum (Fox) (Leslie et al. 2006). Identity confirmation was obtained by Sanger sequencing of the rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the translation elongation factor 1α (TEF1α) loci using protocols of White et al. 1994, and O'Donnell et al. 1998. Blast comparisons against NCBI databases, showed a very high identity (>99.5%) to MN528565.1 (ITS), and KU985430.1 (TEF 1α), both, F. oxysporum sequences. The identity of NA01 and CU08 was further confirmed by sequencing the DNA-directed RNA polymerase II (RPB1) locus (O'Donnell et al. 2015), observing more than 99% identity to CP052885.1 (RPB1) a F. oxysporum strain. BLAST check against the Fusarium MLSD database confirmed the identity. The obtained sequences were deposited in NCBI as MN963788, MN963793, MN963801, MN963782, MN963786 (ITS); OK143597, OK141601, OK143596 MW594202, OK169575 (TEF1α); and ON297670 and MZ670431 RPB1). To confirm causality, pathogenicity assays were conducted using NA01, NA48 and CU08. To this end, 25, 35 day-olds sprouted rhizomes, from each of the "purple", "green" and "white" varieties, were inoculated by drench with 30 ml of conidium suspension (1x106 conidia/ml) (Schmale 2003). Control rhizomes (25 per variety) were treated with sterile distilled water. Greenhouse conditions were 25 °C, 40% RH, and photoperiod 12h. Disease symptoms were detected 10 days after inoculation and evolved to resemble those from the field. While symptom and severity of infection varied with the isolate and host combination used, pathogen re-isolation and identification was successful fulfilling Koch´s postulates. Control plants remained healthy. The data shows that F. oxysporum species complex is the causal agent of this achira root and rhizome rot. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this problem in Colombia and clarifies local reports of Fusarium sp. causing disease in this crop (Caicedo et al. 2003). The disease affects the food security of local communities and strategies for control are being developed.

Influences of Curcuma Longa (turmeric) supplemented diet on the expression of defensive and destructive factors in indomethacin-induced ulcerated Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) L. has been recognized as a plant with high medicinal value and it has been used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Different studies have shown that turmeric has both therapeutic and preventive effects on peptic ulcer. However, there are controversial reports about the anti-ulcerogenic potential of turmeric. Some studies also suggested that turmeric could be ulcerogenic when consumed in large quantity with no mention of the concentration at which this could take place. AIM: This study examined the influences of different concentration of turmeric rhizome powder supplemented diet on the gene expressions of both anti-ulcer and ulcer biomarkers in indomethacin-induced ulcerated rats. METHODS: The study was conducted through prophylactic treatment of test groups with turmeric at different percentage (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%) for 28 days. Thirty-five rats were randomly divided into seven groups namely A, B, C, D (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% groups respectively), E (standard drug group (STD)), F (ulcerogenic group) and G (normal control group (CTL)). At the end of 28 days, rats were fasted overnight and ulcer was induced in all the groups except group G by oral administration of 60mg/kg b.w (body weight) of indomethacin. The expression of defensive (Cyclo-oxygenase-1, MUCIN, and Hyme-oxygenase-1) and destructive factors (Pepsin) were then analyzed. RESULTS: Results showed that consumption of TRPSD at 1-5% increased the gene expression of protective factors when compared with animals in group F. Furthermore, Prophylactic treatment of test groups with TRPSD at 1%-5% significantly suppressed the gene expression of pepsin in comparison with animals in group F. However, TRPSD consumption at 10% down-regulated the gene expression of those protective factors. Similarly, at 10%, pepsin gene expression was not suppressed when compared with animals in group F. Conclusively, TRPSD could be gastro protective at 1%-5%. However, these potentials were abrogated in animals in group D indicating the ulcerogenic potential of turmeric at this concentration (10%) and its capability to enhance ulcerogenic action of indomethacin. CONCLUSION: Turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) have anti-ulcerogenic potential and gastro-protective effect when consumed in appropriate concentration. Consumption of TRP at 10% concentration could enhance ulcerogenic action of indomethacin (NSAIDs) thus predisposing to ulcer. Effects of turmeric rhizome powder supplemented diet (TRPSD) on the mRNA expression of protective agents (cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1), mucin, and inducible heme-oxygenase (HO-1)) and destructive factor (pepsin), in indomethacin-induced ulcerated Wistar rats were explored in this paper. These were determined by prophylactic treatment of test groups with turmeric at different levels (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%) for 28 days. Thirty-five rats were randomly divided into seven groups namely A, B, C, D (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% groups respectively), E (standard drug group (STD)), F (ulcerogenic group) and G (normal control group (CTL)). The rats were fasted overnight and ulcer was induced in all the groups except group G by oral administration of 60mg/kg b.w (body weight) of indomethacin. The expression of defensive (Cyclo-oxygenase-1, MUCIN, and Hyme-oxygenase-1) and destructive factors (Pepsin) were then analyzed. Results showed that consumption of TRPSD at 1%-5% increased the gene expression of protective factors when compared with animals in group F. Furthermore, Prophylactic treatment of test groups with TRPSD at 1%-5% significantly suppressed the gene expression of pepsin in comparison with animals in group F. However, TRPSD consumption at 10% down-regulated the gene expression of those protective factors. Similarly, at 10%, pepsin gene expression was not suppressed when compared with animals in group F. Conclusively, TRPSD could be gastro protective at 1%-5%. However, these potentials were abrogated in animals in group D indicating the ulcerogenic potential of turmeric at this concentration (10%) and its capability to enhance ulcerogenic action of indomethacin.