Search Results (9,293)

This work is based on research aiming to extract and identify flavonoids from jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus) leaves and investigate their antioxidant and acute antinociceptive capacity. Characterization of the constituents of the ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAcF) obtained from the methanolic extract (ME) was performed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), and cyclic voltammetry, demonstrating the possible majority component of this fraction, the flavone chrysin. Its solubility properties in HPLC are very close to those of the flavonol quercetin, revealing the characteristic presence of this group. An MS spectrum of the fraction revealed a major protonated molecule of m/z 254.9 [M+H]⁺. The EtOAcF fraction showed three oxidation processes at 0.32 V, 0.54 V, and 0.73 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Three reduction processes at the respective potentials: 0.60 V, −0.03 V, and -0.24 V vs. Ag/AgCl, indicating potential antioxidant activity. At DPPH and ABTS antioxidant radical capture assay, The IC₅₀ obtained was 0.5 mg/mL and 0.81 mg/mL, respectively. In vivo test to determine the mechanical nociceptive threshold in the von Frey test, the dose of 100 mg/kg of the EtOAcF was able to cause inhibition of behavioral changes in neuropathy. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the biological potential of an EtOAcF derived from jaborandi leaves. Full article

The solar drying of sewage sludge in greenhouses is one of the most used solutions in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, it presents challenges, particularly in terms of efficiency and drying time. In this context, the present study explores the drying performances of an innovative Combined Solar Greenhouse Dryer (CSGD) for sewage sludge. The system integrates rock bed storage (RBS), a solar air collector (SAC), and a solar greenhouse dryer (SGD). A numerical model, developed using TRNSYS software, predicts the drying kinetics of sewage sludge through hourly dynamic simulations based on the climatic conditions of Marrakesh, Morocco. Experimental validation confirmed the accuracy of the model. The results reveal that integrating the SAC with the SGD during the day and the RBS with the SGD at night significantly enhances the drying efficiency of the sewage sludge. During daylight hours, the SAC generates hot air, reaching maximum temperatures of 64 °C in January and 109 °C in July. Concurrently, the outlet air temperature of the RBS rises notably during the day, corresponding to the charging phase of the storage unit. Moreover, during the night, the RBS air temperature exceeds ambient temperatures by approximately 7–16 °C in January and 11–37 °C in July. This integration leads to a substantial reduction in drying time. The reduction in sewage sludge water content from 4 kg/kg of dry solid (20% dry solid content) to 0.24 kg/kg of dry solid (80% dry solid content) is related to a decrease in the drying time from 121 h to 79 h in cold periods and from 47 h to 27 h in warm periods. The drying process is significantly enhanced within the greenhouse, both during daylight and nocturnal periods. The CSGD system proves to be energy-efficient, offering an effective, high-performance solution for sewage sludge management, while also lowering operational costs for WWTPs. This innovative solar drying system combines a thermal storage bed and a solar collector to enhance drying efficiency, even in the absence of sunlight. Full article

Angelica archangelica L. (Garden angelica) is a medicinal and aromatic plant from the Apiaceae family, originating from North Europe (Iceland, Greenland, and Scandinavian countries). A. archangelica is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat anxiety, insomnia, stomach and intestinal disorders, skin conditions, respiratory problems, and arthritis. This plant is generally cultivated for its root and seed where the essential oil (EO) is concentrated the most. Angelica archangelica cultivation has a lot of challenges but the main one is weed control; so, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of four different mulch types as non-chemical weed control measures on weediness, fresh root yield, and EO chemical composition and yield from A. archangelica roots. A field trial was conducted with the following six treatments: two organic mulches, two synthetic mulches, and two controls (regular hand-weeded and weeded). The results show that the most present weeds were Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Chenopodium album, Polygonum aviculare, and Polygonum lapathyfolium, but synthetic mulch foils achieved the best weed suppression (100%). These fields also achieved the highest fresh root yield in both of the experimental seasons. The highest EO yield was detected with agrotextile mulch foil at season I (0.41%, v/w) and with the weeded control (0.51%, v/w) at season II, but dominant components at both seasons were α-pinene and β-phellandrene. The results suggest that the agrotextile black and silver–brown mulch foils achieved complete weed suppression, but the agrotextile black mulch foil had a better effect on fresh root yield, EO yield, and its chemical composition. Full article

Genetic engineering has revolutionized our ability to modify microorganisms for various applications in agriculture, medicine, and industry. This review examines recent advances in genetic engineering techniques for bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes, with a focus on CRISPR-Cas systems. In bacteria, CRISPR-Cas9 has enabled precise genome editing, enhancing applications in antibiotic production and metabolic engineering. For fungi, despite challenges associated with their complex cell structures, CRISPR/Cas9 has advanced the production of enzymes and secondary metabolites. In oomycetes, significant plant pathogens, modified Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and CRISPR/Cas12a have contributed to developing disease-resistant crops. This review provides a comparative analysis of genetic engineering efficiencies across these microorganisms and addresses ethical and regulatory considerations. Future research directions include refining genetic tools to improve efficiency and expand applicability in non-model organisms. This comprehensive overview highlights the transformative potential of genetic engineering in microbiology and its implications for addressing global challenges in agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. Full article

Cancer belongs to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The search for new effective treatments for cancer has led to the discovery of different molecules from plants, bacteria, and fungi with pharmacological use. Plant endophytic fungi are large producers of metabolites with antitumor properties. We aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antitumor potential of extracts from Lophocereus marginatus endophytic fungi. We obtained ethyl acetate and hexane extracts from the L. marginatus endophytes Metarhizium anisopliae and Aspergillus versicolor and evaluated their antitumor activity against murine L5178Y-R lymphoma cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction colorimetric technique. M. anisopliae and A. versicolor ethyl acetate extracts showed IC₅₀ values of 9.168 ± 1.21 μg/mL and 13.51 ± 1.62, respectively, and selectivity indices > 30. We also observed that the maximum tolerated dose (100 mg/kg) of ethyl acetate extracts and the vehicle in BALB/c mice did not cause hepatotoxicity. In addition, we evaluated the effects of ethyl acetate extracts on survival and tumor volume in the L5178Y-R lymphoma tumor model. An increase in survival (17 d) was observed in mice treated with A. versicolor extract. Furthermore, it did not increase tumor volume during 10 d, as compared with the control groups without treatment, vehicle, and M. anisopliae extract, which had a maximum survival of 10 d. A. versicolor ethyl acetate extract showed in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity against lymphoma L5178Y-R, increasing mice survival. Full article

Background: Angiogenesis is a crucial process in the growth and proliferation of cancer, enabling tumor growth through the formation of new vasculature and the supply of nutrients and oxygen to growing malignant cells. This disease-promoting process can be targeted through the inhibition of tyrosine kinase enzymes. Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the anticancer potential of various Moroccan plants from different regions. While these plants have a rich history of traditional medicinal use, they have not been extensively investigated as anticancer therapies. Methods: This study employed a multifaceted approach to evaluate the anticancer potential of various Moroccan plants. Receptor–ligand docking and virtual screening were used to assess the binding affinity of phytocompounds to the EGFR and VEGFR2 receptors. Additionally, predictive pharmacokinetic analyses were conducted to evaluate the ADMET properties of the selected compounds, followed by molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the stability of the receptor–ligand complexes. Results: In our research, we identified three notable active compounds—catechin, 4-O-glucoside ferulic acid, and 3-glucoside resveratrol—in the Moroccan plant Ajuga iva L. These findings suggest that Ajuga iva L. may possess significant potential for cancer inhibition. Conclusions: This research highlights the potential of the Moroccan plant Ajuga iva L. as a source of active compounds with significant anticancer properties. Further investigation is essential to validate these findings and explore new therapeutic avenues based on these traditional resources. Full article

Intercropping affects soil microbial community structure significantly; however, the effects on understory medicinal plants in karst areas remain unclear. We investigated the effects of four intercropping systems (Moso bamboo, Chinese fir, bamboo-fir mixed forest, and forest gap) on the rhizosphere microbial communities of giant lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum), an economically important medicinal plant in China. We assessed the intercropping impact on rhizosphere microbial diversity, composition, and co-occurrence networks and identified key soil properties driving the changes. Bacterial and fungal diversity were assessed by 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequencing, respectively; soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities were measured. Moso bamboo system had the highest fungal diversity, with relatively high bacterial diversity. It promoted a distinct microbial community structure with significant Actinobacteria and saprotrophic fungi enrichment. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available potassium were the most influential drivers of microbial community structure. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the microbial network in the Moso bamboo system was the most complex and highly interconnected, with a higher proportion of positive interactions and a greater number of keystone taxa. Thus, integrating Moso bamboo into intercropping systems can enhance soil fertility, microbial diversity, and ecological interactions in the giant lily rhizosphere in karst forests. Full article

Intense precipitations caused by global climate change will result in the occurrence of greater frequencies and longer durations of flooding, influencing the survival and yields of wetland plants. Alisma orientale (Samuel.) Juz., an important traditional medicine with edible scape and inflorescence, naturally grows in wetlands and artificially cultivates in paddy fields prone to flood in China. However, we lack understanding of the effect of complete submergence on A. orientale. Here, experiments with four durations of complete submergence including 5 days (ds), 10 ds, 15 ds and 20 ds followed by 20 ds recovery were performed. In the submergence experiments, the number of, length of and biomass of surviving leaves and the total biomass and new blade biomass were measured; in recovery experiments, number and length of surviving leaves were measured. A. orientale grew out longer new leaves during complete submergence, with a dramatic decline in the biomass of both the leaves and tubers as well as the total biomass at the ends of the submergence experiments. The A. orientale plants had a high survival rate after submergence. The duration of submergence did not influence the time for A. orientale needed to start regrowing. At the end of recovery period, the submerged A. orientale plants generated more leaves, had more surviving leaves, had shorter new leaves and a shorter total length of surviving leaves than the control plants. This study highlights that A. orientale plants can resist at least 20 ds of complete submergence caused by flooding and regrow rapidly after submergence and improves our understanding of the flooding tolerance mechanisms of A. orientale plants. Full article

Tanacetum parthenium is a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family that can be applied externally in the case of various skin diseases. The aim of the study was to perform a phytochemical analysis of hydroethanolic extracts from the aerial parts (herb), flower heads, and leaves of feverfew and to assess their biological properties. Hydrodistilled oils were analyzed using GC-MS. The chemical composition of the extracts was estimated using spectrophotometry and the HPLC method. Moreover, the extracts were evaluated to determine their antioxidant potential using DPPH and FRAP and measuring the intracellular level of ROS. The cytotoxicity of extracts toward keratinocytes and fibroblasts was also analyzed, as well as their antimicrobial properties against 12 microorganisms. The results of the research revealed that chrysanthenone and α-thujone were the dominant volatile compounds in the essential oil from the flowers, while camphor, trans-chrysanthenyl acetate, and camphene were predominant in the essential oil from the leaves and herb. The results of HPLC showed that the major polyphenol compounds present in the hydroethanolic extracts from various parts of T. parthenium were 3,5-dicaffeoyl-quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, and 3,4-dicaffeoyl-quinic acid. The extract from feverfew flowers was shown to have the highest content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, as well as the highest antioxidant potential. In turn, the herb extract had the highest content of condensed tannins and terpenoids and exhibited the most effective antimicrobial properties against the 12 bacterial and fungal strains. Moreover, the hydroethanolic extracts from different parts of T. parthenium plants were shown to have a potent protective effect on skin cells. The present study supports the potential applications of Tanacetum parthenium in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious condition characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria or organ dysfunction after the 20th week of gestation, making it a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. Despite extensive research, significant gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms underlying PE, contributing to the ineffectiveness of current prevention and treatment strategies. Consequently, premature cesarean sections often become the primary intervention to safeguard maternal and fetal health. Emerging evidence indicates that placental insufficiency, driven by molecular disturbances, plays a central role in the development of PE. Additionally, the maternal microbiome may be implicated in the pathomechanism of preeclampsia by secreting metabolites that influence maternal inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby affecting placental health. Given the limitations of pharmaceuticals during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development and concerns about teratogenic effects, nutraceuticals may provide safer alternatives. Nutraceuticals are food products or dietary supplements that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including plant extracts or probiotics. Their historical use in traditional medicine has provided valuable insights into their safety and efficacy, including for pregnant women. This review will examine how the adoption of nutraceuticals can enhance dysregulated placental pathways, potentially offering benefits in the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia. Full article

Atractylodes macrocephala, a perennial herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, is highly prone to root rot, which significantly reduces its yield and quality. This study compared the physicochemical properties of soil from healthy and diseased A. macrocephala plants and analyzed the microbial diversity in the endophytic, rhizosphere, and root zone soils. The results showed that the diseased plants had higher levels of available potassium and electrical conductivity in the rhizosphere, both positively correlated with the severity of root rot, while soil pH was negatively correlated. The diversity and richness of endophytic bacterial and fungal communities were significantly reduced in diseased plants. Additionally, root rot led to major changes in the rhizosphere microbial community, with an increased abundance of Proteobacteria and Ascomycota, and a decrease in Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Basidiomycota. Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and Fusarium fujikuroi were identified as key pathogens associated with root rot. This study enhances our understanding of the microbial interactions in soils affected by root rot, offering a foundation for developing soil improvement and biological control strategies to mitigate this disease in A. macrocephala cultivation. Full article

Myrrh is the resinous substance secreted by plants of the genus Commiphora. In traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and traditional Arabic medicine, myrrh is regarded as an important medicinal material, widely used in the treatment of trauma, arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and other diseases. This review explores the evolving scientific understanding of the genus Commiphora, covering facets of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, artificial cultivation, and quality control. In particular, the chemical constituents and pharmacological research are reviewed. More than 300 types of secondary metabolites have been identified through phytochemical studies of this genus. Guggulsterone is a bioactive steroid isolated mainly from Commiphora mukul. The two isomers, Z- and E-guggulsterone, have shown a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects, including anti-proliferation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. However, the current scientific research on quality control of medicinal materials and identification of original plants is insufficient, which limits the reproducibility and accuracy of biological activity evaluation experiments. Therefore, the establishment of analytical protocols and standardization of extracts is an important step before biological evaluation. At the same time, in order to find more bioactive substances, it is necessary to strengthen the research on the stems, barks, and leaves of this genus. The sources used in this study include PubMed, CNKI, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and other databases, as well as multinational pharmacopoeias, ancient books of traditional medicine, herbal classics, and modern monographs. Full article

Research facilities have established animal adoption programs for laboratory animals. However, adoption to private owners is not an option for non-human primates (NHPs), so their post-research life presents a unique challenge. Here, we describe a collaborative effort between laboratory animal veterinarians and behavioral management staff in retiring NHPs in place to ensure their quality of life after the completion of research projects. The success of our retirement program hinges on our collaborative efforts to manage clinical diseases such as arthritis, amyloidosis, and diarrhea; to surgically ex-plant previous research hardware; and to evaluate the animals’ behavior and temperament to ensure each individual is placed in a new group or living situation in which they are likely to be successful and to have good welfare. Implementation of a quality-of-life assessment tool for all retired animals allows all staff involved in the animals’ care to proactively and periodically assess the quality of life of these animals. The successful retirement of NHPs living in social groups is rewarding for all personnel and promotes a culture of caring. Research animal retirement is an important way for us to give back and honor the contributions these animals have made to advancing medicine. Full article

Background/Objective: Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) is a complex clinical condition that encompasses metabolic dysregulation, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes risk factors. Worldwide, CMS is underdiagnosed, and its occurrence significantly increases cardiovascular morbimortality. Despite available pharmacological treatments, the approach is fragmented, and the associated clinical conditions are treated independently. This approach may be partially due to limited preclinical models to mimic the clinical conditions of CMS. Therefore, our study aims to present an innovative animal model of cardiometabolic syndrome and evaluate the effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia on the set of clinical alterations associated with the condition. Methods: Female Wistar rats were induced to develop diabetes, fed a cholesterol-enriched diet, and exposed to the smoke of 9 cigarettes/day for 6 weeks. During the last 2 weeks, the rats were treated with vehicle, B. dracunculifolia (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or a combination of simvastatin and insulin. At the end of the treatment, plasma lipid levels were measured, and the liver was analyzed histologically for hepatic lipid quantification and oxidative stress assessment. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed seven phenolic acids and six flavonoids in the extract. B. dracunculifolia showed significant hepatoprotective effects, reducing AST and ALT levels and lowering both plasma and hepatic lipid levels. The extract also reversed hepatic steatosis and demonstrated antioxidant properties. Conclusions: These findings suggest that B. dracunculifolia may be a therapeutic option for the metabolic dysregulation present in CMS. Full article

Background: Phanera Lour., a genus in the subfamily Cercidoideae of the family Leguminosae, is characterized by woody liana habit, tendrils, and distinctive bilobate or bifoliolate leaves. The genus holds important medicinal value and constitutes a complex group characterized by morphological diversity and unstable taxonomic boundaries. However, limited information on the chloroplast genomes of this genus currently available constrains our understanding of its species diversity. Hence, it is necessary to obtain more chloroplast genome information to uncover the genetic characteristics of this genus. Methods: We collected and assembled the complete chloroplast genomes of nine representative Phanera plants, including Phanera erythropoda, Phanera vahlii, Phanera aureifolia, Phanera bidentata, Phanera japonica, Phanera saigonensis, Phanera championii, Phanera yunnanensis, and Phanera apertilobata. We then conducted a comparative analysis of these genomes and constructed phylogenetic trees. Results: These species are each characterized by a typical quadripartite structure. A total of 130–135 genes were annotated, and the GC content ranged from 39.25–42.58%. Codon usage analysis indicated that codons encoding alanine were dominant. We found 82–126 simple sequence repeats, along with 5448 dispersed repeats, mostly in the form of forward repeats. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 16 Phanera species form a well-supported monophyletic group, suggesting a possible monophyletic genus. Furthermore, 10 hypervariable regions were detected for identification and evolutionary studies. Conclusions: We focused on comparing chloroplast genome characteristics among nine Phanera species and conducted phylogenetic analyses, laying the foundation for further phylogenetic research and species identification of Phanera. Full article