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Aphid Aphis gossypii Glover was found to be the major pest of isabgol in the semi-arid regions of the Rajasthan. The infestation of aphid initiated from 2nd standard meteorological week (SMW) with 6 aphids/ plant and fluctuated till 13th SMW. The peak activity of aphids observed on 8th SMW which gradually reached to the level of 56.13 aphids/ plant and thereafter gradually decreased up to 7.87 aphids/ plant in the fourth week of March when the crop matured. The activities of three coccinellid beetles viz. Brumoides suturalis Fabricius, Cheilomenes sexmaculata Fabricius and Coccinella septempunctata Fabricius were also studied, and their peak population was noticed from 8th to 10th SMW (19th February to 5th March, 2022). The significant positive correlation of aphid population was found with bright sunshine and all three species of coccinellids. C. sexmaculata and C. septempunctata have the significant positive correlation with bright sunshine, maximum temperature and average temperature while negative non-significant correlation with relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Plantago of Plantaginaceae family is bestowed with a repertoire of structurally diverse secondary metabolites that have not only been used as therapeutics but also effect the plant physiology by conferring adaptive advantages under stress. Assuming that domestication process in plants has influenced their secondary metabolites, we performed a comparative transcriptome of wild and cultivated species of Plantago to analyze the variation in the expression of genes related to secondary metabolite pathways. GO and KEGG analysis of DEGs in wild species showed their enrichment in abiotic stresses, oxidation–reduction and secondary metabolite related pathways. Overall, we found upregulation of genes of carotenoid, flavonoid and phenylpropanoid, isoprenoid, terpenoid and alkaloid pathways in wild species of Plantago in particular, P. lanceolata while mucilage pathway-related genes showed higher expression in P. ovata. Moreover, transcriptome data presented putative transcription factors associated with terpenoids, carotenoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathways which were also identified using co-expression analysis of cluster 9 (secondary metabolite enriched gene cluster). Taken together, the genomic resource obtained from the present study form a valuable repository of genetic information for elucidating and exploring the secondary metabolic circuitry of Plantagos. Further, information on the regulatory aspects of genes related to secondary metabolites, shall aid in the enhanced production of valuable metabolites in these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to produce and characterize a novel gluten‐free cupcake for celiac and diabetes people. For this purpose, wheat flour and sugar in the cupcake formulation were fully replaced with soy flour and monk fruit. Also, samples containing wheat flour with sugar and monk fruit were prepared for comparison. The gluten‐free cupcake without sucrose had a less specific volume and porosity index. To improve these properties, Cydonia oblonga (Cydonia Vulgaris) and Plantago ovata (Plantago genus) were used individually and in combination at concentrations of 1 and 2%. The cake containing no gum was made as a control as well. It was observed that addition of gums had positive effects on the specific volume, porosity index, and weight loss of cakes, but their incorporation increased their hardness. Based on the results, the fabrication of a novel and successful gluten‐free cupcake replaced with soy flour, monk fruit, and gum is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our present study focuses on the effect of exogenous application of melatonin on growth, and improvement in oxidative stress in a medicinal herb, isabgol (Plantago ovata). The pretreatment of P. ovata seeds with 25 and 50 μM melatonin under exposure to different concentrations of Pb, i.e., 50, 100, 200 and 500 μM showed variation in dose-dependent responses. Our findings reveal that the melatonin alleviated Pb stress, as reflected in the improvement of plant height and biomass. The photosynthetic pigments and total protein content are also ameliorated in the presence of Pb stress when treated with melatonin. Melatonin, a potent antioxidant, increases the total antioxidant activity, flavonoid contents and DPPH radical scavenging activity while reducing the stress markers such as H2O2 content and MDA content. Pb competitively enters into Ca2+-gated channels as one of the mechanisms of Pb uptake in plants. Melatonin was found to reduce Pb accumulation while modulating endogenous Ca content in P. ovata. Furthermore, melatonin significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and ascorbate oxidase (AO) in Pb-stressed samples. The heatmap and principal component analysis also validated the beneficial effect of melatonin in improving plant growth parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans, but its deficiency as well as toxicity affects large number of people worldwide. Plantago ovata, a commercially important medicinal plant, is mainly cultivated in western regions of India, where elevated levels of Se have been found in soil. Thus, we evaluated the potential of Se biofortification in P. ovata via phytoremediation and its effect on the bioactive composition. Results: The results showed a significant alteration in various morphological and physiological parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The 10 µM Se dose improved seedling height, biomass and total chlorophyll content. There was a gradual increase in total Se content, with highest accumulation of 457.65 µg/g FW at 500 µM Se treatment. Se positively affected the antioxidative metabolism which was measured from the change in total antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging activity and Metallothionein 2 expression. Increasing levels of Se also affected the PAL activity, total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Caffeic acid, Coumaric acid and Rutin were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds. Conclusions: Low levels of selenium (below 50 µM) can successfully improve Se accumulation and elicit production of various polyphenols without hampering plant growth. Thus, Se fortification of P. ovata seedlings via phytoremediation appears to be a feasible and efficient way to enhance its nutraceutical value in dietary products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans, but its deficiency as well as toxicity affects large number of people worldwide. Plantago ovata, a commercially important medicinal plant, is mainly cultivated in western regions of India, where elevated levels of Se have been found in soil. Thus, we evaluated the potential of Se biofortification in P. ovata via phytoremediation and its effect on the bioactive composition. Results: The results showed a significant alteration in various morphological and physiological parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The 10 µM Se dose improved seedling height, biomass and total chlorophyll content. There was a gradual increase in total Se content, with highest accumulation of 457.65 µg/g FW at 500 µM Se treatment. Se positively affected the antioxidative metabolism which was measured from the change in total antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging activity and Metallothionein 2 expression. Increasing levels of Se also affected the PAL activity, total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Caffeic acid, Coumaric acid and Rutin were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds. Conclusions: Low levels of selenium (below 50 µM) can successfully improve Se accumulation and elicit production of various polyphenols without hampering plant growth. Thus, Se fortification of P. ovata seedlings via phytoremediation appears to be a feasible and efficient way to enhance its nutraceutical value in dietary products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ulcerative colitis, an idiopathic, chronic inflammatory illness of the intestinal mucosa is primarily fuelled by inflammation and oxidative stress. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Plantago ovata husk in mice with Trinitro Benzenesulfonic Acid (TNBS)-induced Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice were exposed to TNBS intrarectally, causing ulcerative colitis. All mice received diet supplemented with Plantago ovata husk polysaccharide for 6 days, and their clinical symptoms were identified and evaluated. Following sacrifice, analyses of macroscopic and microscopic damage, intestinal oxidative stress levels, and antioxidant enzyme levels were performed. The colon's histological characteristics were also examined. Results: In comparison to the induced group, the highest dose significantly reduced the ulcer index, the histopathologic damage, and levels of NO, LPO, and MPO in tissues. Furthermore, SOD and GSH levels were increased restoring the balance of oxidants in colonic mucosa. The healing of injured tissues was also evident from the histology analysis. Conclusion: In higher doses, P. ovata husk extract significantly lowers mucosal damage and inflammation in mice with UC. P. ovata husk extract showed moderate protective effects and can be beneficial in treating Ulcerative colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the treatment and management of infectious pathogens, many antimicrobial and antifungal substances were previously found from synthetic and natural sources. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that the compounds coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, essential oils, lectin, polypeptides, and polyacetylenes are present in medicinal plants. These bioactive chemicals serve as a foundation for the creation of antibiotics that are utilized to cure infectious illnesses. Allium sativum is being used traditionally since ages for many purposes. It is extensively used in numerous dishes throughout the world and due to its aromatic nature, as a fragrance and Plantago ovata is traditionally used for many therapeutic purposes; laxative anti-acidic stabliser, stomach soothing, diuretic; and it is also anticancerous. Nigela sativa is used for jaundice, paralysis, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistant syndrome, and high level of cholesterol, nerve tension problems; it stops hair fall and boost's immune system. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that almost all the plant extracts showed potential antibacterial, insecticidal and antifungal activities against different. The research has focused on the potential therapeutic efficacy of AliumSativum, NigelaSativa, and Plantago Ovata in the treatment of microbial infections due to their significant antibacterial activity. Additionally, Different fractions of the A. sativum, P. ovata, N. sativa were prepared anad analyzed for antibacterial, insecticidal and antifungal activities. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that almost all the plant extracts showed potential antibacterial, insecticidal and antifungal activities against different microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is one of the major abiotic factors that limit the growth and productivity of plants. Foliar application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) may help plants ameliorate the negative impacts of salinity. Thus, a field experiment was conducted at the Botanical Garden University of Balochistan, Quetta, to explore the potential role of PGRs, i.e., moringa leaf extract (MLE; 10%), proline (PRO; 1 µM), salicylic acid (SA; 250 µM), and thiourea (TU; 10 mM) in ameliorating the impacts of salinity (120 mM) on Plantago ovata, an important medicinal plant. Salinity hampered plant photosynthetic pigments and metabolites but elevated oxidative parameters. However, foliar application of PGRs enhanced photosynthetic pigments, including Chl b (21.11%), carotenoids (57.87%) except Chl a, activated the defense mechanisms by restoring and enhancing the metabolites, i.e., soluble sugars (49.68%), soluble phenolics (33.34%), and proline (31.47%), significantly under salinity stress. Furthermore, foliar supplementation of PGRs under salt stress led to a decrease of about 43.02% and 43.27% in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content, respectively. Thus, PGRs can be recommended for improved photosynthetic efficiency and metabolite content that can help to get better yield under salt stress, with the best and most effective treatments being those of PRO and MLE to predominately ameliorate the harsh impacts of salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to characterize raw aqueous extracts from Plantago ovata husk in terms of molecular chain mass, osmotic, hydrodynamic, and rheological properties. The raw extracts used in this study have not been yet investigated in the indicated research area. Determination of the molecular weight of the chains present in the extract was performed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Osmotic properties were characterized using membrane osmometry. Rheological properties were investigated via classical rotational rheology with normal force measurements, as well as less common but equally important measurements of extensional viscosity. Two types of chains with an average molecular mass of 200 and 1780 kDa were found. The values of the first virial coefficient (B2) indicate the predominance of biopolymer-biopolymer interactions. The hydrodynamic radius established at 25 and 30 °C was 74 and 67 nm, respectively, and lower than at 40 °C (>600 nm). The first critical concentration was determined: c * = 0.11   g · dL − 1 . The dominance of negative normal force values resulting from the formation of a pseudo-gel structure of the heteroxylates was demonstrated. Extensional viscosity measurement results revealed that the studied extracts cannot be treated as simple shear-thinning fluids, as indicated by shear flow, but should be considered as viscoelastic fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago ovata Forssk. is an emerging crop yielding psyllium husk, a material comprised of hydrophilic polysaccharides that form mucilage upon wetting. Psyllium husk has important industrial uses including as a dietary fibre supplement and a textural alternative in gluten‐free bread production. Industrial applications require high‐quality and purity psyllium husk, but consistent supply of uniform quality material is often limited by climatic constraints, especially unseasonable rainfall at crop maturity. Here we compared the seed quality of four P. ovata varieties harvested before and after 26 mm of rain and validated our key findings in the following season. Colourimetry showed that the rain event caused the seeds to be darker and greener, possibly from pigment oxidation and microbial growth. Sugar profiling, water absorption assays and microscopy showed that premature hydration of the husk in rain‐damaged samples caused loss of the most soluble mucilage components and an increase in non‐mucilage contaminants, leading to a reduction in seed water absorption capacity, which is a key indicator of psyllium husk functionality. Germination was also diminished in rain‐affected seeds. In this study we show for the first time the extent that unseasonable rain at maturity has on P. ovata seed quality. We suggest that rain‐damaged seeds are unsuitable for husk production and resowing and outline potential screening methods to identify rain‐damaged seeds before purchase. Additionally, the extensive quality impacts described here may make P. ovata a suitable model or indicator species for studying acute climate effects on seed quality, especially from rain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To avoid swallowing problems of conventional tablets and improved patient compliance Plantago Ovata based Labetalol HCl Rapid disintegrating tablets have been prepared. Methods: Six different (F1 to F6) batches of Labetalol HCl Rapid disintegrating tablets were developed by 'direct compression method' using Plantago ovata as a natural super-disintegrating agent. The formulated RDT were tested for angle of repose', densities like tapped and bulk density, Hausner's ratio, Carr's index like pre-compression parameters and for thickness, weight variation or weight uniformity, tablet hardness, % drug content or content uniformity, water absorption ratio', time require for wetting of tablets' means wetting time, in-vitro drug disintegration time and in-vitro drug dissolution studies under post-compression parameters of evaluation. Results: It was found that the all the results of these pre-compression and post-compression parameters comply with official standards. The drug release was determined using dissolution media of pH 6.8 phosphate buffer through in-vitro dissolution of drug. This study showed that a rapid drug release by prepared tablets. The optimized formulation F6 showed higher water absorption ratio, lower wetting time, minimum in-vitro disintegration time' and higher drug release amongst all the formulations. The F6 formulation was considered the best among all formulations. Conclusion: The prepared rapid disintegrating tablets shows rapid onset of action by quick drug release, minimize side effects and enhanced patient compliance. These prepared tablets containing selective alpha-1 and non-selective beta adrenergic antagonist' drug candidate Labetalol HCl, will be very useful in the treatment of high blood pressure with enhanced bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences. D, Histology & Histochemistry is the property of Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Plantagos are important economical and medicinal plants that possess several bioactive secondary metabolites, such as phenolics, iridoids, triterpenes, and alkaloids. Triterpenoids are the ubiquitous and dynamic secondary metabolites that are deployed by plants for chemical interactions and protection under biotic/abiotic stress. Plantago ovata, a cultivated species, is the source of psyllium, while Plantago major, a wild species, has significant therapeutic potential. Wild species are considered more tolerant to stressful conditions in comparison to their cultivated allies. In view of this, the present study aimed to decipher the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway operative in P. ovata and P. major using a comparative transcriptomics approach. Majority of terpenoid biosynthetic genes were observed as upregulated in P. major including rate limiting genes of MVA (HMGR) and MEP (DXR) pathways and genes (α-AS, BAS, SM, and CYP716) involved in ursolic acid biosynthesis, an important triterpenoid prevalent in Plantago species. The HPLC output further confirmed the higher concentration of ursolic acid in P. major as compared to P. ovata leaf samples, respectively. In addition to terpenoid biosynthesis, KEGG annotation revealed the involvement of differentially expressed unigenes in several metabolic pathways, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, biosynthesis of antibiotics, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. MYB was found as the most abundant transcription factor family in Plantago transcriptome. We have been able to generate valuable information which can help in improving terpenoid production in Plantago. Additionally, the present study has laid a strong foundation for deciphering other important metabolic pathways in Plantago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the antiproliferative and genotoxic effects of Linum usitatissimum L. and Plantago ovata Forssk. plants used in Turkish traditional medicine for medicinal purposes. P. ovata and L. usitatissimum, which have a purgative effect, have been used extensively in recent years. The P. ovata plant has a large quantity of soluble fibre in the seed coat, while the seeds of the L. usitatissimum also have a large quantity of mucilage from the soluble fibres. In the present study, the genotoxic and antiproliferative effects of these species were examined using the Allium cepa L. test. As an experimental group, three different concentrations (for P. ovata-7.2 mg/mL, 14.4 mg/mL and 28.8 mg/mL; for L. usitatissimum-20 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL and 80 mg/mL) were used (two different concentration series were used, taking into consideration the traditional usage quantities); purified water was used as a negative control, and methyl methane sulfonate (the DNA-alkylating agent MMS, 0.01 mg/mL) was used as a positive control. To evaluate the mitotic index (MI) and chromosome aberrations type (CA) of the A. cepa root-tip meristem cells, approximately 1000 cells per concentration group, including the controls, were numbered. For both extractions, it was observed that the root length decreased from the negative control to other concentrations, with the lowest length in the positive control. P. ovata and L. usitatissimum were found to cause alters in the rates of the MI relative to the negative control in A. cepa due to the increased concentration. The comet assay distinctly indicated that concentration-dependent DNA damage in the root-tip meristem cells of A. cepa were detected for the different concentrations of plant extracts. These results showed that P. ovata and L. usitatissimum aqueous extracts had increased concentrations that were above the recommended antiproliferative and genotoxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal toxicity poses a harmful threat to plants. Cadmium is a non-essential heavy metal which enters plant cell via soil as a result of human malpractices, pollution and industrial works and causes severe damage to plants. Our study focuses on the effects of Cadmium stress in the plant Plantago ovata (P. ovata) by observing the content of Phytochelatin 2 (PC2) and the expression of Metallothionein 2 (MT2) gene, both metal chelating agents. We observed the impact of Cadmium stress on phenotypic changes of P. ovata and performed Reverse Phase HPLC (RPHPLC) analysis to observe the changes in PC2 content when exposed to an increasing concentration of heavy metal stress. For MT2 gene expression, we performed the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique. In case of PC2 we observed gradual increase in its content with response to heavy metal stress whereas it was observed that there is a considerable rise and a sudden fall in expression levels of MT2 gene when exposed to increasing levels of Cadmium stress. The results suggest that although both PC2 and MT2 are able to combat heavy metal stress, PC2 does so more effectively when compared to MT2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is the major limiting factor of plant growth and productivity in many regions of the world. To determine the response of different ecotypes of ispaghula (Plantago ovata Forssk.) to drought stress, a field experiment was conducted at the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Tehran, Iran in 2018. The experimental design was a split plot based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main factor included drought stress at three levels control (D1), drought stress after flowering stage with supplemental irrigation in the filling stage (D2), and post-flowering drought stress (D3). The second factor contained eight ecotypes of Plantago ovate, including Dehloran (3328), Alborz (3968), Markazi (14592), Dashtestan (21228), Hormozgan-1 (31536), Hormozgan-2 (31563), Ghaen (37496), and Sarbisheh (38917). The results showed a significant effect of drought stress and ecotypes for all traits (P<0.01). The interaction between ecotypes and drought stress was not significant for yield and yield components. Ispaghula ecotypes showed similar responses to drought stress. The highest grain yield with an average value of 720 kg/ha was obtained in ecotype 3328 and it was considered as the best ecotype to cope drought stress conditions. Ispaghula grain yield decreased by an average of 11.02% and 23.65% with drought stress D2 and D3 in comparison with control (D1), respectively. A significant difference between D2 and D3 were observed, so that the grain yield of D3 was 11.26% lower than D2. Regardless of the drought stress level, ecotype Dehloran (3328) produced the highest grain and was recommended for breeding improved varieties. Considering drought the ecotype Dehloran (3328) that had a good yield under normal irrigation conditions produced the least yields than other ecotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Induction of cholestasis is one of the methods of liver fibrosis which causes the development of oxidative stress, increased expression of fibrogenic markers, excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, and finally the incidence of fibrosis. Plantago ovata is known as a rich source of various secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, trypanoids, and ascorbic acid. OBJECTIVES: the present study, the expression of TGF-β as a fibrotic marker and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) changes in cholestatic rats treated with P. ovata extract were evaluated. METHODS: In this study, 48 adult Wistar rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into eight groups of six animals each as follows: (1) healthy control group without bile duct ligation (BDL) surgery and treatment; (2-4) three healthy experimental plus P. ovata groups: rats without BDL, treated with P. ovata at dose levels of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively; (5) the BDL group: rats with BDL and treated with distilled water; and (6-8) the BDL plus P. ovata groups: rats with BDL and treated with P. ovata at dose levels of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The rats were treated with P. ovata extract for 45 consecutive days (once per day). After euthanasia and serum isolation, ALP enzyme level was measured. Moreover, the rat liver was fixed in 10% formalin buffer solution. The immunohistochemical study was performed by TGF-β antibody. Data analysis was performed using the One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test and the Prism statistical program (P<0.0001). RESULTS: The results showed a significant increase in the serum levels of ALP enzyme and TGF-β expression in BDL group. Treatment with P. ovata extract was able to significantly improve these changes in a dosedependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that P. ovata extract probably due to its phenolic compounds and its antioxidant effect has a protective effect on the liver and subsequently improves the increased serum ALP level and also reduced TGF-β expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds play a critical role in agriculture, serving as the primary unit of plant propagation. Seed quality parameters of a notified variety of crops have been published through gazette notification from time to time and compiled. Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards are available for about 150 crops grown in India. However, no such seed standards have been formulated for medicinal and aromatic plants grown by farmers in India. Therefore, quality of seed made available to farmers cannot be regulated as envisaged under Seeds Act. Several attempts have been made to formulate seed standards and seed testing protocols for important medicinal crops cultivated by farmers. Those studies/attempts were made on different seed parameters of the seeds of the species at different centres, viz. IARI, New Delhi; DMAPR, Anand, Gujrat and IIHR, Bengaluru. For seed lot size and sample size, seeds indicated weights of lots which was derived from a nominal thousand seed weight for each species expected to be adequate for the majority of samples tested. Working sample for purity analysis considered was the weight of 2,500 seeds and working sample for count of other species was the weight of 25,000 seeds. For example, maximum weight of lot for Plantago ovata would be 10,000 kg for which submitted sample would be 50 g and it would be 5 g for working sample for purity analysis and 50 g for working sample for count of other species. In this study further pure seed (PSD) was defined based on ISTA (2003) and ISTA (2012), for example, in Lepidium sativum, PSD number is given as PSD 11 which states that in the seed a portion of testa is attached in which seeds and pieces of seed entirely without testa are regarded as inert matter. In P. ovata, pure seed (minimum) is 98% in both foundation and certified seed, of which 2% is inert matter. In this case total weed seed could be 10/kg, other crop seed 10/kg and germination should be 85% (minimum) with maximum moisture 10%. Likewise, seed standards and seed testing protocols of all the medicinal species taken from time to time have been standardized which would prove useful for seed quality assurance in medicinal plant sector. Further, it would be used towards notification of a variety under Seeds Act and also for the conservation of germplasm in gene/seed bank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago ovata (Plantaginaceae) is an economically and medicinally important species, however, least is known about its genomics and evolution. Here, we report the first complete plastome genome of P. ovata and comparison with previously published genomes of related species from Plantaginaceae. The results revealed that P. ovata plastome size was 162,116 bp and that it had typical quadripartite structure containing a large single copy region of 82,084 bp and small single copy region of 5,272 bp. The genome has a markedly higher inverted repeat (IR) size of 37.4 kb, suggesting large-scale inversion of 13.8 kb within the expanded IR regions. In addition, the P. ovata plastome contains 149 different genes, including 43 tRNA, 8 rRNA, and 98 protein-coding genes. The analysis revealed 139 microsatellites, of which 71 were in the non-coding regions. Approximately 32 forward, 34 tandem, and 17 palindromic repeats were detected. The complete genome sequences, 72 shared genes, matK gene, and rbcL gene from related species generated the same phylogenetic signals, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. ovata formed a single clade with P. maritima and P. media. The divergence time estimation as employed in BEAST revealed that P. ovata diverged from P. maritima and P. media about 11.0 million years ago (Mya; 95% highest posterior density, 10.06–12.25 Mya). In conclusion, P. ovata had significant variation in the IR region, suggesting a more stable P. ovata plastome genome than that of other Plantaginaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myxospermy is a process by which the external surfaces of seeds of many plant species produce mucilage—a polysaccharide-rich gel with numerous fundamental research and industrial applications. Due to its functional properties the mucilage can be difficult to remove from the seed and established methods for mucilage extraction are often incomplete, time-consuming and unnecessarily wasteful of precious seed stocks. Results: Here we tested the efficacy of several established protocols for seed mucilage extraction and then downsized and adapted the most effective elements into a rapid, small-scale extraction and analysis pipeline. Within 4 h, three chemically- and functionally-distinct mucilage fractions were obtained from myxospermous seeds. These fractions were used to study natural variation and demonstrate structure–function links, to screen for known mucilage quality markers in a field trial, and to identify research and industry-relevant lines from a large mutant population. Conclusion: The use of this pipeline allows rapid analysis of mucilage characteristics from diverse myxospermous germplasm which can contribute to fundamental research into mucilage production and properties, quality testing for industrial manufacturing, and progressing breeding efforts in myxospermous crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ispaghul (Plantago ovata Forsk.) as an important medicinal plant has obtained a remarkable reputation due to therapeutic applications of seed mucilage. To determine the effect of in vitro-induced polyploidy on various characteristics of P. ovata, the terminal bud of two true leaves seedlings were separately treated with colchicine [0.1, 0.3 and 0.5% (w/v) for 6, 12 and 24 h] and trifluralin [7.5, 15 and 22.5% (w/v) for 24, 48 and 72 h] solutions. The ploidy level of induced tetraploids was determined via chromosome counting of root tip cells, and then confirmed through flow-cytometric analysis. Comparison the morphological, physiological, anatomical features of intact diploids and induced tetraploids revealed that tetraploids had considerable more height, thicker leaf, larger spike and seed, larger pollen grain and more seeds per spike. Moreover, the amount of chlorophyll (a, b, and total) and carotenoids, as well as chloroplast number in guard cells was further in tetraploids than diploids. Unlike density, stomata size in tetraploids was bigger than that one in diploids. It was also observed that seeds of tetraploids had more mucilage than diploids. In summary, we firstly developed the P. ovata tetraploids and suggested 0.3% colchicine for 24 h and 22.5% trifluralin for 72 h as the optimum treatments for inducing tetraploidy in P. ovata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry eye disease is a relatively common eye disorder associated with decrease in quality of life. In this study, efficacy of an eye drop of Plantago ovata mucilage on symptoms of dry eye disease was evaluated. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, sixty dry eye patients with ocular symptoms and total Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score of ≥12 were randomly assigned to receive either a natural ophthalmic drop, made of Plantago ovata mucilage or placebo 4 times a day for 6 weeks. The patients were evaluated at pretreatment (baseline), weeks 4 and 6 post-treatment. The evaluation of the efficacy and safety were conducted based on the OSDI questionnaire, the noninvasive tear film break-up time (NI-BUT) with keratograph, the Schirmer test without anesthesia, and the osmolarity test, as well as by monitoring possible adverse events. After 6 weeks, within group analysis showed a significant improvement in total OSDI score (p < 0.001). In addition, between group comparison revealed a significant improvement in the OSDI score of the intervention group (p < 0.001). Although, NI-BUT was significantly improved in the Plantago ovata group (p = 0.004), however no statistically significant difference was observed in between group analysis. There were no significant differences between two groups, or significant changes within the groups in the Schirmer test without anesthesia and the osmolarity test. No serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, P. ovata mucilage is a natural, inexpensiveness, and safe lubricant polymer that could have beneficial ocular effects on subjective symptoms of the patients with dry eye disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present work was aimed to formulate Superporous Hydrogel tablets of Nimodipine using an effervescent approach for gastro retentive drug delivery system to improve its bioavailability by using different rate retarding polymers like plantago ovata, tamarind gum and carbopol, along with suitable excipients. All the formulations were prepared by direct compressionmethod. The prepared tablets of all the formulations were evaluated for physical characteristics, in-vitro drug release, hardness and friability. Optimized formulation F8 containing 0.3% of plantago ovata and carbopol each was considered as the best formulation with respect to in vitro drug release for 12 hours release act ion. The results showed that the drug release rate was decreased as the viscosity of the polymer was increased. The drug release kinetics was performed for the optimized formulation and it shows zero orderwith non-fickian transport drug release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have identified viscous dietary fiber as potentially attenuating cholesterol, including psyllium, which reduces LDL cholesterol and thus may complement cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatment. Objectives: The aims of this study were to update evidence on the effect of psyllium on LDL cholesterol and to provide an assessment of its impact on alternate markers: non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (apoB). Design: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched through 3 October 2017. Independent reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed risk of bias. We included randomized controlled trials with a duration of =3 wk that assessed the effect of psyllium on blood lipids in individuals with or without hypercholesterolemia. Data were pooled by using the generic inverse variance method with random-effects models and expressed as mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q statistic and quantified by the I2 statistic. Overall quality of the evidence was assessed by using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. Results: We included 28 trials in our analysis (n = 1924). Supplementation of a median dose of ~10.2 g psyllium significantly reduced LDL cholesterol (MD = -0.33 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.38, -0.27 mmol/L; P < 0.00001), non-HDL cholesterol (MD = -0.39 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.50, -0.27 mmol/L; P < 0.00001), and apoB (MD = -0.05 g/L; 95% CI: -0.08, -0.03 g/L; P < 0.0001). Effect estimates for LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol were graded as moderate quality on the basis of downgrades for inconsistency and graded as high quality for apoB. Conclusion: Psyllium fiber effectively improves conventional and alternative lipids markers, potentially delaying the process of atherosclerosis-associated CVD risk in those with or without hypercholesterolemia. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03346733. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work concerns structural investigation of water-extractable hemicelluloses from seed husk of Plantago ovata and seeds of Mimosa pudica and Lallemantia royleana. The composition of the materials was determined by CHN elemental analysis, FT-IR spectrometry and monosaccharide analysis. The detailed structural analysis was carried out by MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry. The absence of nitrogen in the materials suggested that they were free from proteins. The isolated materials were found to be branched hemicelluloses. The mass spectrometric study showed presence of β-1,4-linked xylose with arabinose attached to main chain at β-1,3 positions (Plantago ovata), β-1,4-linked xylose with glucose attached to main chain at β-1,3 positions (Mimosa pudica), and β-1,2-linked rhamnose and β-1,3-linked arabinose units in the main chain with arabinose attached to the main chain through β-1,3-linkage (Lallemantia royleana). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment, the effect of dietary Plantago ovata (PO) on performance, carcass criteria, intestinal morphology, immunity, and intestinal bacterial population of broiler chickens was evaluated. A total of 250 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to five treatments containing 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 g/kg of PO with five replicate pens and 10 birds in each replicate. Dietary PO increased body weight gain and decreased feed conversion ratio in the finisher period, improving the performance index ( p < .05). Dietary treatments had no effects on carcass criteria, but breast meat percentage showed an increasing trend with incremental levels of PO in the diet ( p = .069). The length of small intestine, especially jejunum section, as well as the villus height, villus width, villus area, and goblet cell numbers were significantly increased with supplemental PO ( p < .05). Humoral and cellular immunity parameters, and oxidation stability of meat were improved due to use of dietary PO ( p < .05). Dietary PO decreased the CFU of Escherichia coli, whereas the Lactobacilli population was increased ( p = .001). Broken-line regression revealed that dietary PO at the rate of 10 g/kg may results in the best performance in broiler chickens. This study showed that PO at the level of 10 g/kg could be considered as a beneficial feed additive in broiler diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty four accessions of Plantago ovata were grown to study existing variability, correlation and cause and effect relationships between yield and its component traits with their possible view in future improvement programmes. Analysis of variances displayed highly significant differences among accessions for all the traits. High heritability (>75%) coupled with the high genetic advance (>30%) were observed for the traits viz., leaf width, number of spikes/plant, biological yield/plant and seed yield/plant suggesting predominance of additive gene action. Seed yield/plant exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with biological yield/plant followed by number of spikes/plant, effective tillers/plant, harvest index, seed weight/spike, spike weight and husk recovery both at genotypic and phenotypic level. Biological yield/plant, harvest index, spike weight, effective tillers/plant and husk recovery exhibited the highest positive and significant direct effect on seed yield/plant. Critical analysis of results obtained from character association and path analysis indicated that the traits viz., biological yield/plant, harvest index, spike weight, effective tillers/plant and husk recovery were of prime concern as they possessed high positive association and direct effects on seed yield/plant. These traits are more reliable for selection for yield improvement programmes in Plantago ovata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was investigating the phosphate removal from aqueous environments by electrocoagulation (EC) in bipolar connection mode. In the study, iron plates were used as electrode with mucilage of Plantago ovata as a natural aid-coagulant and aid-flocculent. The several operational parameters such as the concentrations of phosphate, pH, operating time on the removal efficiency of phosphate were determined. The results showed that in the operating removal condition when mucilage was added as aid coagulant, the removal efficiency was improved. In this condition, the formed flocs in EC easily floated on surface of the solution. The process is completely effective in low concentration (100% removal in 5 mg/L phosphate). The sludge formed in EC with mucilage could be used to improve poor soils with low iron, phosphorus and organic matters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study investigates the coagulation ability of Plantago ovata ( P. ovata) seed extracts for turbidity removal. The active coagulant agents were successfully extracted from P. ovata seeds using different solvents such as distilled water (PO-DW), tap water (PO-TW), NaCl (PO-NaCl), and ammonium acetate (PO-AA). Experiments were conducted in batch mode for initial turbidity such as 500 NTU (high), 150 NTU (medium), and 50 NTU (low). Results demonstrated that P. ovata extracts are less efficient in low turbidities, while PO-NaCl was found to provide high coagulation activity in all initial turbidity concentrations compared to other extracts. PO-NaCl was able to remove 98.2, 94.9, and 80.2% of turbidity from water having in initial turbidities of 500, 150, and 50 NTU, respectively. Coagulation activity of the extract was the best when the extraction was performed for 50 min at room temperature. Jar test procedure with the coagulation time of 1 min and flocculation time of 30 min was optimized, irrespective of the initial turbidity. The optimum settling time for 500, 150, and 50 NTU water samples were 20, 30, and 90 min, respectively. PO-NaCl was used in different pH turbid solutions and it was found to be working very efficiently in alkaline conditions. The coagulation efficiency of the coagulant stored in refrigerator was higher than that stored at room temperature. Thus, the natural coagulants extracted from P. ovata seeds revealed to be effective for turbidity removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago ovata Forsk is an annual herb with immense medicinal importance, the seed and husk of which is used in the treatment of chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea since ancient times. Zinc, an essential metal, is required by plants as they form important components of zinc finger proteins and also aid in synthesis of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll. However, in excess amount Zn causes chlorosis of leaf and shoot tissues and generate reactive oxygen species. The present study is aimed at investigating the changes in expression levels of MT2 gene in Plantago ovata under zinc stress. Data show up to 1.66 fold increase in expression of PoMT2 in 1000 µM ZnSO·7HO treated sample. Our study also describes alteration of MT2 gene expressions in Plantago ovata as observed through Real time PCR (qPCR) done by $$2^{{ - \Delta \Delta}} C_T$$ method. In this study we have observed an upregulation (or induction) in the PoMT2 gene expression level in 500 and 800 µM ZnSO·7HO treated samples but found saturation on further increasing the dose to 1000 µM of ZnSO·7HO. Determination of the phenotypic and biochemical changes in Plantago ovata due to exposure to zinc stress of concentrations 500, 800 and 1000 µM revealed oxidative stress. The enhanced expression of MT2 gene in Plantago ovata has a correlation with the increased total antioxidant activity and increased DPPH radical scavenging activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psyllium plants were treated with different doses of lead (Pb) and different plant parts and seeds were analyzed. Iron (Fe) contents were found to be lower than the toxic level (Soil 2396.9, seeds 691.5, roots 1516.6, leaves 1384.5, husks 1226.1µmol kg-1 DW). The leaf Zn contents were above the critical level but lower than the toxic level (295.2 ± 16 µmol kg-1). Leaf manganese (Mn) and Cr levels in P. ovata plants fell within the critical range (232.6 and 0.1923 µmol kg-1 respectively). Lead in soil significantly correlated with Fe and Mn, but non-significantly with Zn and Cr in plants of P. ovata. The transfer ratios of Cr and Zn in plants without Pb treatment were lower as compared to plants treated with varying levels of Pb. P. ovata can grow in soils having lead concentration up to 4000 µmol and act as a hyper accumulator of lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds from the myxospermous species Plantago ovata release a polysaccharide-rich mucilage upon contact with water. This seed coat derived mucilage is composed predominantly of heteroxylan (HX) and is utilized as a gluten-free dietary fiber supplement to promote human colorectal health. In this study, a gamma-irradiated P. ovata population was generated and screened using histological stains and Fourier Transform Mid Infrared (FTMIR) spectroscopy to identify putative mutants showing defects in seed coat mucilage HX composition and/or structure. FTMIR analysis of dry seed revealed variation in regions of the IR spectra previously linked to xylan structure in Secale cereale (rye). Subsequent absorbance ratio and PCA multivariate analysis identified 22 putative mutant families with differences in the HX IR fingerprint region. Many of these showed distinct changes in the amount and subtle changes in structure of HX after mucilage extrusion, while 20% of the putative HX mutants identified by FTMIR showed no difference in staining patterns of extruded mucilage compared to wildtype. Transcriptional screening analysis of two putative reduced xylan in mucilage (rxm) mutants, rxm1 and rxm3, revealed that changes in HX levels in rxm1 correlate with reduced transcription of known and novel genes associated with xylan synthesis, possibly indicative of specific co-regulatory units within the xylan biosynthetic pathway. These results confirm that FTMIR is a suitable method for identifying putative mutants with altered mucilage HX composition in P. ovata, and therefore forms a resource to identify novel genes involved in xylan biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field experiment was conducted to access the effect of different fertilizer levels on yield, nutrient content and uptake of seed and straw under middle Gujarat condition during rabi season of 2013-14 at Anand. There are total with three nitrogen levels (15, 30, and 45 kg N ha-1), three levels of phosphorus (0, 15 and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1) and two levels of potassium (0 and 30 kg K2O ha-1) with four replication. The result revealed that successive increasing of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels significantly affect the nutrient content and uptake by seed and straw as well as seed and straw yields of isabgol. Application of 45 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 gives significantly highest N, P and K uptake and content as well as yields of seed and straw of isabgol. Response of potassium was found to be non-significant in case of nutrient content, uptake and yield of isabgol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic linkage maps facilitate the genetic dissection of complex traits and comparative analyses of genome structure, as well as molecular breeding in species of economic importance. Isabgol [Plantago ovata (Forsk.)], a medicinal plant with potent laxative properties is used in several traditional systems of Medicines and cultivated in India. We explored the DNA sequences of Isabgol in the Genbank (NCBI) and developed over 1500 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Some of them were validated through DNA amplification. Transferability of SSRs from wild Plantago species viz., P. major, P. coronopus, P. lancelolata, P. maritina and P. intermida into Plantago ovata was studied. We developed a genetic linkage map using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population which comprises of 30 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers spreading across 11 linkage groups (PO-1 to PO-11) with a total map distance of 75.6 cM. The SSR markers developed will have applications in assessing the functional diversity, comparative mapping and other applications in isabgol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago ovata is an economically and medicinally important plant of the family Plantaginaceae. It is used extensively for the production of seed husk for its application in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. In the present study, the transcriptome of P. ovata ovary was sequenced using Illumina Genome Analyzer platform to characterize the mucilage biosynthesis pathway in the plant. De novo assembly was carried out using Oases followed by velvet. A total of 46,955 non-redundant transcripts (≥100 bp) using ~29 million high-quality paired end reads were generated. Functional categorization of these transcripts revealed the presence of several genes involved in various biological processes like metabolic pathways, mucilage biosynthesis, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and antioxidants. In addition, simple sequence-repeat motifs, non-coding RNAs and transcription factors were also identified. Expression profiling of some genes involved in mucilage biosynthetic pathway was performed in different tissues of P. ovata using Real time PCR analysis. The study has resulted in a valuable resource for further studies on gene expression, genomics and functional genomics in P. ovata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Plantago ovata, commonly called psyllium, is known to be a rich source of polyphenolic compounds. The present study was aimed at determining polyphenol content and studying their antioxidant activities in P. ovata during in vitro callus culture. An attempt was also made to enhance polyphenol content using external additives. The role of PAL gene in polyphenol accumulation was also studied. RESULTS: The study indicated the presence of significant amounts of polyphenols, including flavonoids, in P. ovata callus. A gradual increase in polyphenol and flavonoid content was observed up to the third passage (63 days) of callus culture, which declined at the next passage. The third-passage callus showed highest antioxidant activity. High-performance liquid chromatographic results indicated the presence of high amounts of gallic acid and rutin in P. ovata calli; however, other polyphenols were also present but to a lesser extent. Additive supplementation was effective in enhancing polyphenol production and in increasing antioxidant activity in P. ovata callus. CONCLUSION: The present research reported accumulation of polyphenols in callus culture of P. ovata,which could be applied to isolation of polyphenols for various beneficial purposes. It also indicated enhancement in the production of several polyphenols and also an increase in antioxidant activity in the additive-treated callus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago ovata, commonly called as the 'desert Indian wheat' is a cultivated and economically important plant of the genus Plantago, a large genus containing ~200 species. It yields Psyllium (Isabgol) which has several health benefits and applications in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. In view of the genetic uniformity, detection of variability has remained a challenge in this species as the plant lacks inherent variability and has a narrow genetic base. During the present study, Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to determine genetic relationship and detect whatever little hidden variation exists in this species and some of its wild allies. Limited genetic variability was observed in P. ovata whereas; extensive genetic variability was seen in its wild allies. The genetic distances among different accessions of P. ovata and different species of Plantago, were used to generate a dendrogram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the study was to develop orodispersible tablets of Granisetron hydrochloride, a selective 5- HT3 receptor antagonist (an antivomiting agent) for improving patient compliance, especially those of paediatric & geriatric categories with difficulties in swallowing. In the wet granulation method orodispersible (ORD) tablets were prepared using natural super disintegrants plantago ovate. The prepared batches of tablets were evaluated for weight variation, hardness, friability, wetting time, in vitro dispersion time, drug content and in vitro dissolution studies. The tablet formulation batch F4 was considered as the overall best formulation (with an in vitro drug release study of 99.11%).Short term stability studies (at 40±2°C/75±5% RH) on the best formulation indicated that there no significant changes in drug content. From the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy study indicated that there are no drug excipient interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psyllium (PS), a water-swellable dietary fiber from seeds of widely distributed plant, Plantago ovata (PO) is esteemed for its medicinal and nutraceutical values. PS has been attributed to its broad range of pharmacological activities like anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic, laxative, anti-obesity, anti-diarrheal, anti-amoebic, and anti-nociceptive, and has been employed for sustained/delayed/targeted drug delivery due to its biocompatible and biodegradable nature. Interestingly, PS can be utilized for the absorption of toxic materials from industrial waste and is also used as substituent of gluten in breads for better acceptance. This review focuses upon the utilization of PS in drug delivery systems, medicinal uses, and pharmacological attributes to explore its potential in the nutraceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Vegetation in habitat of the federally listed desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii in the Mojave and western Sonoran Desert is now partly or mostly dominated by nonnative annual plants. To improve forage quality and augment availability of perennial cover plants, we tested seeding (pelletized or bare seeding), watering, and fencing for increasing a native annual forage species (desert plantain Plantago ovata), a perennial forage species (desert globemallow Sphaeralcea ambigua), and two shrub species (cheesebush Hymenoclea salsola and winterfat Krascheninnikovia lanata) that provide cover in desert tortoise habitat of southern Nevada. Treatments were ineffective at establishing the perennial species, even though greenhouse assays confirmed that some bare and pelletized seeds were germinable. In contrast, pelletized seeding quadrupled the density of desert plantain compared with not seeding or seeding untreated seed by the end of the first year (autumn 2013). Fencing tripled density of desert plantain to 17 plants/m2. Pelletized seeding plus fencing produced a desert plantain density of 39 plants/m2, the highest average density among all treatment combinations. The positive effect of fencing persisted until at least the second year after treatment (autumn 2014). Augmenting native annual forage plants favored by desert tortoises is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are widely used for the treatment of diseases and for the development of new drugs. This study was designed to determine the presence of hormone-like activities dependent on the activation of human estrogen receptor alpha (hERa) and/or androgen receptor (hAR) in methanol extracts prepared from three medicinal plants historically and currently used for therapeutic purposes:Ginkgo bilobaleaves (GBL),Elettaria cardamomumseeds (ECS) andPlantago ovataseeds (POS). After a solid–liquid extraction (SLE) step, their effects on hERa function were assessed in MCF-7 breast cancer cells using the E-Screen bioassay, and their ability to induce hAR-mediated reporter gene expression was evaluated using the androgen-sensitive stable prostatic PALM cell line. Unlike POS extracts, GBL and ECS extracts showed estrogenic (0.07 and 0.20 nM E2Eq mg–1, respectively) and anti-estrogenic (0.01 and 0.02 μM ICI182780Eq mg–1, respectively) activities. ECS extracts evidenced androgenic activity (0.30 nM R1881Eq mg–1) and POS extracts anti-androgenic activity (22.30 μM ProcEq mg–1). According to these findings, these plant extracts may interfere with the endocrine system via one or more hormonal receptors, and further investigation is warranted into their role as endocrine disrupters in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coagulant was successfully extracted fromPlantago ovataby a method using a FeCl3-induced crude extract (FCE). FCE was investigated for its coagulation potential to remove metronidazole (MNZ) from water. Tests were done to evaluate the effects of solution pH, FCE dose, MNZ concentration, and solution temperature on removal of MNZ by FCE. A low coagulant dose, 1.75 mg/L, achieves a high MNZ removal percentage, 89.3%, at neutral pH and room temperature. MNZ removal by FCE increased from 18 to 89.3% with increased FCE quantity from 0.75 to 1.75 mg/L. The low concentration of MNZ, 10 mg/L, was completely removed by FCE. Coagulant process did not depend on water temperature. The sludge volumetric index and sludge volume were also studied. Overall, the results indicate that developed FCE was an efficient coagulant that presents an attractive coagulant method for application in treating contaminants in water. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To investigate the effects of gamma pre-exposure on cadmium accumulation in Plantago ovata seedlings. Metallothionein (MT) localization was also studied following Cadmium (Cd) treatment in P. ovata. Materials and methods: DNA damage was determined by alkaline comet assay. MT gene and protein expression were studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry, respectively, in root and shoot tissues. Metal accumulation (Cd, zinc [Zn], iron [Fe]) was evaluated by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Results: Cd treatment decreased seed germination rate, biomass and free radical scavenging activity and increased DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner. When P. ovata seeds were pre- exposed to 5 Gy gamma dose (prior to Cd treatment) seed germination rate, biomass and free radical scavenging activity increased significantly. MT genes (PoMT1, PoMT2 and PoMT3) and MT protein expression enhanced when 5 Gy gamma-irradiated seeds were grown in Cd containing medium and Cd accumulation also increased in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: Higher Cd accumulation in P. ovata seedlings may be attributed to the upregulation of PoMT genes in gamma pretreated seedlings. Localization of metallothionein in cytosol and nucleus indicated its positive role against Cd-mediated cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The arabinoxylan from Ispaghula (Plantago ovata) husk has been proven scientifically as potential excipient. However, toxicity study of the arabinoxylan is still lacking. The present study was done to investigate the acute toxicity of arabinoxylan in two animal species.Methods: The mice were exposed to (1 g/kg, 5 g/kg, 10 g/kg) and rabbits (2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg) of arabinoxylan orally and observed for a period of 14 days. On day 15 hematology, serum biochemistry and necropsy was performed in mice relative organ weight calculated and histological examination was carried out. Primary dermal and eye irritation tests were carried out. Cardiac effects of isolated arabinoxylan were studied on frog heart.Results: The acute administration of the arabinoxylan did not produce mortality or significant changes in, water and food consumption however body weights of mice and rabbits decreased initially with a gradual increase till day 14. Internal organs relative weights were found to be normal. Hematological biochemical and histopathological examination did not show any significant (p < 0.05) change. Primary dermal and eye irritation was not observed in treated rabbits. No change in heart rate and vascular contraction was observed in frog heart.Conclusion: This study has shown that acute administration of arabinoxylan may be safe. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Chlorophyll content in leaves of isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk.) genotypes viz., GI-2, HI-96, PB-80 and HI-5 was studied under salt stress at different EC levels viz., control (without salt), 5 and 10 d/Sm of nutrient supplemented NaCl salt solutions in sand filled polythene bags. The results revealed a significant decrease in chlorophyll 'a' and chlorophyll 'b' contents with increasing EC levels. Reduction in chlorophyll 'a' and chlorophyll 'b' contents was maximum in the genotype PB-80 and minimum in the genotype GI-2 indicating the higher tolerance of genotype GI-2 and higher sensitivity of the genotype PB-80 to salt stress among all genotypes studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzymatic mechanism that governs the synthesis of the xylan backbone polymer, a linear chain of xylose residues connected by β-1,4 glycosidic linkages, has remained elusive. Xylan is a major constituent of many kinds of plant cell walls, and genetic studies have identified multiple genes that affect xylan formation. In this study, we investigate several homologs of one of these previously identified xylan-related genes, IRX10 from Arabidopsis thaliana, by heterologous expression and in vitro xylan xylosyltransferase assay. We find that an IRX10 homolog from the moss Physcomitrella patens displays robust activity, and we show that the xylosidic linkage formed is a β-1,4 linkage, establishing this protein as a xylan β-1,4-xylosyltransferase. We also find lower but reproducible xylan xylosyltransferase activity with A. thaliana IRX10 and with a homolog from the dicot plant Plantago ovata, showing that xylan xylosyltransferase activity is conserved over large evolutionary distance for these proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Comprehensive chemical profiling of herbal medicines (HMs) is a major challenge in chemical characterisation of source materials. Many analytical platforms such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) have been applied to the characterisation. However, the great complexity of analytical results has been an obstacle. Chemometric resolution methods as a supplementary tool for data processing are proposed for solving this problem. Objective To develop and demonstrate the ability of chemometric techniques in the characterisation of volatile components in herbal medicines. Methods The volatile components of Plantago ovata were extracted using a solvent extraction method. GC-MS analysis were performed using an Agilent HP-6890 gas chromatograph equipped with a HP-5MS capillary, interfaced with an Agilent HP- 5973 mass selective detector. Resolved spectra were identified by matching against the standard mass spectral database of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Results Results of this study show that the 71 constituents that are qualitatively recognised represent 94.53% of the total relative content of constituents from Plantago ovata oil, whereas without applying the chemometric methods only 51 constituents were recognised by direct searching utilising a mass database. In addition the presence of valuable components such as thymol, 2,4-decadienal, linoleic acid and oleic acid in Plantago ovata oil has been demonstrated. Conclusion GC-MS combined with chemometric resolution methods, such as multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS), will provide a reliable means for rapid and accurate analyses of unknown complicated practical systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure on plant growth and seed quality of isabgol in a hot arid region. Plant growth parameters viz., plant height, number of tillers plant-1 and dry matter accumulation was significantly higher with NPK + FYM as compared to other treatments. Yield attributes such as spike length, number of spikes plant-1 and number of grains spike-1 were also significantly higher with NPK + FYM. Highest grain (13.40 q ha-1) and straw (30.21 q ha-1) yield was obtained with the application of NPK + FYM, which was at par with NPK + Zn. Application of NPK + FYM recorded the highest N, P and K contents. However, highest Zn content was observed with NPK + Zn. The highest protein content in grain (12.43%) and straw (5.13%) was found with the treatment NPK + FYM, which was at par with NPK + Zn. The results clearly showed that the application of inorganic fertilizers significantly increase isabgol yield, nutrient content and grain quality when applied with organic manure as compared to sole application of inorganic fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]