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Abstract The study has proved the stimulating effects of different strategies of treatments with elicitors on the production of glucosinolates (GSLs), flavonoids, polyphenols, saccharides, and photosynthetic pigments in watercress (Nasturtium officinale) microshoot cultures. The study also assessed antioxidant and anti-melanin activities. The following elicitors were tested: ethephon (ETH), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), sodium salicylate (NaSA), and yeast extract (YeE) and were added on day 10 of the growth period. Cultures not treated with the elicitor were used as control. The total GSL content estimations and UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS analyses showed that elicitation influenced the qualitative and quantitative profiles of GSLs. MeJA stimulated the production of gluconasturtiin (68.34 mg/100 g dried weight (DW)) and glucobrassicin (65.95 mg/100 g DW). The elicitation also increased flavonoid accumulation (max. 1131.33 mg/100 g DW, for 100 μM NaSA, collection after 24 h). The elicitors did not boost the total polyphenol content. NaSA at 100 μM increased the production of total chlorophyll a and b (5.7 times after 24 h of treatment), and 50 μM NaSA caused a 6.5 times higher production of carotenoids after 8 days of treatment. The antioxidant potential (assessed with the CUPRAC FRAP and DPPH assays) increased most after 24 h of treatment with 100 μM MeJA. The assessment of anti-melanin activities showed that the microshoot extracts were able to cause inhibition of tyrosinase (max. 27.84% for 1250 µg/mL). Key points • Elicitation stimulated of the metabolite production in N. officinale microshoots. • High production of pro-health glucosinolates and polyphenols was obtained. • N. officinale microshoots have got tyrosinase inhibition potential. • The antioxidant potential of N. officinale microshoots was evaluated. Graphical abstract

Nasturtium officinale W. T Aiton or “watercress” (Brassicaceae) is a nutritionally valuable plant that is the richest source of carotenoids, polyphenols, iron, calcium, iodine, folic acid, essential vitamins and minerals. It is traditionally used for their appetiser, anti-scorbutic, stimulant, diuretic and detoxifying properties. The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant potential, phytochemical contents (total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents) as well as a preliminary phytochemical screening of different extract of aerial parts of Nasturtium officinale collected from the Kumaun region. The different extracts showed significant antioxidant activity as well as total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of several phytochemical constituents such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, glycosides, alkaloids and others. The hydroalcoholic extract possess significantly (P

In this study, it was aimed to determine the morphological and physiological effects of agricultural activities and lead pollution on Nasturtium officinale and Mentha aquatica macrophytes living in Umurbey Stream (Çanakkale), and also the competition between plants in this region was investigated. Macrophytes were collected between May-June 2016 from the lower part of Gökköy Passage, which is covered with orchards on both sides of Çanakkale province, Umurbey district, Umurbey Stream. The macrophytes were left in the nutrient solution for 3 days for the adaptation process. In the first stage, the effect of lead contamination on the morphology and physiology of macrophyte species was investigated in a single culture at 1, 5 and 10 ppm Pb concentrations. Then, the competitiveness of two macrophyte species at an intermediate dose of 5 ppm Pb in a mixed culture was examined. In addition to the amount of, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, free proline, protein, total phenolic compound amount, adsorbed lead amount and total potassium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium amounts were examined. P, Fe, Mg, K, Pb and protein content reached the highest level at the dose of 5 ppm Pb where N. officinale was affected the most morphologically. At the same time, N officinale minimized the photosynthetic pigment and free proline levels at this dose. The dose at which M. aquatica was most affected morphologically was 10 ppm Pb dose. P, Fe, Mg and K contents of M. aquatica at that dose reached the highest value. This study proved that M. aquatica was morphologically and physiologically more resistant in two control groups where there was no lead stress and aquatic plants were grown together. Morphologically and physiologically, it has been shown that N. officinale was more combative when lead was applied as stress. With this study, it was determined that watercress is a good lead accumulator by adsorbing more than twice the lead amount absorbed by water mint.

Cultures of Nasturtium officinale were cultivated in vitro under illumination with different wavelengths of light-emitting diode (LED) light (white LED light—WLED, blue light—B, red light—R, 70% red and 30% blue light—RB, 50% green, 35% red and 15% blue light—RBG, 50% yellow, 35% red and 15% blue light—RBY, 50% far red, 35% red and 15% blue light—RBfR, 50% UV, 35% red and 15% blue light—RBUV, darkness—D), and under white fluorescent light (WF)—control conditions. The study investigated the influence of the applied lighting conditions on biomass growth and the production of glucosinolates, phenolic compounds, as well as photosynthetic pigments, and soluble sugars. The study showed a significant beneficial effect of the RBG light on biomass growth (Gi = 11.81 after 20 days) and the production of glucosinolates. The total glucosinolate content under these conditions increased 5.8 and 1.4 times in comparison with the WF light and D condition, respectively, reaching 237.92 mg 100 g−1 DW. The production of phenolic compounds, sugars, and photosynthetic pigments was comparable to the production under the control conditions. The antioxidant potential of extracts from the cultivated biomass was assessed by the CUPRAC, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Extracts obtained from the biomass of cultures grown under the RBG light had an antioxidant potential similar to that of the control cultures. This is the first report providing evidence of the stimulating effect of light quality on the biomass yield and production of glucosinolates by N. officinale microshoot cultures in vitro. The studies of different LED light quality on Nasturtium officinale microshoot cultures were proven that combination of 50% green, 35% red and 15% blue lights stimulated the production of glucosinolates, phenolic compounds, photosynthetic pigments, and influenced on the antioxidant potential of biomass extracts.

Heavy metals are elements that mainly have a 5-22 gr.cm-3 specific gravity. Some of these metals are essential micronutrients for plant growth (Such as Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni) and Cobalt (Co)). Some other heavy metals, have a high toxicity properties such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Mercury (Hg). In order to investigate the potential of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) in the uptake of elements from nutrient solutions with different salinities, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications in the greenhouse. In this experiment, different levels of arsenic were zero, 5, 10, 20, 40, 40, 80 and 160 mg.L-1, which were obtained from sodium arsenate source and added to Epstein’s nutrient solution to obtain the mentioned concentrations. The salt concentration of the nutrient solution was 0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mM which was prepared from sodium chloride source and added to Epstein solution. After making nutrient solutions with different salinity and concentrations, watercress was cultivated. The ANOVA results showed that the interaction of salinity and arsenic levels on the calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc and copper concentrations in watercress was significant at the level of one percent probability. The highest concentrations of these elements were obtained in the levels without salinity and arsenic and the lowest values were obtained in the 80 mM salinity levels and 160 mg.l-1 arsenic.

Yogurt and Kefir are foods that have potential as probiotics. The presence of live LAB (Lactic Acid Bacteria) indicates that this product has the potential as a probiotic food. The purpose of this review is to evaluate food products that have the potential as probiotics such as yogurt and kefir based on the SNI 2981: 2009 standard for yogurt and the CODEX STAN 243-2003 standard for kefir in terms of nutrition. The search method in this article review uses online literature through the Google Scholar site. The results of this review article are probiotic yogurt containing cow's milk and sheep's milk in the same proportion (1: 1); cow's milk yogurt with the addition of seaweed extract (Sargassum polycystum) with a concentration of 0,22 and 0,44%; cow's milk yogurt added with watercress extract (Nasturtium officinale, R. Br); and goat's milk kefir stored at temperatures (-1 to -5 oC, 1 to 5 oC, and 6 to 10 oC) and storage time (10, 20, and 30 days) is a food that has the potential to be a probiotic that has met SNI 2981: 2009 standards and the CODEX STAN 243-2003 standards in terms of nutrition.

Background: Chemotherapy agents can cause ovarian dysfunction and eventually lead to infertility. This study investigated the effect of nasturtium officinale extract on the ovarian function following the toxicity induced by doxorubicin in female rats. Methods: Forty eight female Wistar rats (180-210g) were randomly divided in six groups as follows: Group I, normal rats receiving 1ml normal saline; Group II and III receiving 25 and 75 mg/kg of the extract daily by gavage for 21 days. Groups IV, V and VI receiving 10 mg/kg doxorubicin intraperitoneally on the first day. In addition, Group IV and V received 25 and 75 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. The serum levels of estrogen, progesterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and ovarian Malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined after 21 days of treatment. The mean numbers of various graafian follicles and corpus lutea were recorded after treatment. Results: The mean serum FSH level in Group VI (0.11±0.01) significantly reduced compared to those in Groups II (0.21±0.05) and III (0.23±0.01), (P

* Nasturtium officinale R.Br. — Habit: Herb. Habitat: LMWF, LMDF. Distribution: IV. Voucher: Ca. 2 km South of Timau, Alt. 2 250 m, 15–17 Feb. 1986, Beentje 2759 (EA). References: Fries & Fries (1927a), Agnew (2013)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 65, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6550464, {"references":["Fries, R. E. & Fries, T. C. E. (1927 a) Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Flora des Kenia, Mt. Aberdare und Mt. Elgon. IX. Notizblatt des Koniglichen Botanischen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin 10 (90): 1130 - 1135. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 3994575","Agnew, A. D. Q. (2013) Upland Kenya wild flowers and ferns, 3 rd edn. Nature Kenya Publications, Nairobi, 733 pp."]}

The ability of a consortium of three emergent aquatic plants; Veronica anagallis-aquatica, Mentha longifolia, and Cyperus iria and one free-floating Nasturtium officinale was evaluated in outdoor v...

Inhabitants of the hilly regions largely depend on wild herbs for medicine and food supplements. The indigenous knowledge and traditional use of these wild herbs are vanishing fast. Thunag Tehsil is the rich repository of wild medicinal herbs. One among them is Nasturtium officinale (watercress), of the family Brassicaceae, it has been long used as a home remedy or a medicinal plant, edible herb by the local people. The aim of this study was to investigate the traditional use, nutritional, medicinal use of N. officinale in the Tehsil Thunag of District Mandi Himachal Pradesh Western Himalayas. Local inhabitant of valley used to collect this green leafy vegetable from nearby river streams, they used to consume it as (sagg) green leafy vegetable or as a medicine. It is a good source of food, medicine and income for local people in the study area, as this area is surrounded by large number of perennial rivers and streams where this plant is found in abundant. But the young generation is least interested about these traditional herbs and their uses.Its traditional knowledge is declining sharply. So to document this knowledge, the present study was carried in this region.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of spraying an algal biostimulant at different concentrations (0, 600-, 900-, 1200-, and 1500-fold dilutions) on the growth and cadmium (Cd) accum...

Downy mildew on garden cress caused byPerofascia lepidiihas become prevalent in organic seed producing areas of Germany resulting in limited seed production and high yield losses. Downy mildew occurrence in young plants in fields that have never been cultivated with garden cress raised questions about infested seeds and soils as sources of the primary inoculum and the role of other members of the plant family Brassicaceae as hosts ofP. lepidii. To address these questions 31 seed lots from nine garden cress fields were examined for contamination usingP. lepidiispecies-specific PCR assays. DNA ofP. lepidiiwas detected in 17 seed lots out of 31. In bioassays no disease was observed on plants grown from infested seed lots but in a few plants grown from seeds. The significance of soilborne inoculum was investigated by assessing disease incidence in plants grown in soil samples. Garden cress with downy mildew symptoms were recorded when plants were grown in pathogen infested soil samples. The results show thatP. lepidiiis able to survive in the soil and can be a primary inoculum source for downy mildew disease. Oospores formed in infected plants underpin the role of these survival structures that get incorporated into soil after harvesting. In a host specificity-test none of the tested speciesBrassica juncea;Brassica napus;Brassica rapasubsp.pekinensis;Brassica rapa silvestris;Raphanus sativusvar.oleiformis;Raphanus sativusvar.sativus;Sinapis alba;Sinapis nigra;Arabidopsis thaliana;Capsella bursa-pastoris;Cardamine pratense;Cardaria draba;Nasturtium officinalewere infected byP. lepidii.

La contaminación por metales pesados ha aumentado con los años debido a sus diferentes aplicaciones. Se han evaluado distintas especies vegetales para bioacumular metales pesados, el berro es una especie con capacidad de fitorremediación. Sin embargo, falta información sobre la sinergia que ocurre cuando dos metales en el medio están presentes y condicionan su acumulación en las plantas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto sinérgico en la acumulación simultánea de Pb y Cr (VI) en berro. Se utilizó un sistema cerrado y un humedal artificial para evaluar el comportamiento de los metales en presencia de berro, cuantificando al final de cada experimento la concentración acumulada en tallos, hoja y raíz. La mayor concentración de ambos metales fue en raíz (Pb > Cr). Al incrementarse la presencia de Cr (VI) en solución, la planta absorbe más metal, y en combinación con Pb el índice de tolerancia se aumenta y el factor de translocación disminuye. Dentro del humedal construido el porcentaje de remoción de Pb y Cr total fue del >99.9% (100 mg L-1) y 95% (28.5 mg L-1), respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos indican que existen interacciones ambientales, físicas y químicas que determinan la capacidad de bioacumulación en el berro, de los metales evaluados.ABSTRACTHeavy metal pollution has increased over the years due to its different applications. Different plant species have been evaluated to bioaccumulate heavy metals; watercress is a species with phytoremediation capacity. However, there is little information on the synergy that occurs when two metals in the medium are present and condition their accumulation in plants. The objective of this research was to evaluate the synergistic effect on the simultaneous accumulation of Pb and Cr (VI) in watercress. We used a batch system and an artificial wetland to evaluate the behavior of metals in the presence of watercress, quantifying at the end of each experiment the cumulative concentration in stems, leaf, and root. The highest concentration of both metals occurred in the root section (Pb> Cr). As the presence of Cr (VI) in solution increases, the plant absorbs more metal, and combination with Pb the tolerance index is increased and the translocation factor decreases. Within the constructed wetland the percentage of total Pb and Cr removal was >99.9 % (100 mg L-1) and 95% (28.5 mg L-1) respectively. The results show the presence of effects of environmental, physical and chemical interactions that determine the capacity of bioaccumulation of the metals evaluated in watercress.

To study how melatonin (MT) treatment of plants used for stubble affects the heavy metal accumulation of the subsequent crop, the effects of MT-treated Nasturtium officinale on the growth and cadmi...

Background Blood cleansing, purification, detoxification or strengthening is an ancient folkloric East African practice without any validated scientific underpinnings. This study was undertaken to retrieve ethnobotanical information and reported bioactivities of plants claimed to be blood purifiers, cleansers, detoxifiers and tonics in Eastern Africa and correlate their claimed use with scientific studies to find out whether there is any justification for their use in this ancient practice. Method An elaborate review was performed in electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer Link, Wiley Online Library, Taylor & Francis Online, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science) and the Google search engine to retrieve information on ethnomedicinal plants used in East Africa in blood purification, detoxification, cleansing or strengthening and their investigated bioactivities related to their use in this traditional practice. Results The search retrieved 74 plant species from 45 families distributed among 66 genera with some documented bioactivities, though, with little correlation with their traditional utilization in blood purification, cleansing, detoxification and strengthening. Some justification of the link between blood purification, cleansing, detoxification and strengthening and the use of the plants as antiplatelet aggregation, vasorelaxant, bronchodilatory, antihyperlipidaemic, cardioprotective, antiatherosclerotic and immunomodulatory agents were evident, but majorly antimicrobial activity has been investigated in most species. Thus, only 15 (20.2%) of the plant species (Allium sativum, Moringa oleifera, Olea capensis, Clausena anisata, Centella asiatica, Nasturtium officinale, Solanum nigrum, Withania somnifera, Rubus apetalus, Delonix elata, Persia americana, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica, Echinacea angustifolia and Dioscorea bulbifera) could be directly correlated with studies pertaining to blood health. Conclusion Medicinal plants used in blood purification, cleansing, detoxification and strengthening in East Africa play a holistic role in rejuvenation of overall human health. Few studies have examined their bioactivities pertaining to blood health. Thus, bioactivities and pharmacological activities (such as blood thinning, hypolipemic, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, tonic and renoprotective properties) and phytochemicals of the claimed plants warrant further research as these could lead to discovery of chemical scaffolds of lead compounds that can be used in modern blood purification.

A low-temperature, efficient and effective method was investigated for phytochemical hydroethanolic extraction of Nasturtium officinale (Brassicaceae). The phytocompounds of the selected plant leaves were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Acetic acid, d-alanine, octodrine, decanoic acid, and cyclohexylethylamine were the major phytocompounds identified in N. officinale leaves with high similarity match and spectral purity. The reducing and stabilizing potential of the extracted phytochemicals was demonstrated by synthesizing the metal oxide nanoparticles (MoO3 ) by treating ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate (H4 MO7 N6 O24 .4H2 O) aqueous complex with bioactive compounds of the leaves. The bio-synthesized MoO3 nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, and gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy identified acetic acid, d-alanine, and octodrine as stabilizing agents in the synthesis of MoO3 nanoparticles.

According to European traditional pharmacopeia, as well as in Chinese traditional medicine, watercress (Nasturtium officinale) has a property in enhancing physical stamina during stress condition. The aim of the study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of watercress extract (WCE) on dexamethasone-induced neurodegeneration in mice. Swiss albino male mice (35-40 g) were divided into 6 groups: double distilled water (DW) and normal saline solution (NSS) (DW+NSS), DW and dexamethasone (DW+DEX)-treated for 21 days, 80 mg/kg of watercress extract (WCE) and NSS (80WCE+NSS), and WCE-treated (14 days prior to and during dexamethasone treatment) at variable doses of 20 mg/kg (20WCE+DEX), 40 mg/kg (40WCE+DEX), and 80 mg/kg (80WCE+DEX). At the end of the experiment, animals were tested for spatial memory and learning ability by Morris Water Maze apparatus to determine the escape latency time (ELT), and the density of parvalbumin (PV)-immunoreactive (PV-ir) neurons in the hippocampus of the brain, using immunohistochemistry. After dexamethasone treatment, the animals had significantly lower body weight, higher ELT and reduced density of PV-ir neurons in the CA1 and CA2 regions of the hippocampus, compared to the control animals. These parameters partially improved in animals supplemented with WCE but without a dose-related pattern. This study suggests that WCE may be beneficial for neuroprotection in stress-induced neurodegeneration.

The growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation of Nasturtium officinale cuttings taken from plants continuously grafted (three times) onto the rootstock of Brassica oleracea were studied in a pot experim...

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.), an aquatic leafy vegetable of the Brassicaceae family, is known as a nutritional powerhouse. Here, we de novo sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of watercress based on combined PacBio and Illumina data. The cp genome is 155,106 bp in length, exhibiting a typical quadripartite structure including a pair of inverted repeats (IRA and IRB) of 26,505 bp separated by a large single copy (LSC) region of 84,265 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,831 bp. The genome contained 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs and 4 rRNAs, with 20 duplicate in the IRs. Compared with the prior cp genome of watercress deposited in GenBank, 21 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 27 indels were identified, mainly located in noncoding sequences. A total of 49 repeat structures and 71 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected. Codon usage showed a bias for A/T-ending codons in the cp genome of watercress. Moreover, 45 RNA editing sites were predicted in 16 genes, all for C-to-U transitions. A comparative plastome study with Cardamineae species revealed a conserved gene order and high similarity of protein-coding sequences. Analysis of the Ka/Ks ratios of Cardamineae suggested positive selection exerted on the ycf2 gene in watercress, which might reflect specific adaptations of watercress to its particular living environment. Phylogenetic analyses based on complete cp genomes and common protein-coding genes from 56 species showed that the genus Nasturtium was a sister to Cardamine in the Cardamineae tribe. Our study provides valuable resources for future evolution, population genetics and molecular biology studies of watercress.

Introduction: The use of synthetic preservatives has been increasing in the food industry, and this leads to an increased incidence of gastrointestinal diseases and cancers in humans in the long run. Aims & Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Nasturtium officinale essential oil on some important food borne bacteria. Materials & Methods: In this study, the antibacterial activity of N. officinale essential oil was evaluated on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteric by microdilution method. Also, the antioxidant activity of this essential oil was evaluated by inactivating free radicals produced by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Finally, the chemical compounds of the N. officinale essential oil were evaluated by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results: The results showed that S. enteric and E. coli isolates had the most resistance and B. cereus isolates had the most susceptibility to N. officinale essential oil. The evaluation of antioxidant properties showed that in the same concentrations, the antioxidant effect of N. officinale was less than BHT. The obtained results from GC/MS showed that Phytol (30.20%) was the highest proportion and Megastigmatrienone 2 (0.18%) was the lowest proportion of essential oil. Conclusion: In general, the results of this study showed that N. officinale essential oil has an appropriate antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria and can be used as a new antibacterial and antioxidant compound in the food industry.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different stocking densities on growth rate of Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus), growth of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) in a floating-draft aquaponic recirculating system. Two factorial experiment designs consist of three different swamp eel (16.67 ± 3.48 g/individual) densities of 100, 180 and 260 individuals/m2 (8.4, 15.0 and 21.7 kg/m3, respectively) integrated with hydroponic trough of watercress (SEW) or without watercress (swamp eel only, SE). Watercress seeds were put into styrofoam, floating rack (80 heads/m2). Swamp eels were fed 2 times per day with commercial pellet (42% protein). The experiment was run for 65 days with two cycles of watercress. Statistical analysis by Two-way ANOVA showed that there is no significant difference (P > .05) in growth performance of swamp eel at different stocking densities between the SEW and SE systems. However, statistical analysis by One way ANOVA showed that there is a significant difference (P

The molecular mechanisms controlling underwater elongation are based extensively on studies on internode elongation in the monocot rice (Oryza sativa) and petiole elongation in Rumex rosette species. Here, we characterize underwater growth in the dicot Nasturtium officinale (watercress), a wild species of the Brassicaceae family, in which submergence enhances stem elongation and suppresses petiole growth.- We used a genome-wide transcriptome analysis to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed antithetical growth responses. Though submergence caused a substantial reconfiguration of the petiole and stem transcriptome, only little qualitative differences were observed between both tissues. A core submergence response included hormonal regulation and metabolic readjustment for energy conservation, whereas tissue-specific responses were associated with defense, photosynthesis, and cell wall polysaccharides.- Transcriptomic and physiological characterization suggested that the established ethylene, abscisic acid (ABA), and GA growth regulatory module for underwater elongation could not fully explain underwater growth in watercress.- Petiole growth suppression is likely attributed to a cell cycle arrest. Underwater stem elongation is driven by an early decline in ABA and is not primarily mediated by ethylene or GA. An enhanced stem elongation observed in the night period was not linked to hypoxia and suggests an involvement of circadian regulation.

Watercress is an aquatic perennial herb belonging to the family Brassicaceae, which is commonly found in the wild in cool stream margins and ditches as well as cultivated in tanks or moist soil for its edible leaves. The most common and widespread species of the genus Nasturtium are N. officinale R. Br. and N. microphyllum Boenn. Rchb., which originated from Eurasia and North Africa and widely spread in Europe, including Britain, from Sweden and Denmark, and to North America. Watercress is consumed fresh or as an ingredient in soups or other recipes. It contains vitamins, phenolic compounds, folic acid, carotenoids, minerals, fibers, lipids, proteins, and a high level of glucosinolates. It purportedly possesses antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties and a possible role in the prevention of other diseases including cardiovascular, neurodegeneration and diabetes. The best site for a watercress bed is on a relatively flat area with a slight slope below a spring that supplies water. The beds should be protected from floods, which could cause severe damage to both the watercress and the beds. It is propagated by seeds and vegetative reproduction. This chapter presents watercress biodiversity and distribution, cultivation practices, conservation, traditional breeding, molecular breeding, functional genomics and genetic engineering.

This research aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation and health risk associated with absorption of the selected heavy metals (HMs) i.e., lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in a wild leafy vegetable Nasturtium officinale that grows along the Swat River in swampy areas. The areas were categorized using the ecological risk index (RI), which indicates how heavy metal concentrations in soil and plants change over time. The bioaccumulation factor was greater than that at the 400 ≤ RI sites, indicating a probable health risk of these metals from N. officinale consumption. Furthermore, the health risk index for Cd and Pb was more significant, i.e., greater than one in the majority of the samples, indicating health concerns associated with consuming N. officinale from the study site. However, Zn and Cu levels were lower than the nutritionally needed levels, raising the risk of deficiency in the population. Plants cultivated in Pb and Cd-polluted sites were nutrient deficient in Cu and Zn. Intake of such plants can expose people to HM contamination and nutritional deficiencies. The results concluded that the plants accumulated significant HM contents and may have health concerns but are safe for consumption in children and adults.

Studies have demonstrated that diet rich in cruciferous vegetables of the Brassicaceae family can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and oxidative stress levels. Nasturtium officinale (Brassicaceae), commonly known as watercress is a perennial dicotyledonous plant usually found close to water. Although previous investigations have demonstrated the beneficial effects of watercress on hypercholesterolemia in animal studies, until now no such studies have been conducted with humans, up to this time. This study aimed to investigate whether overweight individuals were able to improve or maintain their serum lipid and oxidative stress markers when given standardized extract of Nasturtium officinale (SENO) as a supplement. This was a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial conducted over 5 weeks. Thirty-four overweight people with physical disabilities were selected randomly to participate in this study and then they were assigned randomly to two groups, one treated with 750 mg//kg/d of SENO and the other treated with 750 mg/kg/d of placebo. The results indicated that SENO caused a significant improvement in the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatinine, and lipid peroxidation. However, SENO did not cause a significant statistical change in total serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and high-density lipoprotein levels; catalase, superoxide dismutase, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and urea parameters. The present data might provide supportive evidence that SENO did not cause any harm and positively affected low-density lipoprotein cholesterol profile and creatinine as well as lipid peroxidation levels in the participants. Nevertheless, further studies are suggested to clarify the results presented in this clinical trial.

Europe consists of three ecological zones, namely subtropical (Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece), boreal (Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland), and temperate (the United Kingdom and the majority of Europe). The temperate zones are home to aquatic species such as Nasturtium officinale and Ceratophyllum demersum. The subtropical zones are home to the aquatic species such as Vallisneria spiralis. The descriptions of several aquatic species native to Europe, including common names, botanical characteristics, distribution map, traditional uses, bioactivity, and compounds isolated, are discussed in this chapter.

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) is a cruciferous plant consumed by people worldwide. This vegetable contains numerous health-benefiting compounds; however, gene information and metabolomic profiling of individual parts for this plant species are scarce. In this study, we investigated the expression patterns of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes and the content of phenylpropanoids in different parts of watercress. We identified 11 genes encoding enzymes related to the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway and analyzed the expression patterns of these genes in the leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and seeds of watercress. The result showed that most of the genes were expressed at the highest levels in the flowers. HPLC analysis performed in samples from these same parts revealed the presence of seven phenylpropanoid-derived compounds. The content of total phenylpropanoids was the highest in flowers, followed by that in the leaves, whereas the lowest level was generally detected in the stems. Rutin was the most abundant phenylpropanoid in all plant segments, while quercetin was detected only in the flowers and roots. This study provides useful information for further molecular and functional research involving N. officinale and closely related species. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13205-020-02244-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Nasturtium officinale (watercress) is used as an aromatic food and medicinal plant. Furthermore, it can be used for water phytoremediation. The species is native in the Northern hemisphere, but due to cultivation, it is distributed worldwide. Watercress is perennial plant growing in floating water, naturally tetraploid with unknown diploid progenitors. Propagation is possible by seeds and by cuttings. Watercress production is endangered by several diseases and pests like crook root (Spongospora, Cercospora, Xanthomonas, Fasciola, Lemna, Plutella are the main pests and disease. Flower and pollination biology show an allogamous and entomophilous situation. Recent breeding efforts with conventional and biotechnological methods resulted in better conventional and mutation lines protected by patents.

In view of the limitations on good quality water, the use of low-quality water in agriculture is seen as a suitable alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a protected environment, the production of broadleaf watercress in an NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic system as a function of the use of brackish water and different circulation times for the nutrient solution. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of UFC, in Fortaleza, Ceará, from December 2018 to March 2019 (two crop cycles). The treatments were distributed in a randomised block design in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, five levels of water salinity (0.6, 1.6, 2.6, 3.6 and 4.6 dS m-1) and two circulation times for the nutrient solution (10 and 15 min), totalling 10 treatments with 4 replications, resulting in 40 experimental plots. The parameters under evaluation were plant height and number of leaves at 6, 10, 14, 20 and 25 days after transplanting (DAT), leaf area, shoot and root fresh weight, and shoot and root dry weight for each cycle. Water salinity maintained at 2.6 dS m-1 was considered satisfactory for watercress production in both crop cycles under evaluation. A circulation time of 15 minutes for the nutrient solution gave the best results in the watercress at all levels of salinity.

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is an aquatic dicotyledonous vegetable belonging to Brassicaceae (Aiton 1812). Watercress was grown in an aquaponic system on fired clay ball medium at the Aquaponic Research Station of the University of Debrecen, in the city of Debrecen (Hungary). During January 2020, 3-month-old plants showed symptoms in aquaponic cultivation. A visual survey showed 30% of plants with symptoms. Leaves and stems withered and showed white cotton-like mycelium. Mycelia from infected plants were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C for seven days. Single hyphal tips were transferred to produce a pure culture. All ten fungal isolates showed similar morphological characteristics on PDA. Colonies consisted of white mycelia after three days and globoid to irregular and black 2.5 to 7 (average, 3) mm (n = 100 from ten plates) sclerotia formed ten days later, which are the typical morphological features of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Mordue et al. 1976). Molecular identification was performed with one of the ten isolates (Scl_B). Mycelia were grown in 250 ml of potato dextrose broth in a rotary shaker at 175 rpm at 24°C for six days. DNA was extracted from mycelium using a Nucleospin plant II (Macherey-Nagel, Germany) according to the manufacturer's protocol. PCR amplification (Kim et al. 2014) was performed with primers ITS1/ITS4 for the internal transcribed spacer region (White et al. 1990) on a Primus 96 thermal cycler (MWG Biotech, Germany). Specific polymerase chain reaction was performed with primers SSasprF/SSasprR (Abd-Elmagid et al. 2013). PCR products were sequenced by Microsynth Austria GmbH. NCBI BLAST analysis of the 440-bp ITS sequence (Genbank MW012403.1) showed 100% identity with the sequence of S. sclerotiorum (MT177267.1, etc.). The 170-bp specific gene sequence (Genbank MW959042.1) had a 100% similarity to hypothetical proteins (Genbank MK028159.1), with a 99.4% similarity to a portion of the S. sclerotiorum aspartyl protease gene (AF271387.1). Pathogenicity tests were carried out by inoculating surface-disinfested, 30-day-old watercress plants in plastic pots (15x15x12 cm). In three repeated experiments 90 watercress plants were measured. 15 plants (one plant per pot) were planted into the five-times autoclaved substrate (Biorgmix: pH 6.1±0.5%, N:1.5%, P2O5:0.7%, K2O:0.5%, organic matter content:50%) and inoculated by ten wheat kernels that were colonized by S. sclerotiorum (Scl_B) (Garibaldi et al. 2019). 15 plants were planted into the substrate with ten non-inoculated kernels as a control. Plants were kept in an MLR-352 climatic test chamber (PHCbi, Japan) at 21 ± 1°C for 12 hr light:dark cycle. On the first day of the experiment complex nutrient solution (Tek-Land: N:5%, P2O5:5%, K2O:5%, B:0.01%, Cu:0,01%, Mn:0.02%, Mo:0.002%, Zn:0.016%) was used, then autoclaved water daily. Eight days later white mycelium appeared on every inoculated plant and five days later dark sclerotia formed on the stems. Based on the morphological characteristics the re-isolated pathogen was S. sclerotiorum. Similar results were detected in three repeated experiments with white mold fungus being reisolated from all 45 infected watercress plants. The 45 non-inoculated plants did not show any symptoms and any diseases. This pathogen has already been reported on watercress in the field (Farr et al. 1989; Boland and Hall 1994; Garibaldi et al. 2019). This is the first reported case of white mold on watercress in aquaponic system in Hungary.

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) and watercress (Nasturtium officinale) are economically important cruciferous vegetable species with limited genomic resources. We used comparative chromosome painting to identify the extent of chromosomal collinearity between horseradish and watercress, and to reconstruct the origin and evolution of the two tetraploid genomes (2n = 4x = 32). Our results show that horseradish and watercress genomes originated from a common ancestral (n = 8) genome, structurally resembling the Ancestral Crucifer Karyotype (n = 8), which, however, contained two unique translocation chromosomes (AK6/8 and AK8/6). Except for a 2.4-Mb unequal chromosome translocation in watercress, both genomes are structurally identical. The structural similarity of the two parental subgenomes might suggest an autotetraploid origin of horseradish and watercress genomes. The subgenome stasis, apart from the single-chromosome translocation, indicates that homeologous recombination played a limited role in postpolyploid evolution in both tetraploid genomes. The octoploid genome of one-rowed watercress (N. microphyllum, 2n = 8x = 64), structurally mirroring the tetraploid horseradish and watercress genomes, originated via autopolyploidization from the immediate tetraploid predecessor of watercress or hybridization between this and another now-extinct tetraploid Nasturtium species. These comparative cytogenomic maps in horseradish and watercress represent a first stepping stone for future whole-genome sequencing efforts and genetic improvement of both crop species.

The effects of γ-ray irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) phenolic compounds were evaluated after 7-day storage at 4 °C. Irradiation doses of 1, 2 and 5 kGy were tested, as well as vacuum-packaging and MAP enriched with 100% N2 and Ar. A non-irradiated, air-packaged control was included in all experiments. p-Coumaric acid was the most abundant compound in fresh watercress, followed by quercetin-3-O-sophoroside and isorhamnetin-O-hydroxyferuloylhexoside-O-hexoside. Four kaempferol glycoside derivatives were identified for the first time in this species. In general, flavonoids predominated over phenolic acids. Samples stored under vacuum and irradiated at 2 kGy revealed lower phenolic levels. Arenriched MAP and control conditions preserved the initial phenolic content. The 5 kGy dose also maintained concentrations of flavonoids and total phenolic compounds, but increased the phenolic acids content. Additionally, flavonoids were found strongly correlated to DPPH% scavenging activity and β-carotene bleaching inhibition capacity. The authors are grateful to PRODER research project no. 53514, AROMAP, for financial support of the work; to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) of Portugal and FEDER, under Programme PT2020, for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2013); to FCT/MEC for financial support to REQUIMTE/LAQV (UID/QUI/50006/2013 - POCI/01/0145/FERDER/007265); and to FCT for the grants attributed to J. Pinela (SFRH/BD/92994/2013; funded by the European Social Fund and MEC through Programa Operacional Capital Humano (POCH)), L. Barros and J. Barreira contracts. The authors are also grateful to the Interreg España-Portugal for financial support through the project 0377_Iberphenol_6_E. We would also like to thank Dr. Sandra Cabo Verde and Prof. Amilcar L. Antonio, for γ-ray irradiation (C2TN in Bobadela, Lisbon, Portugal) of the samples as described in https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.03.050. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

In recent years macrophytes have been considered promising tools in the biocontrol of harmful cyanobacteria blooms (cyanoHABs). In this study, the inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts of Ranunculus aquatilis and Nasturtium officinale on Microcystis aeruginosa growth was assessed via six treatments (0%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1% extracts). Chlorophyll a and carotenoid content were analyzed and changes in cell and colonial morphology of M. aeruginosa cultures were observed. Also, to reveal potential allelochemical compounds, total phenols (TPs), total flavonoids (TFs), and tannins (TTs) were analyzed in both extracts. The obtained results showed that M. aeruginosa growth was significantly inhibited by R. aquatilis and N. officinale aqueous extracts in a concentration-dependent way. After 8 days of treatment, the highest inhibition rates reached 100% and 75.74% respectively. The Chlorophyll a and carotenoid concentrations were decreased compared to the control group. Colonial and cell and colonial morphology changes were observed under the treatment group with 1% of aqueous extract accompanied by sedimentation of the cyanobacterial cells. This study shows that M. aeruginosa growth inhibition was induced by the total polyphenol, flavonoids and tannins. It was concluded that theses macrophytes may control M. aeruginosa and may be useful to control harmful blooms in lake-reservoirs.

In this study, three drinking water treatment plant supply springs were selected within different sites in Sulaimani province - Kurdistan region of Iraq. Samples were collected over period of eight months from May to the end of December 2015. Five stations were selected, Stations 1, 2 and 3 were located at Bestan Sowr drinking water project in Sharazur district, station 4 was located at Saray Subhan Agha drinking water project in Said sadiq district and station 5 was located at Khurmal drinking water project in Khurmal district within Halabja district. The study involved an Isolation, purification and identification seven species of algae by using Chu-10 media and Bold Basal Medium (BBM), and evaluation of the effectiveness of plant extracts (as antialgal) on the growth of isolated algae by Agar-Well Diffusion Method. Seven strains of algae from studying stations were isolated, purified and identified after collection which were: Ulothrix zonata, Desmodesmus lunatus, Desmodesmus itascaensis, Chlorella vulgaris, Calothrix fusca, Chroococcus turgidus and Navicula riediana . These isolated algae included 2 species of blue-green algae, 4 species of green algae, and 1 species of diatoms. In this study, the suggested plants extracts for use as inhibitors belong to different families of plant (5 plants) which were Hordeum vulgare (Barley straw), Peganum harmala, Artemisia annua, Thymus vulgaris and Nasturtium officinale (Watercress). On the assessment of the effectiveness of crude plant extracts (as antialgal) on the growth of selected algae by Agar-Well Diffusion Method, the results showed that the greater inhibition zone diameter was obtained 62 mm against Calothrix fusca by using crude extracted from Peganum harmala in concentration 80 mg/ml, and less inhibition zone diameter was 7 mm against Ulothrix zonata by using crud extracted from Artemisia annua in concentration 30 mg/ml. Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) did not show any effective against any type of isolated algae in all concentrations. Generally inhibition zones diameters differed according to the algal types and types and concentration of plant’s extracts http://dx.doi.org/10.25130/tjps.23.2018.00 5

The correct taxonomic delimitation of Nasturtium microphyllum Rchb., previously misidentified as Nasturtium officinale R. Br., in the Kashmir Himalaya, India, is reported. This species differs from its closely allied N. officinale in the shape, size, and arrangement of seeds in the fruit. A detailed taxonomic account, including complete description and photoplates of diagnostic characters are provided to resolve the misidentification of the taxa in the Kashmir Himalaya.

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) was applied to the extraction of phenolic compounds from watercress (Nasturtium officinale). The process was optimized by response surface methodology using a five-level central composite design combining the independent variables of processing time (t, 1.5–33.5 min), pressure (P, 0.1–600 MPa) and solvent (S, 0–100% of ethanol, v/v). The individual and grouped phenolic compounds, analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS, and the extraction yield were used as response variables. The theoretical models were fitted to the experimental data, statistically validated, and used in the prediction and optimization steps. The optimal HHP conditions for the extraction of phenolic compounds were: t = 3.1 min, P = 600 MPa and S = 100%, and originated 64.68 ± 2.97 mg/g of extract. This study highlighted the HHP as a promising technology to cold extract phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids) from watercress in a selective way using a green solvent and reduced extraction times. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

In this work, a fast, sensitive, inexpensive and environment-friendly dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) technique was developed based on solidification of floating organic drops (SFOD) for the preconcentration of quercetin followed by HPLC-UV. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency (the type of extractant and disperser solvents and their volume, sample pH, concentration of salt, and sonication time) in the DLLME-SFOD-HPLC-UV method were studied and optimized with the aid of experimental designs. The optimum conditions found were as follows: extractant solvent type and amount, 0.25 mL of dodecanol, disperser solvent type and amount, 0.70 mL of acetonitrile, pH 5.0, extraction time of 0.5 min, and no need of adding salt. Under the optimal conditions, a good linearity in the range of 0.8–3500 μg L−1 was reached; furthermore, our proposed method had a reasonable reproducibility (RSD% 1.94–5.20), repeatability (RSD% 1.01–2.82), and recovery (96.65–106.76%). In addition, a low LOD (0.149–0.165 μg L−1), high enrichment factor, and very little extraction time were attained for different aqueous matrices (Nasturtium officinale, Apium graveolens, Brassica oleracea var. sabellica, Spinacia oleracea and food samples).

We investigated the karyology of two Tuscan populations of Nasturtium officinale, one of which has individuals of anomalous large sizes. Both populations proved to have 2n = 32. This is the second ...

Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated, bone-absorbing cells and play a crucial role in osteolytic bone diseases such as osteopetrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, controlling osteoclast differentiation and activation has been considered a promising strategy to prevent and treat osteolytic diseases. In this study, we demonstrate, using the mouse monocyte-derived macrophage-like cell line RAW 264, that extract from Nasturtium officinale or watercress, an herb of European origin, suppresses receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced osteoclast differentiation in vitro . N. officinale extract decreased the emergence of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive differentiated multinuclear cells and inhibited their bone-absorbing activity. The extract decreased expression of genes associated with osteoclast differentiation and function. Induction of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1), the master transcriptional regulator of osteoclastogenesis, was blunted by N. officinale extract. Activation of nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways, both of which are necessary for NFATc1 induction and osteoclast differentiation, was also suppressed by the extract. Among upstream kinases, activity of IκB-kinase β (IKKβ), but not that of TGFβ-activated kinase 1, was inhibited by N. officinale extract in vitro. Pharmacological inhibition of IKKβ by a specific inhibitor PS1145 in RAW 264 cells mostly recaptured the inhibitory action of N. officinale extract. These findings provide a novel pharmacological action of N. officinale and its potential usefulness for the prevention of osteoporosis.

This study aimed to determine the potential of watercress extract as an antioxidant and antiproliferation against cancer cells in vitro. Cells used in this study were breast cancer culture cells (MCF-7) and vero cells. Watercress was extracted using water solvent and 70% ethanol. Phytochemical test was performed on both types of extract. Toxicity test was measured using BSLT method, assessment of antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH method and inhibitory proliferation in cancer cell was measured using MTT Assay method. Analysis of the data using ANOVA, if there is a significant difference between treatments will be followed up with Duncan test. The results of phytochemical tests showed that watercress extracts had bioactive content namely flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The result of BSLT test showed that the strongest extract toxicity was 70% ethanol extract with LC50 value of 406.02 ppm and had the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 102.26 ppm, while proliferation inhibitory test found in MCF-7 breast cancer cells had IC50 value of 1.696 μg / ml and not toxic to vero cells. Result showed that the ethanolic extract of Nasturtium Officinale gave a significant effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells inhibition (p=0,015) at concentration 50, 400, 800 and 1000 ppm. The mechanism of proliferative inhibition was associated with phytochemical content present in watercress.

Erucastrum canariense Webb & Berthel. (Brassicaceae) is a wild crucifer that grows in rocky soils, in salt and water stressed habitats, namely in the Canary Islands and similar environments. Abiotic stress induced by copper chloride triggered formation of a phytoalexin and galacto-oxylipins in E. canariense, whereas wounding induced galacto-oxylipins but not phytoalexins. Analysis of the metabolite profiles of leaves of E. canariense followed by isolation and structure determination afforded the phytoalexin erucalexin, the phytoanticipin indolyl-3-acetonitrile, the galacto-oxylipins arabidopsides A, C, and D, and the oxylipin 12-oxophytodienoic acid. In addition, arabidopsides A and D were also identified in extracts of leaves of Nasturtium officinale R. Br.