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Objective: It was elucidated the anti-inflammatory active components and their mechanisms of action in the fruits of Diospyros lotus. Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to qualitatively analyze the chemical constituents of Diospyros lotus fruits, and combined with network pharmacology to explore the potential anti-inflammatory active components and their mechanisms of action, and validated the results by molecular docking. Results: A total of 26 flavonoid compounds, including 10 myricetin derivatives, 7 quercetin derivatives, 4 kaempferol derivatives, 2 apigenin derivatives, and 3 other flavonoid compounds, were identified from extract of D. lotus fruits based on molecular ion peaks and mass spectrometry cleavage characteristics in negative ion mode, among which 12 compounds were reported for the first time in the fruits. Network pharmacological analysis showed that compounds myricetin 3-sambubioside, myricetin 3-(2G-rhamnosylrutinoside), morin, myricetin 3-rhamnosyl-(1->2)-rhamnoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, myricetin, quercetin, naringenin, apigenin and kaempferol had potential anti-inflammatory activities and exerted anti-inflammatory effects mainly related to PI3K-Akt, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and cancer signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed that the active components stably docked with the key targets, and the results were consistent with the network pharmacological predictions. Conclusion: Flavonoids in D. lotus extracts have potential anti-inflammatory effects and are useful as adjunctive preventive agents in inflammatory diseases.

Objective: It was elucidated the anti-inflammatory active components and their mechanisms of action in the fruits of Diospyros lotus. Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to qualitatively analyze the chemical constituents of Diospyros lotus fruits, and combined with network pharmacology to explore the potential anti-inflammatory active components and their mechanisms of action, and validated the results by molecular docking. Results: A total of 26 flavonoid compounds, including 10 myricetin derivatives, 7 quercetin derivatives, 4 kaempferol derivatives, 2 apigenin derivatives, and 3 other flavonoid compounds, were identified from extract of D. lotus fruits based on molecular ion peaks and mass spectrometry cleavage characteristics in negative ion mode, among which 12 compounds were reported for the first time in the fruits. Network pharmacological analysis showed that compounds myricetin 3-sambubioside, myricetin 3-(2G-rhamnosylrutinoside), morin, myricetin 3-rhamnosyl-(1->2)-rhamnoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, myricetin, quercetin, naringenin, apigenin and kaempferol had potential anti-inflammatory activities and exerted anti-inflammatory effects mainly related to PI3K-Akt, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and cancer signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed that the active components stably docked with the key targets, and the results were consistent with the network pharmacological predictions. Conclusion: Flavonoids in D. lotus extracts have potential anti-inflammatory effects and are useful as adjunctive preventive agents in inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossbreeding is a multi-stage process with inherent challenges and risks in developing new varieties. Success hinges on selecting highly fertile parents. In species like lisianthus, uncertainty persists regarding the optimal methods for assessing pollen quality, which is crucial for evaluating pollen parent fertility. This study seeks to identify the most reliable techniques for this purpose. Fresh and dead pollen from four lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) varieties was used. The dead pollen was obtained by thermal inactivation. Five chemical staining methods (iodine-potassium iodide, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride - TTC, lactophenol cotton blue, safranin, acetocarmine) were employed to assess pollen viability, and two biological methods (Petri dishes, hanging drops) were used to determine the germination rate. Four solid medium cultures were employed in Petri dishes, while the hanging drop utilised four liquid medium cultures. Thirteen tests were conducted for each variety, evaluating fresh and dead pollen. The study found significant variations in pollen quality among lisianthus varieties and methods. Fresh pollen showed viability rates ranging from 56.87% to 99.41% and germination rates from 0.20% to 45.11%. TTC exhibited the lowest viability rate across all varieties, while the highest germination rate was observed in the liquid culture medium with only boric acid and PEG1500. Notably, TTC was the sole viability method that did not stain dead pollen, and no germination occurred in any method for dead pollen. TTC is the most reliable staining method, and a liquid culture medium with boric acid and PEG1500 effectively determines lisianthus pollen quality. Varying boric acid and PEG1500 concentrations are advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to evaluate quality criteria such as chemical composition and antioxidant and antibacterial activity values in 80% ethanol extracts of date-plum (Diospyros lotus) fruits and seeds. In addition, the macro and microelement concentrations of fruits and seeds were also investigated. According to the data obtained, when fruit and seed were compared, it was determined that the seed (81.72%) contained more components than the fruit (79.4%), and the antioxidant activity of the seed was also higher. While the main component of the seed was "Methyl hydrogen disulfide" with 43.21%, the main component of the fruit was "5-Hydroxymethylfurfural" with 24.2%. As a result of antimicrobial activity tests, neither seeds nor fruits have antimicrobial activity. At the same time, the nutritional content values of the seeds and fruits of this plant were analyzed and evaluated. When the data obtained are evaluated in terms of both macro and micronutrients, it has been observed that the nutritional content values of the fruit (K (3.63%), P (0.68 %), Cu (24.31%), Zn (10.49 mg kg-1) and Mn (25.29 mg kg-1) for fruits) are higher than the seeds. In conclusion, the findings from the evaluation of Diospyros lotus fruit and seeds in this study highlight the richness in chemical composition and high antioxidant activity of the seeds, as well as the nutritional superiority of the fruit. Therefore, further research to better understand and harness the potential health benefits of this plant could contribute to a deeper understanding of this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study was carried out to evaluate quality criteria such as chemical composition and antioxidant and antibacterial activity values in 80% ethanol extracts of date-plum (Diospyros lotus) fruits and seeds. In addition, the macro and microelement concentrations of fruits and seeds were also investigated. According to the data obtained, when fruit and seed were compared, it was determined that the seed (81.72%) contained more components than the fruit (79.4%), and the antioxidant activity of the seed was also higher. While the main component of the seed was “Methyl hydrogen disulfide” with 43.21%, the main component of the fruit was “5-Hydroxymethylfurfural” with 24.2%. As a result of antimicrobial activity tests, neither seeds nor fruits have antimicrobial activity. At the same time, the nutritional content values of the seeds and fruits of this plant were analyzed and evaluated. When the data obtained are evaluated in terms of both macro and micronutrients, it has been observed that the nutritional content values of the fruit (K (3.63%), P (0.68 %), Cu (24.31%), Zn (10.49 mg kg–1) and Mn (25.29 mg kg–1) for fruits) are higher than the seeds. In conclusion, the findings from the evaluation of Diospyros lotus fruit and seeds in this study highlight the richness in chemical composition and high antioxidant activity of the seeds, as well as the nutritional superiority of the fruit. Therefore, further research to better understand and harness the potential health benefits of this plant could contribute to a deeper understanding of this field.

Crossbreeding is a multi-stage process with inherent challenges and risks in developing new varieties. Success hinges on selecting highly fertile parents. In species like lisianthus, uncertainty persists regarding the optimal methods for assessing pollen quality, which is crucial for evaluating pollen parent fertility. This study seeks to identify the most reliable techniques for this purpose. Fresh and dead pollen from four lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) varieties was used. The dead pollen was obtained by thermal inactivation. Five chemical staining methods (iodine-potassium iodide, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride – TTC, lactophenol cotton blue, safranin, acetocarmine) were employed to assess pollen viability, and two biological methods (Petri dishes, hanging drops) were used to determine the germination rate. Four solid medium cultures were employed in Petri dishes, while the hanging drop utilised four liquid medium cultures. Thirteen tests were conducted for each variety, evaluating fresh and dead pollen. The study found significant variations in pollen quality among lisianthus varieties and methods. Fresh pollen showed viability rates ranging from 56.87% to 99.41% and germination rates from 0.20% to 45.11%. TTC exhibited the lowest viability rate across all varieties, while the highest germination rate was observed in the liquid culture medium with only boric acid and PEG1500. Notably, TTC was the sole viability method that did not stain dead pollen, and no germination occurred in any method for dead pollen. TTC is the most reliable staining method, and a liquid culture medium with boric acid and PEG1500 effectively determines lisianthus pollen quality. Varying boric acid and PEG1500 concentrations are advisable.

Somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinases (SERKs), a subfamily of receptor-like kinases, play important roles in response to abiotic stresses in addition to apomictic reproductive development in numerous plant species. The purpose of the present work was to determine if an ortholog of the SERK gene is present in the Diospyros lotus genome, isolate it and analyze its expression during embryogeny and abiotic stress. An ortholog of the SERK gene was isolated from the D. lotus genome, and designated as DlSERK1. The physical and chemical properties, protein structure, and evolutionary relationship of the DlSERK1 protein were analyzed by bioinformatics methods, and the expression of DlSERK1 gene during embryonic development and under low-temperature, salt, and drought stresses was examined through real-time quantitative PCR analysis. DlSERK1 contained 1,881 bp open reading frame encoding 626 amino acids, with a molecular mass of 69.18 kDa and pI of 5.34. DlSERK1 had strong hydrophilic property, signal peptide cleavage sites, and two transmembrane regions, indicating that DlSERK1 is a secretory protein. The secondary structure of DlSERK1 was consistent with the tertiary structure, both of which were dominated by random curls and alpha-helices. DlSERK1 had the typical structure of SERK proteins, and harbored multiple phosphorylation and glycosylation sites. Quantitative analysis showed that DlSERK1 was expressed during the embryonic development period, and the highest expression level was at 10 days post-flowering. The DlSERK1 expression level was down-regulated under low-temperature stress and up-regulated under drought and salt stresses. Our study showed that DlSERK1 was expressed in embryo development and could respond to low-temperature, drought, and salt stresses, which lays a foundation for further research on the function of SERK1 in the apomixis growth and development of environmental adaptation in D. lotus.

This research aimed to extract and profile phenolic compounds from seed and fruit of Diospyros lotus, evaluate and compare the antioxidants and cytotoxic potential of the extracts. Seven phenolic acids and four other flavonoids extracts were subsequently obtained following different extraction methods. The extracts were evaporated, lyophilized, and prepared for RP-HPLC-DAD, MTT assay, and antioxidant evaluation by the ferrous ion chelating, ferric ion reducing power, FRAP, DPPH•, •OH and NO• scavenging methods. The RP-HPLC-DAD revealed an epigallocatechin, a flavonoid, and fourteen phenolic acids. Phenolic compounds with the highest concentrations are epigallocatechin (1460.80 ± 10.74 µg/gDW), gallic acid (1167.11 ± 4.04 µg/gDW) and t-cinnamic acid (244.45 ± 3.61 µg/gDW). The bound phenolic acids from acid hydrolysis-1 (BPAH-1) extract of the fruit sample exhibit the highest DPPH• activity, reducing power, and FRAP. The flavonol extract of the fruit sample unveils the highest Fe2+ chelating effect. The BPAH-1 and BPAH-2 extracts of the seed reveal the highest •OH and NO• activities, respectively. Seed sample gave the highest total phenolic/flavonoid/tannin contents. The cytotoxicity of the extracts on HepG2 cell lines > HeLa cell lines and the effects are more pronounced 48 h after treatments. Specifically, flavan-3-ol methanolic and BPAH-2 extracts of the seed, and flavan-3-ol methanolic and BPAH-1 extracts of the fruit show good cytotoxic effect against HepG2 cell lines (IC50 < 37 µg/mL). This research unveils the potential of D. lotus seed and fruit as possible antioxidant and anticancer agent. The antioxidant and cytotoxicity properties observed from the samples might be due to the phenolic compounds determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diospyros lotus L. , cultivated for both its edible and medicinal qualities, frequently experiences drought stress during the growth phase. Tryptophan-derived melatonin effectively enhances drought resistance in plants. However, the role of melatonin in the tolerance of D. lotus to drought stress as well as recovery after droughts stress elimination remains unclear. This study investigated the underlying mechanisms by which melatonin alleviates D. lotus drought stress and recovery. Melatonin significantly reduced reactive oxygen species levels and alleviated the inhibitory effect of drought stress by activating the antioxidant system. Melatonin influences pathways related to sugar metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis, which may facilitate plant recovery from drought stress. Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that melatonin induced genes and metabolites associated with sugar metabolism (Cluster-28045.33805, Cluster-28045.59949, Cluster-28045.59252, Cluster-28045.54252, Cluster-28045.44982, fructose, l-threose, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate), facilitating plant recovery from drought. Differentially enriched microorganisms suggest that melatonin induces plants to recruit potentially beneficial microorganisms (such as Skermanella , Nocardioides , Ralstonia, and Rhodococcus) , which enhances drought tolerance and recovery. Integrative analysis of the microbiome and metabolome suggests that a unique metabolite, 3-hydroxy-butanoic acid, which was induced significantly by melatonin, may play a vital role in attracting beneficial microorganisms to facilitate drought stress resistance. Our results demonstrate that melatonin enhances D. lotus recovery from drought by recruiting beneficial microorganisms, thereby boosting both transcriptomic and physiological resilience. Our findings aim to mitigate the impact of drought on agricultural production. [Display omitted] • First study to report on drought and recovery responses in Diospyros lotus. • Responses are regulated at transcriptomic, microbiome, and metabolomic levels. • Melatonin enhances recovery from drought by recruiting beneficial microorganisms. • Microorganism recruitment may be driven by changes in soil metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] To study the photosynthetic response mechanism of persimmon seedlings to salt stress. [Methods] The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Diospyros virginiana and Diospyros lotus seedlings under 4% salt stress were studied by pot culture salt control method, including the minimal fluorescence (Eo), maximum fluorescence (E„), potential activity of PS II (E„/Eo), maximum photochemical efficiency of PS II (Pv/P-), electron transport rate (ETR), actual photochemical efficiency of PS II (, and photochemical quenching coefficient (q). [Results] Under 4% salt stress, the maximum fluorescence (Pm), maximum photochemical efficiency of PS II, and photochemical quenching coefficient (gp) of two persimmon plants decreased with time. The potential activity of PS II (Pr/F0), actual photochemical efficiency of PS II (Tff), and electron transport rate (ETR) decreased under salt stress. [Conclusions] This study indicates that the PS II reaction center in the persimmon leaves was damaged and the electron transport at the acceptor side was damaged under salt stress. It is expected to lay a foundation for the analysis of salt-tolerance mechanism of persimmon plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persimmon (Diospyros) is an economically important tree widely cultivated for woody grain production in China, and Diospyros lotus is mainly used as the grafting stock of persimmon. However, the breeding of stress-resistant rootstocks of D. lotus using molecular means has yet to be achieved; in particular, an efficient blade-regeneration system has not been perfected to date. This study examined the effects of different plant-growth regulators and concentrations on the primary culture of stems with buds, the induction of leaf callus, the differentiation of adventitious shoots, and rooting culture of D. lotus. The optimal formula for inducing axillary buds from stems with buds was 1/2 Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 2.0 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and 0.5 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), in which the induction rate of axillary buds approached 67.1%. The best medium formula for leaf callus induction was 1/2 MS medium containing 2.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.5 mg/L NAA. Then callus was transferred to 1/2 MS medium containing 2.0 mg/L 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino)purine (2iP), 2.0 mg/L thidizuron (TDZ), and 40 g/L sucrose to induce adventitious shoots after dark culture for 48 h, resulting in 7.9 shoots per explant and a 75.2% induction frequency of adventitious shoots. In addition, it was difficult to induce adventitious shoots from callus after six times of continuous transfer and differentiation. The adventitious shoots were transferred to 1/2 MS medium containing 2.0 mg/L zeatin (ZT) and 2.0 mg/L 2iP for proliferation culture, in which the multiplication coefficient approached 7.6. The adventitious shoots after multiplication were inoculated into 1/2 MS + 1.0 mg/L IBA + 0.5 mg/L NAA medium, the rooting rate was 70.2%, and the average number of heels was 9.6. Thus, studies in this area are expected to facilitate rapid and excellent growth, as well as theoretical support for factory saplings' care and molecular breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses adversely impacting the growth of persim-mon, which is a widely cultivated traditional fruit tree in North China. Melatonin is a bio-stimulator involved in mediating plant responses to drought. The role of exogenous melatonin application in the drought tolerance of Diospyros lotus was examined under drought stress with different doses of melatonin (0, 10, 50, and 100 mM). Exogenous melatonin application significantly mitigated the adverse effects of drought stress on chlorophyll fluorescence, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumu-lation and nitric oxide (NO) content. The 100-mM melatonin application produced the most beneficial impacts against drought stress. The melatonin-enhanced tolerance could be attributed to improved antioxidant enzymes, reduced drought-induced ROS accumulation, and lipid peroxidation. Melatonin application activated major antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and ascorbate peroxidase. Interestingly, NO concentration was significantly higher in 10 and 50mMmelatonin treatments and lower in 100mMmelatonin treatment compared to the control. Moreover, exogenous melatonin application affected the mRNA transcript levels of several genes involved in ROS metabolism, including DlRBOHA, DlSOD, DlCAT, and DlPOD. Hence, the responses of Diospyros lotus to drought varied with different doses of melatonin. Our results provide a concrete insight into the effects of melatonin with varying doses in alleviating drought as well as a platform for its potential application in the related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diospyros lotus has been traditionally used in Asia for medicinal purposes, exhibiting a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. While the anti-itch effect of D. lotus leaves has been reported, studies on the detailed mechanism of action in microglia and astrocytes, which are members of the central nervous system, have yet to be revealed. The present study aimed to investigate effects of D. lotus leaf extract (DLE) and its main component myricitrin (MC) on itch-related cytokines and signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia. The effect of DLE and MC on activation of astrocyte stimulated by microglia was also examined. Cytokine production was evaluated through reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis. Signaling pathway was analyzed by performing western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The effect of microglia on astrocytes activation was evaluated via western blotting for receptors, signaling molecules and itch mediators and confirmed through gene silencing using short interfering RNA. DLE and MC suppressed the production of itch-related cytokine IL-6 and IL-31 in LPS-stimulated microglia. These inhibitory effects were mediated through the blockade of NF-κB, MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways. In astrocytes, stimulation by microglia promoted the expression of itch-related molecules such as oncostatin M receptor, interleukin 31 receptor a, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1, lipocalin-2 (LCN2), STAT3 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. However, DLE and MC significantly inhibited these receptors. Additionally, astrocytes stimulated by microglia with IL-6, IL-31, or both genes silenced did not show activation of LCN2 or STAT3. The findings of the present study demonstrated that DLE and MC could suppress pruritic activity in astrocytes induced by microglia-derived IL-6 and IL-31. This suggested the potential of DLE and MC as functional materials capable of alleviating pruritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diospyros lotus L. (Date plum) is an important tree species that produces fruit with a high nutritional value. An accurate chromosomal assembly of a species facilitates research on chromosomal evolution and functional gene mapping. In this study, we assembled the first chromosome-level genomes of seeded and seedless D. lotus using Illumina short reads, PacBio long reads, and Hi-C technology. The assembled genomes comprising 15 chromosomes were 617.66 and 647.31 Mb in size, with a scaffold N50 of 40.72 and 42.67 Mb for the seedless and seeded D. lotus, respectively. A BUSCO analysis revealed that the seedless and seeded D. lotus genomes were 91.53% and 91.60% complete, respectively. Additionally, 20,689 (95.4%) and 22,844 (98.5%) protein-coding genes in the seedless and seeded D. lotus genomes were annotated, respectively. Comparisons of the chromosomes between genomes revealed inversions and translocations on chromosome 8 and inversions on chromosome 11. We identified 490 and 424 gene families that expanded in the seedless and seeded D. lotus, respectively. The enriched pathways among these gene families included the estrogen signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, and biosynthetic pathways for flavonoids, monoterpenoids, and glucosinolates. Moreover, we constructed the first Diospyros genome database (http://www.persimmongenome.cn). On the basis of our data, we developed the first high-quality annotated D. lotus reference genomes, which will be useful for genomic studies on persimmon and for clarifying the molecular mechanisms underlying important traits. Comparisons between the seeded and seedless D. lotus genomes may also elucidate the molecular basis of seedlessness.

Objectives: Cisplatin is a powerful chemotherapeutic drug that is used to treatment a wide variety of cancers. Despite clinical data demonstrating the cardiotoxic effect of cisplatin, few studies have been carried to improve the cardiotoxicity of cisplatin. In cisplatin-induced toxicity, oxidative stress plays a critical role. This study determined the effect of Diospyros lotus L. fruit (DL), a powerful antioxidant plant, on heart damage caused by cisplatin through histological examination and oxidative stress parameters. Materials and Methods: Twenty eight male rats were randomly divided into four groups. An isotonic solution was given to the control group. A single dose of 7 mg/kg cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally to the cisplatin group. 1.000 mg/kg DL was given by gavage for 10 days to the DL group. Cisplatin and DL were administered together in the same doses to the treatment group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and total glutathione (GSH) level were measured in the heart tissue of the experimental rats. Histological examination was also performed to determine any damage to the hearts of the experimental rats. Results: While TBARS levels in the cisplatin group increased significantly, SOD, CAT, GPx activities, and total GSH level decreased significantly. TBARS levels decreased significantly and SOD, CAT, GPx activities and GSH levels increased with DL treatment. According to the histological examination, histopathological differences were observed in the cisplatin group. Histopathological findings were either absent or decreased in the DL-treated group. Conclusion: Results of the study showed that DL therapy reduced oxidative stress and histological changes caused by cisplatin. DL could be a potential candidate for reducing cardiac damage caused by cisplatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative drugs are available with potential side effects such as peptic ulcer and addiction among other things. In this regard, research is underway to find safe, effective, and economical drugs free of these side effects. In this study, an isolated natural product from Diospyros lotus, was tested for the aforementioned bioactivities. Objectives To evaluate analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative potential of D. lotus extracts in animal paradigms using BALB/c mice as experimental model. Methods Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and sedative activities of dinaphthodiospyrol G (1) isolated from the chloroform fraction of D. lotus were evaluated using different experimental procedures. Anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using the carrageenan and histamine-induced paw edema, whereas the antinociceptive effect was quantified by means of the hot plate analgesiometer. On the other hand, the sedative effect was determined using animal assay for screening the locomotors effects of compound 1. Compound 1 was also subjected to molecular modeling studies against cyclooxygenase enzymes. Results Results from this investigation showed that the extract is devoid of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potentials but has a significant sedative effect, whereas the tested compound exhibited 55.23 and 78.34% attenuation in paw edema by carrageenan and histamine assays, respectively. A significant (p

Somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinases (SERKs), a subfamily of receptor-like kinases, play important roles in response to abiotic stresses in addition to apomictic reproductive development in numerous plant species. The purpose of the present work was to determine if an ortholog of the SERK gene is present in the Diospyros lotus genome, isolate it and analyze its expression during embryogeny and abiotic stress. An ortholog of the SERK gene was isolated from the D. lotus genome, and designated as DlSERK1. The physical and chemical properties, protein structure, and evolutionary relationship of the DlSERK1 protein were analyzed by bioinformatics methods, and the expression of DlSERK1 gene during embryonic development and under low-temperature, salt, and drought stresses was examined through real-time quantitative PCR analysis. DlSERK1 contained 1,881 bp open reading frame encoding 626 amino acids, with a molecular mass of 69.18 kDa and pI of 5.34. DlSERK1 had strong hydrophilic property, signal peptide cleavage sites, and two transmembrane regions, indicating that DlSERK1 is a secretory protein. The secondary structure of DlSERK1 was consistent with the tertiary structure, both of which were dominated by random curls and alpha-helices. DlSERK1 had the typical structure of SERK proteins, and harbored multiple phosphorylation and glycosylation sites. Quantitative analysis showed that DlSERK1 was expressed during the embryonic development period, and the highest expression level was at 10 days post-flowering. The DlSERK1 expression level was down-regulated under low-temperature stress and upregulated under drought and salt stresses. Our study showed that DlSERK1 was expressed in embryo development and could respond to low-temperature, drought, and salt stresses, which lays a foundation for further research on the function of SERK1 in the apomixis growth and development of environmental adaptation in D. lotus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Naphthoquinones (1-9) were isolated from chloroform soluble fraction of Diospyros lotus. • Compound (1-9) was studied for in vitro antiglycation potential; among tested compound; compound 4 and 5 was found most active. • It is concluded that naphthoquinones (1-8) exhibited good antiglycation and lipoxygenase inhibitory potential. Medicinal plants are a key source of important natural products, which are used for discovery of new drugs. The aim of this work was to explore the natural compounds having in vitro antiglycation and lipoxygenase inhibition potential. Consequently, compounds such as di-naphthodiospyrols A (1), di-naphthodiospyrols B (2), di-naphthodiospyrols C (3), di-naphthodiospyrols D (4), di-naphthodiospyrols E (5), di-naphthodiospyrols F (6), di-naphthodiospyrols g (7), 8-hydroxyisodiospyrin (8), and diospyrin (9) were isolated for the first time from Diospyros lotus Linn. In vitro antiglycation and lipoxygenase inhibitory activity results indicated that compound 4 exhibits the highest antiglycation activity with inhibition IC 50 = 287.45 ± 1.60 μM), followed by compound 5 with an IC 50 value of 248.72 ± 2.09 μM respectively. Similarly, compounds 7 and 8 showed moderate activity with IC 50 values of 234.87 ± 2.00 , and 228.98 ± 1.98 μ M, respectively, when compared with rutin (IC 50 = 295.22 ± 1.55 μ M).. The isolated compounds (1 ‒ 9) were also subjected to lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. Results revealed that secondary metabolites (1 ‒ 7) exhibit an excellent inhibitory effect against lipoxygenase, with IC 50 values of 90.35 ± 0.96, 87.09 ± 1.00, 84.01 ± 1.01, 40.49 ± 0.49, 44.70 ± 0.49, 79.04 ± 0.86, and 62.09 ± 0.18 μM, for compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , and 7 , respectively. The standard drugs Baicalein and Tenidap sodium exhibited inhibitory effect with IC 50 values of 40.98 ± 0.08 μM and 23.00 ± 0.05 µM, respectively. Within this context, compounds with high inhibition potential against lioxygenase can be regarded as lead compounds in drug discovery. Furthermore, these compounds can be further studied as antiglycating agents to increase the chemical space for new chemical entities having drug-like properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three naphthoquinones di-naphthodiospyrol (A-C) were isolated from Diospyros lotus. • Di-naphthodiospyrol A (1) exhibited 94.2 % urease inhibition activity at 2 µM. • Di-naphthodiospyrol B and C also showed 87.4 and 88.4 % urease inhibition activity at 2 µM. • Diospyros lotus can be utilized for cure of ulcer. Urease is a metallo-protein in which two nickel (Ni) atoms are present at the active site. It is found in all the organisms such as, bacteria, fungi, plants, and in algae. Urease enzymes are also involved in catalyzing the hydrolysis of urea into CO 2 and NH 3. Urease is a virulence factor found in various pathogenic bacteria. It is essential in colonization of a host organism and in maintenance of bacterial cells in tissues. Due to its enzymatic activity, urease has a toxic effect on human cells. Current research work aimed to purify the three di-naphthodiospyrols namely; 5,4 -dihydroxy-1-methoxy-6,6 -dimethyl7,3-binaphthyl-1,4,5,8-tetraone (1), 5,8 -dihydroxy-5-methoxy-6,6-dimethyl-7,3-binaphthyl-1,4,1,4 -tetraone (2) and 8,5,8-trihydroxy-6,6-dimethyl-7,3-binaphthyl-1,4,1,4-tetraone (3) from the chloroform fraction of Diospyros lotus roots. The pure constituents (1-3) were evaluated for their urease inhibitory activity. Compounds (1-3) exhibited potent activity with IC 50 value of 28.27 ± 1.68, 20.57 ± 2.00, 27.12 ± 2.45 µ M respectively, when compared with standard thiourea (IC 50 = 21.23 ± 0.12 µ M). The pure isolated compounds (1-3) were also subjected to in silico studies to know their binding pattern with enzyme. The binding orientation and interactions with the important residues of urease enzyme revealed that the three compounds inactivate the enzyme activity by interacting with Ni bi-center as well as with the tailpiece residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the green route for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using plants leaf extract is an emerging research area in nanotechnology. The present study was explored for synthesis, characterization and catalytic application of Ag NPs using Diospyros lotus fresh leaf extracts. Factors affecting the synthesis were optimized and optimum conditions were pH of 8.6, silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentration of 1.5 mM and 10 mL leaf extract. Formation of Ag NPs was observed by change in color of reaction mixture from pale yellow to reddish brown. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, EDX, XRD and SEM analyses. UV-Vis spectrophotometer showed maximum absorbance peak in the range of 407 nm at different time intervals indicating formation of Ag NPs. SEM and XRD analysis confirmed face centered cubic structure and crystalline nature of biologically synthesized Ag NPs with average particle size of 27 nm. The purity of synthesized Ag NPs was revealed by EDX. Finally, photo catalytic activity (PCA) of Ag NPs was studied and 72.91% decolorization of industrial waste water was obtained at 54 h. Some important parameters like pH, turbidity, conductance; TSS, TDS, sulphide, sulphates, etc. were also monitored before and after treatment with Ag NPs.

Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’de yetişen Diospyros lotus, Olea europaea ve Eriobotrya japonica meyve ağaçlarının gövde odunlarının fiziksel (yoğunluk, daralma ve genişleme yüzdeleri), mekanik (liflere paralel basınç direnci, statik eğilme direnci ve eğilmede elastikiyet modülü) ve yüzey özellikleri (yüzey pürüzlülüğü ve renk parametreleri) araştırılmıştır. Örnek ağaçların gövde odunlarından elde edilen deney örneklerinin teknolojik özellikleri ilgili standartlara uygun olarak belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre, her üç meyve ağacı gövde odununun ağır ağaçlar sınıfında yer aldığı, Olea europaea ve Eriobotrya japonica gövde odunlarının hacimsel daralma yüzdesinin Diospyros lotus’un hacimsel daralma yüzdesinden fazla olduğu, Eriobotrya japonica gövde odununun en yüksek genişleme yüzdesine sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca her üç meyve ağacının liflere paralel basınç direnci değerleri bakımından büyük ağaçlar sınıfında, elastikiyet modülü bakımından küçük ağaçlar sınıfında yer aldıkları ve Eriobotrya japonica gövde odununun mekanik özelliklerinin en yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Olea europaea gövde odununun diğerlerinden daha pürüzlü bir yüzeye sahip olduğu ve Diospyros lotus’un diğerlerinden daha açık renkli oduna sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, bu üç meyve ağacı gövde odunlarının, yüksek yoğunlukları ve liflere paralel yöndeki basınç direnci değerlerinin büyük, elastikiyet modüllerinin küçük olmaları nedeniyle; işlenme özelliklerinin önemli olduğu ve yüksek direnç gerektiren kullanım yerlerinde değerlendirilmesi önerilmektedir.

The object of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial activity and phenolic compounds of fruit and seeds of Diospyros lotus L. The fruits consumed by humans as nutrients were harvested from the plants that grow naturally in the province of Trabzon-Akçaabat, Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. The antioxidant activities of fruit and seeds of Diospyros lotus were determined by using four methods (% DPPH radical scavenging activity, FRAP antioxidant power determination, CUPRAC reducing antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) in five different proportion of methanol-water extracts. All extracts of fruit and seeds of D. lotus analyzed through whole antioxidant analysis methods showed significant antioxidant activity. In addition, antimicrobial activity of fruit and seeds extracted with DMSO was determined against seven standard bacteria and three multi-drug resistance clinical strains. Although fruit extracts did not have the antimicrobial activity against bacteria, seeds showed antimicrobial effect to both standard strains (Gram-negative and Gram-positive) and antibiotic resistance clinical isolates (Klebsiella pneumoniae carrying blaKPC, Acinetobacter baumannii, harboring blaOXA-23 gene and resistance to colistin, and multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa). MICs' value of plant seed extracts for standard strains was 0.75-25 mg/mL and antibiotic resistant clinical bacteria were 12.5 and 25 mg/mL. Additionally, phenolic compounds in methanol extracts of fruit and seeds were also determined in by HPLC using 19 standards. Gallic acid and chrysin phenolic compounds were the major phenolic compounds in fruit and seeds, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative drugs are available with potential side effects such as peptic ulcer and addiction among other things. In this regard, research is underway to find safe, effective, and economical drugs free of these side effects. In this study, an isolated natural product from Diospyros lotus, was tested for the aforementioned bioactivities. Objectives: To evaluate analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative potential of D. lotus extracts in animal paradigms using BALB/c mice as experimental model. Methods: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and sedative activities of dinaphthodiospyrol G (1) isolated from the chloroform fraction of D. lotus were evaluated using different experimental procedures. Anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using the carrageenan and histamine-induced paw edema, whereas the antinociceptive effect was quantified by means of the hot plate analgesiometer. On the other hand, the sedative effect was determined using animal assay for screening the locomotors effects of compound 1. Compound 1 was also subjected to molecular modeling studies against cyclooxygenase enzymes. Results: Results from this investigation showed that the extract is devoid of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potentials but has a significant sedative effect, whereas the tested compound exhibited 55.23 and 78.34% attenuation in paw edema by carrageenan and histamine assays, respectively. A significant (p < 0.001) and dose-dependent antinociceptive and sedative effects were demonstrated by the isolated compound. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies of the isolated compound against cyclooxygenase enzyme indicated that compound 1 forms specific interactions with key residues in the active site of the target receptor, which validates the potential use of the isolated compound as cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Conclusions: Compound 1 exhibited remarkable analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative activities. These findings strongly justify the traditional use of D. lotus in the treatment of inflammation, pain, and insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the anti-fungal resistance properties of sapwood and heartwood of Diospyros lotus L., Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. and Olea europaea L. wood were determined. As described in the EN 113 test standard, the anti-fungal test was carried out using and brown rot fungus; Coniophora puteana and white rot fungus; Trametes versicolor. The highest weight loss was observed in the sapwood samples of Diospyros lotus treated with Coniophora puteana fungus (12.04%). In both types of fungus species, the most unresistance wood species was Diospyros lotus. The most resistant tree wood against C. puteana fungus was determined as Eriobotrya japonica heartwood and T. versicolor fungus as Olea .europaea sapwood. At the end of the study, the knowledge about the natural resistance of the fruit wood against the tested mushrooms has been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid synthesis of AgNPs was studied using the extract of Diospyros lotus. Terpenoids, steroids and tannins were the main phytochemicals in AgNP formation. AgNPs showed considerable antibacterial and anticoagulant properties. Nanoparticles showed high catalytic activity for Methylene blue reduction. AgNPs (as catalyst) was reused four cycles with insignificant activity loss. This study investigated the rapid and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the extract of Diospyros lotus leaves. UV–Vis spectra showed the SPR band at around 409 nm, which proves AgNP formation. Nanoparticle formation was completed within 30 min. The analysis of particle size verified the formation of AgNPs with the average size of 20 nm. XRD patterns verified the crystalline nature of the AgNPs synthesized. SEM images verified the presence of spherical nanoparticles with no evidence of aggregations. The formation of spherical-shaped AgNPs with size ranging from 10 to 25 nm was also confirmed by TEM. FTIR analysis verified the involvement of phenolic compounds in AgNP formation. Also, the phytochemical screening of the plant extract proved the role of terpenoids, steroids and tannins as both reducing and stabilizing agents in nanoparticle formation. The AgNPs biosynthesized were found to have antibacterial activity against the human pathogen Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs prevented the coagulation of blood samples. The accelerated reduction of methylene blue (MB) in the presence of 0.25, 0.5, 075 and 1 mL AgNPs with constant rates of 0.121, 0.187, 0.225 and 0.445 min−1 confirmed the catalytic potential of nanoparticles. No significant changes were observed in the catalytic efficiency of AgNPs in the four successive treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of diospyrin isolated from Diospyros lotus, using protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B enzyme as the target. Molecular binding mode of diospyrin to protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B was essential to explore its molecular interactions. Molecular docking, the simulation technique used to model the interaction between two molecules were performed using Open Eye software. This compound exhibited significant protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory activity (IC50 value: 27.59±0.03 μM). Molecular docking studies showed significant molecular interactions of the diospyrin with Gly 220, Tyr 46, Val 49 and Asp 48 inside the active site of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B. The in silico result builds prospect that diospyrin can be further developed as a new lead compound targeting protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil from seeds of Diospyros lotus was extracted using a conventional method with two different solvents: hexane and petroleum ether. A central composite design with response surface methodology were used to optimize the process. A second-order polynomial equation was employed, and ANOVA was applied to evaluate the impact of various operating parameters including extraction temperature (x1; 44.9-70.1 °C), extraction time (x2; 5.0-10.0 h) and solvent to solid ratio (x3; 11.6-28.4 mL g−1), on oil yield. Experiments to validate the model showed decent conformity between predicted and actual values. Extraction conditions for optimal oil yield were 61 °C, 8.75 h extraction duration and 19.25 mL g−1 solvent to solid ratio. Under these conditions, the oil yield was predicted to be 5.1340%. Oil samples obtained were then analyzed using gas chromatography. The fatty acid composition revealed the major fatty acids to be oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2). The analysis of oil also demonstrated a decent ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The structure of seeds was imaged using scanning electron microscopy. Oil quality was analyzed thermogravimetrically and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The assigned nutritional features of the D. lotus oil suggested that it can be used as an edible oil in pharmaceutical and food industry in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the variation between and within same populations of Diospyros lotus based on fruit morphological characteristics, five populations (A, B, C, D, E) were selected along two altitude transects (populations A, B and C with a height of 300, 500 and 700 meters from the sea level, respectively in eastern Band‌‌pey forests of Babol and populations D and E with an elevation of 300 and 500 meters in Shastklateh, Gorgan). From each site 10 genotypes were randomly selected and some fruits of each genotype was collected in mid-October. After mixing the fruits, five fruits with three replicates were randomly separated and totally five traits measured. The results indicated that the difference between the populations for all traits was significant (p≤ 0.01). The mean comparison between populations also showed that in general, population A has the highest amount of trait mean. The analysis of variances within population also indicated that except population A, in other populations for all studied traits, there was significant difference between genotypes. Based on the results of this study, this species has high morphological diversity in fruit characteristics among and within studies populations and the best genotypes in order to gather fruit, were 5 and 6 from population A, 2 and 6 from population B, 3, 4 and 5 from population C, 4 and 5 from D and 5 and 4 from population E.

Objective: To evaluate the sedative effect of Diospyros lotus L (D. lotus) extract in mice using the open field and Rota rod tests. Methods: For the sedative and muscle relaxants activities of extract/fractions of the plant, in-vivo open field and phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time were used, while the Roda rod test was employed in animals for the assessment of muscle relaxant activity. Results: Results from this investigation revealed that the extracts of D. lotus have exhibited significant sedative effect in mice (45.98%) at 100 mg/kg i.p. When the extract was partitioned with different solvents, the n-hexane fraction was inactive whereas the chloroform fraction was the most active with 82.67% sedative effect at 50 and 100 mg/kg i.p. On the other hand, the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions displayed significant sedative effects (55.65% and 40.87%, respectively) at 100 mg/kg i.p. Among the tested extract/fractions, only chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed significant (P < 0.05) muscle relaxant activity in the Rota rod test. Conclusions: In short, our study provided scientific background to the traditional uses of D. lotus as sedative.

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is an important subtropical, monoecious, dioecious and polygamous tree which belongs to Ebenaceae family. Because of low total seed and low viability seed in persimmon, grafting on seedling rootstock is generally used for its propagation. The common rootstock is Diospyros lotus, but its seeds have long dormancy. So, the study was carried out to investigate the effects of stratification (0, 25, 50 and 70 days) at 4- 70C, scarification with (97%) sulphuric acid (0, 2.5, 5 and7.5 minute) and GA3 (0, 250, 500 and 750 mgL-1) on seed germination of D. lotus. Results showed that the most germination rate was observed in GA3 at 250 mgL-1. Stratification for 70 days had the most germination percent. The most germination uniformity was observed in GA3 at 500 mgL-1. In scarification plus stratification, the germination percent was lower than control and stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is an important subtropical, monoecious, dioeocious and polygamous tree which belongs to Ebenaceae family. Because of low total seed and low viability seed in persimmon, grafting on seedling rootstock is generally used for its propagation. The common rootstock is Diospyros lotus, but its seeds have long dormancy. So, the study was carried out to investigate the effects of stratification (0, 25, 50 and 70 days) at 4- 7°C, scarification with (97%) sulphuric acid (0, 2.5, 5 and7.5 minute) and GA3 (0, 250, 500 and 750 mgL-1) on seed germination of D. lotus. Results showed that the most germination rate was observed in GA3 at 250 mgL-1. Stratification for 70 days had the most germination percent. The most germination uniformity was observed in GA3 at 500 mgL-1. In scarification plus stratification, the germination percent was lower than control and stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diospyros lotus , a member of the Ebenaceae family, has long been used as a traditional sedative in China. In this study, the antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects of non-fermented and microorganism-fermented D . lotus were explored. The total phenolic and vitamin C contents of microorganism-fermented D . lotus for 24–72 h were less than those of non-fermented. High-performance liquid chromatography showed that the tannic, catechinic, and ellagic acid contents increased significantly upon fermentation for 24 h. D . lotus fermented with Microbacterium flavum for 24 h exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC 50 = 4.18 μg mL −1 ), and the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity was exhibited at 72 h of fermentation (IC 50 = 29.18 μg mL −1 ). The anti-α-glucosidase activity of fermented D . lotus was higher (2.06–4.73-fold) than that of non-fermented one. Thus, fermented D . lotus is a useful source of natural antioxidants, and a valuable food, exhibiting antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dimeric naphthoquinone namely dihydrodyspyrole R (1) was purified once more from Diospyros lotus. Dihydrodyspyrole R and chloroform fractions were evaluated for their effects on the reversion of multidrug resistance (MDR). The compounds (1) and extract exhibited promising MDR reversing effect in a dose-dependent manner against mouse T-lymphoma cell line. Molecular docking of compound 1 revealed the correlation between in-silico with in-vitro results. The molecular docking results showed that compound 1 is bind closely where co-crystal ligand of P-gp is present. But usually, computational investigation predicts that, if a compound gives lesser score then compound will exhibit good activity. Hence, the docking scores of compound 1 are the near to the Rhodamine. It is conclude that there are certain important structural features of compound 1which are responsible for the inhibiting potency of P-gp from mice. The computational Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration (POM) analysis confirms the possibility of use of compound 1 without side effect or less toxicity risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persimmon is a deciduous and perennial tree of the Ebenaceae family. Diospyros kaki Thunb. and Diospyros lotus L. are the most common persimmon species in Turkey and cultivated especially in the northeastern parts of the country. This study was carried out to determine the mite species on D. kaki and D. lotus in the Ordu province (Black Sea region, Turkey) during 2012 and 2013. The survey was conducted weekly between April and October of each year. Leaf samples were collected from nine different districts (Altınordu, Çaybaşı, Fatsa, Gülyalı, İkizce, Kabadüz, Perşembe, Ulubey, and Ünye) of the Ordu province. Thirty-five mite species representing three orders were found in the surveys. Tydeus goetzi Schruft, 1972 (Prostigmata: Tydeidae) is newly discovered from Turkey and here described and illustrated. Brachytydeus paraobliqua (Panou & Emmanouel, 1996) (Prostigmata: Tydeidae) is re-described and its trito- and deutonymph are described for the first time. The results also showed that predatory mites formed the larger component of the mite fauna on persimmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new dimeric naphthoquinones, 5′,8′-dihydroxy-6,6′-dimethyl-7,3′-binaphthyl-1,4,1′,4′-tetraone ( 1 ; Di-naphthodiospyrol D) and 5′,8′-dihydroxy-5,8-dimethoxy-6,6′-dimethyl-7,3′-binaphthyl-1,4,1′,4′-tetraone ( 2 ; Di-naphthodiospyrol E), along with known naphthoquinones diospyrin ( 3) and 8-hydroxy diospyrin ( 4) were isolated from the chloroform fraction of extract of Diospyros lotus roots. Their structures were elucidated by advanced spectroscopic analyses, including HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, and J -resolved NMR experiments. The fractions and compounds 1 − 4 were evaluated for urease activity and phosphodiesterase-I, carbonic anhydrase-II and α -chymotrypsin enzyme inhibitory activities. Compounds 1 and 2 and their corresponding fractions showed significant and selective inhibitory effects on urease activities. The IC 50 values of 1 and 2 were 260.4 ± 6.37 and 381.4 ± 4.80 µmol·L −1 , respectively, using thiourea (IC 50 = 21 ± 0.11 µmol·L −1 ) as the standard inhibitor. This was the first report demonstrating that the naphthoquinones class showed urease inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: This review gives a comprehensive overview on the genomics of sex determination in dioecious woody plants and plants with a tree-like habitus, in particular considering species where sex-linked regions and/or markers have been identified. Abstract: Dioecious plant species are characterized by unisexual flowers located on separate male or female individuals. While only about 5-6% of angiosperm species are reported to be dioecious, tree species seem to show a higher percentage of dioecy. Generally, it is presumed that various different genetic and developmental mechanisms underlie unisexuality in different dioecious species. This review focusses on the genomics of sex determination in dioecious woody plant species like trees, shrubs and vines as well as other plant species with a tree-like habitus like papaya and the monocot date palm. Findings for different tree species, including Diospyros lotus and members of the Salicaceae family, are summarized including information on sex-linked markers that enable to identify the sex of a tree before the tree reaches sexual maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dimeric napthoquione 5,8,4′-trihydroxy-1′-methoxy-6, 6′-dimethyl-7,3′-binaphtyl-1,4,5′,8′-tetraone (1) was isolated from the chloroform fraction ofDiospyros lotusextract.Compound1was screened for its inhibitory effects against four enzymes: urease, phosphodiesterase-I, carbonic anhydrase-II andα-chymotrypsin, and showed selective activity against urease enzyme with an IC50value of 254.1 ± 3.82 μM as compared to the standard thiourea (IC50 = 21 ± 0.11 μM). Furthermore,in silicodocking study was carried out to explain the molecular mechanism of compound1against the target receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Diospyros lotus is a deciduous plant native to Asian countries, including Korea, Japan and China, and southeast Europe. In traditional medicine, Diospyros lotus is used as an anticancer, antidiabetic and antipyretic agent. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Diospyros lotus leaf extract (DLE) in ameliorating histamine-independent pruritus. Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in astrocytes contributes to pruritus. In this study, the effects of DLE and its main component, myricetin (MC), on the activation of STAT3, expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and production of lipocalin-2 (LCN2) in IL-6-treated astrocytes and chloroquine-injected mice were investigated through western blot, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence staining. DLE and MC inhibited STAT3 activation, GFAP expression and LCN2 release via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 blockade in astrocytes. DLE and MC ameliorated scratching behavior, expression of GFAP, mast cell infiltration and serum IL-6 levels in chloroquine-injected mice. These results suggested that DLE and MC can be used as oral therapeutic agents for the treatment and management of pruritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diospyros lotus is traditionally used in various diseases including inflammation. In the current study an effort has been made to identify a bioactive constituent from D. lotus in order to scientifically validate its use in inflammatory disorders. Diospyrin was isolated from D. lotus and exhibited significant lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activity (IC50 value: 31.89 ± 0.14 μmol). Molecular docking revealed significant molecular interactions between Diospyrin and LOX showing promising potential for further optimization as a potential anti-inflammatory lead compound.

Three new dimeric naphthoquinones, 5,4′-dihydroxy-1′-methoxy-6,6′-dimethyl-7,3′-binaphthyl-1,4,5′,8′-tetraone (1), 5′,8′-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-6,6′-dimethyl-7,3′-binaphthyl-1,4,1′,4′-tetraone (2) and 8,5′,8′-trihydroxy-6,6′-dimethyl-7,3′-binaphthyl-1,4,1′,4′-tetraone (3), were isolated from the roots of Diospyros lotus. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR, such as HSQC, HMBS, NOESY and J resolved. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their effects on the reversion of multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by P-glycoprotein through use of the rhodamine-123 exclusion screening test on human ABCB1 gene transfected L5178Y mouse T-cell lymphoma. Compounds 1-3 were also assessed for their antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on L5178 and L5178Y mouse T-cell lymphoma lines. Both 1 and 2 exhibited promising antiproliferative and MDR-reversing effects in a dose dependent manner. The effects of the tested compounds on the activity of doxorubicin were observed to vary from slight antagonism to antagonism.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Diospyros lotus ( DL) on cisplatin ( CP)-induced testicular damage in male rats. Twenty-eight male rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 - control, given isotonic saline solution; group 2 - CP 7 mg kg−1 given intraperitoneally as single dose; group 3 - DL 1000 mg kg−1 per day given orally for 10 days; group 4 - CP and DL given together at the same doses. CP caused a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances ( TBARS) level and a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase ( SOD), glutathione peroxidase ( GPx), catalase ( CAT) and glutathione ( GSH) levels in rats testis tissues compared to the control group. CP caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in testis tissues compared to the control group, whereas DL led to a significant increase in SOD and GSH levels. However, there were no statistically significant changes in GPx and CAT levels. In addition, serum testosterone levels, sperm concentration and sperm motility were significantly decreased, but abnormal sperm rate and histological changes were increased with CP. However, these effects of CP on sperm parameters, histological changes and the tissue weights were eliminated by DL treatment. In conclusion, our study showed that the reproductive toxicity caused by CP may be prevented by DL treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate pharmacologically the traditional use of Diospyros lotus as antipyretic and antinociceptive in various animal models. Methods: In vivo experimental models were used in this study. Antipyretic activity of extract/fractions was evaluated in brewer's yeast induced hyperthermic mice while antinociceptive activity was studied in acetic acid induced writhing test at 50 and 100 mg/kg i.p. Results: The crude extract strongly ameliorated the induced pyrexia during various assessment times. Upon fractionation, the antipyretic effects were strongly augmented by the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of the plant. However, hexane and butanol fractions were insignificant in their effect as antipyretic. The extract showed marked inhibition on the noxious simulation induced by post acetic acid injection. The effect was strongly supported by other fraction expect hexane. Conclusions: In short, our study scientifically validated the traditional use of the plant as antipyretic.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Diospyros lotus leaf extract (DLE) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury in mice. Administration of DLE significantly attenuated the levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and liver lipid peroxidation in APAP-treated mice. Histopathological examination showed that DLE treatment decreased the incidence of liver lesions in APAP-treated mice. DLE treatment markedly increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activity, and glutathione levels in APAP-treated mice. Furthermore, DLE treatment significantly suppressed the production of proinflammatory factors such as the nitric oxide, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS in APAP-treated mice. These results suggest that DLE protects the liver from APAP-induced hepatic injury via antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new dimeric naphthoquinones, 5,4'-dihydroxy-1'-methoxy-6,6'-dimethyl-7,3'-binaphthyl-1,4,5',8'-tetraone (1), 5',8'-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-6,6'-dimethyl-7,3'- binaphthyl-1,4,1',4'-tetraone (2) and 8,5',8'-trihydroxy-6,6'-dimethyl-7,3'-binaphthyl- 1,4,1',4'-tetraone (3), were isolated from the roots of Diospyros lotus. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR, such as HSQC, HMBS, NOESY, and J-resolved. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their effects on the reversion of multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by P-glycoprotein through use of the rhodamine-123 exclusion screening test on human ABCB1 gene transfected L5178Y mouse T-cell lymphoma. Compounds 1-3 were also assessed for their antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on L5178 and L5178Y mouse T-cell lymphoma lines. Both 1 and 2 exhibited promising antiproliferative and MDR-reversing effects in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of the tested compounds on the activity of doxorubicin were observed to vary from slight antagonism to antagonism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the antihyperalgesic effect of crude extract ofDiospyros lotusfollowed by the isolation and characterisation of 7-methyljuglone in acetic acid and formalin tests. The pretreatment of crude extract evoked dose-dependent inhibition of noxious stimulation with maximum effect of 56.78% in acetic acid-induced writhing test, which were 51.89% and 60.69% in first and second phases, respectively, at 100 mg/kg i.p. The structure of 7-methyljuglone was confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. 7-Methyljuglone evoked profound increase in pain threshhold dose dependently; when it was studied in acetic acid-induced writhing test with 63.73% pain attenuation while 51.22% and 65.44% pain amelioration in first and second phases, respectively, at 100 mg/kg i.p. In conclusion, crude extract and 7-methyljuglone ofD. lotusroots possessed both peripheral and central antinociceptive potential and thus could be a useful new therapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To evaluate the sedative effect of Diospyros lotus L (D. lotus) extract in mice using the open field and Rota rod tests. Methods: For the sedative and muscle relaxants activities of extract/fractions of the plant, in- vivo open field and phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time were used, while the Roda rod test was employed in animals for the assessment of muscle relaxant activity. Results: Results from this investigation revealed that the extracts of D. lotus have exhibited significant sedative effect in mice (45.98%) at 100 mg/kg i.p. When the extract was partitioned with different solvents, the n-hexane fraction was inactive whereas the chloroform fraction was the most active with 82.67% sedative effect at 50 and 100 mg/kg i.p. On the other hand, the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions displayed significant sedative effects (55.65% and 40.87%, respectively) at 100 mg/kg i.p. Among the tested extract/fractions, only chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed significant (P < 0.05) muscle relaxant activity in the Rota rod test. Conclusions: In short, our study provided scientific background to the traditional uses of D. lotus as sedative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new dimeric naphthoquinone, named 5,8,5 ′ -trihydroxy-8 ′ -methoxy-6,6 ′ -dimethyl-7,3-binaphthyl-1,4,1 ′ ,4 ′ -tetraone ( 1 ), was isolated from Diospyros lotus stem. The structure of the compound was elucidated by advance spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D experiments such as HMBC, NOESY, and J-resolved (JRES). Compound 1 was assessed for antioxidant activity, which showed good activity even at low concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Diospyros lotus L. is traditionally used in various diseases including pain and sleep disorders. The pain and inflammation are the common problems, which are treated with various synthetic analgesic drugs, and associated the side effects. The natural products have gained significant importance over synthetic drugs. The importance of phyto-medicine the current study has been designed with the aim to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Diospyros lotus and bioassay guided isolation from its crude fractions. Seven known compounds; lupeol (1), 7-methyljuglone (2), β-Sitosterol (3), stigmasterol (4) betulinic acid (5), diospyrin (6; DS) and 8-hydroxyisodiospyrin (7; HDS) which were hitherto unreported from D. lotus. The chloroform fraction (CFDL) and isolated compounds DS and HDS were evaluated for anti-nociceptive, sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. The acetic acid induced writing was significantly (p <0.001) protected by CFDL (72.43%), DS (40.87%) and HDS (65.76%) at higher doses which exhibited peripheral and central analgesic effects in acetic acid and hot-plat pain paradigms. Regarding the anti-inflammatory effect the CFDL (77.43%), DS (80.54%) and HDS (75.87%) protected the carrageenan paw edema after 3rdh. The central analgesic effect was significantly antagonized with naloxone (0.5mg/kg), showing opiodergic mechanism of action. The CFDL, DS and HDS were also proved sedative in open field animal models. In acute toxicity study the chloroform fraction [CFDL (50, 100 and 150mg/kg)], DS (5 and 10mg/kg) and HDS (5 and 10mg/kg) were found safe. Our study concluded that CFDL, DS and HDS have marked anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and sedative effect. The anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the roots of D. lotus are partially attributed due to the presence of analgesic constituents like diospyrin (DS), 8-hydroxyisodiospyrin (HDS) and strongly supports the ethno-pharmacological uses of D. lotus as anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and sedative. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]