Search

Approximately 33% of the arable land around the world is vulnerable to drought, which is a very serious issue affecting the yield and productivity of cereal crops. Two contrasting rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes, HTT-138 (drought tolerant) and (HTT-39 drought-sensitive), under various levels of water treatments, i.e. control flooded (CF) as recommended for rice (control), control saturated (CS) 100% field capacity (FC), 80% FC, and 60% FC without or with foliar spray (100 mg L–1) of salicylic acid (SA) evaluated to enhance the yield for food security. The results showed that leaf gas exchange parameters, water use efficiency and water related parameters reduced under all levels of water deficient conditions. Drought stress increased oxidative stress (superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide) and decreased after foliar spray of SA due to enhancement in antioxidant activity (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase). Ascorbic acid, total soluble protein, total soluble sugar, total phenolics, proline, anthocyanin, salicylic acid, and amylase activity were reduced under drought stress and increased after foliar spray of SA. HTT-138 showed more tolerance to the drought stress than HTT-39 under the same levels of water deficient conditions. Although drought-stress was ameliorated by the foliar spray of SA which not only increased plant growth, dry weight, and metabolism or metabolic activities but also increased the nutritional status of the plant by decreasing the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the membranous bounded organelles. In conclusion, the foliar spray of SA is useful to enhance plant growth and yield in cereal crops especially those grown in abiotic stress environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice ranks second among cereals in dietary uses around the world. Rice is deficient in iron (Fe), and these are important micronutrients for infants, men, and women. Fortification of rice with iron would help to minimize nutrient deficiency disorders among humans. The current study aims to introduce nutrient-rich rice. The effects of iron on germination, growth, photosynthetic pigment, antioxidant activity, and reduction of oxidative stress were investigated in four Oryza sativa L. cultivars. O. sativa of four different cultivars (Basmati-515, PK-386, KSK-133, and Basmati-198) were grown under five treatments (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mM) of iron sulphate (FeSO4) in soil of pH 7.5, along with control, by using six replicates. The result revealed that Fe treatment significantly affected seed germination percentage, plant growth parameters, biomass, photosynthetic pigments (chl a, chl b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids), antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic activity, and reduced oxidative stress. The findings also showed that Fe application reduced the oxidative stress including malondialdehyde content and hydrogen peroxide, by increasing the antioxidant enzymatic activity, i.e., catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), and non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds (proline, amino acid, total soluble protein, phenolics, flavonoids, reducing-non-reducing sugar, and carbohydrates) in all cultivars of O. sativa. Furthermore, FeSO4 induced a significant increase in proline, free amino acid, and total carbohydrates in the leaves of all O. sativa cultivars, but Basmati-198 showed the significantly highest content by 169, 88, and 110%, respectively, at concentration of 500 mM. The present research work showed that soil application of FeSO4 improved the seed germination, plant growth, and antioxidants enzymatic and non-enzymatic activity, denatured the ROS (reactive oxygen species) in alkaline soil. In order to understand the underlying mechanisms, long-term field investigations should be carried out at the molecular level to examine patterns of iron uptake and plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic acids (PAs) are one of the utmost prevalent classes of plant-derived bioactive chemicals. They have a specific taste and odor, and are found in numerous medicinal and food plants, such as Cynomorium coccineum L., Prunus domestica (L.), and Vitis vinifera L. Their biosynthesis, physical and chemical characteristics and structure–activity relationship are well understood. These phytochemicals and their derivatives exert several bioactivities including but not limited to anticancer, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory and anti-obesity properties. They are strong antioxidants because of hydroxyl groups which play pivotal role in their anticancer, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective potential. They may play significant role in improving human health owing to anticarcinogenic, anti-arthritis, antihypertensive, anti-stroke, and anti-atherosclerosis activities, as several PAs have demonstrated biological activities against these disease during in vitro and in vivo studies. These PAs exhibited anticancer action by promoting apoptosis, targeting angiogenesis, and reducing abnormal cell growth, while anti-inflammatory activity was attributed to reducing proinflammatory cytokines. Pas exhibited anti-atherosclerotic activity via inhibition of platelets. Moreover, they also reduced cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke by activating Paraoxonase 1. The present review focuses on the plant sources, structure activity relationship, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective actions of PAs that is attributed to modulation of oxidative stress and signal transduction pathways, along with highlighting their mechanism of actions in disease conditions. Further, preclinical and clinical studies must be carried out to evaluate the mechanism of action and drug targets of PAs to understand their therapeutic actions and disease therapy in humans, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to determine the role of bacteria to mitigate the effect of fluoride on the growth, gas exchange characteristics, and productivity of the two wheat varieties (Galaxy-13, Chakwal-50). Experiment was conducted in the Botanical Garden (University of the Punjab, Lahore Pakistan) according to the Design Expert software 11. Four concentrations of NaF (0 ppm, 150 ppm, 250 ppm, and 350 ppm) and three bacterial strains (ss5a, ss5b, and ss10a) were used. Growth parameters, gas exchange characteristics, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot, and productivity were measured. The results observed were less harmful in case of plants treated in combination with NaF+bacteria as compared to plants treated with NaF alone. Fluoride affected various parameters, chlorosis, leaf tip burn, leaf necrosis, growth, and productivity of the wheat plants. Galaxy-13 was least influenced by F compared to the Chakwal-50 variety. It was concluded that growth was increased with the application of beneficial fluoride resistant bacteria and proved helpful in minimizing the harmful effects of fluoride salt on wheat varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The study aimed to validate the traditional usage of food plant Coronopus didymus (CD) against ovalbumin (OVA) induced asthma. • After OVA administration on days 1 and 14, treatment was started with aqueous ethanolic and aqueous extracts and their combination with ferulic acid. • All treatments profoundly restored the leukocyte count, oxidation status, and expression of inflammatory cytokines and aquaporins. • Both extracts showed considerable anti-asthmatic activity, particularly aqueous ethanolic extract and Ferulic acid combination, which might be attributed to bioactive compounds as detected by GC-MS analysis. Asthma is a chronic heterogeneous illness that is clinically characterized by excessive mucous production and swelling of the airways due to hyperresponsiveness. The purpose of this work was to confirm the traditional usage of the food plant Coronopus didymus (CD) against ovalbumin-induced asthmatic symptoms, as well as chemical characterization of the extract by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. After ovalbumin administration on days 1 and 14, oral therapy was carried out individually with CD aqueous ethanolic extract (CDAEE) and aqueous extract (CDAE) at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg from day 15 to 26. In addition, the therapeutic effect of ferulic acid (FA) 100 mg/kg was investigated alone and in combination with CDAEE 800 mg/kg and CDAE 800 mg/kg. Dexamethasone served as a standard drug. Both extracts and combination groups profoundly (p < 0.0001–0.05) reduced the leukocyte count and immunoglobulin E level. Histopathology revealed that all therapies had reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and hyperplasia. Both extracts and combination groups exhibited a substantial (p < 0.0001–0.05) decrease in TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-5, IL-13, NF-κβ, and IL-1β, while upregulation of the aquaporins 1 and 5. Both extracts and combination groups dose-dependently restored the oxidative stress markers. Both extracts demonstrated considerable anti-asthmatic activity, particularly a combination of CDAEE 800 mg/kg and FA 100 mg/kg, which might be attributed to bioactive compounds such as isoamyl lactate, benzyl nitrile, methoxy acetic acid, 2-ethoxypentane and benzoic acid detected by GC–MS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental and behavioral disorder characterized by clusters of symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thoughts and social withdrawal. It is mainly contributed by defects in dopamine, glutamate, cholinergic and serotonergic pathways, genetic and environmental factors, prenatal infections, oxidative stress, immune system activation and inflammation. Management of schizophrenia is usually carried out with typical and atypical antipsychotics, but it yields modest benefits with a diversity of side effects. Therefore, the current study was designed to determine the phytochemicals as new drug candidates for treatment and management of schizophrenia. These phytochemicals alter and affect neurotransmission, cell signaling pathways, endocannabinoid receptors, neuro-inflammation, activation of immune system and status of oxidative stress. Phytochemicals exhibiting anti-schizophrenic activity are mostly flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, terpenes, polypropanoids, lactones and glycosides. However, well-designed clinical trials are consequently required to investigate potential protective effect and therapeutic benefits of these phytochemicals against schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several herbicides, especially paraquat, are persistent organic pollutants which cause damage to humans and animals through reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce exhibits antioxidant activity and can effectively manage tremors. Therefore, the present research assessed the preventive effect of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce ethanolic extract (PCDE) against paraquat-induced toxicity in prepubertal mice. The plant extract was chemically characterized by a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The PCDE was orally administered to prepubertal mice for continuous 21 days, 2 h before paraquat exposure (2 mg/kg for consecutive 3 days per week for 3 weeks). The changes in behavior, motor coordination, memory, muscle movement, anxiety, and neurotransmitter levels in the brain were assessed. Histopathology and estimation of oxidative stress parameters in the brain, liver, kidney, and heart tissues were also carried out. HPLC-DAD analysis showed a high amount of quercetin, kaempferol, and ellagic acid derivatives in the plant extract. The PCDE showed improved muscle coordination, muscle movement and memory, and reduced anxiety in prepubertal mice. Moreover, levels of dopamine and noradrenaline were increased in the brain. It successfully ameliorated the oxidative stress in different organs by increasing the level of glutathione and superoxide dismutase and by reducing malondialdehyde. The histopathological assessment showed the plant extract effectively mitigated paraquat-induced pathological lesions in the neurons, neuroglia, hepatocytes, and kidney tissues. It is concluded from the present study that the treatment with PCDE had prevented the paraquat-induced toxicity in the brain, liver, kidney, and heart through the reduction of oxidative stress possibly due to the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was intended to find in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxicity and safety profile of Polystichum braunii roots extracts and chemically characterise it by GC–MS and FTIR spectroscopy. Acute and sub-chronic (90-day oral repeated dose at 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) toxicity studies of P. braunii methanol extract (PBME) were performed in Wistar rats by adopting OECD guidelines. The PBME exerted the highest in vitro antioxidant potential. There was no substantial change in blood parameters and body weight except a notable (p < 0.01) rise in ALT, ALP, MDA and HDL, and decrease in cholesterol and LDL (p < 0.05) in animals sub-chronically treated with PBME at 600 mg/kg dose. The IC50 in HepG2 was more than 1000 µg/ml. The GC–MS analysis revealed Pentadecanoic acid and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid in PBME. The P. braunii might be safe in acute usage, however, monitoring of liver function tests should be carried out during long-term use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of aqueous methanolic extract of Conyza bonariensis amongst the Wistar rats. Phytochemical and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses of phenols and flavonoids were examined. The plant extract (250 and 500mg/kg/day) was explored for its anti-hyperglycemic effect for 14 days in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). HPLC analyses demonstrated the composition of the plant extract as gallic acid, cinnamic acid, quercetin, p-coumaric acid and syringic acid. The blood glucose concentrations in experimental diabetic as well as non-diabetic rats significantly decreased with doses 250 and 500 mg/kg in OGTT. Moreover, the significant drop in fasting glucose level was observed following 14 days of therapy. It also ameliorated the serum cholesterol, total protein, low and high density lipoproteins, glycosylated hemoglobin A1C and serum amylase with respect to untreated rats suffering from diabetes. There appeared to be no significant alteration with regard to body weight amongst the treated rats. The plant extract revamped the pancreatic islets of Langerhans and abridged alloxan-induced degenerative changes in the liver. It can be concluded that Conyza bonariensis extract has a pronounced hypoglycemic effect on diabetes due to the presence of phytochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Retraction Note: Multifaceted role of natural sources for COVID-19 pandemic as marine drugs" has been retracted by the publisher due to concerns about compromised peer review process, inappropriate references, nonstandard phrases, and being outside the scope of the journal. The publisher, in consultation with the Editor-in-Chief, no longer has confidence in the results and conclusions of the article. Some of the authors disagree with the retraction, while others have not responded to correspondence from the publisher. Springer Nature, the publisher, remains neutral regarding jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]