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Objective: Solanum nigrum L. (SNL) is a natural drugwith diverse bioactive components and multi‐targeted anti‐tumor effects, gaining increasing attention in clinical application. Method and Results: This paper reviews the studies on SNL by searching academic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct,and Web of Science, among others), analyzing its chemical compositions (alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharides, and polyphenols, among others), andbriefly describes the anti‐tumor mechanisms of the main components. Discussion: This paper discusses the shortcomings of the current research on SNL and proposes corresponding solutions, providing theoretical support for further research on its biological functions and clinical efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new lactones, γ-butyrolactone and δ-valerolactone were isolated from the methanolic extract of Solanum nigrum. Structure elucidation was carried out by exhaustive 2D NMR analysis. The structures of the lactones depict the outcome of their isolation as a situation that involve the formation of artifacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucinodes orbonalis causes huge losses in eggplant (Solanum melongena) making its cultivation economically difficult. During off-season insect pests survive and multiply on alternate hosts, so it is indispensable to identify all of the sources of carry-over for efficient management. This study aimed at identifying the carry-over sources of L. orbonalis and consisted of three components, namely rapid roving surveys for collecting and identifying alternate/ collateral hosts, free-choice test for host preference studies, and carry-over from eggplant crop to other hosts. During roving survey, shoot samples of the possible alternate hosts were collected from farmers' field of the six districts to confirm the presence of the larval stages of L. orbonalis. Out of the collected alternate hosts, eight were found to harbor the L. orbonalis, four of which were vegetables and four were weed hosts with majority of them belonging to family Solanaceae. Based on free-choice test, among the eight alternate hosts identified from survey studies, Solanum nigrum, Solanum tuberosum and Solanum lycopersicum were the most preferred hosts. For the third component of the study, pheromone traps were installed in different season eggplant crops. Based on the pheromone trap catch, ratoon crop left standing as such was the major source of carry-over, followed by pruned ratoon crop and uprooted stalks. In conclusion it is imperative to manage alternate hosts, and ratoon crop and uprooted stalks of eggplant for efficient management of the L. orbonalis with least use of chemical insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum nigrum (Solanaceae family) is widely consumed as a fruit or local leafy vegetable after boiling; it also serves as a medicinal plant. Although Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation has been established in S. nigrum, the transformation period is long. Specifically, induction of roots takes approximately five weeks for tetraploid and hexaploid S. nigrum, and 7 weeks for diploid Solanum americanum. In this study, we developed an improved rooting-induced method that requires only about 1 week and avoids the use of tissue culture. After generating the transgenic shoots, they were directly transplanted into the soil to facilitate root formation. Remarkably, 100% of the transgenic shoots developed roots within 6 days. Our improved method is time-saving (saving more than 1 month) and simpler to operate. The improved rooting-induced step can be applied to induce roots in various plants using tissue culture, exemplified by the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Furthermore, we applied the improved method to generate S. americanum plants expressing AcMYB110 from kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis spp.). This method will contribute to speeding up gene functional analysis and trait improvement in S. nigrum and might have potential in fast plant molecular breeding processes in crops and rapid rooting induction in tissue culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of oviposition preference in insects is considered a key evolutionary strategy in the context of host–plant interaction. It is hypothesized that insects maximize the survival and fitness of the subsequent generations by preferring specific host plant(s), known as the "preference-performance hypothesis." In this study, we tested whether adult host preference reflects the immature performance in an oligophagous insect, Phthorimaea absoluta Meyrick, a rapidly emerging invasive pest in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Based on a preliminary survey of the potential host plants of P. absoluta , we selected 6 Solanaceae species, namely, tomato, potato, eggplant, black nightshade, sweet pepper, and tobacco, for the oviposition preference studies. The results indicated that the tomato was the most preferred host in no-, dual- and multiple-choice assays, followed by potato, eggplant, and black nightshade. Subsequently, the insect life-table parameters were found to be superior on tomato compared to other hosts. The order of oviposition preference on the host plants was strongly correlated with the life-table parameters of P. absoluta. Thus, we provide clear evidence for the preference–performance hypothesis in the host selection behavior of P. absoluta. We also emphasize the necessity of conducting oviposition behavior research at various geographic locations to develop tailor-made integrated pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of exogenous strigolactone (using strigolactone analog GR24) on the cadmium (Cd) accumulation in Solanum nigrum var. humile were studied by a pot experiment. The Cd treatment (0.1 mg/L) inhibited the growth of S. nigrum var. humile, indicating that 0.1 mg/L produced the stress to S. nigrum var. humile. Spraying GR24 at 1 μmol/L did not change plant dry biomass, increased the photosynthetic pigment content and catalase activity, and decreased the peroxidase activity under Cd stress. By contrast, spraying GR24 at 2 μmol/L had no significant effects on these parameters. The superoxide dismutase activity was decreased by GR24 at 1 μmol/L, but increased by GR24 at 2 μmol/L. Nevertheless, both GR24 at 1 and 2 μmol/L increased the Cd contents, bioconcentration factors, and Cd extractions in various plant organs. Compared to Cd treatment, GR24 at 1 and 2 μmol/L increased the shoot Cd extraction by 20.0% and 14.5%, respectively. So, application of exogenous strigolactone could improve the phytoremediation capacity of S. nigrum var. humile. Correlation and grey relational analyses showed that the root Cd content, shoot Cd content, and root Cd extraction were the top three parameters closely related to the shoot Cd extraction. These findings suggest that exogenous strigolactone can effectively promote the Cd accumulation in S. nigrum var. humile, presenting a promising solution to enhance its phytoremediation capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) has shown promise in enhancing crop tolerance to heavy metal stress. To improve the cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation capacity of hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum var. humile, the effects of exogenous GABA on the growth and Cd accumulation of S. nigrum var. humile were studied. When exposed to Cd stress (0.1 mg/L) through irrigation, S. nigrum var. humile exhibited inhibited growth, characterized by decreased biomass and contents of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid). However, the application of exogenous GABA at 1 and 2 g/L increased various organs biomass and photosynthetic pigment content of S. nigrum var. humile to certain degree under Cd stress. Compared with the Cd treatment, the concentrations of 1 and 2 g/L GABA increased the shoot biomass by 8.24% and 16.62%, respectively. GABA also increased the Cd contents, bioconcentration factors, and Cd extractions in various organs of S. nigrum var. humile. Compared with the Cd treatment, the concentrations of 1 and 2 g/L GABA increased the shoot Cd extraction by 17.66% and 24.47%, respectively. Moreover, correlation and gray relational analyses showed that the shoot biomass, chlorophyll b content, and total chlorophyll content were the top three parameters closely related to shoot Cd extraction. These findings suggest that GABA can alleviate Cd‐induced stress in S. nigrum var. humile, thus enhancing its phytoremediation capacity for Cd‐contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As it is known that the excessive use of pesticides causes many environmental problems, the effects of four aqueous plant extracts and their powders [Solanum nigrum L., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Salix mucronata Thunb. and Lawsonia inermis L.] were evaluated as natural molluscicides on the land snail Monacha obstructa (Family: Hygromiidae) under laboratory conditions. Three different bioassay methods were used: contact, leaf-dipping and bait techniques. The results indicated that, using all methods, S. Nigrum extract was the most toxic extract for the terrestrial snail M. obstructa. The contact technique of the tested plant extracts was the most effective method of application compared to other methods. Moreover, using plant extracts was better than using powders of these plants for controlling the terrestrial snail M. obstructa. In addition, the results indicated that the aqueous extract of S. nigrum gave the highest percentage of reduction in the snail population when assessed under field conditions. The obtained data showed that plant extracts were significantly effective against the terrestrial snail and could be used as alternatives to pesticides in integrated pest management.

Purpose: Glaucoma is a complex degenerative optic neuropathy characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) leading to irreversible vision loss and blindness. Solanum nigrum has been used for decades in traditional medicine system. However, no extensive studies were reported on its antiglaucoma properties. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of S. nigrum extract on RGC against glaucoma rat model. Methods: High performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the phytochemical profile of aqueous extract of S. nigrum (AESN). In vitro, {3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide} (MTT) and H2DCFDA assays were used to determine cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Statens Seruminstitut Rabbit Cornea cells. In vivo, AESN was orally administered to carbomer-induced rats for 4 weeks. Intraocular pressure, antioxidant levels, and electrolytes were determined. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis was carried out to evaluate the neurodegeneration of RGC. Results: MTT assay showed AESN exhibited greater cell viability and minimal ROS production at 10 μg/mL. Slit lamp and funduscopy confirmed glaucomatous changes in carbomer-induced rats. Administration of AESN showed minimal peripheral corneal vascularization and restored histopathological alterations such as minimal loss of corneal epithelium and moderate narrowing of the iridocorneal angle. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed increased expression of positive BRN3A cells and decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activation in retina and cornea, whereas western blot analysis revealed downregulation of extracellular matrix proteins (COL-1 and MMP-9) in AESN-treated rats compared with the diseased group rats. Conclusions: AESN protects RGC loss through remodeling of MMPs and, therefore, can be used for the development of novel neurotherapeutics for the treatment of glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is to assess the impacts of ripening stage of four Solanum fruit species: (Solanum melanocerasum, Solanum nigrum, Solanum villosum, and Solanum retroflexum) on the content of amino acids and protein. Our objective is to enhance comprehension of the maturity process, with a particular focus on Solanum fruits, in order to determine the most advantageous time for harvesting. Amino acids play a crucial role in human nutrition by serving as building blocks for various primary and secondary metabolites. They are either a source of nutraceutical substances or important dietary components. The studied Solanum fruit's amino acid profiles were found essential and nonessential amino acids. Our findings showed that dominant amino acids were nonessential amino acids. Depending on the ripening stage, the nonessential amino acid content of the Solanum melanocerasum fruits varied from 8.22 to 9.25 g 100 g−1, Solanum villosum from 5.34 to 6.60 g 100 g−1, Solanum nigrum from 6.12 to 8.73 g 100 g−1, and Solanum retroflexum from 8.27 to 9.75 g 100 g−1. A differentiated level of total protein is found in Solanum fruits at different ripening stages. The interval was from 10.62 to 28.06 g 100 g−1 depending on species or ripening stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have natural compounds which possess antiproliferative potential against many cancers. In the present study, Solanum nigrum was evaluated for its anti-cancerous properties. Different compounds have been documented in literature for having significant anti-tumor and anti-cancerous activities because of the presence of biologically active compounds. Current study aimed to isolate, characterize bioactive fractions and their antiproliferative potential in human cancer cell lines. Bioactive fraction (ethyl acetate) was subjected to column chromatography for the isolation and purification of compounds responsible for cytotoxic effect followed by thin layer chromatography. NMR was performed for the identification and characterization of bioactive (SN2 and SN3) compounds. The docking analysis was performed to study the interactions of isolated compounds as a ligand with three receptors with specifically allocated PDB IDs 3NUB, 1JUH and 1F16 respectively. Two compounds (SN2 and SN3) were purified through chromatography and evaluated for antiproliferative activity. Both SN2 (Quercetin) and SN3 (Chlorogenic acid) have demonstrated anticancer activity against HepG2 cell with IC 50 value of 13.15 μg/ml and 23.63 μg/ml respectively and against HeLa cell with IC 50 value of 12.95 μg/ml and 25.50 μg/ml respectively. The results demonstrated that pure compounds isolated from S. nigrum plant exhibited anticancer activity in liver and cervical cancer cell lines along with non-toxic effect on normal cells. [Display omitted] • Bioactive compounds i.e. chlorogenic acid and Quercetin were isolated, characterized from S. nigrum. • Chlorogenic acid and Quercetin show promising cytotoxicity in human cancer cell lines. • In silico studies displayed strong binding affinity of bioactive compounds to cancer receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pb bioremediation mechanism of a multi-metal resistant endophytic bacteria Bacillus sp. strain MHSD_36, isolated from Solanum nigrum, was characterised. The strain tested positive for the presence of plant growth promoters such as indoleacetic acid, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase, siderophores, and phosphate solubilization. The experimental data illustrated that exopolysaccharides and cell hydrophobicity played a role in Pb uptake. The data further showed that the cell wall biosorbed a significant amount (71%) of the total Pb (equivalent to 4 mg/L) removed from contaminated water, compared to the cell membrane (11%). As much as 11% of the Pb was recovered from the cytoplasmic fraction, demonstrating the ability of the strain to control the influx of toxic heavy metals into the cell and minimize their negative impacts. Pb biosorption was significantly influenced by the pH and the initial concentration of the toxic ions. Furthermore, the presence of siderophores and biosurfactants, when the strain was growing under Pb stress, was detected through liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The strain demonstrated a multi-component based Pb biosorption mechanism and thus, has a great potential for application in heavy metal bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co‐contamination with heavy metals (HMs) and tetracyclines (TCs) in soils has been widely reported and has resulted in serious consequences, such as the diffusion of tetracycline‐resistant genes (TRGs). Phytoremediation displays high potential for the remediation of co‐contaminated soils. Here, we chose a Cd hyperaccumulator (Solanum nigrum L.) to explore the accumulation of HMs in plants and the effect of TRG diffusion in HM‐TC‐contaminated soil by conducting a pot experiment. The results showed that the shoot biomass of S. nigrum L. decreased by 28.39%–73.00% in treatments with HM (Cd and Cu) contamination singly caused by the toxicity of a nontarget element (Cu). The Cd concentrations in S. nigrum L. shoots increased by 30 times, while the Cu concentrations increased by less than 3 times. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs) of Cd ranged from 1.05 to 7.98 and 0.80 to 2.27, respectively, which decreased with increasing TC concentrations in most treatments. The TC residuals in soils increased greatly with increasing TC and HM concentrations. Their concentrations in S. nigrum L. tissues followed the order chlorotetracycline > tetracycline > oxytetracycline. Phytoremediation stimulated the growth of soil microorganisms and increased the abundance of mobile genetic elements (intI 1) and TRGs, especially efflux pump genes (tet C and tet G, which increased 2.97 and 4.13 logs after phytoremediation, respectively). Our results suggested that phytoremediation had a high potential for HM and TC removal; however, it increased the diffusion risk of TRGs, especially for efflux pump genes that functioned in both HM and TC resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] This study was conducted to investigate the scientific prevention and control of Solanum nigrum L. [Methods] Through experiments on S. nigrum from different sources, it was found that glyphosate stress had significant effects on antioxidant enzyme activity and oxidative damage of sensitive S. nigrum plants. [Results] Sensitive S. nigrum showed oxidative damage under glyphosate stress, while resistant S. nigrum responded to adversity damage by improving its antioxidant enzyme activity. The experimental results showed that the antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione of S. nigrum had certain metabolic detoxification effects under glyphosate stress. [Conclusions] This study provides a theoretical basis for scientific prevention and control of S. nigrum, and has a certain reference value for revealing the glyphosate resistance mechanism of S. nigrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As it is known that the excessive use of pesticides causes many environmental problems, the effects of four aqueous plant extracts and their powders [Solanum nigrum L., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Salix mucronata Thunb. and Lawsonia inermis L.] were evaluated as natural molluscicides on the land snail Monacha obstructa (Family: Hygromiidae) under laboratory conditions. Three different bioassay methods were used: contact, leaf-dipping and bait techniques. The results indicated that, using all methods, S. Nigrum extract was the most toxic extract for the terrestrial snail M. obstructa. The contact technique of the tested plant extracts was the most effective method of application compared to other methods. Moreover, using plant extracts was better than using powders of these plants for controlling the terrestrial snail M. obstructa. In addition, the results indicated that the aqueous extract of S. nigrum gave the highest percentage of reduction in the snail population when assessed under field conditions. The obtained data showed that plant extracts were significantly effective against the terrestrial snail and could be used as alternatives to pesticides in integrated pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic properties of Solanum nigrum (SN) leaves extract in rats induced with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). Methods: 30 male Wistar albino rats were used in a 4 weeks pre-clinical experimental trial, which were split up into 5 groups as; Group-1 Negative (healthy) control (0.9% normal saline), Group-2 positive (diseased) control (0.9% normal saline), Group-3 Standard (Methotrexate 1.5mg/kg), Group-4 (Solanum nigrum 100mg/kg), Group-5 (Solanum nigrum 200mg/kg). To develop rheumatoid arthritis, 0.1mL of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant was administered intraarticularly in the right knee joints of all groups except the Group-1 at day 0. Knee joint circumference was assessed by using a Vernier caliper once a week. On the 29th day, pentobarbital 100mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally to induce anesthesia in all animals, and a cardiac puncture was done to extract 8ml to 10ml of blood for further investigations. 4 to 5ml of that blood was centrifuged and serum was separated to perform Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyze the pro-inflammatory mediators including IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-? and prostaglandin E2. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the results and for intergroup and intragroup comparison ANOVA was applied. P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence interval. Results: Knee joint circumference was significantly decreased in both standard and herbal groups when compared with the diseased controls, exhibiting SN efficacy as an anti-inflammatory agent. The ELISA showed a substantial rise in all pro-inflammatory cytokines in the positive control group. Both the herbal (G-4 & G-5) and standard (G-3) groups considerably reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while SN200 showed maximum decline in inflammatory markers. Conclusion: Solanum nigrum can be used as an effective adjunctive with standard DMARDs like MTX to increase the efficacy in the treatment of RA.

• Eco-friendly synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Solanum nigrum root extract, characterized using various techniques (XRD, UV–Vis, FTIR, TEM, SAED and EDAX). • Dose-dependent lung cancer activity is evaluated. • Environmental remediation against methylene blue and methylene orange dyes. • Antibacterial assessment targeting Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we utilized the natural reducing and stabilizing properties of Solanum nigrum root (SNR) to create nanoscale gold and silver particles, and explored their potential for anticancer, antibacterial, and photocatalytic applications. Natural source-based nanoparticle preparation was achieved by combining root extract with aqueous solutions of chloroauric acid and silver nitrate. The produced nanoparticles were recognized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV–VIS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). Resulting nanoscale particles had diameters of 22.35 nm and 11.85 nm for gold and silver nanoparticles synthesized using a 5 ml SNR extract. While 16.06 nm and 8.72 nm sized gold and silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a 10 ml SNR extract. Their antibacterial properties were tested against Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest inhibitory activity. To evaluate the effectiveness of NPs in treating lung cancer, in vitro experiments were performed utilising the A549 cell line. The remarkable performance of gold and silver nanoparticles in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and methylene orange was demonstrated. This research contributes to Solanum nigrum -derived metal nanoparticles and their multifunctional capabilities, paving the way for new prospects in cancer therapeutics, antibacterial agents, and environmental remediation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate weed infestations of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fields in the region of Tarim River. Forty‐nine species among 17 families were identified in these cotton fields, and 24 of them were annuals. The eight dominant weed species in the cotton fields of Tarim River basin included Chenopodium glaucum, Solanum nigrum, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium hybridum, Bolboschoenus planiculmis, Sonchus arvensis, Phragmites australis, and Mulgedium tataricum. The number of weed species in the Aksu River tributary area, Yeerqiang River tributary area, and the upper and lower reaches of the Tarim River reached 29, 36, 35, and 33, respectively. Twenty species were found widely distributed among each basin. The dominant weeds in the cotton fields in the Aksu River basin and upper reaches of the Tarim River were S. nigrum and C. glaucum, those in the cotton fields in the Yarkand River basin included C. album and C. hybridum, and those in the cotton fields in the lower reaches of the Tarim River were C. glaucum and C. album. Notably the 20 common surveyed species of C. glaucum, S. nigrum, C. album, C. hybridum, B. planiculmis, S. arvensis, P. australis, M. tataricum, and others, could pose a serious challenge to regional crop production if not adequately controlled. As such, each cotton field should adopt a suitable weeding scheme with strengthened weed monitoring according to the local conditions, especially the weed distribution area characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum nigrum is an herbal plant that is reported for its healing powers against many ailments. In Jordan S. nigrum grows wild as a toxic weed in neglected fields and without any consideration of its medicinal value. This research aimed to collect and examine the genetic relationships of S. nigrum from different sites in Jordan. The in vitro-grown S. nigrum was established from the collected wild populations. Results of wild populations of S. nigrum. were arranged in two clusters (A & B) at the top range of hierarchy (genetic similarity of 0.13). Cluster A separated Bergesh Reserve population into its own group, while cluster B contained the remaining populations which were divided into two sub-clusters at a genetic similarity of 0.65, B1 contained Deer Alla and Jerash (2014 + 2015) populations at genetic similarity of 0.69 and B2 contained Almojeb Valley and Salt populations at genetic similarity of 0.71. However, the highest genetic similarity (0.87) was obtained between Jerash 2014 and Jerash 2015 from the same location. This dissimilarity might be due to the probability of cross-pollination AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) molecular analysis gave no genetic variations between in vitro grown S. nigrum before and after micropropagation compared with wild- type mother plants collected from the Jerash site in 2014. A solid conclusion needs more research on the genetic diversity of Jordanian wild-grown S. nigrum. This can be achieved by extending the collection scale to include all sites where this valuable plant grows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, which causes enlargement in the prostate gland and male pattern hair loss are both treated with a family of drugs known as 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. This study shows that Solanum nigrum L. has 5 alpha reductase inhibitory action, that is helpful in the treatment of androgenic diseases. It was carried out to screen for phytochemicals and to analyze high-performance thin layer chromatography. Using petroleum ether and methanol extract, the 5 alpha reductase inhibitory activity of the plant was compared to the renowned 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride. The inhibition of extracts to the enzyme was assessed using a biochemical approach to measure the activity of 5 alpha-reductase. Because the substrate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate has a particular absorbance at 340 nm, the optical density value of each sample was monitored with an ultraviolet spectrophotometer. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate concentration rises over time in the presence of a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor because the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase needs nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate as a substrate. Thus, this technique implies 5 alpha-reductase activity. The method was quite successful in evaluating the plant capacity to block 5 alpha-reductase. It was determined that Solanum nigrum L. petroleum ether extract 125.528±0.634 (µg/ml) and linoleic acid (chemical biomarker of the plant material) 89.672±0.669 (µg/ml) were promising candidates for future investigation into their anti-androgenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host preference and development biology of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on brinjal, soybean, cucumber, cotton, tomato and Solanum nigrum L. was studied during 2020-21 at PAU, Ludhiana. Under free choice test conditions, cucumber was the most preferred host which attracted maximum number of adults followed by soybean. The other host plants in decreasing order of preference were cotton > brinjal > tomato > S. nigrum. Brinjal and cotton were the most suitable hosts having shorter development period, higher survival and fecundity. The survival of immature stages on soybean was 50% as compared to 67.5-72.5% on the most suitable hosts i.e. cotton and brinjal. Thus, soybean is a preferred host for adult feeding and oviposition but less suitable for immature stages of the B. tabaci. Hence, soybean may be exploited as a trap crop for the management of B. tabaci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum nigrum is a common hyperaccumulator of the heavy metal cadmium (Cd). Our study aims to investigate the impact of glutathione regulation, specifically glutathione overproduction or reduction, on the growth of S. nigrum and its soil remediation potential. To achieve this, plants were subjected to treatments using a glutathione inhibitor (buthionine sulfoximine) and a glutathione promoter (L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid [OTC]). We assessed plant height, root length and biomass to evaluate the influence of Cd and glutathione regulation on plant growth. Furthermore, we analyzed chlorophyll content. Cd and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were measured to determine the effect of glutathione regulation on Cd accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Our findings revealed that glutathione overproduction significantly increased the biomass of S. nigrum, resulting in an approximately 12% increase. Additionally, it led to a ca. 10% rise in chlorophylls content. The application of exogenous OTC enhanced reduced glutathione (GSH) content, accompanied by enhanced Cd accumulation. GSH can be converted to oxidized glutathione, which aids in combatting and mitigating Cd toxicity. The MDA content in plants also increased. The overproduction of glutathione holds promise for enhancing heavy metal accumulation and tolerance in hyperaccumulator plants. It provides a theoretical basis for improving hyperaccumulator plants genetically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an enhanced method for automatically capturing a large number of consecutive paraffin sections using a microscope. Leveraging these microstructural images, we employed three‐dimensional visualisation and reconstruction techniques to investigate the dispersal growth process of pollen tube bundles upon entering the ovary of Solanum nigrum. Additionally, we explored their behaviour within different ovules and examined the relationship between the germination rate of seeds and the fertilisation process. Our findings reveal that despite the abundance of Solanum nigrum seeds, only a fraction of them is capable of successful germination. The germination rate of seeds is closely related to whether fertilisation of the ovules and pollen tubes is completed. Due to the limited number of pollen tubes entering the ovary, only a portion of the ovules can be fertilised. The proportion of fertilised ovules positively correlates with the germination rate of the seeds. Through three‐dimensional reconstruction, we observed a phenomenon of proximity during the pollination process, wherein ovules closer to the pollen tube bundles are more likely to be fertilised. Furthermore, fertilised ovules exhibited significant changes in morphology and embryo sac structure. The number of fertilised ovules directly impacts the germination rate of wild Solanum nigrum seeds. Although all Solanum nigrum ovules have the potential to develop into seeds, most seeds originating from unfertilised ovules are unable to germinate normally, resulting in an incomplete germination rate of seeds and preventing it from reaching 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Nitrogen is correlated with plant biomass and Cd concentration, collectively influencing phytoextraction of Cd-polluted soil. The Cd phytoextraction by hyperaccumulating plants and high biomass plants as affected by nitrogen remains elusive. Methods: Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), a high biomass energy plant, and Solanum nigrum L., a Cd hyperaccumulator were investigated. Plant growth, Cd accumulation and soil properties as affected by different forms and dosages of nitrogen supply in Cd-polluted soil were studied. Additionally, rhizosphere soil bacterial and fungal community changes of the two species and their relationships with plant Cd accumulation were determined. Results: A high level of nitrate resulted in the highest and equal Cd accumulation in shoots of the two plants. Sweet sorghum exhibited high photosynthesis rates with capacity for bioethanol production, enabling the re-utilization of post-harvested Cd materials. Consequently, sweet sorghum demonstrated a greater potential for Cd phytoextraction than S. nigrum. Regarding microbial community, clay was the driving factor influencing rhizosphere soil bacterial community in sweet sorghum as affected by nitrogen under Cd stress, while soil available Cd played a vital role in S. nigrum. Moreover, Pseudomonas and AKYG1722 bacteria showed a positive correlation with shoot Cd accumulation in sweet sorghum. AKYG1722, Sphingobium herbicidovorans, Sphingobium chlorophenolicum, Streptomyces scabiei, Devosia sp. I507, Bacillus simplex and Ensifer meliloti were positively correlated with shoot Cd accumulation in S. nigrum. Conclusions: Nitrate performs better than ammonium and urea for improving phytoremediation of Cd-polluted soil using sweet sorghum and S. nigrum, but their rhizosphere soil microbial communities were species-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virus infections cause devastative economic losses for various plant species, and early diagnosis and prevention are the most effective strategies to avoid the losses. Exploring virus genomic evolution and constructing virus infectious cDNA clones is essential to achieve a deeper understanding of the interaction between host plant and virus. Therefore, this work aims to guide people to better prevent, control, and utilize the youcai mosaic virus (YoMV). Here, the YoMV was found to infect the Solanum nigrum under natural conditions. Then, an infectious cDNA clone of YoMV was successfully constructed using triple-shuttling vector-based yeast recombination. Furthermore, we established phylogenetic trees based on the complete genomic sequences, the replicase gene, movement protein gene, and coat protein gene using the corresponding deposited sequences in NCBI. Simultaneously, the evolutionary relationship of the YoMV discovered on S. nigrum to others was determined and analyzed. Moreover, the constructed cDNA infectious clone of YoMV from S. nigrum could systematically infect the Nicotiana benthamiana and S. nigrum by agrobacterium-mediated infiltration. Our investigation supplied a reverse genetic tool for YoMV study, which will also contribute to in-depth study and profound understanding of the interaction between YoMV and host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arq is a traditional Unani liquid formulation. In this study we explored Arq-Makoh, Arq-Badiyan and Arq-Kasni for their pharmacological potential to alleviate the symptoms of hyperlipidaemia and obesity and develop an amalgamation with modern drugs that have clinically well reported antihyperlipidaemic and antiobesity potential. Materials and methods: Rats were fed High Fat Diet for 4 weeks. 10 ml/kg of each of the three arqs were given alone and along with atorvastatin and orlistat daily for 28 days P.O. During the course of treatment body weight and food intake were carefully observed and after the end of the study, liver weight, heart weight, plasma lipid profile, blood glucose level, insulin and leptin level, serum lipase, lactate dehydrogenase, and antioxidant activity were studied in all treatment groups. Result: Both Arqs and Atorvastatin and Orlistat significantly reduced body weight, lipid profile in HFD fed rats. Arqs when given along with Atorvastatin and Orlistat produced more significant decrease in the serum lipid profile, serum lipase, atherogenic index, lactate Dehydrogenase and TBARS compared with HFD Control group and elevated the levels of HDL-C and SOD. Apart from antihyperlipidaemic and antiobesity effects the treatment groups showed a significant reduction in elevated fasting blood glucose levels (as a result of HFD model used in the study). The above parameters were further confirmed by histopathological studies. Conclusion: The present study indicates that Arq-Makoh, Arq-Badiyan and Arq-Kasni has lipid lowering potential and could potentiate the antihyperlipidaemic and antiobesity potential of Atorvastatin and Orlistat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereals worldwide. To maintain crop productivity, it is important to eliminate weeds that compete for nutrients and other resources. The eradication of these causes environmental problems through the use of agrochemicals. The implementation of technology to mitigate this impact is also a challenge. In this work, an artificial vision system was implemented based on the YOLOv5s (You Only Look Once) model, which uses a single convolutional neural network (CNN) that allows differentiating corn from four types of weeds, for which a mobile support structure was built to capture images. The performance of the trained model had a value of mAP@05 (mean Average Precision) at a threshold of 0.5 of 83.6%. A prediction accuracy of 97% and a mAP@05 of 97.5% were obtained for the maize class. For the weed classes, Lolium perenne, Sonchus oleraceus, Solanum nigrum, and Poa annua obtained an accuracy of 86%, 90%, 78%, and 74%, and a mAP@05 of 81.5%, 90.2%, 76.6% and 72.0%, respectively. The results are encouraging for the construction of a precision weeding system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximizing amendment potential is an emphasis in the HM-contaminated field of phytoremediation by hyperaccumulators due to the low bioavailability of HMs in soils and small biomass yields of plants. This study investigated the influence of different types and concentrations of plant growth regulators on Cd phytoremediation by Solanum nigrum in contaminated soil. Our conclusions showed that the shoot Cd extractions (μg plant−1) and the root and shoot biomasses at all the treatments remarkedly increased compared with that of the CK (p < 0.05), while the Cd concentrations at root and aboveground parts by S. nigrum, the extractable Cd concentrations, and pH value of soils did not change significantly compared with the CK (p < 0.05). Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that the shoot Cd phytoaccumulation and the root and aboveground biomasses of S. nigrum were particularly dependent upon the application of CTK and GA3 concentration gradient (p < 0.05). Moreover, some related physicochemical indexes were determined for supervising the growth conditions of plants, and these results pointed out that after exogenous PGRs treatments, the chlorophyll content and antioxidative enzymes POD and SOD activities in vivo of plants clearly advanced, while the H2O2 and MDA contents and CAT apparently declined. These consequence demonstrated that the exogenous PGR addition prominently reinforced the Cd phytoextraction capacity of S. nigrum in contaminated soil by stimulating plant growth and increasing shoot yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is a temporary response of the immune system that can be treated using common anti-inflammatory drugs. However, prolonged use of these drugs increases the risk of adverse side effects. Accordingly, there is an increasing need for alternative treatments for inflammation with fewer side effects. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by most eukaryotic cells and have been studied as a candidate for cell-free therapy for inflammatory diseases due to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. In recent years, the focus of exosome research has shifted from animal cell-derived exosomes to plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs). Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs) are easier to obtain, have minimal safety concerns, and can be produced in higher quantities and lower cost than exosomes derived from animal cells. In this study, the isolation and analysis of the anti-inflammatory potential of PDENs from black nightshade berries (Solanum nigrum L.) were carried out. The results of isolation and characterization showed that PDENs had a spherical morphology, measuring around 107 nm with zeta potential of -0.6 mV, and had a protein concentration of 275.38 μg/mL. PDENs were also shown to be internalized by RAW264.7 macrophage cell line after 2 hours of incubation and had no cytotoxicity effect up to the concentration of 2.5 μg/mL. Furthermore, exposure to several doses of PDENs to the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine gene IL-6, as well as the expression of IL-6 protein up to 97,28%. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of neral, a monoterpene compound with known anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of PDENs isolated from Solanum nigrum L. berries. Taken together, the present study was the first to isolate and characterize PDENs from Solanum nigrum L. berries. The results of this study also demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of PDEN by suppressing the production of IL-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the status of weed Solanum nigrum L. as a transitional host for Meloidogyne enterolobii and its effect on the population base of the nematodes in the next season. The nematode species infecting S. nigrum L. in a fallow field was identified by morphological identification and molecular diagnosis, and parasitic characteristics of the nematodes in S. nigrum L., including development of the nematode in S. nigrum L., the histopathological response of S. nigrum L. to M. enterolobii, and the host suitability of S. nigrum L., were studied. The M. enterolobii soil population density was evaluated before and after S. nigrum L. planting. Species identification revealed that it was M. enterolobii infection. Developmental observation indicated that juveniles of M. enterolobii developed fast in S. nigrum L., establishing feeding sites by 5 days after inoculation (DAI) and forming obvious egg masses on the root at 25 DAI. Histopathological observation showed the typical susceptible response of S. nigrum L., including giant cells with thick cell walls, uniformly dense cytoplasm, and less vacuolation, mainly inside the vascular cylinder. Host suitability assays suggested that S. nigrum L. is a good host for M. enterolobii with an average reproduction factor (RF) of 48.04 ± 14.71. Population densities assays revealed that S. nigrum L. increased the population density of M. enterolobii for two consecutive years from 0.48 ± 0.25 and 0.53 ± 0.31 J2/cm3 to 1.33 ± 0.16 and 1.56 ± 0.43 J2/cm3 of soil. These results indicated that M. enterolobii could reproduce well by infecting S. nigrum L. during the fallow season, and it increased the population base of M. enterolobii to the next season during vegetable production, which suggested a novel direction for the control of root-knot nematodes by controlling weeds as transitional hosts of M. enterolobii in the fallow season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kidney toxicology is becoming an alarming issue on the continuously increasing use of environmental chemicals like carbon tetrachloride. Objective: In the present study, the renopathological effects of single-dose carbon tetrachloride exposure were investigated in male mice kidney. Likewise, rehabilitative properties of 4 medicinal plant-extract-treated groups were explored. Methods: There were 6 study groups as vehicle control group, carbon tetrachloride group (0.1 mL corn oil and 0.2 mL/kg carbon tetrachloride solution in corn oil, respectively, on day 1 followed by simple drinking water (ad libitum) on days 2-6), carbon tetrachloride +Basella alba group, carbon tetrachloride + Grewia asiatica group, carbon tetrachloride + Solanum nigrum group, and carbon tetrachloride + Ficus carica group. Mice in the carbon tetrachloride+Basella alba, carbon tetrachloride +Grewia asiatica, carbon tetrachloride+Solanum nigrum, and carbon tetrachloride+ Ficus carica groups were given with carbon tetrachloride as in the carbon tetrachloride group on day 1, followed by 0.1 mL/12 h of respective fruit pulp extracts for days 2-6. Kidneys were removed from each animal on day 7 after cervical dislocation. Results: Carbon tetrachloride exposure led to various histopathological alterations (complete obliteration of glomeruli and proximal convoluted tubules, glomerular hypertrophy, peri-glomerular space, and tubular apoptosis) that were recovered in all fruit pulp extract groups except carbon tetrachloride +Solanum nigrum group. Histometric outcomes support the histological findings that the mean number of endothelial cells remained significantly (P < .05) lower in carbon tetrachloride and carbon tetrachloride +Solanum nigrum groups than all other groups. Likewise, the mean number of podocytes remained significantly lower in carbon tetrachloride and vehicle control groups than the 4 plant-extract-treated groups. The biochemical estimations of serum creatinine level remained significantly higher in carbon tetrachloride than the rest of the plant-extract-treated and vehicle control groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential positive effects of active phytochemical ingredients of medicinal fruits against kidney damage caused by a single dose of CCl4 exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformative rural smallholder agriculture addressing biophysical constraints requires farmer-led innovations for increased technology adoption. Following the need to further intensify the cereal push-pull technology (PPT) for pest and weed control through integration with vegetables, we conducted surveys to determine suitable vegetables across three different counties in Kenya namely Homabay, Siaya, and Trans-Nzoia. Farming in these areas is predominantly maize based and introducing vegetables to the system will improve household food and nutritional security, together with income. A systematic random sampling method was used to sample a total of 124 smallholder farmers who were interviewed during field days where farmer awareness of technology was mobilised. Descriptive results showed kale (47%) and black nightshade (30%) were the most preferred high-value vegetables for integration into push-pull plots in these regions. This was followed by cowpea (15%), onion (6%) and tomato (2%) underlying the wide range of farmer preferences and priorities. There were also gender differences in vegetable preferences with men preferring capital intensive and high value vegetables, while women preferred traditional vegetables. Results from multinomial logit model revealed that age of the farmer, education level, gender, and farming experience were determinants of smallholder farmers' vegetable preferences for integration into the PPT plots. The contribution of these determinants to farmer preferences varied across different vegetables where the contribution of the market value of the vegetable in selection diminished with while the effect of farmers' age. Overall, male farmers preferred capital-intensive and market-oriented vegetables in compared to their female counterparts. We conclude that gender and geographic location play a pivotal role in farmers' crop selection for integration in the PPT. Targeted awareness creation pathways accounting for these factors will be critical for wider adoption of the PPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro propagation approach has been adopted for micropropagation and conservation of Solanum nigrum (black nightshade) to guarantee its sustainable phytoindustry and research availability. Within 1 month, in vitro shoot differentiated was accomplished by culturing shoot tip, nodal segment, and leaf on MS medium enriched with various BA (Benzyl Adenine) concentrations. A significant difference was observed with shoot tips compared with nodal explants and leaf at the shoot induction percentage and mean number of shoot per explant. The highest percentage of shoot induction (100%) and average number of micro shoot per shoo tip (9.200 shoot) were recorded on MS medium fortified with 1 mg/l BA. The findings showed that a satisfactory rooting percentage (100%) was recorded when I mg/l IBA (Indole Butyric Acid) added to half MS medium with an average number of roots (2.600) root/shoot, a mean root length is 8.600cm. rooted plantlets could be successfully acclimatized in the shade house with 100% survival rate. The genetic stability of the micropropagated plants investigated by the RAPD markers indicated monomorphic and true to type when compare with the original plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022 and 2023, a field plot trial with the maize hybrid P 9241 was conducted. The trial was performed on the experimental field of the department of 'Agriculture and herbology' at the Agricultural University - Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The evaluated herbicidal products were Adengo® 465 SC (225 g/l isoxaflutol + 90 g/l thiencarbasone-methyl + 150 g/l cyprosulfamide (antidote)), Gardoprim Plus Gold® 550 SC (312.5 g/l s-metolachlor + 187.5 g/l terbuthylazine), Camix® 560 SE (60 g/l mesotrione + 500 g/l s-metolachlor) and Stomp Aqua® (455 g/l pendimethalin). The herbicidal products were applied alone after sowing before germination of the crop. The weed infestation of the experimental field was presented by Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., Chenopodium album L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Xantium strumarium L., Abutilon theophrasti Medic, Datura stramonium L., Solanum nigrum L., and Portulaca oleracea L. The infestation with these weeds resulted in a very low average grain yield for the untreated control (270.54 kg/da). The highest herbicidal efficacy as well as the highest seed yields after the alone application of Camix 560 SE was recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the selenium (Se) absorption of grape, in this study, a pot experiment was carried out to study the effects of intercropping with four Solanum sect. Solanum (Solanaceae), including Solanum nigrum var. humile, Solanum diphyllum, Solanum nigrum, and Solanum alatum, on the Se absorption of 'Summer Black' grapevine. Intercropping increased the malondialdehyde contents in 'Summer Black' grapevine, which in turn reduced the biomass, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid) contents, and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) activities of 'Summer Black' grapevine. Except S. alatum, intercropping with S. nigrum var. humile, S. diphyllum, and S. nigrum increased the Se content in 'Summer Black' grapevine, which increased the shoot Se content of 'Summer Black' grapevine by 56.2%, 18.1%, and 45.1%, respectively, compared with the monoculture. Additionally, correlation and grey relational analyses revealed that the root Se content was the most closely associated with the shoot Se content. In conclusion, intercropping with S. nigrum var. humile, S. diphyllum, and S. nigrum promote the Se accumulation in 'Summer Black' grapevine but inhibit its growth, and intercropping with S. nigrum var. humile has the best effect on the improvement of Se level in 'Summer Black' grapevine, which can be used for Se‐enriched grape production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum nigrum (Solanaceae family) is widely consumed as a fruit or local leafy vegetable after boiling; it also serves as a medicinal plant. Although Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation has been established in S. nigrum, the transformation period is long. Specifically, induction of roots takes approximately five weeks for tetraploid and hexaploid S. nigrum, and 7 weeks for diploid Solanum americanum. In this study, we developed an improved rooting-induced method that requires only about 1 week and avoids the use of tissue culture. After generating the transgenic shoots, they were directly transplanted into the soil to facilitate root formation. Remarkably, 100% of the transgenic shoots developed roots within 6 days. Our improved method is time-saving (saving more than 1 month) and simpler to operate. The improved rooting-induced step can be applied to induce roots in various plants using tissue culture, exemplified by the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Furthermore, we applied the improved method to generate S. americanum plants expressing AcMYB110 from kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis spp.). This method will contribute to speeding up gene functional analysis and trait improvement in S. nigrum and might have potential in fast plant molecular breeding processes in crops and rapid rooting induction in tissue culture.

Introduction: Cancer contributes to a high mortality rate worldwide spanning its diversity from genetics to resistant therapeutic response. To date emerging strategies to combat and manage cancer are particularly focused on the development of targeted therapies as conventional treatments account for the destruction of normal cells as well. In this regard, medicinal plant-based therapies are quite promising in imposing minimal side effects; however, limitations like poor bioavailability and stability of bioactive phytochemicals are associated with them. In parallel, nanotechnology provides nominal solution to deliver particular therapeutic agent without compromising its stability. Methods: In this study, Solanum nigrum, an effective medicinal plant, loaded arabinoxylan cross-linked ß-cyclodextrin nanosponges (SN-AXCDNS) were designed to evaluate antitumor activity against breast cancer. Therefore, SNAXCDNS were prepared by using cross-linker melt method and characterized by physicochemical and pharmacological parameters. Results: Hydrodynamic size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency (EE%) were estimated as 226 ± 4 nm, -29.15 ± 5.71 mV and 93%, respectively. Surface morphology of nanocomposites showed spherical, smooth, and porous form. Antitumor pharmacological characterization showed that SN loaded nanosponge demonstrated higher cytotoxicity (22.67 ± 6.11 µg/mL), by inducing DNA damage as compared to void SN extract. Flow cytometry analysis reported that encapsulated extract promoted cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 (9.51%). Moreover, in vivo analysis demonstrates the reduction in tumor weight and 85% survival chances in nanosponge treated mice featuring its effectiveness. In addition, in silico analysis revealed that ß-cyclodextrin potentially inhibits MELK in breast cancer cell lines (B.E = -10.1 Kcal/mol). Conclusion: Therefore, findings of current study elucidated the therapeutic potential of ß-cyclodextrin based nanosponges to be an alternative approach regarding the delivery and solubilization of antitumor drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Numerous staple crops exhibit polyploidy and are difficult to genetically modify. However, recent advances in genome sequencing and editing have enabled polyploid genome engineering. The hexaploid black nightshade species Solanum nigrum has immense potential as a beneficial food supplement. We assembled its genome at the scaffold level. After functional annotations, we identified homoeologous gene sets, with similar sequence and expression profiles, based on comparative analyses of orthologous genes with close diploid relatives Solanum americanum and S. lycopersicum. Using CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis, we generated various mutation combinations in homoeologous genes. Multiple mutants showed quantitative phenotypic changes based on the genotype, resulting in a broad‐spectrum effect on the quantitative traits of hexaploid S. nigrum. Furthermore, we successfully improved the fruit productivity of Boranong, an orphan cultivar of S. nigrum suggesting that engineering homoeologous genes could be useful for agricultural improvement of polyploid crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination by heavy metals has received considerable attention in recent years. In this study, heavy metal accumulation in two vegetable crops (Corchorus olitorius and Solanum nigrum L.) was studied. Assessment of soil properties and seven heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr and Mn) in soils and vegetables was done. Heavy metal transfer from soil to plant parts, translocation from roots to leaves and estimated potential health risks of heavy metal to humans via consumption of vegetable crops were studied. The ANOVA test showed that variations in the soil characteristics and heavy metal concentrations were statistically significant at level 0.05. Pearson correlation coefficients showed that the concentration of heavy metals has significant relationships with some soil properties like cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (OC) and soil texture. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) for both leaves and roots for Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni Cr and Mn were found to be greater than one, indicating the hyperaccumulation nature of vegetables. High translocation (TF) from root to leaves (TF>1) was recorded for Zn, Cu, Cd and Mn. The Health Risk Index (HRI) was found generally less than 1, suggesting that it is not risky for the Yaoundé city inhabitants to consume vegetable crops, except for Cd and Mn in Solanum nigrum L. Total Hazard Health Risk Index (THRI) expressed to know the overall harmful effects on health posed by several heavy metals taken together showed that the value for vegetables studied was higher than 1, suggesting the probability of adverse effects. The health risk is likely to occur for vegetable consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum nigrum L. is a popular traditional medicine for various inflammatory conditions including rheumatism and joint pain. The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic mechanism of Solanum nigrum L. Four extracts were prepared using n-hexane, methanol, chloroform, and water. The anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity was carried out with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body wt. PO of each extract by the hot plate and carrageenan-induced paw oedema methods, respectively. The anti-arthritic study was performed with chloroform and aqueous extracts (300 mg/kg) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. Paw size (mm), ankle joint diameter (mm), and latency time (sec) were recorded on day 0 and every 4th day till 28 days. The hematological, inflammatory, and oxidative biomarkers were estimated. Results showed that significant analgesia (p < 0.05) and reduction in paw inflammation were achieved with all extracts. The highest percent inhibition in Carrageenan-induced inflammation was achieved with 300 mg/kg of chloroform (72.19%) and aqueous (71.30%) extracts, respectively. In the CFA model, both extracts showed a significant reduction in paw size and ankle joint diameter (p < 0.05). The RT-qPCR analysis revealed the upregulation of interleukin-4 and interleukin-10, and down-expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, cycloxygenase-2, nuclear factor-κB, prostaglandin E synthase 2, and interferon-γ. A significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels was observed. Hence, it is concluded that Solanum nigrum L. leaf extracts regulate the expression of inflammatory markers and improve oxidative stress resulting in the attenuation of CFA-induced arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities have raised cadmium (Cd) concentrations in agricultural soil, emerging as a primary catalyst for the decline in crop yield. Intercropping of two or several plants is one technique among many Cd phytoremediation techniques that has gained enormous attention recently. However, the impact of cultivation modes on Cd movement in rice plants when intercropped with heavy metal (HM) hyperaccumulator plants remains unclear. Thus, this study was designed to explore the effects of cultivation modes and the intercropping of rice with Solanum nigrum L. on rice growth and Cd uptake in Cd-contaminated soil. The experimental design encompassed five treatments: dry cultivation of monocultured rice, monocultured Solanum nigrum L., and intercropped rice–Solanum nigrum L.; flood cultivation of monocultured rice; and intercropped rice–Solanum nigrum L. in a high-bed and low-ditch planting system. The results revealed a significant increase in rice growth when intercropped with Solanum nigrum L., with a notable increase of 18.32 g∙plant−1 observed in rice biomass in dry cultivation under the intercropping system. In contrast, a more modest increase of 3.67 g∙plant−1 was observed in the high-bed and low-ditch intercropped rice–Solanum nigrum L. mode. The soil total Cd was higher in dry cultivation of monocultured rice and Solanum nigrum L. compared to intercropped rice/Solanum nigrum L.-cultivated soil, with lower values recorded for intercropped rice/Solanum nigrum L. under the high-bed and low-ditch planting system. In contrast, no significant effect was noted on soil exchangeable Cd content based on the planting pattern and cultivation mode. Intercropping with Solanum nigrum L. demonstrated a significant reduction of Cd content in various rice tissues, particularly in roots at the maturity stage, while Cd content was reduced across all rice tissues under the high-bed and low-ditch planting system. The Cd content in the stem, leaves, and bran of monocropped rice was higher compared to intercropped rice. This study suggests that the rice–Solanum nigrum L. intercropping system effectively reduces rice Cd uptake, particularly under the high-bed and low-ditch planting system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to find alternatives to synthetic herbicides has led to the evaluation of the use of allelopathic biomass from different agroforestry species as soil amendments for weed control. Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. (apple mint) could be a suitable candidate as an ecoherbicide due to its availability in the agroecosystem, well-studied biological activities, and known chemical composition. For the present study, two greenhouse pot experiments were conducted by incorporating flowering aerial biomass of apple mint into the soil. In the first one, the potential phytotoxic effects of M. suaveolens at doses 1 and 2% were evaluated on the germination and growth of maize and its accompanying weeds. In a second temporary assay, the duration of phytotoxicity and the effects of apple mint (0.5% dose) on the physicochemical properties of the soil were elucidated. The soluble (phenolics and organic acids) and volatile compounds potentially releasable from the allelopathic biomass were identified. The apple mint exerted adverse effects on the germination and growth of dicotyledonous weed species, especially Amaranthus retroflexus and Solanum nigrum, with almost 100% inhibition, as well as on the growth of monocotyledonous weeds such as Digitaria sanguinalis, with a reduction of more than 95%. On the contrary, maize yield and soil properties pH, CECe, organic matter, and exchangeable cations were improved by the ecoherbicide. Chemical analyses of apple mint aerial biomass revealed the presence of 7 phenolic compounds, 9 organic acids, and 32 volatiles. For this study, the effects of incorporating M. suaveolens aerial biomass into soil were evaluated for the first time, and it was demonstrated that it has potential as an eco-friendly plant-based tool for Integrated Weed Management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solamargine (SM), an active compound derived from Solanum nigrum, triggers apoptosis and inhibits the metastatic and oxidative activities of various types of tumor cells. However, the effect of SM on human renal carcinoma cells remains unknown. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of SM on ACHN and 786-O cells were elucidated. Specifically, MTT and colony formation assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of SM treatment on the proliferation of ACHN and 786-O cells, and flow cytometry was conducted to determine the influence of SM on the apoptosis rates of these cells. In addition, the expression of target proteins was determined by western blotting. The results revealed that SM not only inhibited cell viability but also promoted the apoptosis of ACHN and 786-O cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment of ACHN and 786-O cells with SM significantly enhanced the caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 activities. Furthermore, SM downregulated the expression of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (p-STAT3) and Bcl-2 but increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3, -8, -9 and Bax. BAY2353, a p-STAT3 inhibitor, inhibited the viability of ACHN and 786-O cells, increased the expression of cleaved caspase-9 and Bax and decreased the expression of p-STAT3 and Bcl-2. Further experiments demonstrated that SM inhibited tumor growth in xenograft nude mice without causing specific toxicity to the major organs. Collectively, these findings indicated that SM not only inhibited the viability but also promoted the apoptosis of ACHN and 786-O cells, through a mechanism involving downregulation of p-STAT3 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) is an important pathogen that severely affects tomato and potato production. Several Solanaceae species are naturally and experimentally susceptible to PSTVd, implying that Solanaceae weeds can be a reservoir of PSTVd through infected seeds in crop fields. To determine whether PSTVd is seed-transmissible in solanaceous weed species, we examined seed transmission rates and localization of PSTVd in the reproductive organs of Solanum nigrum and Physalis angulata. The results revealed that the seed transmission rate of PSTVd was 0%–50% and 89.7%–100% in S. nigrum and P. angulata, respectively, suggesting that these weed species act as reservoirs of PSTVd, and their seed seems to be an important source of PSTVd. While the seed transmission rate in S. nigrum was 0%–8% for PSTVd isolate VP35, it was 10.5%–50% for isolate VP72-1. In situ hybridization analysis showed that isolate VP72-1 (but not VP35) successfully invaded the ovule and embryo of S. nigrum, suggesting that the transmission rate in S. nigrum might depend on the distribution pattern of PSTVd in ovules and embryos. This is the first report to show the distribution patterns of a viroid in the reproductive organs of solanaceous weed species during their developmental stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoremediation of lead (Pb) in contaminated soils using hyper-enriched plants is an important task. It is a green and sustainable measure. Studies have revealed that three ornamental plants, Tagetes patula (T. patula), Solanum nigrum (S. nigrum), and Mirabilis jalapa (M. jalapa), have the ability to enrich for Pb; however, studies on difference between them and root morphology and the relationship between tolerance and capacity are lacking. The ability of three lead-enriching plants, T. patula, S. nigrum, and M. jalapa, to cope with Pb stress was assessed in hydroponic experiments using five Pb stress concentrations (0–1000 mg/L). Under different Pb stress conditions, the growth of the shoots and roots of three tested ornamental plants was inhibited to varying degrees. In the three tested ornamental plants, Pb mainly accumulated in the roots, and the highest levels of Pb observed in the shoots of T. patula, S. nigrum, and M. jalapa were 1074.1 mg/kg, 958.7 mg/kg, and 975.3 mg/kg, respectively. All plants reached a critical level of Pb hyperaccumulation. Redundancy analysis showed that changes in the root architecture of the three tested ornamental plants were significantly and positively correlated with tolerance as well as the enrichment and transfer ability of the heavy metal Pb. Therefore, these three ornamental plants have the potential to remediate Pb-contaminated water and soil and can increase the tolerance and enrichment characteristics of Pb by regulating the root biomass and root length of the three test ornamental plants via various agronomic measures. In addition, more research should be conducted to assess their effectiveness as phytoextractants under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating demand for effective and sustainable weed management strategies, driven by urbanization expansion, is a critical challenge. Herbicides are pivotal tools in modern agriculture, addressing this challenge. Developing novel herbicides with enhanced efficacy and minimal environmental impact is crucial for food security and ecological balance. While numerous herbicides have been developed with varying availability over time and regions, there's a continuous need for innovation. In this study, we explored relatively understudied sulfoxide-containing herbicides and synthesized a smaller yet substantial sulfoxide scaffold for herbicide development. Through screening Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler, Amaranthus lividus L., and Solanum nigrum L., we observed promising herbicidal efficacy, especially against Wild Amaranth. Encouraged by preliminary findings, we recognize the potential for refining the core structure. In summary, we fashioned a structurally simple sulfoxide scaffold showcasing discernible herbicidal impact on broadleaf weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medieval Castle Kolno, situated near the village of Stare Kolnie, served as a custom house at the confluence of the rivers Budkowiczanka and Stobrawa. Numerous diaspores of plants were found in archaeological excavations, in the layers of the 14th-15th centuries AD. The excavations were located near the former access road, where increased human activity has affected the composition of the fossil macroremains of plants. Two Brassica species (cabbage B. oleracea and black mustard B. nigra) cultivated in small fields near the castle were recognised. Diaspores of weeds and ruderal plants were also deposited at the site. The most frequent were: Solanum nigrum, Setaria pumila, Chenopodium album, Rumex acetosella, Persicaria lapathifolia, and Urtica dioica. The collected set of fossil diaspores is composed of plant species associated with anthropogenic habitats and shows the dispersal dynamics in various micro-niches within them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]