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Tropaeolum majus L. is a versatile edible plant that is widely explored due to its medicinal properties and as a key element in intercropping systems. Its growth could be improved by the use of biofertilizers that can enhance nutrient uptake by the plant or provide tolerance to different abiotic and biotic stresses. In a previous study, 101 endophytes isolated from T. majus roots showed more than three plant growth-promoting (PGP) features in vitro, such as phosphate mineralization/solubilization, production of siderophores, antimicrobial substances and indole-related compounds, and presence of the nifH gene. To provide sustainable alternatives for biofertilization, the genomes of two promising endophytes--CAPE95 and CAPE238--were sequenced to uncover metabolic pathways related to biofertilization. Greenhouse experiments were conducted with 216 seeds and 60 seedlings, half co-inoculated with the endophytes (treatment) and half inoculated with 1X PBS (control), and the impact of the co-inoculation on the plant's bacteriome was accessed through 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. The strains CAPE95 and CAPE238 were taxonomically assigned as Bacillus thuringiensis and Paenibacillus polymyxa, respectively. Metabolic pathways related to the enhancement of nutrient availability (nitrogen fixation, sulfate-sulfur assimilation), biosynthesis of phytohormones (indole-3-acetic acid precursors) and antimicrobial substances (bacilysin, paenibacillin) were found in their genomes. The in vivo experiments showed that treated seeds exhibited faster germination, with a 20.3% higher germination index than the control on the eleventh day of the experiment. Additionally, treated seedlings showed significantly higher plant height and leaf diameters (p < 0.05). The bacterial community of the treated plants was significantly different from that of the control plants (p < 0.001) and showed a higher richness and diversity of species (Chao and Shannon indexes, p < 0.001). A higher relative abundance of potential synergistic PGP bacteria was also shown in the bacteriome of the treated plants, such as Lysinibacillus and Geobacter. For the first time, co-inoculation of B. thuringiensis and P. polymyxa was shown to have great potential for application as a biofertilizer to T. majus plants. The bacterial consortium used here could also be explored in other plant species in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum majus L. is a versatile edible plant that is widely explored due to its medicinal properties and as a key element in intercropping systems. Its growth could be improved by the use of biofertilizers that can enhance nutrient uptake by the plant or provide tolerance to different abiotic and biotic stresses. In a previous study, 101 endophytes isolated from T. majus roots showed more than three plant growth-promoting (PGP) features in vitro, such as phosphate mineralization/solubilization, production of siderophores, antimicrobial substances and indole-related compounds, and presence of the nifH gene. To provide sustainable alternatives for biofertilization, the genomes of two promising endophytes—CAPE95 and CAPE238—were sequenced to uncover metabolic pathways related to biofertilization. Greenhouse experiments were conducted with 216 seeds and 60 seedlings, half co-inoculated with the endophytes (treatment) and half inoculated with 1X PBS (control), and the impact of the co-inoculation on the plant’s bacteriome was accessed through 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. The strains CAPE95 and CAPE238 were taxonomically assigned as Bacillus thuringiensis and Paenibacillus polymyxa, respectively. Metabolic pathways related to the enhancement of nutrient availability (nitrogen fixation, sulfate-sulfur assimilation), biosynthesis of phytohormones (indole-3-acetic acid precursors) and antimicrobial substances (bacilysin, paenibacillin) were found in their genomes. The in vivo experiments showed that treated seeds exhibited faster germination, with a 20.3% higher germination index than the control on the eleventh day of the experiment. Additionally, treated seedlings showed significantly higher plant height and leaf diameters (p

Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium) is an important ornamental and medicinal plant due to its colorful flowers, shield-shaped leaves, and richness in mineral elements and bioactive compounds. However, the key genes related to these important biological traits, as well as their expression patterns and functions, remain obscure. In this study, to choose appropriate reference genes for quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, we screened 14 candidate genes from the transcriptome of T. majus and evaluated their expression stability. Through evaluation with four commonly used algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder), EXP1, EXP2, and TUB6 were found to be the most stably expressed genes among different organs, while EXP1 combined with CYP2 was identified as the optimal reference gene combination for seeds at different development stages. For all the tested samples, EXP1, EXP2, CYP2, and ACT2 were the most suitable reference genes. Moreover, the target gene KCS11 involved in very-long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis was employed to confirm the most and least stable reference genes in different organs, seeds at different development stages, and all the tested samples. The expression profiles of KCS11 were similar, with minor differences based on the analysis of different stable reference genes (either alone or in combination), while the expression profiles were diverse and the relative expression level was overestimated when using the least stable ones. These results suggest that the appropriate selection of reference genes is critical for the normalization of gene expression. Furthermore, the reference genes screened in this study will greatly improve the accuracy of the qRT-PCR quantification of candidate genes involved in the many biological characteristics of nasturtium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ScopeAs prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has important roles in physiological and inflammatory functions, a double-blind randomized controlled crossover study to investigate the potential of nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) for modulating PGE2 was conducted, aiming at clarifying the role of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). As secondary parameters leukotriene 4 (LTB4), and cytokine release (tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF-α; interleukins IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-12) were quantified.Methods and resultsThirty-four healthy female participants consumed 1.5 g nasturtium containing BITC, (verum) or no BITC (control) twice a day for 2 weeks each. Nasturtium intervention resulted in an increase in mean PGE2 levels in serum samples (verum: 1.76-fold, p ≤ 0.05; control: 1.78-fold, p ≤ 0.01), and ex vivo stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (verum: 1.71-fold, p ≤ 0.01; control: 1.43-fold). Using a pre-to-post responder analysis approach, 18 of 34 subjects showed a > 25% PGE2 increase in serum, while it was >25% decreased for 9 subjects (stimulated PBMC: 14 and 8 of 28, respectively). Under the selected conditions, the BITC content of nasturtium did not affect the observed changes in PGE2. Verum intervention also increased mean LTB4 serum level (1.24-fold, p ≤ 0.01), but not in LPS stimulated PBMC, and significantly increased TNF-α release in stimulated PBMC after 3 h (verum: 1.65-fold, p = 0.0032; control: 1.22-fold, p = 0.7818). No change was seen in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, or the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, and IL-12.ConclusionIn contrast to the previously reported in vitro results, on average, LPS activated PBMC and serum from both groups showed increased PGE2 levels. Further analyses suggest that PGE2 release after intervention could possibly depend on the baseline PGE2 level. Identification of phenotypes that respond differently to the nasturtium intervention could be useful to establish personalized approaches for dosing phytopharmaceuticals medicines.

Tropaeolum majus (garden nasturtium) and Rudbeckia hirta are common ornamental plants that can be susceptible to plant virus infections, leading to symptoms that adversely affect their ornamental appeal and commercial production. In this research, severe leaf chlorosis was observed on T. majus and R. hirta plants in green spaces in Shiraz and Bushehr, Iran (2023). Total RNA was extracted from five symptomatic leaf samples of each species, as well as one asymptomatic sample as a negative control. RT-PCR with alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV)-specific primers successfully amplified the expected 780 bp fragment in all symptomatic samples, but not in the asymptomatic control. Nucleotide sequencing confirmed the 780 bp size of the amplicon, and analysis revealed that the AMV isolates infecting T. majus (IR-GN01-Shiraz and IR-GN02-Bushehr) were most similar to an Iranian AMV isolate (Acc. No. MW_014931.1), while those infecting R. hirta (IR-AN04-Shiraz and IR-AN03-Bushehr) were the most similar to Chinese AMV isolates. This study is the first report of AMV infecting T. majus and R. hirta in Iran, a noteworthy finding, considering the extensive cultivation of these ornamental plants and the potential impact of AMV on their visual and economic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium) is an important ornamental and medicinal plant due to its colorful flowers, shield-shaped leaves, and richness in mineral elements and bioactive compounds. However, the key genes related to these important biological traits, as well as their expression patterns and functions, remain obscure. In this study, to choose appropriate reference genes for quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, we screened 14 candidate genes from the transcriptome of T. majus and evaluated their expression stability. Through evaluation with four commonly used algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder), EXP1, EXP2, and TUB6 were found to be the most stably expressed genes among different organs, while EXP1 combined with CYP2 was identified as the optimal reference gene combination for seeds at different development stages. For all the tested samples, EXP1, EXP2, CYP2, and ACT2 were the most suitable reference genes. Moreover, the target gene KCS11 involved in very-long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis was employed to confirm the most and least stable reference genes in different organs, seeds at different development stages, and all the tested samples. The expression profiles of KCS11 were similar, with minor differences based on the analysis of different stable reference genes (either alone or in combination), while the expression profiles were diverse and the relative expression level was overestimated when using the least stable ones. These results suggest that the appropriate selection of reference genes is critical for the normalization of gene expression. Furthermore, the reference genes screened in this study will greatly improve the accuracy of the qRT-PCR quantification of candidate genes involved in the many biological characteristics of nasturtium.

Anthocyanins are an important group of water-soluble and non-toxic natural pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be found in flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Anthocyanin biosynthesis is regulated by several different types of transcription factors, including the WD40-repeat protein Transparent Testa Glabra 1 (TTG1), the bHLH transcription factor Transparent Testa 8 (TT8), Glabra3 (GL3), Enhancer of GL3 (EGL3), and the R2R3 MYB transcription factor Production of Anthocyanin Pigment 1 (PAP1), PAP2, MYB113, and MYB114, which are able to form MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complexes to regulate the expression of late biosynthesis genes (LBGs) in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is an edible flower plant that offers many health benefits, as it contains numerous medicinally important ingredients, including anthocyanins. By a comparative examination of the possible anthocyanin biosynthesis regulator genes in nasturtium varieties with different anthocyanin contents, we found that TmPAP2, an R2R3 MYB transcription factor gene, is highly expressed in "Empress of India", a nasturtium variety with high anthocyanin content, while the expression of TmPAP2 in Arabidopsis led to the overproduction of anthocyanins. Protoplast transfection shows that TmPAP2 functions as a transcription activator; consistent with this finding, some of the biosynthesis genes in the general phenylpropanoid pathway and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway were highly expressed in "Empress of India" and the 35S:TmPAP2 transgenic Arabidopsis plants. However, protoplast transfection indicates that TmPAP2 may not be able to form an MBW complex with TmGL3 and TmTTG1. These results suggest that TmPAP2 may function alone as a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in nasturtiums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropaeolum majus is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family. It is native to the Andes mountain ranges, where it is considered as an important herb in their traditional medicine. However, this plant has known, over time, a wide distribution all over the world, including north Africa. Indeed, Tropaeolum majus has shown in recent years a noteworthy flowering in northeast Algeria, where reigns a Mediterranean climate. The aim of this comparative study was to conduct a preliminary assessment of the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Tropaeolum majus that grows under the Mediterranean climatic conditions of Annaba city in northeast Algeria. Thus, a phytochemical screening of 20 metabolites families was performed on free-air dried and pulverized leaves, flowers, and fruits of this plant using standard qualitative analysis methods based on colour / precipitation reactions. Afterwards, methanolic leaves and flowers extracts, and fruits fixed oil were prepared and served for the functional groups analysis using Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy (4000-400 cm-1), as well as the antimicrobial screening using the disc-diffusion method. Apart from narcotics and free anthracene derivatives; that are absent in the three organs, the phytochemical screening revealed the presence, in Tropaeolum majus, of the sought metabolites, mainly phenolic compounds, coumarins, sterols, triterpens, iridoids, and alkaloids. However, the nature and predominance of these metabolites differ between organs, with a unique presence of saponosides in fruits, and that of free quinones in flowers. Likewise, FTIR analysis revealed absence of infrared radiation absorption in the region between 2260-2220 cm-1, which indicated absence of toxic cyanide groups; but showed distinct peak values, with a specific infrared radiation absorption in the region located between "1700-700 cm-1", revealing the presence of various functional groups in the three extracts, including aromatic, nitrogen, and sulfur compounds. Tropaeolum majus extracts were found to exert a good antimicrobial activity against tested Gram(+) and Gram(-) germs, especially against a troublesome food poisoning germ: Bacilluscereus, and the antibiotic-resistant genera: Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Klebsiella. These findings show that Annaba City Mediterranean climate factors improved Tropaeolum majus leaves, flowers, and to a second degree fruits nutritional and medicinal qualities enhancing their phytochemical composition as well as antimicrobial properties. Hence, this study suggests that this plant could be a potential source for different nutraceutical products that can be used as food additives or dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two field experiments were conducted during two successive seasons to evaluate growth and glucotropaeolin content of nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) under different levels of nitrogen and sulur supply. Three nitrogen rates (0, 60 and 120 kg N ha-1) as ammonium nitrate and three sulfur rates (0, 50 and 100 kg S ha-1) as elemental sulfur were used. Results indicated that nitrogen and sulfur supply increased biomass accumulation of T. majus including plant height, branches number, plant fresh weight, leaf fresh and dry weights, and stem fresh and dry weights. The highest values of growth traits were recorded with the highest nitrogen rate (120 kg ha-1) and the medium or the highest sulfur rate (50 and 100 kg S ha-1) at all growth stages in both seasons. Glucotropaeolin content ranged from 23.45 to 45.26 pmol g-1 DW in leaves and from 117.92 to 156.31 pmol g-1 DW in seeds. The response of glucotropaeolin content to nitrogen supply varied between plant parts and growth stages. Glucotropaeolin content in seeds was unaffected by nitrogen supply. The highest glucotropaeolin content in leaves was found in plants that received 120 kg N ha-1. Glucotropaeolin content in leaves and seeds significantly increased with sulfur supply in both seasons at all growth stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Abiotic stresses are one of the major reasons for low crop productivity owing to the disturbances caused by them. Polyamines can be applied to mitigate the harmful effects of stress in plants. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) is an ornamental, medicinal, and edible plant that is found in many countries. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of polyamines application and salt stress on the growth and leaf gas exchange of T. majus. The treatments to induce salt stress were as follows: 0 mM NaCl (no stress), 40 mM NaCl (moderate stress), 80 mM NaCl (severe stress), 40 mM NaCl + spermine (Spm), 40 mM NaCl + spermidine (Spd), 40 mM NaCl + putrescine (Put), 80 mM NaCl + Spm, 80 mM NaCl + Spd, and 80 mM NaCl + Put. Polyamines were applied every week for four weeks. The applications of Spd and Spm attenuated the harmful effects of moderate salt stress on plant height and leaf fresh mass. The application of Spm attenuated the harmful effects of moderate salt stress on stem diameter. The application of Spd attenuated the harmful effects of moderate salt stress on the number of buds, the stem fresh mass, and total fresh mass. The application of Spm attenuated the harmful effects of severe salt stress on stomatal conductance and transpiration rate and attenuated the harmful effects of moderate salt stress on stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis, and transpiration. The application of Spd attenuated the harmful effects of moderate salt stress on instantaneous water use efficiency and intrinsic water use efficiency. The applications of Spm and Spd application can attenuated the harmful effects of moderate salt stress on the growth and leaf gas exchange of nasturtium.

The green biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles of already explored phytomedicines has many advantages such as enhanced biological action, increased bioavailability, etc. In this direction, keeping in view the peculiar medicinal value of Tropaeolum majus L., we synthesized its silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by adopting eco-friendly and cost-effective protocol by using methanolic and aqueous extract of T. majus. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by using several techniques including UV spectroscopic analysis, FTIR analysis, and atomic force microscopy. The methanolic/aqueous extracts of T. majus and synthesized AgNPs were assessed for antioxidant potential and antimicrobial effect. The preliminary screening showed that the T. majus extracts have variety of reducing phytochemicals including tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides. The green synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by the appearance of sharp peak at 430–450 nm in the UV-Visible spectra. The FTIR spectral analysis of extract and AgNPs exhibited that peaks at 2947.23, 2831.50, 2592.33, 2522.89, and 1,411 cm−1 disappeared in the spectra of FTIR spectra of the AgNPs, indicating carboxyl and hydroxyl groups are mainly accountable for reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. Atomic force microscopic scan of the synthesized AgNPs confirmed its cylindrical shape with size of 25 µm. The extracts and AgNPs were investigated for antioxidant potential by DPPH-free radical essay, which showed that aqueous extract has significant and dose-independent antioxidant activity; however, the synthesized AgNPs showed decline in antioxidant activity. The extracts and synthesized AgNPs were also evaluated for antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Neither extract nor AgNPs were active against Klebsiella pneumonia. The aqueous and methanolic extract exhibited inhibition against Bacillus subtilis and their synthesized AgNPs were active against Staphylococcus aureus. Our data concluded that the extracts of T. majus have necessary capping and reducing agents which make it capable to develop stable AgNPs. The aqueous extract of T. majus has potential antioxidant effect; however, the AgNPs did not enhance its free radical scavenging effect. The bacterial strains’ susceptibility of the extract and AgNPs was changed from Bacillus subtilis to Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The biological action of AgNPs is changed in case of antibacterial activity which means that AgNPs might change the specificity of T. majus and likewise other drugs.

Although Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium) is an agriculturally and economically important plant, especially due to the presence of edible flowers and its medicinal properties, its microbiome is quite unexplored. Here, the structure of the total bacterial community associated with the rhizosphere, endosphere and bulk soil of T. majus was determined by 16S rRNA amplicon metagenomic sequencing. A decrease in diversity and richness from bulk soil to the rhizosphere and from the rhizosphere to the endosphere was observed in the alpha diversity analyses. The phylum Proteobacteria was the most dominant in the bacteriome of the three sites evaluated, whereas the genera Pseudomonas and Ralstonia showed a significantly higher relative abundance in the rhizosphere and endosphere communities, respectively. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (236 PGPB) were also isolated from the T. majus endosphere, and 76 strains belonging to 11 different genera, mostly Serratia, Raoultella and Klebsiella, showed positive results for at least four out of six plant growth-promoting tests performed. The selection of PGPB associated with T. majus can result in the development of a biofertilizer with activity against phytopathogens and capable of favoring the development of this important plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Although Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium) is an agriculturally and economically important plant, especially due to the presence of edible flowers and its medicinal properties, its microbiome is quite unexplored. Here, the structure of the total bacterial community associated with the rhizosphere, endosphere and bulk soil of T. majus was determined by 16S rRNA amplicon metagenomic sequencing. A decrease in diversity and richness from bulk soil to the rhizosphere and from the rhizosphere to the endosphere was observed in the alpha diversity analyses. The phylum Proteobacteria was the most dominant in the bacteriome of the three sites evaluated, whereas the genera Pseudomonas and Ralstonia showed a significantly higher relative abundance in the rhizosphere and endosphere communities, respectively. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (236 PGPB) were also isolated from the T. majus endosphere, and 76 strains belonging to 11 different genera, mostly Serratia, Raoultella and Klebsiella, showed positive results for at least four out of six plant growth-promoting tests performed. The selection of PGPB associated with T. majus can result in the development of a biofertilizer with activity against phytopathogens and capable of favoring the development of this important plant.

BACKGROUND Animal personality refers to behavioral consistency and propensity. In social insects, little is known about the interplay between colony personality and colony foraging. This study aimed to assess personality traits among colonies of the leaf‐cutting ants Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus and Acromyrmex subterraneus molestans and examine their behavioral consistency when provided with a toxic substrate, nasturtium leaves [Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae)], with potential as a management tool against these pest species. The association between colony behavioral traits and fungus garden growth was also examined, and thus the efficacy of the colony suppression. RESULTS: Behavioral variation was higher between colonies than between subspecies. Behavioral traits were correlated before and after exposure to resource‐mediated stress in both subspecies, indicating the existence of behavioral syndrome. The dimensions that contributed most to colony personality (activity, aggressiveness, and boldness) are directly related to colony resource searching and foraging. However, these dimensions diverged in their contribution before and after exposure to nasturtium. Colony activity was the major determinant of fungus garden growth, which is probably a consequence of its relationship with foraging behaviors and maintenance of the fungus garden. CONCLUSION: As the personality of a colony is unequally defined by its constituent castes, the relationship and network of interactions are determinants of foraging behaviors with relevant consequences for colony suppression using toxic foraging substrates that impair these relationships and interactions, as nasturtium leaves do. Therefore, it is plausible to say that resource‐mediated stress affects colonies personality exhibiting control potential against these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Eco-friendly biosynthesis of nanoparticles from medicinal plants as reducing agent has gained importance due to its potential therapeutic uses. In the present study Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were eco-friendly synthesized using the leaf extracts of the medicinal plant Tropaeolum majus. The obtained AgNPs were characterized by UV - visible spectrum, FTIR, SEM and XRD which clearly showed the reduction of Ag+ ions to Ag0. In addition, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts were analyzed for phytochemicals and its antioxidant activities. GC–MS spectrum showed the presence of 25 compounds with benzeneacetic acid as the dominant contents. The synthesized AgNPs revealed maximum absorption spectrum at 463 nm and FTIR vibrational peaks at 3357.46, 21,966.52, 2118.42, 1637.27, 658.571 and 411.728 cm−1 respectively. SEM and XRD studies evidenced the nature of nanocrystalline with face centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. Both AgNPs and plant extracts showed more inhibition activity against Pseudomonas aeroginosa compared to other bacteria with MIC value of 6.25 μg/ml. Antifungal activities was higher for Penicilium notatum with MIC value 31.2 μg/ml. The IC50 values for MCF7 for aqueous extract were found to be 4.68 μg/ml, ethanol extract 7.5 μg/ml, AgNPs 2.49 μg/ml, and doxorubicin 1.4 μg/ml. The IC50 values for VERO cell line for aqueous extract was 8.1 μg/ml, ethanol extract with 6.8 μg/ml, silver nanoparticles 5.3 μg/ml and doxorubicin 2.6 μg/ml respectively. Conclusively, the antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anticancer properties of the synthesized AgNPs from Tropaeolum majus act as major therapeutic drug for microbial infectious disease and other health associated disorders. Highlights • Silver nanoparticles were green synthesized from the leaf extract of Tropaeolum majus. • Nanoparticles showed UV peak at 463 nm confirmed Silver nanoparticles surface plasmon resonance. • TEM and SEM analysis confirmed the nanoparticels were crystalline with face centered cubic. • Nanoparticles exhibited activity against Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Penicilium notatum. • Nanoparticles documented both antioxidant and anticancer properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed to develop a flower-based cream of Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae) and to evaluate its in vitro effect on Trichophyton rubrum (Arthrodermataceae) strains. The standardized extract of the flowers was obtained, then the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicide concentration (MFC) were determined; the cream formulation was designed and elaborated and its antifungal in vitro effect was evaluated, using isoconazole 1% cream as standard. To determine significant difference in both creams, we compared the obtained inhibition halos by Student's t-test with a level of statistical significance of 0.05. The MIC was 1.8 g/mL and the MFC was 1.9 g/mL; in the study of preformulation of excipients with the standardized extract of Tropaeolum majus there were no changes. The organoleptic, physicochemical and microbiological quality controls of the antifungal cream matched with the established specifications. We could develop the antifungal cream with pharmaceutical quality; the evaluation of the in vitro effect on Trichophyton rubrum strains, with inbibition halos of 33.15 + 3.26 mm, shows that it has an antifungal effect similar with the standard cream isoconazole 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal defence allocation theory ( ODT) is one of the most prominent theoretical frameworks to explain the allocation of defence compounds within plants. It predicts that the most valuable and vulnerable plant organs have the highest levels of chemical defence. The ODT has been well worked out and experimentally tested for shoot defences, but not for root defences. To assess if ODT principles apply similarly to roots and shoots, we examined glucosinolates in above-ground and below-ground organs of nine plant species belonging to two families., In order to evaluate whether ODT equally applies to shoot and root organs, we designed a conceptual model in which above-ground and below-ground organs were assigned to orders of importance to plant performance. We hypothesized that organs constituting the plant's core structure are better protected than more distal organs., The nine plant species were cultivated, and their roots and shoots were harvested and divided into three orders for glucosinolate analysis. Using a specialist ( Delia radicum) and a generalist ( Amphimallon solstitiale) root herbivore, we also experimentally tested the hypothesis that the generalist herbivore prefers to feed on fine roots (FRs) with a low glucosinolate concentration, while the specialist prefers taproots (TRs) with a high glucosinolate concentration., We found that both in roots and shoots, the higher ordered core structural organs (TRs and stems) had the highest levels of glucosinolates. Below-ground, TRs and lateral roots were better protected than the more distal, and less costly, FRs in seven out of nine species tested. The specialist root herbivore preferred feeding on the highly defended TRs, which is in line with what has been found for above-ground specialist herbivores. Moreover, the glucosinolate concentration in roots overall was significantly higher than that in shoots., Synthesis. These results support the hypothesis that Optimal defence allocation theory (ODT) generally applies to glucosinolate allocation in above-ground and below-ground organs and may mainly serve to maintain the integrity of the main plant structure. Moreover, it suggests that above-ground and below-ground insect herbivores independently exert similar selection pressures on defence allocation patterns in roots and shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of the use of herbal medicines is on the rise across the world, especially amongst pregnant women. A fact that draws attention is that many species commonly used by pregnant women, including theTropaeolum majusL. (Tropaeolaceae), also present inhibitory activity on the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Herein, we have investigated the effects ofT. majusextract (HETM) on fetal development, evaluating its relationship with possible ACE inhibitory activity. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated with different HETM doses (3, 30 and 300 mg/kg/day) from gestational days 8–20. Rats were sacrificed on the day 20 of pregnancy and the following parameters were evaluated: clinical symptoms of maternal toxicity; maternal body weight; feed and water intake; maternal liver, kidney, and ovary weights, maternal ACE activity and aldosterone levels, live fetuses mean; dead fetuses percentage, fetus weight, and fetal malformation. All pregnant rats treated with high HETM doses showed significant reduction in plasma ACE activity accompanied by a decrease in serum aldosterone levels. Moreover, significant changes in fetal development were observed, including growth retardation and renal damage after 20 days of gestation. Thus, data presented demonstrate the significant effects of the use of HETM on fetal development during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background The antimicrobial properties of natural isothiocyanates (ITCs) found in plants such as nasturtium ( Tropaeolum majus ) and horseradish ( Armoracia rusticana ), and the need of new chemotherapeutic options for treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa), led us to evaluate the effects of three major ITCs, allylisothiocyanate (AITC), benzylisothiocyanate (BITC), and phenylethyl-isothiocyanate (PEITC), and a mixture (ITCM) adapted to the ITC composition after release of active components out of natural sources. Material/methods Out of 105 Pa isolates 27 isolates with increased biofilm formation were selected for testing. The effects of ITCs on Pa were evaluated regarding (1) planktonic bacterial proliferation, (2) biofilm formation, (3) metabolic activity in mature biofilms, and (4) synergism of ITCs and antibiotics. Results (1) Each ITC had anti-Pa activity. Mean minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were (μg/ml, mean ± standard deviation): AITC 103 ± 6.9; BITC, 2145 ± 249; PEITC 29,423 ± 1652; and ITCM, 140 ± 5. (2) Treating bacteria with PEITC and ITCM in concentrations below the MIC significantly inhibited biofilm formation. Particularly, ITCM reduced biofilm mass and bacterial proliferation. (3) ITCs significantly inhibited metabolic activity in mature biofilms. (4) Combining ITCs with meropenem synergistically increased antimicrobial efficacy on Pa biofilms. Conclusions ITCs represent a promising group of natural anti-infective compounds with activity against Pa biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae) is an important medicinal plant belonging to the Tropaeolaceae family, which has 80 species distributed in South and Central America. In Brazil, it is distributed practically throughout the entire territory and it is popularly known as "capuchinha". In folk medicine its leaves are widely used for treatment of cardiovascular disorders. Despite consistent data showing some acute effects on renal and cardiovascular system, no study has investigated whether Tropaeolum majus extracts is able to exert cardiorenal protective effects after 30 days of treatment, i.e. in a sustained manner. Objective: Investigate the prolonged cardiorenal protective effects of ethanolic extract obtained from Tropaeolum majus (EETM) in rats with renovascular hypertension. Material and Methods: First, EETM was obtained and chemically characterized. Then, we investigated the possible antihypertensive and diuretics effects, including effects on renal haemodynamics, after prolonged treatment (30 days) with EETM (3, 30 and 300 mg/kg). Finally, we examined whether treatment with EETM may affect the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and oxidative stress, preventing heart and kidney damage in two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) Goldblatt hypertensive rats. Results: Prolonged treatment with EETM was able to prevent the evolution of renovascular hypertension in 2K1C rats, inducing important renoprotective effects and reducing systemic blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, it was also identified that these effects may be directly related to significant ACE inhibitory activity and reduction of oxidative stress. Conclusion: This study has brought new scientific evidence of preclinical efficacy of EETM as a cardiorenal protective agent in rats with renovascular hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O objetivo desse estudo foi o de avaliar a eficácia acaricida in vitro do extrato aquoso e etanólico a 70% da Tropaeolum majus em teleóginas do Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Extrato das partes aéreas (caule e folhas) e de flores foram testados na concentração final de 2%. A coleta de teleóginas de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus foi realizada em propriedades do município de São Francisco de Assis e São Pedro do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O extrato das partes aéreas em etanol a 70% alcançou eficácia de 99,1%. Esse estudo é o primeiro relato de ação carrapaticida de Tropaeolum majus.The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro acaricide effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Tropaeolum majus on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus engorged females. Extracts from the aerial parts (stems and leaves) and from the flowers were tested at a final concentration of 2%. The Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus engorged females were collected in farms in two municipalities (São Francisco de Assis and São Pedro do Sul), in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. An efficacy of 99,1% was found using extract of aerial parts in ethanol at 70%. This is the first report of acaricidal effect of Tropaeolum majus.

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, estudar a produção de flores da capuchinha e das " cabeças" do repolho, cultivadas como culturas solteiras e consorciadas. Foi estudada a capuchinha 'Jewel' (Ca), em cultivo solteiro e consorciado com os repolhos de folhas verdes 'Sooshu' (RV) ou roxas 'Red Extra Early' (RR), sob duas (2) ou três (3) fileiras de plantas no canteiro. Os dez tratamentos resultantes (Ca2, Ca3, RV2, RV3, RR2, RR3, Ca2RV3, Ca3RV2, Ca2RR3, Ca3RR2) foram arranjados no delineamento experimental blocos casualizados, com três repetições. As colheitas das flores da capuchinha foram efetuadas entre 30 e 155 dias após o transplante (DAT) e as das " cabeças" dos repolhos, entre 102 e 140 DAT. O maior número de flores e a maior massa fresca das flores da capuchinha foi em cultivo solteiro (12.022.220 ha-1 e 8,20 t ha-1, respectivamente). No consórcio, os maiores valores foram com o repolho roxo (7.555.560 ha-1 e 5,04 t ha-1, respectivamente). As produções médias de massas fresca das " cabeças" do repolho com folhas verdes em cultivo solteiro e consorciado foram de 33,78 e 35,76 t ha-1 e do repolho roxo foram de 23,19 e 19,50 t ha-1, respectivamente. O cálculo da razão de área equivalente foi de 1,56 (Ca2RV3), 1,33 (Ca3RV2), 1,30 (Ca2RR3) e 1,45 (Ca3RR2), indicando ser viável cultivar em consórcio. Considerando a renda bruta, pode-se concluir que o consórcio da capuchinha e do repolho foi viável para o produtor de repolho, devendo optar-se pelo arranjo Ca2RV3. O produtor de capuchinha deve optar pelo cultivo solteiro, com duas fileiras no canteiro.This work has as aim to study yield of nasturtium flowers and of cabbage 'heads' that were cultivated as monocrops and intercrops. 'Jewel' nasturtium (Ca) was studied in monocrop and intercropped with 'Sooshu' green leaves (RV) or 'Red Extra Early' purple leaves (RR) cabbages, under two (2) or three (3) rows of plants per plot. The ten resultant treatments (Ca2, Ca3, RV2, RV3, RR2, RR3, Ca2RV3, Ca3RV2, Ca2RR3, Ca3RR2) were arranged in a randomized block experimental outline, with three replications. Harvests of nasturtium flowers were between 30 and 155 days after transplant (DAT) and the ones of cabbages between 102 and 140 DAT. The highest number and the greatest fresh mass of nasturtium flowers (12,022,220 ha-1 and 8.20 t ha-1, respectively) were obtained from monocrop system. For intercropping, the highest values were with purple cabbage (7,555,560 ha-1 and 5.04 t ha-1, respectively. Average yields of fresh mass of cabbage plants of green leaves in monocrop system and intercropped were of 33.78 and 35.76 t ha-1 and of plants with purple leaves were of 23.19 and 19.50 t ha-1, respectively. Land Equivalent Ratios were 1.56 (Ca2RV3), 1.33 (Ca3RV2), 1.30 (Ca2RR3) and 1.45 (Ca3RR2), what indicates that is viable to cultivate in monocrop system. Considering the gross income one may conclude that the intercrop of nasturtium and cabbage was viable for cabbage producer, who must opt for the Ca3RR2 arrangement. For nasturtium producer, the monocrop system with two rows per plot was the best.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a produção de "cabeças" de repolho e de flores de capuchinha. A capuchinha 'Jewel' (Ca) e o repolho 'Chato de Quintal' (R) foram alocados no campo em experimento conjunto, sendo estudados cada um deles como fatorial 2 (cultivos solteiro e consorciado) x 2 (sem-S e com-C cobertura do solo com cama-de-frango, na dose de 6,5 t ha-1), perfazendo, no total, seis tratamentos (CaS, CaC, RS, RC, CaRS, CaRC), arranjados no delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. As colheitas das flores de capuchinha foram efetuadas entre 35 e 98 dias após o transplante (DAT) e a do repolho entre 83 e 104 DAT. A altura das plantas de repolho apresentou crescimento linear, com taxas variáveis, em função dos dias após o transplante, com o uso de cama-de-frango no solo, e com o sistema de cultivo. As produções de repolho foram de 32,76 t ha-1 no arranjo em cultivo solteiro e de 27,65 t ha-1 no cultivo consorciado e de 35,78 t ha-¹ e 24,62 t ha-¹, com e sem o uso de cama-de-frango, respectivamente. A maior produção de capuchinha foi sem o uso de cama-de-frango, em cultivo solteiro, com 15.825.000 flores e 10,63 t ha-¹ de massa fresca. Altura de plantas, diâmetro e comprimento das flores de capuchinha foram influenciados apenas pelas épocas de avaliação. O cálculo da razão de área equivalente para o consórcio foi de 1,35 com uso de cama-de-frango e de 1,25 sem o uso, indicando ser viável o cultivo misto de repolho com a capuchinha. A renda bruta para o consórcio foi de R$38.065,20 e R$28.587,50 com e sem uso de cama-de-frango, respectivamente.This work has as objective to study yield of cabbage and nasturtium flowers. 'Jewel' nasturtium (Ca) and 'Chato de quintal' cabbage were placed at field in jointed experiment, and they were studied as 2 (monocrop and intercrop system) x 2 (with or without soil covering with chicken manure, in dose of 6.5 t ha-1) factorial scheme, which resulted in six treatments (CaS, CaC, RS, RS, CaRS, CaRC) that were arranged in a randomized block experimental design with four replications. Harvests of nasturtium flowers were done between 35 and 98 days after transplant (DAT) and of cabbage between 83 and 104 DAT. Heights of cabbage plants showed linear growth with variable indexes as a function of days after transplant with the use of chicken manure on soil and with the cultivation system. Yields of cabbage were 32.76 t ha-1 for monocrop arrangement and 27.65 for intercrop system and 35.78 t ha-1 and 24.62 t ha-1, with and without the use of chicken manure, respectively. The highest yield of nasturtium was without the use of chicken manure, in monocrop system, with 15,825,000 flowers and 10.63 t ha-1 of fresh mass. Plant height, diameter and length of nasturtium flowers were influenced only by evaluation dates. Land Equivalent Ratio calculus for intercrop system was 1.35 with the use of chicken manure and 1.25 without the use, which indicates that cabbage/nasturtium intercropping is viable. Gross income for intercrop system was R$ 38,065.20 and R$ 28,587.50 with and without the use of chicken manure, respectively.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) contains high concentrations of benzylglcosinolate. We found that a hydrolysis product of benzyl glucosinolate—the benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC)—modulates the intracellular localization of the transcription factor Forkhead box O 1 (FOXO1). FoxO transcription factors can antagonize insulin effects and trigger a variety of cellular processes involved in tumor suppression, longevity, development and metabolism. The current study evaluated the ability of BITC—extracted as intact glucosinolate from nasturtium and hydrolyzed with myrosinase—to modulate i) the insulin-signaling pathway, ii) the intracellular localization of FOXO1 and, iii) the expression of proteins involved in gluconeogenesis, antioxidant response and detoxification. Stably transfected human osteosarcoma cells (U-2 OS) with constitutive expression of FOXO1 protein labeled with GFP (green fluorescent protein) were used to evaluate the effect of BITC on FOXO1. Human hepatoma HepG2 cell cultures were selected to evaluate the effect on gluconeogenic, antioxidant and detoxification genes and protein expression. BITC reduced the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT/PKB) and FOXO1; promoted FOXO1 translocation from cytoplasm into the nucleus antagonizing the insulin effect; was able to down-regulate the gene and protein expression of gluconeogenic enzymes; and induced the gene expression of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. Knockdown analyses with specific siRNAs showed that the expression of gluconeogenic genes was dependent on nuclear factor (erythroid derived)-like2 (NRF2) and independent of FOXO1, AKT and NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1). The current study provides evidence that BITC might have a role in type 2 diabetes T2D by reducing hepatic glucose production and increasing antioxidant resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The healing activity of the hydroethanolic extract of Tropaeolum majus leaves on rats' skin lesions is provided. Fifteen Wistar rats were used, distributed in three groups, G7, G14 and G21, according to observation period 7, 14 and 21 days after surgery. Two wounds, diameter 1 cm, on the dorsal region of each animal, were treated with Carbopol gel on the left side and by Tropaeolum majus on the right side. Lesions were treated daily during the periods above. A comparative study was undertaken between the two groups by microand macroscopy. The formation of a wound scab on all wounds up to the seventh day was observed. Histological assessment revealed that lesions treated with Tropaeolum majus extract had a lower inflammatory infiltrate rate and fibroblastic proliferation when compared to lesions treated with gel, coupled to a greater collagenization and deeper angiogenesis on the 7th, 14th and 21st day after surgery. Results showed that hydroethanolic extract of Tropaeolum majus leaves caused a better improvement in the healing process through the increase in the formation of neo-vases and collagenization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]