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Abstract [Objective] The study aims to mine the key genes involved in fatty acid synthesis using transcriptomic analysis of kernels from different periods of Elaeagnus mollis Diels. [Methods] We observed and recorded fruit development of E. mollis Diels. and used the fresh seed kernels of adult trees during the period of fruit initiation (C6), rapid fruit expansion (C7), and fruit maturity (C8) as materials. The fatty acid fractions and contents of the kernels of three periods were determined by hydrolysis extraction. The expression of samples from C6 and C7 was analyzed using transcriptome sequencing, in order to search the differentially expressed genes. [Results] The fatty acid content of the three periods showed a gradual increase over time. 6 375 up-regulated genes and 8 124 down-regulated genes were obtained from the seed kernel data of C6 and C7 periods, totaling 14 499 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Among the selected DEGs, 8 137 genes were annotated in the GO database, and 4 275 genes were annotated in the KEGG database, mainly involving in metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, hormone transduction, amino acid synthesis pathways, and other pathways. Among them, pathways related to fatty acid biosynthesis and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis were enriched, with a focus on identifying 8 candidate genes related to fatty acid synthesis. Compared with C6 stage, EmBCCP1, EmSAD1, Em- FAD2-1, EmFAD3-1, and EmPDCT1 genes were up regulated, while EmFAbG1, EmPDAT1, and EmKASI1 genes were down regulated. [Conclusion] EmBCCP1, EmSAD1, EmFAD2-1, EmFAD3-1, EmPDCT1, EmKASI1, EmFAbG1, and EmPDAT1 genes may promote the synthesis and accumulation of oleic acid and linoleic acid in the seeds, serving as key genes for fatty acid synthesis in E. mollis Diels. seed kernels.

为合理开发利用买麻藤种仁，以云南省垂子买麻藤种仁和小叶买麻藤种仁为研究对象，对其形态指标和营养品质指标进行分析及评价，并对基本营养成分、氨基酸、脂肪酸、矿物质元素等60项营养品质指标进行相关性分析。结果表明：垂子买麻藤种仁的长、宽、长宽比、千粒重形态指标均较大，分别是小叶买麻藤种仁的1.78、1.58、1.12倍和4.15倍；垂子买麻藤种仁的粗蛋白质（13.53%）、可溶性糖（6.25%）、总黄酮（1.09%）、γ-氨基丁酸（1.98 mg/g）、Ca（607.30 mg/kg）、Mn（46.44 mg/kg）、Ni（5.48 mg/kg）含量和硬脂酸（25.42%）、α-亚麻酸（1.49%）、γ-亚麻酸（2.63%）相对含量均极显著高于小叶买麻藤种仁的（p＜0.01），小叶买麻藤种仁的干物质（59.56%）、淀粉（53.49%）、粗脂肪（2.48%）、粗纤维（2.50%）、P（2 812.73 mg/kg）、Mg（1 619.95 mg/kg）、Na（8.41 mg/kg）、Zn（11.87 mg/kg）、Sr(2.26 mg/kg)、亮氨酸（15.13 mg/g）等10种氨基酸含量和花生酸（1.78%）、油酸（17.41%）相对含量均极显著高于垂子买麻藤种仁的（p＜0.01）；相关性分析结果显示，有约40%的营养品质指标间具有极强的相关性。综上，两种买麻藤种仁在形态指标和营养品质指标中均存在明显差异，具有不同的营养特征。In order to develop and utilize the Gnetum seed kernel rationally, the morphology and nutritional quality indexes of seed kernels of Gnetum pendulum and Gnetum parvifolium from Yunnan province were analyzed and evaluated, and the correlation of 60 nutritional quality indexes including basic nutritional components, amino acids, fatty acids and mineral elements were analyzed. The results showed that the length, width, ratio of length to width and 1 000-grain weight of Gnetum pendulum seed kernel were higher, which were 1.78, 1.58, 1.12 times and 4.15 times as many as Gnetum parvifolium seed kernel. The contents of crude protein (13.53%), soluble sugar (6.25%), total flavone (1.09%), γ-aminobutyric acid (1.98 mg/g), Ca (607.30 mg/kg), Mn (46.44 mg/kg), Ni (5.48 mg/kg) and the relative content of stearic acid (25.42%), α-linolenic acid (1.49%), γ-linolenic acid (2.63%) of Gnetum pendulum seed kernel were significantly higher than those of Gnetum parvifolium seed kernel (p

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat. On the other hand, Bangladesh produces high-quality mangoes, yet the mango coat and seed kernel, which contain medicinal components, remain unused. Therefore, this study investigated the antibacterial potential and toxicity of ethanol extracts from mango (Mangifera indica) seed kernels, which specifically target the bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella sp. Amrapali variant mango seeds were collected, dried, ground into a fine powder, and extracted with ethanol at various ratios. The efficacy of the crude extract was tested via the disc diffusion method. The results demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. cereus), with clear zones of inhibition observed, especially in a dose-dependent manner. The pure crude extract inhibited the growth of S. aureus with a zone of 23 mm, identical to that produced by doxycycline. However, the extract exhibited limited activity against gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and Klebsiella sp.). Additionally, the extract was effective against multidrug-resistant S. aureus. The pure crude extract produced a 22.5 mm zone of inhibition against multidrug-resistant S. aureus, which was slightly smaller than that of gentamicin (23 mm) but larger than those of chloramphenicol (21 mm), vancomycin (20 mm), and tetracycline (16 mm). In vivo toxicity was assessed in mice, revealing no significant adverse effects on the hepatic structure or renal cortex at lower doses (100 μl of pure crude extract). However, higher doses caused mild histopathological changes in the liver and kidneys. These findings suggest that mango seed kernel extract holds promise as an alternative antibacterial agent, particularly against gram-positive and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, while being relatively safe at lower doses. Further research is needed to elucidate the active compounds, mechanisms of action, and broader applications of this extract in combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

The subject of this study is the technological processes of separation, the hull of industrial hemp seeds, an aspiration column, and whole kernels. The problem solved was determining the technical and technological solutions that could enable the intensification of production processes for separating industrial hemp seeds. The separation of hemp seed hull by linear dimensions on sieves with round and elongated holes has been investigated. It was found that the percentage of seed hulls retained by sieves with circular holes was 25.98 % for x3.5 mm, 23.59 % for x3.0 mm, and 40.28 % for x2.0 mm, respectively. Sieves x3.5 mm and x2.0 mm made it possible to obtain seed hulls fractions with two components conditionally different in the «mass-size» ratio. Using sieves with elongated holes enabled obtaining fractions consisting of at least three components. Sieves with elongated working holes of 3.0×20 mm, due to their low ability (1.76 %) to retain hemp seed hull components, were ineffective. The clogging levels of kernels in seed hulls, separated by linear dimensions on combined sieves with round and elongated holes, were as follows: separation option No. 1 – 48.70 %, option No. 2 – 45.74 %, option No. 3 – 60.25 %, option No. 4 – 49.32 %, respectively. It was established that the use of an aspiration column made it possible to remove up to 32.1 % of clogging in the form of a light fraction. The application of the aspiration column reduced the content of seed coating in separation option No. 1 by 3.0–5.7 times, option No. 2 by 1.35–3.7 times, option No. 3 by 1.9–11.2 times, and option No. 4 by 1.5–4.8 times, respectively. The quantitative and component composition of seed hulls fractions obtained under conditions of using an aspiration column with set rational values of the air damper opening angle α=53° and the vertical tilt angle of the air channel β=6°, was as follows: Stage I – «heavy» fraction – 51.78 %, 27.56 % – waste, up to 20 % – «light» fraction of Stages II and III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of research is technological processes, seeds of industrial hemp, and working bodies of the dehuller. A centrifugal-type device for crushing hemp seeds with a closed sector-type working body has been designed. Owing to this, the task related to seed dehulling was solved with a high level of efficiency in separating the seed coat from the kernel. The rational parameters for the dehuller have been substantiated: the diameter of the impeller is 162 mm, the gap between the impeller and the seed repelling panel is 80 mm, the frequency of rotation of the impeller is 2000 min–1. It was established that with the specified parameters and moisture content of the seeds within the limits of conditional (12.0–13.0 %), it is advisable to carry out dehulling process without preliminary separation of the seeds into fractions by width. It was established that an increase in seed size leads to a corresponding increase in the weight share of seed kernels. About 58.2 % of the main mass of seeds is the average fraction with a width of 2.5 to 3.0 mm. It was found that reducing the diameter of the impeller (from 236 mm to 162 mm) at a seed moisture content of 8.8 % improved the efficiency of dehulling. At a rotation frequency of the impeller of 2000 min–1, the highest total number of intact and destroyed kernels (23.23–29.33 %) was achieved for the two studied moistures. With an increase in seed moisture content from 8.8 % to 12.0 %, the number of dehulled kernels in the hempseed cake increased. It was noted that for seeds with a moisture content of 8.8 %, an increase in the gap led to a decrease in the dehulling efficiency for each of the three investigated seed fractions. The total number of dehulled kernels under such conditions decreased by 2.4–6.8 % and amounted to 16.4–26.9 %. For seeds with a moisture content of 12.0 %, an increase in the gap, on the contrary, increased the dehulling efficiency for each of the three investigated seed fractions. The total number of dehulled kernels for seeds of marked moisture increased within the range of 1.4–3.6 % and amounted to 27.4–31.0 % [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elemental composition of different components of white lupine seeds was analyzed. White lupine varieties Gamma, Dega, and Deter 1 were cultivated in 2009–2011 in the northeastern part of the Central Black Earth Region. Concentrations of 19 elements were determined at the Belgorodsky State Center for Agrochemical Service. White lupine intensely consumes chemical elements, which determines the unique chemical composition of its seeds that contain significantly higher amounts of many chemical elements whose content in livestock and poultry rations is standardized compared to seeds of other leguminous crops. White lupine acts as a manganese concentrator. The following elements are accumulated in its seeds in significant amounts: nitrogen (6.82 ± 0.25%), phosphorus (0.45 ± 0.07%), potassium (1.37 ± 0.17%), magnesium (0.17 ± 0.02%), sulfur (0.31 ± 0.02%), iron (41.85 ± 1.36 mg/kg), zinc (48.55 ± 4.33 mg/kg), manganese (390.70 ± 181.57 mg/kg), cobalt (0.82 ± 0.19 mg/kg), and molybdenum (6.80 ± 0.67 mg/kg); the above-listed elements are primarily concentrated in the seed kernel. The seed coat contains higher amounts of calcium (0.35 ± 0.02%), sodium (0.240 ± 0.006%), chromium (0.329 ± 0.049 mg/kg), lead (0.60 ± 0.04 mg/kg), cadmium (0.061 ± 0.003 mg/kg), and arsenic (0.024 ± 0.002) compared to the kernel. Deep processing of lupine seeds involving their separation into kernel and coat can be used to increase or reduce concentrations of certain chemical elements. The range of variability in the content of chemical elements increases as their concentrations grow. In the analyzed samples, the content of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury was lower than their maximum permissible concentrations set for fodder white lupine seeds. The obtained results are important for the production of compound feeds and protein concentrates; they can be used as statistical materials in the development of livestock-, poultry-, and fish-feeding programs to identify standard concentrations of chemical elements in white lupine seeds and their components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

为了促进铁力木的开发利用，以铁力木种仁为材料，对其脂肪、水分、蛋白质、可溶性糖、氨基酸、矿物质元素、维生素以及铁力木种仁油的脂肪酸组成及含量进行了分析。结果表明：铁力木种仁中脂肪、水分、蛋白质和可溶性糖的含量分别为58.60、7.90、7.34 g/100 g和4.44 g/100 g；铁力木种仁油中共检出9种脂肪酸，其中饱和脂肪酸5种，含量为32.64%，不饱和脂肪酸4种，含量为66.76%，4种含量最高的脂肪酸分别为油酸（49.10%）、亚油酸（17.30%）、棕榈酸（15.80%）和硬脂酸（15.40%）；铁力木种仁中共检出16种氨基酸，7种必需氨基酸含量占总氨基酸含量的3948%，必需氨基酸与非必需氨基酸的比值为65.24%，必需氨基酸比值系数分（SRC）值为5178；在检测的9种矿物质元素（铜、锌、铁、锰、钙、镁、磷、硒、钾）中，常量元素和微量元素中含量最高的分别为钾和铁；维生素E的含量为10.57 mg/kg，未检出维生素A。综上，铁力木种仁中油脂、微量营养成分等的种类和含量较为丰富，可在开展动物食用安全性实验证实无毒后，作为一种全新的坚果食品加以开发。 In order to promote the development and utilization of Mesua ferrea L. , the fat, moisture, protein, soluble sugar, amino acid, mineral element, and vitamin of Mesua ferrea L. seed kernel and fatty acid composition and content of the seed kernel oil were analyzed. The results showed that the contents of fat, moisture, protein and soluble sugar in Mesua ferrea L. seed kernel were 58.60, 7.90, 7.34 g/100 g and 4.44 g/100 g, respectively. Nine kinds of fatty acids were detected, of which five were saturated fatty acids, accounting for 32.64% of the total fatty acid content. There were four kinds of unsaturated fatty acids, accounting for 66.76% of the total fatty acid content. The four fatty acids with the highest content were oleic acid (49.10%), linoleic acid (17.30%), palmitic acid (1580%) and stearic acid (15.40%). Sixteen kinds of amino acids were detected, and seven kinds of essential amino acids accounted for 3948% of the total amino acids. The ratio of essential amino acids to non-essential amino acids was 65.24%, and the score of ratio coefficient of essential amino acids (SRC) was 51.78. Nine mineral elements(Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, P, Sn, K) were detected, and the contents of K and Fe were the highest in macroelements and trace elements, respectively. The content of vitamins E was 10.57 mg/kg, and vitamins A was not detected. In conclusion, the types and contents of oil and trace nutrient in Mesua ferrea L. seed kernel are relatively rich, which can be developed as a new nut food after the safety test of animals proves that it is non-toxic.

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology (1008-0864) is the property of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology 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.)

Camellia chekiangoleosa Hu. is a unique woody oil tree with significant economic and ornamental value in China, but the fruit is easily sunburned in low-altitude areas. However, few studies on their sunburn mechanism, especially the types and content of endogenous hormones with stress resistance, have not been reported, making it challenging to take reasonable preventive measures. Here, we analyzed the endogenous hormones before sunburn and found that salicylic acid (SA) and gibberellins (GAs) were very significantly correlated between pericarp and seed kernel. However, there weren't closely related to abscisic acid (ABA), auxin, jasmonic acids (JAs), and cytokinin. The content of indole-3-carboxylic acid (ICA) and 3-indolebutyric acid (IBA) in the pericarp was higher than in seed kernel, and IBA was only found in the pericarp. GAs in seed kernel were higher than that in pericarp, and GA3 and GA15 may regulate pericarp development. Contents of trans-Zeatin (tZ), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and GAs in seed kernel and pericarp gradually decreased to very low, while ABA and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (ICAld) gradually increased. SA was positively correlated with ABA in pericarp and GAs and SA in seed kernel and pericarp. JAs in fruit generally showed a downward trend, and methyl jasmonate (ME-JA) appeared in pericarp.

Aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE) of oil from Acer truncatum Bunge seed kernel was investigated. The effects of enzyme type on the extraction yield of oil were studied, and the results showed that the oil yield obtained with pentosanase was higher than that obtained with the other enzymes. The combination of pentosanase and cellulase showed better extraction performance than a single enzyme, and the operation parameters of the AEE method were optimized. A maximum oil yield of 37.94% was obtained. The analysis results of chemical compositions of the extracted oils showed that the content of unsaturated fatty acids in the oil extracted by the AEE method was 90.28%, and the content of nervonic acid was about 5.59%. In addition, the main physical and chemical properties of A. truncatum Bunge seed oil were measured. The oil obtained by the AEE method met the China National Standard of A. truncatum Bunge oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department 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.)

Background. Armeniaca sibirica seed kernel oil is rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid, thus holding potential value as a source of high-quality edible oils. However, some regulatory factors involved in fatty acids accumulation in A. sibirica seed kernels remain largely elusive. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying fatty acids biosynthesis in A. sibirica developing seed kernels. Methods. Seed kernels from six plants from a single A. sibirica clone were taken at five different developmental stages (days 30, 41, 52, 63, and 73 after anthesis). Fatty acid composition in seed kernel oil was determined by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, transcriptome analysis was conducted using second-generation sequencing (SGS) and single-molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT). Results. Rapid accumulation of fatty acids occurred throughout the different stages of seed kernels development, with oleic acid and linoleic acid as the main fatty acids. A total of 10,024, 9,803, 6,004, 6,719 and 9,688 unigenes were matched in the Nt, Nr, KOG, GO and KEGG databases, respectively. In the category lipid metabolism, 228 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were annotated into 13 KEGG pathways. Specific unigenes encoding 12 key enzymes related to fatty acids biosynthesis were determined. Co-expression network analysis identified 11 transcription factors (TFs) and 13 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which putatively participate in the regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis. This study provides insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of fatty acids biosynthesis in A. sibirica developing seed kernels, and enabled the identification of novel candidate factors for future improvement of the production and quality of seed kernel oil by breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus armandii seed kernel is a nutrient-rich and widely consumed nut whose yield and quality are affected by, among other things, harvesting time and climatic conditions, which reduce economic benefits. To investigate the optimal harvesting period of P. armandii seed kernels, this study determined the nutrient composition and seed kernel morphology and analyzed the gene expression and metabolic differences of P. armandii seed kernels during the harvesting period by transcriptomics and metabolomics. The results revealed that during the maturation of P. armandii seed kernels, there was a significant increase in the width, thickness, and weight of the seed kernels, as well as a significant accumulation of sucrose, soluble sugars, proteins, starch, flavonoids, and polyphenols and a significant decrease in lipid content. In addition, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of P. armandii seed kernels during the harvesting period screened and identified 103 differential metabolites (DEMs) and 8899 differential genes (DEGs). Analysis of these DEMs and DEGs revealed that P. armandii seed kernel harvesting exhibited gene-metabolite differences in sugar- and lipid-related pathways. Among them, starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis were associated with the synthesis and catabolism of sugars, whereas fatty acid degradation, glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism were associated with the synthesis and catabolism of lipids. Therefore, the present study hypothesized that these differences in genes and metabolites exhibited during the harvesting period of P. armandii seed kernels might be related to the accumulation and transformation of sugars and lipids. This study may provide a theoretical basis for determining the optimal harvesting time of P. armandii seed kernels, changes in the molecular mechanisms of nutrient accumulation, and quality directed breeding.

Background: Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is an indigenous tree extensively used as a nutrient and an antioxidant. In addition to its medicinal attributes, it possesses a promising role in moisturizing and cleansing the skin., Objectives: Our study aims to formulate an herbal cream from Moringa oil and evaluate its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity., Materials and Methods: In the present study, Moringa oil was extracted from the seed kernels and formulated into an herbal cream, and the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated. Among the three formulations M1, M2, and M3, the formulation M1 was homogenous, more stable, and non-greasy with constant pH. M1 was subjected to further antimicrobial studies and anti-inflammatory studies by the agar-well diffusion technique and albumin denaturation assays, respectively., Results: M. oleifera seed kernel oil cream exhibited the highest antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the results were compared to the standard gentamycin. Moreover, M1 showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity with an IC 50 value of 124.5 μg/mL., Conclusion: The results show that the formulated cream will be efficient in its multipurpose activity. The current study validates the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of M. oleifera seed kernel oil cream., Competing Interests: Human subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve human participants or tissue. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Suresh et al.)

Jatropha curcas, has been established as a plant whose seeds contain a relatively high percentage of oil that is suitable for biodiesel production, among other industrial applications. Seed oil properties of J. curcas may vary depending on soils, age of plant, genotype of the plant, and agro-climatic conditions of a specific geographical region. Studies under such conditions have not yet been conducted. The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of genotype and age of the plant on the physicochemical properties of its seed oil. The seed oil was extracted using n-hexane as a solvent in the Soxhlet extraction apparatus from seed kernel collected from different genotypes and plants of different ages. Oil content in the kernel ranged from 49.78–53.75% (w/w) among the seed samples depending on genetic materials and plant age. The oil content showed very little but significant differences in density and specific gravity among the samples. The highest free fatty acid (FAA) was produced by the kernel oil of 3-year-old plants (7.78%), and 7- and 10-year-old plants gave the lowest FAA (1.26 and 1.31%, respectively). The kernel oil of 7-year-old plants produced the highest iodine value (93.60 mg/g oil) and the kernel oil of 3-year-old plants produced the lowest iodine value (61.10 mg/g oil). Kernel oil of 10-year-old plants gave the lowest (172.98 mg KOH/g) saponification value and 4-year-old Hybrid-3 gave the maximum value (209.97 mg KOH/g oil). The seed oil of Jatropha accessions showed very little difference (39.88–40.85 MJ/kg) for high heating values irrespective of their age. On the other hand, the cetane number varied from 55.32 to 59.58 in the oil samples. The age of plant and seed sources had a significant effect on seed oil content and the physio-chemical properties of Jatropha.

Abstract Background Paeonia ostii is a potentially important oilseed crop because its seed yield is high, and the seeds are rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ALA biosynthesis during seed kernel, seed testa, and fruit pericarp development in this plant are unclear. We used transcriptome data to address this knowledge gap. Results Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry indicated that ALA content was highest in the kernel, moderate in the testa, and lowest in the pericarp. Therefore, we used RNA-sequencing to compare ALA synthesis among these three tissues. We identified 227,837 unigenes, with an average length of 755 bp. Of these, 1371 unigenes were associated with lipid metabolism. The fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis and metabolism pathways were significantly enriched during the early stages of oil accumulation in the kernel. ALA biosynthesis was significantly enriched in parallel with increasing ALA content in the testa, but these metabolic pathways were not significantly enriched during pericarp development. By comparing unigene transcription profiles with patterns of ALA accumulation, specific unigenes encoding crucial enzymes and transcription factors (TFs) involved in de novo FA biosynthesis and oil accumulation were identified. Specifically, the bell-shaped expression patterns of genes encoding SAD, FAD2, FAD3, PDCT, PDAT, OLE, CLE, and SLE in the kernel were similar to the patterns of ALA accumulation in this tissue. Genes encoding BCCP, BC, KAS I– III, and FATA were also upregulated during the early stages of oil accumulation in the kernel. In the testa, the upregulation of the genes encoding SAD, FAD2, and FAD3 was followed by a sharp increase in the concentrations of ALA. In contrast, these genes were minimally expressed (and ALA content was low) throughout pericarp development. Conclusions We used three tissues with high, moderate, and low ALA concentrations as an exemplar system in which to investigate tissue-specific ALA accumulation mechanisms in P. ostii. The genes and TFs identified herein might be useful targets for future studies of ALA accumulation in the tree peony. This study also provides a framework for future studies of FA biosynthesis in other oilseed plants.

Background: Paeonia ostii is a potentially important oilseed crop because its seed yield is high, and the seeds are rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ALA biosynthesis during seed kernel, seed testa, and fruit pericarp development in this plant are unclear. We used transcriptome data to address this knowledge gap. Results: Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry indicated that ALA content was highest in the kernel, moderate in the testa, and lowest in the pericarp. Therefore, we used RNA-sequencing to compare ALA synthesis among these three tissues. We identified 227,837 unigenes, with an average length of 755 bp. Of these, 1371 unigenes were associated with lipid metabolism. The fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis and metabolism pathways were significantly enriched during the early stages of oil accumulation in the kernel. ALA biosynthesis was significantly enriched in parallel with increasing ALA content in the testa, but these metabolic pathways were not significantly enriched during pericarp development. By comparing unigene transcription profiles with patterns of ALA accumulation, specific unigenes encoding crucial enzymes and transcription factors (TFs) involved in de novo FA biosynthesis and oil accumulation were identified. Specifically, the bell-shaped expression patterns of genes encoding SAD, FAD2, FAD3, PDCT, PDAT, OLE, CLE, and SLE in the kernel were similar to the patterns of ALA accumulation in this tissue. Genes encoding BCCP, BC, KAS I– III, and FATA were also upregulated during the early stages of oil accumulation in the kernel. In the testa, the upregulation of the genes encoding SAD, FAD2, and FAD3 was followed by a sharp increase in the concentrations of ALA. In contrast, these genes were minimally expressed (and ALA content was low) throughout pericarp development. Conclusions: We used three tissues with high, moderate, and low ALA concentrations as an exemplar system in which to investigate tissue-specific ALA accumulation mechanisms in P. ostii. The genes and TFs identified herein might be useful targets for future studies of ALA accumulation in the tree peony. This study also provides a framework for future studies of FA biosynthesis in other oilseed plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen refers to the dried seed of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou. The seed is composed of a reddish brown coat and a yellow kernel. A comparative study was conducted to investigate differences in the chemical composition and their relative contents between the seed coat and kernel of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. First, the chemical compounds found in the seed coat and kernel were characterized and identified using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). The analytical results tentatively identified 57 chemical compounds based on reference-compound comparison, literature retrieval, and chemical-database (e. g., MassBank) searches; these compounds included 14 triterpenes, 23 flavonoids, 7 alkaloids, 6 carboxylic acids, and 7 other types of compounds. The mass error of the identified compounds was within the mass deviation range of 5×10 -6 (5 ppm). Next, two methods of multivariate statistical analysis, namely, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), were used to compare the differential compounds between the two seed parts. A total of 17 differential compounds were screened out via OPLS-DA based on a variable importance in projection (VIP) value of >5. The results revealed that betulinic acid, betulonic acid, alphitolic acid, and jujuboside Ⅰ mainly existed in the seed coat whereas the 13 other compounds, such as spinosin, jujuboside A, and 6‴-feruloylspinosin, mainly existed in the seed kernel. Therefore, these 17 differential compounds can be used to distinguish between the two seed parts. Finally, a semiquantitative method was established using UPLC and a charged aerosol detector (CAD) with inverse gradient compensation in the mobile phase. Six representative compounds with different types were selected to examine the CAD response consistency: magnoflorine (alkaloid), spinosin (flavone), 6‴-feruloylspinosin (flavone), jujuboside A (triterpenoid saponin), jujuboside B (triterpenoid saponin), and betulinic acid (triterpenoid acid). The results showed that the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the average response factors at different levels of these six compounds was 7.04% and that their response intensities were similar. Moreover, each compound in the fingerprint demonstrated good response consistency, and the peak areas obtained directly reflected the contents of each compound. Based on the semiquantitative fingerprints obtained, betulinic acid and oleic acid were considered the main components of the seed coat. The betulinic acid content in the seed coat was approximately 7 times higher than that in the seed kernel. Spinosin, jujuboside A, linoleic acid, betulinic acid, and oleic acid were the main components of the seed kernel. The spinosin content in the seed kernel was 18 times higher than that in the seed coat. In addition, the jujuboside A content in the seed kernel was 24 times higher than that in the seed coat. The proposed method can accurately determine the main components and compare the relative contents of these components in different seed parts. In summary, this study identified the differences in chemical components between the seed coat and kernel of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen and clarified the main components and their relative contents in these parts. The findings can not only provide a basis for the identification of chemical compounds and quality research on different parts of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen but also promote the development and utilization of this traditional Chinese medicine.

Summary: Seed coat and seed reserve show substantial mass variation, play different roles in plant life strategies and are shaped by different selective forces. However, remarkably little is known about the macroevolution of the relative allocation in seed components and its influence on important ecophysiological processes.Using phylogenetic comparative methods and evolutionary modelling approaches, we modelled mass changes in seed components along individual lineages for 940 species and compared the patterns across seed desiccation responses.Seed component allocation was driven primarily by changes in reserve mass rather than coat mass, as evolutionary rates in reserve mass significantly outpaced those in coat mass. Although the scaling patterns between reserve mass and coat mass were similar across desiccation responses, desiccation‐sensitive seeds allocated more and evolved faster in reserve compared to desiccation‐tolerant seeds.The findings emphasize the relative importance of reserve to coat in the evolution of plant reproductive strategies, revealing potential ecological advantages gained by enlarged reserve. As the first quantification of the evolutionary tempo and mode of seed component mass, our study allows a detailed interpretation of evolutionary pathways underlying seed storage behaviours and advances the understanding of the evolution of desiccation sensitivity in seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • European bladdernut kernels can be regarded as a good source of beneficial phytonutrients. • Lipophilic antioxidant α-tocopherol is the predominant bioactive compound (up to 224 mg/kg fwt). • Green kernels are rich in chlorophylls (up to 70 mg/kg fwt) and lutein (up to 29 mg/kg fwt). • E. bladernut kernels contains 40% of total fat and 5% of alpha linolenic acid (C18:3, n-3). • Light regime has no effect on the chemical composition of the kernels, except for shikimic acid. Abstract This study aimed to quantify the content of bioactive constituents of European bladdernut (Staphylea pinnata L.) seed kernels, which have been poorly examined chemically, even though they have a long history of use for food. Chlorophylls, carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, phenolics, fatty acids, sugars and organic acids were analysed. European bladdernut kernels contain appreciable amounts of bioactive constituents. The high contents of tocopherols, carotenoids and chlorophyll make bladdernut kernels a very promising food source in comparison to other nuts. The phenolic content was lower than in other nut species. The content of total fatty acids was up to 419 g/kg fresh weight, and the ratio n-6/n-3 was 10/1. The major fatty acid was linoleic acid (45% of total fatty acids). No significant difference was found between wild and cultivated (ornamental) plants, except for shikimic acid, which was significantly higher in cultivated bladdernut. The chemical composition of the kernels makes bladdernut one of the most interesting sources of health promoting substances among seeds and nuts. The results of this study show that the utilisation of E. bladdernut seeds for food uses is worth encouraging. However, more research is needed to investigate potential antinutritive substances in bladdernut kernels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We quantified mass allocation among seed dispersal, defence and reserve components. • The mass–mass scaling between seed components varied among populations. • Relative mass allocation between dispersal and defence components held constant. • Defence component scaled at a lower rate than seed reserve. • Seed reserve increased from south to north, while the other components decreased. Abstract Compared with biomass allocation patterns in plant vegetative organs, traits scaling has been much less studied in seeds. By quantifying intraspecific variations in masses of seed functional components at multiple ecological levels, we aim to provide the first understanding of the ways in which masses of seed dispersal, defence and reserve components scale against each other, and to examine the variations in the composition of seed components across populations along a south–north gradient. In a wind-dispersed Asteraceae annual, Geropogon hybridus , pappus, seed coat and seed reserve were weighed for individual seeds across three populations at its southern range margin. The variations of seed component masses were partitioned at the population, plant and seed levels. The scaling relationships were quantified between seed component masses, using standard major axis regressions. The variations in seed component masses had a generally balanced distribution across the three hierarchical levels of population, plant and seed. Consistently at both the seed and the plant levels, the mass scaling of seed components showed an isometry between pappus and seed coat (slope CI including one), and a negative allometry between seed reserve and seed coat (slope CI below one). From south to north, the scaling slopes within populations increased, and meanwhile the mass ratios of pappus and seed coat in a whole seed decreased whereas the mass ratio of seed reserve increased. The findings demonstrate that biomass investment in dispersal scales proportionally with that in defence. This study also suggests that smaller seeds invest proportionally more biomass in protective tissues than do larger seeds, in agreement with traditional ideas that small seeds may have advantages in terms of physical defence. Overall, our quantification of the within-seed biomass allocations demonstrates strong correlations between seed functional components, and improves our understandings of plant reproductive strategies under changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Armeniaca sibirica seed kernel oil is rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid, thus holding potential value as a source of high-quality edible oils. However, some regulatory factors involved in fatty acids accumulation in A. sibirica seed kernels remain largely elusive. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying fatty acids biosynthesis in A. sibirica developing seed kernels., Methods: Seed kernels from six plants from a single A. sibirica clone were taken at five different developmental stages (days 30, 41, 52, 63, and 73 after anthesis). Fatty acid composition in seed kernel oil was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, transcriptome analysis was conducted using second-generation sequencing (SGS) and single-molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT)., Results: Rapid accumulation of fatty acids occurred throughout the different stages of seed kernels development, with oleic acid and linoleic acid as the main fatty acids. A total of 10,024, 9,803, 6,004, 6,719 and 9,688 unigenes were matched in the Nt, Nr, KOG, GO and KEGG databases, respectively. In the category lipid metabolism, 228 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were annotated into 13 KEGG pathways. Specific unigenes encoding 12 key enzymes related to fatty acids biosynthesis were determined. Co-expression network analysis identified 11 transcription factors (TFs) and 13 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which putatively participate in the regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis. This study provides insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of fatty acids biosynthesis in A. sibirica developing seed kernels, and enabled the identification of novel candidate factors for future improvement of the production and quality of seed kernel oil by breeding., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2022 Wu et al.)

A non-glycosylated acidic α-galactosidase was purified from Moringa oleifera (M.oleifera) seeds by a combination of ammonium sulphate precipitation. CM-cellulose (carboxymethyl-cellulose). phenyl Sepharose and Sephadex G-150 column chromatography techniques. In gel filtration the protein eluted as a single peak with a native molecular mass of-66 kDa. The enzyme migrated as a single band in SDS-PAGE that corresponded to ∼64 kDa both under reducing and non-reducing conditions. The pH and temperature optimum of the M. oleifera α-galactosidase was found to be pH 5.0 and 50°C respectively. More than 90% of the enzyme activity is stable between pH 2-6 after 24h of incubation. The enzyme was more than 80% stable at 50°C after 1 h of incubation. The enzyme activity was completely inhibited by Ag , Hg2-, C2- and SDS at 1 mM concentration. EDTA and reducing agents did not show any effect on enzyme activity'. The enzyme was found to be localized in protein bodies in the seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro antibacterial activity of a phytoconstituent, entagenic acid isolated from the seed kernel of Entada pursaetha DC was screened against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria. The entagenic acid showed the high antibacterial activity against B. cereus and B. subtilis with minimal inhibitory concentration of 200 μg ml and possesses better glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase inhibition in molecular docking studies with minimum docking energy −9.22 kJ mol, binding energy −9.28 kJ mol and inhibition constant 1.57e−007. The inhibition constant of streptomycin was 3.86e−005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerocarya birrea fruits are widely eaten in developing countries especially in rural areas and serves as nutrients supplements. However, they also contain phyto-toxin which may affect the normal functioning of the body. Acute toxicity was performed by a single oral administration at a dose of 3000 mg/kg body weight. Sub chronic evaluation was done by oral feeding of the rats with the seed kernel extract daily at doses of 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. The results of acute toxicity showed no mortality and general behavior changes. The lethal dosage (LD50) was greater than 3000 mg/kg body weight. Rats fed with 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight of the extract showed increased body weights throughout the period of treatment but not significantly (p<0.05) different from the control group. Significant (p<0.05) reduction in the body weights were noticed in those administered with 3000 and 4000 mg/kg body weight at the 4th and all the weeks respectively. Significant (p<0.05) increased in serum total protein, albumin, bilirubin, transaminases, creatinine, urea, uric acid and electrolytes were observed in rats fed with 3000 to 4000 mg/kg body weight of the extract, suggesting liver and kidney toxicity. Therefore, the seed kernel extract of S. birrea may be relatively toxic at doses of 3000 and 4000 mg/kg body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of mango (Mangifera indica L.) seed kernel. Methods: Chokanan mango seed kernel and seed kernels from assorted mango varieties were collected, cleaned, dried and powered. Crude methanolic extracts of mango seed kernel were analyzed for the phytochemical constituents. The free radical scavenging activity was determined by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion assay with three medically important bacterial pathogens such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (MRSA), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus). Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of important phytochemical compounds such as glycosides, saponins, flavanoids, tannins and alkaloids. There was no significant difference in the phytochemical content between the single and assorted mango seed kernels. However, the free radical scavenging study indicated that the assorted mango kernels showed slightly higher activity than the single species (P <0.05). The crude methanolic extract of mango seed kernel at a concentration of 100 mg/mL is found to have potential antimicrobial activity against MRSA and E. coli compared to V. vulnificus. Study on the antibacterial activity also indicated that there was no significant difference in the antibacterial activity of the single and assorted mango seed kernel extracts. Conclusions: The present study conclusively demonstrates the free radical scavenging activity and antibacterial activities of mango seed kernel. In addition, the results also indicated that there is no significant difference in the phytochemical content and biological activity of mango kernels from single and assorted mango varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional system of Indian medicine, C.bonducella is widely used for its antipyretic, antiperiodic, anticonvulsive, and antiparalytic activities. For assessing anticonvulsant activity, pentylenetetrazole, maximal electro shock, strychnine- and picrotoxin-induced convulsions models were used. Diazepam was used as a standard reference for all models except maximal electro shock model, wherein phenytoin was used as standard reference. Seed kernels of C. bonducella were powdered and subjected to successive extraction with solvents like petroleum ether (PE), ethanol, methanol and water using soxhlet apparatus. All the extracts were administered as suspension in 2% gum acacia in all the experiments. Preliminary phytochemical investigation of petroleum ether extract of caesalpinia bonducella revealed the presence of saponins, glycoside, starch, sucrose, proteins, sterols and reported constituents like homoisoflavone (bonducillin) and a non alkaloid bitter principle (natin). It was found to be non-toxic even up to the dose level of 3000mg/kg (LD50). In pentylenetetrazole, maximal electro shock, strychnine- and picrotoxin-induced convulsion models medium and high doses (600 and 800mg/kg) of the extract showed significant anti-convulsant activity. The present investigation revealed that the PECB possessed anticonvulsant activity which may be contributed to the presence of phytoconstituents such as saponins, proteins, homoisoflavone (bonducillin), carbohydrates and sterols present in the drug, as these are already reported for their anxiolytic and anti-convulsant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azadirachtin content in the seeds of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Jusieu) collected from different regions of India was studied. The concentration of azadirachtin varied from 200 to 16,000 ppm (mg/g of the seed kernel). Azadirachtin content was found to be affected by climate and habitat. Annual variation in azadirachtin content was significant. The highest azadirachtin content was recorded in the neem tree populations growing in the southern part of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mango seed kernel by-product is an excellent source of phenolic compounds. • Cultivar and maturation degree have a great influence on bioactive compounds. • Selection of seed kernel cultivar and maturation determine the nutraceutical value. • The revalorization of mango seed kernel fulfill with the strategy of circular economy. Mango seed kernel is a by-product which is usually discarded. However, it has been confirmed in this study that seed kernel exhibits more phenolic compounds with bioactive properties than edible fraction of mango. The influence of factors such as cultivar and maturation degree on the phenolic composition has been studied to evaluate nutraceutical value. The comprehensive analysis of phenolic composition by HPLC-DAD-Q-ToF-MS seed kernel from different cultivars ('Keitt', 'Kent'and 'Osteen') at five maturation stages was conducted. Results evidenced that 'Keitt' samples exhibited higher quantities of iriflophenone glucoside, maclurin C-glucoside, maclurin digalloyl glucoside, mangiferin, 5-galloyl quinic acid and trigalloyl glucose at the first three ripening stages. However, seed kernel from 'Osteen' variety showed higher amounts of hexa- and hepta-gallotannins whose concentrations diminished over the maturation course. Therefore, cultivar and maturation stage factors should be take into account due to their influence on the phenolic composition and subsequently on the nutraceutical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]