Search

Abstract Ethylene is a signalling factor that plays a key role in the response of plants to abiotic stresses, such as cold stress. Recent studies have shown that the exogenous application of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC), an ethylene promoter, affects plant cold tolerance. The cold-responsive specific gene DREB plays a crucial role in enhancing cold tolerance in plants by activating several cold-responsive (COR) genes. However, how the ethylene biosynthesis pathway regulates this gene in the cold response of thermophilic plants has yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, the thermophilic plant Plumbago indica L. was used as an example. Physiological experiments and transcriptomic analyses revealed that cold stress treatment induced the synthesis of endogenous ACC and regulated the ethylene signalling activator PiERF1, and cold signalling also activated PiDREB1A. Spray experiments also revealed that ACC-induced upregulation of the PiERF1 gene reduced the cold tolerance of P. indica and decreased the expression level of the PiDREB1A gene. These results indicate that ethylene signalling directly regulates the downstream gene PiERF1 and initiates the DREB‒COR cold-responsive signalling pathway to regulate cold tolerance, resulting in the negative regulation of cold tolerance in thermophilic plants.

Objective: The concurrent usage of oral hypoglycemic agents produces side effects, and the herbal medicine Plumbago zeylanica L. (PZ) is being studied to reduce these effects. The antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of PZ roots on streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Materials and Methods: Triple maceration method was used for the development of PZ extracts. Standardization of the plant extract and in vitro study was carried out by the physicochemical study, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, and α-amylase methods. Animals were divided into seven groups, and the experiment was designed into two parts. Seven groups were taken normal control, diabetic control, hydroalcoholic extract of PZ at different doses (100–200 mg/kg), and metformin (MET, 25 mg/kg) for 21 days. The coadministration of a low dose of PZ (100 mg/kg) and MET (100 mg/kg) was administered orally. Blood glucose level (BGL) was measured continuously for 3 weeks of overnight-fasted animals. Biochemical estimation was assessed by total protein, catalase, nitric oxide, and reduced glutathione content. Histological features of the β-cells were observed through histopathological study. Results: Hydroalcoholic PZ (HAPZ) showed the highest antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, respectively. Oral administration of HAPZ extract (200 mg/ml) for 21 days diminished the BGL significantly from 298 ± 7.05 to 230 ± 5.69 mg/dL, whereas coadministration of HAPZ (100 mg/kg) with MET (10 mg/kg) also reduced BGL from 286 ± 4.10 to 231 ± 5.75 mg/dL. The best outcomes were obtained when PZ extract (100 mg/kg) was combined with a low dose of MET (10 mg/kg). Conclusions: We can conclude that PZ might be the alternative to synthetic medicines for the management of diabetic disorders.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to explore the cytotoxic potential of different fractions (Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol) of Plumbago zeylanica L. root powder. Methodology: In this study, PzMH, PzMC, PzME, and PzMM fractions from the root powder of P. zeylanica were obtained through the cold maceration technique. The cytotoxic properties of these fractions on MG-63 cells were assessed using the MTT assay. The most potent fraction was further analyzed to understand its cytotoxic mechanism. To explore its apoptosis-inducing potential, microscopic and flow cytometric studies were conducted. Additionally, western blot analysis was used to examine the expression levels of proteins associated with apoptotic pathways. Results: PzMH showed the highest cytotoxicity against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, with a GI50 value of 53.07 µg/ml. Flow cytometric studies revealed an upsurge in reactive oxygen species and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. The highest concentration of PzMH fraction (183.48 µg/ml) led to 62 % cell population arrest at G0/G1 stage. The anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 was downregulated, with p53, cleaved-caspase 9, cleaved-caspase3, Bad and Bax expression upregulated. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of lawsone, p-coumaric acid, plumbagin, and 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde, indicating that the quinone-rich fraction of Plumbago zeylanica L. attenuates the proliferation of MG-63 osteosarcoma cells through the Bax/Bcl-2 pathway. Conclusion: To the best of our current knowledge, this marks the first documented case where the hexane fraction enriched with quinones extracted from the roots of P. zeylanica demonstrates its ability to induce apoptosis by influencing the Bax/Bcl2 pathway.

Introduction: Two varieties of Chitraka are widely used in the Ayurveda drug industry. The root is the part used in most of the formulations. Leaves of Chitraka are also used as an ingredient in many formulations, and leaves have many ethnomedicinal uses as well. Methods: Leaves of Plumbago rosea (PR) and Plumbago zeylanica (PZ) were evaluated for morphological and microscopical characteristics, including quantitative microscopy, surface study, powder microscopy, and histochemical studies. Results: In the macroscopic study the leaves of PR (14–17 cm) were found to be larger than PZ (8–14 cm). The petiole is smaller and reddish colored in PR whereas longer and greenish in PZ. The number of vascular bundles are more in the midrib of PR (7–9) compared to PZ (4–5). Sclerenchymatous arch-like structures present in the vascular bundles of the leaves are identifying characteristics of PR. Characteristic differences in the organoleptic characters were observed in individual powder samples. Conclusion: The specific pharmacognostical characteristics for the identification and differentiation of Sweta Chitraka and Rakta Chitraka were depicted here. The observed results can also be used as a reference standard for future works.

AbstractPlumbago zeylanica L. 1753 is a medicinally-important herb in family Plumbaginaceae. In this study, we assembled and reported the complete chloroplast genome of P. zeylanica. The plastome of P. zeylanica was 169,178 bp, including a large single-copy region of 92,135 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 13,455 bp and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 31,794 bp. It contained 124 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. zeylanica formed a close relationship with P. auriculata in Plumbago. The first complete chloroplast genome report of P. zeylanica providing an opportunity to explore the genetic diversity, and would be also helpful in the species identification and conservation.

Naturally synthesized secondary metabolites in plants are considered an important source of drugs, food additives, etc. Among them, research on natural plant medicinal components and their synthesis mechanisms has always been of high concern. We identified a novel medicinal floral crop, Plumbago auriculata L., that can be treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) for the rapid or sustainable production of natural bioactives from hairy roots. In the study, we globally analyzed the changes in the accumulation of plumbagin and others in the hairy roots of Plumbago auriculata L. hairy roots (PAHR) 15834 in P. auriculata L. based on 100 μmol/L of MeJA treatment by RNA-seq profiling, and we found that there was a significant increase in the accumulation of plumbagin and saponin before 24 h. To explain the principle of co-accumulation, it showed that MeJA induced JA signaling and the shikimic acid pathway, and the methylvaleric acid (MVA) pathway was activated downstream subsequently by the Mfuzz and weighted gene co-expression analysis. Under the shared metabolic pathway, the high expression of PAL3 and HMGR promoted the activity of the “gateway enzymes” phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGR), which respectively induced the high expression of key reaction enzyme genes, including chalcone synthase (CHS), isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP), and farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPS), that led to the synthesis of plumbagin and saponin. We speculated that large amounts of ketones and/or aldehydes were formed under the action of these characteristic enzymes, ultimately achieving their co-accumulation through polyketone and high-level sugar and amino acid metabolism. The study results provided a theoretical basis for carrying out the factory refinement and biosynthesis of plumbagin and saponins and also provided new ideas for fully exploiting multifunctional agricultural crops and plants and developing new agricultural by-products.

(1) Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes, marked by abnormal angiogenesis, microaneurysms, and retinal hemorrhages. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine advocates multi-target strategies for DR management. However, the mechanisms by which Solanum xanthocarpum (SX) and Plumbago zeylanica (PZ) exert therapeutic effects are not well understood; (2) Methods: To investigate these mechanisms, we employed network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. Phytochemicals from SX and PZ were identified using the IMPPAT database and Swiss Target Prediction tool. DR-related protein targets were sourced from the GeneCards database, and common targets were identified through Venn diagram analysis. STRING and Cytoscape were used to construct and analyze protein–protein interaction networks. Pathway enrichment was performed with Gene Ontology and KEGG databases; (3) Results: We identified 28 active phytoconstituents, targeting proteins such as EGFR, SRC, STAT3, AKT1, and HSP90AA1. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed the strong binding affinities of these compounds to their targets; (4) Conclusions: The study highlights the multi-target activity of SX and PZ, particularly in pathways related to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and PI3K–AKT signaling. These findings provide valuable insights into their therapeutic potential for DR, suggesting the effective modulation of key molecular pathways involved in the disease.

Background: Plumbago zeylanicum, commonly known as `Chitramula’ and `Chitrak’ and belonging to the family Plumbaginaceae, is a rambling perennial under shrub grown in most parts of India. The present work deals with the pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical studies on the roots of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. Objectives: This study aimed to look at the preliminary phytochemical screening and pharmacognostic characteristics of P. zeylanicum roots. Material and Methods: Macroscopy, microscopy, phytochemical screening, physicochemical parameters, and the production of thin-layer chromatograms were used to evaluate the pharmacognostic properties of the Plumbago zeylanicum root. Results: Macroscopic examination revealed brown roots with an unpleasant flavor. Transverse cuts displayed visible features like medullary rays, arteries, secondary xylem, and starch grains. Powder microscopy further revealed secondary xylem elements, trichomes, fibers, and starch grains. Physicochemical properties of Plumbago zeylanicum were determined, including thin-layer chromatography fingerprinting, ash levels, extractive values, and fluorescence analysis, indicating diverse phytoconstituents in the root extract. Conclusion: The extracts contain steroids, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and carbohydrates, suggesting potential medicinal applications. The method is a superior alternative to time-consuming and complex steam distillation-based isolation techniques.

“Heteromorphic self-incompatibility” (HetSI) in plants is a mechanism of defense to avoid self-pollination and promote outcrossing. However, the molecular mechanism underlying HetSI remains largely unknown. In this study, RNA-seq was conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying self-compatible (SC, “T × P” and “P × T”) and self-incompatible (SI, “T × T” and “P × P”) pollination in the two types of flowers of Plumbago auriculata Lam. which is a representative HetSI plant. By comparing “T × P” vs. “T × T”, 3773 (1407 upregulated and 2366 downregulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, 1261 DEGs between “P × T” and “P × P” (502 upregulated and 759 downregulated). The processes in which these DEGs were significantly enriched were “MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases-plant) signaling pathway”, “plant-pathogen interaction”,“plant hormone signal transduction”, and “pentose and glucuronate interconversion” pathways. Surprisingly, we discovered that under various pollination conditions, multiple notable genes that may be involved in HetSI exhibited distinct regulation. We can infer that the HetSI strategy might be unique in P. auriculata. It was similar to “sporophytic self-incompatibility” (SSI) but the HetSI mechanisms in pin and thrum flowers are diverse. In this study, new hypotheses and inferences were proposed, which can provide a reference for crop production and breeding.

AbstractThe study utilizes an analytical quality-by-design (AQbD) approach to establish a robust and efficient HPTLC method for plumbagin quantification in plumbago species. The highest-risk critical method parameters (CMP; concentration of plumbago and composition of mobile phase) and most appropriate critical analytical attributes (CAA; Peak area and retention factor [Rf]) were employed in the AQbD methodology. These CMP were tuned for higher plumbagin recovery using the central composite design (CCD) experiment. The created approach was validated by the requirements outlined in the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q2 (R2). Every plate involved in the proposed method validation has been subjected to the passing requirements of the system suitability test (SST). The low LOD (16.93 ng/mL) and LOQ (49.68 ng/mL) values and the minimal divergence in intra- and inter-day studies validate the developed method’s high precision and sensitivity. Further experiments employing the proposed method to determine the amount of plumbagin from the two distinct plant sources harvested under two different climate conditions determined the highest plumbagin content in P. indica, which is in line with the results. To summarize, the AQbD method may be used in other plant systems to optimize various factors and get a greater concentration of the desired plant metabolite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We investigated the anticancer activity of the PzMH fraction (hexane fraction) extracted from the roots of Plumbago zeylanica L., an ethnomedicinally significant plant widely distributed in India. Methods: The PzMH fraction was obtained through rigorous extraction and purification processes. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed to assess its effects on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. Acute toxicity studies were conducted to evaluate its safety profile. An in vivo study was carried out on EAC-bearing Swiss albino mice to assess its anticancer efficacy. Flow cytometric and microscopic analyses were done to examine the induction of cell death by the PzMH fraction. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved. Results: The PzMH fraction exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect in vitro, resulting in 50% cell death in EAC cells at low concentrations. The calculated GI50 value for the PzMH fraction was 42.74 µg/ml, demonstrating a comparable efficacy to the standard drug 5-fluoro uracil (GI50 = 43.38 µg/ml). The safety of therapeutic doses was confirmed through acute toxicity studies, which yielded an LD50 value of 500 mg/kg body weight. In the in vivo study, the PzMH fraction demonstrated a substantial 79.05% inhibition in the growth of EAC cells at the 300 mg/kg body weight dose of PzMH fraction. Flow cytometric and microscopic analyses revealed distinct apoptotic features in EAC cells treated with the PzMH fraction. Cell cycle analysis showed a significant arrest at the G0/G1 stage following treatment. PzMH treatment elicited a response characterized by escalated levels of cleaved caspases-3 and −9, while concurrently leading to a decreased expression of the Bcl2 protein, as evidenced by Western blot analysis. Conclusions: The current research provides empirical evidence supporting the anticancer activity of the PzMH fraction extracted from P. zeylanica. The observed cytotoxicity, safety, and apoptosis-inducing properties make it a promising candidate for further investigation as a potential cancer therapy. Further exploration of its phytochemical composition, including major compounds such as 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, trans-cinnamic acid, plumbagin and lawsone, contributes to our understanding of its mechanisms of action.

Plumbago europaea L. belongs to the family Plumbaginaceae , which has many medicinal and nutritional applications. It is among the significant medicinal herbs used widely in folk medicine in Syria to treat skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. There are no previous studies of the aerial parts' essential oils of this plant. So, herein we report on determining the chemical composition of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of P. europaea L. , which were collected from a mountainous area in Latakia Province, Syria, by utilising the GC-MS technique. The major compounds identified in the flower's essential oils were: plumbagin (32.4%), hexadecanoic acid (13.79%), heneicosane (9.03%) and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol (8.40%). While in the leaves' essential oils were phytol (17.97%), dibutyl phthalate (15.45%), heneicosane (6.91%) and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (6.72%). In addition, according to the published literature, most of the identified compounds have been reported to exhibit significant biological activities.

Copyright of Medicina Naturista is the property of Sociedad Europea de Medicina Naturista Clasica (Seccion Espanola) 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.)

Plumbago indica L. has a various pharmacological activity; however, the anticancer activity in cervical cancer has less information. To examine the antiproliferative, apoptotic, and antimigratory activity of Plumbago indica root extract on cervical cancer cells. The extract of P. indica was explored for cell viability, apoptosis, and migration by sulforhodamine B, colony formation, cell cycle distribution, Wound healing, Annexin V-FITC staining apoptotic, mitochondrial function, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. The data indicated that P. indica extract suppressed HeLa cervical cells viability by dose- and time-dependent manner along with the reduction of cancer cell number and colony forming ability. After 48 h of incubation period, the PR extract exhibited a significant reduction of migratory ability by dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, these extracts significantly showed a reduction of cell viability along with induction of late apoptosis. The mechanism of action was shown by detecting mitochondrial dysfunction and activating of ROS formation on HeLa cells-treated with P. indica extract. The extract of P. indica has a growth inhibition, migratory suppression, and apoptotic induction. The extract has an anticancer activity by reducing mitochondrial function and activating ROS formation.

Plumbago indica L. contains a valuable bioactive compound called plumbagin. Elicited regenerated shoots grown in vitro could be another source of high-yielding plumbagin. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of elicitor type and concentration, as well as elicitation period, on plumbagin content in in vitro-regenerated shoots of P. indica. Nodal explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1 mg/L benzyladenine (BA) in combination with 0–150 mg/L yeast extract or 50–150 µM salicylic acid for four weeks. Plumbagin levels of 3.88 ± 0.38% and 3.81 ± 0.37% w/w g dry extract were achieved from the 50 and 100 mg/L yeast extract-elicited shoots, which were higher than the value obtained for the control. However, the addition of salicylic acid did not increase the plumbagin content. In the elicitation period experiment, nodal explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L BA and 50 mg/L yeast extract for durations of three, four and five weeks. The 4-week yeast extract-elicited shoot had a maximum plumbagin content of 3.22 ± 0.12% w/w g dry extract, greater than that of the control. In summary, the plumbagin content of the in vitro P. indica shoots was enhanced by 4-week elicitation using 50 mg/L yeast extract.

Plumbago zeylanica is an important plant used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of hemorrhoids or piles. Despite its clinical uses, its molecular mechanism, for ameliorating hemorrhoids is not yet explored. Hence, the present study evaluated the plausible molecular mechanisms of P. zeylanica in the treatment of hemorrhoids using network pharmacology and other in silico analysis. Network pharmacology was carried out by protein, GO, and KEGG enrichment analysis. Further ADME/T, molecular docking and dynamics studies of the resultant bioactive compounds of P. zeylanica with the regulated proteins were evaluated. Results of the network pharmacology analysis revealed that the key pathways and plausible molecular mechanisms involved in the treatment effects of P. zeylanica on hemorrhoids are cell migration, proliferation, motility, and apoptosis which are synchronized by cancer, focal adhesion, and by signalling relaxin, Rap1, and calcium pathways which indicates the involvement of angiogenesis and vasodilation which are the characteristic features of hemorrhoids. Further, the molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed that the bio active ingredients of P. zeylanica strongly bind with the key target proteins in the ambiance of hemorrhoids. Hence, the study revealed the mechanism of P. zeylanica in ameliorating hemorrhoids.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Background: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) toxicity is considered to be one of the major causes of drug-induced hepatic failure. Citraka (Plumbago rosea L. and Plumbago zeylanica L.) was mentioned in Ayurveda classics as a remedy in liver disorders. Objective(s): The aim of the study was to experimentally evaluate the comparative effect of hepatoprotective activity of detoxified root decoction of the two species of Citraka against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: The hepatoprotective effect of Citraka decoction of two species was evaluated by the assessment of biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and serum creatinine. The study was also supported by histopathological assessment of liver sections. Results: The results showed the elevated concentration of biochemical markers and histopathological degenerative changes in animals treated with paracetamol indicating severe hepatic damage; whereas, the treatment with decoction of both the species of Citraka showed significant reduction in the serum markers and regenerative changes in the histopathological specimens pointing towards its effectiveness as a hepatoprotective drug. Conclusion: The present study showed Citraka’s effectiveness as a hepatoprotective drug and proved that the detoxified root decoction of P. rosea L. has a significant protective activity against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity than P. zeylanica L.