South African Journal of Botany最新文献

{"title":"Unveiling the efficacy and mechanism of Danggui-Shaoyao-San in treating nephrotic syndrome: A meta-analysis and network pharmacology study","authors":"Heyong Wang ,&nbsp;Lanyue Xiong ,&nbsp;Jun Wang ,&nbsp;Shaobo Wu ,&nbsp;Yang Chen ,&nbsp;Dongyan Lan ,&nbsp;Dianxing Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.07.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.07.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of DSS in treating nephrotic syndrome through meta-analysis and network pharmacology methods.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>To conduct a comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of Danggui Shaoyao San (DSS) in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome, we searched across eight electronic databases from their establishment to May 1, 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence regarding bias risk and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan software (version 5.4). Furthermore, network pharmacology was employed to validate the underlying mechanism.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study included 14 articles that involved 1256 patients with nephrotic syndrome. The clinical efficacy of DSS against nephrotic syndrome was significantly higher than that of Western medical treatment alone. In comparison with the control groups, which were administered Western medicines alone, the use of DSS significantly increased plasma albumin levels (mean difference [MD] = 4.32, 95 % confidence interval [CI] [2.37, 6.24], <em>p</em> &lt; 0.00001) and reduced 24 h urinary protein excretion (MD = −0.92, 95 % CI [−1.11, −0.73], <em>p</em> &lt; 0.00001), total cholesterol levels (MD = −1.23, 95 % CI [−1.76, −0.70], <em>p</em> &lt; 0.00001), triglyceride levels (MD = −0.37, 95 % CI [−0.54, −0.20], <em>p</em> &lt; 0.00001). Furthermore, the combination of DSS with Western medicines achieved better control of adverse reactions in comparison with the control groups (relative risk = 0.37, 95 % CI [0.29, 0.49], <em>p</em> &lt; 0.00001). Network pharmacology analysis identified 39 important active compounds and 18 core target genes involved in the treatment of primary nephrotic syndrome by DSS. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis identified 2126 biological processes, 64 cellular components, and 115 molecular functions, while Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis identified 149 signaling pathways. Key active compounds include ginsenoside Rg5, ginsenoside Rg1, schisandrin A, berberine, gallic acid, quercetin, and β-sitosterol, while potential core target genes include <em>IL6, AKT1, TNF, VEGFA, IL1B</em>, and <em>TP53</em>. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that DSS is involved in multiple mechanisms, such as neural development, synaptic plasticity, programmed cell death, inflammation, and immunity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>DSS has higher efficacy and safety in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome and acts on nephrotic syndrome via mechanisms that involve multiple targets, components, and pathways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"174 ","pages":"Pages 1000-1016"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142426670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cannabis for medicine and food: A benefit vs risk critical appraisal","authors":"M Nethengwe ,&nbsp;Y Maphosa ,&nbsp;BO Ahiante ,&nbsp;AB Oyenihi","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.069","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.069","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of cannabis for health purposes continues to gain significant attention due to the presence of important phytochemicals, chiefly, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The therapeutic potentials of CBD and THC in the management of cancer-associated chronic pain, anxiety, stress, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss are well-reported. These benefits are triggered by the intricate interactions of the cannabinoids with their receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) leading to pharmacodynamic actions. Conversely, the possible physiological, psychiatric, cognition, addiction, and dependency risks, especially due to chronic intake of THC, are huge limitations in fully harnessing the clinical utility of cannabis. Here, an up-to-date critique of the potential merits and adverse effects of cannabis and cannabis-containing products is provided. A thorough knowledge of the interplay between CBD, THC, and the ECS gives deep insights that can be explored for consumer health without the attendant complications. Future directions in cannabis research must be guided by a nuanced understanding of its molecular mechanisms of action and potential risks, enabling the development of targeted and effective medical interventions. Besides, standardized regulations and comprehensive education that are backed by empirical evidence are crucial to fostering the safe and responsible use of cannabis for food or medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"175 ","pages":"Pages 15-31"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142418098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of copper and silver nanoparticles on seedling growth, biochemical and antioxidant potential of Capsicum annuum L., in vitro and ex vitro","authors":"Kiran Suresh Mawale ,&nbsp;Aishwarya Praveen ,&nbsp;Parvatam Giridhar","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.057","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.057","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized using the chemical reduction method and evaluated <em>in vitro</em> and ex vitro on <em>Capsicum annuum</em>. The impact of MNPs, namely Ag, Cu, CuAg NPs, Silver nitrate (AgNO₃), and Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O) as bulk salts, on the physiological, biochemical, and antioxidative profiles of seedlings in <em>C. annuum</em> were examined in this work. Both NPs Primed (NPsP) and NPs Supplemented (NPsS) seeds showed 80–90 % and 90–100 % germination, respectively, after 15 days of inoculation on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) medium, compared to the control (75 %) and 93–97 % <em>in vitro</em>. The seedling length, weight, and vigour index improved significantly in response to <em>in vitro</em> and ex-vitro NP administration. After 45 days of nanoparticle (NPs) treatment, the levels of chlorophyll and carotenoids in NPsP seedlings increased by 65–244 % and 41–203 % in ex vitro, respectively, compared to NPsS seedlings, which showed an increase of 4–114 % and 26–107 %, respectively. Additionally, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were significantly enhanced in NPsP seedlings, showing an increase of 79–173 % and 62–168 % in ex vitro, compared with NPsS seedlings, which showed an increase of 3–73 % and 22–98 %, respectively. MNPs increased the total protein content in NPsP seedlings by 26–106 % in ex vitro (5–113 %), compared to NPsS seedlings. In the NPsP seedlings, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and proline content rose by 15–47 %, 38–83 %, and 65–121 % at ex vitro (10–61 %), (6–68 %), and proline content decreased, respectively, as compared to NPsS treated seedlings. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level in NPsP seedlings decreased (4–33 %) in ex vitro compared to NPsS seedlings, indicating ROS scavenging and healthy seedling development. In the current study, increased seed germination aided rapid seedling development. Thus, nanoparticles promote seed germination in <em>C. annuum</em> by overcoming the unfavourable effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improving the antioxidative defence system, resulting in increased seedling development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"175 ","pages":"Pages 1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142418027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics decipher anti-inflammatory metabolites from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. and Ziziphus spina-christi L. collected from diverse geographic localities; an in vitro multivariate statistical approach","authors":"Nahla S. El-Gazzar ,&nbsp;Reham S. Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Doaa A. Ghareeb ,&nbsp;Ali S. Abdel-Hamid ,&nbsp;Alaa A. El-Banna","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.063","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.063","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Ziziphus</em> is a cosmopolitan genus that has several traditional applications. One of them is alleviation of inflammation. However, <em>Ziziphus</em> mechanisms and exact biomarkers in charge of this effect are not extensively studied. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the phytochemical variability between the leaves’ extracts of two <em>Ziziphus</em> species gathered from diverse geographic localities, scrutinizing their <em>in vitro</em> anti-inflammatory effects, identifying the mechanisms and exact biomarkers accountable for these effects utilizing UPLC-MS/MS along with an <em>in vitro</em> multivariate statistical approach. Seventy-eight metabolites were annotated by UPLC-MS/MS. These metabolites were found to belong to different chemical classes such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that samples’ segregation was relied on their species type rather than their origin. Then, testing the effects of the studied extracts on the gene expression of four pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and INF-γ) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that <em>Z. jujuba</em> extract originating from China downregulated TNF-α to levels less than those caused by piroxicam, indicating its higher efficacy. The Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structures (OPLS) coefficient plots indicated that zizybeoside I, zizyphine G and lotusine G were among the most potential metabolites downregulating the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. However, ebelin lactone, oxyphylline B and zizyvoside I were from the more prominent biomarkers responsible for the downregulation of IL-1β. Furthermore, zizyphursolic acid, oxyphylline B and mauritine H, were strongly correlated with the downregulation of IFN-ɣ and IL-6. This study is the first attempt to decipher the anti-inflammatory metabolites from different <em>Ziziphus</em> species, valorizing their significance as a valuable traditional medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"174 ","pages":"Pages 963-977"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142426668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lead tolerance and accumulation in Arthrocaulon macrostachyum: Growth, physiological and antioxidant responses","authors":"Azhar Manzoor ,&nbsp;Irfan Aziz ,&nbsp;Amtul Mujeeb ,&nbsp;Zainul Abideen ,&nbsp;Jean Wan Hong Yong","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.10.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.10.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lead (Pb) is a non-essential and toxic metal for plants. Current study was planned to assess Pb-induced toxicity with and without NaCl in a halophyte <em>Arthrocaulon macrostachyum</em>. Three month old seedlings (after germination) were grown in pots containing quartz sand and sub-irrigated with 300 mM NaCl and different Pb(NO₃)₂ concentrations (0, 0.75, 3, 6 and 12 mM) in plastic trays where 0 mM NaCl and Pb(NO₃)₂ were taken as control for monitoring growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics. Plant growth (height and biomass) was optimized in 300 mM NaCl while progressive increases in fresh weights up to 3 mM Pb(NO₃)₂ may be related to better shoot turgor, succulence and more plant pigments. Growth was substantially reduced in 6 and 12 mM Pb(NO₃)₂ both with and without NaCl. Plant shoots accumulated higher levels of Pb and Na⁺ of up to 3 mM Pb;while root Pb increased in &gt; 6 mM Pb(NO₃)₂ treatments. Decreased pigments, potential quantum yield (F<em><u>v</u></em>/F<em>m</em>) and yield of photosystem II (ɸ PSII) enhanced the accumulation of H₂O₂, electrolyte leakage and consequently reactive oxygen species (ROS) in 12 mM Pb(NO₃)₂. The scavenging of ROS was manifested with the increased <em>in vitro</em> activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) of up to 6 mM Pb(NO₃)₂; whereas higher Guaiacol peroxidase (GPx) may be related to cell wall hardening and poor growth. The increases in SOD, marginal changes in catalase (CAT) and unchanged APX of up to 6 mM Pb(NO₃)₂ demonstrated the activation of stress-responsive metabolism in <em>Arthrocaulon machrostachyum</em>; and Pb accumulation of up to 200 mg kg^-1 making this species a useful candidate for Pb phytoremediation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"174 ","pages":"Pages 988-999"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142426669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lichen morphospecies diversity and community composition across the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa","authors":"Danielle A. Ward ,&nbsp;Sutapa Adhikari ,&nbsp;Madeleen Struwig ,&nbsp;Sarah Skikne ,&nbsp;Alan Fryday ,&nbsp;Dylan Smith ,&nbsp;Nishanta Rajakaruna","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa has no previously published data on its lichen biota, which reflects the broader status of lichenology in South Africa. It is estimated that nearly half of the country's lichen species remain undescribed. Consequently, this study aimed to gather baseline data on lichen diversity and distribution across the reserve. We quantified morphological and functional diversity, characterized lichen communities, and analyzed relationships between lichen diversity and environmental variables (northness, coverage, elevation, insolation, site, substrate type, and substrate texture) using morphospecies concepts. We documented 49 morphospecies across three habitats in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, including at least one species that is new to science (<em>Caloplaca tswaluensis</em> Fryday, S. Svoboda &amp; D. A. Ward; Fryday et al. in press) and another (<em>Trapeliopsis glaucolepidea</em> (Nyl.) Gotth. Schneid.) that had not previously been reported from Africa. Overall, we recorded lower diversity in corticolous (bark dwelling) lichen communities compared to saxicolous (rock dwelling) lichen communities. However, we did not find a significant effect of any measured environmental variable on saxicolous species richness. This preliminary study underscores the need for further investigation of the diverse, unrecorded lichen diversity that likely exists in other areas of the country as well as the differences in lichen communities on bark and rock substrates. This study also shows that morphospecies concepts can be informative and accessible approaches for exploratory lichen studies, particularly in regions with relatively understudied cryptogam communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"174 ","pages":"Pages 978-987"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142426664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-application of fungal metabolites and nanoparticles control bacterial wilt disease by regulating rhizosphere soil microbial communities","authors":"Guoxing Luo ,&nbsp;Guoyu Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.073","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.073","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Numerous techniques have been adopted to promote crop growth and improve the effectiveness of biological control. One of these strategies includes the utilization of antimicrobial metabolites from biocontrol agents combined with other strategies. Nanotechnology is a novel and emerging trend in controlling plant diseases. The present study aimed to improve the understanding through an assessment of the mechanism of how the co-application of nanoparticles (SiNPS) and fungal metabolites prevent tomato bacterial wilt infection and explore how the applied treatments regulate the soil microbial community structures present in the rhizosphere of tomato plants. It was demonstrated under in-vitro conditions that the silicon nanoparticles and metabolites of fungi restricted the growth of <em>Ralstonia solanacearum</em>, the causal agent of bacterial wilt. The combined application of nanoparticles and fungal metabolites during planta investigation significantly reduced the disease severity and improved plant growth. These treatments caused significant changes in rhizosphere microbial communities and enhanced the abundance of plant-beneficial microbes. The results of the current study hence advocate the application of fungal metabolites and SiNPS as an effective and environment-friendly strategy for controlling the wilt disease of bacteria in tomato plants and various other host crops.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"174 ","pages":"Pages 954-962"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142426131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cytotoxic potential of Hemp seed oil and molecular docking studies with inflammatory markers of diabetic cardiomyopathy","authors":"Rohit Chauhan ,&nbsp;Keshav Agarwal ,&nbsp;Kumud Bala ,&nbsp;Anju Krishnan ,&nbsp;Swagata Tavhare ,&nbsp;Davide De Rossi ,&nbsp;Alessio Fabbro ,&nbsp;Yash Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.052","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.052","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Present study was to assess the potential cytotoxic effects of commercially available Hemp seed oil and the effectiveness of its compounds in inhibiting inflammatory markers associated with diabetic cardiomyopathy. The bioactive components of Hemp seed oil were analysed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). To evaluate the oil's cytotoxic properties, a modified 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay was conducted on L929 cells (a mouse fibroblast cell line). Furthermore, an in vivo antiangiogenic assessment of the oil was performed using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, following a laboratory-standardized protocol. Docking and simulation studies were carried out to examine the binding and stability of the oil's compounds with inflammatory markers relevant to diabetic cardiomyopathy. The GC–MS analysis revealed that hemp seed oil contains several compounds, including Cannabidiol, Benzenemethanaminium, Dronabinol, Cannabinol, and Squalene. The cytotoxicity assessment on L929 cells demonstrated that Hemp seed oil did not exhibit any harmful effects at a concentration of 2.5 - 5 mg/mL. The CAM model confirmed the presence of antiangiogenic properties in Hemp seed oil, as evidenced by the inhibition of vascular patterns and blood vessel dissolution in the eggs. Additionally, docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations indicated that Benzenemethanaminium and Cannabielsoin exhibited the highest inhibitory efficacy and stability when interacting with IL-1β and C-reactive protein, respectively. This study suggests that Hemp seed oil possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties, making it a potential herbal remedy for patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"174 ","pages":"Pages 876-886"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142426656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties of Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. aqueous leaf extract on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages","authors":"Wilaiwan Senghoi ,&nbsp;Nattaya Konsue ,&nbsp;Si Qin ,&nbsp;Wiyada Kwanhian Klangbud","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.059","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.059","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Thunbergia laurifolia</em> Lindl., a Thai medicinal herb, has garnered substantial attention among researchers due to its recognized efficacy as an antidote, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. Despite its extensive investigation, the specific role of <em>T. laurifolia</em> in apoptotic inhibition remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the protective properties of <em>T. laurifolia</em> leaf extract against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages and determine the extractʼs total phenolic as well as flavonoid content, and its antioxidant. Moreover, the cytotoxicity including anti-inflammatory potential on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were assessed by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO). The outcomes of this investigation revealed remarkable similarity between the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity of the leaf extract under scrutiny and those documented in prior studies. In addition, the extract demonstrated negligible cytotoxicity at low concentrations. Furthermore, it effectively impeded the LPS-mediated production of NO, inflammatory mediator, in the macrophages. Moreover, pre-treatment with <em>T. laurifolia</em> leaf extract improved LPS-induced apoptosis by reducing rate of apoptotic cell death up to 41 % at the same concentration (1.68 μL/mL) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Collectively, these findings provide compelling initial evidence attesting to the ability of <em>T. laurifolia</em> leaf extract to inhibit LPS-induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages, thereby augmenting our understanding of its potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"174 ","pages":"Pages 946-953"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142426667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Explant browning during callus induction of Juglans mandshurica might be caused by the cooperation of PAL, polyphenol and PPO","authors":"Chunping Liu ,&nbsp;Aonan Li ,&nbsp;Xinrui Fan ,&nbsp;Baiting Qin ,&nbsp;Lijie Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.072","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.072","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Juglans mandshurica</em> is an important timber and economic tree species in Northeast China. Callus induction is a key step for propagation and genetic transformation of plant species. In this study, we performed callus induction using mature zygotic embryos of <em>J. mandshurica</em> under varying concentrations of 2,4-D and sucrose, and analyzed its physiological indicators at 10 d, 20 d, 30 d, and 40 d of culture. The results showed that 30 g·L⁻¹ sucrose combined with 2.26 μM 2,4-D are optimal for callus induction, with a callus induction rate of 88.89 %. Higher sucrose concentration inhibited callus induction and exacerbated explant browning. Highest activities (or content) of superoxide dismutase (SOD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol content, were observed at 30 d of culture, with the values of 1208.841 U·g⁻¹ s, 53.429 U·h⁻¹·g⁻¹, and 1.740 U·g⁻¹, respectively; while at 40 d for peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) with the values of 55.686 U·g⁻¹ s, and 182.030 U·g⁻¹, respectively. However, the significant negative correlations (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) indicated that elevated level of the physiological indicators (SOD, POD, PPO and polyphenol) are not conducive for callus induction. No significant correlation was detected between polyphenol content and explant browning, however, significant positive correlation between PAL and polyphenol (<em>R</em> = 0.75), polyphenol and PPO (<em>R</em> = 0.696), and PPO and explant browning (<em>R</em> = 0.82) were detected. These results pointed to the likelihood that explant browning might be attributed to a cooperation of PAL, polyphenol and PPO (where PAL synthesized polyphenol, and then polyphenol was oxidized by PPO and produced brown quinones), rather than to an increase in polyphenol content simply. These insights provided a theoretical foundation for developing an indirect somatic embryogenesis system via callus induction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"174 ","pages":"Pages 937-945"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142426666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}