Search Results (353)

Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), is the most devastating disease threatening global citrus production. Although no commercial citrus varieties exhibit complete HLB resistance, genotype-specific tolerance variations remain underexplored. This study conducted a comparative transcriptomic profiling of six commercially citrus cultivars in South China, four susceptible cultivars (C. reticulata cv. Tankan, Gongkan, Shatangju, and C. sinensis Osbeck cv. Newhall), and two tolerant cultivars (C. limon cv. Eureka; C. maxima cv Guanxi Yu) to dissect molecular mechanisms underlying HLB responses. Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed extensive transcriptional reprogramming, with tolerant cultivars exhibiting fewer differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and targeted defense activation compared to susceptible genotypes. The key findings highlighted the genotype-specific regulation of starch metabolism, where β-amylase 3 (BAM3) was uniquely upregulated in tolerant varieties, potentially mitigating starch accumulation. Immune signaling diverged significantly: tolerant cultivars activated pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) via receptor-like kinases (FLS2) and suppressed ROS-associated RBOH genes, while susceptible genotypes showed the hyperactivation of ethylene signaling and oxidative stress pathways. Cell wall remodeling in susceptible cultivars involved upregulated xyloglucan endotransglucosylases (XTH), contrasting with pectin methylesterase induction in tolerant Eureka lemon for structural reinforcement. Phytohormonal dynamics revealed SA-mediated defense and NPR3/4 suppression in Eureka lemon, whereas susceptible cultivars prioritized ethylene/JA pathways. These findings delineate genotype-specific strategies in citrus–CLas interactions, identifying BAM3, FLS2, and cell wall modifiers as critical targets for breeding HLB-resistant cultivars through molecular-assisted selection. This study provides a foundational framework for understanding host–pathogen dynamics and advancing citrus immunity engineering. Full article

Due to the limited scientific exploration of Argania spinosa (L.) skeel husk, this study presents the first investigation of the metabolite profile of methanol and acetone extracts analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and high-resolution multistage mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/HRMSMS). A total of 43 compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoid derivatives, saponins, and triterpenic acids, were identified, some of which have not been previously reported in this species. The total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) content were spectrophotometrically determined. A multi-target approach was applied to investigate the antioxidant potential using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), β-carotene bleaching, and Ferric Reducing Ability Power (FRAP) tests. Carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes and lipase inhibitory activities were also assessed. The acetone extract exhibited the highest TPC and TFC values, resulting in being the most active in β-carotene bleaching test with IC₅₀ values of 26.68 and 13.82 µg/mL, after 30 and 60 min of incubation, respectively. Moreover, it was the most active against both α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes with IC₅₀ values of 12.37 and 18.93 µg/mL, respectively. These results pointed out that this by-product is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals potentially useful for prevention of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Full article

This study investigated the functional potential of Campomanesia xanthocarpa leaf and fruit infusions through phytochemical profiling, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, enzyme inhibition assays, and in vivo evaluation of glycemic markers. Leaf infusions exhibited a more diverse phenolic profile, higher total phenolic content, and greater antioxidant capacity compared to fruit infusions. Simulated digestion confirmed the bioaccessibility of key phenolic compounds, particularly glycosylated flavonoids such as quercetin-3-glucoside and kaempferol derivatives, with leaf extracts showing superior gastrointestinal stability. In vitro assays revealed a strong inhibitory activity of leaf infusions against α-amylase and β-glucosidase. In a 32-day trial with healthy dogs, the consumption of biscuits enriched with leaf infusion did not alter fasting glucose or amylase levels but resulted in a significant treatment × time interaction for serum fructosamine, indicating a delayed modulation of glycemic control, potentially associated with antioxidant or anti-glycation activity. These findings highlight the potential of C. xanthocarpa leaves as a functional ingredient in foods aimed at supporting glycemic regulation and metabolic health. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that has a significant impact on public health and is becoming more and more common worldwide. Although effective, conventional therapies are often limited by high cost, adverse effects, and issues with patient compliance. As a result, there is growing interest in complementary and alternative therapies. Medicinal plants have played an essential role in diabetes treatment, especially in regions such as Romania, where biodiversity is high and traditional knowledge is well preserved. The pathophysiology, risk factors, and worldwide burden of diabetes are examined in this review, with an emphasis on the traditional use of medicinal plants for glycemic control. A total of 47 plant species were identified based on ethnopharmacological records and recent biomedical research, including both native flora and widely cultivated species. The bioactive compounds identified, such as flavonoids, triterpenic saponins, polyphenols, and alkaloids, have hypoglycemic effects through diverse mechanisms, including β-cell regeneration, insulin-mimetic action, inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and oxidative stress reduction. A systematic literature search was conducted, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies relevant to antidiabetic activity. Among the species reviewed, Urtica dioica, Silybum marianum, and Momordica charantia exhibited the most promising antidiabetic activity based on both preclinical and clinical evidence. Despite promising preclinical results, clinical evidence remains limited, and variability in phytochemical content poses challenges to reproducibility. This review highlights the potential of Romanian medicinal flora as a source of adjunctive therapies in diabetes care and underscores the need for standardization and clinical validation. Full article

Fruit yield and quality improvement are challenges for researchers and farmers. This study reveals that the main fruit traits of blueberry (Vaccinium ashei ‘Bluegem’) were significantly improved after hydrogen (H₂)-based irrigation, assessed by the increased single fruit weight (14.59 ± 6.66%) and fruit equatorial diameter (4.19 ± 2.39%), decreased titratable acidity, increased solid–acid and sugar–acid ratios. The enhancement of fruit quality was confirmed by the increased total volatiles, vitamin C contents, and antioxidant capacity. Using weighted protein co-expression network analysis (WPCNA), proteomic interrogation revealed that serine carboxypeptidase-like proteins I/II (SCPLI/II), ADP ribosylation factor 1/2 (ARF1/2), and UDP-glucosyltransferase 85A (UGT85A) might be functionally associated with the increased fruit weight and size driven by H₂. Reduced organic acid accumulation was caused by the regulation of the specific enzymes involved in sucrose metabolism (e.g., α-amylase, endoglucanase, β-glucosidase, etc.). H₂ regulation of fatty acid degradation (e.g., acyl CoA oxidase 1 (ACX1), acetyl CoA acyltransferase 1 (ACAA1), etc.) and phenylpropanoid metabolism were used to explain the improved fruit aroma and anthocyanin accumulation. Meanwhile, the upregulated heat shock protein 20/70 matched with the enhanced antioxidant activity. Together, this study provides a novel approach for yield and quality improvement in horticultural crops. Full article

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of four extraction methods, hot water (HW), hot alkaline (HA), ultrasound-assisted water (UW), and ultrasound-assisted alkaline (UA), for extracting crude β-glucan from Lentinula edodes, focusing on yield, functionality, and antidiabetic potential. The response surface methodology was used to optimize extraction conditions. Among all methods, UW yielded the highest β-glucan content (34.51 ± 0.82 g/100 g dry extract), indicating enhanced extraction efficiency through acoustic cavitation. However, HW demonstrated the most preserved structural integrity, exhibiting superior and consistent swelling power across all tested pH conditions, which indicated an excellent water-holding capacity. The ability of HA to scavenge antioxidants was significantly higher than that of other methods, likely due to the enhanced release of phenolic residues under alkaline conditions. UA showed the most potent inhibition against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 1.46 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 1.21 mg/mL), demonstrating the potential for type 2 diabetes management. These results highlight that while UW is optimal for yield, HW preserves functional integrity, HA enhances antioxidant properties, and UA is promising for enzyme inhibition. The findings provide insights into tailoring extraction strategies for targeted functional or nutraceutical applications. Full article

The Moroccan coastline has been the focus of attention for researchers studying the national algal flora, with the aim of preserving these invaluable natural resources. Since the year 2000, these resources have stimulated great interest in the creation of new drugs, as well as their integration into food supplements and foods. Therefore, this study aims to explore the phytochemistry of a series of extracts derived from Caulerpa prolifera. To ensure better extraction of the various metabolites present, two extraction methods, namely maceration and the Soxhlet method, were employed using solvents of varying polarity (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water). The chemical composition of the extracts was analyzed using GC-MS for fatty acids and HPLC-DAD for phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and β-carotene bleaching assays, while antidiabetic potential was assessed by in vitro inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In addition, Molecular docking models were employed to assess the interaction between the bioactive molecules and the human pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Vanillin, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, 7,3′,4′-flavon-3-ol, and kaempferol were the most abundant phenolic compounds. Anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects were highly significant. Full article

Childhood obesity and overweight are linked to subclinical inflammatory conditions. The present manuscript aimed to undertake a scoping review exploring the relationship between childhood obesity and salivary biomarkers to answer the following question: “Are salivary biomarkers trustful factors/indicators for childhood obesity?” The main search terms used were: “obesity and salivary biomarkers and children” (Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Embase databases: 1999–2025). Assessed articles were carefully classified according to a predetermined criterion (Newcastle–Ottawa Scale), and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were considered. Papers involving children >13 years, duplicates/triplicates, literature reviews, and non-related to the question addressed were excluded. More than 30 salivary biomarkers were assessed in the thirteen studies appraised. Three studies were rated as having a high level of evidence, two as moderate, and eight as having a low level. Fourteen biomarkers were found to be significantly increased in childhood obesity/overweight (p < 0.05): leptin, insulin, α-amylase, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, C-reactive protein, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, resistin, phosphate, nitric oxide, interleukin 1β, uric acid and fetuin-A; and three were found to be significantly decreased (p < 0.05): adiponectin, secretory immunoglobulin A, and interleukin-12p70. In conclusion, the present review supported the idea that saliva might be a promising diagnostic tool in early life and that it is a significant source of obesity biomarkers in children. Full article

The present study examined the impact of germination using Aloe vera as an elicitor on the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro anti-hyperglycemic and antitumoral activity of fenugreek seed extracts germinated by pressurized n-propane. The lipid composition, free fatty acids, antioxidant activity, and phenolic content, as well as the contents of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, and minor compounds, have been determined for the extracts. The in vitro anti-hyperglycemic and anticancer activities were also evaluated in cervical cancer (HeLa) and colon cancer (SiHa) cell lines. Antioxidant activity increased two-fold, α-tocopherol increased almost three-fold, and β-carotene content was 55% higher in the germinated seed extracts compared to the raw. Fifteen polyphenolic compounds have been identified in fenugreek seed extracts, which promote germination by increasing high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids at the expense of reducing saturated fatty acids. Extracts obtained from seed germination and elicitation with Aloe vera demonstrated potential in vitro anticancer activity in HeLa and SiHa cells. Fenugreek extracts demonstrated high in vitro inhibition of α-glucosidase (99%) and α-amylase (95%), indicating anti-hyperglycemic potential. The use of Aloe vera germination, combined with extraction using pressurized n-propane, demonstrated efficiency in enriching fenugreek seed extracts with bioactive compounds with potential in vitro anti-hyperglycemic and antitumor activity. Full article

The fungi belonging to the genus Pleurotus can be cultivated in different substrates and represent excellent producers of several extracellular enzymes. In this study, we analyzed eleven hydrolytic enzymes of the P. eryngii and P. ostreatus secretomes, which were collected at three different growth stages after 23 days (mycelial colonization of about 50% of the substrate), 34 days (100% colonization of the substrate) and 50 days (after the first flush). Mushrooms were axenically cultivated on the same substrate. The results demonstrate that proteases, lipases, amylases, α-glucosidase, cellulases (endoglucanase, β-cellobiohydrolase and β-glucosidase) and hemicellulase (xylosidase, glucuronidase, arabinosidase and mannosidase) activities were higher in the secretomes from P. eryngii than those from P. ostreatus. Time course analysis revealed for both species a similar enzymatic activity profile, in which in the early stages of mycelium development, both species use starch as the main carbon source. Protease and lipase activities increased and remained constant during the subsequent formation of fruiting bodies, whereas cellulase and hemicellulase activities decreased after the complete mycelial colonization of the substrate. The zymographic analysis suggested the presence in the secretomes of proteolytic activities belonging to different classes. In conclusion, both mushroom species released into the secretomes a broad spectrum of hydrolytic enzymes potentially useful in various biotechnological fields. Full article

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is crucial for stress response regulation and immune modulation. Prolonged SNS activation, often induced by stress exposure, disrupts immune homeostasis and intensifies inflammatory processes, contributing to periodontal disease progression. This study investigates the relationship between SNS activity and periodontitis severity, utilizing salivary biomarkers chromogranin A (CgA) and alpha-amylase (sAA) alongside pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Saliva samples from 67 patients, categorized by periodontitis severity (Stages I/II and III/IV), were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results revealed significantly higher median levels of CgA (9.45 vs. 3.93 pmol/mL) and IL-1β (257.81 vs. 220.11 pg/mL) in patients with Stage III/IV periodontitis compared with those with Stage I/II, indicating heightened SNS activity and inflammatory response. Correlations between these biomarkers and clinical periodontal parameters, such as probing depth and clinical attachment loss, further support these findings. Despite elevated sAA levels in severe cases, statistical significance was not achieved. IL-6 levels also showed no significant variation across disease stages, although trends aligned with increased severity. This study highlights the interplay between SNA activation and periodontal inflammation, as evidenced by elevated salivary levels of CgA and IL-1β in patients with advanced periodontitis. By integrating neuroendocrine and inflammatory biomarkers into the diagnostic process, clinicians may be able to better identify patients at increased risk for periodontal breakdown and to consider adjunctive interventions such as stress management, thereby supporting more personalized approaches to periodontitis treatment. Full article

Erica spiculifolia Salisb. (formerly Bruckenthalia spiculifolia Benth.) (Balkan heath) is renowned for its traditional usage as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. For the first time, acylquinic acids, flavonoids and numerous proanthocyanidin oligomers were annotated/dereplicated by liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry in methanol–aqueous extracts from E. spiculifolia aerial parts harvested at the early and full flowering stage. Chlorogenic acid and proanthocyanidin tetra- and trimer A, B-type together with quercitrin and (+) catechin were the predominant compounds in the semi-quantitative analysis. Neutral triterpenoids, triterpenoid acids and phytosterols were determined in apolar extracts by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Triterpenoid acids accounted for 80% of the total triterpenoid content, dominated by ursolic and oleanolic acid, reaching up to 32.2 and 6.1 mg/g dw, respectively. Ursa/olean-2,12-dien-28-oic acids and 3-keto-derivatives together with α-amyrin acetate as a chemotaxonomic marker, α-amyrenone, α- and β-amyrin were evaluated. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 83.85 ± 0.89 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 78.91 ± 0.41 mg rutin equivalents/g, respectively. The extract actively scavenged DPPH and ABTS radicals (540.01 and 639.11 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g), possessed high potential to reduce copper and iron ions (660.32 and 869.22 mg TE/g, respectively), and demonstrated high metal chelating capacity (15.57 Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalents/g). It exhibited prominent anti-lipase (18.32 mg orlistat equivalents/g) and anti-tyrosinase (71.90 mg kojic acid equivalents/g) activity. The extract inhibited α-glucoside (1.35 mmol acarbose equivalents/g) and acetylcholinesterase (2.56 mg galanthamin equivalents/g), and had moderate effects on α-amylase, elastase, collagenase and hyaluronidase. Balkan heath could be recommended for raw material production with antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. Full article

Brasenia schreberi (BS) is a perennial aquatic plant of the water lily family, of which the recognition as a functional food is on the rise. Polysaccharides from BS have been found to possess antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities. This study aimed to partially clarify the structural and evaluate the hypoglycemic potentials of Brasenia schreberi polysaccharide (BSP). In this study, BSP was isolated from the mucilage covering the surface of Brasenia schreberi (BS). SEM and AFM results verified that BSP molecules were tightly connected and formed a ring-shaped network structure. Further structural analysis showed that BSP was an acidic heteropolysaccharide with a molecular weight of 2.47 × 10⁴ Da. It had 1,2,3-linked α-D-Galp, 1,2-linked α-D-Manp, and 1,4-linked β-GlcA residues as the main chain, with 1,3-linked α-Galp, 1,3-linked α-Fucp, 1,3-linked α-Xylp, T-Araf, and T-Rhap as side chains. The rheological results indicated that the BSP solution was a pseudoplastic fluid and exhibited shear-thinning properties. Moreover, the gel strength and texture properties of BSP tended to be higher as the BSP and Ca²⁺ concentration increased. More importantly, BSP exhibited good inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, indicating that it may be a good candidate for a hypoglycemic functional food. Full article

Natural and planted forests differentially regulate soil quality through vegetation–soil interactions. The effects of four types of planting covers on soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and microbial communities in the Guangxi Camellia nitidissima National Nature Reserve were studied, revealing the multi-dimensional influences of natural (broadleaf, shrubland) and planted forests (bamboo, pine) on soil quality. Surface soils (0–10 cm depth) were characterized for physicochemical properties (pH, TC, TN, NO₃⁻-N, AP), enzyme activities (α-amylase, urease, phosphatase, β-glucosidase), and microbial composition (using 16S rRNA and ITS region sequencing). Mantel tests and PLS–PM modeling were employed to investigate interactions among vegetation, soil variables, and microbes. Natural forests exhibited higher pH, nitrate nitrogen, and enzymatic activities (urease, phosphatase, β-glucosidase) alongside enhanced carbon–nitrogen accumulation and reduced acidification. Planted forests showed elevated available phosphorus and nutrient supply but lower organic matter retention. Microbial communities displayed higher similarity within natural forests, with fungal composition strongly linked to total carbon/nitrogen (p < 0.05). Vegetation type positively influenced bacterial diversity but negatively affected fungal communities. Natural forests maintained critical soil–microbe–plant interactions supporting ecosystem resilience through carbon–nitrogen cycling, while planted forests fostered divergent microbial functionality despite short-term nutrient benefits. These findings underscore natural forests’ unique role in preserving ecological stability and reveal fundamental limitations of artificial systems in mimicking microbially-mediated biogeochemical processes. Conservation policy should prioritize the protection of natural forests while simultaneously integrating microbial community management with vegetation restoration efforts to enhance long-term ecosystem functionality and nutrient cycling efficiency. Full article

Endogenous α-amylase activity is crucial for determining the end-use value of glutinous rice flour (GRF), and controlling it is a key goal in the milling process. Although the structure and properties of starch and protein in GRF have been extensively studied, there is little information on endogenous α-amylase in GRF. In this study, endogenous α-amylase isolated from GRF was purified and characterized. It was found to have a molecular weight of about 32 kDa, with the highest specific activity at 60 °C and a pH of 6.0. The enzyme is stable below 50 °C and in the pH range of 4.0–7.0. Its activity is Ca²⁺-independent but inhibited by Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Ba²⁺. Its activity is also reduced by β-mercaptoethanol. The enzyme hydrolyzes amylopectin most efficiently. Circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that the enzyme contains 7.9% α-helix, 35.4% β-folding, 21.1% β-turning, and 35.9% random coils, with a T_m value of 63.68 °C. These results suggest that temperature control may be the best strategy for reducing amylase activity in dry-milled GRF, providing a new approach for the development of GRF dry-milling techniques. Full article