Search Results (12)

This study focused on determining the content of bioactive compounds in selected fruits of wild shrubs. The plants selected for the study were from the Rosaceae and Adoxaceae families. Particular attention should be paid to the fruits of plants commonly growing in Poland (temperate climate), such as Crataegus monogyna, Sorbus aucuparia, Viburnum opulus, and Sambucus nigra. The study aimed to deepen the knowledge of the content of selected secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, and their antioxidant properties, as well as natural dyes. During this study, chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the quantitative profile of the above-mentioned secondary metabolites of wild plant fruits. The quantitative profile of 16 phenolic acids, 9 flavonoids, 5 organic acids, 13 flavonoid glycosides, and 3 natural dyes was determined. Based on the studies, it was noted that the qualitative and quantitative profile of the bioactive compounds differs not only depending on the species but also on the location where the plant grows. A statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the content of phenols and flavonoids in fruits collected from different locations. Interestingly, differences were also observed within the species, probably depending on the geographical location and composition of the soil in which the plants were grown. Full article

Sambucus sibirica, a deciduous shrub from the Adoxaceae family, is a traditional Kazakh medicine used in Xinjiang, China. Its branches, leaves, and fruits are used to treat fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, and nephritis. To advance research on S. sibirica, we conducted studies on its microscopic identification, chemical composition, and biological activity. The cross-sectional features of the branches, leaves, and fruits were observed under a microscope, revealing different types of ducts, cork cells, non-glandular hairs, oil droplets, stone cells, scale hairs, and star-shaped hairs in the S. sibirica powders. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to characterize the presence of specific chemical groups, revealing similarities and differences between different parts. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) confirmed that chlorogenic acid was present in the branches, leaves, and fruits, whereas rutin was more prominent in the leaves. The total flavonoid contents were determined by a photocolorimetric approach and resulted in values of 7419.80, 5193.10, and 3629.10 μg·g⁻¹ (dry weight) for the leaves, branches, and fruits, respectively. Further qualitative and quantitative analyses via ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) identified rutin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, isoquercetin, and astragalin, with contents ranging from 1.00 to 4535.60 μg·g⁻¹ (dry weight). Antioxidant tests revealed that the branches, leaves, and fruits of S. sibirica presented antioxidant properties, with the leaves demonstrating the highest activity, followed by the branches and fruits. These results align with the results of the quantitative analysis. This study provides valuable insights into the microscopic features, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of S. sibirica, laying the foundation for its pharmacognosy research and quality standards and offering a reference for its future development and utilization. Full article

Black elder, Sambucus nigra, is a non-native but now partly naturalized shrub in Sweden; it has been cultivated here at least since the Middle Ages. Previously, this plant was associated with a supernatural being to whom sacrifices were made, and its fruits were used in folk medicine and wood for fuel and crafts. Traditional economic uses vanished with industrialization and urbanization and black elder was mostly planted as an ornamental shrub in urban parks. At the end of the 1970s, however, it made a sudden comeback: city dwellers started to gather flowers to make a refreshing non-alcoholic cordial. This diachronic study of Sambucus nigra spanning over a millennium reflects various attitudes and uses within the context of a changing human society. In addition to the simple but popular cordial, side dishes and desserts made of its fragrant flowers are becoming increasingly popular in modern Swedish cuisine. Globally it has also been (re)discovered and the utilization of this plant is growing: its flowers are used to add flavor to soft drinks, salads, desserts and various dishes; berries are used for medicine and in cooking, especially with meats, and its future uses seem to be limited only by human imagination. Full article

As there has been no scientific evidence of the bioactivity of Sambucus ebulus (Adoxaceae) extracts against insects, we chemically characterized S. ebulus leaves and flowers extracted in methanol and water. The crude extracts, phenolic compounds, and amino acids isolated were tested as larvicides against the fourth-instar larvae of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae). To understand their mode of action, we evaluated the in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor effect of the crude extracts on the two mosquito larvae through a colorimetric method. Furthermore, the deterrent effect of the crude extracts against ovipositing Ae. albopictus females was assessed in the open field. Twelve phenylpropanoids and fourteen amino acids were detected in the extracts, with a prevalence of hydroxycinnamic acids and nonaromatic amino acids. The most toxic compound to Ae. albopictus larvae after 24 h was gallic acid, followed by the crude S. ebulus leaf extract; on Cx. pipiens, it was the crude flower extract. The AChE test showed higher inhibition on both mosquito species exerted by the leaf extract if compared to the flower extract, and it also deterred oviposition by Ae. albopictus females starting from the third day. The results indicated that vegetal extracts could effectively help in the integrated vector management of mosquitoes. Full article

Viburnum japonicum (Thunb.) Sprengel is an endangered species endemic to coastal regions of eastern Asia (China, Japan, and South Korea). However, its systematic position has been controversial. In this study, we present the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of V. japonicum (GenBank OP644292) sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq platform. The cp genome has a total length of 158,606 bp and a G+C contents of 38.08%. It consists of a large single-copy (LSC) region, a small single-copy (SSC) region, and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) regions measuring 87,060 bp, 18,510 bp, and 26,516 bp, respectively. A total of 131 genes were identified, including 87 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 8 ribosomal RNA genes(rRNAs). Additionally, a total of 44 dispersed repeats were detected, including three types: forward, palindromic, and reverse. Among the 38 SSR loci that were discovered, the majority were mononucleotide loci composed of A/T. Furthermore, we found that 15 genes (accD, atpF, ndhA, ndhB, petB, petD, rpl16, rpl2, rpoC1, rps12, rps16, trnA-UGC, trnI, trnK-UUU, and trnL-UAA) contain one intron, while clpP and ycf3 have two introns. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis detected 31 high-frequency codons, where A/U bases accounted for 93.55% of the total, indicating an asymmetry in chloroplast gene and a presence for A/U bases. Comparative analysis of genome structure and sequences data of V. japonicum chloroplast genomes in comparison with other closely related species demonstrated a high level of conservation in their structure and organization. Furthermore, three mutation hotspots (psbH, rps19, and trnL) were identified, which could be valuable for future phylogenetic and population genetic research. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two accessions of V. japonicum are closely related to a group of V. setigerum, V. erosum, and V. fordiae within the Viburnum genus. In conclusion, this study provides important insights for accurately identifying and understanding the phylogeny of Viburnum species through the complete cp genome sequencing of V. japonicum. Full article

Understanding the distribution patterns and formation mechanisms of endemic taxa is essential for effective biodiversity conservation. China is an important distribution and endemic center for genus Viburnum in Asia. However, the distribution pattern and formation mechanism of endemic taxa of Viburnum remains unclear in China. In this study, we determined the distribution information of 61 endemic taxa of Viburnum through specimens’ review and field surveys. Species distribution models were used to clarify the distribution patterns of the endemic taxa of Viburnum. The findings shows that the hotspot for overall endemic taxa of Viburnum in China is mainly distributed in temperate and subtropical mountainous areas, and the highest richness in the mountainous regions were around the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Sichuan Basin. About one-third of the endemic taxa of Viburnum were rare species, whose distribution area was scattered and lacked protection. The distribution pattern of the endemic taxa of genus Viburnum can be well explained within the three hypotheses of environmental energy, water availability and climate seasonality. This study provides additional understanding and explanation of endemic species richness distribution and their formation mechanisms. In addition, it provides conservation measures for endemic taxa of genus Viburnum to guide conservationists and policy makers in China. Full article

Triosteum himalayanum, Triosteum pinnatifidum (Triosteum L., Caprifoliaceae, Dipsacales) are widely distributed in China while Triosteum sinuatum mainly occurrs in northeast China. Few reports have been determined on the genus Triosteum. In the present research, we sequenced 2 chloroplast genomes of Triosteum and analyzed 18 chloroplast genomes, trying to explore the sequence variations and phylogeny of genus Triosteum in the order Dipsacales. The chloroplast genomes of the genus Triosteum ranged from 154,579 bp to 157,178 bp, consisting of 132 genes (86 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes). Comparative analyses and phylogenetic analysis supported the division of Dipsacales into two clades, Adoxaceae and six other families. Among the six families, a clade of Valerianaceae+Dipsacaceae was recovered as a sister to a clade of Morinaceae+Linnaeaceae. A closer relationship of T. himalayanum and T. pinnatifidum among three species was revealed. Our research supported that Loniceraferdinandi and Triosteum was closely related. Zabelia had a closer relationship with Linnaea borealis and Dipelta than Morinaceae. The divergence between T. sinuatum and two other species in Triosteum was dated to 13.4 mya. Full article

Lectins are ubiquitous proteins characterized through their ability to bind different types of carbohydrates. It is well known that active lectins from insufficiently prepared legumes can cause adverse human health effects. The objective of this study was to determine the activity of lectins in samples across plant families representing commercially available edible plants, and the feasibility of inactivating lectins through soaking and boiling. Lectins were extracted from the plant families Adoxaceae, Amaranthaceae, Cannabaceae, Fabaceae, Gramineae, Lamiaceae, Linaceae, Pedaliaceae, and Solanaceae. A hemagglutination assay based on non-treated or trypsin treated rabbit erythrocytes was used to measure the lectin activity. The results showed the highest lectin activity in species from the Fabaceae family and demonstrated that soaking and boiling have an effect on the levels of active lectins. This is the first large study that combines lectin activity obtained from two different assays with raw and processed edible plants. In addition, we examined the current risk assessment, and regulations necessary for an adequate official reporting of results. We encourage the scientific community to further explore this field and agree on harmonized methods for analysis and interpretation, and hope that our methodology can initiate this development. Full article

The Viburnum genus is of particular interest to horticulturalists, phylogeneticists, and biogeographers. Despite its popularity, there are few existing molecular markers to investigate genetic diversity in this large genus, which includes over 160 species. There are also few polymorphic molecular tools that can delineate closely related species within the genus. Viburnum farreri, a member of the Solenotinus subclade and one of the centers of diversity for Viburnum, was selected for DNA sequencing and development of genomic simple sequence repeats (gSSRs). In this study, 15 polymorphic gSSRs were developed and characterized for a collection of 19 V. farreri samples. Number of alleles per locus ranged from two- to- eight and nine loci had four or more alleles. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.84 and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.10 to 0.80 for the 15 loci. Shannon diversity index values across these loci ranged from 0.21 to 1.62. The markers developed in this study add to the existing molecular toolkit for the genus and will be used in future studies investigating cross-transferability, genetic variation, and species and cultivar delimitation in the Viburnum genus and closely allied genera in the Adoxaceae and Caprifoliaceae. Full article

Phylogenetic analyses of complete chloroplast genome sequences have yielded significant improvements in our understanding of relationships in the woody flowering genus Viburnum (Adoxaceae, Dipsacales); however, these relationships were evaluated focusing only on Viburnum species within Central and South America and Southeast Asia. By contrast, despite being a hotspot of Viburnum diversity, phylogenetic relationships of Viburnum species in China are less well known. Here, we characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of 21 Viburnum species endemic to China, as well as three Sambucus species. These 24 plastomes were highly conserved in genomic structure, gene order and content, also when compared with other Adoxaceae. The identified repeat sequences, simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and highly variable plastid regions will provide potentially valuable genetic resources for further population genetics and phylogeographic studies on Viburnum and Sambucus. Consistent with previous combined phylogenetic analyses of 113 Viburnum species, our phylogenomic analyses based on the complete cp genome sequence dataset confirmed the sister relationship between Viburnum and the Sambucus-Adoxa-Tetradoxa-Sinadoxa group, the monophyly of four recognized sections in Flora of China (i.e., Viburnum sect. Tinus, Viburnum sect. Solenotinus, Viburnum sect. Viburnum and Viburnum sect. Pseudotinus) and the nonmonophyly of Viburnum sect. Odontotinus and Viburnum sect. Megalotinus. Additionally, our study confirmed the sister relationships between the clade Valvatotinus and Viburnum sect. Pseudotinus, as well as between Viburnum sect. Opulus and the Odontotinus-Megalotinus group. Overall, our results clearly document the power of the complete cp genomes in improving phylogenetic resolution, and will contribute to a better understanding of plastome evolution in Chinese Adoxaceae. Full article

This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the chemical profile as well as the antityrosinase and antioxidant activities of ethanol (EtOH) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of Sambucus nigra L. (Adoxaceae) flowers and leaves in order to discover new candidates for food additives and cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. For this purpose, a novel lower-melting-point ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (LMP ECTFE) nanofiltration (NF) membrane was employed in order to produce the concentrated fractions of S. nigra. Floral extracts were richer in phytochemicals in comparison to the leaf extracts. The High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profile revealed rutin, quercetin, protocateuchic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and neochlorogenic acid as the most abundant compounds. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2’-diphenil-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging, and 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) tests were used to investigate the antioxidant properties. NF retentate fractions of floral ethanol extracts exerted the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ of 53.9 µg/mL and the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ of 46.4 µg/mL). In conclusion, the present investigation revealed the potential benefits of NF application in S. nigra extracts processing, suggesting the use of retentate fractions as a promising source for antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory compounds which could pave the way for future applications. Full article

Sambucus (Adoxaceae) species have been used for both food and medicine purposes. Among these, Sambucus nigra L. (black elder), Sambucus ebulus L. (dwarf elder), and Sambucus sieboldiana L. are the most relevant species studied. Their use has been somewhat restricted due to the presence of bioactive proteins or/and low molecular weight compounds whose ingestion could trigger deleterious effects. Over the last few years, the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of Sambucus species have been investigated. Among the proteins present in Sambucus species both type 1, and type 2 ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), and hololectins have been reported. The biological role played by these proteins remains unknown, although they are conjectured to be involved in defending plants against insect predators and viruses. These proteins might have an important impact on the nutritional characteristics and food safety of elderberries. Type 2 RIPs are able to interact with gut cells of insects and mammals triggering a number of specific and mostly unknown cell signals in the gut mucosa that could significantly affect animal physiology. In this paper, we describe all known RIPs that have been isolated to date from Sambucus species, and comment on their antiviral and entomotoxic effects, as well as their potential uses. Full article