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19 pages, 895 KiB  
Article
A Phytochemical and Biological Characterization of Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus Cultivar “Carciofo di Procida”, a Traditional Italian Agri-Food Product (PAT) of the Campania Region
by Giuseppina Tommonaro, Giulia De Simone, Carmine Iodice, Marco Allarà and Adele Cutignano
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3285; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153285 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus) is an endemic perennial plant of the Mediterranean area commonly consumed as food. It is known since ancient times for its beneficial properties for human health, among which its antioxidant activity due to polyphenolics [...] Read more.
The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus) is an endemic perennial plant of the Mediterranean area commonly consumed as food. It is known since ancient times for its beneficial properties for human health, among which its antioxidant activity due to polyphenolics stands out. In the frame of our ongoing studies aiming to highlight the biodiversity and the chemodiversity of natural resources, we investigated the phenolic and saponin content of the cultivar “Carciofo di Procida” collected at Procida, an island of the Gulf of Naples (Italy). Along with the edible part of the immature flower, we included in our analyses the stem and the external bracts, generally discarded for food consuming or industrial preparations. The LCMS quali-quantitative profiling of polyphenols (including anthocyanins) and cynarasaponins of this cultivar is reported for the first time. In addition to antioxidant properties, we observed a significant cytotoxic activity due to extracts from external bracts against human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines with 43% of cell viability, after 24 h from the treatment (50 μg/mL), and less potent but appreciable effects also against human colorectal adenocarcinoma CaCo-2 cells. This suggests that the different metabolite composition may be responsible for the bioactivity of extracts obtained from specific parts of artichoke and foresees a possible exploitation of the discarded material as a source of beneficial compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction and Analysis of Natural Products in Food—3rd Edition)
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21 pages, 2189 KiB  
Article
Effects of Salicylic Acid Application Method and Concentration on the Growth and Ornamental Quality of Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.)
by Alessandro Esposito, Alessandro Miceli, Filippo Vetrano, Samantha Campo and Alessandra Moncada
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080904 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
In the context of increasing demand for sustainable floriculture, this study evaluated the effects of salicylic acid (SA) on phenotypic traits of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.). A factorial experiment was conducted in a commercial glasshouse using rooted poinsettia cuttings treated with three [...] Read more.
In the context of increasing demand for sustainable floriculture, this study evaluated the effects of salicylic acid (SA) on phenotypic traits of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.). A factorial experiment was conducted in a commercial glasshouse using rooted poinsettia cuttings treated with three SA concentrations (10−3, 10−4, 10−5 M) applied via foliar or root application. Morphological parameters, colorimetric traits (CIELAB), canopy development, and biomass accumulation were assessed throughout the cultivation cycle. SA had no significant influence on the plant height, leaf number, or biomass of stems, leaves, and roots. However, notable phenotypic changes were observed. Foliar applications, particularly at 10−5 M, induced visible changes in leaf and bract color, including reduced brightness, saturation, and red pigmentation, especially in newly developed tissues. Conversely, root applications had milder effects and were generally associated with a more stable bract color. The 10−4 M root treatment promoted greater bract surface and color saturation. Canopy expansion and dry matter accumulation were also influenced by SA in a dose- and method-dependent manner, with high-dose foliar treatments (10−3 M) exerting suppressive effects. These findings suggest that the application mode and concentration of SA are critical in modulating ornamental quality traits, with low-to-moderate doses—particularly via root application—offering promising strategies to enhance plant performance in sustainable poinsettia cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Protected Culture)
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11 pages, 1139 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of Hops Moisture Content and the Relative Humidity of the Drying Environment in a Hop Belt Dryer
by Petr Heřmánek, Adolf Rybka, Ivo Honzík, Tomáš Hlavsa and Jiří Marčan
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4526; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154526 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
The paper concerns a study of drying and the creation of a statistical model for measuring the relative humidity of the drying environment in a belt dryer, as well as the moisture content of hop heads, stems, and bracts. The SAAZ variety was [...] Read more.
The paper concerns a study of drying and the creation of a statistical model for measuring the relative humidity of the drying environment in a belt dryer, as well as the moisture content of hop heads, stems, and bracts. The SAAZ variety was used, which is widely cultivated in the Czech Republic, and the data from harvesting seasons since 2017 were recorded. The findings demonstrated the influence and dependence of the moisture content of hop cones and their parts on the relative humidity of the drying environment in a belt dryer of hops. This dependence was confirmed by a statistical analysis of the measured values. Furthermore, a quadratic model was developed based on measurements taken over three harvest seasons. The model is applicable to predict the moisture content of the hops at a given location based on the relative humidity of the drying environment in the belt dryer and could be useful for developing an automatic hop-drying system. Full article
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14 pages, 1393 KiB  
Article
Mitigating Water Stress and Enhancing Aesthetic Quality in Off-Season Potted Curcuma cv. ‘Jasmine Pink’ via Potassium Silicate Under Deficit Irrigation
by Vannak Sour, Anoma Dongsansuk, Supat Isarangkool Na Ayutthaya, Soraya Ruamrungsri and Panupon Hongpakdee
Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070856 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 387
Abstract
Curcuma spp. is a popular ornamental crop valued for its vibrant appearance and suitability for both regular and off-season production. As global emphasis on freshwater conservation increases and with a demand for compact potted plants, reducing water use while maintaining high aesthetic quality [...] Read more.
Curcuma spp. is a popular ornamental crop valued for its vibrant appearance and suitability for both regular and off-season production. As global emphasis on freshwater conservation increases and with a demand for compact potted plants, reducing water use while maintaining high aesthetic quality presents a key challenge for horticulturists. Potassium silicate (PS) has been proposed as a foliar spray to alleviate plant water stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PS on growth, ornamental traits, and photosynthetic parameters of off-season potted Curcuma cv. ‘Jasmine Pink’ under deficit irrigation (DI). Plants were subjected to three treatments in a completely randomized design: 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc), 50% ETc, and 50% ETc with 1000 ppm PS (weekly sprayed on leaves for 11 weeks). Both DI treatments (50% ETc and 50% ETc + PS) reduced plant height by 7.39% and 9.17%, leaf number by 16.99% and 7.03%, and total biomass by 21.13% and 20.58%, respectively, compared to 100% ETc. Notably, under DI, PS-treated plants maintained several parameters equivalent to the 100% ETc treatment, including flower bud emergence, blooming period, green bract number, effective quantum yield of PSII (ΔF/Fm′), and electron transport rate (ETR). In addition, PS application increased leaf area by 8.11% and compactness index by 9.80% relative to untreated plants. Photosynthetic rate, ΔF/Fm′, and ETR increased by 31.52%, 13.63%, and 9.93%, while non-photochemical quenching decreased by 16.51% under water-limited conditions. These findings demonstrate that integrating deficit irrigation with PS foliar application can enhance water use efficiency and maintain ornamental quality in off-season potted Curcuma, promoting sustainable water management in horticulture. Full article
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13 pages, 2991 KiB  
Review
Bracts, Buds, and Biases: Uncovering Gaps in Trichome Density Quantification and Cannabinoid Concentration in Cannabis sativa L.
by Thaís Alberti, Fardad Didaran, Shiksha Sharma, Rodrigo De Sarandy Raposo, Andre A. Diatta, Marcelo Maraschin and Jose F. Da Cunha Leme Filho
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2220; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142220 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 707
Abstract
Trichomes in cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) are specialized structures responsible for cannabinoid and terpene biosynthesis, making their density a critical parameter for both research and industrial applications. However, consistent trichome density assessment remains challenging due to anatomical variability and the absence of [...] Read more.
Trichomes in cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) are specialized structures responsible for cannabinoid and terpene biosynthesis, making their density a critical parameter for both research and industrial applications. However, consistent trichome density assessment remains challenging due to anatomical variability and the absence of standardized methodologies. This review critically examines the existing literature on trichome quantification across key floral structures—such as bracts, sugar leaves, calyxes, and the main cola—to identify the most reliable sites and practices for accurate evaluation. Evidence suggests that bracts represent the most consistent sampling unit, given their homogeneous trichome distribution and elevated cannabinoid concentration. Whilst sugar leaves and calyxes are also frequently analyzed, their morphological variability requires cautious interpretation. Furthermore, trichome shape, size, maturity, and vegetal surface expansion/shrinkage during stress must be considered when correlating density with secondary metabolite production. We also highlight the advantages of using more than only one floral structure and integrating microscopic imaging and software-assisted analysis to enhance reproducibility and accuracy. By synthesizing current methodologies and proposing pathways for standardization, this review aims to support more robust trichome assessment protocols, ultimately improving cannabinoid yield optimization, quality control, broader cannabis research frameworks, and an important aesthetic parameter for consumers. Future research efforts should focus on advancing imaging methodologies and optimizing sampling protocols to further improve the precision and reproducibility of trichome density and cannabinoid analyses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
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21 pages, 3187 KiB  
Article
Green Extract from Pre-Harvest Tobacco Waste as a Non-Conventional Source of Anti-Aging Ingredients for Cosmetic Applications
by Mariana Leal, María A. Moreno, María E. Orqueda, Mario Simirgiotis, María I. Isla and Iris C. Zampini
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2189; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142189 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 483
Abstract
The cigarette production from Nicotiana tabacum generates significant amounts of waste, with an estimated 68.31 million tons of pre- and post-harvest waste discarded annually. The pre-harvest waste includes the upper parts of the plant, inflorescences, and bracts, which are removed to help the [...] Read more.
The cigarette production from Nicotiana tabacum generates significant amounts of waste, with an estimated 68.31 million tons of pre- and post-harvest waste discarded annually. The pre-harvest waste includes the upper parts of the plant, inflorescences, and bracts, which are removed to help the growth of the lower leaves. This study explores the potential of apical leaves from Nicotiana tabacum var. Virginia, discarded during the budding stage (pre-harvest waste). The leaves were extracted using environmentally friendly solvents (green solvents), including distilled water (DW) and two natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs), one consisting of simple sugars, fructose, glucose, and sucrose (FGS) and the other consisting of choline chloride and urea (CU). The anti-inflammatory and anti-aging potential of these green extracts was assessed by the inhibition of key enzymes related to skin aging. The xanthine oxidase and lipoxygenase activities were mostly inhibited by CU extracts with IC50 values of 63.50 and 8.0 μg GAE/mL, respectively. The FGS extract exhibited the greatest hyaluronidase inhibition (49.20%), followed by the CU extract (33.20%) and the DW extract (20.80%). Regarding elastase and collagenase inhibition, the CU extract exhibited the highest elastase inhibition, while all extracts inhibited collagenase activity, with values exceeding 65%. Each extract had a distinct chemical profile determined by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and spectrophotometric methods, with several shared compounds present in different proportions. CU extract is characterized by high concentrations of rutin, nicotiflorin, and azelaic acid, while FGS and DW extracts share major compounds such as quinic acid, fructosyl pyroglutamate, malic acid, and gluconic acid. Ames test and Caenorhabditis elegans assay demonstrated that at the concentrations at which the green tobacco extracts exhibit biological activities, they did not show toxicity. The results support the potential of N. tabacum extracts obtained with NaDESs as antiaging and suggest their promising applications in the cosmetic and cosmeceutical industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)
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15 pages, 518 KiB  
Review
Advances in Bract Coloration: Diversity, Pigment Synthesis, and Regulatory Mechanisms in Ornamental Plants
by Xiaoyang Li, Yang Liu, Zhiquan Cai and Yiwei Zhou
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2155; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142155 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 457
Abstract
Bract coloration in ornamental plants is a complex trait governed by diverse pigments (chlorophylls, anthocyanins, betalains, and carotenoids), their biosynthetic pathways, and regulatory networks. While previous research has primarily focused on floral pigmentation, studies on bract coloration—particularly in species where bracts serve as [...] Read more.
Bract coloration in ornamental plants is a complex trait governed by diverse pigments (chlorophylls, anthocyanins, betalains, and carotenoids), their biosynthetic pathways, and regulatory networks. While previous research has primarily focused on floral pigmentation, studies on bract coloration—particularly in species where bracts serve as the primary ornamental feature—have received less attention until recent advances. This review synthesizes current understanding of bract color diversity, pigment biochemistry, and molecular regulation in key species including Bougainvillea, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Anthurium andraeanum, Curcuma alismatifolia, and Zantedeschia hybrida. Anthocyanins predominantly contribute to red-to-purple hues, while betalains generate red, purple, or yellow coloration through differential accumulation of betacyanins and betaxanthins. Developmental color transitions are mediated by chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid dynamics. The spatiotemporal regulation of pigment accumulation involves coordinated interactions between key structural genes (CHS, DFR, ANS for anthocyanins; DODA, CYP76AD1 for betalains), transcription factors (MYB, bHLH, WRKY), and plant growth regulators (BAP, GA, MeJA). Despite these advances, significant knowledge gaps remain in genetic inheritance patterns, epigenetic regulation, cross-pigment pathway crosstalk, and environmental modulation. Future research directions should integrate multi-omics approaches, wild germplasm resources, and gene-editing technologies to develop novel breeding strategies for bract color improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
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16 pages, 1103 KiB  
Article
Effect of Artichoke Outer Bract Powder Addition on the Nutritional Profile of Gluten-Free Rusks
by Valentina Melini, Francesca Melini, Alessandro Salvati, Francesca Luziatelli and Maurizio Ruzzi
Foods 2025, 14(13), 2395; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14132395 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of incorporating outer bract powder on the bioactive compound content of gluten-free (GF) rusks, in terms of undigestible carbohydrates and phenolic compound content. The production of the artichoke powder as a functional ingredient was optimized by evaluating two [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effect of incorporating outer bract powder on the bioactive compound content of gluten-free (GF) rusks, in terms of undigestible carbohydrates and phenolic compound content. The production of the artichoke powder as a functional ingredient was optimized by evaluating two key processing variables: drying time and pre-treatment of artichoke bracts with food-grade citric acid. Two distinct composite GF flour blends were used to formulate the GF rusks, and the nutritional quality thereof was systematically assessed. Results demonstrated that pre-treating the artichoke outer bracts with citric acid, followed by drying at 40 °C for 20 h, allowed for the production of a powder characterized by a lighter and reddish appearance, low fat content, and high dietary fiber level. The formulated rusks were rich in dietary fiber, whose intake is generally a deficiency in the diet of coeliac subjects. Furthermore, the enrichment with artichoke powder contributed to the production of a low-fat snack, in contrast with the GF snacks available on the market. The artichoke powder also showed a high content of free phenolic compounds, suggesting an enhanced dietary intake of antioxidants for consumers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Grain)
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16 pages, 6071 KiB  
Article
Identification and Expression Analysis of C2H2-Type Zinc Finger Protein (C2H2-ZFP) Genes in Bougainvillea in Different Colored Bracts
by Yushan Wang, Yanping Hu, Wen Liu, Wengang Yu, Jian Wang and Yang Zhou
Horticulturae 2025, 11(6), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11060659 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 403
Abstract
Bougainvillea spp. possesses vibrantly pigmented bracts that exhibit high ornamental value. Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs), one of the most extensive transcription factor families in plants, are implicated in diverse biological functions, including plant morphogenesis, transcriptional regulation, and responses to abiotic stress. Nevertheless, their [...] Read more.
Bougainvillea spp. possesses vibrantly pigmented bracts that exhibit high ornamental value. Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs), one of the most extensive transcription factor families in plants, are implicated in diverse biological functions, including plant morphogenesis, transcriptional regulation, and responses to abiotic stress. Nevertheless, their regulatory roles in bract pigmentation in Bougainvillea remain unexplored. In the present investigation, 105 BbZFP genes were identified from the Bougainvillea genome via bioinformatic analyses and subsequently categorized into five subgroups according to the quantity and arrangement of their structural domains. Analysis of physicochemical characteristics demonstrated that the BbZFP family encompasses both acidic and basic proteins, all of which are hydrophilic and predominantly classified as unstable proteins. Gene structure analysis revealed that the majority of BbZFP genes comprise between one and five– introns. Cis-regulatory element analysis suggested that BbZFP promoter regions harbor multiple elements associated with abiotic stress responses, hormonal regulation, and light responsiveness, implying their possible participation in these physiological processes. Transcriptomic data analysis revealed distinct expression patterns of BbZFP genes among bracts of different colors. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) further confirmed that Bou_68928, Bou_1096, Bou_4400, and Bou_17631 were markedly upregulated in yellow bracts relative to white bracts, suggesting their involvement in flavonoid biosynthesis regulation. Meanwhile, Bou_1096 and Bou_17631 exhibited markedly elevated expression in red-purple bracts compared to white bracts, potentially regulating betacyanin biosynthesis in Bougainvillea. These findings offer candidate genes for molecular breeding strategies aimed at enhancing floral coloration in Bougainvillea. The next step will involve elucidating the functions of these genes in bract coloration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Color Formation and Regulation in Horticultural Plants)
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13 pages, 1739 KiB  
Article
Impact of Magnetic Biostimulation and Environmental Conditions on the Agronomic Quality and Bioactive Composition of INIA 601 Purple Maize
by Tony Chuquizuta, Cesar Lobato, Franz Zirena Vilca, Nils Leander Huamán-Castilla, Wilson Castro, Marta Castro-Giraldez, Pedro J. Fito, Segundo G. Chavez and Hubert Arteaga
Foods 2025, 14(12), 2045; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14122045 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 700
Abstract
The utilization of magnetic fields in agricultural contexts has been demonstrated to exert a beneficial effect on various aspects of crop development, including germination, growth, and yield. The present study investigates the impact of magnetic biostimulation on seeds of purple maize (Zea [...] Read more.
The utilization of magnetic fields in agricultural contexts has been demonstrated to exert a beneficial effect on various aspects of crop development, including germination, growth, and yield. The present study investigates the impact of magnetic biostimulation on seeds of purple maize (Zea mays L.), variety INIA 601, cultivated in Cajamarca, Peru, with a particular focus on their physical characteristics, yield, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated that seeds treated with pulsed (8 mT at 30 Hz for 30 min) and static (50 mT for 30 min) magnetic fields exhibited significantly longer cobs (16.89 and 16.53 cm, respectively) compared with the untreated control (15.79 cm). Furthermore, the application of these magnetic fields resulted in enhanced antioxidant activity in the bract, although the untreated samples exhibited higher values (110.56 µg/mL) compared with the pulsed (91.82 µg/mL) and static (89.61 µg/mL) treatments. The geographical origin of the samples had a significant effect on the physical development and the amount of total phenols, especially the antioxidant activity in the coronet and bract. Furthermore, a total of fourteen phenols were identified in various parts of the purple maize, with procyanidin B2 found in high concentrations in the bract and crown. Conversely, epicatechin, kaempferol, vanillin, and resveratrol were found in lower concentrations. These findings underscore the phenolic diversity of INIA 601 purple maize and its potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries, suggesting that magnetic biostimulation could be an effective tool to improve the nutritional and antioxidant properties of crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
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20 pages, 2328 KiB  
Article
Parallel In Vitro and In Silico Studies of the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Bioactive Compounds Found in Different Ethanolic Extracts of Bracts from B. x buttiana (var. Rose): A Comparative Analysis
by Gabriela Castañeda-Corral, Mayra Cedillo-Cortezano and Vera L. Petricevich
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(6), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060821 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 566
Abstract
Background/Objectives:Bougainvillea x buttiana is used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat various diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory properties, which are associated with its chemical composition. This study evaluated the effect of ethanol concentration on the yield and anti-inflammatory activity of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives:Bougainvillea x buttiana is used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat various diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory properties, which are associated with its chemical composition. This study evaluated the effect of ethanol concentration on the yield and anti-inflammatory activity of its extracts. Additionally, an in silico analysis of the plant’s previously identified phytochemicals was conducted. Methods: Four extracts of B. x buttiana (var. Rose) (labeled as BxbREE) were prepared with increasing concentrations of ethanol (0%, 50%, 80%, and 100%). Their anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using different in vitro assays. The in silico prediction, performed with SwissADME, included the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and drug-like properties of the compounds. Results: The findings indicated that varying the ethanol concentration in the preparations of BxbREE-0%, BxbREE-50%, BxbREE-80%, and BxbREE-100% significantly impacted the extraction yield, with BxbREE-0% and BxbREE-50% exhibiting the highest recovery. All four extracts demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity, with BxbREE-50% and BxbREE-80% showing the most important effects on the denaturation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and trypsin, inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase and phospholipase A2), and increased stability of the erythrocyte membrane. The in silico analysis revealed that most phytochemicals identified in the extracts had good drug-likeness and bioavailability for oral administration and an adequate ADME profile. Conclusions: These findings reaffirm the anti-inflammatory potential of B. x buttiana (var. Rose) ethanolic extracts and the favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of its phytochemicals. Further structural exploration of the interactions of these bioactive compounds could contribute to the design of new drugs. Full article
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16 pages, 4637 KiB  
Article
Phytotoxic Effects of the Aqueous Extracts of Magnolia biondii Pamp. Flower Litter and the Joint Action of Allelochemicals
by Yi Yu, Yalei Du, Jiajia Dong, Zhigang Yin, Peiyu Chen, Lingling Cao and Zhiqiang Yan
Plants 2025, 14(11), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111577 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 466
Abstract
Magnolia biondii Pamp., an elegant ornamental tree that graces early spring landscapes, has flower buds that are widely used as Traditional Chinese Medicine ‘Xin Yi’. In this study, the phytotoxic effects of aqueous extracts derived from tepal litter (EMT) and bract litter (EMB) [...] Read more.
Magnolia biondii Pamp., an elegant ornamental tree that graces early spring landscapes, has flower buds that are widely used as Traditional Chinese Medicine ‘Xin Yi’. In this study, the phytotoxic effects of aqueous extracts derived from tepal litter (EMT) and bract litter (EMB) of M. biondii flower were evaluated on six target plant species: Triticum aestivum L., Lactuca sativa L., Zoysia pacifica, Agrostis canina L., Trifolium pratense L. and Axonopus compressus. Secondary metabolites in EMT and EMB were tentatively characterized by liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), and the joint action of allelochemicals was examined. Our findings revealed that both EMT and EMB significantly inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth of all target plants in a concentration-dependent manner. There were 120 and 98 secondary metabolites annotated by LC-HRMS in EMT and EMB, respectively. Among them, malic acid (MA) and citric acid (CA) with high relative contents showed synergistic phytotoxicities on seed germination and seedling growth of L. sativa and Z. pacifica. In summary, the flower litter of M. biondii displayed significant allelopathic effects, and the synergistic effects of MA and CA probably played an important role. Full article
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20 pages, 1199 KiB  
Article
Diversification of Cultivars and Production of Male Inflorescence Flours for More Sustainable Banana Cultivation
by Lucas Felipe dos Ouros, Magali Leonel, Sarita Leonel, Nicholas Zanette Molha, Paulo Ricardo Rodrigues de Jesus, Hebert Teixeira Cândido, Marco Antonio Tecchio, Mayra Schmidt Rechsteiner and Caio César dos Ouros
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101110 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 640
Abstract
Banana inflorescences are usually discarded, but there has been interest in managing this by-product to turn it into a product with added value. Herein, the inflorescences of seven cultivars were processed into flour and evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics. The weight of the [...] Read more.
Banana inflorescences are usually discarded, but there has been interest in managing this by-product to turn it into a product with added value. Herein, the inflorescences of seven cultivars were processed into flour and evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics. The weight of the inflorescences ranged from 681.3 to 1245.4 g, with bracts accounting for more than 40%. The Prata Anã cultivar had the largest inflorescence. The part of the inflorescence was the main factor differentiating the flours, with the effect of the cultivar dependent on the part processed. All flours had high levels of fiber (27.70–41.91 g/100 g) and carbohydrates (19.30–33.96 g/100 g). The palm flours were differentiated by their higher levels of protein (17.4–19.4 g/100 g), and the flower flours by their higher levels of lipids (5.89–7.97 g/100 g). The bract flours had a higher water holding capacity (5.62–6.78%) and browning index (40.7–42). The bract and flower flours were less dissimilar. Results revealed the high nutritional quality of the flours and the prospect of using them as a non-conventional food source. Understanding the differences between banana inflorescence flours expands their possible uses and promotes sustainable agricultural production in terms of efficient banana by-product management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)
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22 pages, 2577 KiB  
Article
Characterization of the Compounds Present in Bougainvillea x buttiana (var. Rose) with Healing Activity in a Murine Model
by Luís Martínez-Cuevas, Mayra Cedillo-Cortezano, Blanca Nury Echeverria Guerrero, Rodolfo Abarca-Vargas and Vera L. Petricevich
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(5), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050752 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 717
Abstract
Background/Objective: Bougainvillea x buttiana of the Nyctagenaceae family is widely used in traditional Mexican medicine for treating different diseases. This study was planned to estimate the healing effect of the acetonic extract obtained from Bougainvillea x buttiana (var. Rose). Methods: The bracts [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Bougainvillea x buttiana of the Nyctagenaceae family is widely used in traditional Mexican medicine for treating different diseases. This study was planned to estimate the healing effect of the acetonic extract obtained from Bougainvillea x buttiana (var. Rose). Methods: The bracts with flowers were subjected to extraction using maceration and concentrated in vacuo. Fractionation with a similar profile resulted in 11 fractions, which were determined using TLC. A mouse wound excision model was tested to evaluate the wound healing effect of the topical treatment pre-formulated with fractions of acetonic extract, which were determined using image analysis techniques. Cytokine levels present in the sera of mice treated or not treated with the acetonic extract were determined using the ELISA method. Results: The results obtained showed that the crude acetonic extract of B. x buttiana and/or its fractions in a pre-formulated hydrogel had wound healing capacity. The wound contraction rate and the healing speed in groups of animals treated with the pre-formulated crude extract and/or its fractions were significantly higher compared with the negative control (p < 0.001). Fraction 2 demonstrated more significant healing, reduced the production of cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and enhanced the levels of IL-10. Conclusion: The present study showed that the fractions obtained from the acetonic extract of B. x buttiana bracts were able to accelerate the wound healing process through anti-inflammatory mechanisms by regulating inflammatory cytokines. The results presented demonstrate that the extracts from B. x buttiana contain compounds that may be responsible for their healing properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Natural Product Extracts)
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18 pages, 3171 KiB  
Article
Insight into Cd Detoxification and Accumulation in Wheat by Foliar Application of Ferulic Acid
by Simeng Li, Wenyang Fu, Bingling Li, Yi Wang, Yiran Cheng, Houyang Kang and Jian Zeng
Plants 2025, 14(10), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14101436 - 11 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 442
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils poses a significant threat to human health through the food chain. It is of great significance to address safe wheat production in Cd-contaminated agricultural soils. This study employed foliar spraying of ferulic acid (FA) in both hydroponic [...] Read more.
Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils poses a significant threat to human health through the food chain. It is of great significance to address safe wheat production in Cd-contaminated agricultural soils. This study employed foliar spraying of ferulic acid (FA) in both hydroponic and field trials to investigate its potential in alleviating Cd toxicity and reducing Cd accumulation in wheat grains. Our findings revealed that FA application at 20 and 50 μM promoted plant growth, increased photosynthetic efficiency, and enhanced root tolerance to Cd by increasing mean root diameter, surface area, and root tip number, as well as enhancing antioxidant defense in roots. Especially, 20 μM FA foliar application significantly alleviated Cd-induced growth inhibition in seedlings and reduced grain Cd content by 66.3% compared to Cd-stressed alone. Mechanistically, FA downregulated the Cd transporter gene TaHAM2 to reduce Cd translocation from roots to shoots, while upregulated the Cd cellular compartment gene TaHAM3 to increase root Cd retention, of which 82.9% was sequestered in roots. During the grain-filling period in the field trial, FA application reduced Cd transport from roots to stems and stems to rachides, but enhanced Cd retention in rachides and roots. Additionally, FA downregulated the phloem Cd loading gene LCT1, limiting Cd allocation to bracts and grains, which in turn lowered the Cd content in the grains. Collectively, FA foliar application modulated Cd transport pathways by coordinately downregulating xylem and phloem transporter genes and enhancing root Cd retention capacity. These findings established FA as a promising strategy for Cd detoxification and reduced accumulation in crop grains through integrated physiological and molecular interventions. Overall, it holds potential for the future development of safe crop production in soils polluted with Cd. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Physiology and Crop Production)
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