Search Results (17,747)

The present work provides a detailed study of Convolvulus cantabrica L., a plant belonging to the family Convolvulaceae and the genus Convolvulus. The selection of this plant was based on the long-standing ethnobotanical relevance of its genus, which was attributed to the richness of its species in phenolic and flavonoids compounds. Moreover, this species as remained unexplored to date. Our investigation includes both chemical and biological aspects. To assess the chemical composition of the hydroalcoholic extract of the plant, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed. Rosmarinic Acid (161.9 ppm) and Chlorogenic Acid (153.8 ppm) had the highest concentrations. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis demonstrated the presence of Fatty Acids and Esters (70.81%), sesquiterpene and diterpenes (19.51%) and fatty alcohols (6.02%). In addition, the ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest phenolic contents (606.42 µg/mL) and flavonoid contents (363.75 µg/mL). The tested extracts, especially the ethyl acetate and butanol extracts, exhibited strong antioxidant capacity in DPPH (IC₅₀: 13.60 ± 1.30 µg/mL for ethyl acetate extract and 17.69 ± 1.17 µg/mL for butanol extract), ABTS (IC₅₀: 7.26 ± 0.01 µg/mL for ethyl acetate extract and 6.90 ± 0.18 µg/mL for butanol extract) and FRP (IC₅₀: 14.89 ± 0.90 µg/mL for ethyl acetate extract and 23.14 ± 0.60 µg/mL for butanol extract) assays compared with extracts from other species of this genus. Moreover, the petroleum ether extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀: 419.30 ± 4.48 µg/mL). Regarding antibacterial activity, the plant extracts, especially the ethyl acetate, hydroalcoholic and petroleum ether extracts, inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus. Overall, our data indicate that Convolvulus cantabrica L., is rich in secondary metabolites, particularly polyphenols, and exhibits significant biological activities, especially antioxidant properties. These results validate the traditional use of C. cantabrica and position it as a promising source of natural antioxidants with potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Although Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have delivered state-of-the-art accuracy in plant disease classification, their deployment is still hindered by data scarcity, computational cost, and architectural heterogeneity. Transfer learning from large-scale pre-trained datasets alleviates these issues, yet generic feature extraction suffers from domain shift, while indiscriminate fine-tuning risks over-fitting and elevated training budgets. To address the identified limitations, PlantClassiNet is implemented as a unified framework. This framework facilitates systematic comparative analysis of six CNN architectures, AlexNet, ResNet50, InceptionV3, MobileNetV3Small, DenseNet121 and EfficientNetB0, across three publicly available datasets: PlantVillage, PlantLeaves and Eggplant. Two alternative fine-tuning approaches are proposed: ‌Adaptive Fine-tuning (AdapFitu)‌, which adaptively determines the depth of unfrozen layers, learning rates, and reinitializes selected layers, and a ‌fixed-parameter baseline‌, which trains only the newly added classifier while keeping the convolutional backbone frozen and unfreezes a fixed number of network layers for retraining. Extensive experiments demonstrate that large models AlexNet, ResNet50, and Inceptionv3 achieve test accuracy exceeding 98.74% on the sizable PlantVillage dataset, whereas lightweight counterparts MobileNetV3Small, DenseNet121, and EfficientNetB0 achieve high accuracy of 99.79% ± 0.21% on the smaller Eggplant collection after fine-tuning. Full article

Charge-transfer-type fluorochromes, which exhibit shifts in fluorescence intensity and emission wavelength in response to solvent polarity changes, have been widely employed to investigate solute–solvent interactions. Humic substances (HSs) are naturally occurring macromolecular organic acids derived from plant residues, with structural properties that vary depending on their origin and environmental conditions. The polarity of HSs is closely associated with the mobility and toxicity of environmental pollutants, making their chemical characterization essential. In this study, we developed a rapid and straightforward method to characterize HS polarity using fluorescent solvatochromism. The fluorescence peak shifts of four dyes—8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS), acridine orange (AO), methylene blue (MB), and Rhodamine B (RhB)—were evaluated in the presence of humic acids (HAs), a major component of HSs. To assess environmental variability, a total of twelve HS samples were tested, including HSs derived from soils of different origins, compost, commercial reagents, and standard reference materials. Among these, AO and MB exhibited distinct spectral shifts without overlapping with the intrinsic fluorescence of HAs. Notably, MB displayed a consistent blue shift dependent on HA concentration, with the most stable response observed at 5 mg/L. The magnitude of this shift was significantly correlated with UV–Vis parameters associated with the aromaticity, humification degree, and polarity of HSs. Overall, this study demonstrates that MB-based fluorescent solvatochromism can function as an empirical and facile indicator for assessing the structural and microenvironmental characteristics of HSs, providing a rapid and complementary screening approach for HSs extracted and purified from environmental samples. Full article

Background/Objectives: Litsea glaucescens Kunth, commonly known as “laurel,” is a tree native to Mexico. The Codex Cruz-Badiano, from 1552, described it as the main ingredient of a topical anti-inflammatory recipe. This study aims to determine whether L. glaucescens leaf extract can reduce experimental inflammation, supporting its use in Aztec medicine. Methods: Methanolic extracts and fractions from the leaves of L. glaucescens were analyzed using techniques such as normal and reverse-phase TLC, 1H-NMR, HPLC-UV, MS, and GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory systemic activity of this methanolic extract was evaluated in mice using carrageenan-induced paw inflammation and TPA-induced ear topical inflammation models. Myeloperoxidase activity, DPPH, and TBARS assays were performed. L. guatemalensis, a closely related species, served as a positive control, as its biological activity has been demonstrated. Results: Thin-layer chromatography analysis reveals flavonoid-type compounds in the methanolic extract of L. glaucescens leaves, and when it was fractionated, pinocembrin and quercitrin were the main compounds found. L. glaucescens in mice significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw swelling and TPA-induced ear inflammation. A decrease in myeloperoxidase activity and an increase in antioxidant activity were observed. Conclusions: Methanolic extract from L. glaucescens, administered systematically, produced significant in vivo anti-edematous effects and in vitro, antioxidant and anti-infiltrative/anti-neutrophilic activities, qualitatively like those of L. guatemalensis. Quercitrin and pinocembrin could contribute to these actions. It is unclear which of the two plant species was used in pre-Columbian times; However, our results show that both species contain phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that the Aztecs recognized this medicinal property. Full article

Large-scale wireless sensor networks with electric field energy harvesters (EFEHs) offer self-powered, eco-friendly, and scalable crop monitoring in hydroponic greenhouses. However, their practical adoption is limited by the low power density of current EFEHs, which restricts the reliable operation of external sensors. To address this challenge, this work presents a noninvasive EFEH assembled with hydroponic leafy vegetables that harvests electric field energy and estimates plant functional traits directly from the electrical response. The device operates through electrostatic induction produced by an external alternating electric field, which induces surface charge redistribution on the leaf. These charges are conducted through an external load, generating an AC voltage whose amplitude depends on the dielectric properties of the leaf. A low-voltage prototype was designed, built, and evaluated under controlled electric field conditions. Two representative species, Beta vulgaris (chard) and Lactuca sativa (lettuce), were electrically characterized by measuring the open-circuit voltage (VOC) and short-circuit current (ISC) of EFEHs. Three regression models were developed to determine the relationship between foliar moisture content (FMC) and fresh mass with electrical parameters. Empirical results disclose that the plant functional traits are critical predictors of the electrical output of EFEHs, achieving coefficients of determination of $R^2=0.697$ and $R^2=0.794$ for each species, respectively. These findings demonstrate that EFEHs can serve as self-powered, noninvasive indicators of plant physiological state in living leafy vegetable crops. Full article

This study investigates the use of a homopolysaccharide (HoPS)-producing Latilactobacillus sakei strain for the production of protein-enriched plant-based yoghurt analogues based on coconut milk. Formulations varied in added sucrose (2.5% or 5.0% w/w), pea protein isolate (PPI; 0–5.0% w/w), and tapioca starch (0%, 1.5% w/w), and were fermented with either a HoPS-producing strain (L. sakei 1.411), or a non-exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing control strain (L. sakei 1.2037) with very similar acidification kinetics. Microbial growth and pH were monitored, HoPS content was determined via HPLC, and both firmness and syneresis were assessed during 5 days of storage at 4 °C. EPS yields were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in samples with 5.0% w/w added sucrose compared to those with 2.5% w/w. Fermentation with L. sakei 1.411 generally resulted in firmer gels (p < 0.05) and reduced syneresis (p < 0.05) compared to L. sakei 1.2307 and the enhanced viscosity (sample thickness) was also observed in a sensory analysis. Samples containing starch and 5.0% w/w PPI showed the highest firmness-related values. These findings demonstrate the potential of in situ HoPS production to improve the texture and stability of protein-enriched coconut-based yoghurt analogues. It highlights the importance of matrix formulation, strain selection and process control, which all contribute to the final product quality. Full article

Background: Arterial hypertension (AH) remains a global health concern due to its multifactorial etiology, limited therapeutic success, and high cardiovascular risk. In this context, plant-derived compounds such as essential oils have gained attention as alternative strategies. The monoterpene (-)-linalool (LIN) demonstrates antihypertensive effects. However, its clinical application is hampered by poor solubility and low bioavailability. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the chronic cardiovascular effects of free LIN and its inclusion complex with β-cyclodextrin (LIN/β-CD) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar rats. Results: Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that complexation with β-CD markedly improved LIN plasma exposure, increasing systemic bioavailability by approximately 20-fold and prolonging its circulation time. In acute assays, intravenous LIN and LIN/β-CD (50 mg/kg) reduced blood pressure in SHR, LIN induced bradycardia, and LIN/β-CD elicited a mild, non-significant tachycardia. Orally administered LIN/β-CD exerted superior antihypertensive effects compared to free LIN. In a 60-day chronic regimen, LIN/β-CD consistently maintained reduced arterial pressure, achieving levels comparable to normotensive controls, while free LIN produced transient effects. LIN/β-CD also significantly reduced the cardiac mass index in SHR, suggesting attenuation of hypertrophic remodeling. Vascular reactivity assays revealed enhanced endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation and diminished vasoconstriction in LIN/β-CD-treated animals, indicating improved endothelial and smooth muscle function. Histological analyses confirmed the absence of cardiac or vascular injury in both treatment groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, the LIN/β-CD complex improves the pharmacokinetic profile and enhances the arterial morphology, antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of linalool. These findings support its translational potential as a safe and effective oral formulation for the long-term management of hypertension and associated cardiovascular dysfunction. Full article

The increasing challenges posed by climate change demand holistic approaches to mitigate ecosystem degradation. In Mediterranean-type regions—biodiversity hotspots facing intensified droughts, fires, and biological invasions—such strategies are particularly relevant. Among invasive species, Acacia longifolia produces substantial woody and leafy biomass when removed, offering an opportunity for reuse as soil-improving material after adequate processing. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of invasive A. longifolia Green-waste compost (Gwc) as a soil amendment to promote soil recovery and native plant establishment after fire. A field experiment was carried out in a Mediterranean ecosystem using Arbutus unedo, Pinus pinea, and Quercus suber planted in control and soils treated with Gwc. Rhizospheric soils were sampled one year after plantation, in Spring and Autumn, to assess physicochemical parameters and microbial community composition (using composite samples) through Next-Generation Sequencing. Our study showed that Gwc-treated soils exhibited higher moisture content and nutrient availability, which translated into improved plant growth and increased microbial richness and diversity when compared with control soils. Together, these results demonstrate that A. longifolia Gwc enhances soil quality, supports increased plant fitness, and promotes a more diverse microbiome, ultimately contributing to faster ecosystem recovery. Transforming invasive biomass into a valuable resource could offer a sustainable, win–win solution for ecological rehabilitation in fire-affected Mediterranean environments, enhancing soil and ecosystem functioning. Full article

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) could exert positive effects on plant growth and productivity; however, little is known about the effects of variables during the production of PGPB biomass and how they could affect the performances of these microorganisms. This study investigated the effects of pH, temperature, and culture age on the growth of promising PGPBstrains, Bacillus sp. 36M and Stenotrophomonas sp. 20P, isolated from the rhizosphere of durum wheat. A fractional factorial 2^k design was applied to evaluate bacterial growth under varying conditions (pH 5.0–7.5; 15–35 °C; 24–72 h precultures). Multifactorial ANOVA revealed that all independent variables and their interactions significantly affected cell concentration (p < 0.05). Bacillus sp. 36M exhibited optimal growth when inoculated from 24 h cultures and incubated under moderate conditions (15 °C, pH 7.5), whereas Stenotrophomonas sp. 20P showed higher viability with 72 h cultures. These results demonstrate that the inoculum physiological state is a critical determinant of PGPB stress tolerance and should be specifically optimized for each strain. The greater technological robustness of Stenotrophomonas sp. 20P suggests its suitability for biofertilizer formulations requiring extended shelf-life or application under variable environmental conditions. In conclusion, this work provides a quantitative framework for tailoring PGPB production protocols to maximize field performance in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a key staple crop in the Peruvian Andes, but its productivity is threatened by fungal pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani and Alternaria alternata. In this study, 71 native bacterial strains (39 from phyllosphere and 32 from rhizosphere) were isolated from potato plants across five agroecological zones of Peru and characterized for their plant growth-promoting (PGPR) and antagonistic traits. Actinomycetes demonstrated broader enzymatic profiles, with 2ACPP4 and 2ACPP8 showing high proteolytic (68.4%, 63.4%), lipolytic (59.5%, 60.6%), chitinolytic (32.7%, 35.5%) and amylolytic activity (76.3%, 71.5%). Strain 5ACPP5 (Streptomyces decoyicus) produced 42.8% chitinase and solubilized both dicalcium (120.6%) and tricalcium phosphate (122.3%). The highest IAA production was recorded in Bacillus strain 2BPP8 (95.4 µg/mL), while 5ACPP6 was the highest among Actinomycetes (83.4 µg/mL). Siderophore production was highest in 5ACPP5 (412.4%) and 2ACPP4 (406.8%). In vitro antagonism assays showed that 5ACPP5 inhibited R. solani and A. alternata by 86.4% and 68.9%, respectively, while Bacillus strain BPP4 reached 51.0% inhibition against A. alternata. In greenhouse trials, strain 4BPP8 significantly increased fresh tuber weight (11.91 g), while 5ACPP5 enhanced root biomass and reduced stem canker severity. Molecular identification confirmed BPP4 as Bacillus halotolerans and 5ACPP5 as Streptomyces decoyicus. These strains represent promising candidates for the development of bioinoculants for sustainable potato cultivation in Andean systems. Full article

Mespilus germanica L. is one of the two species of the genus Mespilus L., and is distributed in several regions, including Southeastern Europe, Anatolia, the Caucasus, and parts of the Middle East. The fruits of the plant are consumed as food, and the fruits, leaves, and stem bark are traditionally used for various systemic disorders, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary tract, and skin conditions, as well as menstrual irregularities. In our study, the anti-inflammatory potential and antimicrobial activities of aqueous-methanolic extracts prepared from ripe (MGRF) and unripe fruits (MGUF), leaves (MGL), and stem bark (MGB) of M. germanica were evaluated in vitro. Quercetin, catechin, epicatechin, ellagic acid, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. MGL exhibited the strongest activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 8 µg/mL), while MGB was most active against Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 4 µg/mL), and fruit extracts were effective against resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC = 16–32 µg/mL). Membrane-protective effects were more pronounced in MGUF and MGB, whereas MGL demonstrated the highest protein stabilization activity. Leaves also contained the highest levels of chlorogenic acid and epicatechin. These findings support the traditional use of M. germanica, though further studies are required to explore its therapeutic potential. Full article

Background/Objectives: Wound healing is a complex biological process influenced by inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular regeneration. Plant-derived bioactive compounds have shown potential to accelerate tissue repair through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a Platanus orientalis extract-loaded liposomal formulation for potential wound-healing applications. Methods: Four polar extracts (P1–P4) were prepared using different solvent systems and extraction techniques and were characterized by LC-HRMS to determine their phytochemical profiles. Among the identified constituents, quercetin was consistently detected across all extracts and selected as the reference compound due to its well-known wound-healing activity. Liposomes were prepared via thin-film hydration followed by probe sonication and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and total drug content. In vitro release, cytotoxicity, and wound-healing assays were subsequently conducted to assess performance. Results: The optimized liposome formulation had a mean particle size of 106.6 ± 5.4 nm, a PDI of 0.11 ± 0.04, and a zeta potential of −14.1 ± 0.5 mV. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) confirmed the nanosized spherical morphology and homogeneous vesicle distribution, supporting the successful development of the liposomal delivery system. Encapsulation efficiency and total drug content were determined as 72.25 ± 1.05% and 96.15 ± 0.14%, respectively. In vitro release studies demonstrated a biphasic pattern with an initial burst followed by a sustained release, reaching approximately 75% cumulative quercetin release within 24 h. Physical stability testing confirmed that the optimized liposomal formulation remained physically stable at 5 ± 3 °C for at least 60 days. The optimized formulation showed no cytotoxic effects on CDD-1079Sk fibroblast cells and exhibited significantly enhanced wound closure in vitro. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the liposomal delivery of Platanus orientalis extract provides a biocompatible and sustained-release system that enhances wound-healing efficacy, supporting its potential use in advanced topical therapeutic applications. Full article

Dietary fiber is an essential component of the human diet, and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) accounts for a significant proportion. However, its poor solubility and rigid structure limit its high-value applications. In recent years, modification technologies have become key strategies for enhancing the functional properties of IDF and expanding its applications. This review systematically summarizes the latest advances in the field of IDF modification, emphasizing how different modification strategies precisely regulate the multilevel structure of IDF to selectively improve its physicochemical properties and physiological functions. The principles and mechanisms of physical, chemical, biological, and combined modification methods are explained, and the unique advantages and limitations of each method in terms of structural changes, functional enhancement, and application scenarios are compared. Using high-pressure hydrostatic pressure-assisted cellulase treatment on potato dietary fiber can effectively disrupt fiber rigidity, increase soluble dietary fiber (SDF), and markedly enhance cholesterol and glucose adsorption capacities, outperforming single-treatment approaches. Microwave-assisted enzymatic treatment of millet bran IDF raises its intestinal fermentation rate from 36% to 59% and doubles butyrate production, significantly boosting prebiotic activity and offering a new pathway for targeted modulation of gut microbiota; combined modification strategies further demonstrate synergistic benefits. Modified IDF can serve not only as a low-calorie fat replacer in foods but also, through specific structural alterations, be incorporated into plant-based meat products to improve their fiber attributes and nutritional density. Moreover, this review explores the emerging potential of modified IDF in pharmaceutical carriers and gut microecology regulation. The aim is to provide theoretical guidance for selecting and optimizing IDF modification strategies, thereby promoting the high-value utilization of agricultural processing by-products and the development of high-quality dietary fiber products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dendrobium officinale is a valuable medicinal orchid. However, the metabolic profiles of its leaves and flowers remain poorly characterized. This highlights the need for comprehensive analysis of stems, leaves, and flowers to reveal plant-part-specific bioactive compounds and expand whole-plant utilization. Methods: An integrative metabolomic approach based on UHPLC–MS/MS was employed to systematically characterize secondary metabolite profiles in different parts of D. officinale, including stems (DOS), leaves (DOL), and flowers (DOF). Results: A total of 761 metabolites, predominantly flavonoids (30.6%), alkaloids (20.2%), phenolic acids (12.2%), and terpenoids (9.3%), were identified. The most abundant metabolites were detected in DOF (634), followed by DOL (598) and DOS (586). Total flavonoid and alkaloid contents were the highest in DOF, reaching 0.86 and 0.62 mg·g⁻¹ DW, respectively. Screening identified 74 key active ingredients (KAI) and 83 active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and demonstrated potential efficacy against six major human diseases. Among these, gardenoside and phloroglucinol were uniquely present in leaves, whereas 12 KAIs and 16 APIs were specific to DOF. Quercetin, a compound associated with more than 90 disease-related entries, was exclusively detected in DOF. Multivariate analyses revealed clear separation among the three plant parts. Furthermore, 15 metabolites with VIP > 1, including pinobanksin and naringenin, exhibited distinct plant-part-specific accumulation patterns. Additionally, potential plant-part-specific biomarkers were identified. Conclusions: This study presents a comprehensive plant-part-specific metabolomic profile of D. officinale, revealing that its flowers and leaves are particularly enriched in bioactive flavonoids and alkaloids. The findings reveal the remarkable metabolic diversity and functional potential of D. officinale, providing essential chemical insights that support the whole plant’s broader medicinal and biotechnological applications. Full article

Leaf senescence is a crucial developmental process in plants, and is tightly regulated by transcription factors such as NAC family members. However, the functions of NAC genes in the leaf senescence of the medicinal and ornamental plant Clerodendrum japonicum remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we performed the transcriptome sequencing of mature and early-senescent leaves in C. japonicum. We screened candidate NAC genes and validated their expression patterns using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The functions of CjNAC43 and CjNAC54 were characterized through heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana and Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) in C. japonicum. We further investigated their roles in abscisic acid (ABA)- and dark-induced senescence. Our findings revealed that transcriptomic analysis identified 522 differentially expressed genes, including nine NAC members. CjNAC43 and CjNAC54 exhibited significantly upregulated expression during the critical senescence phase (90–130 days). Overexpression of either gene in A. thaliana accelerated leaf senescence, up-regulated senescence-associated genes (SAGs), and reduced chlorophyll content. Conversely, silencing CjNAC43 or CjNAC54 in C. japonicum delayed senescence. Both genes enhanced the plant’s sensitivity to ABA and darkness, leading to accelerated senescence under these stresses. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that CjNAC43 and CjNAC54 function as positive regulators of leaf senescence in C. japonicum, partly by mediating ABA and dark signaling pathways. Full article