Search Results (856)

Background/Objectives: Hypertension represents a leading contributor to cardiovascular disorders and premature mortality. Given the pervasive nature of adverse effects associated with current angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), there is a significant interest in identifying novel bioactive lead compounds from natural sources. This study identifies, for the first time, three novel angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides released from Bungarus multicinctus (BM) via simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGD). Methods: Active fractions were enriched by ultrafiltration and subjected to stability assessment. The peptide sequences were then determined using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and bioinformatics tools, followed by chemical synthesis. Finally, the inhibitory mechanism was investigated using kinetic analysis and molecular docking. Results: The intestinal digest exhibited potent ACE inhibition, with the <5 kDa fraction achieving 79% inhibition at 1 mg/mL and demonstrating favorable stability under varying temperatures, pH, and ionic strengths. Molecular docking revealed strong binding (affinity < −9.9 kcal/mol) of the peptides PPSPPRW, WGFTKF, and PSLFPPRL to key ACE residues—Tyr523, His513, and Arg522—via hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions. Enzyme kinetics characterized PPSPPRW and WGFTKF as competitive inhibitors, and PSLFPPRL as mixed type. The peptides demonstrated acceptable cell viability at lower concentrations, establishing a preliminary safety window for therapeutic application. Conclusions: These findings establish BM as a valuable source of stable, bioactive ACE-inhibitory peptides (ACEIPs) acting as promising lead compounds for antihypertensive therapies. Full article

The Congo Basin peatlands, the world’s largest tropical peatland complex, are critical for global carbon storage yet remain poorly understood from a human dimension’s perspective. This study explores the perceptions, lifestyles, and knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples and local communities around Lake Tumba, Democratic Republic of Congo, to identify practices supporting peatland conservation. Using a mixed-methods approach—household surveys (n = 320), focus groups, and statistical analyses including chi-square tests and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA)—the study reveals a predominantly Indigenous agrarian society with limited formal education and strong reliance on peatlands for food (93.7%), construction materials (79.0%), and medicines (75.9%). While regulating services such as carbon storage were seldom recognized, traditional ecological knowledge was evident in sacred species protection, ritual plant and animal uses, and intergenerational knowledge transfer, mainly father-to-son. However, 95.3% of respondents cited religion as the main barrier to this transmission. MCA confirmed that livelihoods, village status, and ritual practices form an integrated socio-cultural system aligned with conservation. These findings stress the role of endogenous governance in sustaining peatland-compatible lifestyles. Conservation efforts should move beyond carbon-centered or top-down approaches to reinforce land tenure, traditional governance, and knowledge transmission, thereby protecting both peatlands and the cultural identities sustaining them. Full article

Since the 1960s, Grassy Narrows First Nation, Canada, has been exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) from fish consumption following Hg discharge from a chloralkali plant. Prenatal exposure to MeHg is known to affect the neurodevelopment of fetuses and the retina is sensitive to neurodevelopmental damage. The multidisciplinary, cross-sectional Niibin study, developed with Grassy Narrows First Nations, included visual examinations with retinal evaluation using optical coherence tomography (OCT). The present analyses focused on the 59 participants (116 eyes) with umbilical cord Hg measurements, sampled between 1971 and 1992. Associations between cord blood Hg and retinal thickness layers surrounding the optic nerve head (RNFL) and inner macula (GC-IPL) were examined using mixed-effect models. Higher cord blood Hg was significantly associated with reduced thickness of GC-IPL layers across all macular sectors; less pronounced associations were observed for RNFL. A qualitative clinical assessment of the OCT results showed that persons with cord blood Hg concentrations ≥ 5.8 µg/L were more likely to present bilateral abnormal retinal thinning (OR = 3.51; [95% CI: 1.06–11.53]). These findings suggest that, in this Indigenous community, prenatal MeHg exposure may have enduring effects on retinal thickness and underline the importance of OCT technology in providing tailored eye care. Full article

Apple (Malus domestica) is a deciduous perennial tree that belongs to the family “Rosaceae”. Due to the highly suitable agro-climatic conditions for apple cultivation, it is among the widely cultivated fruits in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). This study aims to evaluate elite apple genotypes in GB based on morphological and biochemical traits. Five- to six-year-old plants were selected for this study. The research employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications, and mean differences were analyzed using the LSD test. In this study, five genotypes were assessed based on morphological (fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, and firmness) and biochemical attributes (TSS, TA, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, and flavonoid content). The results revealed significant variation among apple cultivars in both phytochemical and fruit quality attributes. The cultivar ‘Red Delicious’ exhibited the highest fruit weight (146.18 g), total soluble solids (TSS) (15.4 °Brix), and flavonoid content (105.75 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW). In contrast, ‘Red Full Star’ demonstrated superior firmness (7.19 kg cm⁻²), along with the highest total phenolic content (TPC) (4.00 mg GAE g⁻¹ FW) and ascorbic acid content (26.45 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW). Although the indigenous variety ‘Nus Khushu’ exhibited lower values in commercial traits, it holds substantial potential for conservation due to its unique local adaptation. The findings indicate that the “Red Delicious” and “Red Full Star” cultivars cultivated in GB are enriched with a variety of bioactive compounds that offer notable health benefits and may be utilized for future crop enhancement and breeding initiatives. Full article

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a synthetic microbial consortium (SMC) containing five functionally different bacterial strains (Rahnella aquatilis, Rothia endophytica, Stenotrophomonas indicatrix, Burkholderia contaminans, Lelliotia amnigena) on the growth and development of three agricultural crops (wheat, buckwheat, and rapeseed) on two soil types (chernozem and gray forest soil) under field conditions. The experiment was conducted from June to September 2024 under extreme field conditions, with temperatures reaching 43.8 °C. This study evaluates SMC efficacy under severe abiotic stress, reflecting increasingly common climate extremes. Metagenomic data analysis showed that the introduced strains did not establish stable populations in the soil, possibly due to heat-induced bacterial mortality, though other factors including competition with indigenous microflora and lack of protective formulations may have also contributed. No statistically significant effects on plant morphometric parameters were observed. The extreme temperature and water stress conditions appear to have been the dominant limiting factors, overriding any potential benefits from microbial inoculation, as evidenced by the lack of response to mineral fertilizer application as well. Crop-specific effects were revealed: when cultivating rapeseed on chernozem, a significant increase in available phosphorus content was noted (from 278 ± 45 to 638 ± 92 mg/kg with SMC application, p < 0.001). Full article

As a pulse crop, mung beans are associated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which can improve soil fertility, lower the need for nitrogen fertilizers, and increase yield and soil quality for subsequent harvests. This study aimed to identify effective rhizobial inoculants for mung beans (Vigna radiata L.) by evaluating selected strains for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under controlled (axenic) conditions. Cowpea, soybean, and common bean strains were tested as mung beans inoculants under axenic conditions. Promising strains were then tested in the field to assess grain yield and to quantify nitrogen fixation using the ¹⁵N natural abundance method. The cowpea strain BR 3302 (Bradyrhizobium viridifuturi) increased mung bean yield by 18%, achieving results similar to a 240 kg N ha⁻¹ fertilizer application. The soybean strain BR 96 (B. elkanii) facilitated the highest nitrogen fixation (35.3 kg N ha⁻¹), significantly surpassing the contribution of indigenous diazotrophic bacteria (18.5 kg N ha⁻¹). Interestingly, BR 3302 appeared to primarily enhance nitrogen uptake from the soil (65% of plant N), indicating the presence of other potential plant growth-promoting mechanisms beyond nitrogen fixation. This research demonstrates that Bradyrhizobium strains can benefit mung beans through both enhanced nitrogen fixation and additional growth-promoting mechanisms, offering a sustainable approach to improve mung beans production. Full article

Wine is the world’s leading alcoholic beverage, with Greece having a centuries-old history of winemaking processes. A common practice among winemakers is the addition of herbs and plants to wine, which is believed to increase its antioxidant capacity. A well-known example is retsina, produced from resin. This paper is based on the study of Roditis Alepou (Roditis Fox) and Muscat of Patras, two euphemistic grape varieties of Achaia, at different stages of maturity, with the addition of ginger to prepare ginger-enriched wine. Ginger is considered one of the most ancient plants, with its main cultivation countries being India and Malaysia. The present study included physicochemical analyses, involving total and effective acidity of the samples, antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, and pigments in the spectra of 420, 520, and 620 nm. This work aimed to study the wine prepared by these indigenous grape varieties of Achaia with added ginger at different concentrations (0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.2%, w/v) post-fermentation, and to determine if it conforms with the typical physicochemical characteristics of dry white wine. An increase in total and effective acidity of the samples was observed. Some fluctuations in total phenolics and antioxidant capacity were noted. Finally, pigments showed increased values in all three spectra. The organoleptic evaluation yielded encouraging results, leading us to conclude that the product warrants further study, with prospects for producing wine aromatized with ginger or ginger extract. Full article

This study discusses the unique features of the rural park Parque Rural del Nublo (Gran Canaria) that resulted in the designation of this site as UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve. Due to its indigenous flora and fauna, its mild climate and its farming lands, this park is considered as an outdoor “sustainable research laboratory”. This paper describes the main features (source, denomination, classification, municipality, year of declaration and hydro-chemical facies) of some of the many groundwater springs found in the park. The quality of the drinking water obtained from the spring “El Molinillo”, located in the basin of the municipality of Tejeda, is analysed by assessing its organoleptic, physico-chemical, chemical and bacteriological properties. Considering that it is described as “natural mineral water”, based on the taxonomy for mineral–medicinal waters, the water from “El Molinillo” is classified as hypothermal, alkaline and very soft water, with a low conductivity, a very weak mineralisation and a significant silica content. The water especially contains the following ions: bicarbonate, chloride, magnesium and calcium. The paper describes several pharmacological effects and therapeutic indications attributed to this water, analysing the impact of its silica content on human and plant health. The paper concludes that the park should be permanently protected as a World Heritage Site, and the water obtained from “El Molinillo” is classified as “drinking water”, “natural mineral water” and “mineral–medicinal water”. Full article

A freeze-dried natural starter culture (NSC) was developed and assessed for its suitability in producing a semi-cooked, 60-day-ripened cheese resembling the protected designation of origin (PDO) Pecorino Sardo. The culture, derived from raw ewe’s milk from a dairy farm involved in the study, without thermal decontamination to preserve indigenous microbiota, was enriched with two strain-level-characterised, biodiverse mixtures of Streptococcus thermophilus (Str-mix) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii (Lb-mix). This study evaluated the technological robustness and adaptability of NSC enriched with biodiverse Str-mix and Lb-mix across three different artisanal dairy-processing environments with varying milk compositions and equipment levels at plants located in different geographic areas. During cheesemaking, technological, physico-chemical, and compositional parameters were monitored, along with microbial characterisation of milks and 1-day cheeses. After 60 days of ripening, cheeses were characterised from the microbiological, physico-chemical, and compositional perspectives. Furthermore, nutritional labelling was established, and consumer acceptance was determined. Results showed that the starter (NSC + Str-mix + Lb-mix) demonstrated strong and reproducible technological performance in all dairies, regardless of the milk’s chemical and microbial composition variability. Sensory quality was preserved in cheeses ripened for up to 180 days. These preliminary findings seem to support the use of freeze-dried, raw-milk-derived natural cultures in artisanal cheesemaking as a way to preserve microbial diversity and to reconnect with traditional practices that enhance both the tangible and intangible assets of modern society. Full article

Background: Numerous degenerative diseases are brought on by inflammation and oxidative stress. Metabolites from plants contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Indigenous and understudied, Thottea sivarajanii is a significant ethnobotanical herb. It is native to the Western Ghats and belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family. Objectives: The current study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of T. sivarajanii leaf methanol extract (TSL) and the insights provided by phytochemical analysis. Methods: The HRLC–MS/MS (Q-TOF) study is used for the phytochemical analysis. The antioxidant efficacy is evaluated in terms of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, and reducing power (FRAP assay). In vitro anti-inflammatory efficacy was evaluated on RAW 264.7 cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Result: The HRLC–MS/MS (Q-TOF) study indicated the presence of bioactive molecules such as ursolic acid, Daidzein 4’,7-diglucoside, Calophyllin B, and Berbamine, etc. The results showed in vitro antioxidant capacity in DPPH, and ABTS, radical scavenging, and ferric-reducing activities with respective IC₅₀ and EC₅₀ values of 184.5 ± 2.4, 24.15 ± 0.13, and 4.94 ± 0.32 µg/mL, respectively. LPS significantly stimulated the production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells (p < 0.001). Treatment with TSL reduced levels of IL-1β and IL-6 from 776.1 ± 11.4 and 1678.1 ± 12.4 to 195.4 ± 9.2 and 465.4 ± 11.8 pg/mg protein. It also reduced NO levels from 91.4 ± 1.3 to 30.8 ± 1.7 µM/mg protein while reducing TNF-α levels from 2041.2 ± 15.1 to 1037.5 ± 15.4 pg/mg protein. Conclusions: This work contributes to the growing evidence supporting the pharmacological importance of the underexplored Thottea sivarajanii, highlighting this species as a promising candidate for natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Full article

Herbaria, originally books of medicinal plants, became collections of dried plants after 1500, later extending to seaweeds and supporting taxonomy and systematics. Digitalization has made herbaria accessible, and advances in DNA sequencing have transformed them into valuable resources for genetic research. Label data, which include place and date of collection, make exsiccata essential tools for biogeographic studies and conservation strategies, helping map biodiversity and protect endangered species. The historical Pierpaoli herbarium (MBMP) houses 584 seaweed specimens collected from the Ionian and Adriatic seas between 1920 and 1965. It has been digitized within the NPRR Project ITINERIS and the DiSSCo infrastructure. Floristic changes in the Mar Piccolo over three periods (1920–2024) and the Mar Grande (1920–1992) were compared using herbarium specimens, papers, and recent data. Mar Piccolo’s flora over a century revealed significant changes. Many historical species disappeared, while new ones appeared, including 14 non-indigenous species. The biogeographical composition also shifted, with Cosmopolitan and Indo-Pacific elements increasing. In the Mar Grande, less than half the species were found again in 1992. Evidently, phytobenthic communities underwent noticeable changes over a century, highlighting the impact of environmental shifts. This confirms that Natural Science Collections are invaluable resources for understanding our planet’s biodiversity and history. Full article

Methanotrophs offer promising avenues for sustainable agriculture and climate mitigation. This study evaluates the efficacy of indigenously isolated methanotrophs, particularly Methylomonas Kb3, as bioinoculants in rice cultivation. Kb3-treated plants exhibited early flowering, increased height, and a grain yield up to 17% higher than that of untreated controls. A mixed inoculation of Methylomonas and Methylomagnum resulted in a 15% increase in yield, indicating limited synergistic benefit. The root-dipping method during transplantation proved to be a practical and scalable inoculation technique for farmers. Genomic analysis revealed that Methylomonas Kb3 harbours genes associated with nitrogen fixation and resistance to heavy metals and antibiotics, potentially underpinning its agronomic performance. Beyond yield enhancement, the application of methanotrophs may contribute to reduced methane emissions in flooded paddy systems, offering dual benefits for both productivity and environmental sustainability. These findings warrant multilocation trials to validate efficacy across diverse agro-climatic zones and support the development of climate-smart biofertilizer strategies. Full article

Climate change poses growing threats to Amazonian biodiversity, yet species-specific responses remain poorly understood, particularly in the Colombian Amazon. This study assessed the potential distribution and habitat suitability of eight woody plant species—Euterpe precatoria (Mart.) A.J.Hend., Mauritia flexuosa L.f., Oenocarpus bataua Mart., Minquartia guianensis Aubl., Cedrela odorata L., Virola elongata (Benth.) Warb., Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) Schum. and Thebroma cacao L.—under a baseline period (1970–2000) and future climate projections for mid- (2041–2060) and late-century (2061–2080) periods, using two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP245 and SSP585). Species distribution models (SDMs) integrated bioclimatic, edaphic, and topographic predictors and were spatially intersected with Special Management Areas. Results revealed contrasting responses among species. M. flexuosa, E. precatoria, O. bataua, V. elongata, M. guianensis and T. cacao retained over 95% of their baseline suitable habitat and even expanded into new regions, reflecting broad climatic resilience under both future scenarios. In contrast, C. odorata experienced moderate contractions, losing 8.7% of their current ranges under SSP585 by 2080. The most vulnerable species was T. grandiflorum, projected to lose up to 27% of its current suitable habitat under the most pessimistic scenario. Overall, losses were mainly concentrated in the natural fractions of Indigenous Reserves and National Natural Parks. These findings underscore the heterogeneous responses of Amazonian species to climate change and highlight the need for adaptive conservation and management strategies. Protecting climate refugia, promoting ecological connectivity, and incorporating climate-resilient species into restoration programs will be critical to maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem services, and local livelihoods in the Colombian Amazon under future climates. Full article