Search Results (957)

Background: The eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing medicinal flora presents a viable strategy for the development of multifunctional agents exhibiting antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This investigation aims to elucidate the phytochemical composition of Calotropis gigantea and its contribution to the synthesis of CG-AgNPs that demonstrate efficacy against Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer cell lines. Methods: The aqueous plant leaf extract of C. gigantea underwent comprehensive analysis via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying a total of 25 bioactive constituents, including oleic and oxalic acid derivatives. The fabrication and analysis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were performed utilizing methodologies including ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and assessments of zeta potential. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated through methods including agar well diffusion, time-kill kinetics, and biofilm assays. The cytotoxic impact on AGS gastric cancer cells was investigated using MTT assays, DAPI staining, and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) staining techniques. The assessment of antioxidant potential was performed utilizing DPPH and ABTS assays. The anti-inflammatory properties were analyzed through protein denaturation and membrane stabilization tests. Results: CG-AgNPs exhibited a spherical morphology (11–17 nm) with commendable stability, denoted by using zeta potential analysis measurement of −30.2 mV. The antibacterial activity showed a significant inhibition zone of 16.00 ± 0.17 mm at a concentration of 50 µg/mL against H. pylori, in addition to notable biofilm disruption. The viability of AGS cells was reduced by 61% at a concentration of 100 micrograms per milliliter, with apoptosis being confirmed through relevant assays. The antioxidant potential varied from 18% to 83% (DPPH) and reached 74% (ABTS) at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. The anti-inflammatory assays indicated a BSA denaturation inhibition ranging from 45% to 80% and a membrane stabilization effect between 54% and 85%. Conclusions: CG-AgNPs exhibit substantial antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, underscoring their pharmaceutical potential, particularly for combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens and gastric malignancies. Full article

Demand for cosmetics based on green production and the circular economy is growing. The inflorescences and apical leaves of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) after blunting, deflowering, or topping are considered pre-harvest waste biomass. Using green and ecofriendly solvents such as natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) offers a sustainable way to make use of this biomass for incorporation in cosmetic formulations. The inflorescence and apical leaves of tobacco var Virginia were therefore dried, powdered, and extracted using a NaDES composed of choline-chloride, urea, and distilled water (NaDES CU). The resulting inflorescence and apical leaves extracts showed high concentrations of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Both extracts demonstrated significant biological activity and effectively inhibited tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin regulation and skin aging (IC₅₀ = 50 μg GAE/mL), as well as showing antioxidant capacity (ABTS^•+; SC₅₀ =1.7–7 μg GAE/mL). Ten nanoemulsions containing tobacco leaf- and inflorescence extract-based NaDES CU, formulated using different polysorbates, deionized water and glycerin, were produced. A low-energy emulsification technique at a constant temperature was applied. Considering the droplet size and polydispersity index, only the nanoemulsions containing inflorescence and leaf extracts based on NaDES CU and containing 5% or 10% polysorbate 85 were selected for further stability assessment and characterization. This study highlights the potential of NaDES combined with tobacco waste extracts as a sustainable and non-toxic ingredient in anti-aging and antioxidant cosmetics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) serves multiple physiological roles but accumulates with age, compromising skeletal health. This expansion is largely driven by an adipogenic drift of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs), shifting attention toward stromal cell fate regulation as a target to preserve bone marrow homeostasis. Preventing adipogenic commitment may be as relevant as directly inducing osteogenesis for maintaining a bone-permissive marrow microenvironment. Here, we investigated whether olive leaf extract (OLE) and its purified secoiridoid components, oleacin (OC) and oleuropein aglycone (OA), modulate the adipogenic differentiation and proliferative capacity of human BMSCs. Methods: Human BMSCs were induced to undergo adipogenic differentiation and treated with OLE, OC, or OA. Intracellular lipid accumulation and the expression of key adipogenic regulators were assessed. Proliferative capacity was evaluated under both maintenance and adipogenic conditions. Results: Under adipogenic conditions, OLE markedly reduced intracellular lipid accumulation and induced a coordinated downregulation of PPARγ, PLIN1, FABP4, ADIPOQ, LEP and the adipogenesis-associated miR-422a. In contrast, OC and OA exerted more selective and specific effects on biomarkers, indicating the partial and complementary modulation of adipogenic programs. Notably, OLE also increased BMSC proliferation under both maintenance and adipogenic conditions, suggesting the preservation of a less committed stromal cell pool. Although the relative contribution of enhanced proliferation versus the direct inhibition of adipogenic pathways cannot be fully disentangled, the combined molecular and functional data support a dual action of OLE on stromal cell fate. Conclusions: OLE limits adipogenic commitment while maintaining stromal cell proliferative competence, processes that are critically involved in BMAT expansion and bone marrow dysfunction. OC and OA contribute to OLE bioactivity deserving further investigation, particularly in combination, as potential modulators of BMAT expansion. Full article

This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an eco-friendly method with Ocimum lamiifolium leaf extract as a natural reducing agent. The research examined how different conditions affected nanoparticle stability and size. Characterization techniques included XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopy, particle size analysis, PDI, and zeta potential. A color change from colorless to grey indicated successful reduction of Ag⁺ to Ag°. UV-vis spectra showed a peak at 467 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. The average size was 65 nm with a PDI of 0.241, indicating uniformity, and the zeta potential was −13.4 mV, suggesting good stability. The functional groups of phytochemicals involved in reduction and stabilization were identified by FTIR analysis. A face-cantered cubic crystalline structure was verified by XRD. Higher AgNPs concentrations resulted in larger zones of inhibition in antibacterial tests against E. coli, ranging from 4 mm to 15.45 mm. Reduction, stabilization, membrane rupture, ROS generation, and bacterial cell death were all steps in the green synthesis process. Overall, the stability and antibacterial activity of AgNPs made with Ocimum lamiifolium extract were outstanding, highlighting the potential of plant-based approaches for biomedical applications. Full article

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure accelerates skin aging by inducing oxidative stress, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and epidermal barrier dysfunction. This study investigated the protective effects of Brazilian pepper tree (SB), neem (SD), and Vietnamese coriander (PP) leaf extracts obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO₂ with ethanol as a co-solvent against radiation-induced cellular damage. Among these, SB yielded the greatest amount of extract and exhibited the highest levels of phenolic and flavonoid constituents, including naringin, epicatechin gallate, and rosmarinic acid. These compounds, identified through HPLC profiling, were associated with strong inhibition of collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase, and exhibited potent antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay. Under UVC-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes, SB markedly enhanced the mRNA expression of key genes involved in ECM integrity (COL1A1, 3.04 ± 0.15-fold), epidermal barrier and hydration (FLG, 4.66 ± 0.17-fold; HAS1, 1.90 ± 0.14-fold), and cellular defense mechanisms (SIRT1, 3.83 ± 0.54-fold), demonstrating superior efficacy to reference antioxidants (EGCG and ascorbic acid) in upregulating key barrier genes like FLG. Overall, the findings highlight SB as the extract with the most comprehensive photoprotective properties and support the use of SFE-derived botanical extracts as promising agents for natural and photoprotective skincare applications. Full article

Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) is the sole host plant for monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) larvae, yet its quality varies within and among individual plants. This study examined how leaf position, used as a proxy for leaf age, on Asclepias syriaca influences monarch larval performance and feeding behavior. We found that younger leaves from the tops of milkweed stems had higher nitrogen levels and were easier to consume than older, lower leaves. Larvae that fed on top leaves grew larger, developed faster, and exhibited consistently higher survival rates, although the magnitude of these effects was modest. In choice bioassays, both neonates and third instars showed preference for younger leaf tissue, suggesting larvae can differentiate leaf types. These findings indicate that within-plant variation in milkweed quality can affect monarch fitness. Because milkweed quality declines as plants mature, periodic disturbance (e.g., mowing or burning) that promotes regrowth may improve leaf quality and larval performance. However, such practices involve trade-offs, including potential impacts on other species and potential disruption or diapause cues and migration timing. Selective or rotational mowing may offer a more sustainable approach by balancing regrowth benefits with preservation of natural phenological cues. Full article

Cissus verticillata (plant-insulin) is used in the Brazilian popular medicine to treat symptoms of diabetes. Studies about its ability to contrast glycoxidative stress is lacking, which may add mechanistic information about its effects on treat diabetic complications. This study investigated the ability of Cissus verticillata leaf hydroethanolic extract (CvExt) to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). ROS scavenging assays were used to test CvExt antioxidant activity. Incubations of bovine serum albumin with glucose (0.5 M) or methylglyoxal (2 mM) and CvExt (250, 125, and 62.5 μg/mL) were used to test the antiglycation activity, by monitoring fluorescent AGEs, markers of amino acid oxidation, and protein carbonyl groups (PCO). The plant extract was submitted to liquid−liquid extractions, fractions were analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, and the data obtained were subjected to partial least-squares discriminant analysis. CvExt scavenged ROS inhibited the formation of AGEs and amino acid oxidation products, and decreased PCO levels. The main metabolites found in CvExt were flavonoids, cinnamic acid derivatives, coumarins, free amino acids, and some lipophilic compounds. CvExt inhibited glycoxidative stress in vitro, which can be associated with its complex chemical composition. Full article

Psidium cattleyanum Sabine (strawberry guava, araçá) is an ethnomedicinal plant with reputed health benefits; however, its potential for treating skin disorders remains underexplored. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of P. cattleyanum leaves from Cabo Verde and evaluate their bioactivity relevant to skin health. Phytochemical analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and spectrophotometric assays. Key biological activities were assessed in vitro, including antioxidant capacity (free radical scavenging assays), anti-aging enzyme inhibition (collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase), and antibacterial activity against skin pathogens (agar diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration, and combination studies with standard antibiotics). Cytotoxicity was evaluated using Vero cells (MTT assay). Additionally, a topical cream containing the leaf extract was formulated and subjected to physicochemical stability and sensory testing. LC-MS revealed a rich polyphenolic composition in the leaf extract, including abundant phenolic acids (gallic and ellagic acid derivatives) and flavonoid glycosides. The extract exhibited a high total phenolic content and strong antioxidant activity in DPPH/ABTS assays. It showed potent inhibition of collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase, indicating an anti-aging effect against wrinkle formation and hyperpigmentation. The extract also demonstrated broad antimicrobial efficacy against skin-associated bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes, with no antagonism and partial synergism observed when combined with certain antibiotics. The P. cattleyanum extract was successfully incorporated into a cream formulation that remained physically and chemically stable (no phase separation, consistent droplet size, and pH) over 90 days, with good homogeneity and acceptable sensory characteristics (neutral odor, smooth texture, and good spreadability). P. cattleyanum leaves from Cabo Verde are a rich source of bioactive compounds with multifunctional dermatological benefits. This study demonstrates that the P. cattleyanum leaf extract exhibits significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging activities in vitro, supporting its potential use as a natural ingredient for skin care. Full article

Skin aging is driven by oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation, and ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced cellular injury. Plant-derived bioactives with multi-targeted protective actions offer promising avenues for cosmeceutical development. This study assessed ethanolic leaf extracts of Vitex trifolia, an Indonesian medicinal plant traditionally used for skin disorders. Phytochemical analysis showed a total phenolic content of 78.52 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content of 1.99 ± 0.02 mg QE/g. LC–HRMS profiling identified major flavonoid and phenolic acid derivatives. Antioxidant assays demonstrated strong radical-scavenging and reducing activities, with IC₅₀ values of 63.47 ± 0.24 (DPPH) and 70.13 ± 1.28 μg/mL (ABTS) and a Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) value of 36.3 ± 0.18 FeSO₄ eq/100 g. Enzymatic studies confirmed potent collagenase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 27.94 ± 3.20 μg/mL) and moderate elastase inhibition, supported by molecular docking analysis. In HaCaT keratinocytes, the extract remained non-cytotoxic up to 100 μg/mL and exerted cytoprotective activity against UVB-induced damage at 12.5–50 μg/mL. The extract also downregulated UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression up to 42% and 69%, respectively, outperforming ascorbic acid. These findings highlight V. trifolia as a multifunctional natural candidate for anti-photoaging cosmeceutical applications over single-compound antioxidants, as demonstrated by its combined antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory, cytoprotective, and MMP-modulating activities, as well as a wider cell safety profile. Full article

Mutants with a bright green appearance due to wax synthesis or deposition defects have been reported in various plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana, corn, and rice, but they are relatively rare in broccoli (a brassicaceae crop). Here, we describe SY03, a natural mutant of broccoli with a glossy green phenotype owing to epidermal wax deficiency. Genetic analysis indicated that the leaf luster trait of SY03 was controlled by a single recessive gene. By using the F₂ generation and combining bulked segregant analysis and molecular marker techniques, the candidate gene BoFAR3a, homologous to the Arabidopsis FAR gene, was identified within a 96.678 kb interval of chromosome C01. The A→G point mutation in exon 1 of the BoFAR3a coding sequence substitutes the canonical ATG start codon with GTG, which is predicted to abrogate or severely reduce translation initiation. RT-qPCR indicated that the expression levels of BoFAR3a were significantly decreased in the leaves of the glossy green phenotype mutant. Heterologous expression of BoFAR3a in A. thaliana restored the phenotype of A. thaliana mutant FAR3. The discovery of BoFAR3a is of great significance for breeding lustrous and commercially appealing broccoli varieties. This study systematically analyzed the molecular basis of the lustrous green phenotype in broccoli, providing new insights into the epidermal waxy regulatory network of cruciferous crops. In the future, the wax synthesis pathway can be precisely improved through gene editing technology, achieving a coordinated enhancement of the appearance quality and stress resistance of broccoli. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of soil thickness on seedling growth in rice machine transplanting. Zhongzu 53 was selected as the test variety, and three different soil thickness treatments were applied: 0 cm (CK), 0.5 cm (T1), and 1 cm (T2). The emergence rate, plant height, root length, leaf age, number of green leaves, total root length, projected area, root surface area, and total root volume were measured. The results demonstrated that, compared with the CK treatment, the seedling emergence rate of the T1 treatment increased significantly by 68.6%, while no significant difference was observed in the emergence rate between the T1 and T2 treatments. The plant height, root length, and leaf age of the T1 treatment were significantly higher than those of both the CK and T2 treatments. In terms of root morphological indicators, the total root length, total root projected area, and number of root tips in the T1 treatment were significantly greater than those in the CK and T2 treatments. Correlation analysis revealed that the seedling emergence rate was extremely significantly positively correlated with the total root number (p < 0.01) and significantly positively correlated with the number of white roots, number of root tips, and total root length (p < 0.05). Grey correlation analysis indicated that the total root number had the highest correlation degree with the seedling emergence rate. Principal component analysis (PCA) results showed that the cumulative contribution rate of PCA1 and PCA2 reached 67.5%. Membership function analysis revealed that the T1 treatment had the highest average membership value, whereas the CK treatment exhibited the poorest performance. In conclusion, an appropriate cover soil thickness can effectively improve the growth performance of mechanically transplanted rice seedlings. Full article

With the continuous development of the livestock industry, the availability of high-quality roughage is becoming increasingly constrained. Therefore, the exploitation of unconventional feed resources is crucial for the sustainable development of the sector. Grape branches and leaves are a major by-product of viticulture, abundant in supply but currently underutilised. Their ensilage presents potential feed value and ecological benefits. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with grape branch and leaf silage on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, gut microbiota, and metabolomic profiles of Kazakh rams. Sixty Kazakh rams aged 6.0 ± 0.5 months with similar initial body weight (34.21 ± 2.13 kg) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups: the control group (CG) fed whole-crop corn silage, the EG50 group where grape branch and leaf silage replaced 50% of the whole-crop corn silage, and the EG100 group where grape branch and leaf silage entirely replaced the whole-crop corn silage. Each treatment comprised four replicates with five rams per replicate. Following a 7-day adaptation period, a formal feeding trial was conducted for 120 days, after which relevant parameters were measured. Results: (1) Compared with the CG, the dressing percentage was significantly increased in the EG100 group (p < 0.05), while tail fat weight and tail fat percentage were both markedly decreased (p < 0.01). (2) Serum immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG) levels and antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT) activities were significantly elevated in the EG100 group (p < 0.05), accompanied by enhanced total antioxidant capacity. Concurrently, levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and the oxidative damage marker malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). (3) Based on slaughter performance, jejunal microbiota analysis was performed for the CG and EG100 groups. The relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes increased in the EG100 group, with beneficial genera such as Ruminococcus and Lactobacillus becoming predominant. (4) Metabolomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of pathways including primary bile acid biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism in the EG100 group, with 20 key differential metabolites identified. Dietary supplementation with grape branch and leaf silage may improve slaughter performance and reduce fat deposition in Kazakh rams, potentially by modulating the gut microbiota structure and its metabolic functions, thereby synergistically enhancing nutrient utilisation, anti-inflammatory capacity, and antioxidant status. This study provides a theoretical basis for the feed-oriented and value-added utilisation of grape processing by-products. Future research should further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between its active components and host metabolism. Full article

This study systematically investigated the effects of stand age (5, 10, 20, and 40 years) on the biochemical components, mineral element accumulation in leaves, and rhizosphere soil properties of the tea shrub Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze cv. Wuyi Rougui. Analyses were performed on dried and ground leaf samples, and rhizosphere soil was collected from multiple independent plots per age group (n = 3). The results showed that the contents of tea polyphenols, water extract, caffeine, total flavonoids, and free amino acids in leaves initially increased, peaked at 10 or 20 years, and then decreased with increasing stand age. Soluble sugar content was highest at 5 years. The accumulation patterns of leaf mineral elements (Mg, Mn, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca) were also significantly influenced by stand age. Soil physicochemical properties (pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic matter, etc.) and enzyme activities (protease, polyphenol oxidase, urease, sucrase) exhibited distinct trends, i.e., pH decreased initially and then increased, while organic matter content increased with stand age. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that tea quality indicators, mineral elements, and soil properties clearly separated the 5- and 40-year groups, while the 10- and 20-year groups were closer. Pearson correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlations between leaf total flavonoids and soil ammonium nitrogen (r = 0.82, p < 0.01), and negative correlations between leaf soluble sugar and soil ammonium nitrogen (r = −0.75, p < 0.05). In summary, stand age was associated with systematic changes in both tea leaf composition and soil environment, suggesting that soil nutrient availability and enzyme activity may modulate tea quality formation. These findings provide a theoretical basis for age-specific soil and nutrient management in tea plantations. Full article

In the context of the global energy transition, renewable and sustainable resources are increasingly being explored as an alternative to fossil fuels. Lignocellulosic and organic waste biomass is abundant, low-cost, and represents a promising feedstock for bioenergy production. However, the valorization of abandoned or underutilized residues remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated the bioenergy potential of eight solid organic waste materials collected from abandoned sites, including: (1) landfilled woodwaste, (2) softwood and (3) hardwood sawdust, (4) fresh pine bark (5) decomposed pine bark, (6) decomposed leaf and yard waste, (7) decomposed organic food waste (8) and aged barn dust. Physicochemical characterization revealed their high organic matter content across all substrates, with volatile solids (VS) ranging from 40% to 95%, whereas the C/N ratio varied widely from 10 to 1297. To optimize conditions, co-digesting was performed at a fixed substrate-to-inoculum ratio (SIR) at 1, which effectively balanced the high carbon content and enhanced process stability. Under thermophilic anaerobic digestion, organic matter degradation ranged from 16% to 71%. The highest specific methane potential reached 89.9 ± 7.7 L CH₄·kg VS added⁻¹ for fresh pine bark, while the lowest was 25.2 ± 6.8 L CH₄·kg VS added⁻¹ for decomposed organic food waste. The resulting digestates were rich in nutrients, demonstrating high agronomic value. Anaerobic digestion of abandoned lignocellulosic and organic residues presents a dual benefit: it reduces pollution while producing renewable energy in the form of methane and valuable by-products that can be used as fertilizers, thereby ensuring a circular economy. This study demonstrates the significant potential of utilizing overlooked waste streams as valuable resources in sustainable bioenergy generation. Full article

Phylogenetic metrics can separate two complementary biodiversity dimensions: the amount of evolutionary history retained in a community (Faith’s phylogenetic diversity, PD) and community assembly signals expressed as departures from null expectations in phylogenetic relatedness (standardized effect size of mean pairwise phylogenetic distance, SES.MPD). However, at the individual-forest scale—where conservation and management decisions are implemented—the key drivers and linked pathways controlling these two dimensions often remain unclear. Here, PD and SES.MPD were quantified for 96 20 × 20 m forest plots spanning broadleaved, conifer, and subalpine forests on Mt. Gariwang, South Korea. Community phylogenies were generated and related to elevation, stand age class, soil fertility, species richness, and community-weighted mean (CWM) traits (specific leaf area, SLA; wood density, WD) using information-theoretic multimodel inference and piecewise structural equation modeling. PD and SES.MPD differed significantly among forest types, but were governed by distinct controls. PD was most strongly and negatively associated with CWM.WD, indicating that dominance by high–wood-density strategies coincided with reduced retained evolutionary history. In contrast, SES.MPD was primarily negatively associated with CWM.SLA and species richness, with soil fertility influencing SES.MPD indirectly via SLA; stand age class showed limited explanatory power. Overall, these results demonstrate decoupled drivers of evolutionary-history retention versus assembly-related coexistence structure and identify management-relevant levers at the individual-forest scale, highlighting the importance of trait dominance and soil–trait pathways in addition to forest type. Full article