Search Results (114)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with atherosclerosis (AS) serving as its primary pathological foundation, involving multiple pathological processes, including lipid metabolism disorders, chronic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. The food and medicine continuum (FMC) concept originates from traditional Chinese medicine, emphasizing that certain foods possess both nutritional and medicinal value, aligning closely with the modern “food is medicine” philosophy. This narrative review examines the bioactive components and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of ten FMC materia medica: hawthorn fruit (Crataegus Fructus), ginkgo seed (Ginkgo Semen), milkvetch root (Astragali Radix), turmeric (Curcumae longae Rhizoma), ginger (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), glossy ganoderma (Ganoderma), Angelica sinensis (Angelicae sinensis Radix), barbary wolfberry fruit (Lycii Fructus), lotus leaf (Nelumbinis Folium), and honey (Mel). These materia medica are rich in bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides, which can exert cardiovascular protective effects, such as regulating lipid metabolism, inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, improving endothelial function, and modulating gut microbiota. Regarding clinical evidence, meta-analyses support the beneficial effects of ginger and honey on cardiometabolic risk factors, though the field still faces challenges, including the need for higher-level clinical evidence and difficulties in product standardization. This review aims to integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, providing scientific evidence for the development of functional foods and phytotherapy. Full article

Lotus rectus L. is an underexplored forage legume with reported traditional uses in skin-related conditions. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of its aqueous leaf extract (LRAE) and to explore its bioactivity in vitro. Phytochemical characterization was carried out using spectrophotometric assays and UHPLC-HRMS/MS. Cytocompatibility was assessed by the resazurin assay in HaCaT keratinocytes and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts, while wound-healing potential was evaluated using a scratch assay. Enzyme inhibitory activities (xanthine oxidase, collagenase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase) were determined spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using chemical assays (DPPH and ABTS), biologically relevant reactive oxygen species, and metal chelation assays. Antifungal activity was evaluated against clinically relevant yeasts and dermatophytes using standardized macrodilution methods. LRAE showed a relatively high content of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, particularly flavonol glycosides. The extract was cytocompatible at all tested concentrations and showed an increased closure of the scratched area in vitro. It exhibited antioxidant activity and inhibited xanthine oxidase, while more moderate effects were observed for collagenase and tyrosinase, and minimal activity was detected against hyaluronidase. Antifungal activity was limited, with modest effects observed only against selected dermatophytes at high concentrations. Overall, these findings provide preliminary in vitro evidence of bioactivity associated with the traditional use of this species, supporting further investigation to better characterize the biological relevance of this understudied species. Full article

The objective of this study is to develop and assess the feasibility of utilizing lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) leaf extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for copper in a sulfuric acid environment. The inhibitory efficacy was comprehensively evaluated using a multi-technique approach, incorporating electrochemical measurements, weight loss analysis, theoretical analysis, and surface morphological characterization. The experimental results demonstrate that the lotus leaf extract functions as an efficient corrosion inhibitor for copper, achieving an inhibition efficiency of 88.07% at 700 mg/L by effectively suppressing both cathodic and anodic corrosion processes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the protective effect, whereas X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified functional groups and surface interaction between metal and inhibitor. Theoretical calculations further confirmed the involvement of nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) as the key active sites. Adsorption behavior adheres to the Langmuir isotherm model, involving both physical and chemical adsorption processes that inhibit the Cu⁺→Cu²⁺ oxidation reaction. This study demonstrates acid-resistant protection of copper using lotus leaf extract. Full article

Lotus leaf provides unique nutritional properties to the traditional Chinese dish Jiao Hua Ji. However, its functional polysaccharides remain inadequately characterized. This study evaluates the physicochemical properties and hypoglycemic effects of lotus leaf polysaccharides in Jiao Hua Ji. Ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction significantly improved the yield of polysaccharides to 10.35 ± 0.39%. The yield of the polysaccharides as well as uronic acid content demonstrated a strong correlation with the bioactivity. FTIR analysis confirmed the characteristic infrared spectral features associated with glucans. Four polysaccharides were purified and characterized as 719 kDa (Glc/Gal/Ara 98.91:0.44:0.65), 1010 kDa (Glc/Gal/Ara 98.43:1.18:0.39), 447 kDa (Glc/Gal/Ara 97.17:2.02:0.82), and 327 kDa (Glc/Gal/Ara 97.54:2.06:0.4). The purified polysaccharides exhibited enhanced inhibition of α-amylase, positively correlating with molecular weight and glucose content. Molecular docking studies revealed that the polysaccharide successfully occupies the hydrophobic pocket of α-amylase through hydrogen bonds, with a low binding energy of −6.548 kcal/mol. Notably, the purified polysaccharide significantly improved glucose utilization by 157.5% without cytotoxicity. This study may provide a foundational basis for the application of Jiao Hua Ji in hypoglycemic dietary intervention. Full article

This study utilized network pharmacology, bioinformatics, along with machine learning to investigate the multi-target synergistic anti-cancer mechanisms of three edible medicinal plants (EMPs)—mulberry leaf, lotus leaf, and sea buckthorn—against oral and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC and ESCC). We identified potential active constituents and their targets through mining Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and Swiss Target Prediction databases. Concurrently, integration with differential expression profiles and co-expression modules identified crucial intersection targets between the EMPs and these two cancers. Subsequent machine learning algorithms and cross-cancer analysis consistently identified Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) as a critical hub gene. Its overexpression is closely associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. Molecular simulations revealed stable binding interactions between active constituents from three EMPs and hub proteins. Furthermore, research on immune cell infiltration suggested that the active components of three EMPs may impact the tumor immune microenvironment in both OSCC and ESCC through the regulation of pivotal gene expression. Collectively, this work systematically elucidates the molecular basis underlying the multi-target, multi-pathway synergistic anti-cancer effects of these EMPs, providing a theoretical foundation for developing natural drugs against these squamous cell carcinomas. Full article

Due to its advantages in specific surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups, biochar was often utilized for water pollution control. In this study, biochar was prepared from three types of wetland plants—Lotus Leaf, Arundo donax L., and Canna indica L. through slow pyrolysis. This biochar was utilized to adsorb Cr(VI) from wastewater, and the adsorption performance of the biochar under different pyrolysis temperatures and KOH modification ratios was investigated. The experimental results of biochar preparation demonstrated that under the pyrolysis of 500 °C and the lotus leaf powder/KOH mass ratio of 1:3, the prepared biochar (LBC-500(1:3)) exhibited the optimal adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) at a concentration of 50 mg·L⁻¹, with an adsorption capacity reaching up to 27.88 mg·g⁻¹. The optimal pH for Cr(VI) adsorption by LBC-500(1:3) was 3, with an adsorption capacity of 32.14 mg·g⁻¹ at this pH. When the dosage amounted to 60 mg, LBC-500(1:3) demonstrated its highest adsorption capacity for Cr(VI), achieving a maximum of 19.39 mg·g⁻¹. When the initial concentration peaked at 80 mg·L⁻¹, the adsorption capacity was able to attain a value of 34.80 mg·g⁻¹. Characterization analyses of the biochar prior to and subsequent to adsorption were conducted to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms of biochar for Cr(VI). The results revealed that the primary removal mechanisms of LBC-500(1:3) for Cr(VI) were coordination, electrostatic adsorption, and pore filling. The analysis of adsorption kinetics and isotherms revealed that the biochar predominantly adsorbed the Cr(VI) through monomolecular layer chemisorption. Adsorption thermodynamics results demonstrated that the adsorption process of the biochar was a spontaneous endothermic reaction. This study provides new insights and technical support for water pollution control, which holds significant environmental importance and application value. Full article

Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) is an economically important aquatic crop frequently challenged by abiotic stresses. The plant cell wall, a primary interface with the environment, undergoes dynamic remodeling to balance structural integrity with adaptation. UDP-glucuronic acid decarboxylase (UXS), a key enzyme synthesizing the nucleotide sugar precursor UDP-xylose, exists in distinct membrane-bound (e.g., Golgi) and cytosolic forms, channeling substrates into compartmentalized polysaccharide biosynthesis pathways and positioning the UXS family as a crucial regulator linking cell wall metabolism to plant adaptation. Here, we systematically characterized the NnUXS gene family in lotus through genome-wide identification, evolutionary synteny analysis, and functional validation. Integrated bioinformatic analysis revealed their physicochemical properties, motif patterns, and regulatory cis-elements, suggesting potential roles in growth and salt stress responses. Among the family, NnUXS3 was prioritized due to its preferentially upregulated in small plant architecture (SPA) varieties, its early induction under salt stress (0.5 days, 200 mM NaCl), and its highest predicted binding affinity for UDP-GlcA (−8.9 kcal/mol). Subsequent functional validation confirmed its dual role: heterologous overexpression in tobacco reduced plant height (47.22%) and leaf area (67.61%), while transient overexpression in lotus enhanced salt tolerance and shortened the petioles. This enhanced tolerance was achieved by upregulating key genes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis (NnCSLC4, NnXTH22, NnCESA1) and antioxidant defense (NnSOD, NnPOD). Our findings establish NnUXS3 as a key mediator in balancing plant architecture and abiotic stress resilience. This work not only identifies a valuable genetic target for lotus breeding but also provides insights into the growth-stress trade-off, highlighting the importance of UXS subcellular localization in tailoring cell wall remodeling for environmental adaptation. Full article

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS)-derived bio-based polyurethane coatings typically exhibit poor hydrophobicity and short nutrient release durations, limiting their ability to satisfy long-term crop requirements. This study developed improved controlled-release urea by preparing water-repellent and compact bio-polymer coatings from recyclable SMS using non-toxic siloxane and nano-SiO₂ modifiers through simple processes. The dual modification markedly reduced water absorption (from 6.60% to 4.43%) and porosity (from 6.32% to 3.92%), creating a dense coating with lotus-leaf-like nanoscale surface protrusions and fewer intermembrane pores. As a result, the nitrogen (N) release period of the dual-modified bio-polymer-polyurethane-coated urea (SBPCU) with a 7% coating thickness was extended from 23 days to 42 days. Phytotoxicity assessments confirmed the excellent biosafety of the bio-polymer coating, revealing no adverse effects on maize growth and even promotional effects at low concentrations. This approach offers a sustainable, eco-friendly, and scalable strategy for producing bio-polymer-coated urea from agricultural waste, serving as a viable alternative to petrochemical coatings while improving nutrient use efficiency and biosafety. Full article

Superhydrophobic micropillar surfaces, inspired by the lotus leaf, have been extensively studied over the past two decades for their self-cleaning, anti-friction, anti-icing, and anti-corrosion properties. In this study, we introduce a simple and effective method for introducing porosity into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillar arrays using salt templating. We then evaluate the wetting behaviour of these surfaces before and after infusion with perfluoropolyether (PFPE) oil. Apparent contact angle and sliding angle were measured relative to a non-porous control surface. Across five porous variants, the contact angle decreased by approximately 5° (from 157° to 152° on average), while the sliding angle increased by about 3.5° (from 16.5° to 20° on average). Following PFPE infusion, the porous arrays exhibited reduced sliding angles while maintaining superhydrophobicity. These results indicate that introducing porosity slightly reduces water repellency and droplet mobility, whereas PFPE infusion restores mobility while preserving high water repellency. The change in wettability following PFPE infusion highlights the potential of these surfaces to function as robust, self-cleaning materials. Full article

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have attracted considerable attention in recent years because of their cost-effectiveness, safety, and sustainability. In this study, we developed 19 DESs for the extraction of antioxidant polyphenolic compounds from lotus leaves, utilizing ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Among the DESs examined, choline chloride (ChCl) and lactic acid (ChCl: lactic acid) exhibited the highest extraction efficiency. The optimal conditions were established as follows: molar ratio of 1:2.6, solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20 g/mL, water content of 8%, and ultrasound time of 65 min, which proved to be more efficient than conventional extraction methods such as water and ethanol. Under the optimal conditions, the total phenolic content (TPC) was 187.23 ± 14.67 mg GAE/g DW, and the extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 0.92 ± 0.23 mg/mL; FRAP: 21.56 ± 3.05 mg Trolox/g DW). This superiority arises from the formation of robust hydrogen bonds between ChCl and lactic acid, in conjunction with improved mass transfer efficiency. This study provides a green alternative method for polyphenol extraction from lotus leaves. Full article

Due to the exceptional corrosion resistance, chemical stability, and dense microstructure, carbon-based thin films are extensively employed in hydrogen energy systems. This study employed magnetron sputtering to fabricate amorphous carbon (a-C) films on SS316L substrates, aiming to improve the corrosion resistance of bipolar plates (BPs) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Using a Taguchi design, the effects of working pressure, sputtering power, substrate bias, and deposition time on film properties were systematically examined and optimized. Films were examined via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), contact angle measurements, and electrochemical tests. Comprehensive evaluation by the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method identified optimal conditions of 1.5 Pa pressure, 150 W radio frequency (RF) power, −250 V bias voltage, and 60 min deposition, yielding dense, uniform films with a corrosion current density of 1.61 × 10⁻⁶ A·cm⁻² and a contact angle of 106.36°, indicative of lotus leaf-like hydrophobicity. This work enriches the theoretical understanding of a-C film process optimization, offering a practical approach for modifying fuel cell bipolar plates to support hydrogen energy applications. Full article

Reinforced concrete structures in harsh environments are highly vulnerable to structural damage caused by rebar corrosion. However, there remains a critical shortage of high-performance, environmentally friendly repair materials that integrate both structural restoration and long-term corrosion protection functionalities to address this issue. To meet this demand, this study innovatively developed an eco-friendly, high-performance repair material using lotus leaf extract (LLE)-modified mortar and systematically evaluated its corrosion protection performance and mechanisms under chloride attack conditions. The primary chemical constituents of LLE include alkaloids and flavonoids, rich in polar functional groups such as O–H, N–H, and C–O. The LLE modifier increased the fluidity of fresh cement paste, thereby improving its construction workability. A low dosage of LLE modifier promoted cement hydration. When the LLE dosage was 0.2 wt%, the 7-day and 28-day flexural strengths of the LLE-modified mortar increased by 16.8% and 7.48%, respectively, compared to those of unmodified mortar, while the compressive strengths increased by 30.6% and 14.5%, respectively. The LLE-modified mortar demonstrated significant protection against chloride corrosion, effectively inhibiting rebar corrosion. Electrochemical corrosion results indicated that compared to unmodified mortar, the modified mortar containing 0.5 wt% LLE exhibited an 80% improvement in protection efficiency against chloride corrosion. These results demonstrate that an appropriate dosage of LLE modifier can simultaneously optimize the fundamental properties of mortar and provide excellent chloride corrosion protection. Therefore, LLE-modified mortar shows promising application potential in integrated repair and corrosion protection engineering for reinforced concrete structures. Full article

The Mount Wudang architectural complex, recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, extensively utilizes green schist as the building material in its rock temple structures. Due to prolonged exposure to weathering and moisture, effective surface protection of these stones is crucial for their preservation. Inspired by the lotus leaf, femtosecond laser fabrication of bioinspired micro/nanostructures offers a promising approach for imparting hydrophobicity to stone surfaces. However, green schist is a typical heterogeneous material primarily composed of quartz, chlorite, and muscovite, and it contains metal elements, such as Fe and Ni. These pronounced compositional differences complicate laser–material interactions, posing considerable challenges to the formation of stable and uniform micro/nanostructures. To address this issue, we performed systematic femtosecond laser scanning experiments on green schist surfaces using a 100 kHz, 40 μJ laser with a 30 μm spot diameter, fabricating microgrooves under various process conditions. Surface morphology and EDS mapping analyses were conducted to elucidate the ablation responses of quartz, chlorite, and muscovite under different groove spacings (100 μm, 80 μm, 60 μm, and 40 μm) and scan repetitions (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10). The results revealed distinct differences in energy absorption, material ejection, and surface reorganization among these minerals, significantly influencing the formation mechanisms of laser-induced structures. Based on optimized parameters (60 μm spacing, 2–6 passes), robust and repeatable micro/nanostructures were successfully produced, yielding superhydrophobic performance with contact angles exceeding 155°. This work offers a novel strategy for interface control in heterogeneous natural stone materials and provides a theoretical and technical foundation for the protection and functional modification of green schist in heritage conservation. Full article

Isoquercitrin, a monoglucoside form of quercetin, exhibits superior antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective effects in comparison to its precursor, rutin. However, its natural abundance is limited. This study aimed to increase the functional value of Diospyros lotus leaf extract through enzymatic conversion of rutin to isoquercitrin using α-l-rhamnosidase and to evaluate the changes in biological activities after conversion. A sugar-free D. lotus leaf extract was prepared and subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis with α-l-rhamnosidase under optimized conditions (pH 5.5, 55 °C, and 0.6 U/mL). Isoquercitrin production was monitored via high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition assays, respectively. The enzymatic reaction resulted in complete conversion of 30 mM rutin into isoquercitrin within 180 min, increasing isoquercitrin content from 9.8 to 39.8 mM. The enzyme-converted extract exhibited significantly enhanced antioxidant activity, with a 48% improvement in IC₅₀ value compared with the untreated extract. Similarly, LOX inhibition increased from 39.2% to 48.3% after enzymatic conversion. Both extracts showed higher inhibition than isoquercitrin alone, indicating synergistic effects of other phytochemicals present in the extract. This study is the first to demonstrate that α-l-rhamnosidase-mediated conversion of rutin to isoquercitrin in D. lotus leaf extract significantly improves its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The enzymatically enhanced extract shows potential as a functional food or therapeutic ingredient. Full article

Every year, a large amount of antibiotics enter aquatic environments globally through discharging of pharmaceutical wastewater and domestic sewage, emissions from agriculture, and livestock, posing a severe threat to ecosystems and human health. Therefore, it is essential to develop efficient adsorption materials for rapid removal of antibiotics in water. In this study, abundant and renewable wetland plants (lotus leaves, Arundo donax, and canna lilies) were utilized as raw materials to prepare biochar through slow pyrolysis combined with KOH chemical activation. The prepared biochar was employed to adsorb typical tetracycline (TC) antibiotics (TC-HCl, CTC-HCl, OTC-HCl) from water. The results showed that the optimum biochar (LBC-600 (1:3)) was prepared at a pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C with the mass ratio of KOH to lotus leaf of 1:3. The optimum pH for the adsorption of the three antibiotics were 5, 4, and 3, respectively. The highest adsorption rates reached 93.32%, 81.44%, and 83.76% for TC-HCl, CTC-HCl, and OTC-HCl with 0.6 g/L of biochar, respectively. At an initial antibiotic concentration of 80 mg·L⁻¹, the maximum adsorption capacities achieved 40.17, 27.76, and 24.6 mg·g⁻¹ for TC-HCl, CTC-HCl, and OTC-HCl, respectively. The adsorption process conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models, indicating that it was a spontaneous endothermic process and primarily involved monolayer chemical adsorption. This study transformed wetland plant waste into adsorbent and applied it for antibiotic removal, providing a valuable resource utilization strategy and technical support for recycling wetland plant residues and antibiotic removal from water environments. Full article