Plant Secondary Metabolites Research Papers (original) (raw)

Guggul - an oleo-resin gum of immense medicinal value is tapped from a bushy shrub Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhandari distributed in semi-arid and rocky regions in Indian sub continent. C. wightii is an IUCN data deficient plant. Increase in the annual demand of guggul gum to the tune of 1000 metric ton, there is an increase in destructive tapping of C. wightii, which is a serious concern. Generally guggul gum from the site of its tapping to the site of processing or value addition being distantly far off, improper post harvest handling, storage and transport results in qualitative loss of its crucial bio-active compounds. Among the four containers (earthen clay pot, plastic jar, polythene bag and jute bag) evaluated for long term storage of guggul the earthen clay pot was the best in terms of Total Guggulsterone (TG) content. In earthen clay pot the TG of guggul gum was maintained over 1% for four months while Total Volatile Oils (TVO) 1% for nine months. In jute bag TG rapidly d...

- by
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- Chemical Engineering, Plant Ecology, Medicinal Chemistry, Ayurvedic Medicine

Elephantopus scaber Linn is an important medicinal plant. The whole plant is a good source of various bioactive phytochemicals. The High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography was carried out for the estimation of diosgenin content in Elephantopus scaber. HPTLC analysis was performed using Toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid [6: 5: 1 v/v/v] as a mobile phase. Detection and quantification were done densitometrically. HPTLC plate was scanned at 366 nm after derivatization showing good partition and banding. The diosgenin content in pet ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and aqueous extract was estimated by successive solvent (soxhlet) extracts, Standard diosgenin was used for calibration. The quantity of this important phytoconstituent in Elephantopus scaber was high (69.37 µg /ml) in aqueous extract and remarkably low (11.04 µg /ml) in methanolic extract. The saponins and diosgenin are used as alternate natural sources in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical produc...

- by Dr. Sopan Kharat
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- Pharmacology, Plant Biology, Plant Secondary Metabolites

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder in the endocrine system. It is characterized by chronic hypoglycemic, resulting from defects in insulin secretion or insulin action. It is predicted that the number of diabetes persons in the world could reach upto 366 million by the year 2030.There are lots of chemical agents available to control and to treat diabetic patients, but total recovery from diabetes has not been reported up to this date. Alternative to these synthetic agents, many herbal plants with hypoglycemic properties are known from across the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed 21,000 plants, which are used for medicinal purposes around the world. Among these 2500 species are in India, out of which 150 species are used commercially on a fairly large scale. India is the largest producer of medicinal herbs and is called as botanical garden of the world. The present study was to evaluate the Antidiabetic of traditional herbal formulation both in vitro and in vivo shows a significant activity against diabetes and can be used as a preventive measure for diabetes.

- by Shakir Mushtaq Shah and +1
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- Plant Secondary Metabolites, Drug discovery and development

The present study is designed to determine the types of secondary metabolites in three selected seed powders by fast, reliable, and non-destructive Near Infra Red spectroscopic analytical technique. NIRS analysis of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn., and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn., seed flours were done for qualitative evaluation of secondary metabolites. The fine powder of crude drug was directly applied in FOSS XDS near infrared Rapid Content Analyzer. The properly filled powdered sample in a disposable glass silicate vial and closed with plastic lid was centrally placed onto the sample presentation glass of Foss Rapid Content Analyzer. The scanning of sample at ambient temperature gives NIR spectra within 30 seconds. The major proposed compounds in M. uniflorum were 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, kaempferol, linolenic acid, niacin, quercetin, sinapinic acid, syringic acid, and vanillic acid. Whereas, coumaric acid, fructose, galactose, L-serine, raffinose, stachyose, sucrose, threonine, and tyrosine were detected in P. lunatus and the NIR suggested the presence of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, sinapinic acid, phytic acid, leucine, and valine in P. vulgaris. NIRS as an advance innovative technology extensively used in chemical, food, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries for rapid and reliable standardization. The present study revealed a good correlation to conclude that flour samples of all the three legume seeds could potentially be added to food system to achieve nutritional and functional benefits.

- by Salman Ahmed and +1
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- NIRS, Evaluation, Pharmacognosy, Medicinal Plants
- by SANJEEV SHUKLA and +2
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- Plant Secondary Metabolites

Plants are a tremendous source of secondary metabolites which play an important role in plant defense against herb ivory and other interspecies defenses, but humans use them as medicines, flavouring and recreational drugs. Today, several distinct secondary metabolites derived from plants are extensively used in modern medicines in the world since they carry out a number of protective functions like boost the immune system, protect the body from free radicals, cardiovascular illnesses, killing of pathogenic germs etc. and their effects are currently being intensively researched.

- by JPR Solutions
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- Botany, Plant Secondary Metabolites, Medicinal importance
- by Fatma Ünlü
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- Engineering, Mass Spectrometry, NMR Spectroscopy, Plant Science

Background: Secondary metabolites of the plant have shown antimicrobial activity. Saponins, from pericarp of S. mukorossi have been reported to possess antimicrobial efficacy against a variety of bacteria and fungi. The present study entails to asses this efficacy against different forest fungi. Methods: Seeds of S. mukorossi, a medicinal plant of family Sapindaceae, collected from different sources viz. Dehradun and Gyarahdevi (Uttarakhand) and Nainatikker (Himachal Pradesh) were tested for their antifungal properties on the basis of IC50. Chloroform and methanol extract of fruit pericarp from three sources of soap nut were assayed against eight forest fungi using poisoned food technique. Both the extracts were screened at four concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2%. Results: In our screening, we have found that chloroform extract of all sources registered IC50 at all concentrations against Phoma sp. and P. dalbergiae whereas, methanol extract of all the three sources attained IC50 at all concentrations against Phoma sp., P. dalbergiae, R. solani and T. piluliferum. IC50 was not achieved against A. alternata and F. oxysporum at any concentration of the sources in both the extracts. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that though saponins of soap nut tree have many useful biological activities but chloroform and methanol extracts do not contain comparable biological activity against common forest fungi.

The rapid, accurate and sensitive HPTLC method was used for quantification of flavonoids in Syzygium cumini (Linn.), a medicinally important plant of family Myrtaceae. The present analysis was done using five different solvents, ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform and water. The leaf extraction was done using sonication method. HPTLC analysis of leaf extracts in S. cumini responded well with good quantified amount of targeted flavonoid compounds in all the studied solvents. The plant leaf extract of S. cumini revealed the presence of four types of flavonoids compounds, Quercetin, Rutin, Ellagic acid and Kaempferol. Out of the five solvent used, it was evident that ethanolic leaf extract indicates highest quantity of Quercetin (0.19394±0.05µg/mL), Rutin was move in aqueous extract (0.04731±0.05µg/mL) whereas ethyl acetate extract exhibited highest content for Ellagic acid (0.02492±0.03µg/mL) and Kaempferol (0.02521±0.05µg/mL). The HPTLC method provides a good resolution for flavonoid compound. Separation was performed on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plate with Ethyl acetate: Formic acid: Acetic acid: Water in the proportion of 10:0.5:0.5:1.3 (v/v) as a mobile phase. The antimicrobial activity was carried out using five different microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Salmonella typhi. The sonicated ethanolic leaf extract indicated high level of antimicrobial activities against Candida albicans, E. coli and S. aureus.

- by Dr. Sopan Kharat
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- Flavonoids, Plant Secondary Metabolites, HPTLC, Antimicrobial

Ephedra foeminea is a traditional medicinal plant used in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This study aims to investigate the chemical profiles of different solvent extracts of E. foeminea via an untargeted metabolomics approach, alongside determining their antioxidant capacities. E. foeminea samples collected from Jordan were macerated in solvents of varying polarities; dichloromethane/methanol, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and acetone. The crude extracts were subjected to comprehensive chemical profiling and metabolomics study using Gas chromatography–Mass spectrometry (GC–MS), Liquid chromatography–Mass spectrometry (LC–MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The obtained data were analyzed using Venn diagrams, Principle Component Analysis (PCA), and Metabolite Enrichment Set Analysis (MESA). ABTS assay was performed to measure the crude extracts’ antioxidant activity. MESA revealed the dominant chemical groups as amino acids, fatty acids, carboxylic acids, and carbohydrates. Results indicated that dichloromethane/methanol and methanolic extracts had the most distinct composition as well as the most unique compounds. The methanolic extract had the most potency (IC50 249.6 µg/mL) in the ABTS assay. However, no significant differences were found. In conclusion, solvents influenced the recovery of metabolites in E. foeminea and the antioxidant activity of the E. foeminea methanolic extract could be correlated to the abundant presence of diverse bioactive compounds.

- by Mariusz Jaremko and +2
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- Biochemistry, Marine Biology, Chemistry, Metabolism

Shilajit moomiyo is an adaptogenic herb which can be used to enhance physical and mental performance. Shilajit is believed to amplify the benefits of other herbs by enhancing their bio-availability. Shilajit is also believed to increase protein synthesis, growth rate and/or energy intake. Suitably, the nutritional composition can include a Shilajit material or extract which has been standardized to include or contain 10% humic acid and/or 10% fulvic acid. In accordance with certain other embodiments, the nutritional composition can alternatively and/or additionally contain fulvic acid, humic acid, and/or another botanical, natural, or herbal source of fulvic acid and/or humic acid. Shilajit plays an important part in boosting the energy metabolism process in the body.

- by Andy Kahn
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- Metabolism, Cancer, Aging, Malaria

The leaves and stems of the two Pachira species cultivated in Egypt, namely Pachira aquatica, and Pachira glabra were qualitatively and quantitatively examined for their volatile constituents employing GC/FID and GC/MS. Sixty compounds have been identified from P. aquatica leaves and stem representing 87.26 and 90.14 %, respectively of their total oil content. However, fifty seven compounds were determined from P. glabra leaves and stems representing 89.67 and 94.69 %, respectively. Trans- phytol represented the major component of P. glabra leaf oil with a content of 28.72 % of the oil, however β-cadinene (15.46 %), was the predominating compound in P. glabra stem oil. Palmitic acid methyl ester (21.08 %) and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid ethyl ester (26.20 %) were the prevailing constituents in Pachira aquatica leaves and stems oil, respectively.
Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) as unsupervised chemometric technique were successfully employed to differentiate the two morphologically close related species based upon their GC chromatograms. Only P. aquatica leaf oil showed effectiveness against both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Helicobacter pylori infection showing MIC values of 50 and 20 μg/mL against them, respectively emphasizing its potent inhibitory activity against both hazardous infections. Thus, volatile constituents from the P. aquatica leaves offer a natural, cheap and relatively safe candidate for pharmaceutical industries to combat these life-threatening bacterial infections.

- by Mariam Ibrahim Gamal El-Din and +3
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- Analytical Chemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, Drug Discovery, Plant Secondary Metabolites

Catharanthus roseus is a medicinal herb found to have two pharmaceutically important compounds viz., vinblastine and vincristine. The plant is found in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Therefore, the yield of these vinca alkaloids are varied at different geographical regions depending on the climatic conditions. Being a source of these important secondary metabolites, an extensive study has been carried out on this plant. The plant is in high demand worldwide due to its medicinal applications specifically the anti-cancerous. The present research work gives an account of the various phytochemicals derived from the plant at our selected location. The results highlight the biotechnological prospects of an efficient and alternative means of production of valuable metabolites from Catharanthus roseus. The present phytochemical investigations explore active constituents which are very significant in drug development. The study revealed a notable anti-microbial and anti-oxidant activity of methanolic extract of the dry leaves of this plant.

- by Ros Gleadow
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- Biochemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, Plant Secondary Metabolites, Cassava

High performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) has been successfully applied to cannabis plant extracts in order to identify cannabinoid compounds after their quantitative isolation by means of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). MS conditions were optimized by means of a central composite design (CCD) approach, and the analysis method was fully validated. Six
major cannabinoids [tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabigerol (CBG), and
cannabinol (CBN)] were quantified (RSD < 10%), and seven more cannabinoids were identified and verified by means of a liquid chromatograph coupled to a quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-ToF) detector. Finally, based on the distribution of the analyzed cannabinoids in 30 Cannabis sativa L. plant varieties and the principal component analysis (PCA) of the resulting data, a clear difference was observed between outdoor and indoor grown plants, which was attributed to a higher concentration of THC, CBN, and CBD in outdoor grown plants.

- by Oier Aizpurua-Olaizola and +1
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- Analytical Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry, Medicinal Plants, Analytical Method Development

Tugas Mata Kuliah Kimia Bahan Alam

- by Sarwan Kumar
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- Irrigation, Forecasting, Botanical literature, Plant Secondary Metabolites
- by Nur Azizah
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- Plant Biology, Biology, Plant Secondary Metabolites, Fenolik

Tugas Mata Kuliah Kimia Bahan Alam

- by Maulyda Awwaliyah Pawallungi
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- STEROIDS, Plant Secondary Metabolites, Kimia, Kimia Bahan Alam

Tugas Mata Kuliah Kimia Bahan Alam

Kokain sebagai salah satu bahan alam yang mempunyai banyak manfaat sekaligus bahaya yang nyata. Pandangan negatif tentang senyawa satu ini tidak selamanya benar. Apabila kita memanfaatkannya dengan tujuan dan cara yang benar, maka dapatlah hasil yang positif dari senyawa ini.
Kokain sebagai salah satu metabolit sekunder mempunyai rumus kimia tersendiri dengan reaksi yang beragam. Senyawa ini dapat diekstraksi dengan berbagai cara dengan analisis kualitatif dan kuantitatif yang real.

- by hania novianty
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- Plant Secondary Metabolites
- by paromik bhattacharyya and +1
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- Molecular Markers, Medicinal Plants, Micropropagation, Flavonoids

This review described the physiological and biochemical effects of various secondary metabolites from Meliaceae against major Lepidopteran insect pest including, Noctuidae and Pyralidae. The biochemical effect of major Meliaceae secondary metabolites were discussed more in this review. Several enzymes based on food materials have critical roles in nutritional indices (food utilization) of the insect pest population. Several research work has been referred and the effect of Meliaceae secondary metabolites on feeding parameters of insects by demonstrating food consumption, approximate digestibility of consumed food, efficiency of converting the ingested food to body substance, efficiency of converting digested food to body substance and consumption index was reviewed in detail. Further how the digestive enzymes including a-Amylases, α and β- glucosidases (EC 3.2.1.1), lipases (EC 3.1.1) Proteases, serine, cysteine, and aspartic proteinases affected by the Meliaceae secondary metabolites was reviewed. Further effect of Meliaceae secondary metabolites on detoxifying enzymes have been found to react against botanical insecticides including general esterases (EST), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and phosphatases was reviewed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP, E.C.3.1.3.1) and acid phosphatase (ACP, E.C.3.1.3.2) are hydrolytic enzymes, which hydrolyze phosphomonoesters under alkaline or acid conditions, respectively. These enzymes were affected by the secondary metabolites treatment. The detailed mechanism of action was further explained in this review.

Despite the extensive availability and use of plant extracts as feed additives in various livestock species, peer-reviewed and scientific evidence of their usage in horses is lacking. This article dealt with the review of reports from recent studies investigating the usage of plant bioactives or extracts in horse nutrition. For the time being, several herbs, either alone or in composites, are being commercialized and openly available in horsemarket stores, which makes it difficult and confusing for horse owners and veterinarians to make a justifiable choice. Usage of ginger extract as a feed additive in sport horses is encourageable as it manages to attain quick recovery after exhaustion in racing and jumping events. Garlic, ginseng, primerose, and rose hip possess potent antioxidative properties, and their supplemen-tation in a regular diet may lessen the chance of occurrence of oxidative stress-related diseases. Owing to their cytoprotective and mucus-stimulatory effects, licorice and Aloe vera extracts have potentiality as feed additives in Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses, as they are more prone for equine gastric ulcer syndrome. Echinacea is able to stimulate the equine immunocompetence on addition to the regular diets of equine species. Besides the anti-inflammatory effect, devils claw possess anorexigenic effect, which can limit feed intake, thus keeping the body condition score in check and avoiding obese-related health problems in horses. Regularizing flaxseed meal or its extract as a dietary supplement may support healthy skin and coat condition due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids as an active component. Aloe vera, well known for cytoprotective and mucus-stimulatory effects, is found to be efficient in protecting the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers or other disorders on administering as a dietary supplement to equines, but the extent of effect depends on the dosage and extent of supplementation. Although, theoretically plant extracts application is safer compared with synthetic antibiotics or drugs, it does not mean they are completely safe, and few considerations should be given for dosage of the drug, period of administration, apart from monitoring parallel drugs given to prevent herb-drug interactions. The plant extracts with potent benefits, and not tested in horses have to be evaluated with a primary objective to verify the negative side effects, if any, followed by standardization of the dosage.

The vast number of plant secondary metabolites
(PSMs) produced by higher plants has generated many efforts
to exploit their potential for pest control. We performed a
systematic literature search to retrieve relevant publications,
and we evaluated these according to PSM groups to derive
information about the potential for developing plant-derived
rodent repellents.We screened a total of 54 publicationswhere
different compounds or plants were tested regarding rodent
behavior/metabolism. In the search for widely applicable
products, we recommend multi-species systematic screening
of PSMs, especially from the essential oil and terpenoid
group, as laboratory experiments have uniformly shown the
strongest effects across species. Other groups of compounds
might be more suitable for the management of species-specific
or sex-specific issues, as the effects of some compounds on
particular rodent target species or sex might not be present in
non-target species or in both sexes. Although plant metabolites
have potential as a tool for ecologically-based rodent
management, this review demonstrates inconsistent success
across laboratory, enclosure, and field studies, which ultimately
has lead to a small number of currently registered PSMbased
rodent repellents.

- by Sabine C Hansen
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- Rodentia, Plant Secondary Metabolites, Literature Review, Essential oils

The disease causing bacteria have evolved the genetic ability to transmit and acquire resistance to drugs used as therapeutic agents. The discovery of antibiotics to combat these pathogens marked a resolution in the 20th century. Unfortunately, because of the inappropriate use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine, certain strains of bacteria and fungi developed the ability to produce substances which block the action of antibiotics or change their target or ability to penetrate cells. One way to prevent antibiotic resistance is by exploring new bioactive compounds from traditional medicine which is not based on the existing synthetic antimicrobial agents. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants showing antimicrobial activities have the potential of filling this need, because their structures are different from those of the more studied microbial sources. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity from ethanolic extract against different life threatening pathogenic microorganisms and screening for various phytochemical constituents of Lawsonia inermis Linn. According to the results obtained from current investigation, ethanolic extract of Lawsonia inermis found to possess good antibacterial properties over a wide range of disease causing gram positive as well as gram negative bacteria. Phytochemical study reveals the presence of Saponins, Tannins, Steroids and Anthraquinones in the ethanolic extract.

- by pavan dahake
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- Plant Secondary Metabolites

Herbal extracts of 26 plants belonging to 20 different families of the plant kingdom were evaluated for antifungal
activity against Phomopsis azadirachtae, a fungus causing destructive die-back disease in neem. Test fungus was isolated from
infected neem seeds. The screening was performed by poisoned food technique. Extracts of Syzygium aromaticum, Lawsonia
inermis, Cinnamomum verum and Allium sativum exhibited significant antifungal activity in a dose-dependent manner. Relatively
potent herbal extracts were further evaluated to determine the obligate lowest concentration required to inhibit visible mycelial
growth of the pathogen. Syzygium extract exhibited 100% inhibition of the pathogen at minimum concentration of 20% then
followed by Lawsonia and Ocimum extracts thus being strongest antifungal agents. The present study revealed that, these plants
could be exploited for the possible control of deadly pathogen P. azadirachtae. Accordingly, this is an important step towards
preventing the spread of the die-back disease through a more ecofriendly approach.

Carotenoids are important antioxidants in plant's secondary metabolism, in this study we analised the possible correlations between carotenoids accumulation, antioxidant power and genic expression of some key enzymes in the carotenoids... more

- by Davide Amadori
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- Plant biotechnology, Plant Secondary Metabolites
- by Ros Gleadow
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- Plant Secondary Metabolites, Cyanide, Plant Defence
- by Satyabrata Nanda and +2
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- Plant Secondary Metabolites

Telah diketahui sejak pertengahan abad ke-20, artemisinin digunakan sebagai obat antimalaria. Beserta turunan artemisinin lainnya yaitu dihidroartemisinin, artemeter, artesunat, artemison, arteter, dan asam artelinat membentuk suatu kesatuan untuk mengatasi penyakit infeksi terpenting di bumi yaitu malaria. Tetapi baru di abad ke-21 ini artemisinin dibuktikan dapat mengatasi dan mencegah pertumbuhan sel kanker, terutama kanker payudara dan kanker kolon. Hal ini yang membuat Artemisinin annua, tanaman dari negeri Cina terus diteliti dan dikembangkan untuk dapat menghasilkan senyawa artemisinin secara maksimal. Sangat sulit apabila harus menumbuhkan tanaman A. annua hingga dewasa karena membutuhkan waktu yang tidak sebentar untuk itu diujilah dengan metode in vitro, yaitu metode penumbuhan suatu bagian tanaman menjadi satu bagian utuh dalam suatu medium steril dan terkontrol. Sehingga akan didapatkan suatu hasil berupa yield lebih optimum dibandingkan metode in vivo. Metode in vitro yang digunakan adalah dengan mengeksplan jaringan rambut akar atau hairy root, ke dalam medium kultur karena di bagian itulah senyawa fitokimia antikanker dan antimalaria, artemisinin, dialokasikan dari hasil metabolisme sel daun dan bunga. Saat ini perolehan atau yield tertinggi didapat dengan memberikan elisitor dan prekursor dalam suatu sistem terintegrasi yaitu sebesar 110,20 mg/l.

- by Ganjar Ammar
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- Bioengineering, Pharmacy, Cancer, Biology

The evolution of major cannabinoids and terpenes during the growth of Cannabis sativa plants was studied. In this work, seven different plants were selected: three each from chemotypes I and III and one from chemotype II. Fifty clones of each mother plant were grown indoors under controlled conditions. Every week, three plants from each variety were cut and dried, and the leaves and flowers were analyzed separately. Eight major cannabinoids were analyzed via HPLC-DAD, and 28 terpenes were quantified using GC-FID and verified via GC-MS. The chemotypes of the plants, as defined by the tetrahydrocannabinolic acid/cannabidiolic acid (THCA/CBDA) ratio, were clear from the beginning and stable during growth. The concentrations of the major cannabinoids and terpenes were determined, and different patterns were found among the chemotypes. In particular, the plants from chemotypes II and III needed more time to reach peak production of THCA, CBDA, and monoterpenes. Differences in the cannabigerolic acid development among the different chemotypes and between monoterpene and sesquiterpene evolution patterns were also observed. Plants of different chemotypes were clearly differentiated by their terpene content, and characteristic terpenes of each chemotype were identified.

Protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Dendrobium orchids are emerging as a potential source of valuable secondary metabolites. This study examined the effect of four additives namely 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), kinetin, thidiazuron (TDZ), and activated charcoal (AC) used in culture medium on genetic variability in PLBs of Den-drobium Sabin Blue. Nine (9) ISSR primers and eleven (11) DAMD primers were used to assess the genetic variability of PLBs that were subcultured over a period of two years. We confirmed that the use of kinetin in culture medium for two years resulted in the highest rate of somaclonal variation in PLBs. On the other hand, TDZ and activated charcoal registered the lowest genetic variability in PLBs. The findings of this study suggest the importance of selecting additives used in the culture medium to maintain stable genetic lines of PLBs. We recommend that the assessment of somaclonal variations should be performed for long term maintenance of tissue cultures.

The profitable production of some important plant-based secondary metabolites (ginsenosides, saponins, camptothecin, shikonins etc.) in vitro by gamma irradiation is a current area of interest. We reviewed different types of secondary metabolites, their mode of synthesis and effect of γ-radiation on their yield for different plants, organs and in vitro cultures (callus, suspension, hairy root). Special effort has been made to review the biochemical mechanisms underlying the increase in secondary metabolites. A comparison of yield improvement with biotic and abiotic stresses was made.

Dal Prá, V. ; JARDIM, N. S. ; DOLWITSCH, C. B. ; MAZUTTI, M. ; VIANA, CARINE ; Bohrer, Denise ; Nascimento, Paulo C. do ; Carvalho, L. M. ; SILVA, M.B. ; Carvalho, Camilo Amaro de ; ROSA, Marcelo Barcellos da . A review of influence of environment and process parameters on glucosinolate-myrosinase system from Brassica. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, v. 3, p. 121-128, 2013.

- by Marcelo Barcellos da Rosa and +1
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- Plant Secondary Metabolites

The large white butterfly, Pieris brassicae (L.),
is an important pest of Indian mustard, Brassica juncea (L.)
Czern., and inflicts heavy damage to all the above ground
plant parts with strong yield reducing impacts. Farmers
have few practical options other than to spray insecticides
to protect their crop. In this study, an attempt was made
during 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 crop seasons at Ludhiana,
India, to evaluate Ethiopian mustard, Brassica carinata
A. Braun as a trap crop to manage this pest as an
alternate pest management strategy. B. carinata borders
surrounding B. juncea were compared to chemically protected
B. juncea and control (without B. carinata borders)
plots for their effects on P. brassicae infestation and grain
yield. Oviposition preference of adult butterflies was
studied in a two-choice test in field cages, while the effect
of two host plants on larval performance was studied under
laboratory conditions under no choice conditions. B. juncea
plots bordered with B. carinata harbored significantly
lower larval population compared to control B. juncea plots
during both the seasons. The grain yield in the bordered
plots was also significantly higher than that from control
plots and was statistically non-significant from that
obtained in chemically protected plots. Female butterflies
showed distinct oviposition preference for B. carinata over
B. juncea and the larvae reared on B. carinata completed
development in shorter period and grew bigger and heavier
than those reared on B. juncea. Results indicated that B.
carinata has potential to be used as trap crop to manage
P. brassicae.

- by Sarwan Kumar
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- Pest Management, Integrated Pest Management, Plant Secondary Metabolites, IPM
- by sharad vats
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- Flavonoids, Plant Secondary Metabolites

Chemical investigation of a methanolic extract of leaves from Araucaria bidwillii (Araucariaceae) from Egypt afforded four new labdane diterpenoidal metabolites (1e4) together with one known diterpene, 7-oxocallitrisic acid (5), two triterpenoidal metabolites, 2-O-acetyl-11-keto-boswellic acid (6) and b-sitosterol-3-O-glucopyranoside (7), phloretic acid (8), and two methylated bisflavonoids, agathisflavone-4 0 ,7,7 00-trimethyl ether (9) and cupressuflavone-4 0 ,7,7 00-trimethyl ether (10). The new metabolites 1e4 were unambiguously identified by applying extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies as well as HRESIMS. The relative and absolute configurations of 1e4 were determined using ROESY and the modified Mosher's method, respectively. All isolated compounds were assessed for their antimicrobial, antitubercular and cytotoxic activities. Among the tested compounds, the new labdane diterpenes 1e4 revealed significant cytotoxic activity against mouse lymphoma L5178Y cell line with IC 50 values ranging from 1.4 to 12.9 mM, respectively.

- by Rola Milad Labib
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- Cytotoxicity, Plant Secondary Metabolites

Background: The world pandemic COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is currently claiming thousands of lives. Flavonoids abundantly present in the fruits and vegetables, especially quercetin, are shown to have antiviral activities. Main text: This paper reviews the capability of the plant flavonoid quercetin to fight the novel coronavirus and the possibility for drug development based on this. The mode of action explaining the known pathways through which this molecule succeeds in the antiviral activity, action of quercetin on SARS-CoV-2 main protease 3CL pro , antiviral activities of its derivatives on human viruses, effect of combination of zinc co-factor along with quercetin in the COVID-19 treatment, and the regulation of miRNA genes involved in the viral pathogenesis are discussed. Proof for this concept is provided following the virtual screening using ten key enzymes of SARS-CoV-2 and assessing their interactions. Active residues in the 3D structures have been predicted using CASTp and were docked against quercetin. Key proteins 3CL pro , spike glycoprotein/ human ACE2-BOAT1 complex, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, main peptidase, spike glycoprotein, RNA replicase, RNA binding protein, papain-like protease, SARS papain-like protease/ deubiquitinase, and complex of main peptidase with an additional Ala at the N-terminus of each protomer, have shown the binding energies ranging between − 6.71 and − 3.37 kcal/ Mol, showing that quercetin is a potential drug candidate inhibiting multiple SARS-CoV-2 enzymes. Conclusion: The antiviral properties of flavonoid and the molecular mechanisms involved are reviewed. Further, proof for this concept is given by docking of key proteins from SARS-CoV-2 with quercetin.

- by Deepu Mathew
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- Phytochemistry, Ayurveda, Medicinal Plants, Flavonoids
- by Stefano Dall'Acqua
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- Medicinal Plants, Plant Secondary Metabolites

Banana and plantain contribute significantly to food security and amelioration of malnutrition, earning their status as staples in several localities of tropical and subtropical regions. The distribution of metabolites within the various parts also remains as a key essential to their nutritive and therapeutic potential. This study was aimed at evaluating the nutritional and mineral composition of the flesh, peel, and peel extract components of Musa sinensis L. and Musa paradisiaca L. fruits as well as their nutritional and therapeutic potentials. Proximate and antinutritional analyses were carried out using standard analytical methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while the mineral constituents were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Proximate analysis revealed that the flesh and peel of M. sinensis L. and M. paradisiaca L. contain substantial amounts of moisture, fiber, carbohydrates, and low fat content, while minerals K, Mg, Ca, Na, P, and N were substantially concentrated in the peels and peel extracts in particular. The antinutrients alkaloid, oxalate, saponin, and phytate were detected in safe amounts according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The study points out that the peel and its derivative extract, as well as the flesh of M. sinensis L. and M. paradisiaca L. are to be put to more relevant human nutritional and therapeutic use.

Common bean is the most important pulse crop in Kenya, though small scale farmers have limited access to pest resistant seeds. This has therefore made common bean yields remain below 1000kgha-1 , while the potential is 2000kgha-1. However phenolics are secondary metabolites present in plants and this could be an attribute contributing to common beans resistance to bean fly infestation. The objective of this study was to devise effective ways of managing bean fly by use of phenolic content present in commercial varieties of common beans. This was achieved by determining the total phenol content of the beans. The bean varieties were; KK 8, Tasha, KK 15 (Resistant check), Chelalang, Wairimu dwarf, Ciankui, GLP 585, Miezi mbili, GLP 2 (Susceptible check), GLP 1004, GLP 24, and GLP 1127. Experimental design was RCBD with three replications. Data collected were subjected to ANOVA, mean values were separated using LSD at 5% level of significance. Chelalang, Tasha, GLP 1004, KK 8, GLP 585 a nd KK 15 showed resistance and high yields. Phenol content was significant (P< 0.05) in resistant common bean varieties (KK8, Tasha, Chelalang, GLP 585, KK15, and GLP 1004). The common beans which showed significant resistance to bean fly had significant (P< 0.05) high yields of above 1000Kgha-1. Therefore from the study it was evident that presence of phenol content in common beans deters bean fly infestation.

- by INNSPUB Journals
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- Agronomy, Research Methodology, Open Access, Open Access Publishing

Epipremnum aureum (Linden and Andre) Bunting is rich in phytoconstituents and serves as a potential source of compounds possessing beneficial biological activities. Present study was carried out to determine the antitermite effect of chloroform extract of E. aureum leaf sample and characterize the bioactives present using Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). Chloroform extract of E. aureum showed moderate termiticidal activity which slightly increased with time in the range of 19.33 % to 24.33 % with respect to control. The extract was examined under visible and UV light for proximate analysis. FTIR was performed to identify the functional groups of bioactives and confirmed the presence of alkanes, alkenes, alkyl halides, aromatics, nitro compounds and amines in present leaf extract. GC-MS provided different peaks for the presence of seventeen phytochemical compounds. The major phytoconstituents were Hexadecanoic acid (10.82%), Pentadecanoic acid (26.23%), Z-5-nonadecene (10.05%), Linolenic acid (22.80%), 1-heneicosanol (5.18%), 2-Tert-butyl-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) phenol (8.46%) with other minor constituents. The results of GC-MS supports the peaks obtained in FTIR analysis may be the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, carboxylic acids, esters and alkanes in the crude extract. Six compounds were found to have biological activities like antitumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, nematicide and cytotoxic effect based on Dr. Duke's phytochemical and ethnobotanical databases. Thus it could be concluded that presence of these bioactives contribute in the termiticidal effect of the plant. This study offers base for using E. aureum as herbal alternative for termites control with further investigations.

- by Anju Meshram
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- Pest Management, Mass Spectrometry, Plant biotechnology, Plant Secondary Metabolites