Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 180 in total

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  1. An Overview of Molecular Basis and Genetic Modification of Floral Organs Genes: Impact of Next-Generation Sequencing
    Patil RV, Hadawale KN, Ramli ANM, Wadkar SS, Bhuyar P
    Mol Biotechnol, 2023 Jun;65(6):833-848.
    PMID: 36544065 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00633-7
    In plant development, flowering is the most widely studied process. Floral forms show large diversity in different species due to simple variations in basic architecture. To determine the floral gene expression during the past decade, MADS-box genes have identified as key regulators in both reproductive and vegetative plant development. Traditional genetics and functional genomics tools are now available to elucidate the expression and function of this complex gene family on a much larger scale. Moreover, comparative analysis of the MADS-box genes in diverse flowering and non-flowering plants, boosted by various molecular technologies such as ChIP and next-generation DNA sequencing, contributes to our understanding of how this important gene family has expanded during the evolution of land plants. Likewise, the big data analysis revealed combined activity of transcriptional regulators and floral organ identity factors regulate the flower developmental programs. Thus, with the help of cutting-edge technologies like RNA-Sequencing, sex determination is now better understood in few non-model plants Therefore, the recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) should enable researchers to identify the full range of floral gene functions, which will significantly help to understand plant development and evolution. This review summarizes the floral homeotic genes in model and non-model species to understand the flower development genes and dioecy evolution.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  2. In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of Cassia surattensis flower against Aspergillus niger
    Sumathy V, Zakaria Z, Jothy SL, Gothai S, Vijayarathna S, Yoga Latha L, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2014 Dec;77:7-12.
    PMID: 25457794 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2014.10.004
    Invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised host is a major infectious disease leading to reduce the survival rate of world population. Aspergillus niger is a causative agent causing IA. Cassia surattensis plant is commonly used in rural areas to treat various types of disease. C. surattensis flower extract was evaluated against the systemic aspergillosis model in this study. Qualitative measurement of fungal burden suggested a reduction pattern in the colony forming unit (CFU) of lung, liver, spleen and kidney for the extract treated group. Galactomannan assay assessment showed a decrease of fungal load in the treatment and positive control group with galactomannan index (GMI) value of 1.27 and 0.25 on day 28 but the negative control group showed high level of galactomannan in the serum with GMI value of 3.58. Histopathology examinations of the tissues featured major architecture modifications in the tissues of negative control group. Tissue reparation and recovery from infection were detected in extract treated and positive control group. Time killing fungicidal study of A. niger revealed dependence of the concentration of C. surattensis flower extract.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/chemistry
  3. Protective effect of different parts of Cassia fistula on human umbilical vein endothelial cells against glycated protein-induced toxicity in vitro
    Einstein JW, Mustafa MR, Nishigaki I, Rajkapoor B, Moh MA
    Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 2008 Oct;30(8):599-605.
    PMID: 19088944 DOI: 10.1358/mf.2008.30.8.1268401
    The protective effect of methanol extracts of Cassia fistula (flowers, leaves and bark) was examined in vitro in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) against toxicity induced by glycated protein (GFBS) in vitro. The experiments consisted of eight groups of HUVEC with five flasks in each group. Group I was treated with 15% FBS, group II with GFBS (70 microM) alone, and the other six groups were treated with GFBS plus 25 and 50 microg of each of the three types of C. fistula extracts. After 72 h of incubation, cells were collected and tested for lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The protective effect of C. fistula extracts against GFBS-induced cytotoxicity was examined in HUVEC by using trypan blue exclusion and MTT assays. Results showed that HUVEC incubated with GFBS alone showed a significant (P < 0.001) elevation of lipid peroxidation accompanied by depletion of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), in addition to decreased cytosolic GST. Treatment of HUVEC with C. fistula extracts at a concentration of 25 and 50 microg significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and normalized the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and GST levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Morphological changes of HUVEC were compared with respective controls; in addition, the C. fistula extracts increased the viability of HUVEC damaged by GFBS. A protective effect of C. fistula extracts on HUVEC against GFBS-induced toxicity suggested a potential beneficial effect of the extract in preventing diabetic angiopathies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  4. Fulltext Moringa oleifera Flower Extract Suppresses the Activation of Inflammatory Mediators in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages via NF-κB Pathway
    Tan WS, Arulselvan P, Karthivashan G, Fakurazi S
    Mediators Inflamm, 2015;2015:720171.
    PMID: 26609199 DOI: 10.1155/2015/720171
    Aim of Study. Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) possess highest concentration of antioxidant bioactive compounds and is anticipated to be used as an alternative medicine for inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of 80% hydroethanolic extract of M. oleifera flower on proinflammatory mediators and cytokines produced in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Materials and Methods. Cell cytotoxicity was conducted by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Nitric oxide (NO) production was quantified through Griess reaction while proinflammatory cytokines and other key inflammatory markers were assessed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting. Results. Hydroethanolic extract of M. oleifera flower significantly suppressed the secretion and expression of NO, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). However, it significantly increased the production of IL-10 and IκB-α (inhibitor of κB) in a concentration dependent manner (100 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL). Conclusion. These results suggest that 80% hydroethanolic extract of M. oleifera flower has anti-inflammatory action related to its inhibition of NO, PGE2, proinflammatory cytokines, and inflammatory mediator's production in LPS-stimulated macrophages through preventing degradation of IκB-α in NF-κB signaling pathway.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  5. Fulltext Microscopic observation on pollen from foraging activity of Indo-Malayan stingless bee species (Heterotrigona itama) in Besut, Terengganu
    Shamsul Bahri, A.R., Asma’-Samsudin
    Malaysian Journal of Microscopy, 2015;11(1):1-5.
    MyJurnal
    Pollen distribution from the pollen loads of stingless bee foragers in KampungTempinis, Besut, Terengganu was observed and recorded using optical microscope. Heterotrigona itama, one of the most common IndoMalayan stingless bee species domesticated and widely distributed throughout Malaysia was selected for this observation.The objective of this study was to have an annual bee calendar for H. itama in Besut. Pollen collection was carried out twice a month from January to June 2015. Results showed, during the six months period of observation H. itama foraged 31 different flowering plants. Different months of the year showed different floral preference by the stingless bee. The most dominant flower visited by the stingless bee in January and February is Stevia rebaudiana while March to June is Antigonon leptopus (Honolulu creeper). This observation could be useful for conservation purposes and also in planning a good beescape in Malaysia meliponiculture industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  6. Fulltext Factors influences crude herbs use among patients with chronic diseases attending a government health clinic: a cross-sectional survey
    Saw, Y. Y., Rajendran, D., Alicia, L. M. L., Chan, Y. L., Chow, Z. S., Roslan, A. Z., et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(102):52-52.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Crude herbs can be defined as raw plants materials (e.g. leaves, flowers, roots, etc.) which are not being/minimally processed or dried. Globally, particularly in Malaysia, the use of crude herbs has been increasing. The reasons were as an ailment of diseases underlying conditions and for general wellbeing. In this study, our aim was to investigate factors influences crude herbs use among older patients with chronic diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using purposive sampling among patients attended government health clinic
    at Klinik Kesihatan Kampar, Perak. Self-designed questionnaires were used to collect data and data was analysed using SPSS software (ver. 23). Results: A total of 441 participants were enrolled in this study, the response rate was 71.35%. Demographic characteristics of patients who consume crude herbs were; female (57.25%), Malays (45.06%), age between 50-59 years old (31.96%), secondary education level (49.1%), and earned income less than RM3000 (93.27%). Female gender was found associated with the use of crude herbs (p < 0.05). Other socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, race, education level, and salary range found not associated with crude herbs (p > 0.05). The common reasons given by patients to use crude herbs were; family influence, effectiveness in reducing sugar, and accessible and cheaper compared to commercialised herbal drugs. The prevalence of crude herbs use,
    particularly among ageing patients is alarming. The physicians need to take into account on crude herbs used when prescribing medications. The use of crude herbs can be beneficial but yet can be detrimental if it is consumed while on prescribed medications. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the survey area needs to broaden to other parts of Malaysia, particularly rural is warranted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  7. Fulltext Ethno-medicine survey of medicinal plants used by villagers in Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia. [Abstract]
    Shimmi SC, Kabir S, Parash MTH, Hossain ABMT, Khaing MS, Muhd Yunus R
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):65.
    MyJurnal
    ABSTRACTS FOR THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL BORNEO HEALTHCARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH CONFERENCE AND 4TH BORNEO TROPICAL MEDICINE
    AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONGRESS. New Frontiers in Health: Expecting the Unexpected; Held at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia; On 3rd-5th September 2019
    Introduction: The use of medicinal plants as a remedy and prevention of diseases based on practical skills, knowledge and therapies was passed down from one generation to the next. It was reported by WHO that, approximately a quarter of the modern drugs were derivatives of plants or herbs, used as traditional medicines. It has contributed greatly in the health care management as the main source of medicine for many of the rural population in Sabah. This preliminary study was carried out to observe the use of medicinal plants in different villages of Kudat and to know about the knowledge of the villagers related to possible side effects of these plants.
    Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study which was carried out in different villages of Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia between August and September 2018. The data were obtained through interviewing the people in different villages by using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data.
    Results: Among the 87 participants, 37.9% were male and 62.1% were female. Their mean age was 45.87 (±14.03) and they were mostly from Kadazan-Dusun (50.6%) and Rungus (42.5%). The highest level of education among the participants was SPM (20.7%). Roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits of 49 plant species were reported in the treatment of more than 30 types of health conditions. Anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, joint pain, hypercholesterolaemia, fever, asthma, malaria, vomiting and few acute illnesses are mentionable. Majority (71%) of the participants did not have any knowledge about possible side effects of the orally ingested or tropically applied medicinal plants.
    Conclusion: There should be thorough research on dosage, mechanism of action and possible side effects of the medicinal plants and the results of these researches should reach the users of these plants.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  8. Fulltext The COMBI (Communication for Behavioural Impact ) program in the prevention and control of dengue - the Hulu Langat experienc
    Rozhan, S., Jamsiah, M., Rahimah, A., Ang, K.T.
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2006;12(1):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Background: The COMBI concept is a novel approach by the WHO to control communicable diseases which are influenced by community behaviour. The Ministry of Health is currently evaluating its use against dengue in selected areas throughout Malaysia. COMBI doctrine differs from previous dengue campaigns. It acknowledges that the factors contributing to dengue proliferation may differ between areas. Factors for a given area are analysed, then a single precise behavioural goal to overcome those problems is formulated. To inculcate this behavioural change, the target community is subjected to an intensive campaign using Integrated Marketing Communication techniques adapted from the advertisingindustry, particularly involving volunteers from the community itself.
    Methodology: In Selangor the pilot project was implemented in Section 3 and Section 4 of Bandar Baru Bangi, in the district of Hulu Langat. Here, Aedes breeding was found to occur mainly in water containers of semi permanent nature (eg. ‘kolah’, aquatic plant jars, flower pot bases etc). A total of 172 volunteers were recruited to disperse the message of “Suluh – Suluh, Basuh - Basuh” whilst distributing leaflets and flashlights to 2666 homes. Residents were instructed to illuminate such water containers twice weekly and scrub any containers found to contain larvae. The program commenced on 23/5/2004 and lasted 16 weeks.
    Results : During this period, the initial Aedes Index of 5 was reduced to 0.96 while combined cases of Dengue Fever / Dengue Haemorraghic Fever in Sections 3 and 4 reported to the Hulu Langat District Health Office also dropped to 1 (unconfirmed).
    Conclusion : The COMBI approach in Hulu Langat successfully demonstrated that correct problem identification synergized with community engagement can potentially reduce Aedes proliferationand dengue morbidity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  9. Fulltext Effects of ion beam irradiation on morphological and flowering characteristics of chrysanthemum
    Shakinah Salleh, Zaiton Ahmad, Affrida Abu Hassan, Yahya Awang, Yutaka Oono
    Jurnal Sains Nuklear Malaysia, 2015;27(2):31-38.
    MyJurnal
    Chrysanthemum morifolium is an important temperate cut flower for Malaysian floriculture
    industry and the lack of new local owned varieties led to this mutation breeding research. The
    objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ion beam irradiation in generating
    mutations on ray florets and nodal explants of Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. ‘Reagan Red’. Ion
    beams has become an efficient physical mutagen for mutation breeding. The ray florets and nodal
    explants were irradiated with ion beams at doses 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 8.0, 10, 15, 20 and 30 Gy.
    The 50% of in vitro shoot regeneration (RD50) for ray florets explants was 2.0 Gy and for nodal
    explants was 4.0 Gy. Thus, relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for ray florets was found 2.0
    times higher than the nodal explants. The regenerated plantlets were planted in the greenhouse at
    MARDI, Cameron Highlands for morphological screening. Overall performance of survival
    plantlets derived from in vitro nodal and ray floret explants was recorded. The characters studied
    include plant morphology and flowering characteristic. The ray florets explants were found to be
    more sensitive to ion beam irradiation and generated more mutations as compared to nodal
    explants.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  10. Fulltext Technical aspects in understanding effects of gamma irradiation on flower colour changes in Dendrobium Sonia
    Sakinah Ariffin, Azhar Mohamad, Ratnam, Wickneswari
    Jurnal Sains Nuklear Malaysia, 2012;24(1):91-101.
    MyJurnal
    Colour is one of the most important traits in orchids and has created great interest in breeding programmes. Gamma irradiation is an alternative way for generation of somaclonal variation for new flower colours. Phenotypic changes are usually observed during screening and selection of mutants. Understanding of targeted gene expression level and evaluation of the changes facilitate in the development of functional markers for selection of desired flower colour mutants. Four Dendrobium orchid sequences (NCBI accessions: AM490639, AY41319, FM209429 and DQ462460) were selected to design gene specific primers based on information for chalcone synthase (CHS) from NCBI database. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to understand flower colour expression quantitatively derived from the CHS gene activities in different flower tissues (petal and sepal) from control Dendrobium Sonia (red purple), mutant DS 35-1/M (purple pink) and mutant DS 35-WhiteA. It was found that expression of CHS gene was highest in sepals of white flowers and lowest in both sepals and petals of purple pink flowers. Genomic DNA was amplified and PCR products were sequenced, aligned and compared. Sequence variations of CHS partial gene in Dendrobium Sonia mutants with different flower colour showed that two protein positions have been changed as compared to the control. These non-synonymous mutations may have contributed to the colour alterations in the white and purple pink mutants. This paper describes important procedures to quantify gene expression such as RNA isolation (quantity and quality), cDNA synthesis and primer design steps for CHS genes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  11. Fulltext Studies on the effectiveness of acute gamma and ion beam irradiation in generating flower colour mutation for chrysanthemum morifolium
    Shakinah Salleh, Affrida Abu Hassan, Shuhaimi Shamsudin, Yahya Awang, Ab. Kahar Sandrang, Abdullah, Thohirah Lee
    Jurnal Sains Nuklear Malaysia, 2012;24(2):59-70.
    MyJurnal
    Chrysanthemum morfolium is an important temperate cut flower and potted plant for Malaysian local market and exporter. Considering chrysanthemum as a popular vegetatively propagated ornamental plant, induce mutations for breeding purposes are more beneficial. Several of physical mutagens have been used in mutation breeding including x-rays, gamma rays and ion beams. Gamma rays and ion beams are from two different linear energy transfer (LET) which are low and high, respectively. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of acute gamma and ion beam irradiation in generating flower colour mutations on nodal explants of Chrysanthemum morifblium cv. Reagan Red'. The nodal explants were irradiated with acute gamma (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 Gy) and ion beam (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 8.0, 10, 15, 20 and 30 Gy). The optimal dose for in vitro shoot regeneration using acute gamma was in the range of 10 to .15.0Gy and for ion beam was between 3.5 to 4.OGv. Relative biological effectiveness for ion beam was found 3.75 higher than the acute gamma. The regenerated plantlets were planted in the greenhouse at MARDI, Cameron Highland for morphological screening. The highest frequency of flower colour mutation for acute gamma was 77.8% whilst for ion beam were between 42.3 to 58.3%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  12. Genotypic character relationship and phenotypic path coefficient analysis in chili pepper genotypes grown under tropical condition
    Usman MG, Rafii MY, Martini MY, Oladosu Y, Kashiani P
    J Sci Food Agric, 2017 Mar;97(4):1164-1171.
    PMID: 27290898 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7843
    BACKGROUND: Studies on genotypic and phenotypic correlations among characters of crop plants are useful in planning, evaluating and setting selection criteria for the desired characters in a breeding program. The present study aimed to estimate the phenotypic correlation coefficients among yield and yield attributed characters and to work out the direct and indirect effects of yield-related characters on yield per plant using path coefficient analysis. Twenty-six genotypes of chili pepper were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications.

    RESULTS: Yield per plant showed positive and highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) correlations with most of the characters studied at both the phenotypic and genotypic levels. By contrast, disease incidence and days to flowering showed a significant negative association with yield. Fruit weight and number of fruits exerted positive direct effect on yield and also had a positive and significant (P ≤ 0.01) correlation with yield per plant. However, fruit length showed a low negative direct effect with a strong and positive indirect effect through fruit weight on yield and had a positive and significant association with yield.

    CONCLUSION: Longer fruits, heavy fruits and a high number of fruits are variables that are related to higher yields of chili pepper under tropical conditions and hence could be used as a reliable indicator in indirect selection for yield. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  13. Beyond the PAR spectra: impact of light quality on the germination, flowering, and metabolite content of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni)
    Rengasamy N, Othman RY, Che HS, Harikrishna JA
    J Sci Food Agric, 2022 Jan 15;102(1):299-311.
    PMID: 34091912 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11359
    BACKGROUND: Stevia rebaudiana is a high value crop due to the strong commercial demand for its metabolites (steviol glycosides) but has limited geographical cultivation range. In non-native environments with different daylength and light quality, Stevia has low germination rates and early flowering resulting in lower biomass and poor yield of the desired metabolites. In this study, artificial lighting with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) was used to determine if different light quality within and outside of the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) range can be used to improve germination rates and yields for production of steviol glycosides for the herbal supplement and food industry.

    RESULTS: Plants treated with red and blue light at an intensity of 130 μmol m-2  s-1 supplemented with 5% of UV-A light under a 16-h photoperiod produced the most desirable overall results with a high rate of germination, low percentage of early flowering, and high yields of dry leaf, stevioside and rebaudioside A, 175 days after planting.

    CONCLUSION: While red and blue light combinations are effective for plant growth, the use of supplemental non-PAR irradiation of UV-A wavelength significantly and desirably delayed flowering, enhanced germination, biomass, rebaudioside A and stevioside yields, while supplemental green light improved yield of biomass and rebaudioside A, but not stevioside. Overall, the combination of red, blue and UV-A light resulted in the best overall productivity for Stevia rebaudiana. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/drug effects; Flowers/growth & development*; Flowers/metabolism; Flowers/chemistry
  14. Size-related flowering and fecundity in the tropical canopy tree species, Shorea acuminata (Dipterocarpaceae) during two consecutive general flowerings
    Naito Y, Kanzaki M, Numata S, Obayashi K, Konuma A, Nishimura S, et al.
    J Plant Res, 2008 Jan;121(1):33-42.
    PMID: 17943228
    We monitored the reproductive status of all trees with diameters at breast height (dbh) >30 cm in a 40-ha plot at Pasoh, west Malaysia, and investigated the individual fecundity of 15 Shorea acuminata Dyer (Dipterocarpaceae) trees using seed-trapping methods during two consecutive general flowering periods in 2001 (GF2001) and 2002 (GF2002). The proportion of flowering trees was higher, and not dependent on size, in GF2002 (84.2%), than in GF2001 (54.5%), when flowering mainly occurred in trees with a dbh < or =70 cm. Fecundity parameters of individual trees per event varied widely (221,000-35,200,000 flowers, 0-139,000 mature seeds, and 1.04-177 kg total dry matter mass of fruit (TDM) per tree). Monotonic increases with increasing tree size were observed for flower production and TDM amongst trees up to 90 cm in dbh, but not for mature seed production or for any of these parameters amongst larger trees. The pattern of reproductive investment during the two consecutive reproductive events clearly differed between medium-sized and large trees; the former concentrated their reproductive investment in one of the reproductive events whereas the latter allocated their investment more evenly to both reproductive events. Our results suggest size-related differences in the resource allocation pattern for reproduction.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/physiology*
  15. Diel changes in the CO2 exchange rates of reproductive organs of the tropical tree Durio zibethinus
    Ogawa K, Abdullah AM, Awang M, Furukawa A
    J Plant Res, 2005 Jun;118(3):187-92.
    PMID: 15937725
    The daily variations in the in situ CO(2) exchange of the reproductive organs of Durio zibethinus trees, growing in an experimental field at University Putra Malaysia (UPM), were examined at different growth stages. Reproductive organs emerged on the leafless portions of branches inside the crown. The photon flux densities (PFD) in the chambers used for the measurements were less than 100 mumol m(-2) s(-1) and were 40% of the PFD outside of the crown. The daytime net respiration rate and the nighttime dark respiration rate were higher at the time of flower initiation and during the mixed stages, when flower buds, flowers, and fruit coexist, than at the flower bud stage. The net respiration rate was lower than the daytime dark respiration rate at given temperatures, especially at the flower bud and fruit stages. Conversely, the net respiration rate was similar to the daytime dark respiration rate at the mixed stage. Photosynthetic CO(2) refixation reduced the daily respiratory loss by 17, 5, 0.3, and 24% at the flower bud, flower initiation, mixed, and fruit stages, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/physiology*
  16. Tissue-specific and maturity-dependent distribution of pyridine alkaloids in Areca triandra
    Wu J, Zhang H, Wang S, Yuan L, Grünhofer P, Schreiber L, et al.
    J Plant Res, 2019 Jul;132(4):531-540.
    PMID: 31127431 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-019-01115-9
    Areca nuts (seeds of Areca catechu L.) are a traditional and popular masticatory in India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, certain parts of China, and some other countries. Four related pyridine alkaloids (arecoline, arecaidine, guvacoline, and guvacine) are considered being the main functional ingredients in areca nut. Until now, A. catechu is the only known species producing these alkaloids in the Arecaceae family. In the present study, we investigated alkaloid contents in 12 Arecaceae species and found that only Areca triandra Roxb. contained these pyridine alkaloids. We further analyzed in more detail tissue-specific and development-related distribution of these alkaloids in leaves, male and female flowers and fruits in different stages of maturity in A. triandra by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Results revealed that the alkaloids were most abundant in young leaves, the pericarp of ripe fruits and the endosperm of unripe fruits in developmental stage 2. Abundance of the 4 different alkaloids in A. triandra fruits varied during maturation. Pericarps of ripe fruits had the highest arecaidine concentration (4.45 mg g-1) and the lowest guvacoline concentration (0.0175 mg g-1), whereas the endosperm of unripe fruits of developmental stage 2 contained the highest guvacoline concentration (3.39 mg g-1) and the lowest guvacine concentration (0.245 mg g-1). We conclude that A. triandra is useful in future as a further valuable source of Areca alkaloids.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/metabolism
  17. Oil palm EgCBF3 conferred stress tolerance in transgenic tomato plants through modulation of the ethylene signaling pathway
    Ebrahimi M, Abdullah SN, Abdul Aziz M, Namasivayam P
    J Plant Physiol, 2016 Sep 01;202:107-20.
    PMID: 27513726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2016.07.001
    CBF/DREB1 is a group of transcription factors that are mainly involved in abiotic stress tolerance in plants. They belong to the AP2/ERF superfamily of plant-specific transcription factors. A gene encoding a new member of this group was isolated from ripening oil palm fruit and designated as EgCBF3. The oil palm fruit demonstrates the characteristics of a climacteric fruit like tomato, in which ethylene has a major impact on the ripening process. A transgenic approach was used for functional characterization of the EgCBF3, using tomato as the model plant. The effects of ectopic expression of EgCBF3 were analyzed based on expression profiling of the ethylene biosynthesis-related genes, anti-freeze proteins (AFPs), abiotic stress tolerance and plant growth and development. The EgCBF3 tomatoes demonstrated altered phenotypes compared to the wild type tomatoes. Delayed leaf senescence and flowering, increased chlorophyll content and abnormal flowering were the consequences of overexpression of EgCBF3 in the transgenic tomatoes. The EgCBF3 tomatoes demonstrated enhanced abiotic stress tolerance under in vitro conditions. Further, transcript levels of ethylene biosynthesis-related genes, including three SlACSs and two SlACOs, were altered in the transgenic plants' leaves and roots compared to that in the wild type tomato plant. Among the eight AFPs studied in the wounded leaves of the EgCBF3 tomato plants, transcript levels of SlOSM-L, SlNP24, SlPR5L and SlTSRF1 decreased, while expression of the other four, SlCHI3, SlPR1, SlPR-P2 and SlLAP2, were up-regulated. These findings indicate the possible functions of EgCBF3 in plant growth and development as a regulator of ethylene biosynthesis-related and AFP genes, and as a stimulator of abiotic stress tolerance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/physiology
  18. Effect of annealing temperature on antimicrobial and structural properties of bio-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using flower extract of Anchusa italica
    Azizi S, Mohamad R, Bahadoran A, Bayat S, Rahim RA, Ariff A, et al.
    J. Photochem. Photobiol. B, Biol., 2016 Aug;161:441-9.
    PMID: 27318600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.06.007
    The use of nontoxic biological compounds in the synthesis of nanomaterials is an economic and eco-friendly approach. The present work was undertaken to develop zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) by a green method using simple precursor from the solution consisting of zinc acetate and the flower extract of Anchusa italica (A. italica). Effect of annealing temperature on structural and antimicrobial properties was investigated. The crystalline structure of ZnO-NPs was shown using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that ZnO-NPs are hexagonal in shapes with mean particle size of ~8 and ~14nm at 100°C and 200°C annealing temperatures respectively. The optical band gap was increased from 3.27eV to 3.30eV with the decreasing of the particle size. The antimicrobial activity of ZnO-NPs towards Gram positive (Bacillus megaterium and Stapphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium) pathogens decreased with the increasing of the heat treating temperature. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on Vero cells, a dose dependent toxicity with non-toxic effect of concentration below 142μg/mL was shown. The results indicated that A. italica is an appropriate reaction media to prepare ZnO-NPs for cosmetic and bio-medical productions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/metabolism; Flowers/chemistry
  19. Bioassay-guided detection, identification and assessment of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds from olive tree flower extracts by high-performance thin-layer chromatography linked to spectroscopy
    Agatonovic-Kustrin S, Wong S, Dolzhenko AV, Gegechkori V, Morton DW
    J Pharm Biomed Anal, 2024 Feb 15;239:115912.
    PMID: 38128161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115912
    Olive trees are one of the most widely cultivated fruit trees in the world. The chemical compositions and biological activities of olive tree fruit and leaves have been extensively researched for their nutritional and health-promoting properties. In contrast, limited data have been reported on olive flowers. The present study aimed to analyse bioactive compounds in olive flower extracts and the effect of fermentation-assisted extraction on phenolic content and antioxidant activity. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) hyphenated with the bioassay-guided detection and spectroscopic identification of bioactive compounds was used for the analysis. Enzymatic and bacterial in situ bioassays were used to detect COX-1 enzyme inhibition and antibacterial activity. Multiple zones of antibacterial activity and one zone of COX-1 inhibition were detected in both, non-fermented and fermented, extracts. A newly developed HPTLC-based experimental protocol was used to measure the high-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for the assessment of the relative potency of the extracts in inhibiting COX-1 enzyme and antibacterial activity. Strong antibacterial activities detected in zones 4 and 7 were significantly higher in comparison to ampicillin, as confirmed by low IC50 values (IC50 = 57-58 µg in zone 4 and IC50 = 157-167 µg in zone 7) compared to the ampicillin IC50 value (IC50 = 495 µg). The COX-1 inhibition by the extract (IC50 = 76-98 µg) was also strong compared to that of salicylic acid (IC50 = 557 µg). By comparing the locations of the bands to coeluted standards, compounds from detected bioactive bands were tentatively identified. The eluates from bioactive HPTLC zones were further analysed by FTIR NMR, and LC-MS spectroscopy. Multiple zones of antibacterial activity were associated with the presence of triterpenoid acids, while COX-1 inhibition was related to the presence of long-chain fatty acids.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/chemistry
  20. Fulltext Pollination Services of Mango Flower Pollinators
    Huda AN, Salmah MR, Hassan AA, Hamdan A, Razak MN
    J Insect Sci, 2015;15.
    PMID: 26246439 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iev090
    Measuring wild pollinator services in agricultural production is very important in the context of sustainable management. In this study, we estimated the contribution of native pollinators to mango fruit set production of two mango cultivars Mangifera indica (L). cv. 'Sala' and 'Chok Anan'. Visitation rates of pollinators on mango flowers and number of pollen grains adhering to their bodies determined pollinator efficiency for reproductive success of the crop. Chok Anan failed to produce any fruit set in the absence of pollinators. In natural condition, we found that Sala produced 4.8% fruit set per hermaphrodite flower while Chok Anan produced 3.1% per flower. Hand pollination tremendously increased fruit set of naturally pollinated flower for Sala (>100%), but only 33% for Chok Anan. Pollinator contribution to mango fruit set was estimated at 53% of total fruit set production. Our results highlighted the importance of insect pollinations in mango production. Large size flies Eristalinus spp. and Chrysomya spp. were found to be effective pollen carriers and visited more mango flowers compared with other flower visitors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/physiology
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