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Genus Pterocarpus: A review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and clinical evidence

Аrbаin D, Saputri GA, Syahputra GS, Widiyastuti Y, Susanti D, Taher M

J Ethnopharmacol, 2021 Oct 05;278:114316.
PMID: 34116190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114316

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Pterocarpus (Fabaceae) has about 46 species that are distributed over Asia, especially Indonesia, Africa, and several countries in America. Particularly, P. indicus and P. santalinus have been recorded as ancestor recipe in the old Indonesian book (Cabe puyang warisan nenek moyang). These plants have found application in traditional medicine, such as in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, gonorrhoea, infection, coughs, mouth ulcers, boils, diarrhoea, as well as in the management of pain (as an analgesic).
AIM OF THE REVIEW: The present review aimed to comprehensively summarise the current researches on the traditional and scientific applications of the genus Pterocarpus with regard to the phytochemical content, in vivo and in vitro bioactivities, as well as clinical evidence that may be useful for future drug development.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information about the Pterocarpus genus were obtained from local classic herbal literature and electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The scientific name of the species and its synonyms were checked with the information of The Plant List. Additionally, clinical trial results were obtained from the Cochrane library.
RESULTS: Several phytochemical constituents of the plants, e.g., flavonoids, isoflavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids have been reported. There are about 11 species of Pterocarpus that have been scientifically studied for their biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, analgesic, and anti-hyperglycemic. Of which, the anti-hyperglycemic activity of the extracts and phytochemicals of P. indicus and P. marsupium is particularly remarkable, allowing them to be further studied under clinical trial.
CONCLUSION: The present review has provided an insight into the traditional applications of the plants and some of them have been validated by scientific evidence, particularly their applications as anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents. In addition, the genus has demonstrated notable anti-diabetic activity in various clinical trials.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants, Medicinal/chemistry
Pre-clinical efficacy of African medicinal plants used in the treatment of snakebite envenoming: A systematic review

Bala AA, Mohammed M, Umar S, Ungogo MA, Al-Kassim Hassan M, Abdussalam US, et al.

Toxicon, 2023 Mar 01;224:107035.
PMID: 36706926 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107035

The World Health Organization has listed Snakebite Envenoming (SBE) as a priority neglected tropical disease, with a worldwide annual snakebite affecting 5.4 million people and injuring 2.7 million lives. In many parts of rural areas of Africa and Asia, medicinal plants have been used as alternatives to conventional antisnake venom (ASV) due in part to inaccessibility to hospitals. Systemic reviews (SR) of laboratory-based preclinical studies play an essential role in drug discovery. We conducted an SR to evaluate the relationship between interventional medicinal plants and their observed effects on venom-induced experiments. This SR was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The Modified collaborative approach to meta-analysis and review of animal data from experimental studies (CAMARADES) and SYRCLE's risk of bias tools were used to appraise the included studies. Data were searched online in Medline via PubMed, Embase via OVID, and Scopus. Studies reporting in vivo and in vitro pharmacological activities of African medicinal plants/extracts/constituents against venom-induced pathologies were identified and included for screening. Data from the included studies were extracted and synthesized. Ten studies reported statistically significant percentage protection (40-100%) of animals against venom-induced lethality compared with control groups that received no medicinal plant intervention. Sixteen studies reported significant effects (p ≤ 0.05) against venom-induced pathologies compared with the control group; these include hemolytic, histopathologic, necrotic, and anti-enzymatic effects. The plant family Fabaceae has the highest number of studies reporting its efficacy, followed by Annonaceae, Malvaceae, Combretaceae, Sterculiaceae, and Olacaceae. Some African medicinal plants are preclinically effective against venom-induced lethality, hematotoxicity, and cytotoxicity. The evidence was extracted from three in vitro studies, nine in vivo studies, and five studies that combined both in vivo and in vitro models. The effective plants belong to the Fabaceae family, followed by Malvaceae, and Annonaceae.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants, Medicinal*
Phytoremediation of cadmium from soil, air and water

Li G, Yan L, Chen X, Lam SS, Rinklebe J, Yu Q, et al.

Chemosphere, 2023 Apr;320:138058.
PMID: 36746249 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138058

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pose a great threat to ecosystems and long-term exposure causes adverse effects to wildlife and humans. Cadmium induces a variety of diseases including cancer, kidney dysfunction, bone lesions, anemia and hypertension. Here we review the ability of plants to accumulate cadmium from soil, air and water under different environmental conditions, focusing on absorption mechanisms and factors affecting these. Cadmium possess various transport mechanisms and pathways roughly divided into symplast and apoplast pathway. Excessive cadmium concentrations in the environment affects soil properties, pH and microorganism composition and function and thereby plant uptake. At the same time, plants resist cadmium toxicity by antioxidant reaction. The differences in cadmium absorption capacity of plants need more exploration to determine whether it is beneficial for crop breeding or genetic modification. Identify whether plants have the potential to become hyperaccumulator and avoid excessive cadmium uptake by edible plants. The use of activators such as wood vinegar, GLDA (Glutamic acid diacetic acid), or the placement of earthworms and fungi can speed up phytoremediation of plants, thereby reducing uptake of crop varieties and reducing human exposure, thus accelerating food safety and the health of the planet.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants, Edible/metabolism
Therapeutic Potential of Nanocarrier-Mediated Delivery of Phytoconstituents for Wound Healing: Their Current Status and Future Perspective

Kumar M, Keshwania P, Chopra S, Mahmood S, Bhatia A

AAPS PharmSciTech, 2023 Jul 20;24(6):155.
PMID: 37468691 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-023-02616-6

The treatment of wounds is a serious problem all over the world and imposes a huge financial burden on each and every nation. For a long time, researchers have explored wound dressing that speeds up wound healing. Traditional wound dressing does not respond effectively to the wound-healing process as expected. Therapeutic active derived from plant extracts and extracted bioactive components have been employed in various regions of the globe since ancient times for the purpose of illness, prevention, and therapy. About 200 years ago, most medical treatments were based on herbal remedies. Especially in the West, the usage of herbal treatments began to wane in the 1960s as a result of the rise of allopathic medicine. In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in and demand for herbal medicines for a number of reasons, including claims about their efficacy, shifting consumer preferences toward natural medicines, high costs and negative side effects of modern medicines, and advancements in herbal medicines brought about by scientific research and technological innovation. The exploration of medicinal plants and their typical uses could potentially result in advanced pharmaceuticals that exhibit reduced adverse effects. This review aims to present an overview of the utilization of nanocarriers in plant-based therapeutics, including its current status, recent advancements, challenges, and future prospects. The objective is to equip researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the historical background, current state, and potential future developments in this emerging field. In light of this, the advantages of nanocarriers based delivery of natural wound healing treatments have been discussed, with a focus on nanofibers, nanoparticles, nano-emulsion, and nanogels.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants, Medicinal*
Fulltext Cardioprotective Effects of Vitex negundo: A Review of Bioactive Extracts and Compounds

Nyamweya B, Rukshala D, Fernando N, de Silva R, Premawansa S, Handunnetti S

J Evid Based Integr Med, 2023;28:2515690X231176622.
PMID: 37279951 DOI: 10.1177/2515690X231176622

There has been accumulating interest in the application of medicinal plants as alternative medicine to treat various diseases and/or to develop modern medicines. Vitex negundo is one of such medicinal plants that has been of interest to many researchers and has been of use in traditional medicine. V. negundo is found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Malaysia, India, China, The Philippines and East Africa. Therapeutic properties of V. negundo have previously been reviewed. Different parts, preparations and bioactive components of V. negundo possess potential protective and therapeutic effects against cardiovascular disease and related conditions as demonstrated in previous studies. We review the present state of scientific knowledge on the potential use of V. negundo and some of its bioactive components in protecting against cardiovascular diseases and related pathologies. Previous studies in animal and non-animal experimental models, although limited in number and vary in design, seem to support the cardioprotective effect of V. negundo and some of its active components. However, there is need for further preclinical and clinical studies to validate the use of V. negundo and its active constituents in protection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, since only a few V. negundo compounds have been evaluated, specific cardioprotective effects or mechanisms and possible side effects of other V. negundo compounds need to be extensively evaluated.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants, Medicinal*
Progress in phytoremediation of chromium from the environment

Han L, Gu H, Lu W, Li H, Peng WX, Ling Ma N, et al.

Chemosphere, 2023 Dec;344:140307.
PMID: 37769918 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140307

As chromium (Cr) in ecosystems affects human health through food chain exposure, phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly and efficient way to reduce chromium pollution in the environment. Here, we review the mechanism of absorption, translocation, storage, detoxification, and regulation of Cr in plants. The Cr(VI) form is more soluble, mobile, and toxic than Cr(III), reflecting how various valence states of Cr affect environmental risk characteristics, physicochemical properties, toxicity, and plant uptake. Plant root's response to Cr exposure leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis. Cell wall immobilization, vacuole compartmentation, interaction of defense proteins and organic ligand with Cr, and removal of reactive oxygen species by antioxidants continue plant life. In addition, the combined application of microorganisms, genetic engineering, and the addition of organic acids, nanoparticles, fertilization, soil amendments, and other metals could accelerate the phytoremediation process. This review provides efficient methods to investigate and understand the complex changes of Cr metabolism in plants. Preferably, fast-growing, abundantly available biomass species should be modified to mitigate Cr pollution in the environment as these green and efficient remediation technologies are necessary for the protection of soil and water ecology.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants/metabolism
Fulltext Nickel stocks and fluxes in a tropical agromining 'metal crop' farming system in Sabah (Malaysia)

Tisserand R, van der Ent A, Nkrumah PN, Didier S, Sumail S, Morel JL, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2024 Apr 01;919:170691.
PMID: 38325468 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170691

Nickel hyperaccumulator plants play a major role in nickel recycling in ultramafic ecosystems, and under agromining the nickel dynamics in the farming system will be affected by removal of nickel-rich biomass. We investigated the biogeochemical cycling of nickel as well as key nutrients in an agromining operation that uses the metal crop Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi in the first tropical metal farm located in Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia). For two years, this study monitored nine 25-m2 plots and collected information on weather, biomass exportation, water, and litter fluxes to the soil. Without harvesting, nickel inputs and outputs had only minor contributions (<1 %) to the total nickel budget in this system. The nickel cycle was mainly driven by internal fluxes, particularly plant uptake, litterfall and throughfall. After two years of cropping, the nickel litter flux corresponded to 50 % of the total nickel stock in the aerial biomass (3.1 g m-2 year-1). Nickel was slowly released from the litter; after 15 months of degradation, 60 % of the initial biomass and the initial nickel quantities were still present in the organic layer. Calcium, phosphorus and potassium budgets in the system were negative without fertilisation. Unlike what is observed for nickel, sustained agromining would thus lead to a strong depletion of calcium stocks if mineral weathering cannot replenish it.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants/metabolism
Fulltext Cytotoxicity of Plant-Mediated Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review

Hanan NA, Chiu HI, Ramachandran MR, Tung WH, Mohamad Zain NN, Yahaya N, et al.

Int J Mol Sci, 2018 Jun 11;19(6).
PMID: 29891772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061725

In the field of medicine, nanomaterials, especially those derived using the green method, offer promise as anti-cancer agents and drug carriers. However, the biosafety of metallic nanoparticles used as anti-cancer agents remains a concern. The goal of this systematic review was to compare the cytotoxicity of different plant-mediated syntheses of metallic nanoparticles based on their potency, therapeutic index, and cancer cell type susceptibility in the hopes of identifying the most promising anti-cancer agents. A literature search of electronic databases including Science Direct, PubMed, Springer Link, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, was conducted to obtain research articles. Keywords such as biosynthesis, plant synthesis, plant-mediated, metallic nanoparticle, cytotoxicity, and anticancer were used in the literature search. All types of research materials that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study regardless of whether the results were positive, negative, or null. The therapeutic index was used as a safety measure for the studied compound of interest. Data from 76 selected articles were extracted and synthesised. Seventy-two studies reported that the cytotoxicity of plant-mediated synthesis of metallic nanoparticles was time and/or dose-dependent. Biosynthesised silver nanoparticles demonstrated higher cytotoxicity potency compared to gold nanoparticles synthesised by the same plants (Plumbago zeylanica, Commelina nudiflora, and Cassia auriculata) irrespective of the cancer cell type tested. This review also identified a correlation between the nanoparticle size and morphology with the potency of cytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity was found to be inversely proportional to nanoparticle size. The plant-mediated syntheses of metallic nanoparticles were predominantly spherical or quasi-spherical, with the median lethal dose of 1⁻20 µg/mL. Nanoparticles with other shapes (triangular, hexagonal, and rods) were less potent. Metallic nanoparticles synthesised by Abutilon inducum, Butea monosperma, Gossypium hirsutum, Indoneesiella echioides, and Melia azedarach were acceptably safe as anti-cancer agents, as they had a therapeutic index of >2.0 when tested on both cancer cells and normal human cells. Most plant-mediated syntheses of metallic nanoparticles were found to be cytotoxic, although some were non-cytotoxic. The results from this study suggest a focus on a selected list of potential anti-cancer agents for further investigations of their pharmacodynamic/toxicodynamic and pharmacokinetic/toxicokinetic actions with the goal of reducing the Global Burden of Diseases and the second leading cause of mortality.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants/metabolism*
The cadmium tolerance and bioaccumulation mechanism of Tetratostichococcus sp. P1: insight from transcriptomics analysis

Sahabudin E, Kubo S, Yuzir MAM, Othman N, Nadia Md Akhir F, Suzuki K, et al.

Bioengineered, 2024 Dec;15(1):2314888.
PMID: 38375815 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2024.2314888

Cadmium (Cd) has become a severe issue in relatively low concentration and attracts expert attention due to its toxicity, accumulation, and biomagnification in living organisms. Cd does not have a biological role and causes serious health issues. Therefore, Cd pollutants should be reduced and removed from the environment. Microalgae have great potential for Cd absorption for waste treatment since they are more environmentally friendly than existing treatment methods and have strong metal sorption selectivity. This study evaluated the tolerance and ability of the microalga Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 to remove Cd ions under acidic conditions and reveal mechanisms based on transcriptomics analysis. The results showed that Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 had a high Cd tolerance that survived under the presence of Cd up to 100 µM, and IC50, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration value, was 57.0 μM, calculated from the change in growth rate based on the chlorophyll content. Long-term Cd exposure affected the algal morphology and photosynthetic pigments of the alga. Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 removed Cd with a maximum uptake of 1.55 mg g-1 dry weight. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of the expression of genes related to metal binding, such as metallothionein. Group A, Group B transporters and glutathione, were also found upregulated. While the downregulation of the genes were related to photosynthesis, mitochondria electron transport, ABC-2 transporter, polysaccharide metabolic process, and cell division. This research is the first study on heavy metal bioremediation using Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 and provides a new potential microalga strain for heavy metal removal in wastewater.[Figure: see text]Abbreviations:BP: Biological process; bZIP: Basic Leucine Zipper; CC: Cellular component; ccc1: Ca (II)-sensitive cross complementary 1; Cd: Cadmium; CDF: Cation diffusion facilitator; Chl: Chlorophyll; CTR: Cu TRansporter families; DAGs: Directed acyclic graphs; DEGs: Differentially expressed genes; DVR: Divinyl chlorophyllide, an 8-vinyl-reductase; FPN: FerroportinN; FTIR: Fourier transform infrared; FTR: Fe TRansporter; GO: Gene Ontology; IC50: Growth half maximal inhibitory concentration; ICP: Inductively coupled plasma; MF: molecular function; NRAMPs: Natural resistance-associated aacrophage proteins; OD: Optical density; RPKM: Reads Per Kilobase of Exon Per Million Reads Mapped; VIT1: Vacuolar iron transporter 1 families; ZIPs: Zrt-, Irt-like proteins.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants/metabolism
Fulltext A Review on Plants and Microorganisms Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles, Role of Plants Metabolites and Applications

Mustapha T, Misni N, Ithnin NR, Daskum AM, Unyah NZ

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Jan 07;19(2).
PMID: 35055505 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020674

Silver nanoparticles are one of the most extensively studied nanomaterials due to their high stability and low chemical reactivity in comparison to other metals. They are commonly synthesized using toxic chemical reducing agents which reduce metal ions into uncharged nanoparticles. However, in the last few decades, several efforts were made to develop green synthesis methods to avoid the use of hazardous materials. The natural biomolecules found in plants such as proteins/enzymes, amino acids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, alcoholic compounds, and vitamins are responsible for the formation of silver nanoparticles. The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles is an eco-friendly approach, which should be further explored for the potential of different plants to synthesize nanoparticles. In the present review we describe the green synthesis of nanoparticles using plants, bacteria, and fungi and the role of plant metabolites in the synthesis process. Moreover, the present review also describes some applications of silver nanoparticles in different aspects such as antimicrobial, biomedicine, mosquito control, environment and wastewater treatment, agricultural, food safety, and food packaging.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants/metabolism
Evaluation of toxicity profile of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth) decoction in rats

Hassan Z, Singh D, Suhaimi FW, Chear NJ, Harun N, See CP, et al.

Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 2023 Sep;143:105466.
PMID: 37536550 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105466

Mitragyna speciosa Korth also known as kratom, is an herbal drug preparation for its therapeutic properties and opioid-replacement therapy. Kratom is consumed in a brewed decoction form in Malaysia and to date, no studies have characterized its chemical and toxicity profile. Thus, this study aims to evaluate kratom decoction's safety and toxicity profile after 28 days of treatment. Mitragynine content was quantified in kratom decoction and used as a marker to determine the concentration. Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were orally treated with vehicle or kratom decoction (10, 50 or 150 mg/kg) and two satellite groups were treated with vehicle and kratom decoction (150 mg/kg). Blood and organs were collected for hematology, biochemical and histopathology analysis at the end of treatment. No mortality was found after 28 days of treatment and no significant changes in body weight and hematology profile, except for low platelet count. High amounts of uric acid, AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase were found in the biochemical analysis. Histological investigation of the heart and lungs detected no alterations except for the kidney, liver and brain tissues. In conclusion, repeated administration of kratom decoction provided some evidence of toxicity in the kidney and liver with no occurrence of mortality.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants, Medicinal*
Recent progress on phytoremediation of urban air pollution

Duan X, Gu H, Lam SS, Sonne C, Lu W, Li H, et al.

Chemosphere, 2024 Feb;349:140821.
PMID: 38042424 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140821

The rapid growth of population and economy has led to an increase in urban air pollutants, greenhouse gases, energy shortages, environmental degradation, and species extinction, all of which affect ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Atmospheric pollution sources are divided into direct and indirect pollutants. Through analysis of the sources of pollutants, the self-functioning of different plants can be utilized to purify the air quality more effectively. Here, we explore the absorption of greenhouse gases and particulate matter in cities as well as the reduction of urban temperatures by plants based on international scientific literature on plant air pollution mitigation, according to the adsorption, dust retention, and transpiration functions of plants. At the same time, it can also reduce the occurrence of extreme weather. It is necessary to select suitable tree species for planting according to different plant functions and environmental needs. In the context of tight urban land use, the combination of vertical greening and urban architecture, through the rational use of plants, has comprehensively addressed urban air pollution. In the future, in urban construction, attention should be paid to the use of heavy plants and the protection and development of green spaces. Our review provides necessary references for future urban planning and research.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants/metabolism
Integrating phytoremediation and mycoremediation with biosurfactant-producing fungi for hydrocarbon removal and the potential production of secondary resources

Ahmad J, Marsidi N, Sheikh Abdullah SR, Hasan HA, Othman AR, Ismail N', et al.

Chemosphere, 2024 Feb;349:140881.
PMID: 38048826 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140881

Treatment of petroleum-contaminated soil to a less toxic medium via physical and chemical treatment is too costly and requires posttreatment. This review focuses on the employment of phytoremediation and mycoremediation technologies in cleaning hydrocarbon-contaminated soil which is currently rare. It is considered environmentally beneficial and possibly cost-effective as it implements the synergistic interaction between plants and biosurfactant producing mycorrhiza to degrade hydrocarbon contaminants. This review also covers possible sources of hydrocarbon pollution in water and soil, toxicity effects, and current technologies for hydrocarbon removal and degradation. In addition to these problems, this review also discusses the challenges and opportunities of transforming the resultant treated sludge and treating plants into potential by-products for a higher quality of life for future generations.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants/metabolism
Water footprint assessment at the ultra-supercritical (USC) coal power plant in Malaysia

Mardi NH, Ean LW, Malek MA, Chua KH, Ahmed AN

Environ Monit Assess, 2024 Nov 25;196(12):1244.
PMID: 39581888 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-13394-4

The power generation sector consumes significant amounts of water. A comprehensive water footprint (WF) assessment helps identify and monitor the processes consuming high amounts of water. This research evaluates the water footprint (WF) of electricity generation at a USC coal power plant, integrating on-site data for enhanced reliability. Based on the Water Footprint Assessment Manual, the electricity WF includes supply chain and operational WF. This study exhibits that the average electricity WF is 2.96 m3/MWh. The supply chain WF accounts for 95% of the total electricity WF, while operational WF contributes 5%. The blue WF accounts for 9.9% of the total electricity WF, while the grey water footprint accounts for 90.1%. The results of this research show a significant difference in the distribution of blue and grey WF in electricity WF. Factors contributing to the differences include the amount of coal consumption, power generation technology and power plant cooling technology. Furthermore, this study shows that grey WF depends on the concentration of pollutants considered. This research also conducted a WF impact assessment on local water resources and found that the blue and grey operational WF contributes to low impact. Monitoring the water footprint associated with electricity generation at a coal power plant would provide a more enhanced understanding of water consumption patterns, which could help influence water resources management.

Matched MeSH terms: Power Plants*
Assessing phytoremediation strategies for gold mine tailings: a bibliometric and systemic review

Putra B, Surachman M, Darmawan IWA, Fanindi A, Sawen D, Dianita R, et al.

Environ Geochem Health, 2024 Dec 11;47(1):12.
PMID: 39661228 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02317-4

This study evaluates the effectiveness of phytoremediation strategies in mitigating the environmental impacts of gold mine tailings through a bibliometric and systematic review. Utilizing the PRISMA methodology, 45 primary research articles were selected and analyzed, highlighting key rends and insights in phytoremediation research. The review spans over two decades of research, with a notable annual growth rate of 2.81% and significant contributions from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Africa. Key findings emphasize the variability in phytoremediation success based on plant species, site conditions, and remediation techniques. Prominent plants identified include vetiver grass, Siam weed, and water hyacinth, which demonstrate significant potential in heavy metal uptake and soil stabilization. The study also underscores the importance of optimizing plant-microbe interactions and employing site-specific approaches to enhance remediation efficiency. Future research opportunities are identified, focusing on genetic engineering of plants, field trials, and integration of advanced monitoring technologies. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights the promising potential of phytoremediation as a sustainable and effective strategy for managing gold mine tailings, advocating for continued research and policy support to advance this green technology in environmental management.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants/metabolism
Fulltext RNA interference of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO1 and ACO2) genes expression prolongs the shelf life of Eksotika (Carica papaya L.) papaya fruit

Sekeli R, Abdullah JO, Namasivayam P, Muda P, Abu Bakar UK, Yeong WC, et al.

Molecules, 2014 Jun 19;19(6):8350-62.
PMID: 24950439 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19068350

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using RNA interference in down regulating the expression of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase gene in Eksotika papaya. One-month old embryogenic calli were separately transformed with Agrobacterium strain LBA 4404 harbouring the three different RNAi pOpOff2 constructs bearing the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase gene. A total of 176 putative transformed lines were produced from 15,000 calli transformed, selected, then regenerated on medium supplemented with kanamycin. Integration and expression of the targeted gene in putatively transformed lines were verified by PCR and real-time RT-PCR. Confined field evaluation of a total of 31 putative transgenic lines planted showed a knockdown expression of the targeted ACO1 and ACO2 genes in 13 lines, which required more than 8 days to achieve the full yellow colour (Index 6). Fruits harvested from lines pRNAiACO2 L2-9 and pRNAiACO1 L2 exhibited about 20 and 14 days extended post-harvest shelf life to reach Index 6, respectively. The total soluble solids contents of the fruits ranged from 11 to 14° Brix, a range similar to fruits from non-transformed, wild type seed-derived plants.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics; Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism*; Plants, Genetically Modified/physiology
Fulltext High-Quality Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of Three Strains of Enterobacter Isolated from Jamaican Dioscorea cayenensis (Yellow Yam)

Gan HM, Triassi AJ, Wheatley MS, Savka MA, Hudson AO

Genome Announc, 2014;2(2).
PMID: 24625871 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00170-14

Here we report the whole-genome sequences of three endophytic bacteria, Enterobacter sp. strain DC1, Enterobacter sp. strain DC3, and Enterobacter sp. strain DC4, from root tubers of the yellow yam plant, Dioscorea cayenensis. Preliminary analyses suggest that the genomes of the three bacteria contain genes involved in acetoin and indole-3-acetic acid metabolism.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants
From crossbreeding to biotechnology-facilitated improvement of banana and plantain

Ortiz R, Swennen R

Biotechnol Adv, 2014 Jan-Feb;32(1):158-69.
PMID: 24091289 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2013.09.010

The annual harvest of banana and plantain (Musa spp.) is approximately 145 million tons worldwide. About 85% of this global production comes from small plots and kitchen or backyard gardens from the developing world, and only 15% goes to the export trade. Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana are the ancestors of several hundreds of parthenocarpic Musa diploid and polyploid cultivars, which show multiple origins through inter- and intra-specific hybridizations from these two wild diploid species. Generating hybrids combining host plant resistance to pathogens and pests, short growth cycles and height, high fruit yield, parthenocarpy, and desired quality from the cultivars remains a challenge for Musa crossbreeding, which started about one century ago in Trinidad. The success of Musa crossbreeding depends on the production of true hybrid seeds in a crop known for its high levels of female sterility, particularly among polyploid cultivars. All banana export cultivars grown today are, however, selections from somatic mutants of the group Cavendish and have a very narrow genetic base, while smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa, tropical Asia and Latin America use some bred-hybrids (mostly cooking types). Musa improvement goals need to shift to address emerging threats because of the changing climate. Innovative cell and molecular biology tools have the potential to enhance the pace and efficiency of genetic improvement in Musa. Micro-propagation has been successful for high throughput of clean planting materials while in vitro seed germination assists in obtaining seedlings after inter-specific and across ploidy hybridization. Flow cytometry protocols are used for checking ploidy among genebank accessions and breeding materials. DNA markers, the genetic maps based on them, and the recent sequencing of the banana genome offer means for gaining more insights in the genetics of the crops and to identifying genes that could lead to accelerating Musa betterment. Likewise, DNA fingerprinting has been useful to characterize Musa diversity. Genetic engineering provides a complementary tool to Musa breeders who can introduce today transgenes that may confer resistance to bacteria, fungi and nematodes, or enhance pro-vitamin A fruit content. In spite of recent advances, the genetic improvement of Musa depends on a few crossbreeding programs (based in Brazil, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guadeloupe, Honduras, India, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda) or a handful of genetic engineering endeavors (Australia, Belgium, India, Kenya, Malaysia and Uganda). Development investors (namely international aid and philanthropy) should therefore increase their funding to genetically enhance this crop that ranks among the 10-top staple foods of the developing world.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants, Genetically Modified
Nain-e Havandi Andrographis paniculata present yesterday, absent today: a plenary review on underutilized herb of Iran's pharmaceutical plants

Valdiani A, Kadir MA, Tan SG, Talei D, Abdullah MP, Nikzad S

Mol Biol Rep, 2012 May;39(5):5409-24.
PMID: 22198549 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-1341-x

Nain-e Havandi (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) (AP) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family Acanthacea. Only a few species of Andrographis genus out of 28 are medicinally concerned of which AP is the most important. Knowledge about the arrival of AP to Iran is extremely lacking but most probably it has been imported from India. However, evidence implies the familiarity of Iran's folkloric medicine with this plant, but it has been disappeared from contemporary medicine for unknown reasons. Presence of active ingredients from diterpenoids group such as andrographolide, neoandrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide has given incredible unique medicinal properties to the plant. Traditionally, Nain-e Havandi has been used in the role of a non-farm plant as a remedy for skin problems, flu, respiratory disease, and snakebite in East and Southeast Asia for centuries. Recently, it has been utilized as a treatment for HIV, hepatitis, diabetes, cancer and kidney disorders. Intensive cultivation of the herb started only in the past decade in countries such as China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, West Indies, Mauritius and to some extent, in Malaysia. Availability of different ecological zones in Iran complies with reestablishment of AP in tropical and temperate regions of the country. This is killing two birds with one stone, supporting the conservational and economic aspects.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants, Medicinal/classification; Plants, Medicinal/cytology; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry*
Plant-pathogen interactions: toward development of next-generation disease-resistant plants

Nejat N, Rookes J, Mantri NL, Cahill DM

Crit Rev Biotechnol, 2017 Mar;37(2):229-237.
PMID: 26796880 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2015.1134437

Briskly evolving phytopathogens are dire threats to our food supplies and threaten global food security. From the recent advances made toward high-throughput sequencing technologies, understanding of pathogenesis and effector biology, and plant innate immunity, translation of these means into new control tools is being introduced to develop durable disease resistance. Effectoromics as a powerful genetic tool for uncovering effector-target genes, both susceptibility genes and executor resistance genes in effector-assisted breeding, open up new avenues to improve resistance. TALENs (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases), engineered nucleases and CRISPR (Clustered Regulatory Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)/Cas9 systems are breakthrough and powerful techniques for genome editing, providing efficient mechanisms for targeted crop protection strategies in disease resistance programs. In this review, major advances in plant disease management to confer durable disease resistance and novel strategies for boosting plant innate immunity are highlighted.

Matched MeSH terms: Plants/genetics; Plants/immunology; Plants/microbiology

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