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Oxygen radicals are one of the most important plant production responses to environmental conditions changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), it leads to damage cell constituents (self-death) such as DNA, proteins and lipids, the high level of free radicals leading to organized cell death. A study was carried out to study the response of cress leaves to different abiotic salinity stress. Total Ascorbate Peroxidase (APXs) activity significantly changed in response to salinity stress in a time-dependent manner reached 2.5X after nine days of exposure in comparison with control treatment. Besides the total APXs activity, many other measurements indicators were included in this study such as hydrogen peroxide quantification, anthocyanin's content, carotenoids contents, lipid peroxidation levels and protein contents. The current study to understand the crosstalk between the salinity stress and the production level of ascorbate peroxidases under adverse stress at the level proteins and lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of elements in indigenous vegetables is important as source of dietary that are essential for human consumption. Heavy metal concentrations were determined in indigenous vegetables collected in Erbil city-Kurdistan region of Iraq. ICP-MS was applied to determine total concentrations of Al, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se and Zn in Malva parviflora, Gundelia tournefortii, Arum spp, Spinacia oleracea, Mentha longifolia, Beta vulgaris subsp, Apium graveolens, Lepidium sativum L, Allium Kurrat. Schweinf and Allium fistulosum after acid digestion of the samples with the aid of microwave using nitric acid/hydrogen peroxide. The contents of heavy metals in vegetable samples varied between 40 and 451 for Al, 0.04 and 0.96 for Co, 53 and 247 for Fe, 3.37 and 11.58 for Mn, 0.26 and 5.53 for Ni, 0.09 and 0.98 for Se and 1.58 and 4.41 for Zn on the basis of dry weight. The methodology was validated by certified reference material GBW10015-spinach and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. The levels of Al, Mn, and Ni in some investigated vegetables are higher than the permissible limits for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we investigated the larvicidal, ovicidal, and histopathological alterations induced by Lepidium sativum seed extracts in Culex pipiens. Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol solvents were used for the seed extraction. Only ethyl acetate seed extract was active against the third instar mosquito larvae of Cx. pipiens. The ethyl acetate extract had an LC50 of 27.03 µg/mL. Egg hatchability was between 95% (25 µg/mL) and 5% (200 µg/mL). The ethyl acetate treated larvae showed protruding epithelial cells, and degraded microvilli. The total phenolic content was 0.3 ± 0.0 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g in the ethyl acetate extract. The IC50 value for extract was found to be 84.7 µg/mL against HUVEC cells with loss of cellular integrity, and chromatin fragmentation. The infrared spectrum showed several peaks indicating the presence of different classes of compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to assess the ovicidal activity and histopathological changes in the midgut of Cx. pipiens larvae of L. sativum extracts. L. sativum seed extract is a promising larvicidal candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of Lepidium draba L. extract on cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced oxidative damages to testes in rats using sex hormones, antioxidant properties, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways. Six groups of male Wistar rats (n = 6/group) received distilled water (NC), CP (100 mg kg–1 day–1/intraperitoneal), CP with L. draba extract [100 (LDCP 100), 200 (LDCP 200), and 400 (LDCP 400) mg/kg/day/orally] and also only L. draba extract [400 (LD400) mg/kg/day/orally] in 35 days. On day 36 of the study, sperm parameters, serum levels of sex hormones, antioxidant enzyme activity, nitric oxide levels, and inflammatory cytokines and also testicular tissue (ferric reducing antioxidant power and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels and expression of ROS‐dependent pro/anti‐apoptotic pathways) were evaluated. In L. draba‐treated groups, especially doses of 200 and 400, in addition to improving sperm parameters and sex hormones (Increased levels of all three hormones luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and testosterone), serum antioxidant (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity increased and nitric oxide levels decreased), and anti‐inflammatory properties (levels of IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β decreased and MIF and TGF‐β increased) also showed modification. By strengthening the anti‐apoptotic pathway of Keap1/Nrf2/HO1 and inhibiting the apoptotic pathway of Bax/Bcl2/p53/caspase‐3, L. draba maintains the structure and function of testicular tissue so that eventually p53‐positive testicular cells are reduced and Bcl‐2‐positive cells increased. L. draba can help to maintain sexual potency and fertility in patients undergoing chemotherapy by controlling their apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant pathways. Practical applications: Lepidium draba have considerable antioxidant properties and can help to maintain sexual potency and fertility in patients undergoing chemotherapy by controlling their apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant pathways. The present results are useful to find a suitable supplement for improving the sexual performance of patients treated with chemotherapy drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate the protective effects of Lepidium draba L. (L. draba) extract on oxymetholone (OM)‐induced testicular injury in rat. Six groups of n = 5 adult male rats were used as; 1: control, 2: OM (5 mg/kg OM orally), 3, 4 and 5: L. draba extract (100, 200 and 400 mg kg−1 day−1) +OM (5 mg kg−1 day−1 OM) and 6:400 mg/kg/d L. draba extract for 30 days. Serum testosterone (T), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, IL‐1β), oxidative stress (OS) indicators [superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide (NO)], apoptotic related genes (Bcl‐2, p53, caspase‐3 (c3) and Bax) were investigated. OM significantly increased the serum levels of T, proinflammatory cytokines and pro‐apoptotic genes expression. Also, it decreased LH and FSH, sperm viability, count and motility. L. draba extract especially could markedly normalise the serum levels of LH and FSH, and T, restore serum antioxidant enzymes and suppressed the pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Also, germ cells apoptosis was inhibited against via downregulating the p53, c3, Bax and upregulating Bcl‐2. It concluded that L. draba extract could protect the function and structure of testis against OM‐induced testicular toxicity via its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is an edible root plant that grows in the Andean region of Peru. For centuries, the plant has been used as a dietary supplement for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Maca are rich in high value nutritional elements and secondary metabolites (macaridine, macamides and glucosinolates) with high biological activity. Several studies demonstrated various biological effects of Maca mainly in the field of fertility. The aim of this review is to summarize the state of knowledge on the properties of Maca on male reproduction. Literature data was performed in PubMed with researches published from 2000 to 2019. The research showed results related to the effects of Maca on the quality and quantity of the semen, sexual behaviour and disorders of the male genital tract. Despite the numerous studies carried out on different animal species, further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of action of Maca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake of four beta-blockers by the model plant Lepidium sativum (garden cress) and their possible metabolization over a time period of 8 days. Therefore, cress was grown hydroponically in tap water for a week until they were matured, following irrigation with drug-containing water over the course of another 8 days. Samples were taken at days 1, 2, 4, and 8 after irrigation started. All four beta-blockers were taken up by the plants and the different octanol-water coefficients (log P) of the drugs have an influence on the uptake speed in the roots of the plants. The log P seems to have no influence on the translocation of the drugs from the root to the shoots. Furthermore, neither phase I nor phase II metabolization occurred inside the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Here, we fabricated amphiphilic polysaccharide micelles for synergistic cancer immunotherapy targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Lepidium meyenii Walp. (maca) polysaccharide (MP), a naturally derived macromolecule with a strong TAM-remodeling effect, was grafted on a hydrophobic poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) (PLGA) segment, with a disulfide bond for redox-sensitive linkage. The amphiphilic polysaccharide derivatives could self-assemble into core (PLGA)–shell (MP)-structured micelles and encapsulate chloroquine (CQ) into the hydrophobic core. By using a 4T1-M2 macrophage co-culture model and a 4T1 tumor xenograft mouse model, we showed that the prepared micelles could co-deliver MP and CQ to the tumor sites and selectively accumulate at TAMs because of the specific properties of MP. Furthermore, the nanoparticles exerted synergistic tumor immunotherapeutic and antimetastatic effects, which might be attributable to the enhanced cell internalization of the micelles and the multiple regulatory mechanisms of MP and CQ. Thus, immunomodulatory MP may be a promising biomaterial for cancer immunotherapy. • Lepidium meyenii Walp. (maca) polysaccharides (MP) serve as a kind of biomaterials. • The grafted amphiphilic MP derivatives can self-assembled into micelles. • The MP micelles can target to M2 tumor associated macrophages. • The chloroquine (CQ) loaded MP micelles show synergetic tumor immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: An HPLC‐UV‐guided separation was performed and four pairs of unprecedented macathiohydantoin dimers, lepithiohydimerins A—D (1—4) bearing a rare disulfide bond were isolated from the tubers of Maca. Their structures were unambiguously confirmed by NMR spectroscopic, X‐ray crystallographic and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analyses. At the concentration of 20 μmol/L, compounds 2‐1, 2‐2, and 4‐1 increased the viability of PC12 cells with the cell viability at (72.06 ± 1.14)%, (72.64 ± 1.49)%, and (70.93 ± 1.22)%, respectively. Furthermore, the serial concentration experiment showed that they can protect PC12 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scope: This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of a new combination of root extracts of the Lepidium meyenii (maca) plant, known for its nutritional and energizing features as well as its antioxidant properties, on nutrient digestibility and nutrient transporters expression. Methods and results: A total of 28 Sprague‐Dawley rats (8‐week‐old) were divided into four groups: (i) control, (ii) Lepidium m., (iii) high‐fat diet (HFD), and (iv) HFD+Lepidium m. Maca was given to the rats as a powdered combination of the plant roots with a daily dose of 40 mg per kg BW. Maca administration significantly increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE), and some nutrient transporter (Pept1/2, Fatp1, Glut1/2, and Sglt1)‐expressions compared with non‐treated control and HFD groups in the jejunum and ileum tissues (p <.0001). Conclusions: Maca supplementation improved the digestibility of nutrients and expressions of nutrient transporters in the small intestine of the rats. These results indicate the positive communication between maca consumption and nutrient absorption in the small intestines of the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the uptake and metabolization of the sartan drug telmisartan by a series of plants was investigated. Thereby for seven potential metabolites, modifications on the telmisartan molecule such as hydroxylation and/or glycosylation could be tentatively identified. For two additional signals detected at accurate masses m/z 777.3107 and m/z 793.3096, no suggestions for molecular formulas could be made. Further investigations employing garden cress (Lepidium sativum) as a model plant were conducted. This was done in order to develop an analytical method allowing the detection of these substances also under environmentally relevant conditions. For this reason, the knowledge achieved from treatment of the plants with rather high concentrations of the parent drug (10 mg L−1) was compared with results obtained when using solutions containing telmisartan in the μg - ng L−1 range. Thereby the parent drug and up to three tentative drug-related metabolites could still be detected. Finally cress was cultivated in water taken from a local waste water treatment plant effluent containing 90 ng L−1 of telmisartan and harvested and the cress roots were extracted. In this extract, next to the parent drug one major metabolite, namely telmisartan-glucose could be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a method using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array (UHPLC-PDA) was established and validated for the simultaneous quantification of 10 active components, including eight macamides and two glucosinolates, in Lepidium meyenii (maca). A gas chromatographic mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) method was used to determine the levels of three benzyl isothiocyanates and two sterols in maca. Liquid chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters Acquity UHPLC HSS T3 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) with gradient elution over 15 min. The mobile phase was (B) acetonitrile-(A) 10 mM aqueous ammonium phosphate, and the detection wavelength was 210 nm. The gas chromatographic separation was performed on an SH-Rxi-1 MS column, and the ionization mode was electron ionization (EI). Two methods were confirmed to have desirable precision (RSD < 1.58%), repeatability (RSD < 1.97%), stability (RSD < 1.76%), and good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.999) within the test range. The recoveries were in the range of 96.79–109.99%, with an RSD below 2.39%. We applied the established methods and successfully analyzed 15 compounds in maca processed under different drying conditions, providing a comprehensive reference for maca processing method of development. In summary, this study provided two rapid and effective methods for the quantification of 15 active components, which contributed to the in-depth maca quality control and provided a reference for the development of maca products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lepidium sativum (LS) is a very potent and often used as anti-cancer is largely limited due to the dose-related toxic effects. The present study investigated the protective role of LS that can reduce the liver injury induced by LPS. Methods: Forty white male mice were randomly divided into five groups: the vehicle control group, LPS group, LPS plus LS group, LS pretreated plus LPS group and LS + LPS + LS group. Mice were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48h. Blood and liver samples were collected for the experimental investigations. Biochemical analysis, histopathological studies and molecular investigation carried out for different groups used. Result: Biochemical analysis for serum AST, ALT, LDL and HDL levels were determined to evaluate liver status. Oxidative stress of liver examined through determination of oxidative enzymes. Furthermore, proinflammatory (IL-6 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines were investigated. Histopathological liver sections were examined to show the alterations due to LPS injection. Biochemical analysis showed a significant modulatory effect of LS on the LPS challenged mice. Histopathological studies showed that LPS caused liver alterations, such as necrosis, infiltrations of neutrophils, sinusoid congestion and hepatocellular degeneration in the liver. These histopathological modulations were significant by LS pretreatment. These findings indicate that LS has a significant hepatoprotective effect on LPS-induced liver injury in mice model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Lepidium L. from Brassicaceae Burnett. family covers over 150 species with an almost cosmopolitan spread. In Kazakhstan, 21 species are described, of which four species are characterized by medicinal properties (L. crassifolium Waldst. et Kit., L. perfoliatum L., L. ruderale L., and L. latifolium L.), used in folk medicine as means of antibacterial, irritant, laxative, antitumor, analgesic, and anthelmintic action. Methods. Raw materials were collected from Almaty region (Republic of Kazakhstan). Lepidium latifolium L. herb's carbon dioxide extract (CO2 extract) was obtained by subcritical carbon dioxide extraction. A gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometric detector was used to determine the component composition of the extract. Antimicrobial activity was determined by two methods: the micromethod of serial dilution and the disc-diffusion method. Four microbial test strains were used: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538-P, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 10031, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Results. The technology of carbon dioxide extraction has undoubted advantages over traditional methods of extraction: it has a controlled selectivity in relation to groups of biologically active substances, allows deep extraction, and maximizes the release of rich complexes of compounds contained in plants. In this study, firstly, the CO2 extract was obtained under subcritical conditions from the aerial part of L. latifolium L., and the composition was determined. Hexane was the best solvent for CO2 extract, and 40 components were identified. Screening of antimicrobial activity of the L. latifolium's CO2 extract showed the essential activity of all clinically significant strains tested: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Candida albicans. Conclusions. This research showed that the CO2 extract of the raw material of Lepidium latifolium L. contains biologically active compounds exhibiting an essential antimicrobial effect, and therefore it is possible to recommend for the development of various drugs for use in medical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to find out the bakery processing suitability of maca and to develop rice-based processed foods. We investigated the antioxidant activity and physicochemical properties of rice cookies prepared with the addition of maca (Lepidium meyenii) powder (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% of the total materials). We observed an increase in the total polyphenol and flavonoid content, and DPPH-ABTS+ radical scavenging activity of the rice cookies as the proportion of added maca powder increased (p<0.05). The quality characteristics such as the “a” value, “b” value, and the hardness of the cookies increased with an increase in the proportion of maca powder (p<0.05) in the cookie, whereas the moisture content, pH of the dough, spread ratio, loss rate, leavening rate, and “L” values showed a significant decrease (p<0.05). In the sensory evaluation results, consumer acceptability showed a significantly higher value in the 2% maca cookie group (p<0.05), and the characteristic intensity rating (color, flavor, bitterness) increased as the proportion of maca added to the cookie increased (p<0.05). Therefore, this suggests that adding 2% maca powder as the functional ingredient in rice cookies can result in rice bakery products with excellent qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The reproductive performances of livestock play an essential role in the economic management of the farm. The improvement of semen quantity and quality through the use of food supplements that lack substances which are forbidden in animal feeding, or that may have detrimental effects, is an important goal. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant that has been used for centuries in the Andes for nutrition and fertility enhancement in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of food supplementation of stallions with maca during the breeding season on spermatozoa parameters such as DNA fragmentation and shape, which are two predictive indexes of spermatozoa functionality. For this purpose, ejaculate volume, semen gel-free volume, sperm concentration and motility, total sperm count, sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm head parameters (length, width, perimeter, area, shape factor, roughness) were measured in four stallions. Maca food supplementation in stallions during breeding reduced the percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA, increased significantly sperm concentration and exerted an elongation of the spermatozoa head, a condition that is believed to improve spermatozoa functionality, suggesting that food supplementation of maca could be useful in horse breeding during the breeding season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Lepidium sativum (LS) have therapeutic effects on infertility. Objective: To evaluate the combined effects of LS and CoQ10 on reproductive function in adult male NMRI mice. Materials and Methods: Eighty three-months-old male mice (35-40 gr) were divided into four groups (n = 10/each): control (treated with water), CoQ10-treated (200, 300, and 400 mg/kg/body weight), LS-treated (200, 400, 600 mg/kg/body weight), and co-treated (LS [600 mg/kg/body weight] + CoQ10 [200 mg/kg/body weight]) groups. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and gonadotropin realizing hormone (GnRH) levels were measured using ELISA method. The sperm quality was assessed using Sperm Class Analyzer® (SCA) CASA system and GnRH mRNA expression levels were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The number of sniffing and following behavior was significantly higher in LStreated (400 and 600 mg/ml/body weight) groups than the control group (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0010, respectively). The number of mounting and coupling behaviors was significantly higher in the CoQ10 (300 and 400 mg/ml/body weight)-treated animals than the control group (p = 0.0170 and p = 0.0006, respectively). Co-treatment of CoQ10 (200 mg/ml/body weight) and LS (600 mg/ml/body weight) significantly increased all aspects of sexual behaviors as well as the levels of serum testosterone (p = 0.0011), luteinizing hormone (p = 0.0062), and follicle-stimulating hormone (p = 0.0001); sperm viability (p = 0.0300) and motility (p = 0.0010); and GnRH mRNA levels (p = 0.0016) compared to the control group. Conclusion: The coadministration of CoQ10 and LS significantly improves the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and enhances the reproductive parameters in adult male mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to extract and characterize starch and mucilage from Jackfruit seeds, Banana powder, Hibiscus leaves, Fenugreek seed, Mango peel, and Lepidium sativum and using these dry extracts as a natural superdisintegrant in the formulation of fast dissolving tablets and comparing disintegration time with a commercially available synthetic superdisintegrant, Sodium Starch Glycolate. Various phytochemical test concludes the presence of polysaccharides in the extracts of natural superdisintegrants while no indications of the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, proteins, saponins, and other phenolic compounds were observed. Thirteen different formulations of diclofenac potassium-loaded FDTs were prepared by the direct compression method and were subjected for both pre-compression and post-compression studies. Flow properties depicted the formulations to be within the considerable range indicating a good flow of powders while postcompression studies including weight variation, thickness, hardness, and friability of different formulations were within the acceptable limit. A drug-excipient compatibility study was conducted using the FTIR spectrophotometer indicating no interaction between the drug and excipient. An in vitro drug disintegration study suggests minimum disintegration time in F4 with 19 seconds and maximum in F6 with 29 seconds. In vitro drug release also suggests a similar result with maximum drug release in F4 with 93.42±8.79 % and minimum in F6 with 86.42±8.36 %. Percentage drug release from the fast disintegrating tablets formulations was observed to be significant (*P<0.05) when compared with the marketed product of Diclofenac potassium oral tablets in an acidic medium. The data were analyzed by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a high-Andean crop whose subterranean storage organs (hypocotyls) show distinctive colors that are related to pharmacological properties. Little is known about seed color variation and its influence on germination performance, hypocotyl pigmentation and plant survival. Germination rate is critical for maca plants to survive frost events during early development. We evaluated the effect of germination promoters (gibberellic acid and sodium hypochlorite) and temperature regimes (constant and cold: 4°C; variable and moderate: 5–10°C; constant and warm: 16°C) on germination of seeds with different embryo color (yellow, reddish-purple and blue). We also assessed the association between seed color, hypocotyl color and plant survival under field conditions. Seeds with blue and yellow embryos had the lowest and highest germination rates, respectively, across cold and moderate temperature regimes. At warm temperature, germination was not affected by seed color. Germination promoters only enhanced seed germination at cold and moderate temperatures. In the field, black seeds (with blue embryos) showed the greatest survival. Seeds with reddish-purple embryos produced a higher proportion of pigmented hypocotyls – mainly purple – than other seed colors. Seed color should be taken into account in maca breeding programs, particularly in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the photoprotective activity of a cream with lyophilized aqueous extract of maca (LEM) against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in the skin of mice. Materials and methods: An experimental study was carried out on 35 BALB/c mice. Treatment was applied topically on the dorsum of the animals, which were subsequently irradiated with ultraviolet B rays, and then we measured the thickness in microns (μm) of histological samples of the skin of the mice. Seven groups were assigned, divided into non-irradiated: white (G1) and irradiated with UV light: no treatment (G2); with commercial sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 (G3); cream (placebo) (G4); LEM at 15% in water (G5); LEM cream at 5% (G6); and LEM cream at 15% (G7). In vitro SPF was determined using the Mansur method. Absorbance readings were taken in an ultravioletvisible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS) and SPFs were determined for the following formulations: LEM cream at 5%, benzophenone-4 (BZF-4) and commercial sunscreen SPF 30. Results: Mouse skin thickness in microns (μm) was 27.28 in G2; 18.31 in G3; 27.33 in G4; 19.51 in G5 and 18.04 in G6. There was no significant difference between the group not exposed to radiation (G1) and the 15% LEM cream group (G7), both had the lowest thicknesses (12.76 and 14.20 μm, respectively). The SPF of LEM cream at 15% was 5.480 ± 0.020. Conclusions: The formulation with LEM cream showed photoprotective activity against UV irradiation, alkaloids were the phytochemical components mostly found and the formulation was compatible with the active principle (LEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds play a critical role in agriculture, serving as the primary unit of plant propagation. Seed quality parameters of a notified variety of crops have been published through gazette notification from time to time and compiled. Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards are available for about 150 crops grown in India. However, no such seed standards have been formulated for medicinal and aromatic plants grown by farmers in India. Therefore, quality of seed made available to farmers cannot be regulated as envisaged under Seeds Act. Several attempts have been made to formulate seed standards and seed testing protocols for important medicinal crops cultivated by farmers. Those studies/attempts were made on different seed parameters of the seeds of the species at different centres, viz. IARI, New Delhi; DMAPR, Anand, Gujrat and IIHR, Bengaluru. For seed lot size and sample size, seeds indicated weights of lots which was derived from a nominal thousand seed weight for each species expected to be adequate for the majority of samples tested. Working sample for purity analysis considered was the weight of 2,500 seeds and working sample for count of other species was the weight of 25,000 seeds. For example, maximum weight of lot for Plantago ovata would be 10,000 kg for which submitted sample would be 50 g and it would be 5 g for working sample for purity analysis and 50 g for working sample for count of other species. In this study further pure seed (PSD) was defined based on ISTA (2003) and ISTA (2012), for example, in Lepidium sativum, PSD number is given as PSD 11 which states that in the seed a portion of testa is attached in which seeds and pieces of seed entirely without testa are regarded as inert matter. In P. ovata, pure seed (minimum) is 98% in both foundation and certified seed, of which 2% is inert matter. In this case total weed seed could be 10/kg, other crop seed 10/kg and germination should be 85% (minimum) with maximum moisture 10%. Likewise, seed standards and seed testing protocols of all the medicinal species taken from time to time have been standardized which would prove useful for seed quality assurance in medicinal plant sector. Further, it would be used towards notification of a variety under Seeds Act and also for the conservation of germplasm in gene/seed bank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress comprises three sequential stages: the event (stressor), which leads to an initial effect on a focal organism (stress), followed by the organism's ultimate response (recovery or not). Using this framework, we test how the duration and timing of a stressor individually and interactively affect the initial and asymptotic organism outcomes. We applied either long or short water restrictions either early or later in the life of Lepidium sativum. While several of these water restriction treatments caused a noticeable initial effect, all were able to recover fully, except for those exposed to a long early water restriction. While long early stressors led to decreased height, a growth model revealed that both long and short early stressors changed the rate of growth and prolonged the inflection point, findings that would have been missed had effect and response not been analyzed separately. Both the stressor and the magnitude of the initial effect in part explained the change in the growth model parameter estimates. Overall, timing, duration, and, more importantly, the interaction of these two temporal aspects of stress significantly affects an organism's initial response to a stressor and its ability to ultimately recover from stress. Our findings highlight the importance of explicitly studying the interactions of stressor aspects and of examining the immediate stress effects, as well as long‐term responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the use of Lepidium sativum L. to assess the phytotoxicity of three types of waste such as hazardous waste (slags from zinc to copper smelters) and nonhazardous waste (mineral–organic composite). Previous studies evaluated heavy metal leaching and the environmental impact of the tested waste. The purpose of phytotoxicity studies was to increase knowledge about this waste. Two types of tests were used to assess the phytotoxicity of wastes: germination index and accumulation test. Both tests were carried out for leachate (leachate test) and waste (contact test). The results of both tests were compared to assess the phytotoxic effects of tested waste. Phytotoxicity tests have shown that the mineral–organic composite leachate was stimulated plant growth, copper smelter slag leachate was characterized by no phytotoxicity and zinc slag leachate inhibited the growth of plants. In contrast, contact test showed inhibitory effects from all tested waste. Wherefore, the contact test was indicated as more sensitive in the assessment of phytotoxicity. However, this is not a clear assessment, because the germination index values for both tests were a result of differences of root length for both control samples (deionized water and sand). The study confirmed the usefulness of L. sativum for the assessment of phytotoxicity of various types of waste. Additionally, it was found that L. sativum was resistant to high concentrations of heavy metals in the leachate, without causing any negative physiological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepidium meyenii Walp., also known as the "Peruvian national treasure", is a popular functional food in the daily lives of Peruvian people due to its bioactive with main polysaccharides. However, studies on polysaccharides isolated from Lepidium meyenii were few. Two new highly heterogeneous polysaccharides, MCP-1a and MCP-2b, were isolated and purified from the tuber of Lepidium meyenii. The structure characterization revealed that MCP-1a primarily consisted of D-Glc and had a molecular weight of 6.6 kDa. Its backbone was composed of 1,4,6- α -D-Glc, while branches feature T- α -L-Ara, 1,5- α -L-Ara, and T- α -D-Glc attached to the O -6 positions. MCP-2b was a rare arabinogalactan with a molecular weight of 49.4 kDa. Interestingly, the backbone of MCP-2b was composed of 1,6- β -D-Gal, 1,3,6- β -D-Gal with a few 1,3- β -D-Glc p A-4-OMe units inserted. Side chains of MCP-2b were mainly composed of 1,3- β -D-Gal, T- β -D-Gal, T- α -L-Ara, 1,5- α -L-Ara, with trace amounts of 1,4- β -D-Glc and T- β -D-Glc. The bioactivity assay results revealed that MCP-1a and MCP-2b increased the release of NO, IL-1 β , TNF- α , and IL-6 from RAW 264.7 cells at concentrations ranging from 50 μg/mL to 400 μg/mL. Furthermore, MCP-1a and MCP-2b could promote the expression of key transcription factors (IκB- α , p-IκB- α , p65, and p-p65) in the NF-κB pathway, indicating that MCP-1a and MCP-2b had potential immunomodulatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the growing interest in bio-based active food packaging by infusing Lepidium sativum (Garden cress) seeds extract (GRCE) into sodium alginate (SALG) films at varying concentrations (1, 3, and 5 %). The GRCE extract revealed six phenolic compounds, with gallic and chlorogenic acids being prominent, showcasing substantial total phenolic content (TPC) of 139.36 μg GAE/mg and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 26.46 μg RE/mg. The integration into SALG films significantly increased TPC, reaching 30.73 mg GAE/g in the film with 5 % GRCE. This enhancement extended to DPPH and ABTS activities, with notable rises to 66.47 and 70.12 %, respectively. Physical properties, including tensile strength, thickness, solubility, and moisture content, were positively affected. A reduction in water vapor permeability (WVP) was reported in the film enriched with 5 % GRCE (1.389 × 10−10 g H 2 O/m s p.a.). FT-IR analysis revealed bands indicating GRCE's physical interaction with the SALG matrix, with thermal stability of the films decreasing upon GRCE integration. SALG/GRCE5 effectively lowered the peroxide value (PV) of sunflower oil after four weeks at 50 °C compared to the control, with direct film-oil contact enhancing this reduction. Similar trends were observed in the K232 and K270 values. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Zinc biofortified garden cress sprouts is a material of choice to remedy to zinc deficiency. • Biofortification raised protein, iron, potassium, chlorophyll, carotenoid and flavonoid contents. • Enhanced antioxidants of enriched sprouts could help to prevent chronic deseases. Zinc deficiency is a worldwide concern and sprouts biofortification could be an effective remedy to such deficiencies. So, garden cress sprouts are subjected to zinc biofortification and changes of the nutritional, phytochemical and antioxidant contents of the plant material were evaluated as influenced by zinc treatments. As can be revealed, an adequate zinc supplementation (80 μM) increased its content by 123.89 % compared to non treated samples. Zinc biofortification favored an enhancement of protein, iron, potassium, zinc, chlorophyll, carotenoid and flavonoid contents. Zinc treatments resulted in a reduction of antinutrients (tannins and oxalates) and favored an improvement of the antioxidant properties tested by the DPPH scavenging activity, the iron reducing power and the phosphomolybdenum assay. Overall, treatments with 80 µM of zinc permitted a good nutrients retention along with the best antioxidant performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aimed to fabricate an active edible coating, Lepidium sativum seeds mucilage (LSSM) loaded with Satureja hortensis essential oil (SHEO) (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 % (w/w)) for further extension of the shelf life of refrigerated lamb meat during storage for 18 days at (4 °C). The control and the coated lamb meat samples were continually analyzed for microbiological (total count, psychrotrophic count, yeast and mold), chemical (pH, moisture content, PV, and TBA), and sensory characteristics. Consistent with the microbiological analysis, the LSSM incorporated with 1, and 1.5% SHEO caused a significant shelf-life extension of the lamb meat by 15 and 18 days, respectively. These results suggested that (LSSM+1.5%S) sufficiently hindered the overall bacterial growth in the lamb meat sample since the shelf life in this treatment was 12 days more in comparison to the control. Hence, LSSM containing SHEO is very useful as an active packaging in order to preserve the quality and to prolong the lamb meat shelf life at 4 °C. • An edible coating containing Lepidium sativum and Satureja hortensis was developed. • Lamb meat edible coating prepared using 1.5% S. hortensis showed the best quality. • A significant reduction was observed in total viable count during 18-day storage. • The lowest peroxide value was obtained for Lepidium sativum and 1.5% S. hortensis. • Chemical values correlated properly with the microbiological and sensory quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the effect of Salvia macrosiphon Seed Gum (SMSG) and Lepidium sativum Linn. Seed Gum (LSSG) as a coating agent on the properties of nanoencapsulated potato skin extract was studied. Moreover, the antioxidant effect of nanoencapsulated extract at a concentration of 1000 ppm incorporated into soybean oil was evaluated. The Z-average size of the emulsions stabilized by SMSG; LSSG; and a complex (1 : 1) of SMSG and LSSG (CSL) was estimated as 160.2, 144.3, and 115.2 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of phenolic extracts in the powders formed by SMSG, LSSG, and CSL was 82.39, 81.67, and 93.6% which declined to 45.28, 48.22, and 62.67% after storage for 40 days at 30°C. The results indicated that the use of coating agents for encapsulation enhanced their antioxidant effect and compared with TBHQ and free extract that nanoencapsulated extract by CSL had the highest antioxidant activity followed by LSSG nanoencapsulated extract and SMSG nanoencapsulated extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glucosinolate‐myrosinase (GLS‐MYR) system is an important component of plant‐insect interactions. However, there is no report on its performance in field conditions where the plants are subjected to both abiotic and biotic pressures simultaneously. We investigated the GLS‐MYR system in a Himalayan ecotype of Lepidium latifolium that is recognized for its adaptive potential in field conditions. In order to understand the independent contribution of temperature and Pieris brassicae herbivory on the components of the GLS‐MYR system, different conditions were simulated in the growth chamber. During field conditions, the final GLS hydrolysis products were found to be regulated by the metabolic GLS levels, the temperature conditions, and the density of insect interactions. These factors influence the expression of the hydrolyzing and specifier proteins, which further affects the GLS hydrolysis products. Our results suggest that the production of hydrolysis products is differentially affected under field conditions. While allyl isothiocyanate is significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by temperature but not insect density, 1‐cyano‐2,3‐epithiopropane is not affected by either. The study shows that the outcome of the GLS‐MYR system in a plant is a consequence of the combinatorial effect of ecophysiological factors and the insect interactions that eventually decide the performance of a plant in an environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The desulfo glucosinolate fraction from Lepidium perfoliatum seed showed significant hepatoprotective effect.. • The desulfo glucosinolate fraction resulted in a marked decrease in the levels of serum transaminases. • The desulfo glucosinolate fraction exhibited significant decrease in ROS and MDA levels in mitochondria. • The seeds of Lepidium perfoliatum are rich in glucoerucin (a reduced analogue of sulforaphane). Glucosinolates are the main bioactive compounds present in Brassicaceae family with remarkable protective activities against various chemical carcinogenesis and toxicities. Protective role of the hydroalcoholic extract and desulfo glucosinolate fraction from seeds of Lepidium perfoliatum were evaluated against CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity in BALB/c mice by determination of oxidative stress biomarkers and liver histopathological feature. The oral administration of different doses of the extract and desulfo glucosinolate fraction exhibited significant decrease in ROS and MDA contents of mitochondria in a dose-dependent manner, especially the doses of 200 mg/kg of the extract and 10 mg/kg of the fraction. GSH content was significantly increased (p <0.05) only in the group fed with 10 mg/kg of the fraction. Treatment groups showed notable reduction in ALT, AST and ALP levels. Based on the histopathological findings, the destructive effects of CCl 4 were alleviated by the treated groups however the fraction (10 mg/kg) showed the best results. Based on NMR and EI-MS spectra, an alkyl glucosinolate bearing a thiofunction named glucoerucin was identified as the major constituent (80%) of the fraction. In addition, the GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of glucoerucin hydrolysis products, erucin and erucin nitrile, which representing 97.6% of the total seed volatiles. Based on the present study, it seems that glucoerucin is involved in the protection of L. perfoliatum against CCl 4 -induced hepatic damage via the inhibition of oxidative damage pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seven different plant growth regulator combinations were studied for the optimum production of secondary metabolites. • Eleven different secondary metabolites were identified in the obtained extracts. • More than 4 folds increase in some secondary metabolite concentrations were detected in the calli extracts compared to the plant parts. • The antimicrobial activities against six microorganisms and the cytotoxic effects against two cancer cell lines for the obtained calli extracts were evaluated. • The biological activities were noticeably enhanced for the obtained calli extracts. Lepidium sativum L. family Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) is one of the most recognized Lepidium species in the folk medicine of Africa and the middle east. Its English common name is Garden cress and known as Hab Al-Rashad in north Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is well known for a wide range of biological activities and a complex phytochemical composition. The current study investigates tissue culture protocols for L. sativum. For static culture initiation, Murashige and Skooge (MS) as a basal medium for L. sativum leaves was employed. Suspension cultures were initiated from leaf explant calli of L. sativum using media supplemented with various combinations of hormonal supply of 2,4 dichloro phenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), indole-3- acetic acid (IAA), 1-naphthyl acetic acid (NAA), and adenine. Liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) analysis was performed on the ethanolic extracts of plant parts and the produced calli. The LC/MS analysis revealed the presence of eleven secondary metabolites with varying concentrations. The identified compounds are apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin and 7-hydroxy-4′,5,6-trimethoxyisoflavone, sinapic acid, chlorogenic acid, p -coumaric acid, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and 6-prenylnaringenin. Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities were evaluated for the calli extracts. In general, superior activities were identified for the produced calli extracts when compared to plant parts' extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, chicory essential oil (CEO) was obtained by hydrodistillation‐based extraction method and it was rich in camphor (31.3%) and phenolic compounds with outstanding antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The CEO was then incorporated into Lepidium perfoliatum seed mucilage (LPSM) based aqueous solution to prepare an active CEO‐loaded LPSM edible coating. The effect of the edible coating was then investigated on the quality and shelf life of beef slices during 7 days storage at 4°C. The results revealed that beef slice coated with CEO‐loaded LPSM edible coating had a significant inhibitory effect on its lipid oxidation and microbial growth. The CEO‐LPSM coating also inhibited the weight and texture losses of beef slices during display more efficiently compared with the control and CEO‐free LPSM coating. Besides, the beef slices coated with CEO‐LPSM were the preferred samples in terms of sensory scores throughout the storage. Thus, using CEO‐rich LPSM edible coating might inhibit decay and significantly improve the shelf life of fresh beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residues of active pharmaceutical ingredients present risk to the environment and can cause health problems. In this study, the toxicities of flurbiprofen, naproxen Na, propranolol HCl, and carbamazepine, all of which belong to the most frequently used analgesic, beta-blocker, and anti-epileptic drugs, were investigated. Toxicity tests were conducted using a watercress (Lepidium sativum), a freshwater invertebrate (Daphnia magna), and a luminescent bacterium (Aliivibrio fischeri). The various biological test methods used in this study were compared in terms of the sensitivity of these species to the drugs tested. When the three toxicity-test results were analyzed, different sensitivities were determined in the synthetic pharmaceutical wastewater samples that had different characteristics. In general, D. magna was the most sensitive among the test organisms, A. fischeri was the second most sensitive, and L. sativum was the least sensitive. The results showed that all four micropollutants were capable of causing toxicity in luminescent bacteria, a freshwater invertebrate and in watercress with a 50% effective concentration of ~1.9 to 50 mg/L. In particular, "flurbiprofen" had a more toxic effect than the substances in all the toxicity tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, the effect of different concentrations of black cumin oil vapor on the quality of garden cress leaves during postharvest storage was investigated. Research Method: Three different doses of black cumin oil vapor including 11.4 ppm (CO1); 22.7 ppm (CO2) and 45.5 ppm (CO3) were used to treat garden cress leaf. The samples only water vapor-treated were taken as control (C). After the treatments, the samples were stored in a cold room set at 2±1° C temperature and 85-90% RH for 15 days. Color values, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll SPAD, electrolyte leakage, and weight loss were determined at three days intervals during storage. Findings: The results of the study have shown that the black cumin oil vapor treatment maintained the green color and increased chlorophyll content of the garden cress leaves. According to these results, it was also found that 22.7 ppm and 45.5 ppm concentrations were more effective than an 11.4 ppm dose. Originality/Value: According to the results, the black cumin oil treatments, especially high doses, have been successful in preventing chlorophyll losses. It is concluded that spraying the black cumin vapor to garden cress before marketing will extend the storage life of garden cress leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The change and intensification of land use has been generating impoverishment of soils with negative effects on biological communities. It was analyzed the bacterial composition of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) cultivation soils by Illumina sequencing in the Bombón plateau, during 2019. Three sampling sectors were defined, a control sector (natural soil) and two sectors with use pressure ("first use" and "second use" soils). Soil physicochemical indicators were determined through analytical methods and the composition of bacterial communities through Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. The results of pH and EC, in control soils and with use pressure, varied from 7.51 to 4.53 and from 0.06 to 0.47 dS/m, respectively. The highest OM, N, P, K and Ca contents were recorded in control soils, decreasing significantly in soils with use pressure. Principal components analysis (PCA) presented a percentage of total variation of 97.1%. Illumina sequencing revealed 3776 bacterial families. SIMPER analysis showed that the highest contribution percentages were made by the Acidobacteriaceae (2.95%), Verrucomicrobiaceae (2.68%), Thermoactinomycetaceae (2.11%) and Akkermansiaceae (2.10%) families. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed a good association between physicochemical variables and bacterial families. The metagenomic analysis has allowed the identification of bacterial families that can be used as indicators of good and bad soil physicochemical quality according to the pressure of use by maca crops. As well as the best physicochemical indicators predictive of changes in the composition of bacterial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, brown seaweed - Fucus vesiculosus was used as a raw material for the preparation of bio-products for sustainable agriculture. Biosorption was applied to produce fertilizer additives with microelements. F. vesiculosus was enriched with Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions. Biostimulants of plant growth were obtained by seaweed extraction with potassium hydroxide. Different doses of enriched F. vesiculosus (1, 2, 4, 6 mg/per Petri dish) and concentrations of seaweed extract (2.5, 5 and 10%) were examined in germination test on garden cress (Lepidium sativum). The effect of both algal products on the plant length, RGB parameters in leaves and biomass multielement composition was examined. Results showed that the biomass enrichment did not influence plant length and RGB parameters. Taking into account these two parameters, the best results were obtained in the group treated with natural F. vesiculosus (higher than in the control group, treated with distilled water). Enriched F. vesiculosus biofortified garden cress with Cu and Zn. In the case of Fucus extract, 5% concentration increased plant length and the value of RGB parameters when compared with the control group. Also this extract concentration resulted in elevated content of micro- and macroelements in Lepidium sativum. Seaweed extract is recommended for further research as biostimulant of plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of medical plants for treating diseases is a worldwide phenomenon in developing and developed countries. The classical knowledge of medicinal plants have led up to the different medical drugs development, and is as yet the basis of numerous scientific studies. The seeds of Lepidium sativum L. plant which is known as the garden cress are used in Arabian regions as a complement of food and as well as in classical medicine. In the present research the phenolic methanolic extract of plant seeds obtained by Soxhlet extraction was examined for the histological changes in the tissues of testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle of adult male rabbits. The capacity of the phenol extract of plant seeds to stimulate changes in the studied rabbits organs morphology and histology compared to the normal groups were determined. The results revealed that the phenol extract of garden cress caused moderate and marked reduction in the concentration of sperm at 64 and 96 mg/kg body weight of phenol extract. This result suggests that phenol extract could be harmful to the architecture of rabbits testis when the concentration and period of experiment were increased. The results also indicated that this extract caused the presence of fewer numbers of sperms in the lumen and less marked stereocilia in the epididymis, and a decrease in the height of the epithelial secretive cells of the seminal vesicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of nano emulsions, of Garden Cress seed oil Lepidium sativum and its bulk form have been studied against some biological and biochemical aspects of 5th instar nymph of Schistocerca gregaria. Topical application of both nano and crude formulations of L. sativum in concentrations of 5 and 10% showed significant elongation of nymphal duration period. Mortality percentages increased as well as nymphal malformations and their unsuccessful molting when compared with control nymphs. Enzymatic activities seemed to be affected by both formulations. Butyryl cholinesterase activity increased significantly as a result of treatments after three days post treatment. Alkaline phosphatase activity increased significantly after 48 hours then decreased after 72 hours when compared with control nymphes. Total protein seemed to be not affected by treatments. Results proved that the topical application of L. sativum nano-formulation and its bulk form on the 5th nymphal instar of S. gregaria was novel and promised. The results should be taken into consideration for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, ultrasound irradiation was utilized to synthesize a novel zinc metal-organic framework (MOF). Scanning electron microscopic images, exhibited homogenous morphology with a nano-sized distribution of the Zn-MOF structure as also confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns. Following, physical immobilization of Lepidium draba peroxidase (LDP) were optimized on the Zn-MOF in phosphate buffer (50 mM, pH 6.5), ratio amount of MOF/enzyme; 7/1 after shaking for 15 min at 25 °C, with high protein loading of 109.9 mg/g and immobilization yield of 93.3%. Immobilized enzyme (IE) exhibited more than 330% enhanced specific activity and also exhibited more than 150% specific affinity to its substrate (3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine) with respect to the free enzyme (FE). Optimum temperature of the IE was obtained at 20 °C while its was 25 °C for the FE, and thermostability of the IE augmented at temperature of 30 °C and 40 °C by the factors of 104 and 108% respectively. pH stability under neutral and basic condition and storage stability of the IE improved with respect to the FE as well as its structural stability (T m ; 73 °C for IE vs. 63 °C for FE). Furthermore, immobilization is accompanied with alteration on the enzyme structure as revealed by the intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence spectra. • New Zn-MOF nanostructure was synthesized using ultrasound irradiations. • Recombinant LDP was successfully immobilized on the nanostructure. • Specific activity, storage stability and structural stability of the enzyme were improved upon immobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to investigate the influence of Lepidium perfoliatum seed gum (LPSG) and Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG) on functional properties of wheat starch. Various concentrations of gums (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% dry starch weight basis) were added to wheat starch, and their influences on water absorption, pasting properties, gel strength, freeze–thaw stability and color parameters were investigated. The results showed that both gums improved water absorption, freeze–thaw stability, pasting parameters, gel hardness, gumminess, and chewiness whereas springiness was not affected and cohesiveness was decreased by the incorporation of gums and LPSG more effective than AHSG. Color parameters were also affected by the concentration of gums. The L value decreased whereas a value and b value increased in the presence of both gums. However, the changes were more obvious in samples containing LPSG. Practical Application: Starch is one of the most important carbohydrate materials in the food industry. However, native starch has shortcomings, such as sensitivity to shear or syneresis that limit its applications in food processing. Incorporation of hydrocolloids is an effective strategy to improve functional properties of starch. LPSG and AHSG are two novel sources of hydrocolloids which can be used to modify the properties of starch in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of different concentrations (0.2%, 0.1%, and 0%) of some plant seed gums (Qodume Shahri (Lepidium perfoliatum) and cress (Lepidium sativum)) as the stabilizer on the flow behavior, textural, and sensory properties of frozen yoghurt produced from camel and cow's milk was investigated. The results showed that plant seed gums significantly affected the viscosity, overrun and melting rate, textural, and sensory properties of frozen yoghurt samples prepared from camel and cow's milk. Also, no significant differences were observed in pH and acidity of the samples. The highest overrun value was observed in the control sample. Frozen yoghurt containing 0.2% Qodume Shahri seed gum (QSSG) had the highest viscosity and the longest first dripping time. This is an indication that frozen yoghurt mixes are non‐Newtonian at all added concentrations. Finally, Herschel–Bulkley model well described the rheological behavior of frozen yoghurt mixtures due to the higher correlation coefficient. In general, cow's frozen yoghurts containing 0.2% cress seed gum (CSG) and 0.1% QSSG were more acceptable among panelists than camel frozen yoghurt sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their widespread therapeutic and agricultural applicability and usefulness in removing metals and metalloids from water, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) are currently receiving increasing attention from researchers. However, their potential phytotoxicity is still poorly understood. Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess the effects of synthesized cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) NPs on biological (morphological, physiological, and biochemical) parameters of edible plant garden-cress (Lepidium sativum L.), depending on particle size and concentrations. In this study, physical characteristics of cobalt ferrite NPs were determined. Increased total content of Co and Fe in L. sativum tissues and their transfer from roots to above-ground parts of seedlings, which depended on the size of NP (15 < 5 < 1.65 nm), indicated that plants had been exposed to Co ferrite NPs. The relative growth of roots, biomass of roots and above-ground parts of seedlings, amounts of chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. The dependence of the tested garden-cress parameters on the size and concentrations of NPs was revealed. Our data showed that the content of MDA in test plants in some cases increased up to 2.5 folds in comparison to control. The increase of the content of chlorophyll b pigment and MDA in test plants is an appropriate indicator of the impact of cobalt ferrite NPs. The findings of our study into toxicological effects of Co–Fe (CoFe2O4) NPs on L. sativum are expected to deepen the knowledge of the nanophytotoxicity of ferromagnetic NPs and their potential application in biomedicine and agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three endemic species of the genus Chenopodiastrum occur on remote Atlantic islands: C. coronopus on the Canary Islands (El Hierro, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Tenerife), C. helenense (Aellen) Uotila, comb. nova on Saint Helena, and C. selvagense Uotila, sp. nova on the Selvagens Islands (Selvagem Grande and Selvagem Pequena) and the Desertas Islands (Ilhéu Chão). The closest relative to all of them is widespread C. murale, which is more or less common on many Atlantic islands. Variation in C. murale is discussed, morphological descriptions of all the species are given, and their chorological histories on the Atlantic islands are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glucosinolate (GSL) profiles (inflorescence, stem, root, and fruit) of the wild-growing plant Lepidium graminifolium L. (Brassicaceae) from Croatia was established by LC-MS analysis. During this investigation, we confirmed the presence of benzyl- (1), 3-methoxybenzyl- (2), 4-hydroxybenzyl- (4), 4-methoxyindol-3-ylmethyl- (7) GSLs and reported for the first time in the plant the presence of (2 R)-hydroxybut-3-enyl- (11), (2S)-hydroxybut-3-enyl- (12), but-3-enyl- (13), and 2-phenylethyl- (14) GSLs. Finally, 3-hydroxybenzyl GSL (3) was isolated for the first time from L. graminifolium inflorescence and characterised by spectroscopic data interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepidium spp. (Brassicaceae) are herbaceous plants grown worldwide and considered as vegetable, phytofood or medicinal plants. The genetic variation and genetic structure of 22 Lepidium (L.) accessions representing 3 species (L. sativum, L. draba and L. latifolium) from Iran were assessed using 14 Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers. A high polymorphism (98.4%), polymorphic information content (0.35) and polymorphic bands (4.5) indicated that SCoT markers are reliable for genetic variation analysis in Lepidium spp. Mean values of resolving power (Rp), marker index (MI) and effective multiplex ratio (EMR) were 5.0, 1.6 and 4.4, respectively. The highest percentage of polymorphic loci (92.2%), Nei's gene diversity (0.35) and Shannon index (0.51) were observed in L. sativum. According to analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), genetic variation within species was higher than between species. The highest similarity was found between L. draba and L. latifolium (r=0.94). A high level of gene flow was estimated in accessions of Lepidium species (Nm=2.65), which is further confirmed by neighbor-joining (NJ) cluster analysis, principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and STRUCTURE analysis, that could reveal a poor separation between Lepidium species. NJ cluster analysis divided the Lepidium accessions into three groups, and the grouping of accessions was generally consistent with their origins. This study is the first to explore and prove SCoT markers suitability in genetic diversity of Lepidium spp. The genetic analysis information provided here would be helpful for breeding programs and germplasm conservation in Lepidium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) includes invasive species as well as widely cultivated horticultural species. In Santa Maria, Cruciferae species usually occur in environments that have undergone urbanization such as sidewalks, roadsides, walls, near energy poles, etc. The last listing of species of this family in the area was performed by Romeu Beltrão in 1962 and supplemented in 1965. The objective of the current study was to update the number of records of Brassicaceae species that occur in the municipality of Santa Maria, RS, as well as to provide keys for the identification for native and naturalized genera and species. Bibliographic surveys, field collections, herbarium material analysis and data from databases of speciesLink and Flora of Brazil 2020 were carried out, as well as complementary collections from August 2018 to April 2019. The species found were photographed and identified based on the existing literature. Identification keys for genera and species, as well as illustrations, were prepared. All genera had only one representative species in Santa Maria with the exception of Lepidium, which presented three species. There was an addition of three species and one genus in relation to the last survey carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxidative stress, genetic expression changes, and decomposition of the blood-brain barrier have been shown to be caused by exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR); therefore, the search for drugs or food products that offer some protection from these effects has attracted interest. Lepidium meyenii (maca) is a native Andean plant known for its effects on the female reproductive system as well as its immunomodulating, energizing, antioxidant, and nutritive properties due to its high concentration of alkaloids, amino acids, glucosinolates, fatty acids, and macamides. Objectives: We aim to determine the effect of dietary maca supplementation on spatial memory and cerebral oxidative damage in rats with induced menopause and/or with exposure to mobile phone radiation. Method: Female rats divided into 6 groups (six rats in each group): control or not ovariectomized (O-), ovariectomized (O+), ovariectomized + estrogen (O+E+), ovariectomized + estrogen + irradiated (O+E+I+), ovariectomized + maca (O+M+), and ovariectomized + maca + irradiated (O+M+I). Rat spatial memory was tested using the Morris water navigation task. Rats were sacrificed, and cerebral malondialdehyde was measured. Results: After exposure to mobile phone radiation, the group supplemented with maca showed improved spatial memory and lower levels of malondialdehyde than the estrogenized group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that consumption of maca has a positive effect on the maintenance of memory and decreases oxidative stress caused by mobile phone radiation. However, it is necessary to extend this work using a larger sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lepidium meyenii, known with the vernacular name of "Maca", is a Brassicaceae family that has been widely used by Peruvian traditional medicine in cases of sexual dysfunction, memory loss, and several other diseases and pathologies. Objetive: The aim of the study was to test the potential effects of aqueous extract of Red Maca (AQ-RM) on antidepressant-like behavioral in male rats and spatial memory in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods: Forced swimming test was used to examine the potential antidepressant AQ-RM activity in male rats. Fluoxetine and amitryptiline were included as reference drugs. Morris Water Maze test was employed to examine the effect of AQ-RM on spatial memory in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Such effects were compared to exogenous estradiol administration. The potential role of oxidative stress on spatial memory loss was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rats brain homogenates. Results: AQ-RM enhances swimming and climbing activities while reducing the time of immobility in male rats. Meanwhile, it prevents the decrease in the time spent in the target quadrant and displays higher values in the number of crossings in OVX-rats as compared to OVX-control rats. MDA levels in brain homogenates were decreased in OVX-rats receiving AQ-RM. Conclusion: Oral administration of AQ-RM has anti-depressive application in male rats; and increases the ability of learning and memory in OVX rats. Key words: Lepidium meyenii, Red Maca, Antidepressant activity, Forced swimming test, Spatial memory, Morris water maze test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]