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This study evaluates for the first time whether 33 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants originating from a moderate climate continue to be capable of air filtration of particulate matter (PM) at the end of the growing season. Research was undertaken in November in two urban meadows located in trafficked areas of Białystok (Poland). The study reveals that despite the lateness in the season, tested species remained capable of PM accumulation. Deposition of total PM exceeding 100 μg·cm−2 was found on S. vulgaris, S. latifolia, T. pratense, E. vulgare, and A. officinalis. The finest and most toxic fraction was accumulated most effectively by S. latifolia, E. vulgare, and L. vulgare (>12 μg·cm−2). Taraxacum officinale and M. sylvestris retained c. 60% of PM in their epicuticular wax. A slight significant correlation was found between rosette growth pattern and deposition of total PM on foliage, while the accumulation of the finest fraction was correlated with a simple leaf shape. These results support the usefulness of urban meadows as long-lasting air bio-filters provided that their composition includes species that have a confirmed, prolonged PM accumulation capacity and that the meadow is not mown in autumn. NOVELTY STATEMENT: This is the first time that the PM accumulation capacity of urban meadow species at the end of the vegetative season has been evaluated in real-life conditions. Evidence of prolonged PM deposition on herbaceous plants was obtained. To enhance PM mitigation in cities located in moderate climate zones, it is proposed that a selection of species be sown in urban meadows. HIGHLIGHTS: Evaluation of the PM accumulation capacity of 33 plant species at the end of the vegetative season. Herbaceous plants filtered the air effectively despite the lateness in the season. Unmown urban meadows provide long-lasting protection from PM in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, aerial parts of Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg. produced in Umbria, Italy, were chemically investigated by solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS) to describe their volatile profile. The results obtained showed the preponderant presence of monoterpenes, with limonene and 1,8-cineole as the main components. Further analyses by GC/MS after derivatization reaction were performed to characterize the non-volatile fraction highlighting the presence of fatty acids and di- and triterpenic compounds. T. officinale methanol and dichloromethane extracts, first analyzed by HRGC/MS, were investigated to evaluate the antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and antiproliferative properties of MDA cells on the breast cancer cell line and MCF 10A normal epithelial cells as well as the antioxidant activity by colorimetric assays. The impact on matrix metalloproteinases MMP-9 and MMP-2 was also explored in 3D cell systems to investigate the extracts' efficacy in reducing cell invasiveness. The extracts tested showed no cytotoxic activity with EC50 > 250 µg/mL on both cell lines. The DPPH assay revealed higher antioxidant activity in the MeOH extract compared with the DCM extract, while the FRAP assay showed a contrasting result, with the DCM extract exhibiting slightly greater antioxidant capacity. After treatment for 24 h with a non-cytotoxic concentration of 500 µg/mL of the tested extracts, gelatin zymography and Western blot analyses demonstrated that both MeOH and DCM extracts influenced the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in MDA cells within the 3D cell model, leading to a significant decrease in the levels of these gelatinases, which are crucial markers of tumor invasiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilharziasis is a widespread trematode parasite that poses a severe public health burden. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has several pharmacological and traditional properties critical for treating several hepatic disorders. The present study was designed to assess the potential efficacy of T. officinale root (TOR) dietary supplementation with or without praziquantel (PZQ) against liver and intestinal disorders in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. This study was conducted on five groups; G1: uninfected control, G2: untreated S. mansoni-infected mice, G3: infected animals treated with 250 mg/kg PZQ for three alternative days, G4: infected animals were orally administered 600 mg/kg bw TOR daily for 10 days, and G5: infected animals that received both PZQ and TOR as previously described. The current findings after different treatments indicated topographical scanning electron microscopy alterations of male adult worms and a critical reduction in worm burden, ova count, granuloma diameter, hepatic and intestinal histological abnormalities, fibrosis, immunohistochemical expression of CD3+ and CD20+ cells, oxidative stress, and interleukin-10, also upregulation of interferon-gamma, and antioxidant enzymes, when compared to the infected untreated mice. The best results were obtained in mice administered PZQ+TOR together because of their antioxidant properties and ability to promote the host immune response to parasitic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, several wild plants were widely consumed as food by humans. Dandelion [Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg] is a wild species with remarkable nutritional and medicinal properties. Many studies have investigated the chemical components of the plant for human health. Nonetheless, little research has been carried out on the cultivation and related production of this species. With this study, we intend to investigate some cultural practices to start defining an efficient protocol for dandelion cultivation in northern Italy. Two seeding rates (0.14 and 0.55 g m−2) and two harvest regimes (when leaves reached a length of 20 cm and 1 week later) were compared. Leaf fresh weight yield was determined at each harvest, and the following morphological parameters were measured: plant height, number of plants per square meter, number of leaves per square meter, leaf area index, number of leaves per plant, leaf weight, and specific leaf weight. The productivity of dandelion was found to be unaffected by the seeding rate, and no significant differences were found between harvest regimes. The delayed harvest regime was only advantageous at the first cut as it allowed for a longer establishment phase, resulting in a higher yield. The nitrate content in the leaves differed between the first two cuts and the third and fourth cuts with both harvest regimes and both sowing rates. Core Ideas: Dandelion is a wild species that can be intensively cultivated for human nutrition.Two seeding rates and two harvest regimes were tested over four cuts during the dandelion growing period.Seeding rate and harvest regime affected dandelion leaf yield and nitrate content.Dandelion annual productivity was unaffected by the seeding rate and harvest regimes.Nitrate content was affected by the interaction between harvest regime, cut, and seeding rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpine habitats are regarded as particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. On one hand, global warming is supposed to contributes to alpine environments becoming less stressful. On the other hand, altered snowpack due to warmer temperatures can intensify the stress in these habitats. The presence of non‐native plants on some of these habitats is due to the facilitative effects exerted by native nurse plants, becoming an additional threat. According to the stress gradient hypothesis the importance of facilitative interactions with nurse species is expected to diminish as environmental harshness decreases due to climate change yet remains important if climate change heightens the stress in alpine habitats. However, the responses also depend on climate change's impact on the nurse species. We conducted an experimental warming experiment in the Andes of the central Chile to assess the effects of warmer temperatures on the growth, reproduction and photochemical efficiency of the cushion nurse plant Azorella madreporica. Further we performed a cushion removal experiment involving three native species (Gamocarpha ventosa, Nocaccea magellanica and Rytidosperma pictum) and two non‐native species (Cerastium arvense and Taraxacum officinale) to assess whether facilitative interactions changed with warming. We expected that under warmer conditions facilitation continued be important for the native species but decreased for the non‐natives as the latter are abundant at warmer low elevations. We found that warmer conditions increased the photochemical efficiency and growth of the nurse cushions. Removal of cushions resulted in high mortality rates for all species. However, under warmer conditions, native species exhibited lower survival rates, whereas non‐natives showed no significant changes compared to control groups. In summary, warmer temperatures were beneficial for the nurses maintaining the importance of facilitative interactions for native species, but not for the non‐natives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Central Europe, Taraxacum officinale Weber ex Wiggers (dandelion) is an economically important admixture in grasslands. Its spread is supported by its ability to germinate in gaps in grass stands. In a 5‐year experiment, we examined the effect of gap size on the germination rate and percentage of dandelion achenes. Each year, achenes were sown in late spring and mid‐summer in 90 square plots of six sizes, ranging from 2.5 × 2.5 cm to 80 × 80 cm. The plots were placed on a 2 × 6 m experimental area covered with low‐cut lawn. The course of germination varied among individual replicates depending on the weather. In each replicate, however, the rate of germination increased, and the percentage of germinated achenes decreased with increasing gap size. Differences in germination paralleled differences in the microclimate on the soil surface of plots where humidity decreased and temperature increased with plot size. The ultimate cause of this difference was the variance among gaps of different sizes in proportion to which the total area of the gap surface is insolated during the day. The colonization of lawns by dandelion is supported by the formation of small gaps in grass stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: An increase in antibiotic resistance and a corresponding decrease in antimicrobial discovery have directed researchers towards alternative therapies, including plant-based medicines. However, synergistic combinations of plant extracts with conventional antibiotics may be a far more effective approach in overcoming resistance and potentiating the activity of antibiotics that are otherwise ineffective against resistant bacterial strains. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial activity of Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg. root extracts was investigated by disc diffusion and quantified by liquid dilution and solid phase MIC assays against some bacterial triggers of autoimmune inflammatory diseases. The extracts were also combined with a range of conventional antibiotics and tested against various bacterial pathogens. The SFIC values obtained from these assays were used to determine the class of combinational effects. Toxicity was evaluated by Artemia nauplii mortality and HDF cytotoxicity assays. Results: Methanolic and ethyl acetate T. officinale root extracts showed good inhibitory activity against several microbial triggers of autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris and A. baylyi. Of further interest, some combinations of the T. officinale root extracts and conventional antibiotics potentiated bacterial growth inhibition compared to the individual components alone. Six synergistic and seven additive interactions were noted. Additionally, two antagonistic interactions were evident, indicating that those combinations should be avoided. All extracts were nontoxic in the ALA and HDF assays, verifying their safety for therapeutic usage. Conclusion: Taraxacum officinale root extracts have potential as inhibitors of bacterial triggers of selected autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, extract components may also potentiate the activity of three antibiotics that are relatively ineffective alone. Isolation and identification of these compounds may be beneficial in drug design against several bacteria, including the microbial triggers of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigation the effect of environmental changing associated with the elevation gradient on cytogenetic traits of Taraxacum officinale during its invasion in high altitude areas. We chose common dandelion as the object of research, because representatives of this species are able to inhabit a large range of elevations. The cytogenetic characteristics of the plants growing at altitudes of 200, 600, 1300, 2050, 2700 and 3050 m a.s.l in the Central Caucasus region have been studied. We determined the frequency of micronuclei, chromosomal aberrations, mitotic index and chromosome number in the cells of the apical root meristem using seed progeny of plants growing at different elevations. In the populations of natural habitats studied by us, all individuals were triploid with the exception of single ones. The level of ploidy increased in accordance with the altitude gradient when T. officinale invade in the disturbed highland areas. In the seed progeny of highland plants cell proliferation and the ratio of mitosis phases do not change along the elevation gradient. The frequency of chromosome aberrations increased by 1.3–4.6 times in the highland populations. The main types of mutations were fragments, lost and lagging chromosomes. The reasons for this are the influence of unfavorable conditions of high-altitude areas and high level of ploidy in plants of these populations. Despite the significant increase in the frequency of chromosome aberrations, no similar increase in the frequency of micronuclei resulting from these mutations was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plant pollen is rich in protein, sterols and lipids, providing crucial nutrition for many pollinators. However, we know very little about the quantity, quality and timing of pollen availability in real landscapes, limiting our ability to improve food supply for pollinators.We quantify the floral longevity and pollen production of a whole plant community for the first time, enabling us to calculate daily pollen availability. We combine these data with floral abundance and nectar measures from UK farmland to quantify pollen and nectar production at the landscape scale throughout the year.Pollen and nectar production were significantly correlated at the floral unit, and landscape level. The species providing the highest quantity of pollen on farmland were Salix spp. (38%), Filipendula ulmaria (14%), Rubus fruticosus (10%) and Taraxacum officinale (9%). Hedgerows were the most pollen‐rich habitats, but permanent pasture provided the majority of pollen at the landscape scale, because of its large area. Pollen and nectar were closely associated in their phenology, with both peaking in late April, before declining steeply in June and remaining low throughout the year.Our data provide a starting point for including pollen in floral resource assessments and ensuring the nutritional requirements of pollinators are met in farmland landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Officinal plants are a source of metabolites whose chemical composition depends on pedoclimatic conditions. In this study, the NMR-based approach was applied to investigate the impacts of different altitudes and agronomical practices (Land, Mountain Spontaneous, and Organically Grown Ecotypes, namely LSE, MSE, and OE, respectively) on the metabolite profiles of Burdock root, Dandelion root and aerial part, and Lemon balm aerial part. Sugars, amino acids, organic acids, polyphenols, fatty acids, and other metabolites were identified and quantified in all samples. Some metabolites turned out to be tissue-specific markers. Arginine was found in roots, whereas myo-inositol, galactose, glyceroyldigalactose moiety, pheophytin, and chlorophyll were identified in aerial parts. Caftaric and chicoric acids, 3,5 di-caffeoylquinic acid, and chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids were detected in Dandelion, Burdock and Lemon balm, respectively. The metabolite amount changed significantly according to crop, tissue type, and ecotype. All ecotypes of Burdock had the highest contents of amino acids and the lowest contents of organic acids, whereas an opposite trend was observed in Lemon balm. Dandelion parts contained high levels of carbohydrates, except for the MSE aerial part, which showed the highest content of organic acids. The results provided insights into the chemistry of officinal plants, thus supporting nutraceutical–phytopharmaceutical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the effect of adding dandelion extract on the characteristics of raw-ripening pork sausages while reducing the nitrite addition from 150 to 80 mg/kg. The sausages were made primarily from pork ham (80%) and pork jowl (20%). The process involved curing, preparing the meat stuffing, forming the links, and then subjecting the sausages to a 21-day ripening period. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, water activity, and oxidation-reduction potential were compared at the beginning of production and after the ripening process. The study also examined the impact of ripening on protein metabolism in pork sausages and compared the protein profiles of different sausage variants. The obtained research results indicate that dandelion-leaf extract (Taraxacum officinale) were rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, and their derivatives (LC-QTOF-MS method). Antiradical activity test against the ABTS+* and DPPH radical, and the TBARS index, demonstrated that addition of dandelion (0.5–1%) significantly improved the oxidative stability of raw-ripening sausages with nitrite content reduction to 80 mg/kg. A microbiological evaluation of the sausages was also carried out to assess the correctness of the ripening process. The total number of viable bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and coliforms were evaluated and subsequently identified by mass spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant species respond to varying plant species diversity and associated changes in their abiotic and biotic environment with changes in their phenotype. However, it is not clear to what degree this phenotypic differentiation is due to genotype diversity within populations or phenotypic plasticity of plant individuals. We studied individuals of 16 populations of the clonal herb Taraxacum officinale grown in plant communities of different species richness in a 17‐year‐old grassland biodiversity experiment (Jena Experiment). We collected 12 individuals in each population to measure phenotypic traits and identify distinct genotypes using microsatellite DNA markers. Plant species richness did not influence population‐level genotype and trait diversity. However, it affected the expression of several phenotypic traits, e.g. leaf and inflorescence number, maximum leaf length and seed mass, which increased with increasing plant species richness. Moreover, population‐level trait diversity correlated positively with genotype richness for leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and negatively with inflorescence number. For several traits (i.e. seed mass, germination rate, LDMC, specific leaf area (SLA)), a larger portion of variance was explained by genotype identity, while variance in other traits (i.e. number of inflorescences, leaf nitrogen concentration, leaf number, leaf length) resided within genotypes and thus was mostly due to phenotypic plasticity. Overall, our findings show that plant species richness positively affected the population means of some traits related to whole‐plant performance, whose variation was achieved through both phenotypic plasticity and genotype composition of a population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world faces a grave threat from antimicrobial resistance. Currently, many bacterial and fungal infections cannot be treated with the majority of well-known antibiotics. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were achieved by a novel, simple green chemistry procedure to counter microbial familiarity using Taraxacum officinale aqueous extract as a reducing agent. The current study was carried out to explore the efficacy of AgNPs by aqueous extract of Taraxacum officinale followed by physicochemical characterization including ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the aqueous extracts AgNPs were assessed using the seeding technique and the tube diluton technique respectively. The UV-Vis distinctive spectral peak was observed at 445 nm. SEM showed a particle size range of 100 nm at 30,000 × magnification whereas TEM showed the spherical shape (100 nm) of nanoparticles. XRD confirmed the crystalline structure of the AgNPs, whereas FTIR validated the phytochemicals in their capping, stabilization, and synthesis of AgNPs. Antibacterial assay of synthesized NPs showed significant action against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Similarly, the antifungal activity of synthesized AgNPs showed significant action against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, and Fusarium oxysporum. These results suggest that the aqueous extract AgNPs of T. officinale could provide a safer alternative to conventional antibacterial and antifungal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: This study aims to conduct a scientometric analysis and thematically-based narrative review of a century of Taraxacum officinale research (TOR), uncovering patterns, trends, themes, and advancements in the field to provide insights for future investigations. The study followed PRISMA guidelines and utilized the Scopus database with MeSH terms for bibliographic data retrieval. Scientometric mapping employed VOSviewer and R-package-based Bibliometrix, while extracted themes were reviewed narratively. A detailed analysis of TOR was achieved by including only original studies. Results: The findings include the extensive duration of TOR since 1908 and its significant growth, particularly in the last two decades. China emerges as the most productive country, but the United States leads in recognizable and collaborative TOR. The thematic map displays dynamic and diverse themes, with a rich knowledge structure revealed through the analysis of term co-occurrence. The year 2016 represents a turning point in the thematic map, marked by numerical growth and thematic bifurcation. The study extracted several main research topics within the field of TOR, including germination, antioxidant activity, bioherbicide, oxidative stress, Taraxacum kok-saghyz, and heavy metals. These topics represent key areas of investigation and provide insights into the diverse aspects of research surrounding T. officinale. Additionally, emerging topics in TOR encompass toxicity, metabolomics, dandelion extract, and diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The study consolidated knowledge, highlighted research gaps, and provided directions for future investigations on TOR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taraxacum officinale G.H. Weber ex Wiggers (dandelion) is a common weed of cool‐season turfgrass with 2,4‐D as the most commonly used herbicide for its control. Hard water is known to antagonise 2,4‐D dimethylamine herbicide efficacy in greenhouse studies, and this antagonism is mitigated by adding the water conditioning agent ammonium sulphate (AMS) to spray mixtures. As greenhouse herbicide efficacy trials do not always provide similar control to field studies, this experiment was undertaken to determine how hard water and AMS influences 2,4‐D dimethylamine control of T. officinale in established lawns. Hard water was prepared to achieve 0, 275, 450 and 675 mg CaCO3 L−1. The 2,4‐D was applied at each hardness level with and without AMS at 20 g L−1 in eight separate field trials across three sites and two seasons. Regardless of water hardness level, 2,4‐D treatments with AMS added reduced T. officinale cover at 52 weeks after application (WAA) compared to those without AMS. Similarly, fewer T. officinale plants were recorded when adding AMS to 2,4‐D. Taraxacum officinale cover at 52 WAA was higher when applied in water with a hardness of 450 mg CaCO3 L−1 or more compared to applications in distilled water (0 mg CaCO3 L−1). When hard water antagonism occurred, the addition of AMS to the spray mixture reduced the antagonism. Based on this field experiment and consistent with greenhouse experiments, applicators should mix AMS at 20 g L−1 when applying 2,4‐D dimethylamine, especially in hard water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several preclinical studies suggest the potential of edible plants in controlling blood sugar levels and stabilizing diet. The goals of the study were to examine, analyze, and describe whether there are chemical compounds in dandelion and burdock roots that could have antidiabetic properties. The 70% ethyl alcohol and lyophilizate extracts (AE and LE, respectively), were used, and analyses were carried out on their total polysaccharide (TP), total phenolic content (TPC), tannin, and inulin. The antioxidant activity of extracts was determined using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, and hypoglycemic properties were based on α-amylase activity. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used for the tentative identification of the chemical components. Qualitative techniques confirmed the presence of inulin in both roots. Analysis of TPC, tannin content, DPPH assay, and α-amylase activity revealed higher values for burdock compared to dandelion. However, dandelion exhibited higher TP content. Burdock contained a small amount of tannin, whereas the tannin content in dandelion was insignificant. All LE consistently exhibited higher values in all analyses and assays for all roots compared to AE. Despite burdock root showing overall better results, it is uncertain whether these plants can be recommended as antidiabetic agents without in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, scientists are increasingly focusing on utilizing the natural flora of the planet to search for and isolate individual bioactive substances that prevent various diseases, contribute to increased life expectancy, and affect all major life-supporting systems in the human body. This study describes the examination of the composition of plant raw materials from the Siberian Federal District. The research focuses on plant specimens from the root parts of Taraxacum officinale and Arctium lappa, collected in the Kemerovo region. The study determines the contents of the water-soluble vitamins B and C in the research subjects. The investigation includes assessing antioxidant properties, antimicrobial activity, and flavonoid content in extracts based on plant raw materials. All samples show a high percentage of antioxidant activity, with the highest antioxidant activity for T. officinale at 85.51 and that for A. lappa at 88.97. The results indicate low antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (growth inhibition zone up to 15.5 mm). Plant extracts contain significant amounts of B-group vitamins, with pyridoxine in T. officinale (156.40 μg/mL) and thiamine (46.20 μg/mL) and pyridoxine (357.10 μg/mL) in Arctium lappa. Flavonoids (rutin and quercetin) are identified in T. officinale and A. lappa extracts based on the study results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to achieve several objectives: determine background element concentrations in Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg-common dandelion roots, stems, and flowers; clarify T. officinale's ability to accumulate trace elements (TEs) in plant parts; calculate accumulation and translocation factors to identify hyperaccumulator potential; and contribute to practical applications in geochemical prospecting, exploration geochemistry, phytomining, and environmental remediation. To accomplish this, 34 samples of T. officinale and associated soil samples were gathered from the plant's habitat along the roadside for trace element (TE) analysis. The elemental composition of both plants and soils underwent analysis using diverse statistical approaches, including factor analysis, ANOVA tests, and descriptive parameters. Plant element accumulation patterns and tendencies across various plant parts were explored through bioconcentration (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs). Results showed that T. officinale accumulates some TEs in its roots, stems, and flowers, with the highest concentrations found in the roots. The factor analysis of plant element contents indicated a grouping tendency among elements. Specifically, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn exhibited a tendency to co-occur, while Ba, Mo, and Sr formed a separate group. Furthermore, in the flowers of the plant, Al, Ba, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Sr showed a similar grouping, while Cu, Pb, and Zn formed a distinct cluster. ANOVA tests demonstrated significant variations in the accumulation of Al, Ba, Cr, Fe, and Sr among the roots, flowers, and stems of the plant. Additionally, Ni and Pb exhibited noteworthy differences in accumulation between these plant parts. Furthermore, Mn and Zn showed significant discrepancies in their accumulation capacities across all parts of the plant. T. officinale was identified as a lead hyperaccumulator by the study, with BCFs and concentrations exceeding 1000 mg kg−1. These findings inform strategies for phytoremediation and enhance our understanding of the plant's potential role in exploration studies and environmental management in metal-rich regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are rapidly multiply by using prebiotic compounds in benefit microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi and/or some plant-derived compounds like oligosaccharides. In this study, the effects of polysaccharides isolated from three medicinal plants belonging to the Asteraceae family including Taraxacum officinale F. H. Wigg., Cichorium intybus L., and Gundelia tournefortii L. on the growth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (NIMBB006), and their antibacterial activity against four bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus subtilis) and antioxidant capacity were investigated. The main polysaccharide components were identified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The highest amounts of extracted polysaccharide were detected in two herbs i.e. C. intybus and G. tournefortii with high antioxidant activity. The maximum values of the antibacterial properties were related to polysaccharide isolated from T. officinale against four studied bacteria and polysaccharide isolated from each three herb against S. typhi. Totally, the extracted polysaccharides from T. officinale (2%) was significantly more effective in increasing the growth of L. rhamnosus (NIMBB006) as a native probiotic in comparison to two commercial prebiotics i.e. inulin and dextrose. In conclusion, the major constituents such as cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside, N-acetylcysteine, and glutamic acid in T. officinale may play a major role in biological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taraxacum refers to the genus Taraxacum, which has a long history of use as a medicinal plant and is widely distributed around the world. There are over 2500 species in the genus Taraxacum recorded as medicinal plants in China, Central Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It has traditionally been used for detoxification, diuresis, liver protection, the treatment of various inflammations, antimicrobial properties, and so on. We used the most typically reported Taraxacum officinale as an example and assembled its chemical makeup, including sesquiterpene, triterpene, steroids, flavone, sugar and its derivatives, phenolic acids, fatty acids, and other compounds, which are also the material basis for its pharmacological effects. Pharmacological investigations have revealed that Taraxacum crude extracts and chemical compounds contain antimicrobial infection, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-oxidative, liver protective, and blood sugar and blood lipid management properties. These findings adequately confirm the previously described traditional uses and aid in explaining its therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effects of Taraxacum officinale L. and Ricinus communis L. on growth and physiology of sunflower and maize plants. Seeds of sunflower (cv Parson 3) and maize (cv TP 1217) were surface sterilized and soaked in 0.3 % and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of T. officinale L. and R. communis L. prior to sowing, plants were grown in pots under natural conditions. Fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, chlorophyll, carotenoids, protein, proline, phenols and flavonoids and phytohormones contents in leaves of sunflower and maize were determined. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD) and defense related enzymes viz. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were also recorded in leaves of maize and sunflower at vegetative phase. Phytohormones indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) were detected in T. officinale L. and R. communis L. Extract of T. officinale L. and R. communis L. significantly enhanced the shoot biomass in maize and sunflower as compared to control. Proline, phenolics, flavonoids, protein, chlorophyll, carotenoids and terpenoids content of fresh leaves were enhanced in all the treatments as compared to control. Activities of PAL, SOD, PPO and POD were also enhanced. Among all the treatments 0.3 % aqueous extract of T. officinale L. and 0.5 % aqueous extract of R. communis L. were more effective in sunflower and maize plants. The extracts of T. officinale L. and R. communis L. may be implicated to improve the growth and defensive system of maize and sunflower and induce tolerance to stresses by augmenting osmoregulation and enhancing the antioxidant and defense related enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes induced in testicular tissue by administration of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) extract and its effects on the release of enzymatic antioxidants SOD-2 by immunohistochemical methods in rats with experimental diabetes. Degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubule structure were observed in the testicular sections of the diabetes group. Separations between the basement membrane and the seminiferous epithelium, disruptions in the structure and localization of spermatogenic cells toward the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, thickening of the basement membrane and tunica albuginea, changes in the shape of Sertoli cells, and shrinkage of the nucleus of Leydig cells were observed. While no immunopositivity was observed in spermatogonium and primary spermatocytes in the diabetes group, weak SOD-2 immunoreactivity was observed in other cells of the spermatogenic series and moderate SOD-2 immunoreactivity was observed in the diabetes+dandelion group. In conclusion, it was found that histopathological changes occurred in the testicular tissue and SOD-2 immunoreactivity decreased in diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease. It was concluded that dandelion administration may have beneficial effects on decreased SOD-2 immunoreactivity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: An increase in antibiotic resistance and a corresponding decrease in antimicrobial discovery have directed researchers towards alternative therapies, including plant-based medicines. However, synergistic combinations of plant extracts with conventional antibiotics may be a far more effective approach in overcoming resistance and potentiating the activity of antibiotics that are otherwise ineffective against resistant bacterial strains. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial activity of Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg root extracts was investigated by disc diffusion assays and quantified by liquid dilution and solid phase MIC assays. The extracts were also combined with a range of conventional antibiotics and tested against gastrointestinal disease-causing bacteria. The ΣFIC values obtained from these assays were used to determine the class of combinational effects. Toxicity was evaluated by Artemia nauplii mortality and HDF cytotoxicity assays. Results: Methanolic, aqueous and ethyl acetate T. officinale root extracts showed good inhibitory activity against several gastrointestinal bacterial pathogens. The methanolic were particularly good inhibitors of S. sonneii and S. newport, with MIC values in the range 400-450 μg/mL, whilst the ethyl acetate extract was the most potent inhibitor of S. newport growth (MIC=128 μg/mL). Of further interest, some combinations of the T. officinale root extracts and conventional antibiotics potentiated bacterial growth inhibition compared to the individual components. Five synergistic and two additive interactions were noted. Interestingly, only a single antagonistic interaction was evident, indicating that nearly all combinations could be used without decreasing the antibacterial activity of the components. All extracts were nontoxic in the ALA and HDF assays. Conclusion: Taraxacum officinale root extracts have potential as inhibitors of bacterial gastrointestinal pathogens. Furthermore, extract components may also potentiate the activity of some antibiotics that are relatively ineffective alone. Isolation and identification of these compounds may be beneficial in drug design against several gastrointestinal bacterial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Susa Valley, located in the Italian Western Alps, has served as a meeting point for cultural, spiritual, and commercial exchange for a long period of history. The valley's role as one of the main connecting routes between south and southwestern Europe resulted in its acquisition of a rich traditional ecological knowledge. However, like other Italian mountainous valleys, this valley has suffered from abandonment and depopulation in the past 50 years. Our study aims to investigate the current ethnobotanical medicinal knowledge in the valley and to compare our findings with a study conducted over 50 years ago in the same area. In 2018, we conducted 30 in-depth semi-structured interviews on medicinal plants and food-medicines used in the Susa Valley. We documented 36 species, of which 21 species were used for medical purposes and 15 species were used as food-medicine. The comparison with the previous study on medicinal herbs conducted in 1970 in the valley demonstrated a significant decrease in both the knowledge and use of medicinal plants, which could be attributed to socioeconomic, cultural, and possibly environmental changes that occurred in the past half-century. Our study highlights several promising species for future use as nutraceuticals, food, and medicinal products, such as Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, and Artemisia genipi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of phenolic compounds (flavonols, flavans (catechins), tannins), polysaccharides (pectins, protopectins), and tetraterpenes (carotenoids), as well as the antioxidant activity of Cichorium intybus L., Taraxacum officinale Wigg., Arnica iljinii (Maguire) Iljin., and Echinops sphaerocephalus L. cultivated in conditions of Western Siberia were studied. A significant part of the biologically active substances is represented by tannins (up 28.25%) and protopectins (up 11.11%). The content of flavonoids in the studied samples of C. intybus plants agree with the values of this indicator for the chicory herb from other regions of the Russian Federation, including its commercial growing regions. The inflorescences and leaves of the studied samples of T. officinale are characterized by approximately identical contents of flavonols (1.02–1.43%), pectins (0.80–1.08%), and protopectins (7.94–8.87%). The leaves and inflorescences of A. iljinii are distinguished by fairly high contents of flavonols (up to 4.23%) and tannins (up to 28.25%). The leaves of E. sphaerocephalus are significantly superior to the inflorescences in terms of the content of tannins (8.34%), catechins (36.3 mg%), protopectins (10.06%), and carotenoids (64.60 mg%); flavonols are present in equal proportions in the leaves (0.68%) and inflorescences (0.64%). The indicators of the total content of phenolic antioxidants in the leaves and inflorescences of C. intybus, T. officinale, A. iljinii, and E. sphaerocephalus do not differ significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to optimize the extraction process and investigate the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on phenolic compounds, including total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, present in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and their corresponding antioxidant activity. To optimize the quantity of extracted phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity, a centered composite experimental design was employed, with solvent concentration and maceration time as the optimized factors. The study also examines the effect of digestion and colonic fermentation on the antioxidant activity and phenolic compound content of dandelion, using in vitro static simulation of INFOGEST gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation, respectively. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the total polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin contents of the plant. The evaluation of antioxidant activity was carried out using the DPPH and ABTS methods. Results indicated that the optimal contents of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins were 13.6311 mg GAE/g, 10.8377 mg QE/g, and 7.584 mg EAT/g, respectively. The DPPH and ABTS methods recorded minimum IC50 values of 0.0892 mg/mL and 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. The study revealed that the salivary, gastric, and intestinal phases of digestion and in vitro colonic fermentation cause a decrease in total polyphenols and tannins but increase the flavonoid content, which initially rises during the oral phase, decreases during the gastric and intestinal phases, and increases again during in vitro colonic fermentation. The evaluation of antioxidant activity by the DPPH method shows that the dandelion extract exhibits strong antioxidant activity, which decreases during the oral phase, but gradually increases after the gastric, intestinal, and fecal fermentation phases. However, there was no significant difference in antioxidant capacity between the digested and undigested plant samples for the ABTS method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of extraction with forced circulation of extractant was used for exhaustive extraction of inulin from dandelion roots (Taraxacum officinaleWigg.). Inulin samples were obtained by three methods that were evaluated by inulin yield and purity. The results were used to develop an industrial technology for inulin production from dandelion roots that consisted of extraction of roots with water at 80°C, circulation of the extractant at a rate of 90 L/h, concentration of the extract to 70% dry residue, precipitation of inulin by adding 95% EtOH in a concentrate(EtOH volume ratio of 1:4, and sedimentation for 8 h. Inulin was produced in 30.0% yield of the raw material mass with a purity of at least 80%. The following characteristics were determined: mass loss on drying ≤5.0%; ash content ≤2%; heavy metals ≤0.001%; inulin content ≥80.0%. The resulting product complied with standards for the contents of toxic elements, pesticides, and radionuclides and was safe for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new sesquiterpene, (6S,7R,11S)-13-carboxy-1(10)-en-dihydroartemisinic acid (1), together with three known sesquiterpenes, ainsliaea acid B (2), mongolicumin B (3), and 11β,13-dihydroxydeacetylmatricarin (4) were isolated from Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. The structures were established on the basis of UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, ECD spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 was found to have potential anti-inflammatory activity and could reduce LPS-induced NO levels in murine macrophage, with inhibitory rate of 37%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining is a significant industrial and economic activity, but it can also result in ore waste that contains several potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Furthermore, the wide range of observed transfer and accumulation factors suggests that not only the soil element concentrations but also the soil characteristics are important for uptake, which is recognized as a serious problem with potential impacts on human health and ecosystems. The aim of this study was to perform a pollution risk assessment of a region near an abandoned mine using suitable biomonitoring followed by multivariate statistical treatment of the obtained results. The content of PTEs in the soil and plant samples was determined to exceed the background concentrations typical for Bulgaria. The observed concentrations of copper in this study's soil samples exceeded 2 to 16 times the maximum permissible values. The Taraxacum officinale concentrations for PTEs, particularly for Cd (5.13 mg/kg), were higher than the background levels. The obtained results for PTEs show significant TFs for Cd and Sn, while the AFs outline a significant accumulation of Cd and Sb. The applied multivariate statistical approaches revealed differences between the sampling locations and relationships between the elemental transfer/accumulation factors and soil cation exchange capacity. The outcomes from the statistical analysis confirm that the usage of both element factors and soil properties in biomonitoring studies are essential for reliable risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, for the first time establish a suitable pesticide residue detection system for dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) based on electronic nose to determine and study the concentration of pesticide residue in dandelion. Dandelions were sprayed with different concentrations of pesticides (avermectin, trichlorfon, deltamethrin, and acetamiprid), respectively. Data collection was performed by application of an electronic nose equipped with 12 metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors. Data analysis was conducted using different methods including BP neural network and random forest (RF) as well as the support vector machine (SVM). The results showed the superior effectiveness of SVM in discrimination and classification of non-exceeding maximum residue limits (MRLs) and exceeding MRLs standards. Moreover, the model trained by SVM has the best performance for the classification of pesticide categories in dandelion, and the classification accuracy was 91.7%. The results of this study can provide reference for further development and construction of efficient detection technology of pesticide residues based on electronic nose for agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 160 Ross 308 male chickens were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design to examine the effects of anticoccidial vaccination (ACV; lack or 1× dose recommended by the manufacturer) and dietary supplementation with Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) extract (DE; with or without) on growth performance, immunity, biochemical parameters, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria spp. At 20 days of age, all birds were challenged with a 25× dose of ACV, including Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, E. mitis, and E. tenella. No interaction between ACV and DE was observed in terms of growth performance. Vaccinated birds showed increased feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the 11–20 day period. Meanwhile, DE supplementation led to decreased FI and body weight gain (BWG) during the 1–10 day period. ACV effectively induced immunity against Eimeria, as evidenced by reduced oocyst shedding and less intestinal lesions, decreased levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6, and improved BWG during both the post infection (PI) period (21–35 days) and the entire growth period. DE supplementation lowered FCR and increased BWG during the 35–42 day period, increased the concentration of butyric acid in the cecal digesta, and lowered oocyst shedding PI. In vaccinated birds, DE elevated levels of plasma total protein and immunoglobulin M, and influenced tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and claudin-3, indicating a more robust epithelial barrier. DE also lowered alanine aminotransferase activity in unvaccinated birds. Both ACV and DE independently improved intestinal morphology in the jejunum, decreasing crypt depth and increasing the villus height-to-crypt ratio. These findings suggest that both ACV and DE could be effective strategies for managing coccidiosis in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia fruticosa leaves, Malva sylvestris flowers, Taraxacum officinale aerial parts, Plantago ovata seeds, Tanacetum parthenium aerial parts, and Allium sativum bulbs are documented for traditional use against hepatic disorders and different liver diseases. To evaluate herbal drug material for potential use against liver diseases, at molecular level for the efficacy linked to ethnobotanical documented data. Different herbal extracts were prepared and standardized by HPLC, according to European Pharmacopoeia. Initially 0.25 mg/mL each standardized extract was applied to oleic+palmitic acid induced fatty liver using a HepG2 cell culture model. ALT, AST, GSH, and MDA levels were comparatively analyzed, in addition to cell Nil Red staining. The highest activity for MDA reduction was observed for the A. sativum extract at 48.2% level, followed by 36.4% for M. sylvestris, and S. fruticosa extracts with 27.3% reduction, respectively. Glutathione levels increased to 59.1% when A. sativum extract was applied. M. sylvestris extract increased the glutathione levels in the medium by 49.7%; S. fruticosa extract decreased ALT levels by 53.5% and M. sylvestris extract by 38.5%, whereas the standard resveratrol reduced ALT level by 30.9%, respectively. The AST levels for M. sylvestris extract was 46.5%, compared to resveratrol by 93%. A. sativum, M. sylvestris, and S. fruticosa standard extracts showed relatively good correlation and activity where further in vivo studies should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have always been important for the Indigenous Peoples of Northwestern North America. Collectively, these peoples named and used hundreds of different native plant species, along with diverse animal species. When traders and settlers from Europe and other parts of the world arrived in the region, they brought many new species of plants with them. Some (e.g., turnips (Brassica rapa) and onions (Allium cepa)), were from Europe, and some (e.g., potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)) were from South America or elsewhere. Other plants, like dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, probably arrived unintentionally, as weeds. Examining the ways in which the Indigenous Peoples have incorporated these new species into their lexicons and lifestyles provides insight into processes of acquiring and embracing new products and expanding the cultural knowledge base for human societies in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and deadly breast cancer sub-type with limited therapeutic options. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) exhibiting extensive anticancer activity is reported to be effective against TNBC; however, its anti-tumor effect mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-cancer activity of hydroalcoholic extract of dandelion (HADE) on 4T1 cells, and the mechanism of HADE-induced cell death. The effect of HADE on cell viability was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays. Apoptotic cell death was monitored by flow cytometry. The DNA fragmentation was evaluated by Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. Nitric oxide (NO) level was detected using Griess assay. The effects of HADE on Atg-7, Beclin-1, Bcl2, Bax and p53 genes were investigated by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that HADE inhibited cell growth and proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The HADE induced 4T1 breast cancer cell death via apoptosis and autophagy. The DNA fragmentation was improved as the concentration of HADE increased. The NO secretion was declined with increasing concentration of HADE. Gene expression analysis confirmed HADEinduced apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells. The Bax, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, p53, Beclin-1 and Atg-7 over-expression as well as Bcl-2 down-regulation were also evident in treated cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of dandelion plant leaves including qualitative and quantitative assessments. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), a member of Asteraceae family, is widely distributed and utilized for its various pharmacological properties. Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of dandelion leaves confirmed the presence of phenols, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids and alkaloids. Additionally, the total phenolic and flavonoid content of the dandelion leaf extract was quantitatively analysed using standard methods. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the medicinal potential of dandelion plant leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The study of natural and artificial radionuclides behavior is becoming increasingly important due to their extraction and redistribution with minerals, nuclear testing and industrial, radiation accidents and disasters [1]. Materials and methods. The studies were carried out on the basis of the Ecology Department of the Institute of Natural Sciences and Pharmacy of the Mari State University. The objects of the study were the leaves of common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.), common yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, Wigg. s. L.), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara, L.), common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.), collected in the Republic of Mari El (urban-type settlement Sovetsky, Yoshkar-Ola city) and in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra (Langepas city). It was studied the accumulation and distribution of radionuclides of natural and technogenic origin. Results. During the study, it was found that the highest content of 137Cs present in the leaves of plants growing on the territory of Yoshkar-Ola. The maximum amount of 137Cs was found in the leaves of common tansy. The largest amount of 90Sr was found in leaves of dandelion officinalis and wormwood, growing in Sovetsky. A high content of 40K was found in the leaves of wormwood and tansy, growing on the territory of Sovetsky and in coltsfoot growing in Langepas. Conclusions. Based on the results of study, it found that natural and technogenic radionuclides are actively accumulated in plants of the Asteraceae family.

The term "officinal" derives from the Latin and includes all medicinal, aromatic and perfume plant species, which have long been a subject of interest for multiple purposes: health, food, pharmacological, cosmetic and so on. In this work, a study on six different species of medicinal plants, particularly characterized by digestive, choleretic and diuretic properties, was carried out: rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), laurel (Laurus nobilis), gentian (Gentiana lutea), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and rhubarb (Rheum palmatum). The roots and aerial parts of plants were separately extracted with two different techniques—maceration and rapid solid–liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE)—and the quali/quantitative analysis of active ingredients have been determined by applying dry residue, Folin–Ciocalteu and DPPH assays. Data obtained have provided useful answers regarding the efficiency of the extraction carried out on a mixture or on single plants, allowing us to evaluate the best choice according to the cases and the final uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine is a crucial microelement necessary for the proper functioning of human and animal organisms. Plant biofortification has been proposed as a method of improving the iodine status of the population. Recent studies in that field have revealed that iodine may also act as a beneficial element for higher plants. The aim of the work was to evaluate the efficiency of the uptake and accumulation of iodine in the plants of dandelion grown in a pot experiment. During cultivation, iodine was applied through fertigation in inorganic (KI, KIO3) and organic forms (5-iodosalicylic acid, 5-ISA; 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid, 3,5-diISA) at two concentrations (10 and 50 µM). The contents of total iodine and iodosalicylic acids, as well the plant biomass and antioxidant capacity of dandelion leaves and roots, were analyzed. The uptake of inorganic and organic forms by dandelion plants was confirmed with no negative effect on plant growth. The highest efficiency of improving iodine content in dandelion leaves and roots was noted for 50 µM KI. The applicability of iodosalicylates, especially 5-ISA, for plant biofortification purposes was confirmed, particularly as the increase in the iodine content after the application of 5-ISA was higher as compared to that with commonly used KIO3. The chemical analyses have revealed that iodosalicylates are endogenous compounds of dandelion plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common dandelion uses a bundle of drag-enhancing bristles (the pappus) that enables seed dispersal over formidable distances; however, the scaling laws of aerodynamic drag underpinning pappus-mediated flight remain unresolved. In this paper, we find that the aerodynamic drag of dandelion is approximately proportional to the −2/3 power of the dandelion pappus Reynolds number, and the terminal velocity of dandelion seeds is proportional to the 3/4 power of dandelion pappus weight. By the way, the Vogel exponent −2/3 for dandelion is determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root supplementation on performance, egg quality and some serum antioxidant enzymes capacity with increasing age, after the peak laying stage in hens. This study, also aimed to overcome diseases that occur due to lipid metabolism in layers in the late laying period. Methods: In total, one hundred and twenty 70-week-old Lohman LSL laying hens were randomly assigned to five groups equally (n=24). Each treatment was replicated six times (6 replicates  4 birds). The control group was fed basal diet (2650 kcal/kg ME) with no supplementation. The other groups were fed high-energy diets (2850 kcal/kg ME) to induce fatty liver and also 5, 10 and 15 g/kg dandelion (taraxacum officinale) root were supplemented. Result: The study revealed that the addition of 5 g/kg dandelion root to the high-energy feed positively changed the egg production, decreased lipid profiles (triglyceride and VLDL) and liver fat ratio and played a role in preventing lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asteraceae is the largest angiosperm family with more than 25,000 species. Individual studies have shown that MADS-box and TCP transcription factors are regulators of the development and symmetry of flowers, contributing to their iconic flower-head (capitulum) and floret. However, a systematic study of MADSbox and TCP genes across the Asteraceae is lacking. We performed a comparative analysis of genome sequences of 33 angiosperm species including our de novo assembly of diploid sexual dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and 11 other Asteraceae to investigate the lineage-specific evolution of MADS-box and TCP genes in the Asteraceae. We compared the phylogenomic results of MADS-box and TCP genes with their expression in T. officinale floral tissues at different developmental stages to demonstrate the regulation of genes with Asteraceae-specific attributes. Here, we show that MADS-box MIKCc and TCP-CYCLOIDEA (CYC) genes have expanded in the Asteraceae. The phylogenomic analysis identified AGAMOUS-like (AG-like: SEEDSTICK [STK]-like), SEPALATA-like (SEP3-like), and TCP-PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR (PCF)-like copies with lineage-specific genomic contexts in the Asteraceae, Cichorioideae, or dandelion. Different expression patterns of some of these gene copies suggest functional divergence. We also confirm the presence and revisit the evolutionary history of previously named "Asteraceae-Specific MADSbox genes (AS-MADS)." Specifically, we identify non-Asteraceae homologs, indicating a more ancient origin of this gene clade. Syntenic relationships support that AS-MADS is paralogous to FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) as demonstrated by the shared ancient duplication of FLC and SEP3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles are rising worries because of recent reports about potential toxicity amid the incorporation of these emerging materials into consumer products, and industrial and scientific applications. New developments in the automotive industry are incorporating novel materials, which have increased the emission of nanoparticles into the atmosphere. To overcome the difficulty of detecting and characterizing atmospheric nanoparticles, alternative methods have been proposed, just as the indirect detection and characterization with bioindicators. We report the use of Taraxacum officinale as a sentinel organism to describe the effects of atmospheric nanostructured pollutants. ZnO and CuO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs, CuO-NPs) were selected for this study, as they are two of the most present nanomaterials in the emerging automotive industry. The physiological effect on Taraxacum officinale exposure to ZnO-NPs and CuO-NPs was evaluated through growth rate, and total chlorophyll content; and comet assay was performed to evaluate the DNA damage. The exposure of plants was made by nebulizing dispersions of the nanoparticles. The exposure to ZnO-NPs presented the maximum DNA damage at a concentration of 100 mg/L. The DNA damage by both studied nanoparticles showed a significant difference against its bulk counterparts. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed an accumulation of nanoparticles near the stomata. The study demonstrated the feasibility of T. officinale as a bioindicator of air-related nanoparticles toxicity, and the high sensitivity of the comet assay for this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The use of doxorubicin is limited due to its toxic effects on normal cells. A substance containing antioxidant properties, such as taraxacum officinale, would be useful in preventing doxorubicin toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of taraxacum officinale on doxorubicin-induced damage in the rat liver. Methods: Forty Wistar albino rats were allocated into four groups. In group 1 (control group), no treatment was given. In group 2 (Taraxacum officinale, group T), 100 mg/kg Taraxacum officinale was administered via the gavage route for 10 days. In group 3 (doxorubicin, group D), a single intraperitoneal dose of 40 mg/kg doxorubicin was given. In group 4 (doxorubicin + Taraxacum officinale, group D+T), a single intraperitoneal dose of 40 mg/kg doxorubicin was administered on the eighth day, and 100 mg/kg Taraxacum officinale was administered for 10 days. Blood malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. Histopathology was assessed by examining preparations of hepatic tissue with light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Results: MDA levels were significantly higher, and the activities of SOD and CAT were lower in group D than in group D+T (P=0.04). Tissue damage was significantly higher in group D than in group D+T (P=0.03). Conclusion: Our short-term results indicate that oxidative stress could be responsible for the damage to liver tissue due to doxorubicin, and Taraxacum officinale might reverse these harmful effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study conducted an ethnobotanical survey of wild medicinal plants in the multi-ethnic areas of Gansu–Ningxia–Inner Mongolia intersection zone. Traditional knowledge of medicinal plant use in the region was compiled to identify important medicinal plants currently used for treating relevant diseases and to determine species with potential for development. Methods: Key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, participatory rural appraisal methods, and ethnobotanical quantitative evaluation were used to investigate and study the traditional knowledge of local residents' use of wild medicinal plants in the region. The relative importance of the referenced plants was assessed, as well as the prominent species widely used in medicinal applications. Results: The study found that the region has a total of 204 wild medicinal plant resources, belonging to 149 genera of 51 families. Among these resources, a total of 50 commonly used plants were identified (44 of which were herbs, some of which were multi-origin), belonging to 27 families, with the most species found in the Asteraceae family, with 11 species. These herbs are mainly used for preventing and treating colds and nourishing health, followed by treatment of fever, stomach problems, and bleeding. The most frequently used medicinal plant in the region is "Ai", which includes Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Van. and Artemisia kanashiroi Kitam. All respondents provided information about the use of this medicinal plant to varying degrees, followed by Artemisia annua Linn., Ephedra sinica Stapf, Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz., Sonchus arvensis Linn., Artemisia capillaris Thunb., among others. Conclusion: Our investigation gained a wealth of traditional knowledge about the use of wild herbs, using wild herbs, which plays an important role in the lives of local residents. Especially, the herbs and application methods used for treating colds, bleeding, and stomach problems are worthy of further research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dandelion, or Taraxacum officinale, is a perennial herb that forms a rosette leaf and has golden yellow flowers that bloom all year long. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and is typically found in the temperate zone of the Northern hemisphere. Many conventional and modern herbal medical systems use dandelion leaves, roots, and flowers. According to a phytochemical analysis, dandelion herb contains one or more important phytochemical components. Similarly, one of the most significant dandelion compounds contains bitter sesquiterpene lactones, particularly taraxacin and taraxacerin, which play a key role in the mechanism of liver functions associated with hepatoprotective action. Additionally, the results of the phytochemical investigation showed the presence of sterols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, all of which have been linked to a variety of pharmacological effects, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation in plant genomes occurs in different sequences and genomic contexts that have very different properties. DNA methylation that occurs in CG (mCG) sequence context shows transgenerational stability and high epimutation rate, and can thus provide genealogical information at short time scales. However, due to meta‐stability and because mCG variants may arise due to other factors than epimutation, such as environmental stress exposure, it is not clear how well mCG captures genealogical information at micro‐evolutionary time scales. Here, we analysed DNA methylation variation between accessions from a geographically widespread, apomictic common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) lineage when grown experimentally under different light conditions. Using a reduced‐representation bisulphite sequencing approach, we show that the light treatment induced differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) in all sequence contexts, with a bias towards transposable elements. Accession differences were associated mainly with DMCs in CG context. Hierarchical clustering of samples based on total mCG profiles revealed a perfect clustering of samples by accession identity, irrespective of light conditions. Using microsatellite information as a benchmark of genetic divergence within the clonal lineage, we show that genetic divergence between accessions correlates strongly with overall mCG profiles. However, our results suggest that environmental effects that do occur in CG context may produce a heritable signal that partly dilutes the genealogical signal. Our study shows that methylation information in plants can be used to reconstruct micro‐evolutionary genealogy, providing a useful tool in systems that lack genetic variation such as clonal and vegetatively propagated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants, especially medicinal plants, took up the most space during the production of silver nanoparticles and have shown significant promise for use in biotechnology. So the goal of this research was to focus on a type of lung cell line, the WI-38 cell line, infected with the Corona virus. The study also included the isolation of the active compounds from the roots of the Taraxacum officinale plant, their extraction, and the study of their biological effects. Used in this study were: Taraxacum officinale extract, silver nitrate, (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), fetal bovine serum (FBS) L-glutamine, penicillin, streptomycin, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) from Sigma Aldrich, USA), and XTT (2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfo phenyl) -2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxamide) from RIbobio - China. WI-38 CCL-75 cell lines were purchased from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) identification. Source was the lung tissue for female-3 month gestation and the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Oils, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins from Taraxacum officinale were extracted in the extraction device (Soxhlet) in successive stages using several solvents. Silver nanoparticles Ag NPs were synthesized using the green method from these extracts and diagnosed by X-Ray diffraction analysis XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Cell cultures were used to study the effect of nanoparticles on lung cells infected with the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) using lung cell lines (wi-38). The activity of these particles as antivirals was evaluated due to their antiviral activity where pure cultures of cell lines were planted on DMEM where DEME was used as a positive control and the cell line with DMEM was a negative control. For each experiment, the diameter of the inhibition area was measured in millimeters. Finally, the XTT test was used to test the extracted and the nanoparticle solution to ensure its suitability for inhibition of the virus coronavirus (SARS-COV-2). The results showed that nanoparticles have strong antiviral efficacy against the coronavirus. 50 mg/L of the Ag NPs extract was found to have the greatest inhibition. The potent bioactivity of the synthetic green silver nanoparticles derived from medicinal plants supports their biological use as an antiviral. The study also showed the effects of different concentrations of silver nanoparticle solutions on cell growth. The presence of phenolics and flavonoids was found in the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the T. officinale roots. The mechanism of action of Ag NPs was investigated. As noted, the Ag NPs alcoholic extract outperformed the Ag NPs aqueous extract in terms of growth because of its small size. From this study, we conclude that the method of green biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles is considered safe and inexpensive, and the materials produced are not contaminated. Nanoparticles can be applied in many applications depending on their physical properties, such as the size and shape of the particle. They were also tested in vitro against coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) utilizing the cell line. Interestingly, the antiviral activities of Ag NPs alcoholic and aqueous extracts against SARS-CoV-2 were noteworthy, with IC50 values of 32.50 and 29.03, respectively. The findings might be a suitable starting point for future optimization and more sophisticated preclinical and clinical research of molecules on single components, particularly alcoholic extract, for inhibiting and lowering the activity of the Coronavirus in infected cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis is an inflammatory disease caused by microbial infection. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), one of the major phenolic acids in Taraxacum officinale, has natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in various cell types; however, the effects of CGA on Lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-induced bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) have not been investigated. In this study, the CGA content in T. officinale was determined by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). BMECs were infected with LTA to induce the mastitis model. Different concentrations of CGA were administered after establishing the LTA infection. The results showed that the T. officinale contained CGA 1.36 mg/g. CGA significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory gene and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. In addition, CGA downregulated the NO, TLR2, and NF-κB signaling pathways in LTA-infected bovine mammary epithelial cells. Our results indicate that CGA reduced the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and TLR2 by inhibiting the phosphorylation of proteins in the NF-κB signaling pathways in a dose-dependent manner. This finding suggests that CGA may be a potential agent for the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]