Influence of Solvent onto Chemical Extraction of America-Type Coconut (Coco nucifera L.) Fbers: Analysis of Physicochemical, Mechanical and Morphological Properties

In this study, the natural fibers from Coconuts of the species Coco nucifera L. were Chemically extracted in different solvents such as sodium hydroxide (SH), acetone (AC) and sodium hydroxide-acetone (SHA) for their applications in the textile industries. Structural, morphological and physico-mechanical characterizations such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanned electron microscopy (SEM), measurements of density, Young’s modulus, water absorption rate and humidity were evaluated. The XRD and FTIR results show that Coco nucifera L. fibers contains type I cellulose. Mechanical characterizations were also carried out. These results show that by varying the different solvents used, the physico-chemical, mechanical and morphological properties of the fibers change, which implies that the solvent has an influence on the properties of these fibers. The fibers extracted by the sodium hydroxide-acetone mixture have a linear density of 1.636, the percentage of water absorption is 62.428%, the percentage of moisture absorption 9.605% compared to other values in the literature shows that this solvent mixture improves the properties of coconut fibers which contain type I cellulose. The tensile stress is 0.013 GPa, the percentage strain is 49.836% and the Young’s modulus is 0.114 GPa as well as the percentage elongation show that these fibers are elasto-plastic. The values obtained mean that these fibers are suitable for use in textiles.

中国莲(Nelumbo nucifera)幼苗抗氧化系统对砷胁迫的响应

为了研究中国莲(Nelumbo nucifera)抗氧化系统对砷胁迫的响应,研究比较了两种不同价态无机砷As(Ⅲ)和砷As(Ⅴ)对中国莲幼苗可溶性蛋白含量、丙二醛(MDA)含量以及抗氧化系统的影响。结果表明,中国莲幼苗中MDA和可溶性蛋白质含量随砷浓度的增加呈现先升高后降低的趋势。中国莲幼苗的MDA和蛋白质含量受As(Ⅴ)的影响不如As(Ⅲ)敏感。抗氧化系统酶中,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)对砷处理最敏感,当As(Ⅲ)浓度在2.5μmol/L和As(Ⅴ)浓度在100μmol/L时,SOD酶活性显著高于对照组。过氧化物酶(POD)在As(Ⅲ)处理浓度为10μmol/L时就出现显著上升,相对而言,过氧化氢酶(CAT)对As(Ⅴ)比较敏感。实验结果表明,随着浓度的增加,砷对幼苗产生的氧化胁迫导致SOD、CAT和POD三种酶活性有所增加,以配合清除细胞内的活性氧自由基(ROS),维持细胞代谢的稳定。本研究为进一步研究砷胁迫下莲的生理和生长变化、以及莲的培育和移植提供了部分基础数据。

Genetic Variation in Rhizome Lotus(Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.ssp.nucifera) Germplasms from China Assessed by RAPD Markers

To estimate genetic variation in rhizome lotus （Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. ssp. nucifera） germplasms in China, a total of 94 rhizome lotus germplasms collected from 18 provinces in China were assessed. The RAPD （randomly amplified polymorphic DNA） marker was employed. The selected 17 random primers detected 139 polymorphic alleles out of a total 207 （67.15%）. Nei＇s gene diversity statistics and region differentiation parameters indicated that all germplasms had a relatively high level of genetic diversity with ne = 1.3202, h = 0.1937, I= 0.2982 and the gene flow among all regions was Nrn = 5.5742. The UPGMA dendrogram clustered all 94 germplasms into two clusters： One contained eight commercial cultivars and major landraces, and the other included the wild and some special landraces from five regions, and the PCA analysis exhibited the similar result. Those germplasms from southwestern and eastern China had higher genetic diversity than those from the southern, northern and central China. Predominant proportion of genetic variation （95.61%） was found significant within rather than among （4.39%） regions, as revealed by AMOVA analysis. The data analysis also revealed that the genetic diversity of rhizome lotus germplasms among different regions is positively related to their geographic distances, though it is ambiguous to find the trend from the UPGMA dendrogram and the PCA analysis. A relatively high genetic diversity and gene flow resided in the root lotus germplasms; about 96% of the variation was found within region; accessions from southwest and eastern China have higher genetic diversity than those from the southern, northern and central China.

A new benzylisoquinoline alkaloid from stems of Nelumbo nucifera

A new benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, named nelumstemine （1）, 1-（4＇-hydroxybenzoyl）-6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline, was isolated from the stems of Nelumbo nucifera Geartn. Its structure was established on the basis of spectral analysis.

Gibberellins,brassinolide,and ethylene signaling were involved in flower differentiation and development in Nelumbo nucifera

Hormones play important roles in vegetative and reproductive processes;however,the regulatory roles of hormones in Nelumbo nucifera(Lotus)growth and development are unclear.In this study,nine types of endogenous hormones,including gibberellins(GA_1,GA_3,and GA_4),indole-3-acetic acid(IAA),brassinolide(BR),ethylene(ETH),jasmonic acid(JA),abscisic acid(ABA),and zeatin(ZT)were detected in dormant shoot tips,vegetative shoot tips,developing leaf buds,and developing flower buds of lotus.The results indicated that GA,ETH,and BR signaling can promote vegetative and reproductive development of lotus.GA signaling regulates plant height and stimulates flower bud differentiation.GA levels were the highest in the flower buds;exogenous GA3+4 increased plant height by approximately 90%,increased flower quantity by nearly 40%,and advanced flowering by 4 d.Suppressing GA biosynthesis using paclobutrazol decreased plant height and flower quantity by 38%and 87.1%,respectively,and delayed flowering by 15.6 d.ETH signaling has positive regulatory effects on vegetative growth and flower development.The ETH concentration in the developing leaf buds was at least 50%higher than that in other samples.Ethephon spraying led to remarkable increases in plant height and leaf thickness and extended the flowering duration.BR signaling acts as a growth promoter during vegetative and reproductive development in lotus.The highest BR levels were detected in the vegetative shoot tips.External application of28-epihomobrassinolide resulted in growth-promoting phenotypes including longer scapes,thicker leaves,and prolonged flowering.

Cocos nucifera L.water as green corrosion inhibitor for acid corrosion of aluminium in HCl solution

The ability of Cocos nucifera L.water（CW） as non-toxic corrosion inhibitor for acid corrosion of aluminium in 0.5 mol/L HCl has been studied using chemical technique.CW shows significant inhibition as corrosion inhibitor,with 93%efficiency at the highest concentration of the inhibitor.The inhibitive action is attributed to the adsorption of the inhibitor molecules on metal surface following Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

Analysis of Accumulating Ability of Heavy Metals in Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) Improved by Ion Implantation

Heavy metals have seriously contaminated soil and water, and done harm to public health. Academician WANG Naiyan proposed that ion-implantation technique should be exploited for environmental bioremediation by mutating and breeding plants or microbes. By implanting N^＋ into Taikonglian No.l, we have selected and bred two lotus cultivars, Jingguang No.1 and Jingguang No.2. The present study aims at analyzing the feasibility that irradiation can be used for remediation of soil and water from heavy metals. Compared with parent Taikonglian No.l, the uptaking and accumulating ability of heavy metals in two mutated cultivars was obviously improved. So ion implantation technique can indeed be used in bioremediation of heavy metals in soil and water, but it is hard to select and breed a cultivar which can remedy the soil and water from all the heavy metals.

Genetic diversity of the wild Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) from Northern China

Asian lotus(Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)is an aquatic plant with ornamental,cultural,economic,and ecological values.China has abundant germplasm resources of Asian lotus.However,in many areas,the wild Asian lotuses have been destroyed and the germplasms is now facing extinction.In addition,the knowledge of the genetic diversity of the wild Asian lotus in China is poor.To identify and protect the germplasms of Chinese wild Asian lotus,eleven genomic-SSR primers,three EST-SSR primers,and three chloroplast DNA primers were used to investigate the genetic diversity among 69 samples of wild Asian lotus from 25 locations in northern China.The genetic diversity of 27 samples of wild Asian lotus from southern China and other countries,the ancient Asian lotus,Asian lotus cultivars from China,and Asian-American hybrids was also compared.The genetic diversity of the wild Asian lotus from northern China was characterized as medium,and themean values of observed heterozygosity(Ho)and expected heterozygosity(He)were 0.087 and 0.552,respectively.Based on a UPGMA dendrogram and STRUCTURE analysis,the wild Asian lotus samples in northern China were divided into three groups.The wild Asian lotus samples from northern China contained 16 haplotypes.The Nei’s genetic distance between the wild Asian lotus samples from the Songhua River basin and the Liao River basin in northeastern China was relatively small,and these germplasms might be relatively primitive compared to those from other regions.This study provides essential information regarding the genetic diversity of the wild Asian lotus resources in northern China,and provides a basis for further analysis of population-level genetic evolution through high-throughput sequencing.

Construction and Characterization of a cDNA Library from the Pulp of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

To investigate the gene expression profile of endosperm development, a cDNA library was constructed and characterized from the pulp of coconut at different developmental stages. The constructed cDNA library incorporated approximately 1 × 10^7 clones in total, and the size of the insertion fragments ranged from 800 to 2 000 bp. Sequencing results of 100 randomly picked clones showed that the recombination rate was 96%. In subsequent sequence analysis, 41 clones （41%） were homologous to known function proteins, and 23 clones showed high amino acid identity （more than 80%） with the corresponding genes of different plants. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR indicated that oleosin and globulin genes are pulpspecific expression, and have differential expression level in different developmental stage. Clone 29, recognized as homologous to KIAA1239 protein （Homo sapiens）, was observed to occur nine times, indicating that this gene may be over-expressed during the endosperm development stage. However, the homologous protein was found only in mammals, and the detailed function is still unknown. Elucidation of the functional characterization of these genes will be carried out immediately.

梁山古莲(Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)的种质资源价值研究

对2013年梁山出土的古莲(命名为梁山古莲)进行了种质资源价值研究。断代分析结果显示,梁山古莲籽距今时间最长约为731 a,入土年代处于我国元朝初期,古莲籽发芽率在90%以上,不同方位取得的莲籽大小存在明显差异;表型分析表明,梁山古莲属于中国莲系大株型少瓣红莲类群,为黄河流域野生莲,古莲群体存在较高的遗传多样性;聚类分析显示,梁山古莲与山东地方品种马踏湖白莲亲缘关系最近。

Genetic Diversity of Lotus(Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Cultivars Revealed by ISSR Analysis

[ Objectives ] This study was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity of 20 lotus （Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn） samples. [ Methods ] On this optimal ISSR amplification system, 16 primers were screened with good polymorphism, and the DNA was used to amplify the 20 plant samples. [ R^ults] The 16 primers produced 225 loci, of which 170 were polymorphic, and the polymorphic loci percentage was up to 75.56%. The genetic similarity coefficients between the 20 vari- eties ranged from 0. 577 8 to 0.951 1, which were calculated by POPGENE32. The 20 varieties by UPMGA analysis could be clustered into 2 groups, the first of which included Baiyangdian red lotus and Donggua lotus, and other varieties was included in the second group. [ Conchmions] ISSR molecular markers could be effectively used in genetic diversity and fingerprint analysis for different lotus varieties.

Genetic Variation of the Novel Badnaviruses Infecting Nelumbo Nucifera Based on the RT/RNase H Coding Region Sequences

Lotus(Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)is an economically important perennial aquatic herb plant in China.Presently,viral diseases caused by Cucumber mosaic virus(CMV)and Dasheen mosaic virus(DsMV)are detected in lotus.In this study,the putatively novel badnaviruses from lotus plants(LBVs)were identified using next-generation sequencing of siRNAs and conventional Sanger sequencing based on the RT/RNase H coding region sequences.Lotus plants infected by LBVs harbored virus quasispecies.A unique recombination event of LBVs was found in a single lotus plant.Sap inoculation showed that LBVs could actively replicate in the lotus plants,but without a wide host range.The field survey of 43 lotus plants in Jiangsu Province showed a prevalence of 62.8%for LBVs,confirming that it is widely distributed in Jiangsu Province of China.

Evaluation of the Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activity of <i>Nelumbo nucifera </i>Fruit in Rabbits Fed with High Cholesterol Diet

Recently use of herbal therapies and diet rich in flavonoids and vitamins has augmented significantly to manage minor to modest illnesses. Several anti-hyperlipidemic agents are currently available;however most of them have various unwanted effects. That’s why more people are switching towards safer alternatives, specially derived from plants with fewer side effects. Hence current study was focused to determine the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of Nelumbo nucifera fruit in rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet. This study would surely help in the exploration of a novel agent from the plant source and therefore may recommend the application of traditional medicines in humans. 28 white healthy rabbits of either sex weighing 1000 - 1500 gm were divided into four groups. Control group was given gum tragacanth and 3 groups served as test groups and were given N. nucifera fruit extract 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 45 days. Initially animals of all four groups received high cholesterol diet (HCD) 0.125 gm/kg cholesterol in 0.5% corn oil for 30 days. All drugs were given orally. Blood samples were taken thrice from the ear vein of animals, 1st after 24 hours of thirty days of HCD then again after 24 hours of thirty and forty five days dosing of N. nucifera fruit extract. The results showed remarkable cholesterol lowering effects of N. nucifera fruit extract at doses 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg but were particularly dominant at 200 mg/kg at which fruit extract highly significantly reduced TC, TG and LDL-C after 30 and 45 days and increased HDL-C significantly after 30 days and highly significantly after 45 days. Flavonoids, saponins, tannins and procyanidin are significant constituents of N. nucifera fruit which may have contributed in lipid lowering effects of N. nucifera fruit which can contribute in lowering the risk of CVDs and stroke but more preclinical and clinical studies are required to confirm these findings.

Synergistic Mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera Aqueous Extract: Its Liver and Kidney Benefits in Male Albino Rat Model

Background: The synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract is a common drink in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It is assumed to have various health benefits. However, the synergistic mixture of the content has not been studied scientifically, hence the need to evaluate its effect on the liver and kidney being part of the body’s metabolic organs. Aim: This study evaluated the synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract in male albino rats. Methods: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was carried out, afterwards, fifteen male albino rats were grouped into three groups with 5 rats in each group;Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg STCD. The rats were administered STCD orally 24 hourly, for 21 days, with feed and water ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of the liver and kidney biomarkers, while the liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological examination using standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics were computed and expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA and Turkeys test was performed. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was observed to be ≥2404.2 mg/kg body weight. An increase in the percentage body weight difference of 8.39% and 2.86% was observed for 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD groups. Also, the liver weight was observed to increase in 400 mg/kg (3.92 ± 1.42) in comparison to the control group (3.48 ± 1.61), a decrease in the kidney weight was observed in all groups administered STCD in comparison to the control group. Administration of STCD at both 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a decrease in the concentration of the hepatic biomarkers AST, ALT, ALP, TP, Albumin, Total and conjugated bilirubin. The kidney biomarker Urea was observed to decrease in concentration for 200 mg/kg STCD (4.60 ± 1.83) and 400 mg/kg STCD (4.76 ± 0.74) when compared to the control group (6.32 ± 2.74). A decrease in Creatinine was observed in 200 mg/kg (91.80 ± 34.69) and 400 mg/kg (98.60 ± 15.53) in comparison to the control group (117.60 ± 42.88). The histological examination of the liver of rats administered STCD revealed structural normal central vein, hepatocytes and portal tract. The kidney examination revealed normal glomeruli and normal tubule. Conclusion: The findings of this study opine that STCD improved the health of both the liver and kidney as evidenced via the biomarkers and histological examinations of the liver and kidney. This study therefore recommends the intake of STCD at moderate doses for improved liver and kidney function due to its bioactive compounds and nutritional content.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Endophytic Fungus Isolated from <i>Cocos nucifera</i>(L.) Cotyledon against Medically-Important Pathogens

The study aimed to evaluate the endophytic fungi isolated from Cocos nucifera (L.) cotyledon for their possible antimicrobial activity. A total of twelve endophytic fungal species were successfully isolated, from which five were selected and presumptively identified, including Aspergillus niger, Raffaelea sp., Aspergillus flavus, Cladosporium sp. and Pseudallescheria spp. based on their macro and microscopic characters. The agar blocks of actively growing pure culture were assessed for antibacterial activity against five human pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains: Escherichia coli (BIOTECH 1634), Bacillus subtilis (BIOTECH 1697), Staphylococcus aureus (BIOTECH 1592), Serratia marcescens (BIOTECH 1748), and Candida tropicalis (BIOTECH 2085). Among the selected five endophytic used for antimicrobial activity screening, the Raffaelea sp. (CN-EF 2) has shown a high zone of inhibition of 11 mm against Bacillus subtilis, 18 mm against Escherichia coli, 15 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, and 11 mm against Candida tropicalis. Correspondingly, Aspergillus niger (CN-EF 1) has shown a zone of inhibition of 16 mm against C. tropicalis. The endophytic fungus Raffaelea sp. was effective against all test organisms except for Serratia marcescens, while Aspergillus niger was only effective for pathogenic fungi C. albicans. Hence, further in-depth studies of the isolated endophytic fungi are needed to determine the mechanisms behind the endophytes’ inhibitory effects.

莲(Nelumbo nucifera)叶片结构的光镜和扫描电镜的观察

本文报道了莲的浮叶和立叶两种不同生态型叶的表面特征及解剖结构。莲的气孔器主要分布在上表皮,下表皮的则为零星分布。莲的气孔器类型多,表面结构复杂,有形态相近的六种类型,但孔口普遍呈开放状态。集中在莲鼻位置及散生在叶缘的排水器,其水孔形状与气孔器的孔口极为类似,彼此存在着过渡性联系。成熟排水器的孔道周围分布有通水组织的许多薄壁细胞,极易与成熟的气孔器相区别。莲的浮叶与立叶解剖结构类似、细胞类型及数量略有差异,反映出叶在生长发育过程中解剖结构与生态条件相适应的辩证规律。

Preparation and evaluation of mucoadhesive bio-flexy films from Cocos nucifera biopolymer using Tiagabine moiety

This research work deals with formulation and evaluation of nanosized Tiagabine loaded bio-flexy films consisting of Cocos nucifera biopolymer(isolated from coconut kernels).Prepared formulations were administered through soft palatal route for brain targeting for epilepsy treatment.Soft palate,part of oral mucosa serves as novel drug delivery platform and mucoadhesive site for systemic drug delivery.It provides sustained and controlled drug delivery system,does not interfere with patient’s regular activities like talking,eating,drinking,etc.It bypasses first-pass metabolism in the liver,reduces dose frequency and minimizes drug’s side effects.Tiagabine,anticonvulsant drug possesses t1/2:7-9 h(low);Protein binding:96%;Water solubility:22 mg/L,acts as selective gamma amino butyric acid(GABA)reuptake inhibitor.Cocos nucifera biopolymer used as bio-excipient to prepare bio-flexy films due to its biodegradability,biocompatibility,non-toxicity,non-irritantancy on soft palatal surface along with inbuilt filmability,mucoadhesive properties.Nanosized drug loaded bio-flexy films were formulated using standard solvent casting method.Bio-flexy films were prepared using varying ratios of nanosized Tiagabine:isolated Cocos nucifera biopolymer(FCT1-FCT6).These prepared formulations were compared with same ratios of nanosized Tiagabine:sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose standard polymer flexy films(FET1-FET6).The%yield of Cocos nucifera biopolymer was found to be 10.2±0.04%.Thickness of nanosized Tiagabine loaded bio-flexy films containing Cocos nucifera biopolymer(FCT1-FCT6)was ranging from 0.026±0.04 mm to 0.040±0.02 mm;Folding endurance:84-107;Surface pH:7.01±0.04 to 7.01±0.02;Weight uniformity:0.012±0.04 to 0.020±0.02;Drug content uniformity:69.5±0.35%to 72.9±0.26%;Swelling percentage:65±0.5%to 73±0.2%;Percentage moisture uptake(PTU):2.0±0.14%to 2.8±0.12%;Mucoadhesivity:20-90 min;Mucoretentivity:60-180 min.The drug release pattern for formulations FCT1-FCT6 containing Cocos nucifera biopolymer based on the T50%and T80%was found to be FCT1(1:0.5)>FCT5(1:6)>FCT3(1:3)>FCT2(1:1)>FCT4(1:5)>FCT6(1:10).Based on all above-mentioned evaluation parameters,FCT1(containing Tiagabine:Cocos nucifera biopolymer(1:0.5))bio-flexy film having R2=0.9221,Higuchi matrix as best fit model,follows anomalous transport release mechanism,T50%:38.45 h.,T80%:41.20 h.using BITS Software 1.12.Stability study revealed stable formulations.Prepared formulations were suitable for soft palatal delivery.

斧头湖挺水植被的群落学研究——Ⅱ.莲群落Com. Nelumbo nucifera的结构

本文从物种结构、水平结构和垂直结构三方面结合其时间特征对湖北省斧头湖莲群落的结构进行了分析,结果表明:①莲群落物种组成复杂,生长型类型多样,是一多优群落,挺水、浮水和沉水三个植被层都很发达;②莲群落中明显地表现出了优势种的替代过程,沉水植被层中菹草、黑藻和金鱼藻的替代尤为明显,各物种的个体生态学习性的差异是造成这种现象的主要原因;③莲群落内部表现出不同物种的种群分布在水平方向上的分化,莲的叶片和花果均表现出群聚分布的式样,是一种形态学格局;④莲群落垂直结构复杂,一般存在三个植被层,不同植被层的变化各有其特征。

采用AFLP技术分析17个荷花(Nelumbo nucifera)品种的系统关系

【目的】采用AFLP技术,对17个荷花品种进行亲缘关系分析。【方法】从64个AFLP引物组合中筛选出10对多态性较高的引物,以17个荷花DNA为模板,进行PCR扩增,并对产物进行聚丙烯凝胶电泳分析。【结果】共获得条带523条,其中多态性条带370条,多态性比例达到70.75%;根据扩增条带信息进行聚类,可将17个品种分为2组;其中有5对引物,每对引物单独使用均可将17个品种完全区分开。【结论】AFLP用于鉴别荷花品种,具有较高的可行性;本研究为荷花分类和杂交育种的亲本选择提供参考信息。