In silico prospective analysis of the medicinal plants activity on the CagA oncoprotein from Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND Colonization with Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)has a strong correlation with gastric cancer,and the virulence factor CagA is implicated in carcinogenesis.Studies have been conducted using medicinal plants with the aim of eliminating the pathogen;however,the possibility of blocking H.pylori-induced cell differentiation to prevent the onset and/or progression of tumors has not been addressed.This type of study is expensive and time-consuming,requiring in vitro and/or in vivo tests,which can be solved using bioinformatics.Therefore,prospective computational analyses were conducted to assess the feasibility of interaction between phenolic compounds from medicinal plants and the CagA oncoprotein.AIM To perform a computational prospecting of the interactions between phenolic compounds from medicinal plants and the CagA oncoprotein of H.pylori.METHODS In this in silico study,the structures of the phenolic compounds(ligands)kaempferol,myricetin,quercetin,ponciretin(flavonoids),and chlorogenic acid(phenolic acid)were selected from the PubChem database.These phenolic compounds were chosen based on previous studies that suggested medicinal plants as non-drug treatments to eliminate H.pylori infection.The three-dimensional structure model of the CagA oncoprotein of H.pylori(receptor)was obtained through molecular modeling using computational tools from the I-Tasser platform,employing the threading methodology.The primary sequence of CagA was sourced from GenBank(BAK52797.1).A screening was conducted to identify binding sites in the structure of the CagA oncoprotein that could potentially interact with the ligands,utilizing the GRaSP online platform.Both the ligands and receptor were prepared for molecular docking using AutoDock Tools 4(ADT)software,and the simulations were carried out using a combination of ADT and AutoDock Vina v.1.2.0 software.Two sets of simulations were performed:One involving the central region of CagA with phenolic compounds,and another involving the carboxy-terminus region of CagA with phenolic compounds.The receptor-ligand complexes were then analyzed using PyMol and BIOVIA Discovery Studio software.RESULTS The structure model obtained for the CagA oncoprotein exhibited high quality(C-score=0.09)and was validated using parameters from the MolProbity platform.The GRaSP online platform identified 24 residues(phenylalanine and leucine)as potential binding sites on the CagA oncoprotein.Molecular docking simulations were conducted with the three-dimensional model of the CagA oncoprotein.No complexes were observed in the simulations between the carboxy-terminus region of CagA and the phenolic compounds;however,all phenolic compounds interacted with the central region of the oncoprotein.Phenolic compounds and CagA exhibited significant affinity energy(-7.9 to-9.1 kcal/mol):CagA/kaempferol formed 28 chemical bonds,CagA/myricetin formed 18 chemical bonds,CagA/quercetin formed 16 chemical bonds,CagA/ponciretin formed 13 chemical bonds,and CagA/chlorogenic acid formed 17 chemical bonds.Although none of the phenolic compounds directly bound to the amino acid residues of the K-Xn-R-X-R membrane binding motif,all of them bound to residues,mostly positively or negatively charged,located near this region.CONCLUSION In silico,the tested phenolic compounds formed stable complexes with CagA.Therefore,they could be tested in vitro and/or in vivo to validate the findings,and to assess interference in CagA/cellular target interactions and in the oncogenic differentiation of gastric cells.

Medical plant extracts and natural compounds with a hepatoprotective effect against damage caused by antitubercular drugs: A review

Drug-induced liver injury encompasses a spectrum of diseases ranging from mild biochemical abnormalities to acute liver failure; example of this scenery is hepatotoxicity caused by the first-line antituberculous drugs isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide, which are basic for treatment of drug-sensible and drug-resistant tuberculosis. In the search for pharmacological alternatives to prevent liver damage, antitubercular drugs have been the subject of numerous studies and published reviews, a great majority of them carried out by Asian countries. At the same time, hepatoprotectors from plant source are now emerging as a possible alternative to counteract the toxic effects of these therapeutic agents. The present review aims to highlight the most recent studies on the subject, based information published in scientific databases such as Scopus and Pub Med.

Differential volatile organic compounds in royal jelly associated with different nectar plants

The aim of this work was to distinguish volatile organic compound（VOC） profiles of royal jelly（RJ） from different nectar plants. Headspace solid-phase microextraction（HS-SPME） was used to extract VOCs from raw RJ harvested from 10 nectar plants in flowering seasons. Qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of VOCs extracts were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（GC-MS）. Results showed that VOC profiles of RJ from the samples were rich in acid, ester and aldehyde compound classes, however, contents of them were differential, exemplified by the data from acetic acid, benzoic acid methyl ester, hexanoic acid and octanoic acid. As a conclusion, these four VOCs can be used for distinguishing RJ harvested in the seasons of different nectar plants.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of Spiro benzofuran compound from mangrove plant of Southern India

Objective:To find out the in vitro antipalsmodial activities of mangrove leaf extracts.Methods: In vitro antiplasmodial assay was carried out with 13 different mangrove plants.Column chromatography was performed with the most potent Agecerious corniculatum（A.corniculatum） by using various solvent extractions.GC-MS was also preformed with the most potent ethanolic fraction of the A.corniculatum extract.Results:Of the 13 mangroves plants, A.corniculatum showed maximum percentage of parasitemia suppression（94.98±1.16）%.Column chromatography was performed with A.corniculatum with different solvents and the methanolic extract showed maximum percentage（99.73±1.63）%of parasitemia inhibition at 150μg/mL concentration with the IC50 value of（29.28±3.23）μg/mL concentration.The results of the GC-MS analysis observed that,the most potent methanolic extract showed maximum retention time（30.687 RT） and the chemical class was identified as Spiro[benzofuran-2（3 H）,1’-（3 cyclohexane）-2’,3- dione,7-chloro-4’,6]which was responsible for the antiplasmodial activity.Conclusions:It is concluded from the present study that,the chemical constituents of A.corniculatum collected from Pichavaram mangrove forest can be used as a putative antiplasmodial drugs in future.

Natural compounds and extracts from Mexican medicinal plants with anti-leishmaniasis activity: An update

Leishmaniasis is considered as an emerging, uncontrolled disease and is endemic in 98 countries. Annually, about 2 million cases of cutaneous and 500000 cases of visceraltype leishmaniasis are recorded and 60000 persons died from the disease. In Mexico,cutaneous leishmaniasis is known as chiclero's ulcer and is reported in 22 states, it is considered as a health problem. For its treatment, pentavalent antimonial drugs are administered. These drugs cause severe side effects, are costly. Drug-resistant cases have been reported and have been developing for over 70 years. One alternative to the drugs that are currently available is to find active molecules in medicinal plants. Dihydrocorynantheine, corynantheine and corynantheidine are active against Leishmania major,while harmane, pleiocarpin, buchtienin, luteolin and quercetin are active against Leishmania donovani. In Mexico, about 20 medicinal plants have been evaluated against Leishmania mexicana, among which the most active are Tridax procumbens, Lonchocarpus xuul and Pentalinon andrieuxii. From these plants, active compounds with IC_(50)≤30 mg/mL or m M have been isolated, such as 3(S)-16,17-didehydrofalcarinol or Oxylipin, cholestra-4,20,24-trien-3-one or pentalinosterol, 24-methylcholest-4-24(28)-dien-3-one, cholest-4-en-3-one, 6,7-dihydroneridie-none, neridienone, cholest-5,20,24-trien-3β-ol, and isocordoin. Today, only pentalinonsterol has been synthesized and assayed in the visceral leishmaniasis experimental model using BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania donovani. Liposome formulation of this compound administered by intravenous route at 2.5 mg/kg showed a significant reduction of parasite load in mouse liver and spleen.

Decomposition of Organic Compounds in Coke Plant Wastewater by Ultrasonic Irradiation and Its Combined Process

The paper deals with the degradation of the organic compounds in the coke plant wastewater by the combined process of ultrasonic irradiation and activated sludge. The influence factors of the ultrasonic degradation effect such as air atmosphere, initial concentration, ultrasonic power density and the category and consumption of catalyst were investigated. A water quality model was used to explain the degradation of different kinds of organic compounds in the coke plant wastewater by ultrasonic irradiation. After the wastewater was treated by the combined process of ultrasonic irradiation and activated sludge, the COD degradation efficiency was 95.74%, which is 63.49% higher than that by the process of activated sludge alone.

Plant Senescence: The Role of Volatile Terpene Compounds (VTCs)

Senescence is a natural, energy-dependent, physiological, developmental and an ecological process that is controlled by the plant’s own genetic program, allowing maximum recovery of nutrients from older organs for the survival of the plant, as such;it is classified as essential component of the growth and development of plants. In some cases, under one or many environmental stresses, senescence is triggered in plants. Despite many studies in the area, less consideration has been given to plant secondary metabolites, especially the role of VTCs on plant senescence. This review seeks to capture the biosynthesis and signal transduction of VTCs, the physiology of VTCs in plant development and how that is linked to some phytohormones to induce senescence. Much progress has been made in the elucidation of metabolic pathways leading to the biosynthesis of VTCs. In addition to the classical cytosolic mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway from acetyl-CoA, the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, originating from glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (GAP) and pyruvate, leads to the biosynthesis of isoprenoid precursors, isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethyl allyl diphosphate. VTCs synthesis and emission are believed to be tightly regulated by photosynthetic carbon supply into MEP pathway. Thus, under abiotic stresses such as drought, high salinity, high and low temperature, and low CO2 that directly affect stomatal conductance and ultimately biochemical limitation to photosynthesis, there has been observed induction of VTC synthesis and emissions, reflecting the elicitation of MEP pathway. This reveals the possibility of important function(s) of VTCs in plant defense against stress by mobilizing resources from components of plants and therefore, senescence. Our current understanding of the relationship between environmental responses and senescence mostly comes from the study of senescence response to phytohormones such as abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene and salicylic acid, which are extensively involved in response to various abiotic and biotic stresses. These stresses affect synthesis and/or signaling pathways of phytohormones to eventually trigger expression of stress-responsive genes, which in turn appears to affect leaf senescence. Comparison of plant response to stresses in relation to patterns of VTCs and phytohormones biosynthesis indicates a considerable crosstalk between these metabolic processes and their signal to plant senescence.

Compound pollution of Cd,Pb,Cu,Zn,As in plant-soil system and its prevention

By means of both pot and field tests,this paper studied the contents of Cd,Pb,Cu,Zn and As and their ecological effects on plant-soil system.in tissues of crops and soil microorganisms.It was found that there exist synergistic effect among these five elements,especially for Cd in combination.The reclaniation of soil polluted by these elements in combination is rather difficult to be carried out.The distinctive ecological and chemical behaviors between Cd and As make various reclamation measures less applicable,and thus,further research measures are necessary.

A study on the interactions among several plant secondary compounds and aphids

The research, focused on the specific interactions among seven plant secondary compounds and aphids, was carried out and the preliminary results showed: (1) 'T-typed tube method' was regarded as the best method compared with others designed to observe the interactions. (2) Cabbage aphid was able to be attracted by laurolene while it was not susceptible to α-pinene, β-pinene and diamylene. (3) Gossypol, a major secondary substance in cotton, was able to be implicated as feeding attractant to cotton aphid. (4) Rutin might be implicated repellent to cotton aphid.

Compound Planting of Bletilla striata under Forest in the Three Gorges Dam Area

[Objectives] The aim was to study the artificial cultivation of Bletilla striata to realize large scale and standardization planting. [Methods] The comparison tests were conducted on B. striata with different canopy densities of the Magnolia officinalis forests,different compound planting densities and different tending measures and management. [Results] When the stand canopy density was 0. 4-0. 6,the per unit yield of B. striata was 5. 4%,6. 8% higher than that at the canopy density of less than 0. 4 and more than 0. 6,respectively. When the planting density was 30 cm × 30 cm,the per unit yield increased by 16. 1%,12. 0%,13. 1% respectively compared with the planting density of 20 cm × 20 cm,25 cm × 25 cm,35 cm × 35 cm. When B. striata was planted from October to November,the per unit yield was 5. 6% higher than that planted from December to January of the following year,and 21. 3% higher than that from February to March of the second year. When farmyard manure was applied during the cultivation,the per unit yield was 31. 7% and 18. 4% higher than the application of chemical fertilizer and compound fertilizer. When weeding 4 times per year,the per unit yield increased by 240. 1%,137. 0% and 43. 9% respectively from that weeding 1 times,2 times,3 times per year. [Conclusions]When planting B. striata,the stand canopy density of 0. 4-0. 6 could make it receive absolutely shelters and the lighting conditions required for the growth,thereby bringing in high emergence rate,good growth potential and high yield. The best planting effect of B. striata could achieve by planting from October to November with the planting density of 30 cm × 30 cm,which can play the maximum benefit of individual plants. Moreover,weeding 4 times per year combined with the use of farmyard manure can promote the development and growth of tubers,which can greatly improve the yield of B. striata.

Investigation of Plant Systemic Organoselena Compounds (Ⅰ) Synthesis of Selena-Morpholind and its Derivatives

The synthesis of selena-morpholine and its derivatives is described.

Understory plant diversity and phenolic allelochemicals across a range of Eucalyptus grandis plantation ages

Allelopathy is an important mechanism in Eucalyptus plantations that causes detrimental impacts on understory diversity.Phenolic compounds are the main allelochemicals suppressing understory plants.However,the dynamic changes in phenolic allelochemicals and their relationship with understory diversity with increasing age of Eucalyptus plantations remain largely unclear.In this study,the understory plant diversity was assessed and phenolic compounds identified from leaf litter,roots,and rhizosphere soil samples in a Eucalyptus grandis plantation at two-year intervals for ten years using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS).The abundance and diversity of under story plant species were lowest in 4-year-old plantations and increased significantly with age.Seven phenolic acids and 10 flavonoids were identified from leaf litter,roots,and rhizosphere soils.Most of the potential phenolic allelochemicals,such as salicylic acid,gallic acid,4-hydroxybenzoic acid,and epicatechin,were more abundant in younger plantations,especially at4 years old.The concentrations of phenolic compounds in the rhizosphere zone were significantly lower than in litter and root samples and did not change significantly with an increase in age.Notably,phenolic compounds contributed more to the variation in the understory plants than soil factors.Hydroxyphenyllactic acid,ellagic acid,quercetin,salicylic acid,and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were the main phenolic compounds explaining the variation in plant diversity with plantation age.These findings indicate that young E.grandis plantations,especially at four years of age,merit a greater focus because of their lower understory plant diversity and higher allelopathic potential.

Efficacy Evaluation of a Compound Plant Extract Used in Makeup Base

Cytological test and human skin test were used to study the antioxidant,anti-aging and moisturizing effects of a compound plant extract,and to evaluate its safety.The cytological test results showed that the compound extract could significantly scavenge the reactive oxygen species(ROS)generated by H2O2 stimulation and protect cells from oxidative damage.It can significantly inhibit the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1).The results of human skin test showed that the moisture content of cheek stratum corneum,R2 value and Q1 value of skin elasticity were significantly improved after 28 days of continuous use of the Makeup Base product added with the compound plant extract.The Ra value,Rz value and Rt value of skin texture around eyes have been significantly improved,which shows that the product has the effects of improving the moisture content of stratum corneum,improving skin elasticity and diminishing the fine lines around the eyes;the product has good safety.

Enhanced Sporicidal Activity of Alcohol and Epigallocatechin-Palmitate-Based Hand Hygiene Formulations Comprised of Plant-Derived Compounds

Pathogenic spore-forming bacteria pose high risks to healthcare settings, as well as in the food and beverage industries. We reported recently that novel alcohol-based formulations containing plant-derived compounds, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate-palmitate (EGCG-P), a green tea polyphenol ester, provide > 99.99% inactivation of bacterial spores within 60 sec. Based on recently published data from our group and others, we hypothesize that a combination of EGCG-P and alcohol formulated with other plant-derived ingredients would achieve high sporicidal efficacy against a wide spectrum of bacterial spores and can provide novel hand hygiene methods against bacterial spores without toxicity. The objectives of the current study were to optimize two novel formulations with combinations of glycerol, citric acid, and EGCG-P to increase sporicidal activity and explore the rapid inactivation mechanisms and suitability for sporicidal products with broad-spectrum activities against aerobic and anaerobic bacterial spores. Methods included suspension testing of two formulations against spores from Bacillus cereus and Clostridium sporogenes, quantification of spore germination, and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that these novel formulations were able to reduce spore germination by >99.999% after 30 sec exposure in suspension tests, and rapidly caused physical damage to the spores. Additional studies are warranted to determine the suitability of the novel formulations for future hand hygiene use.

Effects of Compound Plant Extract on Growth Performance of Sujiang Pigs

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of compound plant extract on the growth performance and economic benefits of Sujiang pigs during the fattening period. A total of 50 Sujiang pigs,weighing about 60 kg( there were no significant differences in the weight of the pigs),were selected. They were randomly and evenly divided into five groups: control group,A,B,C and D groups. The pigs in the control group were fed basal diet. For the pigs in the A,B,C and D groups,per kg of basal diet was added with 100,200,300 and 400 mg of compound plant extract,respectively. The experimental duration was 44 d. The results showed that in the treatment groups,the average daily weight gains were 15. 57%,20. 68%,17. 95% and 7. 31%,respectively higher than that of the control group,the feed-gain ratios were13. 29%,16. 92%,15. 11% and 11. 48%,respectively lower than that of the control group( P > 0. 05),and the economic benefits were62. 65,83. 23,72. 50 and 42. 11 yuan,respectively higher than that of the control group. In conclusion,the addition of compound plant extract in the basal diet of Sujiang pigs during fattening period can improve the economic benefit,and the economic benefit is best when the addition amount is 200 mg/kg.

玉米大豆带状复合种植模式研究

为探讨适宜云南玉米大豆带状复合种植模式,2022年选用玉米云瑞668和大豆台湾75-3为试验材料进行大田试验,研究玉米大豆带状复合种植不同模式下不同处理对玉米和大豆农艺性状和产量构成因素的影响。结果表明,可机械化作业的田块应优先选用玉米大豆行比4∶4和4∶3模式,山区或半山区推广玉米大豆行比2∶2模式。该研究为玉米、大豆带状复合种植在云南省保山市及气候类似地区推广提供了理论依据。

勉县玉米-大豆带状复合种植玉米品种筛选试验

玉米-大豆带状复合种植技术目标是保证带状复合种植条件下玉米与单作相比不减产,增收一季豆。与玉米常规种植相比,种植的株行距变化较大,密度增加,玉米品种的株型、耐密性、抗逆性、丰产性等指标成为此项技术应用成功的前提。通过试验,“1.8m带型2+2模式”玉米-大豆带状复合种植玉米品种主推登海605、农科大8号和延科288,搭配种植五单2号、中金368。

两种植物生长调节剂对无核白鸡心葡萄果实品质的影响

为探究不同植物生长调节剂对葡萄果实品质与香气的影响,筛选提升果实品质、增加香气含量的最佳处理,以乌鲁木齐地区树龄9年的无核白鸡心葡萄为试验材料,设置赤霉素(GA_(3))(30、50、70 mg·L^(-1))加氯吡脲(CPPU)(0、1、2 mg·L^(-1))9个植物生长调节剂处理,于果实膨大期蘸施,以清水为对照,测定成熟期果实纵横径、粒重、可溶性固形物含量、维生素C(VC)含量、酚类物质含量和保护酶活性,并采用气相色谱质谱(GC-MS)法测定香气物质成分。结果表明,不同处理对提高果实品质效果显著(P<0.05),与对照相比,70 mg·L^(-1)GA_(3)+1 mg·L^(-1)CPPU处理后果实纵径、果实横径、粒重、果形指数分别提高33.93%、10.06%、56.18%、19.02%,可溶性固形物含量提高5.79百分点,可滴定酸含量下降0.14百分点,固酸比提升69.44%。此外,GA_(3)和CPPU组合处理对果实中多酚、原花青素、黄烷醇等酚类物质含量的增加效果显著。果实中共检测出74种香气物质,其中玫瑰香型物质有β-大马士酮、香叶醇、月桂烯、香茅醇、α-松油醇、(+)-柠檬烯。与对照相比,50 mg·L^(-1)GA_(3)+2 mg·L^(-1)CPPU处理后β-大马士酮含量提高47.00%,70 mg·L^(-1)GA_(3)+2 mg·L^(-1)CPPU处理后香叶醇、月桂烯、香茅醇、α-松油醇含量分别提高16.67%、18.05%、50.65%、1043.46%,50 mg·L^(-1)GA_(3)+1 mg·L^(-1)CPPU处理后(+)-柠檬烯含量是对照的6.57倍。综上可知,无核白鸡心葡萄经过70 mg·L^(-1)GA_(3)+1 mg·L^(-1)CPPU处理后,能显著提高果实品质,经70 mg·L^(-1)GA_(3)+2 mg·L^(-1)CPPU处理后香气物质含量显著提升。

大豆玉米带状复合种植技术探讨

大豆玉米带状复合种植技术可以充分发挥大豆固氮作用和玉米边际效应,实现良种良法配套、农技农艺融合、种地养地有机结合,有效解决传统作物套种生产效率低下、争光、争肥和争水等问题,有效提升农业生产效益。以灵台县农业生产实际情况为例,对大豆玉米带状复合种植技术进行研究,以期为广大种植户提供技术参考。

不同虫茶及其植物原料的抗氧化作用效果比较

目的比较研究酸枣叶虫茶、茶叶虫茶及其植物原料的体外抗氧化能力。方法采用高效液相色谱法及分光光度法等方法检测酸枣叶、茶叶、酸枣叶虫茶及茶叶虫茶中多酚、总黄酮、咖啡碱、游离氨基酸及可溶性糖含量,并以自由基的清除能力及铁离子还原力作为抗氧化能力的评价指标。结果茶叶中多酚含量最高,显著高于酸枣叶及两种虫茶(P<0.05);酸枣叶中总黄酮、咖啡碱及可溶性糖的含量最高,均显著高于茶叶及两种虫茶(P<0.05),且酸枣叶虫茶不含咖啡碱;茶叶虫茶的游离氨基酸含量最高,显著高于酸枣叶虫茶及植物原料(P<0.05);在抗氧化能力测定中,茶叶对1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,DPPH)自由基、羟自由基(·OH)、超氧阴离子自由基(superoxide anion radicals,·O_(2)^(-))、2,2’-联氮-二(3-乙基-苯并噻唑啉-6-磺酸)二铵盐[2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)ammonium salt,ABTS]阳离子自由基的清除能力及铁还原能力最高,均显著高于酸枣叶及两种虫茶(P<0.05),而茶叶虫茶的抗氧化活性最弱。Spearman相关性分析表明,4个样品的DPPH自由基、·OH、·O_(2)^(-)、ABTS阳离子自由基清除能力、铁还原力及抗氧化效能综合指数均与多酚、可溶性糖、游离氨基酸含量的相关系数较高,其与多酚、可溶性糖含量分别呈极显著、显著正相关(P<0.01,P<0.05),与游离氨基酸含量均呈显著负相关(P<0.05)。结论植物原料的抗氧化活性强于虫茶,且酸枣叶虫茶强于茶叶虫茶,多酚、可溶性糖是决定两种虫茶及其植物原料抗氧化活性的重要物质。