The promotion of diverse and abundant floral resources is crucial for reversing pollinator declines. In agricultural landscapes, these resources are provided by wild plants in semi-natural habitats and crop fields. Intercropping with legumes can increase the availability of floral resources for pollinators, although it might reduce the cover of flowering wild plants in crops. Landscape heterogeneity is also crucial for pollinator conservation, by directly influencing habitat availability, diversity and accessibility for insects, or by indirectly impacting local wild plant communities. However, these direct and indirect effects have seldom been jointly investigated. The goal of the present study was to assess the direct and indirect effects of landscape heterogeneity, in addition of those of local habitat characteristics, on the abundance of wild pollinating insects in crops and hedgerows. We used existing data on insect abundance and plant communities collected in 75 crop fields (intercrops and sole crops) and 75 hedgerows in contrasting landscape contexts. Structural Equation Models were run to test direct and indirect effects of local and landscape variables. Intercrops had lower bumblebee abundance, higher cover of flowering wild plants and similar solitary bee and hoverfly abundance in comparison with sole crops. Insect abundance was positively related to wild flower cover in crops and to wild plant richness in hedgerows. Landscape composition (percentage of grasslands) or configuration (hedgerow length and edge length) had direct effects on solitary bee and hoverfly abundance in crops. Landscape configuration (hedgerow length and edge length) also impacted wild flower cover in crop fields, suggesting indirect landscape effects on pollinator abundance. Our results highlight the role of wild floral resources in crop fields and their margins to sustain wild pollinator abundance, but also the importance of maintaining, restoring and establishing hedgerows in agricultural landscapes to simultaneously sustain wild pollinators and their floral resources.
The development of eco-friendly nanofertilizers offers a sustainable strategy to improve crop productivity. In this study, the marine macroalga Codium decorticatum was employed as a green reducing and stabilizing agent for the biosynthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs), and their agronomic potential was evaluated in Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo. The synthesized MgO NPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, and EDX, confirming the formation of crystalline, phase-pure nanoparticles. XRD analysis revealed a cubic crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of 28 nm, while FE-SEM showed spherical to irregular nanoparticles with an average size of 38 nm. Seed priming and foliar application of MgO NPs (5-160 mg L-1) demonstrated a concentration-dependent response. The optimum concentration of 20 mg L-1 significantly enhanced seed germination (87% in V. radiata and 84% in V. mungo), chlorophyll content, biomass, and yield. At this concentration, V. radiata produced 40 pods plant-1 (40 g), whereas V. mungo produced 38 pods plant-1 (38 g). In contrast, concentrations ≥80 mg L-1 reduced growth and yield, indicating phytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate that C. decorticatum-mediated MgO NPs represent an effective and sustainable nanofertilizer for improving legume productivity while reducing reliance on conventional agrochemical inputs.
Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. is a weed characterized by seed production and efficient wind dispersal. This study evaluated the allelopathic potential of extracts from the leaves, stem bark, and fruit pericarp (EECFMp) of Magonia pubescens on E. sonchifolia seed germination. HPLC-DAD analysis identified caffeic acid in all extracts, while p-coumaric and ferulic acids were detected in the stem bark and fruit pericarp extracts. The extracts exhibited concentration-dependent activity. The leaf extract was the most phytotoxic, reducing germination to 33% at the highest concentration and outperforming glyphosate under the same conditions. Higher concentrations delayed germination (T50), reduced the germination speed index, and inhibited radicle and shoot growth. Lower concentrations stimulated germination, with the 50% stem bark extract achieving the highest germination rate (82%), indicating hormesis. These effects are likely associated with phenolic compounds, particularly caffeic acid. Overall, M. pubescens is a promising source of allelochemicals with potential application as a bioherbicide for weed management and as a seed germination biostimulant. Further investigations could elucidate the mechanisms of action and identify the specific compounds responsible for the phytotoxic and stimulatory effects.
Malpighia glabra L. (Acerola), belonging to the family Malpighiaceae, is highly rich in phenolics, flavonoids and ascorbic acid content, which are collectively recognized for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Since ionizing radiation harm is primarily driven by excessive reactive oxygen species generation and persistent inflammation, this study aimed to explore the radioprotective potential of Malpighia glabra leaf extract (MLE) and identify its bioactive constituents. β-isoarborinol, afzelechin, engeletin, and flavonoid glycosides had been isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction, and their structures were assigned based on NMR/MS data. Histopathological examination revealed that MLE treatment attenuated radiation-induced histopathological alterations in multiple organs of irradiated rats. The anti-inflammatory activity of MLE was elucidated by suppression of the intestinal NF-κB/TNF-α signaling cascade, along with systemic suppression of serum TNF-α (>70%) and CRP (>25%). MLE restored redox homeostasis by normalizing GSH, TBARs and TAC levels, ultimately preserving hepatic and renal functions. Otherwise, MLE exhibited modest protective effects on haematological parameters, accompanied by dose-dependent preservation of body weight. These findings identify MLE as a promising natural radioprotective agent and provide a mechanistic basis for its further development as an adjunct strategy to reduce radiation-induced systemic and tissue alterations in a dose-dependent manner.
Given the increasing focus on natural interventions for healthy aging, this research evaluates the longevity-promoting potential of egg-derived peptides (EPs) extracted from American shad (Alosa sapidissima). Using Caenorhabditis elegans as the experimental model, researchers found that 0.15 mg/mL EP supplementation extended lifespan by a remarkable 33.33%. EP also significantly enhanced healthspan, improving physiological metrics such as head thrashing, body bending, and pharyngeal pumping by 24.37%, 22.33%, and 28.81%, respectively. Furthermore, EP reduced aging biomarkers-including lipofuscin and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-by up to 40.34%, while boosting overall antioxidant capacity (SOD increased by 53%, MDA decreased by 30.76%). Transcriptomic analysis identified 2196 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) out of 23 057 total identified genes, providing deep insights into the mechanisms underlying EP-mediated longevity. Crucially, EP upregulated genes responsible for unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis (fat-7 and elo-4) to optimize cell membrane fluidity. Conversely, it downregulated genes linked to fatty acid β-oxidation (acs-2, acox-1.5, ech-9, hacd-1) and endogenous stress responses (sod-3, hsp-16.1, hsf-1). Validated via qRT-PCR, these shifts indicate that EP extends lifespan by fundamentally remodeling lipid metabolism and maintaining redox homeostasis. Ultimately, these findings highlight EP as a highly promising functional food ingredient for promoting healthy aging.
Natural products rich in phenolic compounds are increasingly investigated as multifunctional agents against oxidative stress and enzyme-related disorders. This study characterized the phytochemical composition and evaluated the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of methanol and aqueous extracts of Stachys aleurites. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined spectrophotometrically, while selected phenolics were quantified by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties were assessed using complementary in vitro assays. The methanol extract contained higher levels of total phenolics (48.86 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (65.36 mg RE/g) than the aqueous extract. Verbascoside and chlorogenic acid were the predominant compounds in the methanol extract, whereas p-coumaric acid was relatively more abundant in the aqueous extract. The methanol extract exhibited stronger antioxidant activity in most assays and showed greater inhibition of AChE, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. In contrast, the aqueous extract displayed slightly higher metal-chelating activity and stronger BChE inhibition. These findings demonstrate solvent-dependent variations in phytochemical composition and bioactivity, highlighting the importance of extraction solvent selection and supporting further studies on the bioactive constituents of S. aleurites.
Two γ-lactone derivatives, alterlactones A-B (1-2), along with one known analogue 3, were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Alternaria sp. HN-17. Their structures were elucidated using comprehensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 showed significant anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 10.2 and 13.5 µM, respectively.
Five Strobilanthes species indigenous to the Kumaun Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India, have been historically employed in traditional medicine to treat bacterial infections, inflammatory conditions, and respiratory ailments, but remain largely unexplored for aquaculture disease management applications. Dichloromethane extracts of S. glutinosa (SGDE), S. pentastemonoides (SPDE), S. angustifrons (SADE), S. attenuata (SATDE) and S. tomentosa (STDE) were comprehensively analysed by GC-MS for phytochemical profiling, with antioxidant activity quantified using DPPH radical scavenging and ferrozine-based metal chelating assays, and antibacterial efficacy evaluated against Aeromonas salmonicida and Edwardsiella tarda using disc diffusion methodology. Pearson correlation analysis, molecular docking, and ADMET computational modelling were performed to elucidate structure-activity relationships and pharmacokinetic properties. GC-MS analysis identified 42-59 phytochemical constituents per species, with sterols and triterpenes constituting the predominant class. STDE demonstrated superior DPPH radical scavenging activity, while SATDE exhibited optimal metal chelating potential. SGDE and STDE displayed the good antibacterial activities against both pathogens. Pearson correlation analysis identified n-tritriacontane and sclareol associated with antimicrobial activity, while molecular docking revealed superior binding affinities for β-amirone to DNA topoisomerase I and β-amyrin. ADMET assessment identified sclareol, stigmasterol, and 24-epicampesterol as optimal candidates with favorable.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has severely compromised the clinical utility of classical sulfonamide antibiotics, primarily owing to the emergence of resistance-associated dihydropteroate synthase variants. In this study, sixteen N-(1H-indazolyl) aryl sulfonamide hybrids were evaluated as potential DHPS inhibitors against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using disk diffusion, broth microdilution (MIC80), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Active compounds were characterized by in silico ADME and toxicity profiling, with molecular docking performed against wild-type DHPS and the sulfonamide-resistant Sul1 variant. Antibacterial activity was species-dependent: compound 4 showed the strongest activity against E. coli (MIC = 32 µg/mL), while compounds 11 and 16 were most potent against S. aureus (MIC = 32 µg/mL), outperforming sulfathiazole and sulfisoxazole. All hybrids showed superior docking affinities to sulfamethoxazole (SMX), with compound 11 showing the highest affinity for wild-type DHPS (-7.79 kcal/mol); compound 4 retained favorable binding against Sul1 (-6.83 kcal/mol), suggesting potential resistance resilience. Structure-activity analysis showed antibacterial efficacy is governed by aryl sulfonyl electronic effects, steric balance at the C7 indazole position, and physicochemical properties affecting Gram-negative membrane permeability. These findings support indazole-sulfonamide hybrids as promising scaffolds that may retain predicted binding complementarity toward the Sul1-resistant DHPS variant, warranting validation against resistant isolates and purified DHPS enzymes.
Longgu (fossilized bone), a mineral medicine in traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for centuries to treat symptoms resembling modern anxiety and insomnia. This review evaluates the hypothesis that Longgu's therapeutic effects arise from a synergistic network of its constituent metal ions. We synthesized evidence from chemical analyses, pharmacological studies of Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn, and clinical trials of Longgu-containing formulations. The metal ions form an integrated network exhibiting three emergent properties. First, ionostatic balance is achieved through Ca/Mg-mediated regulation of neuronal excitability. Second, cross-pathway synergy occurs where zinc concurrently modulates neurotransmission and promotes neuroplasticity via BDNF. Third, systemic integration involves zinc and manganese co-regulating the gut-brain axis. Clinical studies demonstrate that Longgu-containing formulations improve outcomes in depression, anxiety, and insomnia, particularly for comorbid conditions, and show synergistic effects when combined with conventional antidepressants. This network pharmacology framework repositions Longgu as a model for developing multi-target therapeutics, offering a strategy to overcome limitations of single-target psychiatric drugs.
The phenolic composition of roots and leaves of Lygeum spartum L., a Mediterranean Poaceae species, was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, revealing an organ-specific distribution of phenolic compounds, with ferulic acid identified as the predominant phenolic compound in the methanolic leaf extract (4.07 mg/g) and higher levels of flavonoids and phenolic acids in leaves than in roots. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS+, and CUPRAC assays, while enzyme inhibitory activity was assessed against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase using L-DOPA as the substrate. Methanolic extracts, particularly those from leaves, exhibited the highest antioxidant activity among the tested extracts (IC50 = 281.48 µg/mL for DPPH; 105.72 µg/mL for ABTS+; A0.5 = 182.36 µg/mL for CUPRAC), whereas petroleum ether extracts were largely inactive. Enzyme inhibitory activity was generally weak, with all extracts exhibiting little or no inhibition of AChE and BChE, while the methanolic leaf extract showed weak tyrosinase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 310.69 µg/mL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of L. spartum L. These results indicate that L. spartum is a source of phenolic compounds exhibiting moderate antioxidant activity, whereas its enzyme inhibitory effects are limited.
A ZnO/CuO@amoxicillin nanocomposite was synthesized via a sol-gel route and characterized as a biphasic wurtzite ZnO-monoclinic CuO system with crystallite sizes of about 10-12 nm and an optical band gap of 3.30-3.36 eV, indicating defect-rich interfaces favorable for redox activity. In antidiabetic assays, the nanocomposite showed strong inhibitory effects on alpha-amylase (IC50 = 21.57 ± 1.68 mg/mL) and alpha-glucosidase (IC50 = 13.95 ± 0.76 mg/mL), with activities comparable to acarbose, while anti-inflammatory tests yielded low IC50 values of 0.22 ± 0.03 mg/mL for egg albumin denaturation and 0.34 ± 0.07 mg/mL for human serum albumin, approaching the performance of diclofenac. Antioxidant performance was outstanding, with total antioxidant capacity of 298.27 ± 4.70 mg ascorbic acid equivalents per gram and ferric reducing antioxidant power of 311.67 ± 2.53 mM Fe2 +/g, both higher than ascorbic acid, alongside efficient hydrogen peroxide scavenging (IC50 = 0.16 ± 0.04 mg/mL) and protection against H2O2/FeCl3-induced hemolysis at an IC50 of 0.007 ± 0.00 mg/mL; together with moderate but significant acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC50 = 33.16 ± 3.02 mg/mL vs. 21.80 ± 2.74 mg/mL for donepezil), these results support ZnO/CuO@amoxicillin as a multifunctional nano-platform for managing oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disorders.
Research on molecular systems capable of interacting with DNA through binding, modification, or cleavage remains important in medicinal chemistry. In this study, we report the design and synthesis of a new D-glucamine-based Schiff base containing a triazolyl silatrane probe (6) and its Fe(II) and Cu(II) complexes, followed by investigation of their interactions with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA). The synthesized ligand and its metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-vis spectroscopy, ESI-MS, and NMR spectroscopy (1H and 13C for the free ligand). DNA-binding properties were evaluated by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, ethidium bromide (EtBr) displacement fluorescence assays, and molecular docking studies. The combined experimental and computational results indicate that ligand 6 interacts predominantly with CT-DNA through groove binding, whereas complexation with Fe(II) or Cu(II) enhances DNA-binding affinity and modulates the interaction toward a mixed groove-binding/intercalative mode. The higher binding constants, enhanced fluorescence quenching, and favorable docking interactions observed for the metal complexes support this metal-induced modulation of DNA-binding behavior. Overall, the findings demonstrate that metal complexation can tune both the strength and mode of DNA binding, highlighting a potential strategy for designing silatrane-based metal complexes with DNA-targeting applications.
Telmisartan is a benzimidazole derivative and a well-known drug to treat hypertension. This is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) which helps to relax blood vessels. Studies have shown that telmisartan is effective in reducing cardiovascular disease, with a safety and efficacy profile. This review paper provides an overall understanding of telmisartan as an antihypertensive drug. The goal is to highlight the synthetic methodology of telmisartan, from its first synthesis in 1993. This review also discusses its two mechanisms of action: the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) inhibitor and partial agonist activity at the Peroxisome Proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) receptor. Effective repurposing of this drug for various diseases like chronic kidney illness, diabetes, fatty liver, and Alzheimer's has also been discussed.
This study presents the phytochemical and biological evaluation of the species Hedysarum yilmazunalii Kandemir, F. Yıldız & H.İ. Turkoğlu. Methanolic extracts from leaves, stems, and roots were characterized by LC-MS/MS, and their antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and antiproliferative activities were investigated. The analyses showed organ-specific differences in phenolic composition, with quinic acid as the major compound in leaves together with higher levels of flavonoid glycosides, including astragalin and isoquercitrin. Aerial extracts showed strong enzyme inhibitory activity. Leaf and stem extracts exhibited cholinesterase inhibition, with IC50 values of 5.82 and 6.42 µg/mL for AChE and 5.41 and 5.50 µg/mL for BChE, respectively. The leaf extract showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (4.10 µg/mL), comparable to acarbose, and antioxidant activity (DPPH: 6.46 µg/mL), together with the highest phenolic (145.43 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid contents (87.20 mg QE/g extract). Antiproliferative assays demonstrated growth inhibition of lung and breast cancer cell lines, with the lowest GI50 values of 1.00 µg/mL for H1650 and 2.34 µg/mL for MDA-MB-231 cells. LDH cytotoxicity remained low (2.25%-12.59%), indicating limited membrane damage in both cancer and normal cells. These findings identify H. yilmazunalii as a source of compounds with antioxidant, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and anticancer potential.
The chemical composition of 50 individual trunk bark oil samples from plants of Pachylobus klaineanus (Pierre) Guillaumin. collected in eight Ivoirian localities was investigated by GC-FID (50 samples), GC/MS (30 samples), and 13C-NMR (23 samples). Eighty-three compounds were identified. Oil samples are dominated by monoterpenes. The main components were α-pinene (28.8%-76.2%), β-pinene (2.0%-46.3%), limonene (0.9%-13.8%), p-cymene (0%-19.2%), and myrcene (0%-17.9%). The 50 oil compositions were submitted to hierarchical clustering and principal components analyses, which allowed the distinction of two groups within the oil samples. Group II could be divided into two subgroups, IIa and IIb. Group I (23 samples) was characterized by the pre-eminence of α-pinene; subgroup IIa (19 samples) was dominated by α-pinene followed by β-pinene, while IIB (8 samples) is represented by α-pinene and β-pinene in association with monoterpene hydrocarbons (limonene and p-cymene). The trunk bark essential oil of this species was reported for the first time.
An investigation of the chemical constituents of Viburnum macrocephalum f. macrocephalum leaves (VMML) resulted in the purification of five previously unreported iridoids, viburetins D-H (1-5), along with one known analogue (6). Compounds 1-5 were identified by combined spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, including 1D/2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD. Antioxidant assays revealed that compounds 2, 5, and 6 exhibited DPPH (IC50: 36.58-53.90 µM) and ABTS (IC50: 25.96-45.80 µM) free radical scavenging activity, whereas compound 1 was appreciably active in the ABTS assay (IC50 = 58.47 µM). Notably, compound 6 was the most potent antioxidant, showing greater activity than the positive control Trolox in both assays (DPPH: IC50 = 36.58 vs. 41.12 µM; ABTS: IC50 = 25.96 vs. 29.09 µM). These findings have enriched the chemical diversity of iridoids from VMML and provided preliminary evidence for their free radical scavenging activity.
The essential oil (EO) and phenolic composition of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don from natural populations in east Adriatic were analyzed using gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In EOs of the studied populations, 146 compounds were identified, representing, on average, 97.3% of the total oil composition. The essential oils were dominated by sesquiterpenes. γ-Curcumene was among the most abundant compounds in all samples. Twelve compounds were present in concentrations greater than 5% in at least one of the ten populations. In the extracts, 73 phenolic compounds were identified, belonging to four classes. Compound classes included phenolic acids, flavonoid glycosides, flavonoid aglycones, pyranones, and related compounds. Arzanol was the most prominent peak across all samples, and pyranones and related compounds were the most abundant. No correlations between EO and flavonoid aglycone composition and the studied environmental parameters were found, whereas phenolic acids and glycosides showed correlations with temperature and precipitation.
The global biodiversity crisis underscores an urgent need for targeted conservation strategies. Ex situ conservation is a key instrument for mitigating species loss and complements in situ efforts. China faces pressures from ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss, necessitating assessment of how well living collections in ex situ conservation institutions represent documented plant diversity. Here, we use digitized herbarium records as an empirical reference to: i) examine the spatiotemporal and taxonomic patterns of plant collecting in China; ii) evaluate mismatches between herbarium records and living collections; and iii) identify priority species and regions for strengthening ex situ conservation. By integrating 4,176,134 herbarium records and living collections from 98 ex situ institutions, we assess the correspondence between herbarium records and living-collection representation. Results show that herbarium records are spatially and taxonomically uneven, with southeast–northwest contrasts and persistent under-representation of high-elevation and remote regions. Present-day living collections show selectivity in taxonomic and conservation-priority representation. 43.6% of species in herbarium records are represented in living collections, with high coverage for National Key Protected Wild Plants and useful plants, but lower coverage for country endemic and threatened species. Spatially, ex situ representation is stronger east of the Hu Line, whereas several regions rich in conservation-priority plants remain weakly represented in living collections. These findings indicate that herbarium records can help identify taxonomic and regional gaps in living collections. We recommend prioritizing threatened, country endemic, narrow-range and poorly represented species, while improving data integration among herbaria, living collections and seed banks to support biodiversity goals in China and globally.
Perennial flower fields implemented through agri-environment-climate measures (AECM) are widely used to counteract biodiversity loss. However, little is known about how management factors, such as previous land use and sowing period, as well as landscape context, determine successful establishment of flower fields with few or no agronomically problematic weeds, which can reduce farmers’ acceptance. We recorded the vegetation establishment of 29 flower fields sown with a mixture of native seeds containing 33 species, regionalised for southern Lower Saxony, Germany, over two years. The flower fields, located along a landscape diversity gradient, were sown in autumn or spring and differed in their previous land use (annual crops or AECM fields). From the first to the second year, sown species cover increased by 42.9%, cover of spontaneous species from the seed bank and surroundings decreased by 29.0%. Problematic weed cover was generally low and decreased by 5.0%. Flower fields with previous annual crops had 3.2% less problematic weed cover and 31.4% less spontaneous species cover than flower fields on previous AECM. Sown species cover was higher in previous crop fields in the second year. Only in the first year, autumn sowing increased sown species cover, and spring sowing led to higher problematic weed cover. Sown species established better in low-diversity landscapes, while spontaneous species established better in high-diversity landscapes. Overall, the seed mixture established very well and outcompeted problematic weeds. Flower fields in diverse landscapes also harboured diverse spontaneous species, contributing to the regional species pool. Differences due to management disappeared by the second year. Native seed mixtures with fast growing annual species for weed suppression and regionally adaptable perennial species that establish across a wide range of environmental conditions are highly suitable to create habitats that enhance biodiversity and deliver multiple ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes.
