Bioactive potential of Rosa canina L. fruits: antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activity with focus on antibiofilm properties

R. canina fruits are well known bioactive agents. We have examined ethanolic and water extracts of fruits from Fruška gora, Serbia, using UHPL Q-ToF MS analysis, and by evaluating their flavonoid and phenolic content. Moreover, we have highlighted extracts antioxidant and cytotoxic potential and gave detailed insight into its antimicrobial potency. Both extracts were rich sources of numerous phytochemicals, phenolics and flavonoids. They have shown strong antioxidant potential and maintained non-cytotoxic towards HaCaT cell line. Their antibacterial potential was moderate (minimal inhibitory concentration 0.5 – 6 mg/mL), while their anticandidal potential was more pronounced (MIC 0.5 – 1 mg/mL). Ethanolic and water extract significantly affected the ability of C. albicans ATCC 10.231 to form biofilms. Moreover, 24 h old biofilms were significantly affected with minimal fungicidal concentration of extracts upon 120 min period. This study provided novel and more detailed information on the R. canina fruits bioactive potential, especially regarding its different aspects of antimicrobial activity. This natural product is rich source of phytochemicals and could be further explored especially in order to elucidate its antibiofilm properties

Synchrotron Micro-X-Ray Fluorescence Elemental Imaging Reveals Zinc Distribution in the Hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola (Crassulaceae)

Sedum plumbizincicola is a zinc–cadmium (Zn–Cd) hyperaccumulator native to China with high potential for use in the phytore-mediation of contaminated soils in temperate climates. This study aimed to determine the Zn accumulation and distribution in S.plumbizincicola tissues grown on soils co-contaminated with Cd, Pb, and Zn. The efficiency of Zn accumulation was assessed inmonoculture and intercropping systems with Noccaea caerulescens. The samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry and synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence elemental imaging. Sedum plumbizincicola grown inmonoculture had significantly higher foliar Zn concentrations than the plants grown with N. caerulescens, with the leaf tips,petioles and nodes being the main sites of Zn localization in the aerial parts. The highest Zn concentrations were observed inthe epidermis and vascular system of both leaves and stems, with the distribution pattern differing between young and matureleaves. This study highlights the Zn localization patterns in S. plumbizincicola to improve our understanding of the underlyingmechanisms of Zn hyperaccumulation. Growing in monoculture, S. plumbizincicola is an effective candidate for Zn agrominingor phytoremediation of Zn- Cd contaminated soils, with less promising results when intercropped with N. caerulescen

Metabolic differentiation of Teucrium montanum L. (Lamiaceae) from serpentinite and calcareous habitats

Plant secondary metabolites are ubiquitous in plants and play many physiological and ecological roles. Their species-specific qualitative and quantitative composition can vary within and among populations, and as influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Teucrium montanum L. is defined as a facultative serpentinophyte because, besides serpentinite (SER), it inhabits calcareous (CAL) habitats, where it experiences different physical-chemical soil characteristics (e.g. amount of trace elements, water, thermal regime). This research is conducted towards understanding the influence of the edaphic characteristics of SER and CAL habitats on the variability of methanol-soluble metabolites in T. montanum, aiming to identify high-resolution chemical markers to discriminate between ecotypes. Non-targeted metabolomics resulted in the identification of 95 compounds, mainly organic acids, phenolics, and terpenoids. Qualitative phytochemical composition is clearly differentiated in samples from CAL and SER habitats. The inter-population variability of twenty native populations from CAL and SER soils was investigated by metabolic profiling of aboveground parts targeting seventeen phenolic compounds. The quantitative composition of targeted metabolites varies among populations and is significantly influenced by edaphic factors. However, differences between SER and CAL habitats were statistically significant only for a few metabolites. CAL populations are characterized by higher chlorogenic and syringic acids content, while SER populations contain higher catechin, quercetin and isoquercitrin amounts. These compounds can be used as a fingerprint for a serpentinite/calcareous type of habitat and indicators of corresponding ecotypes of T. montanum

The interplay between phenotypic plasticity and long-term evolution in shaping life history strategy in the seed beetle

Phenotypic plasticity, the capacity of organisms to adjust to varying environments, could play various roles in the evolution of phenotype development. Host shift in phytophagous insects is a perfect setting for studying the interplay between plasticity of life history traits and the evolution of life history strategies on novel plant hosts. Utilizing the benefits of a long-term laboratory evolution experiment, we used populations of seed beetle [Acanthoscelides obtectus Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)] reared on three plant hosts [common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum, L.), and mung bean (Vigna radiata, (L.) R. Wilczek), all Fabaceae] for more than 150 generations. Reciprocal transplant experiments on inbred lines derived from these populations enabled the assessment of both long-term changes in beetles’ life history strategies and the alterations in their plastic capacity to adjust on diverse hosts. Our results demonstrate that seed beetle populations evolved distinct life history strategies, as well as different environmental sensitivity of life history traits. Beetles evolved on common beans showed stable pre-adult development within seeds of all three plant hosts but high variation in their reproductive output. On the other hand, populations adapted to chickpeas became specialised for development on chickpeas and constantly allocated more resources to reproduction. Populations evolved on mung beans were associated with high plasticity and variance in both larval survival and fecundity on all plant hosts, indicating the ongoing process of adaptation. This work is discussed in the context of how phenotypic plasticity induced by host shift can shape life history strategies, providing insights into the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of adaptation.This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Savković U, Budečević S, Đorđević M, Vlajnić L, Predojević D, Pešić S, Stojković B. The interplay between phenotypic plasticity and long-term evolution in shaping life history strategy in the seed beetle. in Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 2025, which has been published in final form at [http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/eea.70028]

Secondary metabolites and biochemical adaptations of Scilla lakusicii and S. litardierei to karst environments: a metabolomic perspective

Comprehensive metabolomic analysis on the leaf extracts of Scilla lakusicii and S. litardierei revealed the presence of 175 secondary metabolites. The identified compounds were categorized into several groups based on their chemical structures: hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, saponins, flavonoid glycosides, flavonoid aglycones, homoisoflavonoid glycosides, homoisoflavonoid aglycones, and other metabolites. Saponins were the most abundant in both species, with some detected for the first time in plant tissues. Regarding volatile compounds, extracts from both species contained α- and β-pinene, neophytadiene, and phytol. S. litardierei showed a higher capacity to neutralize DPPH radicals, while S. lakusicii was more effective in scavenging hydroxyl radicals and reducing Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions. Both species exhibited similar capacities for H2O2 removal and Fe chelation. In terms of anticandidal activity, S. lakusicii was particularly effective against Candida glabrata and resistant C. auris, the latter of which showed no response to the standard drug ketoconazole. S. litardierei was more effective against C. glabrata. Both extracts demonstrated significant efficacy against resistant Escherichia coli in terms of antibacterial activity, while S. litardierei proved more effective against resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Overall, leaf extracts of both Scilla species displayed significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, attributable to their specific chemical composition. The richness of secondary metabolites and pronounced biological activity enable the adaptation of these Scilla species to karst environments

Phytochemical analysis, biological activities and molecular docking studies of black and white goji fruits of Lycium ruthenicum Murray

This study analyzes the phenolic and phenylamide composition of black and white goji berries, identifying 31 phenolics, 28 phenylamides, and 3 organic acids. Black berries contained about 10-fold higher phenolics, particularly hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives and anthocyanins, while white berries were dominated by phenolic acids and glycosylated spermidine/spermine derivatives. Glycosides of myricetin and laricitrin in black berries and caffeoyl putrescine monohexosides in both types, were identified. Phenylamide profiles differed, with N-caffeoyl-N′-dihydrocaffeoyl spermidine as the most abundant and bioactive. Both extracts showed antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory effects. Black goji displayed stronger tyrosinase inhibition consistent with its high phenolic content and synergism among phenolics and phenylamides. Molecular docking revealed strong interactions with AChE and tyrosinase, especially for N-caffeoyl-N′-dihydrocaffeoyl spermidine, which showed higher affinity for tyrosinase than standard inhibitors. The presence of sugar moieties in some compounds reduced binding stability. These results highlight goji berries as promising sources of bioactives, for functional foods and nutraceuticals

The interplay between phenotypic plasticity and long-term evolution in shaping life history strategy in the seed beetle

Phenotypic plasticity, the capacity of organisms to adjust to varying environments, could play various roles in the evolution of phenotype development. Host shift in phytophagous insects is a perfect setting for studying the interplay between plasticity of life history traits and the evolution of life history strategies on novel plant hosts. Utilizing the benefits of a long-term laboratory evolution experiment, we used populations of seed beetle [Acanthoscelides obtectus Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)] reared on three plant hosts [common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum, L.), and mung bean (Vigna radiata, (L.) R. Wilczek), all Fabaceae] for more than 150 generations. Reciprocal transplant experiments on inbred lines derived from these populations enabled the assessment of both long-term changes in beetles’ life history strategies and the alterations in their plastic capacity to adjust on diverse hosts. Our results demonstrate that seed beetle populations evolved distinct life history strategies, as well as different environmental sensitivity of life history traits. Beetles evolved on common beans showed stable pre-adult development within seeds of all three plant hosts but high variation in their reproductive output. On the other hand, populations adapted to chickpeas became specialised for development on chickpeas and constantly allocated more resources to reproduction. Populations evolved on mung beans were associated with high plasticity and variance in both larval survival and fecundity on all plant hosts, indicating the ongoing process of adaptation. This work is discussed in the context of how phenotypic plasticity induced by host shift can shape life history strategies, providing insights into the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of adaptation

Multilevel toxicity assessment of polypropylene microplastics and pyrene on mussels: DNA damage, oxidative stress, and physiological effects

Despite extensive research on microplastic pollution, combined biological effects of microplastics and associated pollutants on marine invertebrates remain unclear. We present an integrative assessment of polypropylene (PP) and pyrene, individually and in co-exposure, in mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to 1 mg L−1 PP (~40 μm) and 50 μg L−1 of pyrene for 7 and 14 days, representing a scenario relevant to highly polluted coastal areas. DNA damage increased significantly in mussels exposed to pyrene or PP alone, but remained at control levels under combined exposure, suggesting an interaction that may reduce genotoxic potential. Lipid peroxidation remained stable across treatments, despite significant changes in antioxidant enzymes. Catalase activity increased in pyrene and pyrene + PP treatments, with tissue-specific trends, indicating enhanced antioxidant protection. Glutathione S-transferase activity was stable in digestive glands but significantly inhibited in gills after seven days under PP exposure. ETS activity increased in pyrene-containing treatments after 14 days, reflecting elevated metabolic demand after prolonged exposure. Respiration rate declined under PP exposure. Heart rate recovery time after the hyposalinity test was the slowest in the pyrene + PP group, indicating compromised physiological resilience. These findings reveal interactive, tissue- and biomarker-specific effects of PP and pyrene. Their combination suggested attenuation of genotoxicity but enhanced physiological stress responses, highlighting the complexity of pollutant interactions and importance of evaluating multiple biomarkers, tissues and pollutants. Presented data provide the first ever biomarker-based evaluation of PP and pyrene co-exposure, offering novel insights into microplastic-pollutant interactions and potential ecological consequences for marine invertebrates

The Application of Recycled Jute Non-woven Material Loaded with Zinc Ions as Substrates for Plant Growth

The challenges posed by polluted effluents containing heavy metal ions and the increasing amounts of textile waste necessitate prompt action. In response to these environmental concerns, a non-woven sorbent made from jute fibers, recycled from the carpet industry, has been developed. To enhance the sorption capacity for Zn2+ ions, the jute fibers were modified with the biopolymer alginate. The successful application of the alginate coating on the jute fibers was proved through FTIR and FESEM analyses. The presence of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in alginate led to a 68% increase in sorption capacity. An increase in the initial concentration of ions, pH, and temperature was found to facilitate larger uptake of Zn2+ ions. To mitigate environmental risks associated with metal-saturated sorbents and accumulating textile waste, while addressing zinc deficiency in plants, the developed sorbents were evaluated as growth substrates for Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Setaria viridis (green bristlegrass), two economically important plant species. Jute waste-growth substrates coated with alginate and enriched with Zn can provide mechanical support, humidity, and a source of this essential micronutrient to plants during early growth stages. Optimization of Zn concentration in the growth substrate can lead to the elevated levels of Zn in plant tissues, but also to the increased content of valuable bioactive compounds. Thus, recycling highly biodegradable natural jute waste and reusing it as plant growth substrates can have profound effects on environmental protection and can also be beneficial to human nutrition and health

The Influence of Adolescent Dietary Restriction on Memory Performance at 18 and 24 Months in Aged Wistar Rats

Dietary restriction (DR), defined as a 20–40% reduction in food intake without malnutrition, impacts the organism depending on the age of onset and duration. The developmental window from postnatal day (PND) 28 to PND 60 in rats— spanning early through late adolescence—is a critical and highly sensitive period for dietary interventions, as it coincides with ongoing maturation of prefrontal, hippocampal and limbic systems that underlie adult social, emotional, and cognitive behaviors. This study investigated the effects of 30% DR applied to female Wistar rats during different adolescent phases: early (EADR, PND 28–35), middle (MADR, PND 35–42), and early plus middle adolescence (EMADR, PND 28– 42), compared to ad libitum (AL) controls. Animals were tested at 18 and 24 months using the novel object recognition (NOR) task for recognition memory and the Y maze spontaneous alternation test for spatial working memory. The NOR test results showed that at 18 months old animals short-term memory was preserved in the MADR and EMADR groups, while long-term memory was preserved in the EADR and MADR groups. On the other hand, Y maze results showed that EMADR preserved spatial working memory at both 18 and 24 months of age, as these females spent more time in a new arm of Y maze, compared to AL females of the same age. The effects of adolescent dietary restriction on memory preservation at 18 and 24 months were assessed, demonstrating that early-life caloric limitation preserves recognition and spatial memory in aged rats.Dragić M, editor. Book of abstracts: 9th Congress of Serbian Neuroscience Society; 2025 Oct 6-8; Belgrade, Serbia. Belgrade: Serbian Neuroscience Society; 2025