The effect of silicon on some morpho-physiological and phytochemical traits of Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L.) under salinity stress

The most important abiotic stresses is salinity and more importantly affect plant growth and limit the plants yield capacity. Silicon is the second most abundant element in the soil and alleviates the biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of salt stress and silicon on the some morphological and phytochemical characteristics of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L.). This study was conducted in completely randomized based factorial design with 4 levels of salinty and 4 levels of silicon and 4 replications. Application of stress in hydroponic culture medium (perlite and cocopeat) with Hoagland nutrition solution. The result showed, salinity significantly affected morphophysiological and phytochemical characteristics and silicon affected all characteristics except leaf burn percent. Also, the interactions of these two factors on each trait except shoot wet and dry weight and leaf burn percentage were significant So that the negative effects of salinity stress on growth, morpho-physiological and phytochemical traits of the plant were greatly reduced by silicon and improved the growth and increase of yield. Also, the interaction of these two factors on all traits except the wet and dry weight and leaf burn were affected and the negative effect of salinity stress, especially in the least to medium levels, on growth and morphology, and phytochemical characteristics of the plant were decreased and improved growth. So that the best salinity level in increasing biochemical factors, 25 mM NaCl and the best level for silicon, was 2.25 mM in reducing the negative effects of salinity stress

Effects of climatic conditions on the physical and extensional properties of pomegranate fruit peel in Malas-e-Saveh and Yousefkhani cultivars

Purpose: This research was carried out to investigate the physical and extensional properties of fruit peel in two commercially grown pomegranate cultivars across three distinct climatic conditions in Iran. Research method: Two pomegranate cultivars were examined in a factorial experiment in frame of completely randomized design across three producing regions, including Saveh, Sari, and Aliabad. Findings: The findings revealed that Yousefkhani had a higher crown diameter compared to Malas-e-Saveh. Among the regions studied, Saveh and Aliabad produced fruits with the highest and lowest fruit weight and percentage of membranous septum, respectively. Additionally, Sari and Aliabad, which have humid weather conditions, produced fruits with a lower crown diameter and membranous septum thickness compared to Saveh, which has dry weather conditions. Furthermore, the highest percentage of moisture in the fleshy mesocarp and peel and the lowest percentage of moisture in membranous septum were found in fruits cultivated in Sari and Aliabad, respectively. The results also showed that Malas-e-Saveh had the highest peel deformation in transversal oriented samples. Yousefkhani had a higher extension force compared to Malas-e-Saveh, while no significant difference was observed among regions or between the two sampling directions in these properties. Research limitations: None were found to report. Originality/Value: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that most pomegranate fruit characteristics were significantly influenced by cultivar and growing region. Yousefkhani exhibited a thicker peel, a higher percentage of fleshy mesocarp, and greater tolerance to extension force compared to Malas-e-Saveh

The Ameliorative Effects of Allopurinol on Paraquat-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats

Background: Pulmonary fibrosis is described as a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disease of the interstitial lungs. It is associated with a potentially fatal prognosis, and patients show insignificant response to treatment. To treat paraquat (PQ)-induced pulmonary injury and fibrosis, multiple approaches have been used. We aimed to determine the effects of allopurinol (Allo), a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, on PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Methods: A total of 30 female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into five groups (200±20 g). Group 1 (control) and group 2 (PQ group) were intraperitoneally administered PQ (20 mg/kg) once on day seven without any treatment, while groups 3–5 orally received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of Allo seven days before and three weeks following the administration of PQ, respectively. The animals were sacrificed three weeks after PQ administration. For the histopathological analysis and assessment of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxyproline (HP) contents, the animals’ blood and lungs were collected. Results: The PQ group showed significantly higher lung HP, serum MDA, and lung index in comparison with the control. Treatment with Allo, especially at 100 and 200 mg/kg, decreased HP, MDA, and lung index significantly, compared to the PQ group. Allo could prevent inflammatory cell infiltration, presence of fibroblasts, and PQ-related alveolar thickening. Conclusion: The results revealed that Allo has potential protective effects on PQ-related pulmonary fibrosis, and the role of xanthine oxidase in the exacerbation of PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis was confirmed

Integration of phytotherapy and chemotherapy: Recent advances in anticancer molecular pathways

Cancer is a disease characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells, leading to invasion and metastasis to other tissues. Chemotherapy drugs are some of the primary treatments for cancer, which could detrimentally affect the cancer cells by various molecular mechanisms like apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. These treatment lines have always aligned with side effects and drug resistance. Due to their anticancer effects, medicinal herbs and their active derivative compounds are being profoundly used as complementary treatments for cancer. Many studies have shown that herbal ingredients exert antitumor activities and immune-modulation effects and have fewer side effects. On the other hand, combining phytotherapy and chemotherapy, with their synergistic effects, has gained much attention across the medical community. This review article discussed the therapeutic effects of essential herbal active ingredients combined with chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer therapy. To write this article, PubMed and Scopus database were searched with the keywords “Cancer,” “Combination,” “Herbal,” “Traditional,” and “Natural.” After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 110 articles were considered. The study shows the anticancer effects of the active herbal ingredients by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells, especially with a chemotherapeutic agent. This study also indicates that herbal compounds can reduce side effects and dosage, potentiate anticancer responses, and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs

Effects of Harvesting Time and Fruit Tissue Type on Hesperidin Content in Lemon Fruits

Introduction: Citrus is in the first rank in the world with respect to production among fruits. They are grown commercially in more than 50 countries around the world. Several factors such as rootstock, nutrition and irrigation regimes, cultivation design and etc. may affect the promotion of quality and quantity of fruits. Lemon fruits are among the most valuable functional diets shown to lower oxidative-related disease risks, particularly cardiovascular disease. A well-documented characteristic of these fruits is the accumulation of high amounts of glycoside flavonones, named hesperidin in the fruits. Several recent studies have demonstrated that the cytoprotective action of citrus fruits is enhanced by the presence of antioxidants including vitamin C, phenolics, carotenoids and flavonoids. Hesperidin and its metabolites significantly have been found to lower the total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in plasma. Hesperidin acts as a chemopreventive agent against colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane. Lemons are one of the citrus species having many medicinal effects owing to their secondary metabolites. Flavonoids are a part of aromatic polyphenols having different biological actions such as antioxidant activity, anti-cancer, anti-sensation and etc. Hesperidin is one of the abundant secondary metabolites belonging to flavonoids in citrus, which is effective in treating many diseases. Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effect of lemon fruits (Citrus lemon cv. Cluster, C. lemon cv. Lisbon and C. lemon cv. Eureka) tissue type and harvesting time on the flavonoids hesperidin content, this experiment was carried out. Thus, this research was conducted in a factorial arrangement on the basis of completely randomized design with three factors: tissue type (Flavedo, Albedo and Flesh), harvesting time (45, 75, 105 and 135 days after full bloom) and three lemon cultivars (Cluster, Lisbon and Eureka) with three replications. Studied trees in Kotra Research Station were planted for research aims and were 20-year grafted on sour orange rootstocks. For selection of trees, the same height, crown, and other morphological attributes were considered. As the fruit quality may be differ in different parts of crown, fruits were harvested from different geographical orientations of crown. Samples were gathered after full bloom at the 30-day intervals. The measured parameters were included fruit weight, diameter, peel thickness, dry matter and hesperidin flavonoid in extraction of various fruit tissues. Extraction was conducted by methanol and hesperidin content recorded by High Performance Liquid Choromatography (HPLC). Chemicals and reagents used in this study were high quality grade and acquired from Sigma-Aldrich Results and Discussion: Results showed that the fruit harvesting time significantly affected on fruit diameter, peel thickness, dry matter and also hesperidin content of tissue extraction. Fruit diameter variation was related to the fruit weight. The highest fruit weight attained in cultivars Lisbon and Eureka (88.39 g and 84.72 g, respectively) at the fourth harvesting time (135 days after full bloom) and the minimum, in sour lemon cv. Cluster (4.16 g) at the first harvesting time (45 days after full bloom). The maximum of fruit diameter was recorded in cultivar Lisbon (54.81 mm) at the fourth harvesting time and the minimum diameter in cultivar Eureka (20.75 mm) at the first harvesting time. Fruit peel thickness at the first harvesting stage increased and then decreased. Cluster sour lemon cultivar possessed the highest peel thickness (7.16 mm) and the Eureka cultivar had the minimum (4.66 mm). Percentage of dry matter increased at the first harvesting stage and then decreased. The maximum percentage of dry matter was recorded in cluster sour lemon cultivar (22.83%) and minimum in Lisbon lemon cultivar (11.36%). The highest amount of hesperidin was observed in Lisbon cultivar (1606.93 ppm). These amounts decreased afterward until fruit harvesting time. The highest hesperidin content was produced in albedo tissue. Lisbon lemon in the hesperidin was better than the other two cultivars. It is concluded that the most suitable time of mature fruits harvesting is 45 days after full bloom. At this time the fruit diameter of lemon cv. Eureka, Lisbon and Cluster were 20.7, 22.8 and 25.8 mm; respectively. Hesperidin flavonoid was produced in albedo tissue in all cultivars. Therefor; fruit albedo tissue can be regarded as the best tissue for extracting hesperidin. Hesperidin was severely affected by harvesting time, tissue and cultivar. Hesperidin was achieved in the most amounts at the first harvesting stage in Lisbon lemon compared to all studied cultivars. As the fresh consumption of Eureka, Lisbon and specially Cluster lemon is few, thus preparing programs to extract flavonoid and use this cultivar in food industries is suggested

Improving the Keeping Quality and Vase Life of Cut Alstroemeria Flowers by Pre and Post-harvest Salicylic Acid Treatments

Keeping quality and length of vase life are important factors for evaluation of cut flowers quality, for both domestic and export markets. Studding the effect of pre- and post-harvest salicylic acid applications on keeping quality and vase life of cut alstroemeria flowers during vase period is the approach taken. Aqueous solutions of salicylic acid at 0.0 (with distilled water), 1, 2 and 3 mM were sprayed to run-off (approximately 500 mL per plant), about two weeks before flowers harvest. The cut flowers were harvested in the early morning and both of cut flowers treated (sprayed) and untreated were kept in vase solutions containing salicylic acid at 0.0 (with distilled water), 1, 2 and 3 mM. Sucrose at 4% was added to all treatments as a base solution. The changes in relative fresh weight, water uptake, water loss, water balance, total chlorophyll content and vase life were estimated during vase period. The results showed that the relative fresh weight, water uptake, water balance, total chlorophyll content and vase life decreased significantly while the water loss increased significantly during experiment for all treatments. A significant difference between salicylic acid and control treatments in all measured parameters is observed. During vase period, the salicylic acid treatments maintained significantly a more favourable relative fresh weight, water uptake, water balance, total chlorophyll content and supressed significantly water loss, as compared to control treatment. Also, the results showed that the using salicylic acid increased significantly the vase life cut alstroemeria flowers, over control. The highest values of measured parameters were found when plants were treated by pre + post-harvest application of salicylic acid at 3 mM. The result revealed that the quality attributes and vase life of cut alstroemeria flowers were improved by the use of salicylic acid treatment

Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of five Iranian pomegranate cultivars (Punica granatum L.) in maturation stage

The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of five different pomegranate cultivars. Fruit mass ranged from 109.27 to 78.07 g. Peel thickness of the fruit was recorded from 5.05 to 2.70 mm. The pH, total soluble solids content, the titratable acidity content were within the range of 4.23 to 4.36, 20.00 (◦Brix) to 14.05 (◦Brix), 0.04 to 0.007 mg per 100 g of juice, respectively. Ascorbic acid content was from 4.73 to 1.98 mg per 100 g of juice. The amount of total phenolics in pomegranate cultivars was between 6.36 and 1.78 mg GAE/100 ml. The total flavonoids content also ranged between 4.93 to 2.24 mg GAE/100 ml. The level of antioxidant activity was varied from 86.77 % to 79.54 %. Reducing sugar content ranged between 5.81 to 1.72 mg/100g. Glucose content was found from 3.48 to 1.14 mg/100g. In total based on these results, the cultivar is the main parameter which influences the physic-chemical properties and antioxidant activity in pomegranates

Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of five Iranian pomegranate cultivars (Punica granatum L.) in maturation stage

The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of five different pomegranate cultivars. Fruit mass ranged from 109.27 to 78.07 g. Peel thickness of the fruit was recorded from 5.05 to 2.70 mm. The pH, total soluble solids content, the titratable acidity content were within the range of 4.23 to 4.36, 20.00 (◦Brix) to 14.05 (◦Brix), 0.04 to 0.007 mg per 100 g of juice, respectively. Ascorbic acid content was from 4.73 to 1.98 mg per 100 g of juice. The amount of total phenolics in pomegranate cultivars was between 6.36 and 1.78 mg GAE/100 ml. The total flavonoids content also ranged between 4.93 to 2.24 mg GAE/100 ml. The level of antioxidant activity was varied from 86.77 % to 79.54 %. Reducing sugar content ranged between 5.81 to 1.72 mg/100g. Glucose content was found from 3.48 to 1.14 mg/100g. In total based on these results, the cultivar is the main parameter which influences the physic-chemical properties and antioxidant activity in pomegranates

Assessment of Summe Savory (satureja hortensis L.) Biomass by Easily-Attainable Soil Parameters and Artificial Network

Introduction: One of the most important requirements in planning production and processing of medicinal plants in order to obtain high yield and high-quality is the initial assessment of the physical and chemical properties of soil, which reduces the production cost by avoiding the use of unnecessary soil analysis. Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) is one the most widely used medicinal plants that quality index of plant is related to the quantity and the constituent of its essential oil content. Understanding the relations between the quantity and quality of medicinal plants with the very physical and chemical properties of soil is very complex and the estimation of parameters changes of medicinal plants affect by soil quality characteristics is more difficult. Today, with the arrival of multivariable regression models and artificial lattice models in the research, many complex relationships found in nature is understandable. Hence the need for estimation the biomass yield of savory using fast, cheap and with acceptable accuracy is feeling. Materials and Methods: The present study was performed at the Agricultural Research Station Neyshabur as pot experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Around 53 soil samples were collected from different parts of Neyshabur city, and soil texture, organic matter, pH, salinity, phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen and carbon content were selected as the easily available parameters. Before planting the parameters were measured in laboratory. Approximately 90 days after planting seeds in pots containing soil samples, the sampling of plants was done based on the treatments. For drying, samples were placed for 24 hours in an oven at 40 °C. Finally, the relationship between the biomass yield and easily available soil parameters was determined using artificial neural network by Matlab7.9 software. Results and Discussion: The results showed that soil variability, is a key element in the management of valuable information on soil properties within a field and valuable information on soil properties within a field nature puts at our disposal. In yield modeling with 10 parameters for 53 soil samples, the best makeup hidden layer with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm training as a hidden layer, 58 neurons, logsig threshold function for hidden layer and Tansig for the output layer were selected. High values of R2 and low levels of RMSE mentioned the proximity of the forecast data with measurement data and high accuracy of the model in summer savory biomass yield estimation. To obtain the most sensitive parameters, the sensitivity analysis was calculated using no-sensitive coefficient. So that, if the coefficient of a sensitive parameter is more than 1.0, the mentioned parameter, is one of the critical parameters of model. Accordingly, the parameters of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, potassium, pH, salinity, clay, silt and sand respectively were selected as the most sensitive parameters. The addition of input parameters increases the value of R2 and reduces the RMSE during training, validation and test stages. This represents an increasing in the accuracy of model in estimation of biomass yield via increasing the input parameters. Models 1(soil texture) and 2(carbon) are not enough strong for biomass yield estimation. With increasing the experiment from 1 to 2, the potency of the neural network model 3(soil texture + carbon) significantly increased. Thus with an overview, the model No. 3 suggested as an improved model because with the minimum number of imputes produced equal output comparing the models with more inputs. Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, it seems that with the improvement of artificial neural network models and determining appropriate parameters, results to understanding the soil factors involved in the formation of savory plant biomass and better planning. Till leads to a cheaper and better product. Also, results showed that the artificial neural network has high accuracy in estimating the biomass plant Summer Savory. So that, the 80% of yield variability of the study area, presents by using the data of 10 readily available properties of the soil. Yield biomass of savory, largely depends on the soil texture, organic matter, carbon and the minerals of the soil. Since, this study is the first work to estimate the biomass of medicinal plants using artificial neural network, therefore recommended to use this method to estimate the yield and essential oil of other medicinal plants