Amorpha fruticosa - A Noxious Invasive Alien Plant in Europe or a Medicinal Plant against Metabolic Disease?

Cytotoxic prenylated phenols of false indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.)

This study employed the MTT assay to assess the cytotoxicity of one flavan and two stilbene derivatives isolated from the false indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.) fruits: 5,7-dihydroxy-8-geranylflavanone (1), 2-carboxy-3,5-dihydroxy-4-geranylbibenzyl (2), and 2-carboxy-3-hydroxy-4-prenyl-5-methoxybibenzyl (3). The examined compounds reduced the survival of human cervical and colon tumour cells (HeLa, HT-29, HCT-116, and LS174) with IC50 values ranging from 10.55 to 147.09 μg/mL, except for 1, which did not affect LS174 cells within the tested concentrations. The highest activity was observed for 1 against HeLa cells, and 1 also exhibited the weakest effect against normal foetal lung fibroblasts (IC50 = 166.11 μg/mL), demonstrating good potency and selectivity. Stilbenes 2 and 3 proved efficacious, but lacked selectivity compared to 1. Our findings revealed the cytotoxicity of false indigo-bush constituents, justifying further mechanistic and in vivo investigations, particularly on 5,7-dihydroxy-8-geranylflavanone, which displayed considerable in vitro anticancer capacity and a potentially favourable safety profile.

Anticholinesterase Activity of Methanolic Extract of Amorpha fruticosa Flowers and Isolation of Rotenoids and Putrescine and Spermidine Derivatives

Five putrescine and spermidine derivatives (1-5) together with five rotenoids (6-10) were isolated from a methanolic extract of the flowers of A. fruticosa that displayed promising inhibition of 76.0 ± 1.9% for AChE and 90.0 ± 4.0% for BuChE at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Although the anticholinesterase activities of the isolated compounds did not reach that of galantamine, molecular docking revealed that all-trans-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine and trans-trans-cis-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine showed binding poses mimicking the known inhibitor galantamine and thus could serve as model molecules in future searches for new AChE and BuChE inhibitors.

Phytochemicals and their Potential Mechanisms against Insulin Resistance

Insulin's inception dates back to 1921 and was unveiled through a momentous revelation. Diabetes is a dangerous, long-term disease in which the body fails to generate enough insulin or utilize the insulin it creates adequately. This causes hyperglycemia, a state of high blood sugar levels, which can even put a person into a coma if not managed. Activation of the insulin receptor corresponds to two crucial metabolic functions, i.e., uptake of glucose and storage of glycogen. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exists as one of the most challenging medical conditions in the 21st century. The sedentary lifestyle and declining quality of food products have contributed to the rapid development of metabolic disorders. Hence, there is an urgent need to lay some reliable, significant molecules and modalities of treatment to combat and manage this epidemic. In this review, we have made an attempt to identify and enlist the major phytoconstituents along with the associated sources and existing mechanisms against insulin resistance. The conducted study may offer potential sustainable solutions for developing and formulating scientifically validated molecules and phytoconstituents as formulations for the management of this metabolic disorder.

New Class of Tyrosinase Inhibitors, Rotenoids, from Amorpha fruticosa

A series of rotenoids including a new one from the seeds of Amorpha fruticosa were found to have significant potential as tyrosinase inhibitors. All of the isolated rotenoids (1-6) displayed inhibitory activity against tyrosinase, both as a monophenolase for the oxidation of l-tyrosine and as a diphenolase for the oxidation of l-DOPA. The three most active compounds (1, 5, and 6) showed significant monophenolase inhibition with IC50 values of 2.1, 1.7, and 1.2 μM, respectively. They also inhibited diphenolase function with IC50 values in the range of 9.5-21.5 μM. The inhibition kinetics established all compounds to be competitive inhibitors of both oxidation processes. All rotenoids formed the Emet·I complex effectively around their IC50 values with long lag times. Tyrosinase inhibition of the new rotenoid 6 was additionally demonstrated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis with N-acetyl-l-tyrosine. Molecular docking disclosed that the sugar moiety of 5 interacted with the bottom of the catalytic gorge.

Amorfrutin B Protects Mouse Brain Neurons from Hypoxia/Ischemia by Inhibiting Apoptosis and Autophagy Processes Through Gene Methylation- and miRNA-Dependent Regulation

Amorfrutin B is a selective modulator of the PPARγ receptor, which has recently been identified as an effective neuroprotective compound that protects brain neurons from hypoxic and ischemic damage. Our study demonstrated for the first time that a 6-h delayed post-treatment with amorfrutin B prevented hypoxia/ischemia-induced neuronal apoptosis in terms of the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, heterochromatin foci formation, and expression of specific genes and proteins. The expression of all studied apoptosis-related factors was decreased in response to amorfrutin B, both during hypoxia and ischemia, except for the expression of anti-apoptotic BCL2, which was increased. After post-treatment with amorfrutin B, the methylation rate of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene was inversely correlated with the protein level, which explained the decrease in the BAX/BCL2 ratio as a result of Bax hypermethylation. The mechanisms of the protective action of amorfrutin B also involved the inhibition of autophagy, as evidenced by diminished autophagolysosome formation and the loss of neuroprotective properties of amorfrutin B after the silencing of Becn1 and/or Atg7. Although post-treatment with amorfrutin B reduced the expression levels of Becn1, Nup62, and Ambra1 during hypoxia, it stimulated Atg5 and the protein levels of MAP1LC3B and AMBRA1 during ischemia, supporting the ambiguous role of autophagy in the development of brain pathologies. Furthermore, amorfrutin B affected the expression levels of apoptosis-focused and autophagy-related miRNAs, and many of these miRNAs were oppositely regulated by amorfrutin B and hypoxia/ischemia. The results strongly support the position of amorfrutin B among the most promising anti-stroke and wide-window therapeutics.

A review on invasive false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.): Nuisance plant with multiple benefits

Increased mobility of people around the globe has facilitated transferring species to new environments, where some have found suitable conditions and even become invasive. False indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.) is a plant native to North America but has intentionally or unintentionally spread over the Northern Hemisphere, where it often becomes invasive. The plant is especially easily dispersed within the watersheds of large rivers, where seasonal flooding is regular. Seeds and other propagules are buoyant, and when the water recedes, new plants emerge, forming dense thickets where only a few other species can co-exist. In order to sustain native biodiversity, spread control is needed. However, mechanical control and eradication measures currently in use are labor demanding and costly, while application of herbicides is limited. On the other hand, the plant possesses a number of beneficial properties, such as phytochemical applications (medical and insecticidal effects), biocoenotic uses (honey plant, ornamental features), and ecosystem services (soil stabilization, provision of food for animals, and fiber and biomass for industry, e.g., nanocellulose). For the reasons above mentioned, the plant is considered quite controversial, and the paper discusses both aspects: potential detrimental effects when introduced to new habitats and its beneficial uses for human society. In addition, the paper presents alternative measures of spreading control (e.g., grazing) and argues that exploiting it for beneficial purposes might help spread control, thus covering the expenses of controlling its distribution.

Spatial distribution assessment of invasive alien species Amorpha fruticosa L. by UAV-based on remote sensing in the Special Nature Reserve Obedska Bara, Serbia

The Obedska Bara Special Nature Reserve is one of the oldest protected areas in the world, also enlisted as an Important Bird Area, Ramsar and UNESCO world heritage site. False indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.) represents an invasive alien species which is significantly deteriorating the biodiversity of the Obedska Bara Special Nature Reserve in Serbia. Mapping of A. fruticosa, using an unmanned aerial vehicle and GIS tools, showed that in meadows, pastures, ponds and wetland areas, A. fruticosa covered 85 ha or 11% of the area. However, coverage was uneven, and the most overgrown areas were some meadows (up to 35%), while flooded areas and areas where human impact is significant, as on pastures, were not so affected (1-3%). The most susceptible parts were forest edges. Active management practices, such as cattle grazing and topsoil tarping, and occasional moving, gave positive effects in A. fruticosa, but also other invasive terrestrial plant species spreading control in the reserve. This has also been confirmed by the UAV survey and mapping, which has proven to be an effective method for A. fruticosa monitoring over large areas.

Biodegradable Nonwoven Materials with Antipathogenic Layer

Biopolymer composites have received increasing attention for their beneficial properties such as being biodegradable and having less influence to the environment. Biodegradability of materials has become a desired feature due to the growing problems connected with waste management. The aim of the paper is to emphasize the importance of biodegradable textile materials, especially nonwoven materials with an anti-pathogenic layer. The article refers to the definitions of biodegradation, degradation and composting processes, as well as presenting methods of testing biodegradability depending on the type of material. The study gives examples of biodegradation of textiles and presents examples of qualitative and quantitative methods used for testing antimicrobial activity of biodegradable nonwovens with an anti-pathogenic layer.

A Study on the Safety and Effects of Amorpha fruticosa Fruit Extract on Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats with Induced Type 2 Diabetes

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a variety of diagnostic criteria: obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and arterial hypertension. They contribute to the elevated risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The potential for Amorpha fruticosa L. (Fabaceae) to improve diabetes and metabolic disease is promising, based on in vitro tests. This is why a further investigation of the species is needed. Additionally, a toxicity review in relation to safety revealed that to date, there are no published data regarding the toxicity of A. fruticosa towards humans. This species could provide abundant and cheap resources because it is an aggressive invasive plant that grows almost unrestrictedly. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of a purified extract of A. fruticosa (EAF), and to assess its antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antihyperglycemic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The EAF was slightly toxic (LD50 = 2121 mg/kg, b.w.) when administered orally, and moderately toxic (LD50 = 316 mg/kg, b.w.) at intraperitoneal administration, both in mice. The oral administration of EAF (100 mg/kg) for 35 days to SHRs caused significant decreases in the systolic pressure, blood glucose levels, and MDA quantity. It also increased the hepatic level of the endogenous antioxidant GSH, not only in diabetic SHRs, but also in the control group. An additional potential benefit to human health might be conferred through the environmental management of A. fruticosa based on its large-scale use for medicinal purposes, as this aggressive invasive species brings problems to natural habitats in many European countries.

An Assessment of the Phytoremediation Potential of Planted and Spontaneously Colonized Woody Plant Species on Chronosequence Fly Ash Disposal Sites in Serbia—Case Study

In this study, the potential of planted (Tamarix tetrandra Pall. ex M.Bieb. and Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and spontaneously colonized (Amorpha fruticosa L. and Populus alba L.) woody species for the phytoremediation of potentially toxic trace elements (TEs) such as As, B, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn, from the chronosequence fly ash (FA) deposit lagoons (L1 and L2) at the ‘Nikola Tesla A’ Thermal Power Plant (TENT-A) in Serbia were analyzed. The differences in the pseodototal and bioavailable (DTPA-extractable) concentrations and mobility (AR index) of TEs in FA at the examined lagoons are a result of the time-conditioned influence of weathering (3 and 11 years respectively) and vegetation development on changing the basic physical and chemical properties of FA (texture, pH, EC, CEC, C, N, and bioavailable P and K) and its toxicity. This resulted in differences in the concentration of TEs in the roots and leaves of the examined plants at L1 and L2. All examined species accumulated Cr the most in the root (BAF > 1 and TF < 1), which suggests that they are good stabilizers of this element. Biological indices for As (BAF > 1 and TF < 1) identified T. tetrandra and A. fruticose as good stabilizers of As. P. alba stood out as accumulating the highest levels of B, Ni, and Zn, T. tetrandra the highest levels of Cu, Mn, and Se, and R. pseudoacacia the highest levels of As and B in leaves (BAF > 1; TF > 1), which makes them good extractors of these elements from the FA at TENT-A. However, due to toxic concentrations of As, B, Se, and Zn in their leaves, they are not recommended for the phytoremediation of the investigated lagoons through the process of phytostabilization. Under conditions of elevated total Cu and Ni concentration in FA, the content of these elements in the leaves of A. fruticosa at both lagoons were within the normal range. This, in addition to a good supply of essential Zn, the stabilization of As and Cr in the roots, an increase in BAF, and a decrease in TF for B with a decrease in its mobility in ash over time, singles this invasive species out as the best candidate for the phytostabilization of TEs in FA at the TENT-A ash deposit site.

Chemical Composition, Antipathogenic and Cytotoxic Activity of the Essential Oil Extracted from Amorpha fruticosa Fruits

The purpose of this paper was to characterize and investigate the antimicrobial potential of Amorpha fruticosa fruits essential oil (EO). The EO was extracted by hydrodistillation, analyzed by GC-MS, and then evaluated for its interaction with microbial and mammalian cells. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against bacterial and fungal strains, in a planktonic and adherent growth state, using qualitative and quantitative assays. The main components identified in A. fruticosa fruits EO were δ-cadinene, γ-muurolene, and α-muurolene. The Gram-positive strains proved to be more susceptible than Gram-negative bacteria and fungal strains. The EO exhibited good antibiofilm activity, inhibiting the microbial adherence to the inert (96-well plates and Foley catheter section) and cellular substrata. The flow cytometry analysis revealed as one of the possible mechanisms of antimicrobial action the alteration of cell membrane hydrophobicity. The cytotoxicity on the L929 cell line occurred at concentrations higher than 0.3 mg/mL. Taken together, our results demonstrate that A. fruticosa fruits EO contains active compounds with selective inhibitory effect on different microbial strains in planktonic and biofilm growth state, explained at least partially by the interference with microbial membranes due to their hydrophobic character.

De novo assembly of Amorpha fruticosa L. transcriptome in response to drought stress provides insight into the tolerance mechanisms

Background

Amorpha fruticosa L. is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America and has been introduced to China as an ornamental plant. In order to clarify the drought resistance characteristics of Amorpha fruticosa L. and excavate the related genes involved in drought resistance regulation pathway, the mechanism of drought resistance stress of Amorpha fruticosa L. was revealed by the changes of transcriptome of Amorpha fruticosa L. under drought stress.Through the changes of the transcriptome of Amorpha fruticosa L. under drought stress, the mechanism of anti-stress of Amorpha fruticosa L. could be revealed.

Methods

Different concentrations of polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG-6000) was used to simulate drought stress, and transcriptomic analysis was used to reveal the changes of gene expression patterns in Amorpha fruticosa L. seedlings.

Results

Results showed that Amorpha fruticosa L. seedlings were seriously affected by PEG-6000. As for the differently expressed genes (DEGs), most of them were up-regulated. The additional Go and KEGG analysis results showed that DEGs were functionally enriched in cell wall, signal transduction and hormonal regulation related pathways. DEGs like AfSOD, AfHSP, AfTGA, AfbZIP and AfGRX play roles in response to drought stress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Amorpha fruticosa L. seedlings were sensitive to drought, which was different from Amorpha fruticosa L. tree, and the genes functions in drought stress responses via ABA-independent pathways. The up-regulation of Salicylic acid signal related DEGs (AfTGA and AfPR-1) indicated that Salicylic acid play a key role in response to drought stress in Amorpha fruticosa L.

The invasive alien species Amorpha fruticosa in Bulgaria and its potential as economically prospective source of valuable essential oil

The high tolerance of various habitat conditions and potent propagation ability of Amorpha fruticosa L. (Fabaceae) promote its aggressive invasive behaviour. The aim of this study is to evaluate 1) several populations of this plant by the potential yield of the fruit, 2) the approximate yield of the essential oils, and 3) composition of the essential oil.

The potential yield of fruit is evaluated based on extrapolations of weight and number of fruits per infrutescence, number of infrutescences per plant and number of individuals per population. Steam extraction of the essential oil was performed and GS/MS analysis of the composition of the essential oil.

The populations on our key plots are big enough for harvesting with fruit/infrutescence 152 ±15 (n = 20) and infrutescences/shrub 436 ±157 (n = 20). The yield is 0.83 ml/100g. We identified 22 components with major constituents caryophyllene (17.64%) α-guaiene (14.70%), naphthalene (6.75%), γ-muurolene + (5.98%).

A Novel Chinese Honey from Amorpha fruticosa L.: Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Capacity In Vitro

False indigo (Amorpha fruticosa L., A. fruticosa) is the preferred tree indigenous for windbreak and sand control in Northwest China, while information on nutritional and bioactive characteristics of its honey is rare. Herein, 12 honey of Amorpha fruticosa L. (AFH) were sampled in Northwest China and the nutritional composition was determined. Sixteen mineral element and ten dominant polyphenols content were identified and quantified by ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) and HPLC-QTOF-MS (High performance liquid chromatography-Quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry), respectively. Moreover, AFH demonstrated high levels of DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (IC50 100.41 ± 15.35 mg/mL), ferric reducing antioxidant power (2.04 ± 0.29 µmol FeSO4·7H2O/g), and ferrous ion-chelating activity (82.56 ± 16.01 mg Na2EDTA/kg), which were significantly associated with total phenolic contents (270.07 ± 27.15 mg GA/kg) and ascorbic acid contents (213.69 ± 27.87 mg/kg). The cell model verified that AFH exhibited dose-dependent preventive effects on pBR322 plasmid DNA and mouse lymphocyte DNA damage in response to oxidative stress. Taken together, our findings provide evidence for the future application of AFH as a potential antioxidant dietary in food industry.

Ailanthus altissima and Amorpha fruticosa – invasive arboreal alien plants as cheap sources of valuable essential oils

The high tolerance of various habitat conditions and potent propagation ability of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Simaroubaceae) and Amorpha fruticosa L. (Fabaceae) promote their aggressive invasive behaviour. Additionally, they not only over-compete the local vegetation but suppress the seed development. In the newly invaded habitats they might not have suitable herbivores to control their populations. The aim of this review is to evaluate the potential of A. altissima and A. fruticosa, as cheap sources of valuable essential oils. The essential oils yield and compostion of both plant species vary significantly depending on plant parts, origin and time of collection. The main constituents of A. altissima essential oil are α-curcumene, α-gurjunene, γ-cadinene, α-humulene β-caryophyllene caryophyllene oxide, germacrene D etc. The main constituents of A. fruticosa are δ-cadinene, γ-cadinene, β-caryophyllene γ-muurolene +, ar-curcumene, myrcene etc. These essential oils have been reported to possess different activities such as antimicrobial, insect repellent, insecticidal and herbicidal activity. Due to the fact that these are aggressive invasive species, they can provide abundant and cheap resources. Additionally, future industrial exploitation of the biomass of these invasive plants for essential oils’ extraction might contribute to biodiversity conservation by relieving their destructive impact on the natural habitats.

Do Habitats Show a Different Invasibility Pattern by Alien Plant Species? A Test on a Wetland Protected Area

Biological invasions are deemed to be the second most important global driver of biodiversity loss, right behind habitat destruction and fragmentation. In this study, we aimed at testing if community invasibility, defined as the vulnerability to invasion of a community, could be associated with the characteristics of a given habitat, as described by the composition and structure of its native species. Based on a probabilistic sampling of the alien flora occurring in the temperate wetland Lake Doberdò (Friuli Venezia Giulia region, NE Italy) and using a null-model-based approach, the observed occurrence of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) within sampling units was randomized within habitats. While testing the degree of invasibility for each habitat within the wetland, our null hypothesis postulated that habitats are equally invaded by IAS, as IAS can spread homogeneously in the environment thanks to their plasticity in functional traits that makes them able to cope with different ecological conditions. The obtained results comparing observed IAS frequencies, abundance and richness to those obtained by the null model randomizations show that, for all habitats, invasion was selective. Specifically, a marked preference for habitats with an intermediate disturbance level, a high nutrients level and a medium-high light availability was observed, while an avoidance was detected for habitats characterized by lower levels of nutrients and light availability or extreme conditions caused by prolonged submersion. This method allows us to provide useful information using a simple-to-run simulation for the management of the IAS threat within protected areas. Moreover, the method allows us to infer important ecological characteristics leading to habitat invasion without sampling the environmental characteristic of the habitats, which is an expensive operation in terms of time and money.

Forest Adaptation to Climate Change along Steep Ecological Gradients: The Case of the Mediterranean-Temperate Transition in South-Western Europe

Impacts of climate change are likely to be marked in areas with steep climatic transitions. Species turnover, spread of invasive species, altered productivity, and modified processes such as fire regimes can all spread rapidly along ecotones, which challenge the current paradigms of ecosystem management. We conducted a literature review at a continental-wide scale of South-Western European forests, where the drier and warmer conditions of the Mediterranean have been widely used as examples of what is expected in more temperate areas. Results from the literature point to: (a) an expansion of slow-growing evergreen hardwood trees; (b) increased dieback and mortality episodes in forests (both natural and planted) mostly related to competition and droughts, and mainly affecting conifers; and (c) an increase in emergent diseases and pests of keystone-trees used in agroforestry zones. There is no consensus in the literature that fire regimes are directly increasing due to climate change, but available satellite data of fire intensity in the last 17 years has been lower in zones where agroforestry practices are dominant compared to unmanaged forests. In contrast, there is agreement in the literature that the current spread of fire events is probably related to land abandonment patterns. The practice of agroforestry, common in all Mediterranean countries, emerges as a frequent recommendation in the literature to cope with drought, reduce fire risk, and maintain biodiverse landscapes and rural jobs. However, it is unknown the extent to which the open vegetation resulting from agroforestry is of interest to forest managers in temperate areas used to exploiting closed forest vegetation. Hence, many transitional areas surrounding the Mediterranean Basin may be left unmanaged with potentially higher climate-change risks, which require active monitoring in order to understand and help ongoing natural adaptation processes.

Bioactive Compounds in Functional Meat Products

Meat and meat products are a good source of bioactive compounds with positive effect on human health such as vitamins, minerals, peptides or fatty acids. Growing food consumer awareness and intensified global meat producers competition puts pressure on creating new healthier meat products. In order to meet these expectations, producers use supplements with functional properties for animal diet and as direct additives for meat products. In the presented work seven groups of key functional constituents were chosen: (i) fatty acids; (ii) minerals; (iii) vitamins; (iv) plant antioxidants; (v) dietary fibers; (vi) probiotics and (vii) bioactive peptides. Each of them is discussed in term of their impact on human health as well as some quality attributes of the final products.