Methyl jasmonate-loaded composite biofilm sustainably alleviates chilling lignification of loquat fruit during postharvest storage

In this work, the MeJA-loaded gelatin/pullulan/chitosan composite biofilm was prepared to inhibit the chilling lignification of the loquat fruit during storage at 0 °C. The firmness and lignin content were decreased by 89 % and 81.77 % after MeJA-loaded biofilm treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA) production was almost completely suppressed and chilling injury of loquat fruit was significantly reduced. Enzyme activity results show that the biofilm alleviated chilling lignification mainly by inhibiting peroxidase (POD) activity in the phenylpropanoid pathway (PCCs = 0.715, with lignin content). Also, the conventional MeJA vapor treatment only alleviated lignification on day 3, but the biofilm treatment had a better and more sustained effect throughout the whole storage due to its sustained release ability. Besides, the biofilm had good mechanical properties, transparency and water vapor transmission rate. This work indicates that loading preservatives into biofilms has a promising application prospect for inhibiting the postharvest quality deterioration of fruit and vegetables.

Potentiation effect of the AI-2 signaling molecule on postharvest disease control of pear and loquat by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and its mechanism

An autoinducer-2 (AI-2) signaling molecule from Bacillus was synthesized, and its mechanism on the biofilm formation and biocontrol ability of B. amyloliquefaciens was verified in vitro and in vivo. The 16S/ITS amplicon sequencing was used to analyze the effect of B. amyloliquefaciens B4 with or without AI-2 on the microflora of pears during storage. The results showed that B. amyloliquefaciens B4 secreted AI-2, which promoted biofilm formation. Additionally, AI-2 at a concentration of 40 μmol/L enhanced the biocontrol ability of B. amyloliquefaciens B4 on postharvest pear and loquat fruits. Finally, amplicon sequencing demonstrated that the addition of AI-2 increased the abundance of B. amyloliquefaciens B4 in fruit by stimulating the growth and biofilm formation of this bacterium.

Characteristics of physicochemical properties, structure and in vitro digestibility of seed starches from five loquat cultivars

Starch plays a pivotal role in food and other industries, necessitating the exploration of new starch sources to cater the substantial requirement. This study delved into the variations in the physicochemical properties, structure attributes and in vitro digestibility of seed starches extracted from five distinct loquat cultivars (Eriobotrya japonica L.). The starch extraction yield of loquat seeds was found to be 45.2 % as an average. Loquat seed starches were designated as having high-amylose starch (>50 %). The starch granules exhibited similar shapes, but granular size significantly varied across the cultivars. Loquat starches presented a C-type crystalline pattern with relative crystallinity from 17.14 % to 21.06 %. The short-range ordered structure of the starches differed with loquat cultivars. The swelling power, solubility and amylose leaching of loquat starches increased with increasing temperature, significantly varying among different cultivars. Gelatinization parameters exhibited significant variations among the loquat starches. Different loquat starches exhibited pronounced variations in paste clarity, water and oil absorption capacity. Marked differences were detected in proportions of rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS), and resistant starch (RS) across the five cultivars, with RS being particularly prominent fraction with an average of 84.30 %. These compressive findings offer valuable insights into the potential application of loquat seed starches in the formulation of foods and various industrial products.

Valorization of loquat seeds by hydrothermal carbonization for the production of hydrochars and aqueous phases as added-value products

In the framework of circular bio-economy, waste loquat seeds were utilized for the production of two added-value products. The seeds were hydrothermally carbonized at a temperature range of 150-250 °C and time range 2-6 h and the resultant hydrochars and aqueous phases were characterized using various methods. The optimum higher heating value of 30.64 MJ kg-1, ash content of 1.99 wt % and alkali index of 0.05 were achieved for the hydrochar prepared at 250 °C and 6 h, establishing its suitability for energy-related applications. The aqueous phase obtained at 250 °C and 6 h achieved 90% scavenging of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical and had a IC50 value of 43.71 μg mL-1. Principal component analysis showed that the production of phenols, ketones, alkenes and organic acids was favored at >200 °C, whereas furans and aldehydes were primarily formed at 150 °C. Conclusively, both added-value products were obtained at the same optimum hydrothermal carbonization conditions of 250 °C and 6 h treatment time. In a bio-refinery context, this has the practical implication that both bio-products be obtained simultaneously, without the need to switch between different temperatures and residence times.

Impact of bacterial synthesized nanoparticles on quality attributes and postharvest disease control efficacy of apricot and loquat

Postharvest fungal attacks on fruits such as apricots and loquats are common. Diseased fruit samples were collected from Murree's local fruit markets. The disease-causing pathogens were identified utilizing molecular, microscopic, and morphological characteristics. Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus niger were identified as the pathogens responsible for brown rot in loquat and black rot in apricot. To combat these fruit diseases, iron oxide (Fe2 O3 ) nanoparticles were synthesized using Bacillus subtilis and were characterized using various techniques. X-ray diffraction examination validated the size of iron oxide nanoparticles. The presence of several capping agents in the synthesized nanoparticles was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the spherical morphology of nanoparticles, whereas energy-dispersive X-ray proved the presence of different elemental compositions. After completing antifungal activities in vitro and in vivo, it was discovered that a nanoparticle concentration of 1.0 mg/mL efficiently suppressed the growth of fungal mycelia. Fungi growth was effectively inhibited in fruit samples treated with 1.0 mg/mL nanoparticles. The results of successful in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities imply that iron oxide (Fe2 O3 ) nanoparticles play an important role in ensuring fruit quality against pathogenic attacks. Bacterial-mediated iron oxide can be widely used because it is less expensive and less harmful to the environment than chemically manufactured fertilizers.

Effect of green Fe2O3 nanoparticles in controlling Fusarium fruit rot disease of loquat in Pakistan

The subtropical fruit known as the loquat is prized for both its flavour and its health benefits. The perishable nature of loquat makes it vulnerable to several biotic and abiotic stressors. During the previous growing season (March-April 2021), loquat in Islamabad showed signs of fruit rot. Loquat fruits bearing fruit rot symptoms were collected, and the pathogen that was causing the disease isolated and identified using its morphology, microscopic visualisation, and rRNA sequence. The pathogen that was isolated was identified as Fusarium oxysporum. Green synthesized metallic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) were employed to treat fruit rot disease. Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a leaf extract of the Calotropis procera. Characterization of NPs was performed by different modern techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) determined the existence of stabilizing and reducing compounds like phenol, carbonyl compounds, and nitro compounds, on the surface of Fe2O3 NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) explained the crystalline nature and average size (~49 nm) of Fe2O3 NPs. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) exhibited Fe and O peaks, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the smaller size and spherical shape of Fe2O3 NPs. Following both in vitro and in vivo approaches, the antifungal potential of Fe2O3 NPs was determined, at different concentrations. The results of both in vitro and in vivo analyses depicted that the maximum fungal growth inhibition was observed at concentration of 1.0 mg/mL of Fe2O3 NPs. Successful mycelial growth inhibition and significantly reduced disease incidence suggest the future application of Fe2O3 NPs as bio fungicides to control fruit rot disease of loquat.

Ultrasound-assisted acid/enzymatic hydrolysis preparation of loquat kernel porous starch: A carrier with efficient palladium loading capacity

Porous starch, with excellent renewal and thermodynamic stability characteristics, could be utilized as a novel carrier for metals. In this research, starch was obtained from wasted loquat kernel (LKS) and converted into loquat kernel porous starch (LKPS) through ultrasound-assisted acid/enzymatic hydrolysis. Then, LKS and LKPS were utilized for loading with palladium. The porous structures of LKPS were evaluated by the results of water/oil absorption rate and N2 adsorption analysis, and the physicochemical properties of LKPS and starch@Pd were analyzed by FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDS, ICP-OES, and DSC-TAG. LKPS prepared by the synergistic method formed a better porous structure. Its specific surface area was 2.65 times that of LKS, and the water/oil absorption capabilities were considerably improved to 152.28 % and 129.59 %, respectively. XRD patterns showed that the presence of diffraction peaks at 39.7° and 47.1°, indicating successful palladium loading onto LKPS. The EDS and ICP-OES results revealed that the palladium loading capacity of LKPS was superior to that of LKS, with a significantly increased loading ratio of 2.08 %. In addition, LKPS@Pd exhibited excellent thermal stability, with a temperature range of 310-320 °C. Therefore, LKPS was a palladium carrier with highly efficient loading ratio, and LKPS@Pd had promising properties as a competent catalyst.

Anti-Diabetic Potential of Polyphenol-Rich Fruits from the Maleae Tribe-A Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Animal and Human Trials

The Maleae tribe consists of over one thousand species, including many well-known polyphenol-containing fruit crops with wide-ranging biological properties, e.g., apples (Malus), chokeberries (Aronia), pears (Pyrus), quinces (Cydonia, Chaenomeles), saskatoon (Amelanchier), loquats (Eriobotrya), medlars (Mespilus), rowans (Sorbus), and hawthorns (Crataegus). Considering the current interest in the concept of functional foods and the still-insufficient methods of diabetes management, the anti-diabetic potential of fruits has been studied intensively, including those of the Maleae tribe. This paper is the first comprehensive overview of this selected topic, covering articles published from 2000 to 2023 (131 articles in total). The first part of this review focuses on the potential mechanisms of action of fruits investigated so far (46 species), including their effects on tissue-specific glucose transport and the expression or activity of proteins in the insulin signalling pathway. The second part covers the phytocompounds responsible for particular fruits' activity-primarily polyphenols (e.g., flavonols, dihydrochalcones, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, phenolic acids), but also polysaccharides, triterpenes, and their additive and synergistic effects. In summary, fruits from the Maleae tribe seem promising as functional foods and anti-diabetic agents; however, their prospects for more expansive pro-health application require further research, especially more profound in vivo trials.

Nondestructive quality assessment and maturity classification of loquats based on hyperspectral imaging

The traditional method for assessing the quality and maturity of loquats has disadvantages such as destructive sampling and being time-consuming. In this study, hyperspectral imaging technology was used to nondestructively predict and visualise the colour, firmness, and soluble solids content (SSC) of loquats and discriminate maturity. On comparison of the performance of different feature variables selection methods and the calibration models, the results indicated that the multiple linear regression (MLR) models combined with the competitive adaptive reweighting algorithm (CARS) yielded the best prediction performance for loquat quality. Particularly, CARS-MLR models with optimal prediction performance were obtained for the colour (R2P = 0.96, RMSEP = 0.45, RPD = 5.38), firmness (R2P = 0.87, RMSEP = 0.23, RPD = 2.81), and SSC (R2P = 0.84, RMSEP = 0.51, RPD = 2.54). Subsequently, distribution maps of the colour, firmness, and SSC of loquats were obtained based on the optimal CARS-MLR models combined with pseudo-colour technology. Finally, on comparison of different classification models for loquat maturity, the partial least square discrimination analysis model demonstrated the best performance, with classification accuracies of 98.19% and 97.99% for calibration and prediction sets, respectively. This study demonstrated that the hyperspectral imaging technique is promising for loquat quality assessment and maturity classification.

Loquat fruit peel extract regulates lipid metabolism and liver oxidative stress in mice: In vivo and in silico approaches

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Moroccan traditional medicine, fresh or dried loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) fruit peels infused in water and taken for 45 days are used as natural remedies against hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and cardiovascular diseases. This is the first experimental study approving the folk medicinal use of loquat fruit peels originated from eastern Morocco.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aims to investigate the effect of loquat fruit peel extract on lipid metabolism and liver oxidative status in mice as well as to predict the possible mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was carried out using high fat/fructose diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice model treated with the loquat peel extract for 45 days at two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) in comparison to fenofibrate drug. The plasma, tissue, fecal and biliary lipids and blood glucose were analyzed using enzymatic methods. The liver oxidative status was evaluated and the polyphenol profiling was conducted using the HPLC-DAD method. Possible mechanisms involved in the observed pharmacological effects were predicted by in silico method.

RESULTS

The extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg possessed higher effect than at 100 mg/kg. It significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and plasma glucose (-36%, -45%, -45%, -82%, -87%, 58%, respectively), while the HDL-cholesterol was increased (+172%). Moreover, the extract reduced TC and TG in the liver and adipose tissue by increasing their excretion in bile and fecal matter. It prevented the liver oxidative stress and decreased body weight and organ relative mass. The extract appears to be nontoxic (LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg) and contains five polyphenols including ferulic acid (32.74 ± 0.71 mg/g), caffeic acid (21.48 ± 0.32 mg/g), 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid (112.15 ± 1.86 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (42.05 ± 0.92 mg/g) and quercetin (32.69 ± 0.68 mg/g). These phenolics and/or their circulating metabolites presented differential interaction capacities with the potential enzymes and transcription factors implicated in lipid homeostasis such as HMG-CoA reductase, lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, Cyp7a1, ABCG, PPARs, RXR, FXR and RAR.

CONCLUSION

Our findings justify the traditional use of loquat fruit peels and suggest that their aqueous extract could be used as substrate to produce phytotherapeutic drugs or dietary supplements to prevent hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and related cardiovascular diseases.

Exogenous Nitric Oxide-Induced Postharvest Gray Spot Disease Resistance in Loquat Fruit and Its Possible Mechanism of Action

The effectiveness of nitric oxide (NO) for control of grey spot rot cause by Pestalotiopsis eriobotryfolia in harvested loquat fruit and its probable mechanisms have been investigated. The results showed that NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) did not evidently inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination of P. eriobotryfolia, but resulted in a low disease incidence and small lesion diameter. SNP resulted in a higher hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) level in the early stage after inoculation and a lower H₂O₂ level in the latter period by regulating the activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase. At the same time, SNP enhanced the activities of chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, phenylalanine ammonialyase, polyphenoloxidase, and total phenolic content in loquat fruit. However, SNP treatment inhibited the activities of cell wall-modifying enzymes and the modification of cell wall components. Our results suggested that NO treatment might have potential in reducing grey spot rot of postharvest loquat fruit.

Detection of early bruises on loquat using hyperspectral imaging technology coupled with band ratio and improved Otsu method

The bruising is one of the major factors affecting the quality of loquat and the bruised areas of loquat are also prone to harbor bacteria and molds. Therefore, it is critical to detect early bruises of loquat. In this study, a method based on hyperspectral imaging technology coupled with band ratio and improved Otsu method was proposed to detect early bruises of loquat. Firstly, the principal component cluster analysis was used to analyze the three regions of Vis-NIR (397.5-1014.0 nm), Vis (397.5-780.0 nm), and NIR (780.0-1014.0 nm), respectively. It was found that the Vis-NIR and NIR spectral regions along PC1 could be used to effectively distinguish bruised tissues. Then, the key wavelength images corresponding to the two regions were selected according to the load curve, respectively, and two sets of PC images and band ratio images of them were established. After comparison, it was found that the band ratio image Q_{651.3 / 904.3} was the most suitable for subsequent analysis of detecting early bruises of loquat. Finally, in order to evaluate the segmentation effect of the improved Otsu method, the segmentation results of the global threshold and the Otsu method were compared with it, respectively, and it was found that the performance of the improved Otsu method was best. However, since the stem-end area and the bruised area have similar intensity features causing mis-segmentation, the stem-end area was removed by curvature-assisted Hough transform circle detection (CACD) algorithm. And all test set samples were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, and the overall accuracy of it was 96.0 %. The results show that the detection method proposed in this study has the potential to detect early bruises of loquat in online practical applications, and it provides a theoretical basis for hyperspectral imaging in the bruise detection of fruit.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Eriobotrya japonica leaves: A summary

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. has been included in "The Plant List" (http://www.theplantlist.org) and is the most widely researched species in its genus. E. japonica is a subtropical evergreen fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Its dried leaves are widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine to treat coughing caused by pulmonary inflammation, dyspnea due to asthma and cough, nausea caused by stomach disorders, restlessness, and thirst. Furthermore, it is used to treat stomach ache, ulcers, chronic bronchitis, cancer, and diabetes mellitus in Japanese folk medicine. However, no systematic reports on E. japonica leaves have been published before.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review summarizes the available information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and quality control of various extracts and phytoconstituents of E. japonica leaves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant publications between 1931 and 2022 were considered. Chinese and English studies on E. japonica leaves were collected from databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, ACS Publications, Springer, and CNKI (Chinese). The traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and quality control of E. japonica leaves were reviewed.

RESULTS

Briefly, 164 compounds, including triterpenes, flavonoids, sesquiterpene glycosides, megastigmane derivatives, phenylpropanoids, and organic acids, have been identified from E. japonica leaves, in addition to 169 volatile oils. More than half of these compounds have not yet been reported to have pharmacological activities. Triterpenes and flavonoids are the most important bioactive compounds responsible for pharmacological activities, such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. Other beneficial physiological effects such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, bronchodilatory, antitussive, and expectorant effects and tracheal smooth muscle relaxation, protection against myocardial ischemia injury, and improved cognitive activities have also been reported. High doses of E. japonica leaf extracts have been used in laboratory animals, and no side effects or toxicity-symptoms have been observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The pharmacological activities of E. japonica leaves support their use in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. However, several aspects, such as the bioavailability, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and structure-activity relationships of the pure compounds isolated from E. japonica leaves, have not been studied yet and warrant further studies.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb) Lindl.): Evaluation of nutritional value, polyphenol composition, antidiabetic effect, and toxicity of leaf aqueous extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) is an evergreen tree native to China, which is introduced in many Mediterranean countries. As in many ancient medical systems, loquat leaves have been used in Moroccan traditional medicine to treat diabetes and its complications.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to determine the nutritional and polyphenol composition and to evaluate the in vivo antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic properties and oral toxicity of a leaf aqueous extract (LLE) derived from loquat grown in Morocco.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Energy value and fiber, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, total carbohydrate, sugar, lipid, and protein contents were determined according to international methods committee guidelines. Polyphenol profiling was carried out using the HPLC-DAD method. Mice fed a high-fat and high-glucose (HFG) diet for 10 weeks were used as a model to assess the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of a daily administration of LLE at three different doses (150, 200, 250 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day), in comparison with metformin (50 mg/kg BW/day) and pravastatin (20 mg/kg BW/day). The oral toxicity was determined following OECD 425 Guideline.

RESULTS

Loquat leaves were found to be rich in fiber, minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium), and vitamins (B2, B6, and B12) and lower in energy, sugar, and fat. Ten different phenolic compounds were characterized. Naringenin, procyanidin C1, epicatechin, and rutin were the more abundant compounds in LLE. The administration of the LLE dose-dependently ameliorated hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and hyperlipidemia in HFG diet-fed mice. The median lethal dose of LLE was higher than 5000 mg/kg BW.

CONCLUSIONS

Loquat leaves are a potential source of micronutrients and polyphenols with beneficial effects on diabetes and its complications.

Evolutionary origin and functional specialization of Dormancy-Associated MADS box (DAM) proteins in perennial crops

BACKGROUND

Bud dormancy is a phenological adaptation of temperate perennials that ensures survival under winter temperature conditions by ceasing growth and increasing cold hardiness. SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP)-like factors, and particularly a subset of them named DORMANCY-ASSOCIATED MADS-BOX (DAM), are master regulators of bud dormancy in perennials, prominently Rosaceae crops widely adapted to varying environmental conditions.

RESULTS

SVP-like proteins from recently sequenced Rosaceae genomes were identified and characterized using sequence, phylogenetic and synteny analysis tools. SVP-like proteins clustered in three clades (SVP1-3), with known DAM proteins located within SVP2 clade, which also included Arabidopsis AGAMOUS-LIKE 24 (AthAGL24). A more detailed study on these protein sequences led to the identification of a 15-amino acid long motif specific to DAM proteins, which affected protein heteromerization properties by yeast two-hybrid system in peach PpeDAM6, and the unexpected finding of predicted DAM-like genes in loquat, an evergreen species lacking winter dormancy. DAM gene expression in loquat trees was studied by quantitative PCR, associating with inflorescence development and growth in varieties with contrasting flowering behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

Phylogenetic, synteny analyses and heterologous overexpression in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana supported three major conclusions: 1) DAM proteins might have emerged from the SVP2 clade in the Amygdaloideae subfamily of Rosaceae; 2) a short DAM-specific motif affects protein heteromerization, with a likely effect on DAM transcriptional targets and other functional features, providing a sequence signature for the DAM group of dormancy factors; 3) in agreement with other recent studies, DAM associates with inflorescence development and growth, independently of the dormancy habit.

Residue analysis and dietary risk assessment of tebuconazole in loquat and sugarcane after open-field application in China

Tebuconazole is an effective but potentially carcinogenic fungicide. Tebuconazole residues in loquat and sugarcane were investigated, together with an analysis of their dietary risk. Solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry showed fortified recoveries of 87% to 98%, with standard deviations ≤ 6.4%. The tebuconazole residues were below 6.34 mg kg^-1 for whole loquat and 0.80 mg kg^-1 for sugarcane. Based on the final residue test, the chronic hazard index was 90.74% in whole loquat and sugarcane, while the acute hazard index ranged from 66.32% to 109.49% for loquat and 33.37% to 76.93% for sugarcane. The assessment of potential dietary risk showed that while loquats may represent an acute risk to human health, whereas sugarcane consumption was safe. A 21-day pre-harvest interval is proposed to comply with maximum residue limit regulations and the observed risks when using 430 g/L tebuconazole for treating sugarcane. These findings offer guidance for tebuconazole formulation and use.

Co-immobilization of Cellulase and β-Glucosidase into Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the Hydrolysis of Cellulose Extracted from Eriobotrya japonica Leaves

Fungal cellulases generally contain a reduced amount of β-glucosidase (BG), which does not allow for efficient cellulose hydrolysis. To address this issue, we implemented an easy co-immobilization procedure of β-glucosidase and cellulase by adsorption on wrinkled mesoporous silica nanoparticles with radial and hierarchical open pore structures, exhibiting smaller (WSN) and larger (WSN-p) inter-wrinkle distances. The immobilization was carried out separately on different vectors (WSN for BG and WSN-p for cellulase), simultaneously on the same vector (WSN-p), and sequentially on the same vector (WSN-p) in order to optimize the synergy between cellulase and BG. The obtained results pointed out that the best biocatalyst is that prepared through simultaneous immobilization of BG and cellulase on the same vector (WSN-p). In this case, the adsorption resulted in 20% yield of immobilization, corresponding to an enzyme loading of 100 mg/g of support. 82% yield of reaction and 72 μmol/min·g activity were obtained, evaluated for the hydrolysis of cellulose extracted from Eriobotrya japonica leaves. All reactions were carried out at a standard temperature of 50 °C. The biocatalyst retained 83% of the initial yield of reaction after 9 cycles of reuse. Moreover, it had better stability than the free enzyme mixture in a wide range of temperatures, preserving 72% of the initial yield of reaction up to 90 °C.

Cell suspension culture extract of Eriobotrya japonica attenuates growth and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells via targeting SREBP-1/FASN-driven metabolism and AR

BACKGROUND

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is one of the main causes of male cancer mortality. There is currently no effective treatment to cure this deadly prostate cancer (PCa) progression. However, recent research showed that activation of lipogenesis leads to CRPC progression. It provides a rationale to target the highly lipogenic activity as a novel and promising therapy against lethal CRPC.

PURPOSES

The present study aims to evaluate the anticancer efficacy and the molecular mechanism of cell suspension culture extract from Eriobotrya japonica (EJCE) in PCa, including CRPC.

METHODS

Cell growth, migration and invasion analyses were performed by MTT method, a wound healing assay and the transwell method, respectively. Apoptosis was assessed by a flow cytometry-based Annexin V-FITC/PI assay, caspase enzymatic activity and Western blot analyses. Lipogenesis was determined by a Fatty Acid Quantification Kit and an Oil Red O staining. The in vivo experiment was conducted by a xenograft mouse model.

RESULTS

PCa cell growth, migration and invasion were significantly affected by EJCE. EJCE decreased expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) in PCa cells, two main factors for lipogenesis. By inhibiting SREBP-1/FASN, EJCE reduced the intracellular fatty acid levels and lipid droplet accumulation in PCa. Moreover, EJCE down-regulated the androgen receptor (AR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in PCa cells. Significantly, EJCE exhibited the potential anticancer activity by suppressing the growth and leading to apoptosis of CRPC tumors in a xenograft mouse model.

CONCLUSION

These results reveal a novel therapeutic molecular mechanism of EJCE in PCa. Blockade of SREBP-1/FASN-driven metabolism and AR by EJCE could be employed as a potent opportunity to cure malignant PCa.

A promiscuous fatty acid ω-hydroxylase CYP94A90 is likely to be involved in biosynthesis of a floral nitro compound in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

Nitro groups are often associated with synthetically manufactured compounds such as medicines and explosives, and rarely with natural products. Loquat emits a nitro compound, (2-nitroethyl)benzene, as a flower scent. The nitro compound exhibits fungistatic activity and is biosynthesised from l-phenylalanine via (E/Z)-phenylacetaldoxime. Although aldoxime-producing CYP79s have been intensively studied, it is unclear what enzymes form nitro groups from aldoximes either in plants or in other organisms. Here, we report the identification of two cytochrome P450s that are likely to be involved in (2-nitroethyl)benzene biosynthesis in loquat through differential gene expression analysis using RNA-seq and functional identification using yeast and tobacco. CYP79D80 and CYP94A90 catalysed the formation of (E/Z)-phenylacetaldoxime from l-phenylalanine and (2-nitroethyl)benzene from the aldoxime, respectively. Expression profiles of CYP79D80 and CYP94A90 were correlated with the emission of (2-nitroethyl)benzene from loquat flowers. CYP94A90 also functioned as a fatty acid ω-hydroxylase as do other CYP94A fatty acid ω-hydroxylases. The CYP94As tested from other plants were all found to catalyse the formation of (2-nitroethyl)benzene from (E/Z)-phenylacetaldoxime. CYP79D80 and CYP94A90 are likely to operate in concert to biosynthesise (2-nitroethyl)benzene in loquat. CYP94A90 and other CYP94As are 'promiscuous fatty acid ω-hydroxylases', catalysing the formation of nitro groups from aldoximes, and are widely distributed in dicot plants.

Evolution of Carotenoids, Sensory Profiles and Volatile Compounds in Microwave-Dried Fruits of Three Different Loquat Cultivars (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)

The consumption of loquat fruits is highly appreciated for their carotenoid content and valuable sensory notes, but it is limited due to the low shelf-life. An on-line temperature controlled microwave system based on infrared thermography was used to dry three different loquat cultivar at 60 °C. The time to reach the target value of 23% moisture content was about 105 min in Claudia fruits and 162 min in Virticchiara and Peluche. Seven carotenoids were identified in loquat fruits, among these the major were all-trans-β-carotene in Virticchiara and Claudia. Virticchiara had the major total carotenoid content (206 μg/g dry basis), followed by Peluche (158 μg/g d.b.) and Claudia (41 μg/g d.b.). The loss of carotenoids after drying ranged between 24% (Peluche) and 41% (Claudia). Carotenoids that showed a higher loss were on average: lutein (70%) and zeaxhantin (51%). Thirty-five volatile compounds were identified in fresh and dried loquats: the aldehydes were the most abundant class. After drying, aldehydes declined slightly, with alcohols falling more sharply. The shortened times by using temperature-controlled microwave heating with infrared thermography have guaranteed a fair quality of the dried loquats from the nutritional and sensory point of view, variable among the three cultivars.

Green synthesis of stable Fe,Cu oxide nanocomposites from loquat leaf extracts for removal of Norfloxacin and Ciprofloxacin

Mass production of nanomaterials to remove pollutants from water still faces many challenges, mainly due to the complexity of the synthesis methods involved and the use of dangerous reagents. The green method of preparation of nanomaterials from plants can effectively solve these problems. Fe,Cu oxide nanocomposites (Fe-Cu-NCs) were synthesized by a green and single-step method using loquat leaf extracts, and were used as an adsorbent for removal of Norfloxacin (NOR) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP) from aqueous solution. The synthesized adsorbent showed excellent adsorption properties for NOR and CIP. The experimental equilibrium data fitted the Redlich-Peterson and Koble-Corrigan models well and the maximum adsorption capacities of Fe-Cu-NCs calculated by the Langmuir model for NOR and CIP were 1.182 mmol/g and 1.103 mmol/g, respectively, at 293 K. Additionally, the morphologies and properties of Fe-Cu-NCs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and the adsorption mechanism of NOR and CIP onto Fe-Cu-NCs was discussed. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. This study indicated that Fe-Cu-NCs are a potential adsorbent and provide a simple and convenient strategy for the purification of antibiotics-laden wastewater.

Neutrophil elastase inhibitory effects of pentacyclic triterpenoids from Eriobotrya japonica (loquat leaves)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eriobotrya japonica, a traditional herbal medicine in China and Japan, has long been used to treat chronic bronchitis and coughs.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs), especially ursolic acid (UA), have been found as reversibly and competitively human neutrophil elastase (HNE) inhibitors. However, the limited solubility and poor bioavailability of PTs hinder their clinical use. Crude plant extracts may have a greater activity than isolated constituents of the equivalent dosage. In this study, an Eriobotrya japonica (loquat leaves) extract (triterpenoid composition of loquat leaves, TCLL) with enriched PTs such as UA was prepared. The study aims to compare the HNE inhibitory (HNEI) effect in vitro and the therapeutic effect on acute lung injury (ALI) in vivo between TCLL and UA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An HNEI activity bioassay was performed with Sivelestat sodium hydrate as a positive control. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung inflammatory model was established to evaluate TCLL's therapeutic effect on ALI in vivo. The absorption of UA in TCLL and in UA alone was determined using a Caco-2 cell uptake model and LC-MS.

RESULTS

The IC₅₀ values of TCLL and UA for the HNEI effect were 3.26 ± 0.56 μg/mL and 8.49 ± 0.42 μg/mL (P < 0.01), respectively. TCLL significantly improved the inflammatory cells and inflammatory cytokine production in mice compared with the LPS group (P < 0.05). Additionally, it performed better than the UA alone group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the uptake by Caco-2 cells of UA in TCLL was higher than that in UA alone (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TCLL has a significant HNEI effect in vitro and a therapeutic effect on LPS-induced inflammation in a mouse model. Both the effects are more efficient than UA. Improved absorption of PTs in TCLL may be one explanation for these results.

Polyphenol-Rich Loquat Fruit Extract Prevents Fructose-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Modulating Glycometabolism, Lipometabolism, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Intestinal Barrier, and Gut Microbiota in Mice

Fructose as a daily sweetener is widely recognized as a risk catalyst for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of current study is to evaluate the effects and molecular mechanism by which polyphenol-rich loquat fruit extract (LFP) prevents NAFLD in mice fed 30% fructose water (HF) for 8 weeks. Administration of LFP to HF-fed mice mitigated abnormal body weight, disordered lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation through a mechanism regulated by the AKT, ChREBP/SREBP-1c, Nrf2, and TLR4/MyD88/TRIF pathways. LFP caused a significant decrease in the endotoxin content (16.67-12.7 EU/mL) in the liver of HF-fed mice. LFP not only improved HF-induced breakage of the intestinal barrier via interacting with tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin), mucin, and immunoreaction in the colon but also maintained normal colonic Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios and the relative abundance of Veillonella in HF-fed mice. Our results suggest that LFP may serve as a nutritional agent for protecting liver in HF-fed mice.

A 13-week subchronic toxicity study of an Eriobotrya japonica leaf extract in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eriobotrya japonica leaf is widely used in traditional medicine, and exhibits various beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and antitumor activities. However, limited data are available on the potential adverse effects of E. japonica.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the potential subchronic toxicity of an E. japonica leaf extract (EJE) through a 13-week repeated oral dose experiment in Sprague-Dawley rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male and 40 female rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: three treatment groups receiving 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day of EJE and a vehicle control group receiving sterile distilled water for 13 weeks.

RESULTS

Repeated oral administration of EJE for 13 weeks did not cause any treatment-related adverse effects with respect to clinical symptoms, body weight, food and water consumption, urinalysis, ophthalmology, necropsy findings, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ weight, and histopathological examination at any dose tested. Although some changes were observed in clinical symptoms, organ weight, hematology, and histopathology, these findings did not show a dose-response relationship and were within normal historical ranges for control rats.

CONCLUSION

Under the present experimental conditions, the no-observed-adverse-effect level of EJE was > 1000 mg/kg/day in both sexes and no target organs were identified. The results suggest that the EJE is a safe traditional medicine for clinical applications at proper dose.

Evaluation of Low-Temperature Phosphine Fumigation for Control of Oriental Fruit Fly in Loquat Fruit

Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel; Diptera: Tephritidae), is recognized as a quarantine pest and a threat to Chinese loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit exports. Since loquat fruit is very sensitive to methyl bromide (MB) fumigation and cold treatment, in this study, low-temperature phosphine (PH3) fumigation was investigated to develop an alternative phytosanitary treatment method. Tolerance tests showed that the third instar was the most tolerant of all life stages of B dorsalis to PH3 gas at 8°C. Toxicity assay with 500-3000 ppm PH3 and subsequent probit analysis showed that 2000 ppm PH3 was optimal for fumigation and 152.75 h of treatment duration were required to achieve 99.9968% mortality. In the verification test, 144 and 168 h of treatment duration with 2000 ppm PH3 completely killed 35,277 and 35,134 B. dorsalis third instars, respectively. However, 13 live larvae were found after 120 h of treatment. Furthermore, these treatments reduced fruit respiration rates while causing no adverse effects on other fruit quality parameters, including firmness, soluble solid content, and titratable acidity over 192 h storage at 8°C. The results strongly suggest that low-temperature PH3 fumigation could be used for the postharvest control of B. dorsalis in loquat fruit.

Addition of straw from hyperaccumulator plants to cadmium-contaminated soil increases cadmium uptake by loquat seedlings

The straw from three different cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulators (Galinsoga parviflora, Youngia erythrocarpa, and Solanum photeinocarpum) was added to Cd-contaminated soil, and its effects on plant growth and Cd accumulation in loquat seedlings were evaluated. Straw from each of G. parviflora, Y. erythrocarpa, and S. photeinocarpum was added to Cd-contaminated soil before planting seedlings of two varieties of loquat (Dawuxing and Chuanzao). Addition of straw from G. parviflora and S. photeinocarpum increased the root and shoot biomasses of both loquat varieties, compared with that in the control. Addition of straw also increased Cd uptake by loquat seedlings. The treatments could be ranked, from highest Cd contents in roots and shoots of loquat seedlings to lowest, as follows: S. photeinocarpum straw > Y. erythrocarpa straw > G. parviflora straw > control. All three types of hyperaccumulator straw increased the amount of Cd extracted by shoots of two loquat seedlings, with the maximum effect in the S. photeinocarpum straw treatment. Addition of hyperaccumulator straw also resulted in increased soil invertase, urease, and catalase activities to varying degrees. Among the three types of hyperaccumulator straw, S. photeinocarpum straw was the most effective to increase Cd accumulation in loquat seedlings. Therefore, this material has the potential to increase the phytoremediation capacity of loquat seedlings in Cd-contaminated orchards.

Evaluation of the antimutagenic, antigenotoxic, and antioxidant activities of Eriobotrya japonica leaves

CONTEXT

The leaves of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. (Rosaceae) are used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. However, information about the antigenotoxic and antioxidant properties of its leaves remains to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work was to evaluate the mutagenic/antimutagenic, genotoxic/antigenotoxic, and antioxidant potentials of aqueous and total oligomers flavonoid (TOF) extracts from E. japonica.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mutagenic/antimutagenic and genotoxic/antigenotoxic potentials of extracts (50, 250, and 500 µg/plate) were evaluated, respectively, by the Ames test with 48 h incubation and the SOS chromotest test with 2 h incubation. The antioxidant capacity of these extracts (ranging from 50 to 700 µg/mL) was tested using xanthine/xanthine oxidase and the deoxyribose assays.

RESULTS

Eriobotrya japonica extracts showed neither mutagenic nor genotoxic effect. The highest protective effect against methyl methanesulfonate and 2-aminoanthracene was obtained in the presence of aqueous extract, with IC50 values of 80 and 140 µg/plate, respectively, against S. typhimurium TA104. Moreover, this extract (500 µg/plate) was also able to reduce significantly the genotoxicity induced by nitrofurantoin and aflatoxin B1 with IC50 values of 140 and 240 µg/assay, respectively. Likewise, aqueous and TOF extracts inhibited xanthine oxidase and superoxide anion formation with IC50 values ranging from 45 to 95 and from 70 to 90 µg/mL, respectively. However, TOF extract is more efficient in inhibiting hydroxyl radical and chelating iron ion with IC50 values of 140 and 400 µg/mL, respectively, when compared with the aqueous extract.

CONCLUSION

Eriobotrya japonica prevents the genotoxicity of some carcinogenic substances probably thanks to its antioxidant capacities.

Influence of environmental factors on activity patterns of Incisitermes minor (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) in naturally infested logs

Acoustic emission (AE) activity patterns were measured from seven loquat [Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.] logs, five containing live western drywood termite [Incisitermes minor (Hagen)] infestations, and two without an active drywood termite infestation. AE activity, as well as temperature, were monitored every 3 min under unrestricted ambient conditions in a small wooden building, under unrestricted ambient conditions but in constant darkness, or in a temperature-controlled cabined under constant darkness. Logs with active drywood termite infestations displayed similar diurnal cycles of AE activity that closely followed temperature with a peak of AE activity late in the afternoon (1700-1800 hours). When light was excluded from the building, a circadian pattern continued and apparently was driven by temperature. When the seven logs were kept at a relatively constant temperature (approximately 23 +/- 0.9 degrees C) and constant darkness, the pattern of activity was closely correlated with temperature, even with minimal changes in temperature. Temperature is the primary driver of activity of these drywood termites, but the effects are different when temperature is increasing or decreasing. At constant temperature, AE activity was highly correlated with the number of termites in the logs. The possible implications of these findings on our understanding of drywood termite biology and how this information may affect inspections and posttreatment evaluations are discussed.

Pharmacological Studies on Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect of Folium Eriobotryae

Folium Eriobotryae, dried leaves of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. is a traditional Chinese medicine with rich resources in China. This research investigated the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Folium Eriobotryae on normal and alloxan-diabetic mice. The 70% ethanol extract of Folium Eriobotryae (EJA-0) in doses of 15, 30 and 60 g (crude drug)/kg exerted a significant hypoglycemic effect on alloxan-diabetic mice, among which 30 g/kg of EJA-0 was more effective than 100 mg/kg of phenformin. The total sesquiterpenes (EJA-1) 30 g (crude drug)/kg had significant effect on lowering blood glucose level in normal or/and alloxan-diabetic mice. The tests of maximum dosage and acute toxicity showed that EJA-1 was safe (MD = 360 g/kg, LD50 = 400.1 g/kg). The pharmacological tests on anti-hyperglycemic effects of EJA-0 and EJA-1 prove that Folium Eriobotryae is an outstanding material to develop medicine for treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Protective changes of inflammation-related gene expression by the leaves of Eriobotrya japonica in the LPS-stimulated human gingival fibroblast: microarray analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The leaf of Eriobotrya japonica (Ej) has been used for a long time as an oriental medicine to treat pulmonary inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the gene expression changes by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in the cultured human gingival fibroblast and the anti-inflammatory changes of the genes by the leaves of Ej when challenged with LPS using a microarray chip.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A whole transcript genechip (Affymetrix genechip human gene 1.0 ST array) was used. The expression patterns of the significant genes were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR analysis.

RESULTS

The gene array analysis showed that 60 of the 325 genes up-regulated by the LPS when compared to the control were down-regulated by the Ej treatment. Of these 60 genes, the inflammation- and immune response-related genes were especially noted, which indicates that Ej inhibits the induction of the inflammation through LPS stimulation. In addition, 78 of the 158 genes down-regulated by the LPS when compared to the control were up-regulated by the Ej treatment. The regulatory patterns of the representative genes in the real-time RT-PCR correlated with those of the genes shown in the microarray. The Ej extract also inhibited the production of IL-6, TNF-α, and nitrite in the LPS-stimulated cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the extract of Ej leaves could be used to inhibit the activation of a wide variety of the inflammation-related genes and the inflammatory mediators. It is suggested that the extract of Ej leaves may be applied to alleviate the inflammation of periodontal diseases.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of the leaves of Eriobotrya japonica

AIM OF THE STUDY

The leaves of Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. have been widely used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases including coughs and asthma. The present study was designed to validate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of the n-BuOH fraction of E. japonica (LEJ) leaves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-inflammatory properties of LEJ were studied using IFN-γ/LPS activated murine peritoneal macrophage model. The antinociceptive effects of LEJ were assessed using experimental models of pain, including thermal nociception methods, such as the tail immersion test and the hotplate test, and chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin in mice. To examine the possible connection of the opioid receptor to the antinociceptive activity of LEJ, we performed a combination test with naloxone, a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist.

RESULTS

In the IFN-γ and LPS-activated murine peritoneal macrophage model, LEJ suppressed NO production and iNOS expression via down-regulation of NF-κB activation. It also attenuated the expression of COX-2 and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, LEJ also demonstrated strong and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity compared to tramadol and indomethacin in various experimental pain models. In a combination test using naloxone, diminished analgesic activities of LEJ were observed, indicating that the antinociceptive activity of LEJ is connected with the opioid receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that LEJ had potent inhibitory effects on the inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide, iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-6 via the attenuation of NF-κB translocation to the nucleus. LEJ also showed excellent antinociceptive activity in both central and peripheral mechanism as a weak opioid agonist. Based on these results, LEJ may possibly be used as an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic agent for the treatment of pains and inflammatory diseases.

Suppression of blood glucose level by a new fermented tea obtained by tea-rolling processing of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) and green tea leaves in disaccharide-loaded Sprague-Dawley rats

BACKGROUND

In the field of food science, much interest has been focused on the development of alternative medicinal foods with the ability to regulate excess blood glucose level (BGL) rise. The authors have successfully developed a new fermented tea product (LG tea) by co-fermentation of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaf and summer-harvested green tea leaf. The objective of this study was to examine the acute suppression effect of LG tea on BGL rise in disaccharide-loaded Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and to evaluate its possible usage as an antidiabetic functional food material.

RESULTS

As a result of single oral administration of hot water extract of LG tea (50 mg kg(-1)) to maltose-loaded SD rats, BGL at 30 min was significantly decreased by 23.8% (P < 0.01) compared with the control. A corresponding reduction in serum insulin secretion was also observed. The ED(50) value of LG tea (50.7 mg kg(-1)) was estimated to be about 16-fold higher than that of the therapeutic drug acarbose (3.1 mg kg(-1)).

CONCLUSION

No significant change in BGL was observed when sucrose or glucose was administered, suggesting that the suppression effect of LG tea was achieved by maltase inhibition, not by sucrase inhibition or glucose transport inhibition at the intestinal membrane.

Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene treatment on chilling injury, fatty acid and cell wall polysaccharide composition in loquat fruit

Loquat fruit was treated with 2.32 nmol L(-1) 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) for 24 h at 20 degrees C, and then stored at 1 degrees C for 35 days to investigate the effect of 1-MCP treatment on chilling injury (CI) and fatty acid and cell wall polysaccharide composition. Loquat fruit developed CI, manifested as increased fruit firmness, internal browning and decreased extractable juice. These CI symptoms were reduced by 1-MCP treatment. 1-MCP-treated fruit exhibited higher levels of linoleic and linolenic acid and a higher unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio than control fruit during storage. The treatment also markedly delayed increase in alcohol insoluble residue, i.e. hemicellulose and cellulose. Meanwhile, the level of water- and CDTA-soluble pectins in treated fruit was higher than that in control. Our result suggested modifications of fatty acid and cell wall polysaccharide composition are associated with CI develpoment in loquat and 1-MCP treatment modulates the changes that seem to regulate the strength of cell wall and so to alleviate CI.

Application of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindley (Loquat) seed biomass as a new biosorbent for the removal of malachite green from aqueous solution

A new biosorbent, Eriobotrya japonica (loquat) seed biomass, has been investigated in order to remove malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions. The factors affecting the biosorption process such as adsorbent dosage, pH of the solution and contact time were studied. The results showed that as the dose of loquat seed increased, the percentage of MG biosorption decreased accordingly. The experimental data suggested that the maximum pH for efficient biosorption of MG was 5.0. The biosorption process was relatively fast and equilibrium was achieved after about 60 min. Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models were used for adsorption equilibrium data and based on the Langmuir isotherm plots the maximum bisorption capacity (Q(max)) value was calculated to be 57.47 mg/g at 20 degrees C. The biosorption kinetics was determined by fitting pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models to the experimental data, with the second-order model providing the best description of MG biosorption onto loquat seed. Various thermodynamic parameters such as free energy change DeltaG(0), enthalpy of sorption DeltaH(0) and entropy DeltaS(0) were estimated. The positive value of DeltaH(0) and negative values of DeltaG(0) show the sorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. The positive value of DeltaS(0) shows the increased randomness at the solid-liquid interface during the biosorption of dyes onto loquat seed.

The Effect of Eriobotrya japonica Seed Extract on Oxidative Stress in Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy in Rats

Eriobotrya japonica has been used as a medicinal plant for a long time, and its leaves are known to have many physiological actions such as anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and expectoran. In contrast, Eriobotrya japonica seeds are only known to contain amygdalin, and almost no investigations of its pharmacological action have been performed. Moreover, some anticancer agents such as adriamycin cause renal disorders as an adverse effect, and the mechanism of the adverse effect is considered to involve oxidative stress. We have reported that Eriobotrya japonica seed extract has an inhibitory effect on liver disorders. In this study, we prepared a 70% ethanol extract of Eriobotrya japonica seeds and administered the extract to rats with renal disorder induced by a single administration of 7 mg/kg body weight adriamycin, and investigated the usefulness of the extract. Increases in indices of renal function, plasma urea nitrogen, were significantly inhibited in rats treated with the Eriobotrya japonica extract compared to rats treated with tap water. In addition, the renal tissue level of reduced glutathione was significantly high in rats that ingested the extract, while the lipid peroxide levels in plasma and renal tissue were significantly low. However, no effect on renal tissue antioxidative enzymes was observed, suggesting that Eriobotrya japonica seed extract has direct antioxidative action. Based on these findings, Eriobotrya japonica seed extract may be effective in reducing the oxidative stress of adriamycin-induced renal disorder. Therefore, ingestion of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract may contribute to a reduction of the adverse effects of adriamycin.

Free radical-scavenging activity of Taiwanese native plants

The 70% aqueous acetone extracts of ten Taiwanese native plants were evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (.OH) radicals, and reducing power assay. In the present study, extracts of Acer buerferianum var. formosanum, Cleyera japonica var. morii, Cyclobalanopsis stenophylla var. stenophylloides, and Machilus zuihoensis exhibited stronger activity against DPPH radicals, and their IC50 values ranged from 5.4 to 8.3 microg/ml. The ten selected extracts effectively inhibited the formation of .OH generated in the Fenton reaction system. Among the extracts whose reducing power activities were determined, A. buerferianum var. formosanum, C. japonica var. morii, C. stenophylla var. stenophylloides, Eriobotrya deflex, and M. zuihoensis showed high activity. The results indicate the 70% aqueous acetone extracts of A. buerferianum var. formosanum, C. japonica var. morii, C. stenophylla var. stenophylloides, and M. zuihoensis with great potency in these assay systems and may be candidates for the development of natural antioxidants.

Effects of extract derived from Eriobotrya japonica on liver function improvement in rats

Eriobotrya japonica is considered a medicinal plant, and its leaves (Eriobotrya folia) have been used to treat skin diseases, as well as to relieve inflammation, pain, coughing, and sputa. In our evaluation of the pharmacological efficacy of the seed extracts, constituents of the seeds were found to contain the unsaturated fatty acids linolenic and linoleic acids and the sterol beta-sitosterol in the 70% EtOH and the MeOH extracts. The seed extracts were orally administered to rats with dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatopathy, and blood L-asparate aminotransferase (AST) and L-alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, liver retinoid level, and hydroxyproline level were measured. Liver fibrosis rates calculated after Azan-Mallory staining and evaluation of the liver function-improving effects of extracts were showed that AST, ALT, and hydroxyproline levels and liver fibrosis rates were significantly lower, and retinoid levels were significantly higher in hepatopathic rats treated with 70% EtOH and MeOH extracts of the seed than in water-treated control rats. This suggests that the positive effect on liver function of the extracts varies depending on the extracting solvent used. 70% EtOH and MeOH extract of the seeds inhibited the development of liver fibrosis in hepatopathic rats, thus exhibiting potent improvement. The unsaturated linolenic and linoleic acids and the sterol beta-sitosterol contained in these extracts may also contribute to the improvement of liver function.