Article
Food Science & Technology
Beatrix Sik, Erika Hanczne Lakatos, Viktoria Kapcsandi, Rita Szekelyhidi, Zsolt Ajtony
Summary: The study successfully developed a RP-HPLC method for determining rosmarinic acid content in dark chocolate, optimized the extraction of RA, and demonstrated the accuracy and reproducibility of the method.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rachel G. Newman, Youyoun Moon, Janet C. Tou, Terence McManus, Nicole L. Waterland
Summary: Lemon balm is commonly consumed as herbal tea, and this study investigated the use of both adult and microgreen lemon balm for tea preparation. Adult lemon balm tea had higher levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, while microgreen tea had higher mineral content. The mineral content was not significantly affected by the brewing conditions. This study supports using dried microgreens for herbal tea.
PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Farzad Kianersi, Davood Amin Azarm, Alireza Pour-Aboughadareh, Peter Poczai
Summary: This study investigated the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the content of rosmarinic acid (RA) and total phenolic and flavonoid content in Iranian lemon balm. It also examined the expression of key genes involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds. The results showed that MeJA treatment significantly increased the RA, total phenolic, and flavonoid content in both ecotypes of lemon balm. The higher expression of biosynthesis-related genes following treatment was associated with the accumulation of RA. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the molecular processes involved in RA production in lemon balm plants.
Article
Plant Sciences
Maja Hitl, Snezana Brkic, Nebojsa Kladar
Summary: Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic compound with proven health benefits, but its effectiveness is limited when taken orally due to degradation in the digestive tract. This study investigated the stability of RA under intestinal microbiota fermentation. Pure compound and lemon balm extract were used as sources of RA, and commercially available probiotics were used as sources of microorganisms. RA's content decreased significantly in some probiotics, ranging from approximately 20% to total degradation when using the pure compound. The bacterial strain Lactobacillus helveticus was found to be responsible for extensive degradation. RA is more stable in pure samples than in complex extract matrix.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Canan Ulgen, Arzu Birinci Yildirim, Gunce Sahin, Arzu Ucar Turker
Summary: The study revealed that exposure to a 50 mT magnetic field for 1 hour was the most effective treatment for in vitro culture of Melissa officinalis, leading to improved growth parameters and water content of regenerated shoots, as well as enhanced medicinal quality and stress endurance capacity.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joanna Sutkowska, Natalia Hupert, Katarzyna Gawron, Jakub W. Strawa, Michal Tomczyk, Antonella Forlino, Anna Galicka
Summary: The study demonstrated that rosemary extract and lemon balm extract had a significant impact on the collagen type I levels in skin fibroblasts of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, with lemon balm extract showing a greater stimulating effect. The findings suggest the clinical potential of RA-rich extracts and RA in addressing the quantitative defect of type I collagen in type I OI.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zehra Tulek, Hamza Alasalvar, Bulent Basyigit, Serap Berktas, Pelin Salum, Zafer Erbay, Isa Telci, Mustafa Cam
Summary: This study aimed to extract phenolics from lemon balm and microencapsulate them through spray drying, leading to improved bioactivity. Optimization of extraction conditions for lemon balm phenolics could provide useful information for consumers and the food industry.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chen Qiu, Jinhui Chen, Weihuang Wu, Bojun Liao, Xueyan Zheng, Yong Li, Jing Huang, Jisen Shi, Zhaodong Hao
Summary: The COBRA gene in the rare and endangered woody plant Liriodendron chinense was found to encode a plant-specific glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein (GAP) that plays a crucial role in cellulose deposition in the cell wall. The study identified 7 COBRA-like (COBL) genes in the plant's genome, which were divided into two subfamilies, SF I and SF II. The expression patterns of these genes showed tissue-specific expression, with LcCOBL5 highly expressed in the phloem and xylem, indicating its potential role in cellulose biosynthesis. Furthermore, three LcCOBL genes (LcCOBL3, LcCOBL4, and LcCOBL5) were found to respond to abiotic stresses such as cold, drought, and heat stress, suggesting their involvement in stress responses.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zohreh Tarassoli, Reza Najjar, Amir Amani
Summary: This study prepared chitosan/azelaic acid nanoparticles loaded with lemon balm extract and optimized the formulation using a mathematical model. The results showed that TPP concentration and LBE weight had significant influences on the loading efficiency. The optimum formulation to achieve maximum loading efficiency was identified. The synergistic effect between azelaic acid and LBE was observed, demonstrating the potential of CsAz nanoparticles as a potent and green antiseptic agent.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Han Wang, Zong-Huan Ma, Juan Mao, Bai-Hong Chen
Summary: The study focused on the EXO70 gene family in grape, analyzing their characteristics and expression differences under stress conditions using bioinformatics. The results provided a foundation for further exploration of the resistance mechanisms and potential functions of these genes in grape breeding.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nanyan Zhu, Chunhua Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the genetic basis of flower color formation in Rhododendron pulchrum by transcriptome analysis. Differentially expressed genes, including signal-transduction-related genes, anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, and transcription factors, were identified among different colored petal samples. The study found that higher expression levels of genes associated with flavonol synthase (FLS) may be key to white formation, while the formation of red color may be related to the higher expression of flavanone 4-reductase (DFR) families.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kathannan Sankar, Hyung Joo Yoon, Young Bo Lee, Kyeong Yong Lee
Summary: Bumble bees are important alternative pollinators and model insects. This study identified stable reference genes for the bumble bee species and their different lines and tissues using RT-qPCR procedures and four analysis programs. The results emphasized the need to evaluate the stability of candidate reference genes for any differently designed lines and tissue conditions in bumble bee species.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Andrzej Borowy, Magdalena Kaplan
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of 3 herbicides and flame weeding in lemon balm sown directly into the field. All weed control methods significantly reduced the number and fresh weight of weeds, with spraying glufosinate-ammonium being the most effective.
ACTA SCIENTIARUM POLONORUM-HORTORUM CULTUS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Fateme Safari, Morteza Akramian, Hossein Salehi-Arjmand, Mansour Ghorbanpour
Summary: Water deficit severely affects plant growth and agriculture. This study found that exogenous NO can alleviate the negative effects of limited water and improve plant growth. NO supplementation increases antioxidant enzyme activity and phenolic compound accumulation, reducing lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage.
JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Manu Maya Magar, Hui Liu, Guijun Yan
Summary: This study identified and analyzed the AP2/ERF superfamily genes in bread wheat and discovered candidate genes associated with heat stress response. The findings of this study provide important information and a foundation for heat tolerance breeding in wheat.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Virology
Michele Della Bartola, Stephen Byrne, Ewen Mullins
Review
Food Science & Technology
Giuseppe Conte, Marco Fontanelli, Francesca Galli, Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Lorenzo Pagni, Elisa Pellegrini
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandra Marchica, Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Rebecca Detti, Giacomo Lorenzini, Elisa Pellegrini, Maike Petersen, Cristina Nali
Article
Agronomy
Antonella Calzone, Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Giacomo Lorenzini, Cristina Nali, Elisa Pellegrini
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of hyperspectral reflectance to rapidly detect and monitor responses of two pomegranate cultivars under salt treatment. The spectral analysis enables early detection of salt stress and differentiation of salt tolerance between cultivars.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Giacomo Lorenzini, Cristina Nali, Claudia Pisuttu, Silvia Pampana, Elisa Pellegrini
Summary: This study comprehensively evaluated the effects of two waterlogging durations on two durum wheat cultivars, finding that the impact of waterlogging on wheat varied depending on the duration, and differences in waterlogging tolerance between cultivars were discovered. Waterlogging during tillering impaired wheat's physiological activity, affecting crop growth and yield.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Arabelle Cassedy, Michele Della Bartola, Anne Parle-McDermott, Ewen Mullins, Richard O'Kennedy
Summary: PVY is a common and harmful virus that affects crop yield and marketability. Developing a rapid and accurate detection method is crucial for controlling the spread of PVY. In this study, a rapid recombinase polymerase amplification assay was developed, which allowed direct amplification of PVY nucleic acids from RNA in a one-step process. The assay was coupled with lateral flow technology for quick visual confirmation of amplification.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alessandra Marchica, Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Giacomo Lorenzini, Cristina Nali, Elisa Pellegrini
Summary: Antioxidants and phytohormones play important roles in plant responses to abiotic stress. In Salvia officinalis, the accumulation of salicylic acid helps maintain cellular redox state and enhance defense responses during long-term ozone exposure.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Samuele Risoli, Cristina Nali, Sabrina Sarrocco, Arrigo Francesco Giuseppe Cicero, Alessandro Colletti, Filippo Bosco, Giuseppe Venturella, Agata Gadaleta, Maria Letizia Gargano, Ilaria Marcotuli
Summary: Mushrooms and their derivatives have various health benefits and pharmacological activities. In Europe, they are mainly sold as food supplements. However, most of the cultivation of medicinal mushrooms is carried out in China, where the manufacturing practices may not meet international standards. This is a concern in Italy, where mushroom products are marketed without clear origin and quality criteria. Therefore, there is a need for scientific community to ensure the safety and purity of mushroom supplements and to conduct clinical trials to evaluate their effects.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Olivia Curzio, Lucia Billeci, Vittorio Belmonti, Sara Colantonio, Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Carlotta Francesca De Pasquale, Maria Aurora Morales, Cristina Nali, Maria Antonietta Pascali, Francesca Venturi, Alessandro Tonacci, Nicola Zannoni, Sandra Maestro
Summary: Studies have found that adding horticultural therapy to conventional clinical treatment can have a positive effect on reducing stress levels in patients with anorexia nervosa restricting type (AN-R). This pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of horticultural therapy on AN-R patients compared to those receiving only conventional treatment. The results showed that horticultural therapy improved stress levels and affective problems in the AN-R group.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Margherita Modesti, Alessandra Marchica, Claudia Pisuttu, Samuele Risoli, Elisa Pellegrini, Andrea Bellincontro, Fabio Mencarelli, Pietro Tonutti, Cristina Nali
Summary: To investigate the response of Vitis vinifera leaves to multi-stress conditions, the study examined the biochemical and molecular changes when exposed to Botrytis cinerea infection and ozone treatment. The results revealed a crosstalk between salicylic acid (SA) and ethylene (Et) signaling pathways, with Et triggering the production of reactive oxygen species through a feedback loop involving SA and Jasmonic acid (JA). The analysis also showed a complex network of events in the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in systemic acquired resistance.
Article
Plant Sciences
Limin Ma, Chong Chen, Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Chengcheng Bu, Jiahong Luo, Guodong Yao, Guangyao Chen, Weiwei Zhang, Cristina Nali, Giacomo Lorenzini
Summary: Tropospheric ozone enrichment caused by human activities can have negative effects on crop yields, plant physiology, and stable isotopes. Understanding the relationship between stable isotopes, ecophysiological traits, and agronomic parameters can aid in breeding future cultivars that can withstand increasing extreme climates.
Article
Plant Sciences
Athos Pedrelli, Gian Piero Ricci, Alessandra Panattoni, Cristina Nali, Lorenzo Cotrozzi
Summary: This study investigated the presence of viruses in autochthonous plum trees in Tuscany and analyzed their physiological and biochemical responses to virus infections. The results showed that the plum trees were infected with plum pox virus and plum bark necrosis steam pitting associated virus, with co-infection exacerbating the detrimental effects on photosynthesis and chlorophyll content. Additionally, changes in accessory pigments and sugars were observed in response to virus-induced oxidative stress.
