Agrobiodiversity for Improving Nutrition, Health and Life Quality

Phytochemistry, Neuropharmacology and Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Valeriana officinalis L.

2025-10-27T15:52:14+01:00

Valeriana officinalis L. (common valerian) is a well-established medicinal plant traditionally employed for its sedative, anxiolytic, and sleep-promoting properties. Recent advances in phytochemical, preclinical, and clinical research have significantly expanded our understanding of its pharmacological profile. This review provides an integrated synthesis of current evidence concerning the phytochemistry, mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, safety, and emerging therapeutic applications of V. officinalis and related species. The plant's therapeutic effects are primarily mediated by the modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic, serotonergic, and adenosinergic neurotransmission, complemented by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and neuroprotective activities. Clinical studies consistently support its efficacy in improving sleep onset and quality, as well as in reducing anxiety symptoms, with minimal adverse effects and no evidence of tolerance, dependence, or cognitive impairment. Beyond its well-established neuropsychiatric applications, preclinical data indicate additional cardiovascular, metabolic, cytotoxic, and neuroprotective properties. These include modulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/ platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) signalling in cancer models, neuroprotection against oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders, and hypotensive, vasorelaxant, and antiarrhythmic activities. Despite these promising findings, further research is required to address challenges related to extract standardisation, pharmacokinetic characterization, and clinical translation. Overall, V. officinalis represents a versatile phytotherapeutic agent exhibiting multifaceted pharmacological actions and substantial potential for integrative and evidence-based clinical applications.

Effect of Cinnamon Essential Oil on the Oxidative Stability of Rapeseed, Olive, and Grapeseed Oils During Long-Term Storage

2025-11-04T20:16:26+01:00

The oxidative stability of edible oils affects their nutritional quality and shelf life. This study examined the impact of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) on the antioxidant capacity and lipid oxidation of rapeseed, olive, and grapeseed oils during extended storage periods (7-120 days). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were used as indicators of antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation, respectively. Throughout storage, TAC decreased and TBARS levels increased progressively in all control samples, confirming time-dependent oxidative deterioration. Adding CEO significantly increased TAC values in rapeseed and olive oils, especially after 30 and 120 days, with increases of up to 45.7 and 19.2%, respectively, compared to the control group (p <0.05). In grapeseed oil, however, the CEO-induced enhancement of antioxidant capacity was transient, with significant increases at 7, 15, and 120 days, but inconsistent effects during mid-storage. Lipid peroxidation, as assessed by TBARS, was strongly influenced by both oil type and storage duration. CEO supplementation reduced TBARS accumulation in rapeseed and grapeseed oils after 60 days (by 18.3 and 36.6%, respectively), indicating a temporary protective effect. However, it occasionally exhibited pro-oxidant behaviour during the initial or final stages of storage. Among the oils tested, olive oil exhibited the highest oxidative stability and the most consistent antioxidant response to the addition of CEO. Thus, cinnamon essential oil demonstrated matrix-dependent and time-specific antioxidant and prooxidant properties. It effectively enhanced the oxidative stability of monounsaturated oils, but its performance was inconsistent in polyunsaturated systems. These findings highlight the potential of cinnamon essential oil as a natural, clean-label antioxidant additive for extending the shelf life of edible oils, provided its concentration and formulation are optimised for the oil matrix.

Comparative Study of Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl. and Elsholtzia stauntonii Benth. Antioxidant Capacity

2025-09-17T15:49:56+02:00

Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl. and E. stauntonii Benth. are aromatic plants valued for their biologically active compounds. This study assessed their antioxidant potential by determining total polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), phenolic acids (TPAC), and antioxidant activity using the DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. Plant material was collected from the experimental fields of the Institute of Climate Smart Agriculture in 2023–2024. E. stauntonii extracts contained significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds (TPC up to 69.67 mg GAE·g⁻¹, TFC up to 41.25 mg QE·g⁻¹, TPAC up to 19.26 mg CAE·g⁻¹) compared with E. ciliata (TPC up to 16.83 mg GAE·g⁻¹, TFC up to 10.35 mg QE·g⁻¹, TPAC up to 4.84 mg CAE·g⁻¹). Antioxidant activity was also stronger in E. stauntonii (FRAP up to 337.97 µmol·ml⁻¹) than in E. ciliata (FRAP up to 118.17 µmol·ml⁻¹). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between phenolic content and antioxidant activity in both species (r = 0.77–0.99). These findings highlight E. stauntonii as a particularly rich source of phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant potential, supporting its value for future biochemical and pharmacological applications.

Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Leek (Allium porrum L.) Cultivars

2025-11-01T09:49:00+01:00

This study investigated the elemental composition and cultivar-dependent variability in the accumulation of heavy metals in leek (Allium porrum L.) grown under field conditions. The aim of the research was to assess how different leek cultivars accumulate essential and potentially toxic elements and to identify genotypic traits influencing heavy-metal uptake under similar environmental conditions. Four cultivars (Albos, De Carentan, Elefant, Lungo Della Riviera) were analyzed for Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb, and Cd contents using atomic absorption spectrometry. Among cultivars, Elefant exhibited the highest Fe, Cu, and Cd contents, while De Carentan accumulated more Zn and Pb. When recalculated to fresh mass, Cd concentrations in leek tissues remained below the permissible limit (0.04 mg.kg⁻¹ fresh matter), whereas Pb levels exceeded the threshold (0.10 mg.kg⁻¹ fresh matter). Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 76.1% of the total variance and revealed distinct clustering of cultivars according to their elemental profiles. Zn, Cu, Pb, and Co were the major contributors to PC1, while Mn and Cr influenced PC2. The findings demonstrate that both soil properties and genetic factors significantly affect heavy-metal uptake and accumulation in leek. Although the analyzed soil was moderately fertile and suitable for vegetable production, elevated Cd and Pb levels underline the need for continuous environmental monitoring, the implementation of soil remediation measures, and careful selection of cultivars with lower accumulation potential to ensure the safety and quality of vegetable produce.

Prospects for Allelochemicals Utilization for Managing the Plant-Soil-Microbiome System in Phytostimulation Technologies

2025-11-01T09:43:35+01:00

Phytostimulation is an environment friendly, cost-effective phytoremediation technique based on mutualistic interactions between plants and rhizosphere microbiome capable of degrading hazardous pollutants. Allelochemicals found in plant root exudations, to a significant extent, shape the structure and functional state of the rhizosphere microbiome through direct and indirect effects. In this review, the various classes of allelochemicals (viz. organic acids, amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, triterpenoids, and benzoxazinoids) have been analyzed as to the character and physiological mechanisms of their effect on the populations of soil rhizobacteria and fungi taxonomical groups, promising as bioremediants. All considered classes of allelochemicals demonstrated selective activity in relation to different species of soil microorganisms. This allows using such compounds as markers of the "suitability" of plant species or cultivars as host plants in phytostimulation technologies. The possibility of controlling the bioremediation potential of the rhizosphere microbiome by including allelopathic plants into phytoremediation practices is considered. The implementation of an allelopathic approach in phytostimulation technology will allow to create stable associations of plants with bioremediating microorganisms, overcome the negative influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the soil microbiome and plants, improve the effectiveness of bioremediation technologies, and promote sustainable agricultural development.

Comparative Evaluation of the Antioxidant Potential of Natural Multifloral Honeys from Poland and Hungary

2025-11-07T15:03:46+01:00

Honey is a complex natural product with a variety of biological properties, which are attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, particularly the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids. This study compared the antioxidant potential of multifloral honeys from Poland and Hungary with artificial honey using four analytical methods: ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant content (AC), and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Natural honeys demonstrated markedly higher antioxidant capacities than artificial honey in all assays. FRAP values ranged from 1,875.65 to 2,569.12 μmol TE·kg^-1, indicating a 25.7-fold increase compared to artificial honey (99.85 μmol TE·kg^-1). Similarly, TPC values ranged from 612.74 to 725.85 mg GAE·kg^-1, approximately five to six times higher than the control. AC values (18.54–20.14 mg AA·100 g^-1) and DPPH radical inhibition levels (39.05–44.29%) further confirmed the superior antioxidant capacity of natural honeys, corresponding to a 225–269% increase relative to artificial honey. A strong positive correlation was observed among the results for FRAP, TPC, DPPH, and AC, confirming that phenolic compounds are the primary determinants of honey’s antioxidant activity. Samples from Poland ("Zaczarowany Ogród" and “Karolczak Cezary") and Hungary (Fulmer GmbH Magyarorszagi) exhibited the highest antioxidant capacities, reflecting their diverse floral origins and rich polyphenolic profiles. These findings provide compelling evidence that natural multifloral honeys are valuable dietary sources of antioxidants. The results emphasise the functional superiority of natural honey, its potential to reduce oxidative stress, and the importance of botanical and geographical origin in determining its biochemical quality.

Impact of Agrotechnical Methods on the Development and Economic Indicators of Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl.

2025-10-01T20:59:53+02:00

Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl., commonly known as Vietnamese balm, is an aromatic and medicinal plant valued for its essential oil rich in biologically active compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of sowing time and irrigation regime on the growth, productivity, and essential oil content of E. ciliata genotype No. 23-60 cultivated under the climatic conditions of Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine. Field experiments included phenological observations, morphometric measurements, and assessment of biomass and essential oil yield under three watering regimes (natural, moderate, and intensive drip irrigation) for two sowing dates. The total vegetative period was 144 days for the first sowing and 131 days for the second. Plants grown under intensive watering showed enhanced growth parameters and higher biomass production compared with those under natural irrigation. The highest green mass and inflorescence yields were recorded at the first sowing with intensive drip irrigation, while moderate irrigation provided the maximal leaf yield. Essential oil content in the mass-flowering phase ranged from 0.45–0.82% for the first sowing and from 0.57–0.59% for the second, depending on the water regime. The results indicate that early sowing combined with intensive drip irrigation ensures optimal growth and oil accumulation in E. ciliata. These findings may be useful for developing agrotechnical recommendations and for further breeding aimed at selecting genotypes with improved essential oil yield and adaptability to different environmental conditions.

Heavy Metal Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.)

2025-11-01T09:54:31+01:00

This study aimed to evaluate the uptake and accumulation of trace elements in three cultivars of chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.; Bohemia, Pobrežná, and Pražská) grown under identical field conditions in Veľká Mača (Slovak Republic), in order to determine their food safety and suitability for cultivation in moderately contaminated soils. Pseudo-total and mobile forms of heavy metals in soil were determined, along with metal concentrations in plant leaves, using microwave-assisted digestion followed by flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The soil exhibited elevated pseudo-total concentrations of Zn, Ni, and Cd, with Cd and Pb mobile fractions exceeding regulatory critical values, indicating potential soil–plant transfer risk. Despite these conditions, all chive cultivars accumulated essential micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) within nutritionally relevant ranges, while concentrations of Pb and Cd in fresh biomass remained below European food safety limits (Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915). Significant inter-cultivar differences (p < 0.05) were observed, particularly for Fe, Zn, Pb, and Cd. Principal component analysis revealed clear cultivar clustering driven by micronutrient content and Pb accumulation. Bioaccumulation factors were <1 for all elements except Cd (0.43–0.65), confirming low overall metal transfer from soil to plants, with moderate Cd uptake typical for Allium species. The results demonstrate that A. schoenoprasum cultivars differ in trace element uptake capacity and can be safely cultivated even under moderately contaminated soil conditions. These findings support the importance of cultivar selection and soil monitoring to ensure both nutritional value and food safety in Allium crops.

Cinnamon as a Natural Adjunct in Glycemic Control: A Review of Current Evidence and Underlying Mechanisms

2025-11-07T15:47:12+01:00

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents one of the most significant public health issues of the twenty-first century. It is characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, and progressive beta-cell dysfunction. Its prevalence continues to rise globally, driven by sedentary lifestyles, unbalanced diets, and an ageing population, imposing significant socioeconomic and healthcare burdens. Conventional treatment strategies based on pharmacological therapy, dietary modifications, and increased physical activity frequently fail to achieve sustained glycaemic targets, prompting growing interest in complementary and natural interventions. Among various plant-derived substances, cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) has emerged as a promising adjunctive agent in glycaemic control. It contains multiple bioactive constituents, such as cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and polyphenolic proanthocyanidins, which exert a range of effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. These compounds enhance insulin receptor activity, facilitate glucose uptake in peripheral tissues, inhibit intestinal α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling. Through these mechanisms, cinnamon supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity, lower fasting blood glucose, and attenuate postprandial hyperglycaemia. Evidence from numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses provides evidence that daily supplementation with 1-6 g of cinnamon over several weeks can produce modest yet statistically significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol. Furthermore, experimental findings suggest beneficial effects on hepatic enzyme activity and oxidative balance in patients with T2DM. Nevertheless, inconsistencies in reported outcomes are attributed to differences in study design, cinnamon species (C. verum versus C. cassia), and formulation (powder, extract, or capsule). Safety considerations, particularly with regard to the coumarin content of C. cassia, support the preferential use of C. verum in clinical applications. From a therapeutic perspective, cinnamon supplementation is a safe, affordable, and easily accessible complementary strategy that could enhance conventional antidiabetic therapy, improve metabolic stability, and promote patient adherence. Therefore, integrating cinnamon into comprehensive diabetes management alongside pharmacotherapy, dietary regulation, and lifestyle modification may contribute to improved long-term clinical outcomes.

Changes in Transposable Element Fingerprint Profiles of Seladon Wheat Cultivar Under the Micronutrient Malnutrition

2025-10-26T13:41:09+01:00

Retrotransposons are natural parts of plant genomes. Under normal growth conditions most retrotransposons are transcriptionally silent or minimally expressed. However, certain stress conditions can lead to reactivation of retrotransposons at the level of transcription or transposition. Many monocot retrotransposons are transcriptionally active under abiotic stress conditions. In wheat, different abiotic stress was reported to be stimuli for retrotransposon activation. Here, IRAP fingerprints of Bare-1 retrotransposon and Cassandra TRIM element were anylysed analyzed in the drought susceptible Triticum aestivum L. cultivar Aladin under the stress of malnutrition. Wheat plants were grown under aseptic culture medium conditions with reduced macronutrients and no micronutrients and the IRAP (Inter Retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism) technique was subsequently applied to obtain retrotransposons specific fingerprints. Both of the analysed retrotransposon showed polymorphic profiles. A total of 86 amplicons were generated in Bare-1 IRAP and 95 amplicons in Cassandra IRAP. Three unique fragments were obtained in control plants and two in the variant of 21 days of malnutrition for Bare-1 IRAP fingerprints. One unique fragment was obtained in control plants, two in the variant of 7 days of malnutrition, two in the variant of 14 days of malnutrition and five in the variant of 21 days of malnutrition for the Cassandra retrotransposon. IRAP fingerprints of Bare-1 and Cassandra retrotransposons are here reported for the first time under ther stress of malnutrition. In both of them, changes in generated amplicons were obtained what point the activity of analysed retrotransposons.

Soil Degradation Caused by Military Activities in Ukraine: Challenges and Prospects for Ecological Rehabilitation

2025-11-11T14:49:07+01:00

The full-scale war in Ukraine has caused unprecedented anthropogenic pressure on the soil cover, manifested in the complex degradation of its physical, chemical, and biological properties. This review article summarizes current data on the forms of soil degradation in combat zones, including mechanical destruction of structure, compaction, erosion processes, salinization, as well as chemical contamination by heavy metals, explosives, petroleum products, and combustion residues. Particular attention is paid to changes in soil microbiota, which serves as a sensitive indicator of ecological condition. Structural and functional shifts in microbial communities, reduction of enzymatic activity, and disruption of organic matter mineralization processes are analysed as reliable bioindicators of soil degradation. The article discusses modern approaches to ecological rehabilitation of affected areas through the use of plants and microorganisms. Special emphasis is placed on phytoremediation technologies that combine the ability of plants to accumulate, transform, and detoxify toxicants with the restoration of biogeochemical element cycling. The feasibility of using indicator and resistant plant species for the remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals and explosive residues is also substantiated. It is concluded that a comprehensive assessment of microbiological, enzymatic, and physicochemical parameters is a necessary prerequisite for developing effective strategies for soil ecological rehabilitation in the post-war period. The results of the review can be used to formulate scientifically grounded recommendations for restoring the ecological stability of Ukraine’s agro-landscapes and for planning long-term soil and biodiversity conservation measures.

Indigenomics Prospects of Underutilized Tropical Fruits Agrobiodiversity: A Scoping Review of Economic Botany

2025-11-03T20:03:17+01:00

Sustainable optimization of Underutilized Tropical Fruit Tree Species (UTFS) requires shifting focus beyond direct consumption to encompass their multi-dimensional value across ecological importance, community well-being support, cultural significance, and commercial value. Indigenomics is an integrated value system that applies indigenous economic principles to analyze the relationship between human communities and ethnobotanical resources. We conducted a systematic review, structured around the scope of the indigenomics framework to assess the research landscape of UTFS in Africa between 2014 and 2024. A total of 75 indigenous fruit species with high indigenomics potential were identified based on their multi-dimensional value across core indigenomics indicators. Tripartite analysis was performed using Ghephi 0.10 software to reveal the intricate network linking UTFS, indigenous communities, and their usage, highlighting their untapped economic opportunities. The result confirmed an indigenomics potential for the UTFS, evidenced by an average of 2.89 uses per species. Centrality metrics identified food/nutrition (66 of 75 species), medicine/health (63 species), and industrial/commercial products (42 species) as the three core indigenomics indicators of the species. Foundational species, such as Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst., Adansonia digitata L., and Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. serve as critical resources linking diverse ethnic groups, particularly in high-connectivity areas of South Africa and Nigeria. However, research is geographically imbalanced, with documentation highly concentrated in South Africa (45 species) and West Africa, particularly Nigeria (23 species), leaving many other regions critically underexplored. The findings highlight the need for coordinated policies in agriculture, agrobiodiversity conservation, and commerce at local and international levels to optimize these species. The operational feasibility of Indigenomics framework requires validation through future research efforts that integrate biocultural epistemology.

Effect of Toxic Potassium Chromate on in Vitro Growth of Artemisia tilesii Ledeb. Hairy Roots

2025-11-11T05:49:08+01:00

Chromium contamination, prevalent due to its extensive industrial application, poses a significant environmental threat. Hexavalent chromium is notably more toxic than its trivalent form. Phytoremediation, leveraging plants' natural detoxification mechanisms like oxidative stress counteraction, synthesis of reducing compounds, and conversion of Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III), offers a promising remediation strategy. Consequently, exploring plant species for their phytoremediation potential is crucial for environmental sustainability. This study investigates the phytoremediation capacity of Artemisia tilesii Ledeb. hairy roots in media contaminated with Cr(VI). Hairy roots were cultured for 7 days in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with Cr(VI) at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 mg/l. Key parameters assessed included root biomass, flavonoid content, reducing activity, Cr(VI) content in both roots and medium, tolerance index, and growth-corrected bioconcentration factor. Results demonstrated that at 25 mg.L⁻¹ Cr(VI), A. tilesii hairy roots exhibited a normal growth rate, with no adverse effects on flavonoid content or reducing activity. Remarkably, these roots efficiently accumulated chromium, removing nearly 90% of the Cr(VI) from the medium. However, higher Cr(VI) concentrations proved toxic, inhibiting root growth and biosynthetic activity. In conclusion, Artemisia tilesii hairy roots show significant potential for phytoremediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated environments, particularly when chromium concentrations do not exceed 25 mg.L⁻¹. This highlights its promise as a sustainable and effective tool for environmental clean-up.

Symphytum Species: Distribution, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Ecology, and Research Perspectives

2025-11-13T22:28:34+01:00

This review covers the most important aspects of research on plants of the genus Symphytum L. (Boraginaceae Juss.), such as distribution, morphological features, use, biochemical characteristics, ecological, pharmacological, and phytoremediation features. Plants from the genus Symphytum have been used in folk medicine since ancient times. Symphytum officinale L. (comfrey), as the most studied species from this genus, has been used from ancient times for treating pain, inflammation, and swelling in muscles and joints, particularly in conditions like degenerative arthritis, acute back pain, sports injuries, ulcers, wounds, bone fractures, and rheumatic complaints. This knowledge stimulated new investigations, which included more species from this genus, that represented in pharmacological, biological, and ecological reviews. Important pharmacological properties of these plants include anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and regenerative effects. In general, it should be noted that the results available in scientific sources on the study of this species mainly concern S. officinale, while other species have been studied fragmentarily or there is no information at all. Future research could and should focus on a more in-depth and broader systematic analysis of the genus, microbiological aspects of the study (use of more species and strains of microorganisms), ecological aspects (lack of data on allelopathic activity and salt tolerance), and the bioremediation potential of other species besides S. officinale.