Category Archives: b_original_articles

Tingchang Liu¹, Shiming Han^1*, Yuexia Wang^1,2, Yumei Fang¹, Lina Guo¹, Yuxin Wang¹, Jihong Dong²

¹School of Biological Science and Technology, Liupanshui Normal University，Guizhou, Liupanshui, China

²School of Public Administration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China

*Corresponding author’s email: hanshiliang888@163.com

Received: 20 November 2025 / Revised: 09 February 2026 / Accepted: 17 February 2026 / Published Online: 09 March 2026

Abstract

China has rich genetic resources of kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis), the flowering time of kiwifruit is crucial for the yield, quality, and economic benefits, and the mechanisms underlying the earlier flowering time of kiwifruit need to explore. It is unclear for the mechanism of flowering time of kiwifruit to now. A new kiwifruit variety Minihong 1 (M) was approved in 2025, with a flowering time is about ten days earlier than the other two varieties Hanhong (H) and Guichang (G). We selected the folded, unfolded, mature leaves, alabastrum and full-flowering stages of the above three varieties for RNA-seq, and conducted Venn diagram analysis of the high-expression genes (FPKM value > 100) in the alabastrum of these three varieties, and found that 381 genes specifically highly expressed in the early-flowering variety M. Further analysis, it includes 42 genes related to photosynthesis, and most of these genes particularly high expressing in M from the vegetative growth period to the early reproductive growth stage (alabastrum stage). We speculate that the high expression of photosynthetic genes in M leads to increase accumulation of photosynthetic products, which promotes its flowering earlier. This study proposes possible factors that determine the flowering period of kiwifruit, laying a theoretical foundation for the regulation of kiwifruit flowering in the future.

Keywords: Kiwifruit, Actinidia chinensis, Photosynthesis, Flowering time

Taha A. Kumosani^1,2,3, Elie Barbour^2,3, Soonham S. Yaghmoor^2,3, Said S. Moselhy^4*  

¹Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

²Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

³Production of Bio-products for Industrial Application Research Group, King Abdulaziz University. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

⁴Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

*Corresponding author’s email: moselhy6@hotmail.com

Received: 02 January 2026 / Revised: 10 February 2026 / Accepted: 19 February 2026 / Published Online: 08 March 2026

Abstract

Exposure to heavy metals such as nickel can affect many vital organs such as liver, kidney, and nervous system. The current study investigated the neurotoxicity of nickel sulfate in rats and the potential of histidine and its dipeptide derivative (carnosine) in abrogation of this toxicity. The present study was carried out on a total of 48 male Albino rats (100 ±10g). Rats were randomly equally grouped into six (8 rats each). Group I: Control. Group II: Rats received histidine chloride (10 mg/Kg b.w/day) orally for 30 days. Group III: Rats received carnosine (10 mg/Kg b.w/day) orally for 30 days. Group IV: Rats were injected i.p with (20 mg/kg b.w) daily of nickel sulfate for 30 days. Group V: Rats were injected i.p with 20 mg/kg daily of nickel sulfate and histidine chloride orally (10 mg/Kg b.w) for 30 days. Group VI: Rats were injected i.p with (20 mg/kg b.w) of nickel sulfate and carnosine orally (10 mg/Kg b.w) for 30 days. Data showed that nickel administration caused a significant decrease in hemoglobin and GSH levels, elevation of serum MDA, NO, IL-6, TNF-α levels, reduction in the activities of SOD and catalase. In addition, in brain tissue, a significant decrease in the levels of epinephrin, serotonin and ATP levels and acetylcholine esterase activity while increased in glycogen phosphorylase activity. The histidine or carnosine improved and recovered abnormalities induced by nickel significantly compared with untreated. The carnosine showed more effectiveness than histidine. In conclusion, the histidine or its derivative carnosine use is promising in preventing neurotoxicity induced by environmental pollution by nickel via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and keep energy level of brain tissue.

Keywords: Carnosine, Histidine, Neurotoxicity, Nickel sulfate, Oxidative stress, Rats

Taha A. Kumosani^1,2,3, Elie K. Barbour², Soonham S. Yaghmoor², Said S. Moselhy^4*

¹Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

²Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

³Production of Bio-products for Industrial Application Research Group, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

⁴Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

*Corresponding author’s email: moselhy6@hotmail.com

Received: 22 November 2025 / Revised: 11 February 2026 / Accepted: 19 February 2026 / Published Online: 02 March 2026

Abstract

The undesired complications and side effects of drugs used in obesity management is the main challenge worldwide. For that, complementary or alternative therapy depending on natural source for obesity management is the target of nutritionist for its safety. The rational of this study to investigate the role of sulforaphane (SR) in amelioration biochemical markers related to oxidative stress, inflammation and obesity hormones high fructose and or high fat diet fed rats. Eight groups of   male rats (6 rats/group). Group 1: Rats fed normal diet.  GP II: normal rats given SR (10 mg/kg bw). Animals in groups (III-V) were fed either high fructose (HF) or high fat (HFA) or (HF/HFA) diet.  However, rats in Groups (VI-VIII): are similar to previous groups but treated orally 10 mg/kg bw SR. Data obtained showed that, SR protected from hepatic abnormalities by normalizing ALT and AST levels. A significant improvement in insulin sensitivity, restoring changes in lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL-c and HDL-c), anti-inflammatory by reducing levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, antioxidant and keeps obesity hormones from alterations compared with untreated rats. Conclusion: supplementation of SR ameliorated biochemical abnormalities induced by HF and or HFA and related hormonal, oxidative stress and inflammations. For that, it is promising to be used in the treatment of obesity-related metabolic syndrome.

Keywords: Sulforaphane, Obesity, High fructose/ high fat, Ghrelin, Leptin, Adiponectin, Rats

Nur Izzati Suraiya Mohamad Zaid¹, Elham Taghavi^2,3, Hamed Mahdavian Mehr⁴, Awang Zulfikar Rizal Awang Seruji⁵, Nadiah Wan Rasdi^6,7, Nabilah Abdul Hadi^1*

¹Faculty of Food Science and Agrotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

²Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

³Faculty of Agro-Industrial Technology, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Sumedang Regency, West Java 45363, Indonesia

⁴Department of Food Science and Technology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, PO Box 91775-7 1163, Mashhad, Iran ⁵Downstream Technology Division, CRAUN Research Sdn. Bhd., Jalan Sultan Tengah, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

⁶Faculty of Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

⁷Plankton Responses and Innovation Development Research Interest Group, Faculty of Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author’s email: nabilah.abdhadi@umt.edu.my

Received: 10 November 2025 / Revised: 03 February 2026 / Accepted: 16 February 2026 / Published Online: 28 February 2026

Abstract

Naturally abundance in the versatile functional properties has allowed starch to gain interest across industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Dioscorea hispida Dennst. (D. hispida), a wild tuber, native to some regions, has been considered as potentially useful for industrial applications following its availability and unexplored attributes. This study explores the complementary effects of various modification methods, compromising heat (physical), octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) esterification (chemical), and dual treatment, with D. hispida starch as the single stabiliser in Pickering emulsion system. Upon formulation as emulsifiers in the Pickering emulsions, the starches microstructure, creaming, stability upon centrifugation, rheological performance and colour were categorised. The molecular structure, crystallinity, morphology and thermal attributes of the starches were examined to assess their stability for emulsification. Modification of starches led to the increase of starch granules to 3.52 µm, from 3.04 µm. Lowest emulsion stability after four weeks was demonstrated by dual modification (78.26 %), associated with 23.84 µm of droplets’ sizes. As indictment of their flow properties, all Pickering emulsion samples exhibited shear-thinning rheological behaviour. These findings implored that D. hispida starch is a promising substitution for traditional stabiliser, ensuring a green-label ingredient. Extensive research is recommended to evaluate its stability in the long run for further applications.

Keywords: Starch modification, D. hispida, Pickering emulsion, Synergistic effect

Riska¹*, Herwita Idris¹, Jumjunidang¹, Nurmansyah¹, Tri Budiyanti¹, Riki Warman¹, Hermawati Cahyaningrum¹, Ellina Mansyah¹ , Rasiska Tarigan¹, Afrizon², Atman¹

¹Research Center for Horticultural, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Center, Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor, Cibinong, Kabupaten Bogor, Indonesia

²Research Center for Estate Crops, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Center, Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor, Cibinong, Kabupaten Bogor, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: risk011@brin.go.id

Received: 16 November 2025 / Revised: 10 February 2026 / Accepted: 16 February 2026 / Published Online: 26 February 2026

Abstract

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is recognized as one of the most catastrophic pathogens threating banana production globally. The constrain of chemical method used and limitation of an effective conventional strategies stimulating the use of environmentally responsible biocontrol strategies. This study was purposed to evaluate the efficacy of potential antagonist indigenous Trichoderma and Burkholderia strains isolated from banana rhizosphere in single- and co-culture approaches. Microbial identification was performed through partial 28SrRNA region amplification (fungi isolates) and 16sRNA region (bacterial isolates) using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Colony compatibility, antagonist activity test of mycelium and a poisoned food test were assessed. The bioactive compounds produced by single and co-culture cultivation of Trichoderma spp. and Burkholderia spp. were profiled using GC-MS.  Dual plate culture tests showed that Burkholderia sp. S10KTR325 and Trichoderma sp. PP21 caused significant inhibition of Foc growth, at 76.04% and 80.39%, respectively. A poisoned food test through secondary metabolite-based cell-free supernatants dissolved in culture medium revealed that combinations such as Trichoderma sp. PP21 and Burkholderia sp. S10KTR316 or S10KTR325, as well as co-cultures of Trichoderma sp. KPK22 and Burkholderia sp. S10KTR25, achieved over 80% inhibition. An exception was found in the combination of Burkholderia sp. S10KTR316 and Trichoderma sp. KPK22. Those combinations inhibited the percentage of colony growth was only at 2.2%. The single supernatant of Trichoderma sp. PP21 showed comparable efficacy to co-culture treatments. All treatments, both in single microbial cultures and co-cultures consistently produced 2-piperidinone, Pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-, and Pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl). Trichoderma sp. PP21 and its co-cultures with Burkholderia sp. S10KTR25 are a promising bio-fungicide agent to be developed.

Keywords: Banana, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, Secondary metabolite, Trichoderma sp., Burkholderia sp. co-culture

Mysoon Alamro*

National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Al Mashqar Agricultural Research Center, Madaba West Street, Amman, Jordan

*Corresponding author’s email: mysoon.alamro@gmail.com

Received: 30 November 2025 / Revised: 03 February 2026 / Accepted: 09 February 2026 / Published Online: 17 February 2026

Abstract

Climate change and induced droughts are limiting crop production, especially in arid regions like Jordan, requiring urgent need for strategies that improve water use efficiency in agriculture. This study, therefore, investigated the use of natural Jordanian zeolite as a soil amendment to improve soil moisture retention, plant growth, and yield of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum) under limited water conditions in pot experiments. A two-season trial was conducted with four irrigation intervals, watering every 2, 4, 6, or 8 days, and five zeolite application doses; zeolite: soil ratios of 0:1, 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 by volume. Average results from both seasons showed that changing irrigation intervals from 2 to 8 days significantly reduced soil moisture, from 18% to 13% in the first season, and increased soil temperature from 21°C to 23.5°C, adversely affecting plant growth and yield. Zeolite amendments improved soil water retention by up to 3-4%, reduced soil temperature by 1-3°C under drought, and increased plant height, leaf area, and chlorophyll fluorescence indices compared to non-zeolite soil. The results also indicate that a 1:3 zeolite to soil ratio produced higher plant height, larger leaf area, and 20-40% higher fruit yield under deficit irrigation than the control which received no zeolite. Water use efficiency was improved with reduced watering frequency and was further enhanced by zeolite; the 1:3 treatment achieved the highest WUE, producing more yield per unit water. On the other hand, excessive zeolite (1:1 mix) did not improve yields on clayey soil. Therefore, incorporating a suitable proportion of natural zeolite into soil can mitigate drought stress and sustain tomato production while conserving irrigation water.

Keywords: Arid region agriculture, Drought, Irrigation frequency, Soil amendment, Water use efficiency, Zeolitic tuff

Qiu YuHao¹, Liang WenJing¹, Li MeiQi¹, Zhu Hong¹, Peng Hao^1*, Si DouDou¹, Xie YuSi²

¹Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723001, Shaanxi, China

²Shaanxi Agricultural Radio and Television School, Hanzhong 724400, Shaanxi, China

*Corresponding author’s email: huaohao808@126.com

Received: 09 September 2025 / Revised: 14 January 2026 / Accepted: 24 January 2026 / Published Online: 16 February 2026

Abstract

To address the severe threat of root rot caused by F. solani and F. oxysporum to American ginseng production and the limitations of chemical control, this study aimed to screen antagonistic actinomycetes and identify their key active substances. Actinomycetes were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of healthy American ginseng using the dilution plate method, and antagonistic strains were screened via the mycelial growth rate assay. Strain XF-3, with the highest inhibitory activity, was identified as S. murinus based on morphological, physiological-biochemical, and 16S rDNA sequence analyses. Its fermentation broth exhibited in vitro control efficacies of 56.09% and 66.27% against F. solani and F. oxysporum, respectively, in detached root inoculation tests. The key active metabolite was isolated via column chromatography and identified as actinomycin D using NMR and LC-MS. Mycelial growth inhibition assays showed EC₅₀ values of actinomycin D against F. solani and F. oxysporum were 2.08 μg/mL and 11.48 μg/mL, respectively. This study provides a candidate biocontrol strain S. murinus XF-3 and theoretical basis for the green management of American ginseng root rot, while expanding the application scope of actinomycin D in agricultural biocontrol.

Keywords: American ginseng root rot, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Metabolites, Actinomycin D

N. Jitsopakul^1*, A. Chunthaworn¹, K. JaiDee¹, U. Pongket², K. Thammasiri³

¹Department of Plant Science, Textile and Design, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus, Surin 32000, Thailand

²Department of Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus, Surin 32000, Thailand

³Center for Gardening and Horticulture, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan 666303, China

*Corresponding author’s email: jitsopakul.ni@gmail.com

Received: 18 November 2025 / Revised: 23 January 2026 / Accepted: 30 January 2026 / Published Online: 09 February 2026

Abstract

The Vanda genus is a beautiful Thai orchid that has been bred for use as cut flowers and ornamental plants. The development and morphological characteristics of the first-generation hybridization of Vanda liouvillei Finet as the female plant and Vanda curvifolia (Lindl.) L.M. Gardiner as the male plant (F₁) and the hybridization of the second-generation hybrid plants (F₂) on the ability of pod formation and seed germination in vitro were investigated. The result showed that 60% pod formation, the age and size of mature pods was 149 days with 1.15 cm in width and 3.50 cm in length after hand-pollination of the first-generation hybridization (F₁). The hybrid seeds contained embryos and germinated after 23 days of sowing on a modified Vacin and Went (1949) agar medium. The first flowering occurred in vibrant orange-red petals with a red to yellow color graduated, erect inflorescence, and a fishtail-shaped lip similar to those of its male and female parent plants after three years and eleven months in the greenhouse. In the hybridization of the second-generation hybrid plants (F₂), pod formation was 100%; the age and size of mature pods was 219 days with 0.77 cm in width and 2.33 cm in length after hand-pollination, smaller than those of the first-generation hybrid pods (F₁). Seeds of the second-generation hybrid plants (F₂) contained embryos and germinated after 28 days of sowing.  The hybridization of the second-generation hybrids (F₂) is for the development and production of small potted orchids with bright flower colors.

Keywords: Pollinia, Pollination, Pod, Protocorm, Hybrid

Muhammad Talha¹, Muhammad Akram^1*, Abid Rashid²

¹Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
²Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s email: muhammadakram@gcuf.edu.pk

Received: 06 November 2025 / Revised: 31 December 2025 / Accepted: 19 January 2026 / Published Online: 02 February 2026

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a rising health crisis in the world resulting in progressive renal impairment due to oxidative stress and inflammation. This research has undertaken the phytochemical and bioactivity description of Boerhavia diffusa L. (punarnava), an Ayurvedic herb used in renal and hepatic rejuvenation. Maximum concentrations of the bioactive constituents were obtained in the 70% ethanolic extract which had a total phenolic content (TPC) of 34 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 60.52 ug CE/mL. As the major flavonoid, rutin (0.42 mg/g) and quercetin (0.31 mg/g) and the presence of significant amounts of phenolic acids such as chlorogenic (0.25 mg/g), gallic (0.18 mg/g), and caffeic (0.12 mg/g) acids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantification. Assessment of antioxidants through DPPH assay indicated a high radical scavenging potential (24.31% inhibition) in the 70% ethanol extract that is similar to a standardized phenolic mixture (23.85). Multivariate statistical analysis involving correlation heat maps, hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the capacity of antioxidants was highly linked to individual flavonoids but not the total phenolic content, and that compound specific bioactivity was important. Moreover, non-linear, synergistic relationships between phytochemical pools were estimated by regression modeling, highlighting the complexity of whole-plant therapeutic actions. The presence of a large number of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and glycosides was confirmed by qualitative screening; no tannins or steroids were detected, which is also consistent with the historical safety of the plant in chronic preparations. These results provide a phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant characterization of B. diffusa and place its traditional use in a phytochemical context.

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), Phytochemical profiling, Antioxidant activity, Flavonoids, Rutin, Quercetin oxidative stress, Ayurvedic herb

Thanet Sophonnithiprasert¹, Ratchanok Kumsiri², Panan Kanchanaphum^1*

¹Biochemistry Unit, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand

²Pathobiology Unit, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: panan.k@rsu.ac.th

Received: 25 October 2025 / Revised: 14 January 2026 / Accepted: 19 January 2026 / Published Online: 30 January 2026

Abstract

The ball python, or Python regius, is a popular exotic pet known for its beautiful colors and patterns, particularly in the piebald morph. Piebald ball pythons have skin with white patches on a pattern with a brown and black background. The piebald trait results from a recessive mutation in the TFEC gene. There are three variations of piebald: low white, medium white, and high white. This study uses quantitative PCR (qPCR) to determine the levels of TFEC gene expression across these three piebald variants. In the four low white piebald samples analyzed, the reduction of TFEC gene expression ranged from 1.31 to 4.42-fold, compared to the wild type, displaying the lowest reduction fold of TFEC gene expression. This phenomenon shows the pattern on almost all the skin of the ball python. While in medium white, the reduction in TFEC gene expression ranges from 5.14 to 7.99-fold, indicating the equal distribution of patterned and white patches on the skin of the ball python. The last one, the greatest reduction in TFEC gene expression, is the high white piebald ball python. The average reduction of TFEC gene expression is between 17.28 to 48.92-fold, reflecting the almost white area in the skin. Our study is the first report of differential expression of the TFEC gene in the variant type of the piebald ball python.

Keywords: Piebald, Ball python, Python regius, Gene expression, TFEC gene, qPCR