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Toxic Secondary Plant Metabolites: Toxicology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Ecotoxicology and Crop Protection

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A special issue of Toxins (ISSN 2072-6651). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Toxins".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 17984

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zbigniew Adamski

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Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Electron and Confocal Microscope Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
Interests: lethal and sub-lethal effects of plant-derived substances and their possible application as insecticides and nematicides; effects of alkaloids at cell and tissue level; alkaloid-procured lethality, altered fecundity, fertility, and morphological malformations of tested organisms
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Prof. Dr. Laura Scrano

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Dipartimento delle Culture Europee e del Mediterraneo, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
Interests: degradation and transformation of phytotoxins in water and soil; identification and characterization of plant secondary metabolites; evaluation of secondary metabolites' toxicity; use of phytotoxins as bio-pesticides
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Prof. Dr. Sabino Aurelio Bufo

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Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, ItalyDepartment of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Interests: pharmaceuticals from plants and microorganisms; chemistry of natural substances in vegetables and soil; plant secondary metabolites; protection and recovery of ecosystems
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Dr. Piotr Klimaszyk

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Department of Water Protection, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
Interests: environmental toxicology; limnology and water pollution; food safety
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants, bacteria, and fungi produce numerous substances known under the common name of secondary metabolites. Although they differ in structure, chemical properties, and roles in organisms, they possess a common feature—they are not involved directly in producing or developing the producing organisms. Among secondary plant metabolites, one can find alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, glucosinolates, phenolic compounds, tannins, and others.

The intensive research on plant secondary metabolites in the previous decades led to many significant results, showing the toxic but also therapeutic activity of these substances. Numerous researchers have indicated that these substances may be helpful in plant protection due to the exerted toxicity to pests and their diffused availability and low environmental persistence. Many studies showed that secondary plant metabolites are up-and-coming tools in pharmacology and medicine, as drugs used to treat various diseases, including parasitic diseases and cancers. As substances with toxic properties, they may disturb food webs and ecosystems.

Prof. Dr. Zbigniew Adamski
Prof. Dr. Laura Scrano
Prof. Dr. Sabino Aurelio Bufo
Prof. Dr. Piotr Klimaszyk
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxins is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

secondary metabolites
cyanobacteria
algae
plant toxins
biological activity
integrated pest management
plant medicine
pharmacological activity
functional characterization

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 29465 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Solanum nigrum Fruit Extract Modulates Immune System Activity of Mealworm Beetle, Tenebrio molitor L.

by Arkadiusz Urbański, Natalia Konopińska, Natalia Bylewska, Radosław Gmyrek, Marta Spochacz-Santoro, Sabino Aurelio Bufo and Zbigniew Adamski

Toxins 2023, 15(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins15010068 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2041

Abstract

Here, we report the first evidence concerning the modulation of insect immune system activity after applying Solanum nigrum fruit extract (EXT). We focused on two main issues: (1) is EXT cytotoxic for Tenebrio molitor haemocytes? and (2) how EXT affects the basic immune mechanisms of T. molitor. The results indicate cytotoxic action of 0.01 and 0.1% EXT on beetle haemocytes. Both the injection of EXT and incubating haemocytes with the EXT solution on microscopic slides significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells. However, 24 h after injection of 0.1% EXT cytotoxic effect of the tested extract probably was masked by the increased number of circulating haemocytes. Application of 0.01 and 0.1% EXT led to impairment of the activity of basic immune mechanisms such as phenoloxidase activity and the lysozyme-like antimicrobial activity of T. molitor haemolymph. Moreover, the EXT elicited significant changes in the expression level of selected immune genes. However, some of the immunomodulatory effects of EXT were different in beetles with and without an activated immune system. The obtained results are an essential step toward a complete understanding of the EXT mode of action on the T. molitor physiology and its potential usage in pest control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxic Secondary Plant Metabolites: Toxicology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Ecotoxicology and Crop Protection)

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16 pages, 2552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deciphering of Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)] Resistance in Cajanus platycarpus (Benth.) Offers Novel Insights on the Reprogramming and Role of Flavonoid Biosynthesis Pathway

by Shaily Tyagi, Maniraj Rathinam, Pathour Rajendra Shashank, Nidhee Chaudhary, Ajit Kumar Shasany and Rohini Sreevathsa

Toxins 2022, 14(7), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14070455 - 02 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2059

Abstract

Management of pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.), an important legume crop, has been a pertinent endeavor globally. As with other crops, wild relatives of pigeonpea are bestowed with various resistance traits that include the ability to deter the H. armigera. Understanding the molecular basis of pod borer resistance could provide useful leads for the management of this notorious herbivore. Earlier studies by our group in deciphering the resistance response to herbivory through multiomics approaches in the pigeonpea wild relative, Cajanus platycarpus, divulged the involvement of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, speculating an active chemical response of the wild relative to herbivory. The present study is a deeper understanding of the chemical basis of pod borer (H. armigera) resistance in, C. platycarpus, with focus on the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. To substantiate, quantification of transcripts in H. armigera-challenged C. platycarpus (8 h, 24 h, 48 h, 96 h) showed dynamic upregulation (up to 11-fold) of pivotal pathway genes such as chalcone synthase, dihydroflavonol-4-reductase, flavonoid-3′5′-hydroxylase, flavonol synthase, leucoanthocyanidin reductase, and anthocyanidin synthase. Targeted LC-MS analyses demonstrated a concomitant increase (up to 4-fold) in naringenin, kaempferol, quercetin, delphinidin, cyanidin, epigallocatechin, and epicatechin-3-gallate. Interestingly, H. armigera diet overlaid with the over-produced flavonoids (100 ppm) showed deleterious effects on growth leading to a prolonged larval period demonstrating noteworthy coherence between over-accumulation of pathway transcripts/metabolites. The study depicts novel evidence for the directed metabolic reprogramming of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in the wild relative to pod borer; plant metabolic potential is worth exploiting for pest management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxic Secondary Plant Metabolites: Toxicology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Ecotoxicology and Crop Protection)

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15 pages, 1786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in Rotenone and Deguelin Contents among Strains across Four Tephrosia Species and Their Activities against Aphids and Whiteflies

by Peiwen Zhang, Mengzi Zhang, Terri A. Mellich, Brian J. Pearson, Jianjun Chen and Zhixiang Zhang

Toxins 2022, 14(5), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14050339 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2317

Abstract

Botanical pesticides have received increasing attention for sustainable control of insect pests. Plants from the genus Tephrosia are known to produce rotenone and deguelin. Rotenone is known to possess insecticidal activities against a wide range of pests, but deguelin’s activities remain largely inconclusive. On the other hand, the biosynthesis of rotenone and deguelin may vary in Tephrosia species. This study analyzed the rotenone and deguelin contents in 13 strains across 4 Tephrosia species over 4 growing seasons using HPLC. Our study shows that the species and even the strains within a species vary substantially in the biosynthesis of rotenone and deguelin, and their contents can be affected by the growing season. After identification of the LC₅₀ values of chemical rotenone and deguelin against Aphis gossypii (Glover) and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), leaf extracts derived from the 13 strains were used to test their insecticidal activities against the 2 pests. The results showed that the extracts derived from 2 strains of T. vogelii had the highest insecticidal activity, resulting in 100% mortality of A. gossypii and greater than 90% mortality of B. tabaci. The higher mortalities were closely associated with the higher contents of rotenone and deguelin in the two strains, indicating that deguelin also possesses insecticidal activities. This is the first documentation of leaf extracts derived from 13 Tephrosia strains against 2 important pests of A. gossypii and B. tabaci. The strain variation and seasonal influence on the rotenone and deguelin contents call for careful attention in selecting appropriate strains and seasons to produce leaf extracts for the control of insect pests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxic Secondary Plant Metabolites: Toxicology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Ecotoxicology and Crop Protection)

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19 pages, 1878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Toxicity of Eichhornia crassipes Fractionated Extracts against Aphis craccivora and Its Safety in Albino Rats

by Sara Taha Abdelkhalek, Sherein Saied Abdelgayed, Hong Jiang and Man-Qun Wang

Toxins 2022, 14(5), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14050327 - 04 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2863

Abstract

Eichhornia crassipes were evaluated in order to investigate the insecticidal activity towards Aphis craccivora adults. The LC₅₀ values were promising and reflected the bio-efficacy of the tested extracts (39 and 42 mg/L), respectively, and reduced the fecundity markedly. Using GC/MS analysis, the major components were n-hexadecanoic, linolenic, hexadecenoic, myristic, stearic acids, linolelaidic acid, methyl ester and some terpenoids, alkaloids, and hydrocarbons. A safety assessment of non-target organisms is essential for the development of new pesticides. In order to guide the rational use of the most potential insecticidal extracts AcF and EtF, the effect of these extracts on body weight, hematological indices, biochemical indicators, and histopathology of some relevant organs of albino rats (as a model for mammals) was investigated. The research outcomes revealed that the LC₅₀ of AcF and EtF extracts had gradually raised body weight for 14 days (p > 0.05). Similarly, there were no remarkable alternations in the complete blood count (CBC); only a slight decrease in the monocytes count (612 ± 159.80 × 10³ µL) in the EtF-treated group. There was a notable increase in alanine transferase (ALT) activity (36.73 ± 1.44 IU/L) in the AcF-treated group. No destructive changes were noted with the remaining biochemical parameters. Cholesterol and triglycerides non-significantly increased in the EtF group, whereas, cholesterol levels decreased significantly in the AcF group. In addition, histopathological examination reflected minor changes in AcF and EtF groups in the form of mild inflammation in the lungs and mild vacuolar degeneration in the kidneys, while no lesions were detected in the heart and liver in the same groups. Thus, the present research suggested that AcF and EtF extracts of E. crassipes are safe green insecticides for insect control strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxic Secondary Plant Metabolites: Toxicology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Ecotoxicology and Crop Protection)

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19 pages, 1108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Toxicity of Crude Phlorotannins and Phloroglucinol Using Different Model Organisms

by Dicky Harwanto, Bertoka Fajar Surya Perwira Negara, Gabriel Tirtawijaya, Maria Dyah Nur Meinita and Jae-Suk Choi

Toxins 2022, 14(5), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14050312 - 28 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2085

Abstract

Phlorotannins have been proven to contain numerous bioactive compounds that have potential to be applied in variety industries, including cosmetics, functional foods, nutraceuticals, environmental management, and medicine. The larvicidal and growth-inhibiting properties of phlorotannins have been extensively studied in various organisms. However, the toxicity of the phloroglucinol oligomer of phlorotannin is unclear, especially in Artemia salina, Daphnia magna, Lactuca sativa, and Chlorella vulgaris, which are commonly used in many bioassays. Therefore, research using these four organisms should be designed to provide basic information about the toxic effects of phlorotannins and phloroglucinol. This study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal and inhibitory properties of phlorotannins and phloroglucinol on A. salina, D. magna, L. sativa, and C. vulgaris. Phlorotannin extract and phloroglucinol were administered at various concentrations to each test organism. The survival rate of A. salina nauplii and D. magna neonates was observed every 24 h to 72 h, whereas the L. sativa seed germination and inhibition rate of C. vulgaris were observed up to 96 h. The results showed that the 24 h LC50 of phlorotannin on A. salina and D. magna were 10.67 and 1.32 mg/mL, respectively. The germination inhibition of L. sativa was 53.3% with a seed growth of less than 4 mm after 96 h upon exposure to 1 mg/mL of phlorotannin. Freshwater and seawater C. vulgaris experienced yield inhibition of 39.47 and 43.46%, respectively, when 2 mg/mL of phlorotanin was added. These results indicate that phlorotannin affects the survival and growth of the test organisms, so its use as a pesticide, herbicide, and algaecide agent for environmental and aquaculture applications can be further studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxic Secondary Plant Metabolites: Toxicology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Ecotoxicology and Crop Protection)

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14 pages, 11556 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Solanum nigrum Extract and Solasonine Affected Hemolymph Metabolites and Ultrastructure of the Fat Body and the Midgut in Galleria mellonella

by Marta Spochacz, Szymon Chowański, Monika Szymczak-Cendlak, Paweł Marciniak, Filomena Lelario, Rosanna Salvia, Marisa Nardiello, Carmen Scieuzo, Laura Scrano, Sabino A. Bufo, Zbigniew Adamski and Patrizia Falabella

Toxins 2021, 13(9), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13090617 - 01 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2905

Abstract

Glycoalkaloids, secondary metabolites abundant in plants belonging to the Solanaceae family, may affect the physiology of insect pests. This paper presents original results dealing with the influence of a crude extract obtained from Solanum nigrum unripe berries and its main constituent, solasonine, on the physiology of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) that can be used as an alternative bioinsecticide. G. mellonella IV instar larvae were treated with S. nigrum extract and solasonine at different concentrations. The effects of extract and solasonine were evaluated analyzing changes in carbohydrate and amino acid composition in hemolymph by RP-HPLC and in the ultrastructure of the fat body cells by TEM. Both extract and solasonine changed the level of hemolymph metabolites and the ultrastructure of the fat body and the midgut cells. In particular, the extract increased the erythritol level in the hemolymph compared to control, enlarged the intracellular space in fat body cells, and decreased cytoplasm and lipid droplets electron density. The solasonine, tested with three concentrations, caused the decrease of cytoplasm electron density in both fat body and midgut cells. Obtained results highlighted the disturbance of the midgut and the fat body due to glycoalkaloids and the potential role of hemolymph ingredients in its detoxification. These findings suggest a possible application of glycoalkaloids as a natural insecticide in the pest control of G. mellonella larvae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxic Secondary Plant Metabolites: Toxicology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Ecotoxicology and Crop Protection)

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Review

Jump to: Research

12 pages, 2886 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Inhibitory Effects of Plant-Derived Sterilants on Rodent Population Abundance

by Xuanye Wen, Shuai Yuan, Limei Li, Quanhua Dai, Li Yang, Fan Jiang and Xiao Lin

Toxins 2022, 14(7), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14070487 - 15 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1845

Abstract

Owing to their low minimal environmental risk and other ethical considerations, plant-derived sterilants are used to control rodent populations. However, the effects of plant-derived sterilants are not immediate, and their efficacy on rodent control is controversial, which negatively affects sterilant research and application. Here, a meta-analysis of the available literature was conducted to evaluate the effects of two plant-derived sterilants, triptolide and curcumol, on rodent populations. Using a random-effects and a fixed-effects model, we calculated the weighted mean difference (WMD) and relative risk (RR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). After the application of plant-derived sterilants, the rodent population density tended to decrease. Three outcome-related measures in rodents, i.e., capture rate (RR = 0.31, 95% CI [0.20, 0.47]), pregnancy rate (RR = 0.49, 95% CI [0.40, 0.61]), and sperm survival rate (WMD = −17.53, 95% CI [−28.96, −6.06]), significantly decreased, as shown by a significant reduction of ovarian, uterine, and testicular organ coefficients. However, the number of effective rodent holes did not change significantly after the interventions, indicating that the studied sterilants did not directly eradicate the rodent populations. This study provides a theoretical basis for elucidating the inhibitory mechanisms of plant-derived sterilants on rodent populations and for the rational use of these sterilants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxic Secondary Plant Metabolites: Toxicology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Ecotoxicology and Crop Protection)

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