Nasturtium
Tropaeolum
Cetomacrogol
Glucans
Seed-specific heterologous expression of a nasturtium FAE gene in Arabidopsis results in a dramatic increase in the proportion of erucic acid. (1/8)
The fatty acid elongase [often designated FAE or beta-(or 3-) ketoacyl-CoA synthase] is a condensing enzyme and is the first component of the elongation complex involved in synthesis of erucic acid (22:1) in seeds of garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus). Using a degenerate primers approach, a cDNA of a putative embryo FAE was obtained showing high homology to known plant elongases. This cDNA contains a 1,512-bp open reading frame that encodes a protein of 504 amino acids. A genomic clone of the nasturtium FAE was isolated and sequence analyses indicated the absence of introns. Northern hybridization showed the expression of this nasturtium FAE gene to be restricted to the embryo. Southern hybridization revealed the nasturtium beta-ketoacyl-CoA synthase to be encoded by a small multigene family. To establish the function of the elongase homolog, the cDNA was introduced into two different heterologous chromosomal backgrounds (Arabidopsis and tobacco [Nicotiana tabacum]) under the control of a seed-specific (napin) promoter and the tandem 35S promoter, respectively. Seed-specific expression resulted in up to an 8-fold increase in erucic acid proportions in Arabidopsis seed oil, while constitutive expression in transgenic tobacco tissue resulted in increased proportions of very long chain saturated fatty acids. These results indicate that the nasturtium FAE gene encodes a condensing enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of very long chain fatty acids, utilizing monounsaturated and saturated acyl substrates. Given its strong and unique preference for elongating 20:1-CoA, the utility of the FAE gene product for directing or engineering increased synthesis of erucic acid is discussed. (+info)Watercress supplementation in diet reduces lymphocyte DNA damage and alters blood antioxidant status in healthy adults. (2/8)
BACKGROUND: Cruciferous vegetable (CV) consumption is associated with a reduced risk of several cancers in epidemiologic studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of watercress (a CV) supplementation on biomarkers related to cancer risk in healthy adults. DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized, crossover study was conducted in 30 men and 30 women (30 smokers and 30 nonsmokers) with a mean age of 33 y (range: 19-55 y). The subjects were fed 85 g raw watercress daily for 8 wk in addition to their habitual diet. The effect of supplementation was measured on a range of endpoints, including DNA damage in lymphocytes (with the comet assay), activity of detoxifying enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in erythrocytes, plasma antioxidants (retinol, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, lutein, and beta-carotene), plasma total antioxidant status with the use of the ferric reducing ability of plasma assay, and plasma lipid profile. RESULTS: Watercress supplementation (active compared with control phase) was associated with reductions in basal DNA damage (by 17%; P = 0.03), in basal plus oxidative purine DNA damage (by 23.9%; P = 0.002), and in basal DNA damage in response to ex vivo hydrogen peroxide challenge (by 9.4%; P = 0.07). Beneficial changes seen after watercress intervention were greater and more significant in smokers than in nonsmokers. Plasma lutein and beta-carotene increased significantly by 100% and 33% (P < 0.001), respectively, after watercress supplementation. CONCLUSION: The results support the theory that consumption of watercress can be linked to a reduced risk of cancer via decreased damage to DNA and possible modulation of antioxidant status by increasing carotenoid concentrations. (+info)Pectic homogalacturonan masks abundant sets of xyloglucan epitopes in plant cell walls. (3/8)
(+info)Investigation of antioxidant properties of Nasturtium officinale (watercress) leaf extracts. (4/8)
The objective of this study was to examine the in vitro and in vivo antioxidative properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaf of Nasturtium officinale R. Br. (watercress). Extracts were evaluated for total antioxidant activity by ferric thiocyanate method, total reducing power by potassium ferricyanide reduction method, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*) radical scavenging activities, superoxide anion radical scavenging activities in vitro and lipid peroxidation in vivo. Those various antioxidant activities were compared to standards such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and alpha-tocopherol. The ethanolic extract was found as the most active in total antioxidant activity, reducing power, DPPH* radicals and superoxide anion radicals scavenging activities. Administration of the ethanol extract to rats decreased lipid peroxidation in liver, brain and kidney. These results lead to the conclusion that N. officinale extracts show relevant antioxidant activity by means of reducing cellular lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxidant activity, reducing power, free radiacal and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities. In addition, total phenolic compounds in the aqueous and ethanolic extract of N. officinale were determined as pyrocatechol. (+info)A real-time fluorogenic assay for the visualization of glycoside hydrolase activity in planta. (5/8)
(+info)In vivo modulation of 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation by watercress: a pilot study. (6/8)
(+info)Turning the 'mustard oil bomb' into a 'cyanide bomb': aromatic glucosinolate metabolism in a specialist insect herbivore. (7/8)
(+info)[A clinical presentation of a very rare infection: parenchymal Fasciola hepatica]. (8/8)
(+info)"Nasturtium" is not a term commonly used in medical definitions. It is most often used to refer to the genus Tropaeolum, which includes several species of plants with brightly colored flowers that are often used as ornamentals. Some people also use the leaves of these plants in salads or teas for their slightly spicy flavor.
However, there is a substance called "nasturtium oil" that has been studied for its potential medicinal properties. Nasturtium oil is extracted from the seeds of Tropaeolum majus and contains several compounds with reported antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of nasturtium oil as a medical treatment.
"Tropaeolum" is the botanical name for a genus of plants commonly known as nasturtiums. While "nasturtium" is also used to refer to the watercress plant (Nasturtium officinale), in a medical context, "Tropaeolum" usually refers to the ornamental garden plants and their edible leaves and flowers.
These plants are not closely related to watercress, but their leaves and flowers have a similar peppery flavor. They have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, such as treating wounds, skin irritations, and respiratory conditions. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting these uses, and they should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
Cetomacrogol is not a medical term in and of itself, but it is the generic name for a type of medication known as an emulsifying ointment. Emulsifying ointments are used to help moisturize and soften dry, scaly, or cracked skin. Cetomacrogol is a combination of two ingredients: cetostearyl alcohol and macrogol cetosteraryl ether. These ingredients work together to form a barrier on the skin that helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin from irritants.
Cetomacrogol ointment is often used to treat conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis, which can cause dry, itchy, and scaly skin. It may also be used to help heal minor cuts, burns, and other skin injuries.
Like all medications, cetomacrogol ointment can have side effects, although they are generally mild and uncommon. These may include skin irritation, stinging, or burning at the site of application. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects while using cetomacrogol ointment, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.
Xylans are a type of complex carbohydrate, specifically a hemicellulose, that are found in the cell walls of many plants. They are made up of a backbone of beta-1,4-linked xylose sugar molecules and can be substituted with various side groups such as arabinose, glucuronic acid, and acetyl groups. Xylans are indigestible by humans, but they can be broken down by certain microorganisms in the gut through a process called fermentation, which can produce short-chain fatty acids that have beneficial effects on health.
Erucic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, also known as cis-13-docosenoic acid. Its chemical formula is CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)11COOH. It is found in the seeds of members of the Brassica family of plants, including mustard, rapeseed, and turnip.
Erucic acid has been associated with certain health concerns, particularly in relation to heart function. As a result, many modern varieties of rapeseed have been bred to contain very low levels of erucic acid. These low-erucic acid varieties are used to produce canola oil, which is widely consumed and considered to be a healthy cooking oil.
It's worth noting that while erucic acid has been the subject of some concern in the past, more recent research suggests that it may not be as harmful as previously thought. However, it is still recommended that individuals consume erucic acid in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Glucans are polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) that are made up of long chains of glucose molecules. They can be found in the cell walls of certain plants, fungi, and bacteria. In medicine, beta-glucans derived from yeast or mushrooms have been studied for their potential immune-enhancing effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand their role and effectiveness in human health.
In medical terms, "seeds" are often referred to as a small amount of a substance, such as a radioactive material or drug, that is inserted into a tissue or placed inside a capsule for the purpose of treating a medical condition. This can include procedures like brachytherapy, where seeds containing radioactive materials are used in the treatment of cancer to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Similarly, in some forms of drug delivery, seeds containing medication can be used to gradually release the drug into the body over an extended period of time.
It's important to note that "seeds" have different meanings and applications depending on the medical context. In other cases, "seeds" may simply refer to small particles or structures found in the body, such as those present in the eye's retina.