Rutin Attenuates Acrylamide Induced Neuropathic Pain via Inhibition of Proinflammatory Cytokines, Up-Regulation of Bcl-2 and Down-Regulation of Bax

Rutin is a flavonoid of the flavonol type found in many typical plants, such as buckwheat, passion flower, apple and tea. Acrylamide (ACR) is a known industrial toxic chemical that produces neurotoxicity characterized by progressive neuronal degeneration. Rats were randomly divided into Control, ACR, Pregabalin and Rutin treated groups. Male wistar rats were treated with ACR (50 mg/kg/ i.p.) for 4 weeks which produce typical symptoms of neuropathy in rats. Pregabalin (10 mg/kg) and Rutin (50 & 100 mg/kg) were administered orally for 4 weeks after one hour of ACR administration. ACR enhanced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment with Rutin significantly improved neurological score. Rutinsignificantly (p<0.001) attenuated acrylamide induced oxidative stress markers. The expression of Bcl-2 was up-regulated and TNF-α, IL-6 and Bax were down-regulated by rutin treatment. From our results, it can be concluded that rutinshowed an ameliorative effect against ACR induced neurotoxicity in rats through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic actions.

Influence of Culture Substrates and Biostimulators on Passiflora Rooting

Passiflora quadrangularis and Passiflora caerulea commonly known as passion flower are two voluble species appreciated for their impressive flowers and delicious fruits. The aim of the presented experiment was to compare the effect of different rooting substrates (vermiculite, peat+vermiculite, peat+pearlite, peat+sand) and biostimulators (Radistim-2; Incit-8, IBA 1000 ppm and control - untreated cuttings) on the rooting of stem cuttings from P. caerulea and P. quadrangularis. Stem cuttings of approximately 15 cm length were harvested from the medial portions of the shoots from mature plants. Regarding the rooting rate by species, it has been found that P.caerulea obtained a 79.78% cuttings rooting average compared to P. quadrangularis which had a rooting average of 74.57%. Vermiculite and the treatment with IBA 1000 ppm highly influence the length and number of roots. Establishing the most suitable measures for vegetative propagation by cuttings of Passiflora species studied could lead to the expansion of their culture in our country.

Tissue culture and biotechnological techniques applied to passion fruit with ornamental potential: an overview

The ornamental flower sector has growing over the past years worldwide with potential for further expansion. Among the ornamental plants, Passiflora species have been gaining ground in the market, mainly in European and North American countries. However, the market aiming the use of these species in ornamentation is still poorly explored. The inclusion of passion flower in the list of ornamental plants is related to the peculiar characteristics of the flower as it is complex structure, capacity of flowering all year long and also by the abundance and exuberance of the leaves, which in many species adds an ornamental value. Among the biotechnological tools for the production of ornamental plants, tissue culture has been outstanding in the cloning of elite genotypes, with high phytosanitary quality and large scale production. In addition, it offers possibilities of producing new varieties with characteristics peculiar to the market of ornamental plants. The diversity of wild Passiflora opens perspectives to the conservation, market and production of ornamental Passiflora cultivars.